#oh also my availability is being ignored so i have to scramble to get doctors appointments when im free. icing on the cake

[bishopony]

welllll it looks like i'm gonna be quitting my IRL job. i'm upset cause I really liked it, I'm supposed to be doing warehouse work and truck processing which I enjoy, but they overhired and even though they hired more people weeks after I'd joined on I got stuck shelving product to justify hours, which I'm also not getting the promised amount of. absolutely cannot justify waking up at 4 am and driving 45 minutes to stock shelves

but anyways, that's kind of good news for you guys cause that means I'm gonna have more time for art and be able to take on more commissions sooner than planned

[idy-ll-ique]

Apprentice.

Pairing: Stephen Strange x F!Reader

Genre: Fluff, Mutual Pining

Warning: Forced kissing (?) idk how to put it. Almost one non-consensual kiss.

Summary: Doctor Strange, World's Greatest Sorcerer, is in love with his apprentice. Unfortunately, when it comes to love, he's a dumbass.

Author's Note: Hey guys I'm sorry I haven't posted in so long! My college started, my classes are going on in full force and I haven't written anything readable in so long ugghhhh hope you guys enjoy this (Except for Loki, Spider-Man, Bonky and Steeb, the other characters' fics don't do that well 😳 but I'ma post this nonetheless)

---

Stephen POV:

I sighed as I watched Y/N sitting on the floor talking and joking around with the Cloak of Levitation. "Skedaddle, skedoodle..." "Y/N—" "Your dick is a noodle!" Levi made a happy noise and wrapped itself tightly around Y/N. She completely ignored me, laughing as the cloak hugged her.

Y/N was my apprentice. She also, coincidentally, happened to be the woman I was totally, hopelessly and obsessively in love with. "Y/N, if you're done, maybe you can come here and help me!" I yelled as cold-heartedly as possible, finally having enough. "Sorry, sir," she whispered.

Oh, the things she did to me when she called me 'sir'. Of course, Y/N was the best apprentice ever. She was the student every teacher dreamed of. Wait, that came out a bit creepy— She got up and quickly walked to me. Levi settled herself back on my shoulders. Y/N took a book in her hand and started reading.

I silently watched her as she focused on the book. Since I was so in love with her, my mind believed that maybe being cold to her would help me. I needed to get rid of distractions and Y/N... she was my biggest distraction. "Sir, I found it!" Y/N squealed, snapping me out of my thoughts.

"Give that to me," I huffed, grabbing the book from her hand. "You may leave." Y/N nodded and got up, walking out of the library. I watched. The way her hips swayed when she walked, the way she only liked to wear skirts and sweaters all the time drove me crazy.

It was hard not to be in love with such a beautiful person.

Y/N POV:

"What's his problem," I grumbled as I picked my book off the stairs. I sat down on the fourth step and opened the book again. I was an apprentice to the one and only, Doctor Stephen Strange. I liked it at the New York Sanctum, that's where the both of us lived. I liked being an apprentice to the Sorcerer Supreme too, that is, if he treated me like a person.

He never talked politely to me. I was very damn sure that whatever it was, was my fault. I did something. So I started taking care more. I never messed up. It had been months since my last mistake. All of Strange's friends commented well about me. Wong and Mordo said I was the best apprentice there was. Even the Ancient One said I was good.

So what was Strange's problem? At least Levi liked me. She was the only one I could talk to freely, even though the cloak itself couldn't talk. As I quietly sat and read on the stairs, I heard a loud knocking on the door to the sanctum. Startled, I stood up. Before I could move, Strange was running down the stairs. "Don't move," he growled, stopping me as I followed him.

His hand collided hard with my chest and I was thrown back. I landed on the stairs on my butt. I groaned and scrambled back to my feet as Strange opened the door. Outside stood the two Norse Gods, Thor and Loki. My eyes widened.

I stood silently as the three of them chatted. A blush crept up my cheeks as I noticed that instead of focusing on what Strange was saying, Loki was eyeing me up.

I honestly didn't think I looked that great. Sure, I had a maintained figure and a thankfully unblemished face but no one would be into this. I tucked a strand of hair behind my ear and looked away, Loki's stare still burning holes through my body. I heard Strange sighing.

"Alright, follow me. Y/N, keep an eye on Loki. Make sure he doesn't touch anything," Stephen glared at me and went upstairs with Thor. I looked down. Why did Dr Strange hate me so much? As far as I remember, I had done nothing to him. "It's sad, how he treats you."

"What do you mean?" I looked up at Loki, confused. I grew extremely self conscious as Loki took a few steps towards me, smirking. "Judging by his tone and glare, he clearly despises you. Why do you still continue to be with him, dearest?" he crooned and I took a step back.

"It's— it's not what you think... I'm his apprentice, not his girlfriend," I whispered, uncomfortable. "An apprentice? How nice."

"Wh-What?"

I got incredibly scared when Loki smirked more and stepped closer to me. "That means you're available, aren't you? Unless..." I shook my head furiously. "I'm not dating," I said in a rush. Wait, why was I acting like that? I wasn't interested in him, not at all!

There was no denying he was handsome and intelligent, but I just didn't like him that way. "Good. I've always wanted a pretty princess like you." I audibly gulped as Loki stood an inch away from me. I was standing on the sixth step on the stairs while Loki stood on the fifth. Even still, he was taller than I was. He leaned down and breathed out.

My heart rate skyrocketed, what was he doing? Whatever it was, I didn't like it. I loved someone else. I was in love with my teacher, Stephen Strange. It hurt me everyday how much he hated me but I liked him a lot. As soon as Loki's lips were about to be placed on mine... "Loki, I told you not to touch anything!" Loki quickly pulled back and stepped down.

I continued standing where I was, my eyes closed as I breathed heavily. When I opened my eyes, I saw Strange glaring daggers at Loki. It looked as if he was about to kill Loki then and there. "Sir—" I started but he cut me off. "Ah-ah! Shut up, I'll deal with you later!" he growled.

"Yes, sir," I whispered, looking down. My eyes filled with tears, what was happening? When no one was looking, I wiped my tears.

Alas, I was wrong. Strange saw me wiping my tears and his heart finally shattered.

Stephen POV:

I could not believe the audacity of that terrible excuse for a demigod. How dare he try to kiss the love of my life right under my roof?! I was incredibly upset when I saw that Y/N wasn't pushing him away. I knew she had always been a shy person, but...

"Thor, take your brother and leave," I grunted, opening a portal. Thor was just looking around awkwardly as Loki smirked at me and I glared at him. "I'll not be forgetting about you, Y/N!" Loki purposely yelled as he stepped through the portal. I looked at Y/N as he said it and saw her flinching.

So she really didn't care about that man. My heart broke. Why was I treating her like this? Like a caged animal? Like a disappointing kid? Y/N was far from disappointing, she was excellent. When the portal closed, I looked at Y/N. "Care to explain?" I snapped, crossing my arms.

"It wasn't me, it was all him," she whispered, her voice breaking. She was trying not to break down. "What did he do?" I questioned. "He... he tried to kiss me. I didn't want to do it. I don't like him that way." Y/N was still looking at the ground, her book long forgotten on the stairs.

I picked it up. "I want you to look up when we talk!" Her head snapped up and her eyes widened. I was holding her book out to her. She extended a shaking hand and accepted the book. "Th-Thank you," she stuttered. I realised that her whole body was shaking. That's when it hit me, how difficult it was for her.

I treated her like scum, blinded by my own mind. She was doing her best to impress me yet I continued ignoring her. Today's incident must have been worse for her. I mean, being taken without consent... my mind cleared up.

I had to make it up to her.

"Come on, Y/N, let's continue with our research, shall we?" I asked her softly and she nodded, still avoiding my eyes. We walked to the library. After that, I treated her like the princess, the angel she was. I complimented her all the time, became friendlier with her.

She worked as diligently as ever. But now, there was happiness around her when she worked. And I, as always, loved watching her. I wanted to confess my feelings. By now, I didn't care about rejection. I just wanted to get the feelings out. "Sir?" Yet again, I snapped out of my thoughts.

"Yes, sweetheart?" I asked, smiling at her. "Have I got something on my face or are you lost in thoughts?" she chuckled, eyes shining with teasing affection. I admit, after seeing her break down and finally treating her nicely, Y/N and I grew closer. We talked outside work now and she had a lot of interesting things to tell me.

"You've got something on your face," I smiled, getting up. I sat in front of her on the floor; she loved sitting on floors for some reason. She said it was cold and she liked it. "What?" she frowned, touching her face. "Beauty," I whispered and she froze. She looked at me.

"Sir, I—"

"I'm just gonna say it, Y/N, I'm in love with you."

"Then why did you treat me like I was nothing?"

"Because I didn't want any distraction from my work. You were the biggest distraction ever, with a beauty like that."

"What do you mean?"

"I thought that maybe by treating you coldly the feelings would go away. But they grew. And now I realize, my work is actually the biggest distraction from you." She chuckled at my joke. I took her hand and pressed a kiss to it. "Please tell me you like me back, I won't be able to sleep at night," I whispered, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. She grinned and tittered.

"Of course I do, I love you so much, sir," she whispered and I finally, after months of pining, pressed my lips to hers. She kissed back. My hands moved to her waist and I brought her on my lap, leaning against the wall behind me as we kissed passionately.

"Tell me you're mine, no one else's."

"Of course I'm yours, sir."

"Gah, you have no idea what that word does to me."

She found out that night.

---

A/N: Oop. Leave a like if you liked it lol

[jubesy]

Hi! I’ve really loved your other drabbles for matcha blossom! If this is still open, I was hoping you might do 4. “Is that my shirt?” for them next. Thank you so much!

Ah, thank you so much, dear anon! And yes, quote drabble requests are still open. This one is so perfect for them!

Great minds think alike with this request! And I’m sure your work would have been lovely, anon! But thank you for trusting me with this prompt~

This is technically two requests, so it’s okay that it ran long, right??

Matcha Blossom #4 “Is that my shirt?”

Also available on Ao3.

Request a drabble here!

“I knew I should have listened to Carla,” Cherry groused, wrapping his arms protectively around his board as Joe fished into his soaked and now very much skin-tight pocket for his key. They were drenched. “I had her check the weather forecast and everything,” Cherry continued.

“Yeah, well, she said it was only a sixty percent chance,” Joe offered, unlocking his door and stepping inside. Cherry followed, without waiting for an invitation. “Besides, it wasn’t like Adam had called it, so--” 

Cherry harrumphed, glaring up at Joe through the bangs plastered to his forehead.

They’d been at ‘S’, both ready to challenge their old friend to a beef, when the sky opened up. It was a scramble after that and Joe had ended up giving Cherry a ride home, since his place was closer.

And now they were standing in his entryway, dripping onto the floor. 

“Well, don’t just stand there,” Cherry said after a moment. “Get us some towels. Who raised you?”

Joe rolled his eyes and, after slipping off his shoes, he walked down the hall to grab towels from the linen closet. When he returned, Cherry grabbed one and immediately started drying his board. Honestly, the tech maniac. 

While his childhood friend fussed over his robot girlfriend, Joe shrugged off his jacket, wincing as it plopped heavily onto the floor. He’d have to mop later. But right now, he needed to get out of his sopping clothes. He dropped his pants next and then peeled off his underwear and socks. It was not a pleasant feeling, but at least he could dry himself off now.

“You could have gone to your room,” Cherry’s voice caught Joe’s attention just as he wrapped the towel around his waist.

He turned toward him, quirking a brow. “You already made me drip down the hallway. You expect me to flood the entire apartment?” It was dark. He hadn’t turned the lights on yet. But the faint magenta glow from Cherry’s board gave Joe the impression that he was blushing. 

“Anyway,” Cherry changed the subject. “I’m borrowing an outlet.” But before he could take a step, Joe reached for his arm, halting him.

“What did I say about dripping all over the apartment?” he asked, holding his hands up when Cherry jerked away from him. “Here, hand her over and I’ll plug her in.”

Hesitantly, Cherry passed his board to him. “Very well,” he said, fingers still gripping the edge. “But do be careful with her, she’s--”

Joe clicked his tongue with a shake of his head. “Come now, Kaoru. I’m always gentle when women are involved.” He shot him a wink, ignoring the daggers glared his way, and went to set Cherry’s precious Carla to charge.

When Joe returned, Cherry was still in the entryway, doing his best to wring out his hair and towel himself down.

“You know, you’ll find you dry a lot easier if you take off your wet clothes,” Joe suggested.

Cherry sighed. “Unlike some people, I don’t just strip off my clothing whenever the opportunity arises.” But despite having all that heat in his words, even the Great Cherry blossom couldn’t hide the fact that he was shivering.

“C’mere,” Joe said, reaching out and taking the towel. But Cherry didn’t budge. “Don’t be stubborn, Kaoru,” Joe ground out. “Your scrawny ass is going to get sick.”

That got him. He drew closer, poking Joe right in the center of his bare chest. “I’m not scrawny, you puffed up half wit.” He jabbed him with every syllable. It kind of hurt. Not that Joe would admit it.

“Listen, I get it,” Joe said instead, taking a step back. “You don’t want to get naked in front of me.” He gave an overexaggerated sigh. “We can’t all be this confident in our physique…” He flexed just for good measure. “So, I’m going to hop in the shower,” he said. “In the meantime, you can get undressed and then it’ll be your turn. Sound good?”

Cherry didn’t look his way, but nodded. Now, was that so hard? But Joe knew when to push and, as much as he liked to tease him, it was getting cold just standing there in a towel.

“I’ll be back in a few,” Joe said as he walked toward his bedroom. The shower felt amazing. He tended to run hot, so the near-scalding water was just what the doctor ordered after getting caught in a storm and standing nearly naked in the cool A/C of his apartment.

Once he was finished, he stepped out and grabbed a fresh towel. However, before he went back into his room, a thought occurred to him. Cherry would probably want to take a bath. So, being the oh-so-thoughtful childhood friend he was, Joe turned on the tap, making sure it wasn’t overly warm, and let the tub fill up. Then he went about his evening routine.

After brushing his teeth, flossing, and gargling mouthwash, the tub was nearly full, so Joe turned off the water and finally exited the bathroom. He figured Cherry would be pretty pissed at him for taking so long. But the fact that he prepared the bath should be enough to smooth things over.

“Hey, Kaoru,” he called, but didn’t find the other where he’d left him. With a frown, Joe walked back toward his bedroom. He didn’t remember leaving the light on, so maybe Cherry had gone in there. “Kaoru, the bath’s rea…” but the rest of the words died on his tongue.

There, sitting on the edge of his mattress with his legs crossed, his arms behind him supporting his weight, was Cherry. But it wasn’t just that the other was on his bed. No. He was wearing a green t-shirt that barely reached midthigh and hung loosely off of one of his shoulders.

Joe swallowed. “Is that my shirt?” he managed, gaze unintentionally being drawn to Cherry’s long, smooth, slender legs.

“Hmn?” Cherry, whose head had been tipped back, turned toward him, blinking his eyes open. “Took you look enough,” he complained before reaching a hand up to rub at his neck. “I was freezing, so I hope you don’t mind that I--”

“I don’t mind,” Joe said quickly and then shook his head. “I filled the tub for you.”

Now, he couldn’t be sure, but was that a slight flush on Cherry’s cheeks? “That was nice of you,” Cherry replied, standing up and walking toward him. The shirt slid down further, revealing more of his pale skin and the jut of his collarbone. “The least you could do, really,” he added, patting Joe on the chest. “I’ll be out in a bit. Think my clothes will be dry by then?”

Ah, so Joe was expected to do laundry, too, it seemed. Well, perhaps it was time to push...just a little. “Hard to say,” he answered, catching Cherry just before he walked into the hall. “But, you’re more than welcome to continue borrowing my shirt until then.” He smirked. “It looks real good on you, Kaoru.”

Nothing beat watching the blush spread across Cherry’s face and down his neck, tinting every inch of visible skin a light pink. Gorgeous. 

“Shut it, you dimwitted gigolo!” he roared and then slammed the door behind him.

Joe chuckled. He was too easy.

BONUS Alternate Version: 

Joe was glad they’d made it to Cherry’s house. Sure, they’d gotten pelted by the heavy rain, but at least they were inside for the worst of it.

“I’m going to take a bath,” Cherry announced after he’d dried Carla off and plugged her in for the night. “You can go when I’m done.”

“Gee thanks,” Joe muttered, but it fell on deaf ears.

After waiting for what felt like ages -- and fighting the chattering of his teeth -- Joe stripped off his drenched, frozen clothes and padded over to Cherry’s bedroom. He figured he’d just grab something until he could defrost in the bath.

But Cherry’s closet was full of traditional clothing. And while Joe felt confident that he could rock any style, they all looked far too fancy. Like he’d get a fan to the back of his head if he so much as touched them. 

Luckily, he found a section of the closet with a few folded t-shirts next to pajama pants. They must have been what Cherry wore to bed. And so, beggars not affording the luxury of being choosers, Joe grabbed the baggiest pair of pants and what he thought was the largest t-shirt.

However, after pulling it over his head, he realized the mistake. “I feel like I’m going to Hulk out of this…”

“Kojiro, the bath is free--” 

Joe turned and met Cherry’s wide-eyed gaze.

“...is that my shirt?”

Request a drabble here!

[cycwrites]

Switching Gears Part 5 - Truce

Words: 11,400ish

Rating: M (Eventually)

As always, my undying gratitude to @tiny-maus-boots for never giving up on me even if I take 3 weeks to sit down and finish a chapter.

Tumblr Master Post

Also on AO3 and FFN

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~A~

On Saturday a week later, Aubrey decided to take the short two block walk from Stretch to her favorite juice bar. She had just stepped onto the sidewalk after crossing the street when she saw people pointing. She took out one of her earbuds but as she turned to find out what the hell was going on there was a loud rumbling sound growing from her left, which was the direction people had been pointing. She looked up and saw a crowd of kids on skateboards about to hit her. Jerking backward to avoid being run over - the mass of teens taking up all available sidewalk space - she stumbled off the curb and felt a flare of pain from her left ankle. Pinwheeling her arms she tried to maintain her balance but her ankle didn't want to support her weight and she prepared herself to fall ass over teakettle into the street.

“Look out!” There was a clatter and a yell to her right and then she found herself caught and cradled securely and protectively against someone's chest just as a semi-truck drove behind them, close enough that Aubrey’s hair fluttered in the breeze.

“Holy shit!” Aubrey's heart raced in her chest, stuttering every time she realized that if she'd fallen into the street there was no fucking way the truck could have stopped in time.

“Oh my god, are you okay?” The arms around her were gentle and showed no sign of letting go before Aubrey was ready, so she took a moment longer to take stock of what had just happened, wondering whose heart was beating harder, her own or that of her rescuer.

“I think so?” Aubrey gingerly rotated her foot and hissed out a breath. “Except I think I sprained my ankle.”

“Here, let me help you up on the curb.” By the quickness of breath and shake to their words Aubrey knew her rescuer was just as freaked out as she was. “Nice and easy.”

Gingerly Aubrey hopped on the curb, holding her leg up to avoid the natural instinct to walk on it. Strong hands braced against her waist until she found her balance against a nearby mailbox. “Thanks.” She awkwardly turned around and stopped in shock as she came face to face with the brunette bell thief. “You.”

A wry smile curved the other woman's mouth. “Me.” She lifted her sunglasses to rest on her head and Aubrey felt a sense of deja vu, except her expression this time wasn't condescending but full of genuine concern. “Can I trust you to not try and hop away while I go get my bike?” She nodded at the juice bar two storefronts away. “We can take one of the tables outside and see how bad it is.” She took a deep breath and let it out slowly. “See if they serve anything alcoholic on the side.”

Aubrey blinked, her brain still scrambled from the near death experience. “I…” she licked her lips, fright having dried her mouth. “Yes.” She hesitated. “Thank you.”

The tall brunette walked back to her bike which was laying half on the curb and half in the street. Lifting it easily to the sidewalk, she walked it over to Aubrey who was still staring at her.

“I can't believe what just happened.” Aubrey paused. “What actually did happen?” She still felt like she was in a dream that she could not wake up from.

“You almost got mowed down by a group of tweens who need a good ass kicking. Then you almost got mowed down by a truck.” She eyed Aubrey. “Are you going to punch me if I put my arm around your waist?”

“What?” Aubrey blinked. “Why would you - oh.” She half laughed. “To help me to the table. Right. Sorry, still out of it.” She shook her head. “I think saving me from being run over is more than enough reason to declare a timeout.”

“Okay, then here we go.” Her arm gently circled Aubrey’s waist while her other hand kept hold of her bike. “We’ll go slow.”

After putting an arm around the other woman’s shoulders, Aubrey hopped tentatively, finding it was easy to move forward with her support. The two of them made their way to the juice bar and Aubrey gratefully settled into a seat at one of their outdoor tables. She was painfully aware of the eyes on them and had already waved away other people who offered to help. It was bad enough that her erstwhile nemesis had seen her trip over her own feet much less be the one to literally save her life. Aubrey couldn't believe the last ten minutes weren't a nightmare.

She lifted the strap of her messenger bag over her head and let it rest in the chair beside her, watching as her rescuer walked her bike over to chain it to a nearby telephone pole. Coming back she pulled another chair in front of Aubrey. “Okay, gimme your leg.” She wiggled her fingers and Aubrey hesitated, eyeing her narrowly. “Oh come on.” The brunette let out an exasperated sigh when she didn't move. “Damnit Aubrey, stop being so stubborn. I’m not going to hurt you.”

Aubrey pressed back into her seat. “How do you know my name?” She took a quick breath and let it out in a hissing whisper. “Are you stalking me?” Anger was better than the sick feeling roiling in her stomach every time she thought of the semi rushing behind them.

“Oh for the love of…” the other woman trailed off and ran one hand through her hair. “No. I'm not stalking you.” She paused and took a deep breath, obviously pushing back frustration. “I'm friends with the owner of Stretch It Out and she told me your name when she watched the video feed of… the day we first met.” One dark eyebrow went up and Aubrey straightened defiantly despite wanting to squirm a little.

It was one thing when the feud was just between them but knowing that Chloe was aware of their petty actions made Aubrey feel incredibly childish. “Oh.” She cleared her throat. “My mistake.”

“Mmhm.” She held out her left hand again but her lips twitched like she wanted to smile. “Leg?”

Slowly Aubrey extended her left leg, surprised when the grip around her calf was gentle and not the rough handling she'd half expected from someone she'd had a silent war with for the past few months.

“Can’t tell if it’s bruising yet under your sock, but it’s definitely swelling.” With a light but sure touch fingers gently probed at her ankle, stopping just this side of agonizing every time Aubrey hissed out a breath. “Stacie, by the way.” She looked up and met Aubrey's confused look. “My name.” She smiled a little. “So you can call me something other than what you probably do in your head.”

Aubrey felt herself blush. ‘Mother would send me to my room without supper for forgetting my manners. For a week.’ She cleared her throat again. “Sorry. I’m still a little shaken.”

“Understandable.” Stacie looked back down and gently tried to rotate Aubrey’s foot. “Any cramping or muscle spasms?”

Aubrey forced herself to relax as she became aware she’d been clutching the seat of the chair with both hands. “No, I don’t think so.”

“Good.” She ran her fingers over Aubrey’s ankle once more and then scooted forward a few inches to let Aubrey’s calf rest on her knee. “I think it’s a strain though, not a sprain. Depending on how much you can keep it elevated and iced, it should heal in a few weeks.”

Aubrey wanted to pull her leg back but it really did feel better up. “How can you be sure?”

There was a moment of hesitation. “I’m a physical therapist.” Stacie nodded at Aubrey’s foot. “I’ve seen hundreds of these.” She pursed her lips. “Of course, it might not be a bad idea to maybe see your doctor, just to be safe. Make sure nothing is actually torn.”

Aubrey blew out a breath, glad when this one finally didn’t shake. “I’ve had a tear – back in college – and it doesn’t feel the same.” She tried a smile but it didn’t feel like it fit on her face yet. “This pain isn’t as sharp or as deep.”

Stacie nodded. “Good. It didn’t look like you twisted it too badly as you went off the curb but if you start to get cramps or spasms, go see your doctor.” They both looked up as one of the employee’s came out from the juice bar and Stacie spoke first. “Sorry we’re taking your seats, I promise we’re going to buy something-“

“Don’t even worry about it,” the woman interrupted, holding out her hand. In it was a large Ziploc bag half full of ice and wrapped in a towel. “We saw what happened and wanted to make sure you were both okay.” Eyes wide, she handed the bag over when Stacie reached for it. “I’ve never seen someone move so fast.”

Aubrey braced for both the cold and the pain as Stacie placed the baggie over her ankle, making sure it covered the top and sides. “What do you mean?” The woman, whose name tag read ‘Kylen’ looked back at Aubrey.

“We saw her,” she nodded at Stacie, “fly off her bike at practically full speed and take off toward you at a dead run before it had even landed on the curb. I honestly thought there was no way she would reach you and you’d both end up getting run over.” Kylen frowned toward the street. “I wish they’d change the speed limit through here.”

“Me too,” Aubrey muttered, the surreal sensation of falling and being caught coming back to her. “Thank you for the ice.”

“But don’t you guys worry about buying anything.” Kylen jerked a thumb over her shoulder. “And if you need anything else, just wave.” Aubrey nodded and the woman turned and walked back inside, calling over her shoulder. “Just bring the towel back and we’re even.”

Aubrey waited until they were alone again, ignoring the stares of people passing by them. “You ditched your bike?”  She watched Stacie adjust the towel a few centimeters.

“I heard the semi behind me at the same time I saw you step up on the sidewalk - which was about two seconds after I saw the skateboarders.” She fidgeted with the towel again, not looking up. “I knew there was no way I’d be able to keep my balance on my bike if I tried to catch you while I was on it.” Stacie lifted one shoulder. “So I had to get off it.”

“Did you know it wouldn’t land in the street?” Aubrey asked curiously.

“No.” Stacie looked up, one corner of her mouth lifted. “But it’s just a bike.”

“Oh.” Aubrey said softly. “Thank you, Stacie.” She cleared her throat. “Thank you for saving me.”

“I’m just glad I was there.” Stacie sat back, one hand keeping the towel in place. “My heart hasn’t slowed down since I heard the truck behind me.”

Aubrey gave a weak laugh. “I know the feeling.” She closed her eyes for a second, her own racing heart only gradually beginning to slow down. “I think I actually felt yours after you caught me.” She lifted her hand, unsurprised when it trembled. “Hopefully that stops soon.” Lowering it back to her lap, she closed her eyes again and took a deep breath before exhaling slowly.

“I definitely know that feeling.” Stacie said softly and Aubrey looked at her curiously.

“You?” Aubrey looked down at Stacie’s hand where it held the towel in place, her fingertips resting on Aubrey’s shin. “Your hands seem pretty steady.” There wasn’t even the slightest hint of a tremor, just warmth where they touched her skin.

“Occupational hazard.” Stacie was also looking down at Aubrey’s leg. “Can’t let the patients know you’re nervous. They tend to not trust that you know what you’re doing.”

“Makes sense.” Aubrey settled back in her chair and studied the woman across from her who was gently lifting the ice to check on the swelling.

Now that she wasn’t influenced by frustration, Aubrey could admit that Stacie was pretty. Honesty forced her to amend that to beautiful  and she immediately heard Beca’s ‘Ha!’ in her head. Plus on top of the whole hero thing, Aubrey could tell that Stacie actually cared about making sure her ankle was taken care of; the concern the other woman was practically radiating spoke of an empathy Aubrey wasn’t sure she deserved. In different circumstances she’d have maybe… but now… Aubrey sighed as the full extent of her pettiness sunk in again.

“I’m sorry, did that hurt?” Stacie looked up from where she’d been readjusting the icepack.

“What?” Aubrey blinked as she was pulled from her thoughts. “Oh, no. It’s… I think the ice is helping.” She flexed her foot slightly and winced. “Maybe not.”

Stacie chuckled. “It is. The swelling isn’t nearly as bad as it could be. But you’re definitely going to feel it for a while. Actually…” She shrugged out of her own backpack and set it on the table. “I’d really like to wrap it, keep the swelling down.” She met Aubrey’s eyes and looked hesitant for the first time. “But it would mean taking off your shoe and sock so you could leave it on as long as possible today.”

“Oh.” Aubrey wondered how many times she’d said that in the last few minutes. “I… Sure.” She smiled and this time it felt more natural. “You’re the professional. I trust you.” Then she frowned, not having the faintest idea she was going to say that.

“You do?” Stacie’s eyebrow shot up as searched through her bag.

Aubrey didn’t answer right away, knowing that the pause was nothing short of awkward and it made her uncomfortable. It wasn’t like she had any reason to distrust Stacie but she didn’t actually know anything about her either.

Except she’d just saved Aubrey’s life and was actively taking care of her despite everything over the past three months.

Aubrey made a decision and took a measured breathe. “This may sound… stupid… but is there any way we could start over?”

Stacie eyed her, the other eyebrow joining its partner. “Like a truce? No more chains and bells?”

Aubrey shifted, aware that she was blushing again. “Something like that.”

“Sure,” Stacie said easily, pulling a small first aid kit from the bottom of her pack.

“Really?” Aubrey was surprised and wasn’t sure if she’d have been so quick if the positions were reversed. Stacie really had done nothing wrong and Aubrey’s reaction had been over the top.

“Really.” Stacie set the kit down.

“That’s… wow. Thank you,” Aubrey said and held out her hand. “Hi, I’m Aubrey.”

Stacie smiled and shook it with a firm grip. “Stacie.” She let go and opened her kit, pulling out an Ace bandage. She closed the kit and stored it back in her bag. “You sure you’re okay with me taking off your shoe and sock?”

“Yes,” Aubrey agreed. “I think you’d do it with less pain than I would. Or at least quicker. I see you’re prepared for anything.”

“Another occupational hazard,” Stacie chuckled. “Alright, here we go.” She moved the ice to the table and began to untie Aubrey’s shoe. “If it gets too bad, let me know but it’s going to hurt some and the quicker I can wrap it the better.” She looked up, her left hand cradling Aubrey’s calf and the right poised to slip off her shoe. “I don’t really have anything to distract you with, but if you focus on watching how I wrap it, it might help. You’ll need to do this the next few days.” One corner of her mouth twitched up. “Unless you’ve got someone at home to help you wrap it when you wake up.”

Aubrey blinked, sure she was imagining things but she swore she heard something more than just casual conversation in that last sentence. “No, I… uh… no.” Her brows knit together in sudden pain as her ankle began to throb again. Looking down she saw that not only was her shoe off but so was her sock. “Sneaky.” Stacie tucked her sock into the shoe and handed it to Aubrey who stored it in her bag.  

“When necessary.” Stacie looked up briefly and smiled at her. “Definitely bruised. That’s going to be a gorgeous shade for the next several days.”

“Lovely.” Aubrey said dryly, taking in the bruise that had already bloomed around her ankle. “Guess I won’t be going to Stretch for a while.”

“Not if you want it to heal,” Stacie said as she began to wrap the bandage around Aubrey’s foot, working her way from toe to heel, moving quickly as she spoke. “If you had a tear in college, this will be familiar. Let me know if you’ve any questions.” She wound it around Aubrey’s ankle and calf in a figure-eight several times before wrapping the final ends around her calf. “You’ll also want to loosen it a few times a day for blood flow but the most important thing is going to be RICE.” She sat back in the chair and put the ice back on Aubrey’s ankle.

Aubrey closed her eyes in relief as the pain slowly lessened again. “That sounds familiar.”

“I could go into doctor mode and explain it,” Stacie sounded amused. “But people tend to hate that if they already know the answer.”

“I know it’s simple, but I can’t think yet, so please, feel free.” Aubrey huffed out a breath. “Thank you, again. That does feel better.” It wasn’t a lot, but anything was better than the first blinding moments after the near accident.

“Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation.” Stacie explained.

“I knew it was simple.” Aubrey opened her eyes again and was caught by the quiet empathy on Stacie’s face. It threw her enough that whatever she was going to say next was forgotten. “Uh…” Fortunately Stacie misunderstood and went into greater detail.

“Just keep off it as much as possible, keep it wrapped for at least two days though three is preferable. Ice it for twenty minutes or so at least four times a day for the next two days as well, to keep the swelling down. Don’t let the bandage be so tight that it cuts off the circulation. And last, ideally we’d like it over your heart for elevation, but at least keep it parallel to the ground as much as possible. Plus the pillow prop while you sleep.”

It was on the tip of Aubrey’s tongue to ask how to reach Stacie if she had any questions but she realized how stupid and presumptuous it was. Obviously the answer would be to call her doctor and she wasn’t sure why she thought Stacie would hand over her number. Instead she just nodded. “Right. That's... right."

“Do you need…? Is there someone who can…?” Stacie hesitated. “I can go home and get my car, so we can get your bike – I assume it’s at Stretch – but I’d hate to leave you here until I get back.”

“Yeah, I’ve got a friend I can call. She’s got a truck, so no worries on the bike.” Aubrey smiled at her. “But thank you for the offer.”

“Here’s another one – what kind of drink do you want?” Stacie made a face. “Now that the adrenaline’s worn off, I could really use a drink.”

“Only if you let me pay,” Aubrey opened her pack and pulled out her wallet. “Least I can do since you swooped in and saved me.”

“Actually,” Stacie winced. “I probably owe you, considering…”

“Clean slate,” Aubrey said and held out the twenty she’d pulled from her wallet. “Leave the change for a tip, but I would die for the strawberry smoothie with bananas and apples.” She grinned. “And if they do have alcohol on the secret menu, vodka.”

Taking it, Stacie laughed. “Deal. Alright, this is going to sting and I’m sorry, but I’ll be gentle.”

Aubrey tightened her grip on her bag and nodded. “I know.” Even she wasn’t sure if she meant she knew it would sting or that Stacie would be careful. “I’m ready.”

Stacie lifted Aubrey’s leg up with her left hand under her calf and stood up carefully, making sure not to shift or bump it. As she rose, she pushed her chair backwards so she could turn her body sideways and step back, keeping Aubrey’s leg motionless. Then, with her right, she pulled the chair forward again and placed her bag on the seat, setting Aubrey’s calf gently on it.

“There, all done.” Stacie stood up and eyed her handiwork.

“That hardly hurt at all.” Aubrey let herself relax again. “And that’s kind of miraculous considering.”

“What can I say; I’m great at my job.” With a grin, Stacie turned toward the building. “I’ll just be a minute.”

“No worries, I’ll call my friend.” Aubrey pulled her phone from the bag. As Stacie walked inside, Aubrey muttered to herself, “Who is going to have a fucking field day with this.” Unlocking her phone she opened up her favorites and dialed Beca’s cell. It didn’t ring long before it was answered.

“Hey Aubrey. Aren’t you supposed to be in your death on wheels class?”

Aubrey gave a small laugh. “You can’t knock it till you try it.”

“Sure I can. Watch me. Oops, one sec.” Without waiting for a reply Beca set down her phone and Aubrey could hear her ringing up a customer.

While waiting she stared at the ice pack covering her leg, trying not to let her mind remind her that she’d almost been run over. Something, she knew, she was not going to tell Beca over the phone. If positions were reversed she’d be completely freaked out until she could see for herself that Beca was actually okay.

“Sorry about that.” Beca had picked up the phone while Aubrey had been distracted. “We’ve actually got some customers this fine Saturday morning. What can I do for you if you’re not spinning the day away?”

“I was wondering if you happened to drive your truck to work today.” Aubrey resisted the urge to shift in her seat, not wanting to accidentally jar her foot and whimper into the phone.

“You’re in luck,” Beca said cheerfully. “Said vehicle is currently parked behind the shop. What did you have in mind? Are we driving out to that new pizza place tonight?”

“No,” Aubrey said slowly. “Not exactly. I strained my ankle and could use some help getting my bike home.”

All trace of joking dropped from Beca’s voice immediately. “Are you okay?”

“I’m fine. Mostly.” Aubrey smiled at the worry filling her friend’s words. “Just can’t walk on it.”

“Dude.” Beca blew out a breath. “Lead with that. How’d it happen?”

“Walked to that juice bar on 6th. Slipped off the curb.” She frowned at her foot.

“Please tell me you’re not lying in the street and calling me.” Beca half laughed.

“No,” Aubrey said quickly, before the thought of the truck could come back. “I had help getting to a table outside.” Automatically her eyes drifted to the window of the juice bar, finding Stacie just turning around to check on her. Aubrey gave her a thumbs up and could see Stacie’s smile just before the clouds shifted, the sun coming back out to obscure the glass under its glare.

“Okay good,” Beca fell silent for a moment. “Let me call Lilly, see if she can come in and close today. It might be a while – are you sure you’re okay? Are you going to need the doctor or is there anything we’re going to need to get?”

“I promise, I’m fine. We’ll just need to get my bike from Stretch on the way home.” Aubrey paused, thinking. “I think I’ve got a couple ice packs and can order groceries if I need it.”

“We’ll get to your house and see what you need. I’ll run to the store for you.”

“Beca you don’t…”

“Zip it, Posen.” Beca cut her off. “You took care of me when I had that death flu last year, so this is just me returning the favor.”

Aubrey smiled, touched at the concern she could hear. “Okay, I’ll shut up. Thanks.” She looked up as Stacie came back out, a drink in each hand.

“You’re welcome. I’ll be there when I can – is that the place that’s only got street parking?”

“Yes,” Aubrey said, turning to scan the street. “And it’s all full.”

“Damnit. Maybe I can just double park and come help you to the truck.” She could practically hear Beca’s frown.

“I could probably hop my way to the street,” Aubrey teased.

“You will not.”

Aubrey blinked as the words echoed both from the phone and in front of her. She looked up and saw Stacie was frowning at her. “I won’t?” She wasn’t sure how to take the fact that she and Beca had said it at the same time and in the same disapproving way. “Hold on a second, Beca.”

“Not a chance.” Stacie set both drinks down. “I’ll stay here till your friend gets here and will help you over.” She paused in the act of preparing to move Aubrey’s foot so she could sit down again. “Unless you want me to leave?”

“No,” Aubrey shook her head. “That’s not… don’t you have things to do?”

“I can go later,” Stacie said as she reversed the process from earlier until Aubrey’s calf was once more resting on her knee. She looked up from arranging the ice and saw Aubrey watching her. “I’d rather make sure you didn’t have any more mishaps.”

“Alright,” Aubrey smiled at her. “Thank you.” A pointedly cleared throat drew her attention back to the phone. “Sorry, Beca. But apparently if you just pull up in front, I’ve got help to get to the truck.”

“That sounds like a woman and your voice went all soft and girly!” Beca accused. “Are you using your injury to get a date?”

“No! And it did not!” Aubrey said indignantly, immediately flushing as Stacie’s eyebrow went up.

“Well now I know you’re lying, but I’ll see for myself soon enough,” Beca said. “Sit tight, I’ll get Lilly in and be there as soon as I can.” She hung up before Aubrey could come up with any sort of denial.

Aubrey shook her head and put her phone back in her bag. “My friend’s got to cover her shift but then she’ll be here.” She picked up her drink. “Thank you again for…” She laughed. “The rescue, the first aid and the drink.”

“You paid for the drink,” Stacie pointed out. “You’re welcome, but, Aubrey… You don’t have to thank me for any of it. I’d do it again in a heartbeat.” She paused then continued. “If it’s not too nosy, why’d you yell there at the end?”

Caught off guard by the question, Aubrey couldn’t think of a lie fast enough and found the truth coming out before she could stop it. “She asked if I was using my injury to get a… uh… date.” She busied herself with stirring her smoothie with the straw, almost able to feel the considering look she knew she had to be getting.

But all Stacie said was, “I take it you didn’t tell her about the semi?”

“No,” Aubrey said, still unwilling to look at her. “I figure that’s better to do in person, with all my limbs mostly intact.”

“Good plan,” Stacie mused. Aubrey finally looked at her and saw the expression she’d been expecting was still there. “Is that a thing you do often?”

“Withhold the truth?” Aubrey blinked at her, confused.

“No… Use injuries to pick up women.” Stacie smiled when Aubrey flushed. “I’m sorry, I’m sorry. That was presumptuous and uncalled for. I apologize.”

Aubrey forced herself to stay relaxed. “Accepted.” She gave a small smile. “Though it’s been so long since I’ve been on a date, I probably should.” She blinked as she realized what she’d just said. And that she’d said it out loud. And who she’d said it to.

“Oh?” Stacie’s brow went up again.

“Oh… uh… that’s not…” Aubrey swallowed nervously. “I didn’t mean…” Obviously she was still shaken and completely off her game because normally she was far more articulate than she’d been today. It didn’t help that Stacie was gorgeous, caring and, so far, had a good sense of humor. In any other circumstances Aubrey would have been extremely intrigued and gone for it. Except she’d been so petty for the past few months that there was no way Stacie could be interested.

“It’s okay,” Stacie said, patting Aubrey’s calf lightly. “I was just teasing, I’m sorry. Again. I’m too used to giving Chloe and Emily a bad time.” She hesitated then continued. “It only happens when I feel comfortable around someone.” She gave a crooked grin. “Guess this truce-slash-clean slate thing is working.”

“Good. Maybe we can just forget I was a jerkface. I mean,” She cleared her throat. “That’s… good.”

“I don’t know that I’d call you a jerkface,” Stacie said, tilting her head. “A little intense that day, maybe.”

“Now you’re just being nice,” Aubrey interrupted with a laugh. “I was totally a bitch before and after.” She fidgeted with her straw again. “I don’t even know why I did it.”

“I definitely didn’t expect to have to get Chloe’s bolt cutters,” Stacie nodded. “I was a little… let’s just say hot under the collar.” She grinned suddenly. “Chloe said she’d never seen you look so pissed.”

“Oh god.” Aubrey set down her drink and covered her face with her hands; the chill from the one that had been holding her drink was a welcome sensation on her now burning cheeks. “I don’t have anything I can say in my defense. I didn’t think she’d be involved. Which is dumb, because I know the camera is there.”

“Eh,” Stacie shrugged. “She was amused more than anything. She kept…” Stacie broke off and cleared her throat. “She said I must have hit a nerve because she’d never seen you anything but cheerful.”

“Great,” Aubrey muttered. “I can never go back there.”

“Don’t be silly. Chloe would blame me.” Stacie said immediately. “Do I lose points for agreeing to the truce if I tell you that Chloe asked me to stop stealing your bell a week ago?”

“She did?” Aubrey eyed her. “Do you guys talk about it often?” What she’d really wanted to ask was if they talked about her but she didn’t think she wanted to know the answer to that. Or maybe she wanted it too much.

“No,” Stacie said earnestly. “I swear. She and my cousin came over for dinner that night and the bell was sitting on my counter.” It was her turn to squirm. “She told me to stop making her an accessory to theft.”

“I hadn’t… thought of it that way.” Aubrey said slowly.

“Me either,” Stacie shrugged. “It was just between us – but Chlo pointed out that if you chose to get the police involved, I was the one who was actually stealing.” She smiled wryly. “Technically you weren’t really doing anything wrong.”

“I would never have gone that far.” Aubrey shook her head. “That… I felt it was between just us too and never would’ve gone to anyone else.”

“Same.” Stacie nodded. “So we didn’t really talk about it.” She smiled again. “Unless I needed the cutters.”

“I’m sorry,” Aubrey said again. “The whole thing was extremely petty and I made a much bigger deal about that spot than it actually was.”

“It’s not like I didn’t park there on purpose afterward,” Stacie replied. “Not that I know your schedule, but if it was free I took it. Just to be an ass.” She took a drink. “So I guess that means we’re both petty. Except we’ve agreed that’s the past.”

“So we should both stop apologizing for it.” Aubrey smiled when Stacie nodded. “Alright. I’ll try.” She suddenly became aware that Stacie’s hand had been resting on her calf since she’d patted it and was grateful when Stacie steered the conversation elsewhere. Because it felt nice. Natural. And Aubrey wasn’t ready to deal with what that meant yet.

“If it’s not a bad injury, you should be able to maybe use it lightly after a week or so. Maybe two to be safe.” Stacie narrowed her eyes. “No spin class for at least three though a month would be better.”

Aubrey frowned. “Shoot, I didn’t think of that.” She glared at her ankle. “Flo is going to kill me and I’m going to get fat.”

“I highly doubt that,” Stacie shook her head. “Plus Flo’s not that bad.” She hesitated. “At the risk of sending us both into PTSD… Maybe one of the beginner yoga classes would help you not feel like you‘re just sitting around.” She raised one finger. “But only after two weeks and only if you’re able to walk on it without pain.”

“I’ve never done yoga,” Aubrey said, fighting the flashback that swam through her mind.

“It’s very calming and… it can center you.” Stacie said. “I’ve done it for years. Even thought of teaching it once or twice.”

“Why didn’t you?” Aubrey asked without thinking. She definitely understood what Stacie meant by feeling comfortable – she wasn’t normally this nosy at a first meeting.

“Timing,” Stacie said regretfully. “But I haven’t given up hope. Maybe when I retire.” She looked back at Aubrey. “Sometimes the instructors can give alternative poses if you let them know in advance that you’re favoring an injury.”

“I’ll keep that in mind,” Aubrey said. “Being unable ride a bike will either be a great break or drive me completely insane.”

"Is this going to cause problems for your job?" Stacie asked curiously.

"I don't think so," Aubrey said slowly. "I'm a vocal coach, so I can sit down and put my foot up."

"That sounds so fun!” Stacie leaned forward eagerly. "Do you also do the pianist accompaniment?"

Aubrey laughed. "Sometimes, but we'll have to make do with recorded music for a while. Do you sing?"

"Just for fun; usually in the solitude of my apartment or with Chloe and Emily." Stacie sat back again. "Or when they drag me out for karaoke somewhere."

"Emily? The one who works at Stretch?" Aubrey asked in surprise. She hadn’t put the two together when Stacie had first said her name but now it clicked.

"Yeah, she's my cousin." Stacie took another drink.

"So, I definitely picked a fight with the wrong person," Aubrey mused then blinked as she realized what she said but Stacie only grinned at her. "Can we forget I said that?"

"In the spirit of our new truce, yes." Stacie tilted her head. "But I reserve the right to maybe revisit it if we move past the awkward phase." She winked and Aubrey felt her cheeks grow warm.

"I suppose that's fair." Aubrey wasn’t sure if she was blushing because of the reminder of how they met or because of the wink. She was afraid it was the wink, which meant she was rushing headlong down the hill of new crush and that was entirely ridiculous considering how annoyed she’d been by this very same woman since they’d met. Mostly. Honesty forced her to admit that she’d kept up chaining Stacie’s bike because she just couldn’t stand to lose even if she was the only one who cared. She ignored Beca’s snort in her head and changed the subject. "So you do karaoke?"

"Sometimes. Why?" Stacie settled back in her chair again, her expression thoughtful; almost as if Aubrey had done something to surprise her.

Aubrey wasn't even sure why she asked, but since she'd started herself down this path she had to continue. "My best friend and I go to Lyrics & Libations every Friday." She realized she was twisting her fingers together and forced herself to still them. "You should join us one night. Uh, all of you," she added quickly.

"We went there once." Stacie nodded. "Nice place, good singers... great vibe." She smiled slowly and Aubrey’s heart sped up for an entirely new reason. “Are you sure you’re not using your injury to get a date?”

Aubrey forced herself remain calm because this was definitely steering them into the realm of flirting and butterflies had grabbed hold of her stomach and were trying to tug it out of her body. “Are you saying I would only get a date out of pity for my injury?”

“Oh I wouldn’t say that…” Stacie’s smile widened further, slow and sure, as her eyes once again scanned Aubrey, full of something that Aubrey’s slowly waking up ego wanted to call interested appreciation.

“Good.” Aubrey lifted the straw to her lips and took a drink, trying not to smirk. She couldn’t help her own pass over the woman in front of her – every inch of tanned and toned leg up to where they were covered by form hugging bicycle shorts; slender arms that showed off defined musculature every time she moved; green eyes that were sparkling, with amusement as Aubrey met them. “Now that that’s settled.”

“Mm.” Stacie’s eyebrow bounced.

“If you ever find your way to the L&L on a Friday, just tell the bouncer that you’re with me. She’ll show you the table.”

“Ooh. You’ve even got a reserved table?” Stacie whistled. “Fancy.”

“Do I lose points if I say it’s because I happened to pick a best friend who is friends with the owners?”

Stacie pursed her lips. “No, I don’t think so. Means you have good taste.” She paused and Aubrey saw a flash of something pass through her eyes before it was gone too fast to identify.

‘Well shit, now I’m in the gutter.’ Aubrey took a drink to give herself time. ‘Thanks, Beca. I didn’t used to be a dirty bird.’’ When Stacie’s lips twitched Aubrey realized she wasn’t the only one potentially thinking of a different meaning to those words.

There was a pause then. It wasn’t awkward and Aubrey felt it should be. They were still two strangers, for all that they’d been circling each other from a distance for months. But she couldn’t deny the tug she felt as they both sat there, sipping their drinks and watching each other. It was stupidly rash and impulsive – two things Aubrey had never been. Until, she supposed, she’d left her job as a lawyer to move to a smaller town and teach people to sing.

Maybe this was just a continuation of her growth from the crappy, career driven drone she’d been to someone who got up in the morning with the sun and took a ride around her neighborhood to wake up instead of getting the biggest espresso she could get her hands on just to find the energy to go to the office.

‘Maybe Stacie is my next step.’

The thought startled her – rash and impulsive, like chaining a woman’s bike to the rack – and she was glad when Stacie broke the silence. Because it had also felt right, and she wasn’t quite bold enough to take that leap. Yet. Not until she was sure she wouldn’t be doing it alone.

“So what kind of truck am I looking for?”

“Just a black F-150.” Aubrey looked past Stacie down the street. “And I think she’ll actually come from behind you since she didn’t have to get it from home.”

“Any identifying marks in case she doesn’t?” Stacie looked over her shoulder reflexively.

“Just the name of her bike shop, One for the Road, in blue and white.”

“Sounds like drinking and driving.” Stacie turned back around when Aubrey laughed. “What?”

“I tease her about that all the time, actually.” Aubrey chuckled.

“Great minds,” Stacie said. “Actually, I’ve heard of that place. They’ve got a really good reputation.”

“Ever been?” Aubrey asked curiously.

“No, I’d researched the bikes I wanted before I went and ended up at DSM.” She blinked when Aubrey made a face. “Now what?”

“Sorry, habit. They’re sort of Beca’s nemesis when it comes to racing.”

“You can have a bike nemesis?” Stacie laughed.

“What would you call the last few months?” Aubrey tilted her head.

“Hm, good point.” Stacie tapped her chin. “Though, really, I think my nemesis was your bell.”

“It’s because it was jaunty, wasn’t it?” Aubrey teased.

“Maybe.” Stacie took a drink while Aubrey look past her as a car turned onto the street. “She here?”

“I don’t think so, it’s too soon.” But it was definitely a black truck headed their way. Aubrey waved as Beca paused in front of them, making obscure gestures with her hands. “Well, that is her, but what the hell is she doing?” She frowned, trying to decipher the motions.

“I think she’s saying she’s going to circle the block,” Stacie said looking back down the street. “Because it’s going to take a few for us to get sorted and over there and there’s cars behind her.”

Aubrey gave Beca a thumbs up. “That seems way too logical for her.” Beca returned it and resumed driving down the street. “But apparently you’re right and I’m impressed.”

“Me too,” Stacie said with a laugh. “Alright, let’s get you on your feet and ready.” She nodded when Aubrey opened her mouth. “And I won’t say anything about the semi.”

Aubrey eyed her. “Well that’s scary.”

“What?” Stacie picked up her pack and shrugged into it before moving the bag of ice from leg to table.

“Beca’s always ranting about mind readers…” Aubrey laughed and shook her head when Stacie glanced at her. “I just roll my eyes and tell her if she wasn’t always in the gutter it wouldn’t be a problem, but now… that was exactly what I’d been about to ask you.”

“If I was, you wouldn’t expect me to admit it, would you?” Stacie said loftily.

“I suppose not.” Aubrey set her own bag on the table. “How do you want to do this?”

“Let me get up first, so I can pull you out of your chair. The longer you can avoid trying to use it the better.” Stacie said as she carefully lifted Aubrey’s foot and stood up again, this time pushing the chair out of the way. “Think you can resist the urge to put it down?”

“Only if I keep telling myself the floor is lava but only to my left foot.” Aubrey shook her head ruefully as Stacie let out a bark of laughter. “If you ever tell the kids I teach that I used that phrase, the truce is over.” Aubrey convinced herself she was just tuning out the pain when she focused on the fact that Stacie didn’t look ridiculous bent over with Aubrey’s calf in her hand. Then again, it could be the amount of leg on display so close to her face.

Stacie solemnly crossed her heart. “Promise.” She nodded encouragingly. “Alright,” she lowered her arm a little more. “Remember…”

“Lava.” Aubrey took a deep breath. “Okay.” She lifted her leg from Stacie’s grip and nodded. “I got this.”

“And I got you.” Stacie straightened, holding out her hands and Aubrey took them, ignoring the renewed throb of her ankle.

“Count of three?”

“On three or after three?” Stacie asked as she tightened her fingers.

“Dealer’s choice.” Aubrey shrugged.

“Let me do most of the work,” Stacie said. “One, two…” She pulled Aubrey easily to her feet – rather, to her foot – so easily that Aubrey overbalanced and tilted, having also used her arms to pull herself up. “Oops.” She let out a huff as Aubrey collided with her and quickly wrapped one of her arms around Aubrey’s back and held her steady. “Sorry about that; how’s the foot? Did we bump it?”

Aubrey prayed to every god she had ever heard of that she wouldn’t start blushing furiously at finding herself held gently against Stacie’s body. Again. It was so much more distracting face to face and no longer on the edge of death. “Nope, it’s fine.” She cleared her throat and Stacie stepped back carefully, still helping Aubrey to balance with one hand. Aubrey reached for her bag but Stacie had already snagged it with her free hand and slung it over her shoulder.

“I’ll carry it over.” She handed Aubrey her drink. “That way you don’t have to take it off again when you get in the truck.” Stacie slipped her arm around Aubrey’s waist as Aubrey reached across Stacie’s back. “Let’s do this.”

“Thanks.” Aubrey looked up at the running of feet. “I guess you found a spot?”

Beca came to a halt, her eyes wide as they darted between Aubrey and Stacie. “Someone pulled out as I turned the corner again.” She jerked her thumb over her shoulder then pointed at Aubrey’s foot. “Dude! Holy fuck you’re purple!”

Aubrey looked down. “So I am.” She looked back up at Beca with a grin. “Thank you for coming to get me.”

“Of course,” Beca said, crouching down to get a better look. “You’re sure you’re not broken?”

“Yes I’m sure.” Aubrey rolled her eyes. “Stacie’s a physical therapist and has assured me I’m not going to die.”

Beca stood up slowly. “I am going to assume you’re Stacie and say thank you for helping out klutz over here.”

“Right place, right time,” Stacie said. “I’ve always got a first aid kit with me, so it didn’t take long to fix her up.” She held out her free hand. “Stacie.”

Beca shook it. “Beca.” She looked between them again. “Is there anything I can help out with or…?”

“With Beca here to carry things, maybe it’ll be easier if I just carried you to the truck,” Stacie said casually. “Keeps it elevated and from bouncing.”

Aubrey froze in place. Logically she knew that Stacie had to have been offering from a purely practical point of view – everything she’d said was accurate and there was no inflection otherwise – but Aubrey didn’t think she stood a chance against her hormones if Stacie carried her like a damsel in a romance novel. As the seconds ticked by and Stacie grew more and more innocent looking, Aubrey realized she was being teased again. Or maybe tested.

“Actually,” Aubrey finally said, ignoring Beca’s eyebrows shooting up as far as Aubrey had ever seen them, and held out her drink. “Can you carry this and grab the ice off the table?”

“Uh…” Beca eyed them both. “Yeah, sure.” Beca took the cup as she stepped past them. “Is that it?” She reappeared with the towel and ice hanging over one arm, Stacie’s drink in the other. “I’m assuming this is yours and you don’t want it left behind.”

“Thanks,” Stacie held out her hand for it. “I’d have forgotten it.”

“I think that’s it.” Aubrey assured her. “Stacie can get me to the truck.”

“Then let’s get you home.” Beca raised her eyebrows. “Do we need to stop for crutches? I assume you’re going to need crutches for a while. You can’t just hop everywhere even if it would amuse me greatly.”

“No, I’ve got some stored in a closet somewhere.” Aubrey said. “I’m ready when you are, Stace.”

“Alright, nice and easy.” Stacie’s arm tightened around her as Aubrey hopped forward. “Let me know if we need to pause or if you change your mind on the hopping.” Aubrey stuck her tongue out and Stacie grinned at her. “Do I need to give Beca the rundown on what you can’t do and how long you have to wait until you can?” She laughed quietly. “You seem the type to rebel against orders.”

“Actually, Aubrey loves rules.” Beca said cheerfully. “Normally she’d hit me for saying that, but since she’s otherwise occupied…”

“We’re about to get into the same truck,” Aubrey growled and Stacie laughed again. “You’re going to be in punching range.”

“Good point.” Beca mused. “Maybe we should just put you in the truck bed.” Aubrey took a breath but before she could say anything Stacie tightened her grip.

“No, that’d bounce her around too much and could injure her worse. You don’t want that on your conscience, do you?”

“Spoilsport.” Beca sighed.

“How did you get here so fast anyway?” Aubrey asked to distract herself as each hop jarred her.

“Lilly was already in the shop and I didn’t know it.” Beca laughed. “I texted her to see if she could come in and she appeared behind me twenty seconds later.”

Aubrey chuckled. “I’m waiting for the day you put a bell on her.” She looked up when Stacie gave a low grunt and saw she was frowning. “Bells can be handy,” she said lightly.

“So you say,” Stacie shook her head. “I still disagree.”

Beca quickened her pace as she dug her keys out of her pocket. There was a beep as the truck unlocked and Beca opened the passenger door. “It’s not like the truck is jacked up or anything, but getting you in and out of this thing will be fun.” She watched them approach, her worried expression giving lie to her casual conversation.

“Beca,” Aubrey said as they reached her. “I’m going to be fine. It really is just my ankle.”

“She just needs to keep it wrapped, elevated and iced. And she can’t try to walk on it for at least a week.” Stacie turned her head to look at Aubrey. “I’ve got an idea and I don’t know if you’re going to go for it.”

Aubrey eyed her narrowly, not letting herself get distracted by the sun highlighting the flecks in her eyes. “Is this a truce breaking idea?” She ignored the curious look Beca was giving her. There’d be time to explain this entire afternoon when they were alone.

“I don’t think so?” Stacie hedged. “But I was thinking if we back you up to the truck I can lift you up so you don’t have to try and push with one foot.”

“That’s actually a good idea, Bree.” Beca said when Aubrey hesitated in answering. “Getting out is easier because you can lower yourself with your arms. After I go in and get your crutches. While I think I can help you get into the house without them, it won’t be as easily as Legs here.” She leaned inside to put Aubrey’s drink in the cup holder. “I’ll hold yours,” she said to Stacie, “while you do the heavy lifting.”

“First you call me a bitch and now I’m fat.” Aubrey frowned at her. “Tell me again why we’re best friends?”

Beca rolled her eyes. “Stop stalling, woman.” She stepped out of the way when Stacie handed over her drink.

“Alright… You’re right.” Aubrey agreed and with Stacie’s help got herself situated in the open door. “Whenever you’re ready.” She was disturbed by how much she noticed the lack of Stacie’s arm around her when they separated. She was even more disturbed by how natural it felt when Stacie stepped up and gripped her waist. In any other circumstance this position was immediately followed up by a lot of kissing and the sheer muscle memory of it made her sway forward an inch before she stopped herself. It didn’t help when Stacie’s eyes dropped to Aubrey’s mouth, her fingers flexing against Aubrey’s hips, and pure reaction and nerves made Aubrey wet her lips. The moment hung between them for a timeless instant before Beca cleared her throat.

“If you guys need me to come back later…” Her gleeful tone meant she was going to be insufferable on the ride home.

Stacie met Aubrey’s eyes, a smile playing along generous lips. “Ready?”

Unsure for a split second if Stacie meant for them to make out or to get Aubrey into the truck, she could only nod. Stacie’s hands tightened on her hips and as she lifted, Aubrey pushed backward with her hands on the seat behind her. When she was settled, Stacie stepped back once more.

“Please don’t bump your foot swinging it in.” She turned to Beca. “Can I get the ice?” When Beca handed the towel over, Stacie took the bag out of it and slung the towel over her shoulder.

Aubrey carefully turned herself until she was sitting in the car with her left leg slightly crossed over the right and resting on the calf. “This should work for the ten minute drive home.”

Stacie leaned forward and arranged the ice until it was resting on the bandage and not her skin. “It’ll probably fall off on the drive but until then…” She pulled Aubrey’s bag from her shoulder and handed it into the truck. “It was nice meeting you, Aubrey.” She held out her hand, one corner of her mouth twitching into a grin.

“Thanks for the rescue,” Aubrey said again as she took it. “I definitely owe you one.”

“Clean slate, remember?” Stacie said as she backed up and turned to Beca. “Nice meeting you too. Make sure she stays off it. If she doesn’t tell you the rules, go look up RICE and make her follow them.”

Beca frowned as they shook again. “Like, cooking? Do I have to put Aubrey’s foot in a bag of rice like you do when you drop your phone in the toilet?”

Stacie eyed her, obviously wondering if Beca was serious but finally noticed the grin Beca was having trouble holding back. “Something tells me you and I could one day be great friends.”

“Same,” Beca laughed and handed Stacie her drink before going to the drivers side and getting in. She started the truck and Aubrey rolled down her window. “Since you were in the right place at the right time, you get the lifetime friends of friends discount if you ever find yourself in need of anything from the shop.” Aubrey’s brows shot up and she turned to look at Beca who merely looked past her and out the window.

“You don’t…” Stacie said as she leaned in the window, her arms resting on the frame, but Beca interrupted.

“Too late, it’s said. Plus it’ll win me friend points I can use against her later.” Beca frowned when Aubrey hit her thigh. “Shit, I forgot you were in hitting range now.”

Stacie laughed. “Get her home and get that elevated.”

“Yes, Doctor.” Aubrey reached out and put her hand on Stacie’s arm. “Thank you.” Stacie covered it with her own and squeezed.

“Anytime.” She stepped back. “It really was great to meet you.” She nodded at Beca. “Both of you.”

“I’m sure I’ll see you around,” Aubrey teased. “One way or another.”

“Not for at least a month or I’ll get Beca to kick your ass.” Stacie’s brow arched.

“And I will.” Beca agreed and turned to Aubrey. “Ready?”

“Yeah, it’s starting to ache again.” Aubrey sighed. “God I hate being injured but being unable to walk is the worst.”

“Could be worse,” Stacie said and Aubrey shuddered. “Bye.” She took another step back as Beca backed the truck up so she could pull back into the street when the traffic was clear.

Aubrey watched her, feeling the echo of warmth around her waist and the touch of gentle fingers on her leg. She realized she was a little sad and wondered how her feelings for someone could change so fast. Then, before she got too far down that path, Beca distracted her.

“Dude. You guys totally almost made out in front of me.”

Aubrey gave a startled laugh. “We did not.”

“Oh yeah. She’s gorgeous so I wouldn’t have blamed you.” Beca drummed her fingers on the wheel. “I’d have totally watched too.”

“Oh my god.” Aubrey buried her face in her hands. “We were not going to make out in front of you.” She could feel her cheeks flame under her fingertips.

“So you’d make out if I wasn’t there?” Beca sounded far too amused for Aubrey’s liking.

“I don’t…” Aubrey stopped and tried again. “There was going to be no making out.”

“Useless gay.”

“Hey!”

“Did you get her number?” Beca glanced at her out of the corner of her eye.

“No.” Aubrey admitted.

“Then I say again: Useless gay.”

“Shut up.” Beca snorted and Aubrey dropped her hands back into her lap. “It… it wasn’t really that kind of meet cute.”

“Taking care of a stranger’s ankle is exactly a meet cute.” Beca said slowly, as if to a child.

“She’s not totally a stranger,” Aubrey mused without thinking.

“HAVE YOU BEEN HOOKING UP WITH SOMEONE AND DIDN’T TELL ME!?” Beca risked a look at her, over exaggerated outrage written all over her face.

“I am not hooking up with anyone!” Aubrey thumped her in the leg again.

“But she’s not a stranger? What are you keeping from me?” Beca’s tone was edging into sulking and Aubrey immediately felt bad. They told each other everything and Aubrey didn’t want Beca to think she’d broken that unspoken promise.

“She’s the bell thief?” The truck fell silent and Aubrey found she was holding her breath.

“I’m sorry – did you just tell me that tall, dark and almost-pinned-you-against-my-truck back there is the same woman you’ve been warring with over the past few months?” Each word was spoken carefully and Aubrey couldn’t tell if Beca was amused or angry.

“Yes?”

“And you let her put her arm around you?”

“Yes?” Aubrey turned to watch her.

“And she got it back?”

“You make it sound like I was going to maim her or something.” Aubrey accused.

“You’re the one who said you couldn’t let her win.” Beca threw her another look. “What happened to ‘the war’?”

“Well...” Aubrey sighed. Hopefully Beca wouldn’t freak out since Aubrey was safe in the truck with her. “There’s a bit more than I told you over the phone.”

“Did you fall off a curb cause you guys were making out?”

“Oh my god, no! Would you stop bringing that up?” Because if she didn’t, Aubrey was never going to get it out of her own mind.

“Nope.” Beca said and gave a small sigh. “It’s a really…really… good image. And you can’t really complain because you just acted out at least half of it.”

“You’re such a gutter rat.” Aubrey resisted the urge to fidget because Beca was right and Aubrey’s brain kept showing her Stacie’s eyes on her lips. It didn’t help that she’d been pressed against Stacie’s body several times in the last hour. Now that she wasn’t freaking out about dying she was aware of how much she’d enjoyed it. And already missed it.

“Guilty.” Beca smirked. “Okay, now that that’s established, what did you actually want to tell me?”

“This is going to be a super hard right turn from pornoland, but…” Aubrey sighed. “I actually, literally-no-joking-here, think I almost died today.”

“What do you mean?” Beca stiffened in her seat and looked at her as they came to an empty four way stop.

“I stepped onto the curb but then a bunch of skateboarders almost knocked me off it. That’s when I twisted my ankle and started to fall backwards into the street.” She put her hand on Beca’s thigh as her eyes got wider. “But instead of hitting the ground, Stacie caught me… just as a semi passed behind us.”

“You… you almost…” Beca’s eyes shimmered as her voice broke. “Holy shit, Aubrey.”

“I’m okay, Becs.” Aubrey felt the sting of her own tears and was glad she’d waited until they were face to face before telling her. “I’m okay. I’m in the truck with you. And the only thing I’ve hurt is my ankle.” She squeezed Beca’s thigh lightly. “I’m right here and I’m fine.”

“But you could’ve…” Beca jumped as a horn blasted behind them. “Fuck!” Her eyes flicked up to the rearview mirror. “Asshole.” She blinked quickly and a few tears clung to her lashes. “Okay… Okay. Let’s… Let’s go get your bike because there’s a whole lot to unpack here and I just…” She cleared her throat as she pulled through the intersection. “I need a minute.”

“I know,” Aubrey said quietly. “It’s why I didn’t tell you on the phone.” She left her hand on Beca’s leg, knowing she’d need a physical reminder if their positions were reversed. In moments like this, logic didn’t matter and irrational fear almost always won out.

“I’d have…” Beca blew out a breath as she began circling the parking lot looking for a spot. “Oh I’d have lost my shit, Bree.”

“I know.” Aubrey fell quiet as they waited for someone to finish pulling out of a spot; waited until Beca had parked the truck and turned it off. “I really am okay, Beca. I’m safe and with you.”

“I should be the one comforting you,” Beca let out a weak laugh. “Not you comforting me.” She took off her seatbelt and sat for a moment before she turned until she was kneeling on her seat, facing Aubrey. “I’m so glad you’re okay.” She leaned over and hugged Aubrey tightly. “I don’t… I can’t imagine my life without you in it. You’re one of the few people that’ve taken the time to get past my resting bitch face.”

Aubrey reached up and gripped the arm Beca had across her chest with both hands. “I’m not going anywhere. You’re stuck with me, Mitchell.” She willed herself not to cry but it was a close thing as the emotions of the day caught up with her. She promised herself that she’d have a good cry once she was at home; maybe in a bubble bath with her foot propped on the edge of the tub.

“Okay.” Beca sat back in her seat and wiped her cheeks. “Tell me the rest of it.”

“Not much more to tell,” Aubrey sighed. “She apparently saw what was going to happen and jumped off her bike to catch me. The juice bar employee said she thought there was no way Stacie could reach me… but she did.”

“She literally caught you?” Beca sniffed but her voice was steadier. “Like a literal superhero swooping in to save you?”

“It’s not like she flew,” Aubrey said automatically. “But… yeah. I guess you could say that. She helped me back up on the curb and that’s when I realized who it was.”

“Did you punch her?” Beca asked and Aubrey let herself relax. If Beca was making jokes then she wasn’t spiraling about Aubrey’s near miss.

“No, but she did ask if I was going to if she put her arm around my waist to help me to a table.” Aubrey winced as she forgot her injury and shifted, bumping her ankle. “Shit.”

“Crap, okay. Gimme your key and I’ll go get your bike.” Beca held out her hand. “You can tell me the rest of it on the drive home.”

Aubrey opened the zippered pouch on the front of her bag. “Sounds good. It’s definitely starting to remind me it exists.”

“You probably were too distracted by the almost making out to think about it,” Beca said as she grabbed the small keychain Aubrey handed her. “I’ll be back.”

Aubrey shook her head as Beca quickly left the truck and headed toward the bike racks. “That went about as well as I expected.” She grabbed a napkin from Beca’s glovebox and wiped at her eyes. By the time Beca returned and hooked Aubrey’s bike to the rack sticking out of the truck’s hitch, Aubrey was calmly drinking the last of her smoothie.

“Was it in ‘your spot’?” Beca asked as she started the truck. Aubrey was relieved to see that Beca was clear eyed and her voice no longer shook.

“Yes.” Aubrey shrugged. “I can’t help it.”

“It’s a good spot, right in front,” Beca said absently as she backed out of the parking spot. “Definitely superior to the one’s in front or behind.”

“I hate you.” Aubrey leaned her head back against the seat and closed her eyes. “Now there’s two of you.”

“You actually love me.” But there was something in her tone that made Aubrey open one eye and squint at her. “But maybe not as much as you lurv the bell thief.”

“Lurv?” Aubrey closed her eye again. “Two encounters and mutual harassment doesn’t make lurv, Beca.”

“Of course not, you were in public. Can’t make lurv in public without getting arrested.” There was a pause. “Unless you’re very sneaky.”

“I sense a story I haven’t heard yet.” Aubrey opened her eyes and found Beca grinning at her.

“Maybe – but you’re also not going to hear it now. Maybe later when I’m drunk. There was a park, some sprinklers on a timer… the usual.” Beca shrugged. “But first, tell me everything that happened after she got you to the table.”

“There’s nothing,” Aubrey said. “We just declared a truce; she told me how to take care of my foot. We exchanged basic info-”

“Except phone numbers,” Beca interjected.

“-like our occupations but no… no phone numbers.”

“Then how are you going to find each other again?” Beca said as they waited for a light.

“Well, I know where she is at least some of the time.” Aubrey shrugged. “Plus she’s best friends with Chloe, so I could ask her for her number.”

“Wait – she’s friends with the woman who you did not ask out for the past year? But you’ll ask said woman for her best friend’s number?” Beca laughed. “I love you, please never change.”

“Hm,” Aubrey considered. “Good point. But her cousin Emily works there. We talk every time I see her, so I could do that if I really wanted.”

“Why would you not?” Beca turned onto Aubrey’s street.

“I don’t know. She didn’t ask for mine either.” But Aubrey didn’t think it was due to lack of interest. “Maybe we’re just going to let fate decide. Since she’s known Chloe forever, and we’ve only met twice in the year plus I’ve been going there, maybe it isn’t meant to be.”

Beca waited until she’d pulled up in front of Aubrey’s house and turned off the car before answering. “I was wrong before – your whole first encounter is definitely a meet cute.” She ignored Aubrey’s sound of protest and kept talking. “And you guys had chemistry that I could see in the whole five minutes I was in your presence. I really did think she was going to kiss you before she boosted you onto the seat.”

“Me too,” Aubrey muttered. “I swayed.”

“I saw.” Beca grinned at her. “You literally fell into her arms as she saved your life… But because you’re a useless gay you didn’t ask for her number.”

“I did invite her to karaoke…” Aubrey trailed off.

“Oh, maybe not so useless after all.” Beca said approvingly. “I’m so proud of you!”

“Well, her, Chloe and Emily.” Aubrey pursed her lips. “There may have been some panic involved.”

“Annnd now it’s back. We’re going to have a long talk after I get you settled and stocked for a week.” Beca opened her door. “Are the crutches in the garage?”

“I think they’re in the spare room,” Aubrey said after a moment’s thought. “If I needed them I didn’t want to search the whole garage for them.”

“Alright,” Beca hopped out of the truck. “I’ll be back. Don’t go anywhere.”

“Ha. Ha.” Aubrey flipped her off as she closed the door. She watched Beca go into her house and settled back in the seat. It was annoying that Beca was right.

She had already begun to fall for the bell thief and that wasn’t like her at all. Aubrey Posen was a woman who never did anything without a thoroughly thought out plan of attack.

‘No,’ she reminded herself. ‘That’s who you used to be. You came here to be different. More spontaneous. This will work out how it’s supposed to.’

And as much as she’d panicked at the thought of asking Stacie out on a date – which since Beca would be there it’s not like it’d be an actual date – there was a calm space at the center of her thoughts. One that was telling her she’d meet Stacie again – soon – and her life would change for a second time.

Aubrey was surprised to realize how much she was looking forward to that moment.

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

A/N:  I've officially reached the end of things I had already written, so my '10 days between posts" is no more. I've been working a lot of overtime at work and hadn't counted on how completely it would suck any ounce of creativity out of me, so please forgive the length between posts. I swear it will be finished and not abandoned though!

(x)

[kyle-valenti]

Takes a Woman to Tell a Man (kylex drabble)- ao3

----------

“Valenti, when the hell are you going to ask him out?” Jenna asked Kyle one day under the horrible fluorescent lighting of the bunker where any blush he had might be drowned out. 

Luckily Alex wasn’t present. He wouldn’t put it past the blunt cop to ask the question no matter the setting, especially since their working relationship was still fairly rocky after their first meeting on Project Shepard. Frankly, Kyle is a little surprised that she mentioned anything personal at all. “Excuse me?”

 The look he was on the receiving end of wasn’t pretty. If he thought the Ortecho sisters could be stubborn and slightly condescending at times, Jenna had them beat by miles right now. “I'm getting real sick of your puppy dog eyes. Screw the town. Kiss the boy.”

“It's not like that.”

She snorted. “Oh, it's like that. Don't make me pull receipts and embarrass you.”

Blowing out a breath he wasn’t aware he had been holding, he angrily defended himself. “He just got out of something, Cameron, and unless you haven't noticed we don't have free time.”

“You take that brave attitude with you in surgery?”

He glared at her, and all she did was give him a cocky smile in response. “Just saying. I'll even leave your clubhouse for a day.”

“Today?” he asked sarcastically. “Right now?”

“God you boys are dumb.” She huffed, rolling her eyes. Apparently she had given up because she turned back to the research on Caufield that all three of them had reluctantly been pouring over. Generally Cameron was more of an action person, but ever since Jesse Manes was in a coma, they had hit a wall on which direction to take.

To the comment on him being dumb, though, he stood up and decided he could leave early as he shot back, “Yeah well I gotta go use my doctorate degree to save lives, so lock up.”

 Ex-military soldiers were going to kill him if aliens didn't first. 

  __________________

Cameron had been hanging out in the bunker more and more often, hovering over Alex and waiting for something to do. Somewhere between the alien murders, the project to kill innocent beings, and the coma Jesse Manes had put in, she had been spooked. Alex understood the feeling, but he was starting to get tired of her increasing boredom.  

Especially when out of the blue she interrupted his concentration and sighed. “Valenti ask you out yet?”

“What?”

He swiveled his chair around in time to see her roll her eyes. “Come on airman, you heard me.”

“Kyle is straight,” he told her in pure bewilderment. Cameron didn't seem like the type of person to randomly wish people together, but she was clearly more than bored if she had imagined this up. 

“I think all those computer screens have blinded you.”

It was his turn to huff, and he turned around to face his browser again. “I think I know him better than you do.”

“Yeah?" she challenged. "Which one of us has been here around him in Roswell the past 10 years?”

He couldn't argue that, and he honestly doesn't have the time to, so he cut it off. “Not every queer person falls in love based on close proximity."

“How about shared past, friendship, goals, good looks?”

Alex rolled his eyes. “He's not that good looking.”

Okay, maybe that was a stretch. He didn't like being randomly assaulted with personal questions though, so he felt slightly justified. 

“Yeah okay, Manes. I'm headed out for patrol duty, you keep coming up with those alien theories and denial you've got going on.”

What was that about?

  ____________________

 “Cameron coming?” Alex asked Kyle awkwardly the following day. The doctor only shrugged, barely looking up. “Said she’s busy with some police thing.” 

Even though he had hoped Kyle would ignore his frown, he doesn’t, and Alex receives a raised eyebrow to which he shrugs. “Liz was just on the phone trying to get me to come to a movie with her and Max.”

“Ah,” Kyle said, and there was something odd in the tone that seemed all too similar to the way Alex felt.

“Has she talked to you lately?” he asked, trying not to seem weird.

It was still weird, but Kyle wasn’t meeting his eyes to even tell. “Not really. You?”

“Not really.”

Now, Kyle looks up, brown eyes searching. “She did, didn’t she? I told her you weren’t available.”

“That was your argument?” Alex demands, completely caught off guard. This wasn’t how this was supposed to go, not by a long shot, and how was he ever going to go into another conversation with Kyle Valenti without feeling blind?

“I mean,” Kyle fumbles. “Yeah, and even if you were it’s not like we have time or--,” he’s red now, in a way that Alex hasn’t seen Kyle Valenti ever be since middle school, and it would be a lot more endearing if it made any sort of sense. “Why, what did you say?”

Alex stares. “Not every queer person falls in love with each other.”

“Right. Yeah, that too.”

There’s clear hurt that flickers across his face, but it’s gone in an instant and Alex can’t help the question that tumbles out. “Do you have a crush on me, Valenti?”

“Not right this second,” Kyle muttered. “We have actual work to do.”

“Isn’t that my line?”

The doctor won’t look at him, nerves pushed down, and now Kyle is hard angles with a blank but broody face that's pretending to read the scrawls of a 1950s military scientist. “I don’t hear you saying it.”

“Kind of busy deciding if you had a fever or if your cheeks were just that red,” Alex told him, pushing. Because fuck it, he had the right to push. After growing up with that pretty boy who was so smart but so dumb, then putting up with the ups and downs through the years, he had the right to push more than anyone else.

"Fuck you," Kyle snapped, with only a brief glance up of narrowed eyes, yet a firm tone. "I got off of a sixteen hour shift to come down to this place and help read files. Can we do the high school payback after I get sleep?"

Alex scoffed. "Not until you tell me if you have feelings for me."

Blowing out a breath, Kyle leaned back in the chair. "What do you want to hear, Manes? That I'm a hypocrite? Former stereotypical bully with repressed sexuality syndrome?" 

The tone was angry, but not toward Alex, and that's what softened some of the emotional blow. Sighing, Alex shook his head. "That hasn't been what I wanted to hear for months, Kyle. I want to know if you have feelings for me, and only that. No bullshit."

"Fine," Kyle said, but he was looking at the ceiling, the typical anxious nerve of his showing, before he cleared his throat and managed to look Alex in the eyes. "Yes, I have feelings for you. Do whatever you want with that."

"Whatever I want?" Alex asked. 

Kyle shrugged, barely making eye contact now, which made it easier for Alex to walk over to him and into his space. He stood as soon as Alex did so, and neither of them seemed to be sure of what will happen, but Alex made the quick decision to choose exactly what he wanted to do with the confession by kissing Kyle. 

Maybe some part of him had expected it to be fake, but nothing is false about the way Kyle inhaled sharply and folded immediately into him, grasping Alex's neck and pulling him in. They were only kissing, but everything was visceral and heady and Alex wasn't entirely sure he wouldn't pass out from the paradoxical familiarity and newness of it all. This was Kyle, the same boy he had sleepovers with before everything in life hurt, the first person to mean the world to him, and there was a stinging beauty to that… but this was also Kyle Valenti, whose hands were now rough from washing his hands to save lives and who smelled like sandalwood shampoo and whose growth into a man inspired Alex sometimes.

By the time there's no jackets, no shirts, and on the way to little pants, Jenna walked in on them. 

"Thank God," she announced, looking far too smug as they scrambled to find a way to look decent, even if she looked shamelessly unbothered. "Let me know when it's safe again. Also one of you owe me a girlfriend for playing matchmaker."

Kyle didn't have any more time than Alex did to come up with a comeback before she left, and both of them had to take only a second to think on whether she was serious before Kyle shrugged. "Isobel?" 

"Later discussion," Alex told him, a smile on his face, and then their interruption ended as they pick up where they left off. 

_____________

[faithambr]

I sykdom og helse (In Sickness and In Health)

Author’s Note: So this is a Best Friends AU and its based on personal experience. Most of you know that I was in the hospital a few months ago. This is based on me being there; however, some crucial stuff have been omitted from this story. Beware it is a long one (literally wrote it like in two weeks and it is currently 13 and a half pages long.) Also please keep this in mind: a tired Kristoff= a flirty Kristoff. 

Also rating is a bit more mature due to scenes of being in the hospital and other general medical issues.

Monday morning 

Ugh. Anna had thought as she laid herself down on her own bed. I hate being like this. Normally her periods were considered to be heavy; however, lately they have become rather irregular and more heavier. But this has to stop. she thought as she laid on her bed, feeling beyond exhausted. This needs to stop. 

For the past week, Anna had missed both school and work because of her feeling sick. From the constant migraines pulsating throughout her brain, to the severe shortness of breath even after doing some lighthearted exercise. She knew that some of the symptoms, including the exhaustion, have become somewhat more severe than normal. 

At least I have Elsa here with me. she thought as she sat up, trying to ignore the migraine. She sure doesn’t mind taking care of me. 

“Hey Anna,” her sister had interrupted her thoughts, “how are you feeling?”

“What do you think?” Anna replies with such tiredness in her eyes.

“Well you still don’t look so good, sis.” Elsa had answered with such uncertainty in her voice as she tried to examine her younger sister. “Maybe you should go to the doctor.”

“Wow,” Anna chuckles at her sister’s words, “I’m surprised to hear you say that.”

“What?” Elsa replies back with a confused look.

“Well,” Anna began with a weak breath, “normally, both you and Mom would just say ‘Suck it up!’ or ‘It’s part of being a woman’.”

“Yeah well not this extent.” Elsa counters back while she was checking Anna’s pulse. “Besides the doctor may give you a better explanation on what’s going on.”

“True,” Anna coughs out, followed by her blood pulsating behind her ear, “but couldn’t you just give me the diagnosis here at home? You know that I don’t like going to the doctor. Especially when it comes to needles.”

“Anna,” Elsa rolls her eyes at her sister’s silly antics, “I just started medical school. I can’t give out a diagnosis just yet.”

“Oh okay.” Anna had sighed in defeat, with her heart pounding away in her small chest.

“Look,” Elsa began with such a concern for her sister, “give the doctor a call and schedule an appointment with them.”

“Okay.” Anna lets out with a small yawn as she nestled herself into her bed. “Hey would you mind making me a sandwich for lunch?”

“As long as you make an appointment with the doctor..” Elsa had answered as she got up from her sister’s bed.

“I will!” Anna rolls her eyes at her dear sister. 

Just after her sister had left the room, Anna’s fear of going to the doctor was spreading throughout her body. She knew that a simple doctor’s appointment would help her get better, yet she was still scared of the unknown. Maybe they’ll help me get better. she had thought as she turned on her side while in bed. I just need to get better. She figured that maybe the doctor may give her some medications that would make her so much better. Her mind was reeling at the thought of taking medications that would at least help relieve the pressure from her horrible migraines. She knew that some of the pain medications weren’t really helping, especially when she was taking them around the clock. 

They were suppose to help me. she thought just as her older sister had arrived with a sandwich on a paper plate.

“Hey,” Elsa answers with a small knock on the door, “I made your favorite sandwich.”

“Did you add some mayo, Elsa?” Anna had asked with a weak smile on her face.

“Of course I did.” her sister answers, making Anna smile even more.

“You’re the best sister, ever.” Anna giggles as she took the sandwich with glee.

“Just don’t forget to make an appointment.”

“I won’t.” Anna grumbles while she was eating away at her sandwich.

After Anna had finished her sandwich, she knew that she had to make that phone call. If only the doctors would be able to help me get better. she had thought while she was searching for the doctor’s number on her phone.

She knew that it had been a while since the last time she had gone to see the doctor; therefore, this doctor’s appointment would be the most important one. I just hope that the doctor would be able to help me. she thought as she was placing a call to her doctor. 

“Hartford Clinic,” the receptionist had answered through the phone, “how may I help you?”

“Hi,” Anna began with such tiredness in her voice, “I would like to schedule an appointment.”

“Can I get your first and last name?” the receptionist had asked.

“Anna Dale.” Anna answers.

“And what are you scheduling the appointment for?” 

“For my periods.” Anna answers as she snuggles up in her bed. “My periods have been really heavy lately.”

“Oh okay.” the receptionist had noted. “So when would you like to come in?”

“As soon as possible.”

“How about Wednesday?” the receptionist had asked while she was typing away.

“Wednesday sounds fine.” Anna answers while feeling both tired and dizzy.

“What time would work for you?”

“Anytime.” Anna had answered.

“Okay,” the receptionist continues, “now what doctor do you want to see?”

“Umm,” Anna ponders through her thoughts, “what about the doctor who had treated me last time?”

“Okay.” the receptionist had answered. “The last time you were here, you had Dr. Susan. Would you like to have Dr. Susan?”

“Yes.” Anna replies back.

“Okay.” the receptionist states. “The only appointment time that she has available would be 9:30 am on Wednesday.”

“Sounds good to me.” Anna answers with exhaustion.

“Okay Anna,” the receptionist began just before she had hung up the phone, “I’m going to send you link via email and have you fill out some paperwork, including your insurance.”

“Alright thank you.” Anna sighs in relief after they both had hung up.

Finally. she had thought as she laid her head up against her pillow. Now all I have to do is wait for this appointment to come.

__________________________

Thursday morning

 God I hate this! Anna had thought as she laid in her bed. She knew that she wasn’t getting any better, no thanks to the constant pulsating migraines going on. Her heart was pounding at the thought of trying to get better as she turned on her side. She knew that she had to get better, yet her heart was telling her that she may need some help.

The house phone had gone off, causing her to snap out of her thoughts.

“Elsa,” she had called out, hoping that her sister would listen, “could you please get the phone?”

The house phone continued on ringing.

“Elsa!” Anna lets out with a sudden croak. “Please get the phone!”

However, the answer machine had got the call.

“Hello,” the voice over the phone began, “this is Dr. Susan. Your lab results came back and I would like for you call me back. It’s urgent. Thank you and have a good day.”

Oh shit! Anna had thought as she was scrambling around, looking for her phone. She knew that something was wrong, by the way the doctor had called and left a message for her.

“Anna!” her sister finally calls back.” Are you okay?”

“I don’t know .” Anna had answered while she was on the phone waiting for her doctor. 

“Alright.” her sister replies back. 

“Hartford Clinic,” the receptionist had answered her call, “how may I help you?”

“Hi um...” Anna lets out with a shaky breath. “I’ve received a call from Dr. Susan about my lab results.”

“Uhuh,” the receptionist continues, “and what’s your name?”

“Anna Dale.” she answers after each shortness of breath.

“Okay, I’ll give Dr. Susan a page for you. I’ll just put you on a brief hold.”

“Thank you.” Anna replies back with such urgency in her voice.

“You’re welcome.” the receptionist had stated just before she had placed Anna on hold.

Please let there be some good news. Anna had thought while she was listening to the elevator music through her phone. 

“Anna,” her doctor had answered the phone for her, “this is Dr. Susan, how are you doing today?”

“I’m okay.” she replies back with urgency in her voice.

“Well that does sound good,” her doctor began with such concern for Anna, “but your lab work came back abnormal.”

“Meaning?” she had asked her doctor.

“Meaning that your blood work count....” the doctor continues with her voice trailing off into Anna’s ear.

She couldn’t even believe the news that she was hearing. Maybe the doctor is just being really concerned about me. she thought as she continued on hearing what the doctor was saying. 

“So I really think that you should go to the ER.” the doctor had suggested, making Anna feel a bit nervous. Now do you have someone that could take you there?”

“Ah yes,” Anna had answered with her heart pounding away, “she should be able to.”

“Good.”

“Elsa!” Anna lets out with such fear while she was still on the phone with the doctor. “Please come quick!” 

“What is it?”

“Is she already there, Anna?” the doctor had asked.

“Yes.” she answers just as Elsa had arrived.”Elsa I need to go to the ER!”

“Wait what?” her sister lets out with an alarming look.

“The doctor said that I need to go to the ER.” Anna had answered while she was still on the phone with the doctor. “She said that my blood count was low.”

“And don’ forget to tell them them number that I gave you,” the doctor had reminded her while Anna was writing down the number on a piece of paper.

“Alright thank you doctor.” Anna lets out with a nervous look on her face.

“Anna,” her older sister began while Anna was getting herself ready, “what are you doing?”

“Well what do you think I’m doing, Elsa?” Anna had answered as she began to pack an overnight bag. “I’m packing my bag, just in case. Now hand me my pads and tampons.”

“Okay.” her sister sighs in defeat as she helps her sister with packing the bag. “I’ll call the family and let them know.”

“Okay.” Anna huffed while she was shoving some clothes in the bag. “Hey what hospital are we going to?”

“Um,” Elsa wonders aloud, “how about Southern?”

“Really?”

“Yes I know,” Elsa lets out with a hasty breath as she looked at her younger sister, “but that’s the closest hospital.”

“Oh okay.” Anna whispers as they both were heading on out of the house.

________________________

An hour later

“Dammit,” Anna lets out with a whisper, “I hate this.”

“What is it?” her sister had asked while they were in the waiting room.

“I was just told that I should find someone to cover my shift.” Anna answers, feeling completely frustrated and tired.

“But they know that you’re in the ER right?”

“Yeah.” Anna lets out with a sigh.

“Well,” Elsa gave her sister a comforting look, “they can shove it. Your health is more important.”

“Okay.” Anna smiles weakly, just as one of the nurses was heading their way. “Hi there.”

“Hello.” the nurse smiles with her tablet in her hand. “What are you in here for?”

“Her periods have been rather heavy and irregular.” Elsa had answered for her sister.

“And your doctor said that you should be in the ER, correct?” the nurse had asked.

“Yes.” Anna answers with a bit of anxiety in her voice. “ She said that my labs were abnormal.”

“I see.” the nurse began. “So what we’re gonna do is have your vitals checked out and some blood work be drawn.”

“Okay.” Anna nods in agreement, feeling a bit nervous.

“Alright,” the nurse smiles as she helped Anna on up from her chair, “I am going to take your blood pressure over here and then we’ll check your vitals in the next available exam room.”

“Okay.” Anna smiles back at the nurse while she was being checked out.

As Anna was being checked out by the nurses, she couldn’t help but notice that the nurse was wearing scrubs that had represented her favorite team.

“So who’s your favorite player?” Anna had asked the nurse while she was getting her blood pressure checked out.

“Oh,” the nurse smirks, “Wild Bill.”

“Cool.” Anna smiles, making the nurse smile even more.

“Who’s your favorite?”

“Easy,” Anna states proudly just after the nurse was done checking her blood pressure, “Ryan Reaves and Marc Andre Fleury.”

“Nice.” the nurse laughs as she helped Anna up from the chair. “Now we’re gonna go into the exam room for your vitals and blood work.”

“Okay.” Anna nods as she followed the nurse. “Hey would it be okay if my sister Elsa would join us?”

“Sure.” the nurse agrees, giving Anna to motion her sister on over to the exam room.

“Thank you.” Anna had let out as she sat right next to her sister in the room.

“You’re welcome.” the nurse smiles as another nurse came in to do the blood work.

“Hey there,” the other nurse began, making Anna feel right at home, “how are you feeling?”

“Not good I guess.” Anna had answered just before her blood was being drawn.

“Yeah well,” the continues as she began to draw blood, “this should help us determine the cause of you being sick.”

“Thank you.” Anna winces just as her blood was being drawn.

“Oh you’re welcome.” the nurse smiles while she was hooking up Anna to an IV.

“Now we should be getting the results soon,” the other nurse had stated, “in the meantime, both you and your sister should wait in the waiting room.”

“Thank you.” Elsa had answered for her sister while they were heading on out of the exam room. 

“You’re welcome.” the nurse replies back just as Anna had sat down with the IV hooked up.

“Hey look,” Anna smiles while she was going through her phone, “Kristoff had texted me, asking if I was okay.”

“Oh?” her sister cocks an eyebrow at her.

“Yeah,” Anna continues as she was texting away at her phone, “I told him that I was heading to the hospital.”

“Oh.” her sister mouths while she was flipping through some hospital magazine.

“Maybe he’ll stop by tonight.” Anna smiles weakly over at her sister. “Give me some company.”

“Yeah well,” Elsa counters back with a smile, “you two belong together.” 

“Well geez thanks.” Anna rolls her eyes just as one of the nurses had arrived with a wheel chair. “What’s going on?”

“I’m so sorry to interrupt, “ the nurse began while she was helping Anna into the wheel chair, “but you need to stay for a few hours.”

“Really?” Anna’s eyes went wide as saucers. 

“Yes.”

“Anna,” Elsa began as they were entering into the emergency room, “everything’s going to be okay. Auntie Bobbie said not to worry, you’re in good hands here.”

“Well as long as I get to listen to the Golden Knights game,” Anna lets out with a sigh as they had entered into a room, “then I’m good.”

“Good.” the nurse chuckles while Elsa was simply rolling her eyes at Anna’s silly antics. “Now I would like for you to change into the hospital gown here and to also pee in this cup.”

“Okay.” Anna had stated after the nurse had left.

“Here let me help you Anna.” Elsa smirks as she helped her sister get undressed and into the hospital gown. 

After Anna had gotten herself into the hospital gown and had used the restroom, she knew that she was ready for what tonight was going to throw at her.

“So I guess I’m gonna get a blood transfusion then, huh?” Anna had asked while the nurse was hooking her up to another IV bag.

“Yes.” the nurse answered, as he quickly grabbed the blood bag from the cooled disposable. “The transfusion will take at least three hours. It’s 4;00 pm right now, so around 7 you should be done.”

“Thank you nurse.” Elsa had answered for her sister. “Hey are you doing okay?”

“I don’t know.” Anna whispers to her sister while she was laying in bed. “I’m scared.”

“Hey,” Elsa whispers back as she held her sister’s hand, “everything is going to be okay. Say do you want something to eat. I’m hungry.”

“Sure.” Anna answers with a smile. 

“Alright I’ll be back soon.” Elsa smile back at her sister as she got up and left the room.

“Thank you, Elsa.” Anna lets out with a tired breath.

“You’re welcome, Anna.” was all that Anna could hear from her sister.

________________________________

Two hours later

“And he scores!” the radio commentator had called out through Anna’s phone. “Max Pacioretty scores!” 

“Yes!” Anna whispers with a smile on her face.

“They scored?” Elsa had asked while she was busy texting their Aunt Bobbie.

“Yep.”

“Good.” Elsa smirks.

“Well good evening,” a doctor had stated as he entered on into the room, “I’m Dr. Smith and I’m here to see how Anna’s doing.”

“Well,” Anna began while she was listening to the hockey game, “I’m really tired and just had dinner with my sister.”

“Actually it was more like me feeding you Anna.” her sister had casually mentioned followed by a smirk.

“So?”

“So,” Elsa counters back at her sister, “at least you ate something. Now Dr. Smith do you have any news for us?”

“Unfortunately due to your condition Anna,” the doctor began while he was taking through her chart on his tablet, “you have to stay over night.”

“So she’s been admitted then?” Elsa had asked on behalf for her younger sister.

“Yes,” the doctor had answered just before he had left, “and it’s for a few blood transfusions.”

“Alright.” Elsa nods in agreement.

“Elsa,” Anna whispers to her sister, “I’m nervous.”

“It’s going to be okay.” Elsa had let out with a comforting look.

“But....” Anna continues just as one of the nurses had arrived with a wheel chair.

“You’re going to be alright.” Elsa gave her sister a comforting look as the nurses were helping Anna into the wheelchair. 

“Thank you Elsa.” Anna whispers to her sister as she continued on listening to the game. “So far we are winning.”

“Good.” Elsa smirks at her sister’s silly antics while they were waiting for an elevator.

“You like the Knights?” the nurse had smiled, making Anna feel a bit more comfortable.

“Yeah.” she answers as they enter into the elevator. “They’re doing great so far.”

“Good.” the nurse had nodded just as the elevators had opened.

“Say would I be able to watch the game on TV?” Anna asked the nurse.

“Well I wish,” the nurse had answered as they entered into the hospital room, “but we don’t have the channel for it.”

“Okay no worries then.” Anna replies back while she was being helped into the hospital bed. “I can listen to the game on my phone.”

“Good.” the nurse smiles as he was hooking up Anna to some IV fluids.

“Thank you.” Anna smiles just as her phone had buzzed for a text message. “Oh look.”

“What Anna?” Elsa had asked her sister.

“Kristoff said he’ll be here once he gets off from work.” Anna had answered while they both were waiting for the doctor to come in.

“That sounds great, Anna.” her sister smiled just as a lady from housekeeping had dropped off a meat for Anna.” Looks like you’ll be having dinner here.”

“And in style.” Anna adds making them both giggle.

After Anna was done with dinner and another doctor had examined her, she knew that she needed another blood transfusion. At least I am getting better. she thought just as the hockey game was finishing up over her phone.

“Hi there,” the nurse smiled with an IV bag in her hand, “are you ready for the next transfusion?”

“Ready as I’ll ever be.” Anna nods in acknowledgement. 

“Alrighty then.” the nurse chuckles as she gets the IV ready for the next transfusion. “I’m sorry that you have to go through this.”

“Hey,” Anna replies back to her nurse, “don’t worry about it. My night is getting better. The Golden Knights won tonight.”

“Awesome.” the nurse had nodded just as she was finishing up with the IVs. “Now Dr. Smart should be in soon. She’ll be here to talk to you about your periods and what to do next.”

“Okay.” Anna had answered.

_______________________________

An hour later

After being examined by the doctor and having the nurses do some follow up work, Anna was pretty much ready for the night to be over. She knew that she was tired, yet she was looking forward to having some company other than her sister. Maybe Kristoff is on his way. she thought while she was going through her phone. 

She knew that her best friend would be there for her, yet her heart was telling her that there could be more.

Maybe he loves me. she thought while she was watching some lame movie on TV. 

“Hey.” a familiar voice had interrupted her thoughts, followed by a knock on the door.

“Hi Kristoff.” Anna smiles, her cheeks flushed with pink.

“Hey how are you?” Elsa rolls her eyes at the two lovebirds in the room.

“I’m good.” Kristoff answers while he kept his focus on Anna. “How are you Anna?”

“Well I’m doing better,” Anna had answered as Kristoff was setting up a chair right to her bed, “but the doctor said that I should stay over night for observation.”

“I know.” he smiles fondly at her. “Elsa told me.”

“Oh really?” Anna quirks an eyebrow at her older sister.

“Well as much as I would love to stay,” Elsa began as she was gathering her belongings, “but I have to get to work. Somebody’s gotta pay the bills.”

“Okay Elsa.” Anna had waved at her sister. “See you soon.”

“See ya Elsa.” Kristoff had called out. “So?”

“So.” Anna lets out with a giggle.

“How are you feeling?” her best friend had asked.

“I’m doing better.” she answers with her heart fluttering towards him.

“That’s great.” Kristoff smiles with his tired eyes showing.

“You look tired Kristoff.” Anna whispers to him while she was examining his face.

“Yeah well,” he began as he was watching TV along with her, “you look worse than me.”

“And?” Anna gave him a questioning look. “Shouldn’t you be getting more sleep, Kristoff?”

“Sleep is for the weak.” Kristoff had scoffed at her.

“Yeah well I’m just concerned about you Kristoff.” Anna counters back at him.

“And I appreciate it, Anna.” her best friend whispers to her, making her all flustered. “Aww. you’re all flustered now.”

“Kristoff!” she lets out with both a giggle and a blush.

“And you look adorable right now,” he smirks at her while he was leaning into her bed, “especially in that hospital gown.” 

“Well thank you, Kristoff.” Anna had blushed.

“And you’re welcome, Anna.” he adds as he was pointing at the TV. “Say this movie looks kind of eh.”

“Well what do you expect?” Anna shrugs her shoulders. “It’s a knock off of Tarzan.”

“Figures.” Kristoff had countered back at her.

“Besides,” she began as she adjusts herself in her bed, “the Disney version is so much better.”

“Oh really?” he cocks an eyebrow at her.

“Except for the fact that the book series are obviously better than the movies.” Anna had continued on. “Plus the movie here, has so many historical inaccuracies.”

“Yeah and?”

“That’s what Hollywood likes to do.” Anna continues through her rant about the movie. “They like to make all of these inaccuracies in these historical movies.”

“Uhuh.”

“An example of a move like that would be The Patriot. “ Anna had casually mentioned. “I mean c’mon that movie is great and all, but so many inaccuracies.”

“You know what I like about you?” Kristoff had asked, catching her completely off guard.

“What?” she had asked.

“Your interest and enthusiasm in historical inaccuracies in movies.” Kristoff whispers to Anna.

“Aww thanks.” she blushes.

“You’re welcome.” Kristoff smiles at her. “Have I told you that you look amazing in that hospital gown?”

“Yes Kristoff,” Anna had answered with a rolling of the eyes to his antics, “but I don’t want it again until....”

“You’re in labor and delivery huh?” Kristoff had finished for her.

“Kristoff!” Anna was shrieking from laughter. “Why would you say such a thing?”

“Well I’m sure that’s what you were thinking at the moment, huh?” he answers, causing Anna to feel even more flustered than she already was.

“Maybe.” she whispers to her best friend.

“Now that could be fun.” he jokes to her.

“Maybe for you,” Anna counters back at him, “but not for me.”

“I know.” her best friend lets out with a warm smile. “So exactly how many do you want, Anna?”

“Well how many do you want, Kristoff?” she counters back with a flustered look.

“One.” he answers. 

“Really? One?” Anna cocks her eyebrow at him.

“Okay,” he smirks at her while he was folding his arms up against his chest, “how about two?”

“No.” Anna continues with a small smile.

“Okay,” her best friend lets out with a yawn, “how about....”

“How about as many as the Good Lord would bless us.” Anna said with a concerned look on her face for him. “Kristoff, when was the last time you’ve slept?”

“About 48 hours ago.” he answers.

“Kristoff,” Anna lets out with a warning look, “you need to go to bed. You’re exhausted.”

“Sleeping is for the weak,” he smirks at her, “and I told Elsa that I’ll stay til after the nurses have changed.”

“Oh okay,” Anna lets out with a sigh of relief, “but promis me that once you get home, you’ll go straight to bed.”

“Yes Anna.” he nods in agreement.

_______________________________

For the next hour, they both had continued on talking about their future. From them talking about their future careers (him being an electrician and her being a teacher) to them talking about kids. Maybe he’ll want to marry me after all. she thought while she was studying her best friend’s face. But first we have to get out careers in order.

She smiled at the thought of being part of something big in her life, like falling in love and getting married. She knew that there is something currently brewing between her and Kristoff. At least he’s a great guy. she thought just as one of the nurses had arrived in her room. 

“Hello Anna,” one of the nurses began, causing Anna to snap back into reality, “this is Susie and Nathan. They will be taking care of you tonight.”

“We’re here to check your vitals and do some blood work.” the male nurse, Nathan, had stated while the other nurse was making her rounds on Anna.

“Sounds good.” Anna nods in agreement just after her blood work was done.

“And you are?” the nurse, Susie, had questioned Kristoff.

“Her best friend, Kristoff.” he answers with a yawn.

“Well nice to meet you, Kristoff.” Susie smiles at him, making Anna a little bit jealous.

He’s mine. Not yours girl. she thought just after the nurse was done checking her vitals.

“Well,” the nurse, Susie began just before her and the other nurse had left, “I hope that you have a good night and get better soon.”

“Thank you.” Anna nods at the two nurses as she was settling herself back down in her bed.

“You were so hating on that nurse Susie.” her best friend had casually mentioned.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about Kristoff.” Anna gave him a look of disbelief.

“Well your face said something different, Anna.” Kristoff counters back, making her feel flushed.

“Whatever Kristoff.” she smiles warmly at him.

“Well,” her best friend began as he got up from his chair, “as much as I would love to sleep in that bed, I have to go home.”

“Really Kristoff?” Anna rolls her eyes at his playful antics.

“Yeah well,” he shrugs his shoulders as he went to the other side of her bed, “if the bed was bigger, I would’ve probably joined you.”

“Well it isn’t.” Anna giggles up at him.

“I know.” he smiles down at her and held her hand for a few moments. “Good night, Anna.”

“Good night, Kristoff.” Anna replies back at him just before he left. “Promise me that you’ll go straight to be when you get home?”

“I promise.” Kristoff had smiled as he was leaving. “Good night.”

“Good night.”

I love you. Anna had thought as she heard her best friend walk on down the hallway, leaving her alone for the night.

_______________________________

Two weeks later

It took a couple of days for Anna to get back on her feet. From following up with her regular doctor to getting back into both school and work. At least I’m getting better now. she had thought as she got into her car. Doctor said that I should be able to feel better now. 

She didn’t mind the fact that she had to be on both birth control and iron pills. In fact prior to being in the hospital, she had thought about getting on the pill. Now I have to. she thought as she began to drive on out of her job’s parking lot. I just have to.

Her mind was traveling back to the night of being in the hospital, as she continued on driving to a familiar destination. She knew that her best friend was there to support her, yet she didn’t expect him to be so tired but flirtatious around her. Well he was such a flirt that night. she thought. However, not only he was a flirt that night, he has been nothing but a flirt since then. She giggled at the idea of them playfully flirting with one another via text as she got on the freeway. She loved the thought of them constantly texting each other every day. From him saying “Good morning” every morning to her saying “Good night hun”. Heck, whenever a hockey game would be one, he would simply tease her about the Golden Knights. At least he likes me for who I am. she thought as she pulled into a familiar driveway. But he’ll have to put up with me being a fan of the Golden Knights.

Her mind was reeling at the thoughts of the other conversation that she had with Kristoff. Maybe we should have children. she thought as she got on out of her car and went to the front door. Her heart knew that Kristoff could be the one for her, yet she’s afraid of taking the next step. I think that he should be the one asking me out on a date. she thought while she was patiently at the door. But he’s probably too shy to.

“Hey Anna,” her best friend smiles after he had opened the front door, “glad you’re here.”

“Me too.” she smiles back at him as she enters into his home. “Hey where’s everyone at?”

“Oh,” Kristoff began as he stood right next to her with his hands in his jean pockets, “Ah Grandma Bulda and Grand Pabbie went out for dinner with Aunt Lilly and Uncle Clint.”

“Oh okay.” Anna smiles at her best friend. 

“So ah,” Kristoff coughs as he motions Anna on over to the kitchen, “I’m making pizza. Do you want some?”

“Sure.” Anna’s eyes went wide with excitement.

“Good.” he smirks at her just as the timer went off for the pizza.

“Mmm...” Ann lets out with a long dramatic sigh while Kristoff was pulling out the pizza from the oven. “Smells delicious.”

“Thanks.”

“You’re welcome.” Anna smiles at her best friend as he was cutting up the pizza.

“So,” her best friend began as he served her a slice of pizza, “how are you feeling?”

“I’m doing great according to my doctor.” Anna had answered with some pizza in her mouth. “I’ve been taking my iron and birth control regularly.”

“That’s good.” her best friend replies while he was eating his own slice.

“Yeah,” Anna had continued, “the doctor told me to watch what I eat and exercise gently.”

“Good.”

“How about you?” Anna had asked as she leaned up against the kitchen counter. “How are you doing?”

“I’m doing good.” he answers with a warm smile. “Work is keeping me busy.”

“That’s good.” Anna smiles back at him. “Hey why don’t we sit on the couch? It looks comfy.”

“Yeah it sure does.” her best friend chuckles a bit, making her blush pink.

“You know I’ve been thinking about something.” Anna began as they both sat down on the couch.

“Oh what about?” her best friend had asked as he sat right next to her.

“About the conversation we had when I was the hospital.” Anna gave him a warm look, making him smile.

“Oh you mean me telling you that you did look great in that hospital gown?” he asks, making Anna blush red.

“Yeah.” she answers. “Also I remember when I said that the next time I wear a hospital gown, it would be during labor and delivery.”

“Ah right.” Kristoff lets out with a cough. “So how many children do you want?”

“Well how many do you want, Kristoff?” she counters back, making him all flustered around the cheeks.

“Maybe two kids.” he answers. “How about you?”

“Two or more at least.” Anna replies back with a warm smile.

“So a large family then?”

“Yeah,” Anna lets out with a sigh, “since I love being around kids.”

“Of course you do.” Kristoff chuckles as they both leaned in a little bit closer than usual.

This is perfect. Anna had thought while they both were talking on throughout the night. She knew that Kristoff wouldn’t mind her staying for the night; however, they are only best friends. Maybe we should be more than just best friends. she thought as she gazed into his eyes.

As she was looking into his eyes, she could see their future together. From them starting their careers, to them raising a little family of their own. Oh mini-Kristoffs running around would be adorable. she thought as they both were continuing on the topic of education. 

She smiled at the thought of them staying together, as Kristoff was explaining his job to her. He’ll be a very good electrician. she thought, just as he was finishing up the conversation. 

“Hey Anna,” Kristoff had interrupted her thoughts, “you okay?”

“Yeah I’m alright.” she replies back, making her best friend smile. “I just miss you, Kristoff.”

“I miss you too, Anna” Kristoff smiles warmly as he held her in his arms. “I’m glad that you’re doing a lot better.

“Me too.” Anna whispers with her heart fluttering.

From that moment on, Anna knew that no matter what happens to her, he would always be at her side.

[let-it-raines]

So @hollyethecurious reblogged this prompt, and both of our minds went crazy with ideas for CS. I don’t know if she’s writing her idea, but here’s a short thing that my brain came up with last night.

Also available on ao3 | here | with the rest of my stuff!

I hope you guys enjoy the ride ;)

                                 Single Riders Won’t Stay Single

Here are some facts:

 Emma Swan loves rollercoasters.

 Emma Swan has never been on a rollercoaster.

 Emma Swan gets to ride her first rollercoaster today.

Emma Swan is supposed to be riding her first rollercoaster with her best friend Mary Margaret Blanchard.

 Emma Swan is not riding her first rollercoaster with Mary Margaret Blanchard because Mary Margaret Blanchard is a traitor who chose to spend the day with a boy instead of riding rollercoasters with Emma.

 Now she realizes that this makes her sound like she is a teenage girl whose best friend is experiencing her first crush, but none of that is true. Emma is twenty-eight years old, and her best friend is wandering around Universal Studios in the hot depths of Florida with her fiancée David while Emma waits in the single rider line for the Incredible Hulk.

 If only she was waiting in the single rider line for Bruce Banner.

 David and Mary Margaret offered to come with her, but neither of them is too big on rollercoasters even if this whole trip to Orlando was Mary Margaret’s idea, so she knows that they were relieved when she said it was fine, she can go alone. She’ll just join them later when they’ve gotten all of the cutesy couple’s pictures out of the way.

 Who is she kidding? They’ll be doing that all day.

 So really, even if she was a little pissed at them for so easily agreeing to let her go off on her own, it’s a blessing in disguise because the single rider line is basically the express line for those not willing to pay for the express passes – she is one of those people because damn everything here is expensive. This way at least she can speed through the line and get paired with a random group of three people without the hassle of getting sunburned just waiting in line. If she’s going to get sunburned, it’s going to be because she spends the day in the sun doing more than one supposedly fun thing.

 Plus, you know, if she ends up being terrified (because this isn’t exactly an easy rollercoaster to start off with but Emma dives deep or doesn’t dive at all), then she can scream bloody murder and never have to see the person sitting next to her again.

 Anxiety is starting to build in her chest the closer she gets to the front of the line, and by the time she’s at least twenty people away from experiencing her first rollercoaster, it’s firmly lodged in her throat. She’s fucking nervous. But she’s also pumped, and she’s not turning back now.

 Emma Swan is not a quitter.

 When she can see the regular line full of friends, families, and couples, she absentmindedly wonders who she’ll get paired up with. It’s not like she has her phone to look at (this thing goes upside down, and she’s not buying a new phone for when it falls out of her pocket) and if she watches how the people go upside down one more time she may back out despite her conviction not to.

 Emma Swan is sometimes a quitter.

 So it’s people watching or zilch, and she can’t help it when her eyes zero in on these two guys who have to be brothers – though one is stockier with curlier hair while the other is leaner with straight hair – and the woman who’s with them.

 They’re about the right distance away to be lined up with her, and considering it’s either them or the group of teenagers where one of them just picked his nose, she really hopes it’s the brothers and what seems to be the curly-haired guy’s girlfriend or wife or whatever. At least she hopes so because she just kissed him, and that would be weird if she was dating the other one.

 She doesn’t have much time to contemplate it though because the cart is rolling into the station, and she’s being herded into the fences they put you in before you can get onto the ride. When the brother with the straight hair ends up directly behind her and the couple behind him, she has to hold herself back from doing a victory dance.

 She obviously does some kind of anxiety dance instead because he’s talking to her unprompted, and she was not expecting that.

 “This your first time?”

 Oh fuck he’s British. Why is that so hot?

 “How can you tell?”

 What kind of question is that, Emma? You probably look like you could pee your pants. Oh hell, she’s totally talking to herself in her head right now, isn’t she? At least it’s not out loud.

 He chuckles, just the smallest laugh, but she still hears it. “You seem a bit too nervous to just be excited. And I don’t know many people in the single rider line who are in it unwillingly, so just a guess.”

 “Aren’t you perceptive?”

 He smiles at her, and it’s obviously the Florida heat that’s causing her to go insane because the way his white teeth flash contrasted to the darkness of his stubble is as hot as this Florida sun. Did she really just think that? Yep, she’s definitely having a heat stroke or something.

 “You’re a bit of an open book, love.”

 “It’s Emma.”

 He smiles again.

 “Killian.”

 Eventually the gates are opened and she and British dude Killian and his probable brother and his probable brother’s girlfriend are strapped into the ride, and wow she should have picked a kiddie ride for her first time. Screw going big or going home. She wants the medium option right about now. But it’s too late, and they’re inching up the tracks without her permission. She really hopes this guy isn’t some kind of preacher who takes offense to foul language.

 There’s definitely going to be some foul language.

 They go up ever so slowly and she thinks her anxiety is calming down, but then Killian looks over at her, and wow he has blue eyes, and says something she can’t quite make out.

 “What?” she yells over the racketing of the ride.

 He flashes her that smile again, and she really hopes she doesn’t throw up on him. That would be mortifying.

 “You know what they say, darling, you never forget your first.”

 And then they’re off.

 She’s not really sure what else happens while she’s up there. It’s all a literal and figurative blur. All she knows is that she started praying in the middle of it and then by the end was sure that she’d cancelled out any good deeds coming her way by the obscenities that flew from her mouth. She’s pretty sure British dude was laughing at her, but she couldn’t tell over the ringing in her ears.

 Once they start their slow (okay, no part of it is slow but at least she’s not hanging upside down again) descent back to ground, she feels the air leave her lungs and she can’t decide if that was awesome or terrifying. She’s honestly kind of in a daze. Or maybe an adrenaline rush. She has no idea what’s even happening until she feels warm skin on her hand and British dude…Killian is helping her out of her seat and back onto solid ground.

 “Was it everything you dreamed?”

 “What now?”

 “The roller coaster?”

 “Oh, yeah, I guess so. Though I do feel a little woozy.”

 “You just don’t have your land legs back yet, lass. Come this way, and we can find a seat.”

 “Little brother, did you pick up a stray?”

 “Younger brother,” British dude one (why does she keep forgetting his name? Maybe the ride scrambled her brain) says to British dude two. “And this is Emma. First time thrill enthusiast who needs a bit of assistance getting her land legs back.”

 Score. She was right about them being brothers. She’s not a private investigator for nothing.

 “Are you here by yourself, Emma?”

 “No, my friends are here, but they’re more interested in walking around and seeing everything than helping me check this off my mental bucket list.” She moves to sit down at an empty picnic table, Killian sliding in next to her while the others sit on the seat opposite. This is weird, right? People aren’t just this nice. “I’m sorry, I don’t believe I caught your names.”

 “Liam Jones,” he reaches his hand across the table, and she takes it to shake, “and this is my wife Belle. And obviously you met my little brother Killian.”

 “I’m his younger brother, lass. Smaller in absolutely no way.”

 Did he just wink at her? Is he flirting with her? Does she want him to flirt with her?

 She totally does.

 “Where are you guys from? If you don’t mind me asking of course.”

 “Originally, right outside of London. Currently, Boston.”

 “No fucking way. I’m from Boston.”

 “What are the odds?”

 “Pretty small, I’m guessing.”

 She can feel Killian’s eyes on her, and she finds herself looking down at her lap to hide her smile.

 “Love,” he says, and when she looks over at him he’s scratching behind his ear, “not to be forward, but would you like to walk around with us until you meet up with your friends?”

 “Really? I mean, you guys don’t think I’m a serial killer or something like that?”

 “You could be, but I don’t think you’re going to murder us in the middle of a park.”

 “Guess you’ll just have to wait and see.”

 Emma, despite her usual apprehension to people, ends up spending the rest of her afternoon with the Jones clan. David and Mary Margaret decided to go back to the hotel (for what she’s going to ignore because they are definitely sharing a room with her), and she finds that she doesn’t mind.

 Killian, she discovers, is a damn professor at Harvard. He’s got a doctorate in English, and suddenly her high school diploma doesn’t feel so important anymore. It’s not that he makes her feel stupid or inferior or anything like that. In fact, he seems almost embarrassed about his job, and that doesn’t make any sense. But he just waves her off when she makes a comment about him being some kind of genius, and she can already tell that Killian Jones, for all his bravado, doesn’t like talking about himself.

 He does talk about himself, though, because none of them have express passes, and the lines here are long. Like, what has driven so many people to come to a theme park in the hottest part of Florida in the middle of the summer?

 “I wanted to be a pirate as a child,” he admits as they stand in line for Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, “but I quickly gave that up to wanting to be a wizard when these books came out, especially being a kid in Britain who very much resembled Daniel Radcliffe. Obviously, though, neither of those things were possible, so I became a boring professor who waxes poetic about novels more ‘refined’ than these and the English language as a whole.”

 “I mean, I wanted to own a bakery so I could eat all the food, but I’m a private investigator.”

 “Why not a baker?”

 She’s not going to tell the whole truth to that, so she says the simple one.

 “I can’t bake.”

 He laughs at that, a fully belly laugh that has him throwing his head back, the sun glinting off his beard to show off the red in it. So he wouldn’t be a true Black Beard pirate if he had gone with that profession.

 “Don’t let that hold you back, Swan.”

 “I’d rather not give all of Boston food poisoning.”

 “I’d eat your pastries.”

 “Is that an innuendo?”

 “Wouldn’t you like to know?”

 “Perhaps I would.”

 The Harry Potter ride is awesome, and if the line wasn’t so long, she’d totally go on it again. But the line is long, and her stomach most definitely rumbled while they were in line – now would be a good time for that bakery, Swan – so the group is in yet another line, but this time to get something to drink.

 She and Belle get butter beers while Killian and Liam get actual beers, and they walk around with them until they find something other than a turkey leg to eat. At one point the foam from the sweet drink gets on her chin, and Killian wipes it off with his thumb, a gentle caress that has her heart rate beating at a pace similar to when she was on the Hulk.

 They end up near the Jurassic Park rides, and despite Killian protesting to the unhealthiness of it all – you just drank a beer, Jones – they eat chicken in the shape of dinosaurs with children all under the age of ten. Killian buys her meal despite her protests, and is she on a date with a guy she just met?

 She kind of hopes that she is.

 There’s a fake giant dinosaur to take pictures next to, and even if you’re not supposed to climb on top of it, Killian lifts her on his shoulders so that she can climb up there to take a picture. It’s worth it when the security guard yells at her to get down because Killian grabs her by the waist, and his hands are so damn warm underneath the material of her tank top. She doesn’t have time to think about it, though, because she’s thinking about how he’s grabbing her hand and jogging away from where they totally almost got kicked out of the park.

 By the time they get back to where Liam and Belle are waiting for them, he doesn’t let go of her hand, even when Liam gives them a pointed glance and smirks. She almost lets go then, but his grip tightens and he smiles down at her with the softest look on his face.

 They wander around for a few more hours, and she already knows that despite her constant application of sunscreen, her skin is going to be pink tomorrow. It’s so damn hot, and she needs some relief from this. That’s when they come across a blessed water ride, and it’s not even a question as to if they’re going to go on it or not.

 They should have noticed, though, how everyone who rides ends up wet – that’s what the women always tell me, love – because while the relief from the heat is welcome, they’re all soaked through their clothes. She thinks it’ll just make for an uncomfortable evening, but then she notices that Killian is staring at her with a gaze that could almost be described as adoring. But she’s distracted by the fact that the water has made his gray t-shirt cling to his abs and his hair fall flat on his head. It’s hot, and she’s not even ashamed to admit it.

 It’s not until later when Belle offers to take her to buy another shirt that she realizes that her nipples were very much on display because of the cold water against her shirt. She doesn’t care about that, but it does explain why Killian was staring at her earlier. She can’t complain. She was doing the same to him.

 So the four of them walk around in soaked through clothes for the rest of the afternoon, riding several other rides but no other rollercoasters until they’ve come full circle and are back at the Hulk.

 “What do you say, love? Want to go another round?”

 She has to pump herself up for it, but she says yes.

 This time, though, she doesn’t wait in the single rider’s line, and when they get strapped in, Killian places his hand over hers on the bars and squeezes, holding onto her tightly.

 This time the ride is a lot more enjoyable, and Emma manages to keep her eyes open the entire time, even laughing when Killian waggles his eyebrows at her at the people behind them screaming. She doesn’t scream, but her insides definitely feel like they’ve been shuffled around for more than one reason.

 Eventually the two of them pair off without Liam and Belle, and today really has been – pun intended – a rollercoaster of a day.

 They somehow end up in Margaritaville, because when in Florida, right? Cheeseburgers, margaritas, and Jimmy Buffet songs are all over the place, and she can barely hear Killian through the music but she doesn’t care. He just slides his chair closer to her, and whisper shouts in her ear, sending shivers down her spine that have nothing to do with the alcohol running through her.

 “So Swan,” he says later that night when they’re walking along the lake back to their hotels across the street from the resorts (they could have gotten on a bus, but neither of them wanted the night to end), “do you think you’re going to ride more rollercoasters or was today just a one time thing?”

 She bumps his shoulder, their hands still interlaced like that’s normal, and keeps walking until they come to a crosswalk.

 “I think I’d be willing to do it all again, but only with the right riding partner. You know any good places to go near Boston?”

 “I feel like I could find somewhere to go, if I have the right riding partner as well.”

 “Who knows? Maybe you’ll get paired up with someone cool in the single riders line.”

 He turns to her then, eyes still blue even in the darkness, and releases her hand so that he can cup her face. Her breath doesn’t hitch, she swears.

 “Emma, I’d really only like to go with you.”

 And then his lips are against hers, so soft and warm and everything like she’s imagined – because she one hundred percent imagined it – and she almost sighs in relief. It doesn’t last long, but that’s okay, and when he pulls back he rests his forehead against hers, the heat of his skin running all the way through her.

 “Yeah?”

 “I quite fancy you when you’re not yelling at ride engineers for giving you a heart attack.”

 She laughs against his lips before pulling back and resting her head on his shoulder as the two of them finally cross the crosswalk on the way back to their hotels.

 Rollercoasters aren’t the only thing Emma rides that night.

[janeofcakes]

Chapter 109

(John’s breaths are quick and shallow. He tries to look around, but Jim weighs heavily on his chest. He hears nothing in the silence that is left after the shattering gunshot. He swallows hard and tries to move again and then freezes. He can hear fast approaching footsteps.

J: Oh god oh god oh god. It must be Moran. It has to be Moran! He’s the only knows.

John struggles against his bonds as best he can, but to no avail. Jim’s body is too heavy, the ropes are too tight. John tries to ignore the searing pain in his shoulder that moves all through his body at lightning speed. He lets out a quiet, tortured groan and continues to struggle with all of his functional limbs. He tries to make his left arm cooperate, clenches his teeth against the burn.)

S: John!

(John’s entire body goes slack and his mind stops, just stops. It can’t be. 

The detective’s face appears next to John’s head, his silver eyes wide and filled with worry.)

J: (breathless) Sherlock. How...how did you...

S: Don’t move. Just hold on.

G: Christ, John. (appearing to John’s left) What’s he done to you?

(Both men vanish until they slowly lift Jim’s limp body off of John and drag him into a corner. Greg remains next to the body and calls for backup. Sherlock rushes back to John’s side. His hands hover around John’s face, taking in the blood trickling from his nose, and running down his cheek from his temple and onto the pillow. Sherlock’s brow furrows, his eyes crinkle, and he bites his lip.)

S: God, John.

(He glances at the bloodied and torn bandage on John’s shoulder. His worry deepening, still unsure whether or not he should even touch his doctor. John swallows and quickly smiles around the pain.)

J: It’s fine. Looks worse than it is. I’ll be fine. (He pauses to just look at those eyes he feared he would never see again and sighs deeply.) I love you. I thought I’d never get to tell you that again. Thought I’d never see you again.

S: Oh god, John.

(Sherlock leans in close and kisses him gently, but urgently. His hands cup John’s face as his lips move. John responds in kind, finally beginning to relax the longer he makes contact with those warm, soft lips. His body melts into the bed sheets, his exhausted muscles reduced to jelly. He finds himself lost in a haze of relief and comfort.

When Sherlock pulls back and rests their foreheads together, they are both panting. John doesn’t try to speak or move. He simply breathes in Sherlock’s scent and relishes in the warm breath passing over his face.)

S: I love you, John. I love you. I’m sorry. I… (He suddenly pulls back with wide eyes and near panic.) What did he do?! Did he touch you? Did he put his hands on you?

J: I’m all right, Sherlock. I’m all right. He didn’t hurt me.

S: (incredulous) How can you say that??

G: Right. They’re on their way. The medics too. Let’s get him untied. (Greg moves to free John’s ankles and Sherlock snaps to attention quickly, focusing on the knots at John’s right wrist.) How many were with him?

J: Only one that I saw. I think they were on their own. He’s worked with Jim before. He was the gunman on Sherlock.

(The detective meets his dark blue eyes, holding John’s hand and stroking it absently with his thumb.)

S: The man who shot Mycroft.

J: Yes. (looking at his fiance with sincerity and then back to Greg, his tone serious) He’s still here somewhere and not a fan of mine.

G: If he’s here, we’ll find him. (nodding at John’s shoulder) What’s all this?

J: He said he had a surgeon take care of it.

G: (scoffing) And you believe him?

S: He would be dead if Moriarty was lying.

(All three are quiet for a moment. The sound of scrambling footsteps echoes through the hall.)

G: Be right back.

(As soon as he is gone, John’s field of vision is full of curls, silver, and cheekbones. Warm hands glide over his bare chest.)

S: Are you all right? Are you cold?

J: Sherlock, relax. Just relax. I’m okay. Thanks to you.

S: (shaking his head) I should have been here long ago. Before he could do any of this.

J: You got here just in time.

S: John… (eyes fluttering over his body, gesturing a hand)

J: Sherlock. (The detective stills at the firm tone and stares meaningfully at John.) You were here exactly when I needed you. You always are.

(A small smile dances across Sherlock’s lips and he seems to relax a bit. Tracing his fingertips along John’s cheek and around his jaw, he whispers quietly.)

S: I always will be. I love you.

(John smiles fondly, but it soon gives way to anxiety.)

J: Oh, god. Sarah.

S: She’s all right, John. She was shot in both shoulders, but quite cleanly. Moriarty needed her to relay his message to me.

J: Oh, thank god. What about Jack and Elsa? (Sherlock presses his lips together and shakes his head slightly.) Oh, god.

S: I’m sorry.

J: They were so young. They had their whole lives ahead. (He covers his eyes.) Shit.

S: It wasn’t your fault. You could not have stopped Moriarty.

J: I know, I know. (He clutches Sherlock’s shoulder in a sudden panic, pieces of his conversation with Jim coming back in rushing waves.) He loves me! Jim told me he loves me. He’ll never leave me alone!

S: John. (Sherlock holds him gently with both hands.) Moriarty is dead.

J: What?

S: Greg shot him when we entered the room.

(John blinks at him, wearing an expression of disbelief. He cannot make himself comprehend the meaning of Sherlock’s words. Jim can’t be dead. He will never die. He’ll always be there to ruin John’s life.)

(John pushes himself up with his right arm. He only pauses for a second or two when pain shoots through his left arm and chest. Sherlock makes to stop him, but helps him instead, knowing John will not be stopped. But he does stop when he sees Jim still in the corner of the room. His black eyes are still open and lifeless, blood fills his mouth and spills out slowly. The bullet must have entered through the back of his head and exited from his mouth. It’s why John didn’t see a bullet hole before Jim fell.

John’s gaze drifts back to Sherlock, relief sweeping over his body. He collapses into his fiance’s firm torso and wraps his good arm around that slender waist. He buries his nose in the open collar of Sherlock’s shirt and breathes deep. Feeling strong arms curl around his small frame, John dares to let himself believe that Jim is truly out of his life forever.

Sherlock rests his chin on the top of John’s head and strokes his hair.)

S: It’s over, John. You’re safe.

*                        *                             *

(John sits in a hospital bed, his eyes wide, waiting impatiently for Sherlock to arrive. A burly orderly wrestled the tall man to the ground when medical staff refused to grant him entry to the emergency room. Even John could not convince them as he was being wheeled in and the swinging doors closed. That was the last he saw of his fiance and he is nearly jumping out of his skin  to see him. Jim and his threats, what he had been about to do, left John completely unsettled. He was so close to being taken away from his life and everyone he loves. From Sherlock. So close to being defiled again.

John has been on edge ever since, jumping at the slightest noises and he feels ridiculous. He was a fucking soldier in fucking Afghanistan. He has lived through things other men would never recover from. But something inside, something deep down in his being will not be calmed. The only peace he has felt during the last 18 hours was in Sherlock’s arms and now he has no idea where the man is or when he will see him again.

John glances at the wall clock. Suppose Sherlock was arrested. How long would it take for Greg to have him released? Or even realize he was taken into custody? John turns his uneasy gaze to the window. The blinds are closed to block out the morning sun. John’s doctor had told him to sleep. The nurse reminded him before leaving his room. Maybe they weren’t allowing anyone into his room until they were certain he had slept. John glanced at the clock again. God, this is unacceptable. He looks down at the sheet covering his lap and scrubs a hand through his hair.)

J: Jesus, I’m starting to sound like him.

(John jumps when the door to his room opens in a rush, his head snapping to look. Sherlock Holmes strides in with his tousled curls and tailored trousers. He still wears nothing but a white buttondown on his upper half. Its front is stained with John’s own blood.)

J: Sherlock.

(John reaches for him. He can’t keep the desperation from his voice or his face. The detective is next to him in an instant, arms wrapped around his body, one hand resting on John’s nape as the smaller man buries his face in Sherlock’s open collar once again.)

J: (voice shaking ever so slightly) What the hell took you so long?

S: (quietly) John, it’s all right. I’m here.

(The effect is immediate. John’s body relaxes, his muscles begin to unwind. He inhales deeply and releases the air slowly, running his hand up and down Sherlock’s strong back. John pulls away after a few minutes and meets sparkling silver eyes.)

J: I’m okay. It’s fine. I just… Don’t leave.

S: (stroking his cheek with a long, delicate thumb) I won’t.

(The doctor leans forward and kisses his fiance gently. Sherlock returns it readily, giving into the feeling of those smooth lips on his own. He moves to kiss John’s cheek, his jaw, and then his chin as he pulls away to study that perfect face, one he feared he might not see again.)

S: (wetting his lips) Your doctor was able to ascertain the damage?

J: (with a nod) Yeah. Jim..Moriarty didn’t lie. A surgery was performed and every scan confirms by an extremely skilled surgeon. They also confirm that the muscles are not only damaged, but weakened significantly and that won’t heal with the other wounds.

S: Physical therapy…

J: Will keep it from getting worse. It’ll strengthen it, but nothing can fix it. (He looks at Sherlock with a grim expression.) Another injury like this and I will lose my arm.

(Sherlock swallows, his Adam’s apple bobbing, steeling himself for the next question.)

S: Did Moriarty assault you?

(John’s eyes widen and then soften. He takes one of Sherlock’s hands in his own and squeezes.)

J: I know what it cost you to ask me that. (He leans in close again and brushes his lips over a trembling cupid’s bow. Looking into Sherlock’s eyes, he raises their hands and holds them to his chest, over his heart.) No. He…kissed me. My face, my chest. He wanted his dick in my mouth. (Sherlock very visibly shudders. He was not prepared for that image.) That’s when you came in.

(John stops talking and watches his detective. Sherlock returns his gaze, looking deeply into dark blue eyes. He can tell by John’s bluntness and the look in those eyes the he speaks the truth. They have both learned from past mistakes at last.

He touches his free hand to John’s face. His fingertips trace lightly along John’s cheekbone. With his other hand, Sherlock can feel John’s heart beat steadily. He licks his lips once more.)

S: Are you all right?

J: Yes.

S: I love you.

J: I love you.

S: I never would have stopped looking.

J: I know.

(Silence falls over their hushed voices. Both men breathe a little faster than normal, their lips parted. Sherlock turns his hand toward John’s chest so his palm rests over his heart. John continues to hold it there with his own palm pressed against Sherlock’s warm skin. The detective cups his fiance’s cheek, a small smile playing at his lips. He wants everything to stop, if only for a moment, so he can drink in all that is John Watson for as long as he wishes. He wants to take this adorable man in his arms and never let go. To bury his nose in soft, blonde hair and inhale the scent until he is certain he will never be parted from him again and never in danger of forgetting that scent, this man. Sherlock smirks. As if he could ever forget John Watson. With Moriarty dead, they can put their lives back together. But first, he must deal with the other matter at hand.

Sherlock fixes John with a sharp eye and presses on, promising himself he will squeeze the stuffing out of John later.)

S: And what of the other man? Moran?

M: Yes, indeed, John. Do tell us about Sebastian Moran.

(The duo look from one another to see Mycroft entering the room. The younger Holmes sneers at his brother and addresses him in a biting tone.)

S: I’m sure John is pleased to know how much you care. Here so quickly and asking after his health so urgently.

M: He has always managed to reign you in, brother mine. Surely there can be no doubt as to how much I value him. (Sherlock bristles, John stifles a chuckle, and Mycroft nods to John.) I am glad to see you well.

J: Ta.

M: You’ll forgive me, but time is of the essence. What can you tell me about Moran?

S: (dismissively) As if you need him to. You already have a file on him, provided by your minions. You should be telling us about him.

J: He’s right, you know. (Mycroft shifts his icy gaze to John, warming it a bit as he does.) I don’t know much about him. Moriarty said they had worked together before and known one another for quite a while. He was his man on the ground watching Sherlock while I was on the island. Moriarty didn’t say it, but Moran may be the one who planted the bomb meant for you in parliament.

S: I’m sure he was. Moriarty wasn’t one to trust his mightiest enemies to just anyone.

M: Indeed. I believe you and I were quite high on that list, especially after Moriarty became obsessed with John.

S: Undoubtedly.

J: But I’m sure you already dug all that up since I’ve been in hospital. (Mycroft gives him a casual nod.) Then, and don’t misunderstand me, what is it you want from me?

M: (looking at John thoughtfully) Moran has worked with Moriarty extensively over the years, but more continuously of late. They are responsible for a great many crimes. (shifting his weight to lean on his ever-present umbrella) Their association has even been more intimate from time to time.

(John closes his eyes and tries hard not to shudder as his blood freezes in his veins. Everything Moran did and said falls into place within the puzzle that is…was Jim Moriarty.

What the fuck is so special about this one?)

S: John, are you all right?

(The doctor opens his eyes to see a worried detective looking back at him. Even Mycroft’s expression betrays concern.)

J: Fine. I’m fine. (turning to the elder) You were saying?

M: (slowly) It is true that a great deal of information has been gathered in the last few hours. However, there is a piece I do not have and, it would seem, cannot be found.

S: (snorting) Something your incompetents couldn’t find? Unbelievable.

M: (ignoring him) And you are the only one who can provide it. What I need from you, John, is a description.

J: (with a befuddled smile and almost a laugh) You’re kidding.

M: I’m afraid not. A thing so simple, so essential, and yet, it cannot be obtained. But you…have seen him and are still alive to tell the tale.

J: (without hesitation) Tall. About Sherlock’s height, judging by Jim’s stature. Short, dirty-blonde hair, hazel eyes. Tan. My skin tone, more or less. Broad shoulders, very built. (puffing out a breath) Must weigh twice what I do.

M: Thank you, John. Would you be willing to work with a sketch artist and put together a composite? I would like to put him on paper.

J: Sure.

S: (speaking over him quickly) Mycroft, John is very tired. Can’t this wait?

M: You would prefer Moran escapes?

J: Sherlock. (He touches the man’s hand and coaxes him to break the glare with his brother.) It’s okay. I’m fine and I’d rather get it over with. I want this bastard caught.

(Sherlock purses his lips and pulls his hand away. He rises and walks away from the bed, his back to John.)

S: Fine.

M: He will be here within the hour.

J: (looking at the older man) He had a scar around his right eye. Very distinctive. A fraction closer and he’d have lost the eye.

(Mycroft cannot disguise his delight and stays for the entirety of John’s description to the sketch artist. Sherlock leans against the wall in a shadow, silently watching.

By the time they are through, lunch has been eaten and afternoon is nearly gone into evening. Mycroft and his artist bid them farewell, leaving the doctor alone with his detective. John leans back against his pillow, exhausted. He looks at Sherlock apprehensively.)

J: You’re angry with me.

S: (sighing) No, John. (He steps lightly over to the bed and sits in the chair he gave up to the sketch artist.) I’m not angry. I’m selfish.

J: (with a quiet laugh) What?

S: I wanted Mycroft to leave. I wanted everyone to leave. I wanted you all to myself. (He takes John’s hand in his and kisses his knuckles before holding it to his own chest.) When Greg called me to the surgery and you were gone, I don’t know what happened. My mind… My mind just shut down. I couldn’t think. I couldn’t deduce. I have never experienced anything like it before. I got a cab and I, I tried not to panic. (He gradually begins to speak faster and faster, his voice growing more desperate. John holds tightly to Sherlock’s hands.) I was frightened, John. So frightened I would never find you, that I would never see you again. But when I got there, it all slotted into place. Sarah told me everything, every detail. And I knew. I knew where he took you. (He abruptly releases John to hold the man’s face in his hands. His silver eyes are soft. His expression is a mixture of loss, relief, admiration. Sherlock tilts his head and inhales through open lips.) He was on you and he was laughing. You were screaming.

J: (voice barely a whisper) Oh, Sherlock.

S: (biting his lip) Then Greg fired. I just… I wanted him off of you and you in my arms. I want you, John. I want you. And I nearly lost you. Again. (licking his lips and swallowing hard) I, I want to be with you. Share my life, my whole life. With you.

J: (quietly) That’s the plan.

(John pulls Sherlock forward and meets him half way for a gentle kiss. He rests their foreheads together, letting out a heavy breath.)

J: We will. Now and forever. To the end of our days. (John pulls away, takes Sherlock’s hand, and guides him onto the bed. He strokes the dark curls now within his reach.) You, Sherlock Holmes, will be my husband and as soon as possible too. God, I love you.

S: And I, you. (He pulls John into his arms and kisses his bruised temple. After a moment, Sherlock stiffens. John opens his eyes and gives him a sideways look.) Speaking of…

J: (clearly not liking this) Yes?

S: Perhaps we should delay the wedding.

(John backs out of his strong embrace, shaking his head.)

J: No. Absolutely not.

S: Just until you have recovered.

J: I will be just fine by the time of our wedding. My shoulder will be sore and… (faltering for a second) won’t have healed, but I’ll be able to pull off the ceremony without a sling, at least. (He looks at Sherlock in hot frustration.) Look, do you have any doubts about this?

S: No.

J: Neither do I. We are not going to put this off, damn it. He wins if he fucks up our lives again. Jim cannot win!

S: John. (He touches the doctor’s shoulder lightly. John goes quiet and looks at him with shimmering eyes. All the anger drains from his body in that one look. Sherlock traces John’s jawline with his fingers and speaks quietly.) We will do whatever you want to do. Whatever you are ready for. I will be by your side always. (He cups John’s cheek and John does the same.)

J: Thank you.

(Sherlock leans into John’s personal space and glides his mouth over John’s closing eyes, down onto his cheekbone, and to his lips. He stops to nibble them open and then covers John’s mouth with his own, their lips moving together, slotting perfectly. His tongue darts out to touch John’s lips, to lick along them with just its tip. Then Sherlock kisses John‘s jaw again, his chin.)

(Sherlock opens his eyes, as does John a moment later. What they do not say with words, they share with a look. Sparkling irises that speak volumes, passing between the two men as they experience the other’s every emotion, every thought.)

S: You need to rest.

(John blinks. He looks at Sherlock with a soft, but deadly serious expression.)

J: Stay with me. (His hand falls and grips the detective’s.) Don’t leave me alone. Not right now. Not for a while.

(Sherlock squeezes his hand. He knows well how difficult it is for John to admit he needs help. That he has weaknesses in his armor.)

S: By your side is where I shall always be. (He pauses and then smirks.) Did I not just say that? Do keep up, John.

(A grin spreads across John’s face to contrast with his moist eyes. He nudges his good shoulder against Sherlock in a shove and laughs. Sherlock joins him as he props his feet on the bed, folding his arms around John’s smaller body and holding him to his chest. He is warm against John’s skin. With his cheek resting on Sherlock’s shoulder, the detective’s lips brushing John’s hair and hand running up and down John’s back, John finally begins to feel safe. He sighs and lets himself relax against the man in his bed. His whole body aches from the constant tension of the last 24 hours.)

J: Tell me about bees, Sherlock.

S: (snorting) God, you must be sick to death of bees by now.

J: Then tell me about our wedding. Tell me what you’ve imagined.

S: (sighing and stroking John’s hair) The sun will be setting on the garden, bathing it in an orange glow. The flowers and changing leaves will look even more red and orange and yellow. And you. Your hair will be like purest gold…

[stilinski-jpeg]

The Void Inside Me (NSFW 18+)

A/N: This idea was sprouted by one of those ads we’re the two people are texting about something really agnsty or suspenseful and you have to download the app to see the whole story. I loved the idea so much and thought no one would be more suited for it than Void. I want to thank @writing-obrien for seriously helping me out with this when I was completely stumped. Also @celestial-writing because this fic would not be finished if it weren’t for her motivating me to push through up until the very end. And @sarcasticallystilinski too for all her feedback. I think they all edited this at some point too so thank you beautiful babes, I love you all more than most. Lastly, Koneko is Japanese for kitten so says google translater. I’m sorry if I got that wrong.

Warnings: Smut; choking.

Word Count: 6860

|Masterlist|

Remember when you were little and someone, whether it be your parents or your teacher, asked you what you wanted to be when you grew up? It was always a riveting question that shattered all boundaries of insightful questions. Well people would say things like: A doctor, a ballerina, or a pop star. Because when you're that young you don't grasp the reality of life and that more than likely you'd be in high school not doing any of the things you thought you’d be doing and working at failing clothing boutique or lame record shops that no one went too. Or like me you could be working at a local grocery store.

Being new to Beacon Hills, a lot of cooler jobs were taken. So I was landed with the only job available that would accommodate me with my school hours. So cashier girl is what I was formerly know as at school. Frustrating as it was, no one bother to learn my name properly. Different variations of the unprecedented nickname surfaced anywhere from girl to cashier. But not for Stiles.

No, Stiles Stilinski noticed me the second I walked into Beacon Hills High School. The halls were empty except from him when I pulled open the doors that morning. He was standing at his locker, staring aimlessly into it, when the sudden rush of outside light caught his attention. He squinted, his head tilting slightly, as he tried to make out the newcomer only to find it was me. His expression changed from confused to surprised, his eyebrows raised and his mouth hung open slightly.

I blushed as I passed him, clinging on to my books as I tried to force my smile to withdraw. Since that moment, I had a thing for Stiles. And I liked to think that he had a thing for me too. But Stiles and I’s relationship, platonic or otherwise, felt like one that could never make it off the ground. Like something always stopped us from connecting. Like fate was trying to tell us something. But I didn't want to listen to old lady fate. It was hard to ignore the intense feeling I had when he was around and I didn't want that feeling to go away.

For a while his crush on Lydia, made it difficult for him to have an eye for anyone else. I became his venting buddy when we were paired up together one day in Biology. The only thing worse about having to listen to your crush talk about another person was dissecting a frog while doing it.

“I just don't know how, no matter how hard I try, that she just rejects my feelings for her.” He whined as I slide the scalpel down the frog's stomach, cringing the entire time.

“Mhmm.” I responded absentmindedly.

“It just so frustrating you know? Like why doesn't she love me back?”

“OH MY GOD!” I covered my nose with the back of my hand as all of the innards of the amphibian could be seen.

“I know, right!” Stiles agreed, his mind clearly away from the task at hand.

Stomach turning, I set down the tool and faced him. His words just now hitting me as I processed them. He was still talking when interrupted him in the middle of telling me for the umpteenth time how he'd loved her since grade school and there was no one like that strawberry blonde and that Aiden was just a minor setback but he'd end up on top.

“Stiles.” I said, holding a hand up to halt his rambling. “You say you've loved Lydia forever right?”

He nodded his attention fully on me now, making me kind of nervous.

“Well,” I swallowed thickly forcing myself to continue. “How come after forever and all the ‘bonding’ you say you've done, she's still going after the bad boys?”

He mulled this over, thinking intently about the question. If I'd learned anything about Stiles is that this was the sign of a boy making a case to support his argument. But I was tired of him lusting after the popular girl who didn't care about him.

“Before you say anything, think about this.” I said, tucking my hair behind my ear. “If she does end up with you, whenever that may be, will she ever love you as much as you love her?”

His eyes widened with understanding as my question loomed between us. His eyes scanned over my face, but I could tell he was really considering the question. Before he could respond however, Scott McCall flung open the door. He was obviously winded as he tried to explain to the teacher that he needed Stiles urgently for a lacrosse meeting with Coach. That was all the persuading the teacher needed to dismiss Stiles from class. The only thing was, that if it were a meeting for the lacrosse team, why were they headed the opposite way of the locker rooms?

That was most of my encounters with him. Constantly just on the cusp of breaking through the wall of friendship to something more, when he was ripped away by his friends for one bad excuse or another. At first, I thought he didn't like me and his friend (at his request) were saving him from me. But that proved not to be true after one instance where he deliberately kissed my cheek, promising to text me later before running off to meet his friends who were anxiously waiting for him at his jeep.

It seemed like every meeting Stiles and I had was always interrupted by some big emergency that had him scrambling out of the nearest door. This was true even on the day that I would remember for the rest of my life. The day that changed me as a normal everyday girl.

On this day, I sat in the courtyard on my free period. I was reviewing some physics notes, preparing for the test that was later that day. He sat next me, plopping dramatically in the picnic like table and wait led for me to notice him.

“Hi Stiles.” I droned, flipping the page of my notebook and doing my best to avoid those perfectly golden orbs.

He sighed again in response, begging for my attention in the way only Stiles did. I bit the inside of my cheek trying to subside my smile. After another overly dramatic sigh, I looked at him with a pointed glare that quickly grew to a smile.

“Yes Stiles. How can I help you today?”

He smiled back, the corners of his lips turning up just so and making my heart flutter.

“How would you like to accompany me on a secret mission?” He said seriously, but if you knew anything about Stiles you'd know he was rarely serious.

“Secret mission, huh?” I mused, turning slightly so I was facing him better.

“Mhmm.” He hummed. “Top secret. Highly classified. No one can know.”

“Sounds like it.” I smirked, “And what is this oh so secret-”

“Top secret!” He interrupted.

“Top secret, mission that you're embarking on?” I corrected myself as I continued.

Stiles looked around us, checking to see if the coast was clear, before ducking his head and leaning in towards me until his lips were inches from my ear. I felt a pleasurable chill run down my spine as he began speaking, his words expelling warm washes of breath when they hit my ear.

“Frozen yogurt. My treat.”

He pulled away, checking again to make sure no one heard his super secret message to me. I smiled at him, bigger than I probably should have. It was happening. Stiles and I were finally going to be alone just the two of us. Away from distractions or friends that could steal us away. I should have known better than that, though. As soon as I opened my mouth to say yes, someone in the distance called his name out making us both jump. We looked in the direction of the voice to find Scott standing with fellow lacrosse teammate, Isaac Lahey. They waved him over emphatically, looking like they had something urgent to tell him.

He dropped his head, clearly as disappointed as I felt that our timing was never right. They called his name again and he yell from them to hold on, a tinge of anger in his voice.

“I'm sorry-” he started but for fear of crying I stopped him.

“It's fine. You're a busy guy, I get it.” I shrugged, choosing to find the hem of my skirt more interesting than looking at him.

He lifted my chin though, forcing our eyes to meet. It's like he knew that his eyes were my kryptonite. He leaned in a fraction, so we were both breathing the same air. “I'll make this up to you, I promise.”

I was nodding in agreement before I knew what I was agreeing too. He leaned in, pressing his lips to my cheek and his kiss seared on my skin even after he pulled away. He was gone before I could get a word in and I was left alone once again.

The high I was on from Stiles kissing me, was gone before I hit last period. I spent my whole test thinking about him. At first I thought about how much I liked him and cute we would be together. But then that changed when I really thought about how little time we'd actually spent together. The universe was clearly trying to tell me something, but I would not listen.

As class went on though, the realisation that maybe Stiles really didn't like me set in. Yes, he had kiss me twice but it was only on the cheek. Maybe he was being polite? Then there was the mild flirting whenever we're together. We gravitated to each other like magnets and in those moments I felt free, invincible.

I guess I was being dramatic when I said that every time Stiles and I had time together it was interrupted. There were times that in class or at lunch that we spent that whole hour together. Talking about school, joking around, and my favourite flirting. But those were easily forgotten in the shadow of the ones where he did leave. The next day when I saw him after those times, he would always make up some weird excuse like Scott’s cat died or Lydia lost her phone or Allison needed help with her archery. But Scott didn't seem to upset for someone who just lost his cat and was ‘forcing’ his friend to come console him, Lydia was usually using her phone while he was telling me she’d lost it, and Allison was like a master archer (I'd seen her at the archery club shooting one day, she's fantastic) so she really didn't need Stiles, who could barely hold a pencil without dropping it, to help her with archery.

As I walked home, the only thing I could come up with was maybe he's ashamed of me. I was the new girl and I wasn't sure of people's opinions of me yet. Maybe they were all bad and maybe Stiles did like me but didn't want to get made fun of. I sighed loudly, adjusting my backpack on my shoulders. It was a depressing thought but it was the only one I could come up with that made sense. My mood had dropped significantly and I felt like nothing could change it.

But then, my phone started buzzing from inside of my pocket. I was going to ignore it before the thought accrued to me that it could be Stiles! He had said that he would talk me later and now that school was over, it /had/ to be him, right? I smashed the green button as soon as I pulled it out, producing an over excited and rather shaky hello.

“Honey?” My mom’s voice called out from the other side of the receiver.

“Oh hi mom.” I responded, my tone dropping significantly.

“Hi honey, listen the dog got into the bread again. Do you mind picking some up on your way home from school?”

I rolled my eyes annoyedly knowing she couldn't see me. “Sure, mom. Just expect me a little later than usual, then.”

She gushed some thanks and I love yous before getting off the phone, leaving my thoroughly disappointed and greatly annoyed.

I grabbed a basket once inside the store and rushed over to the bread aisle. I just wanted to be home, in my bed with a tub of ice cream and my phone close by just in case ‘someone’ decided to text me. I frown when I realised it had been several hours since I'd last talked to Stiles and he still hadn't called or even texted. That boy was sending me mixed signals and I couldn't be more confused as to what he wanted.

The bread was easy enough to find since I worked at the grocery store and usually got landed the job of stocking it when new shipments arrived. I walked right to the spot I knew the bread would be and grabbed a loaf. I was halted though by another hand reaching for the same loaf of bread. I glared at the hand that had at least a hundred other breads to choose from and was now playing tug of war for the one that was clearly mine. My eyes roamed up to the owner of the hand as I prepared a long winded rant I would surely unleash upon the person.

I didn't realise it was him at first. When my eyes met his, they were different than I had remembered. They were dark and cold and looked upon me with an intensity I could not read. He looked worn, like the day had taken more of a toll on him then he would have liked. His hair was slightly more disheveled than usual, but I'd never seen Stiles Stilinski outside of school so I didn't know what to expect when I finally did. He'd changed clothes since school, once clad in dark blue pants and matching plaid shirt, he was now wearing a maroon t-shirt and khaki pants. He's worn this outfit before and it was still my favourite one.

“Stiles!” My voice was too high of a pitch to sound normal, but I hoped he overlooked it.

“Hey there, gorgeous.”

My stomach did at least four backflips and an aerial. Stiles and I had talked many times, but I couldn't remember a time that he'd ever called me gorgeous. I was starting to think that I liked after school Stiles more. I smiled as a response, not really trusting myself to say something intelligent.

“Sorry about earlier today. I forgot I promised to help Scott with a pest problem.” He said, his voice like silk as he talked.

“P-pest problem?” I stuttered, and I mentally berated myself for doing so.

“Yeah. Apparently there's a bunch of wolves running around Beacon Hills.” He said without missing a beat.

His tone was so casual for such a bold statement. He talked like he actually believed there were wolves in California. Which was impossible because there hadn't been wolves here in years. I raised an eyebrow at him, studying his face a little further than I had before. It was strange for Stiles of all people to get such a basic fact wrong. He smirked at me, eyeing me over and I blushed in response. Was he checking me out?

“Right, wolves.” I dismissed the inaccuracy as a fluke. I couldn't risk scaring him off. “So, what brings you in today?”

He grabbed the loaf of bread we both were after from my grasp and held it up, his smirk returning. “I was hungry for some grilled cheese and we were out of bread. You?”

“Grilled cheese, huh? With what kind of cheese?” I challenged, knowing the only correct answer was not American cheese.

“Anything but American.” He answered correctly.

I smiled brightly at him, grabbing my own loaf of bread and tossing it into my basket. “I knew I liked you for a reason, Stilinski.”

A glint of something flashed behind his dark eyes. It was so quick if I hadn't already been looking I might have missed it. My smiled faded as I tried to assess what it was that I'd seen. There was something there, I knew it but I was distracted as Stiles placed his hand on my lower back, guiding me towards the registers.

“So you're telling me that you slept with a baby blanket until like last year?” I laughed.

Stiles had graciously offered to walk me home, and what kind of girl would I be if I declined? A dumb one that's what kind. Now we were playing a very innocent game of truth or dare, which had really been a game of truth or truth because neither one of us had picked anything else.

“If you tell anyone I will deny it.” He said almost seriously, but he's smile gave him away.

I laughed out loud again, harder than before. Whatever had gotten into Stiles tonight, I liked it. Maybe without the pressure of his obviously overbearing friends, he could finally be himself. Or maybe this was just Stiles after hours? Either way I was enjoying him.

“Okay, so truth or dare?” He asked, continuing our game.

I knew what he expected me to do. He knew I'd play it safe and say truth, because that's the kind of girl someone would expect me to be: the safe girl. But safe can also mean boring and I didn't want the only boy that was paying this amount of attention to be bored. Beside, we were steadily approaching my house so what's the worst he could do if I just picked…

“Dare.”

I stopped walking and turn to face him. I was hoping to see a look of surprise on his face when he stopped too, but if anything he looked indifferent.

“You sure you want to do that?”

His voice was different from anything I'd ever heard from him before. It was deep and gruffly, with a harshness to it. I search his face for any ounce of humour, but found none. I got this sickening feeling in my stomach that something was off here, but that feeling was overpowered by the feeling pooling in my lower abdomen.

“Y-yes.” I muttered.

He chuckled darkly, taking a step towards me. “Dare means you have to do anything I say.”

“Do your worst.” I said breathily trying to sound more confident then I felt.

One more step and we were so close that I could feel his breath fanning over my face. My own breathing was shallow and slightly stuttered as I waited for Stiles to make his move. His eyes were darker than ever and the ghost of a deadly smile was playing on his lips. This boy was dangerous to my panties and to my heart. Was it even healthy for your heart to skip that many beats?

“Close your eyes.” He demanded and I obeyed without forethought.

Nothing happened for several minutes, I could feel his breath still over me like he hadn't moved from in front of me. Just as I was about ask what he was doing, his lips connected with mine. They were rough and slightly chapped but they made me melt all the same. This is the thing I'd been wanting from Stiles since the day I'd met him. This exact moment was everything I'd ever wanted.

I pulled away, my eyes still closed not wanting forget the way his lips blended with mine. But when I finally did open them, he was gone. Like the wind, there one second and gone the next, he was gone. I had half a mind to call out for him, but I knew he was gone. I smiled to myself, wondering idly as I walked to my house, unlocked my door, set the groceries on the counter and headed up to my room if he'd planned this the entire time.

As I closed my door, I giggled thinking to myself how I must have ruined his plan to kiss me by never picking dare. I could remember everything he told me that night like it was a movie on replay. He was melted into my brain and there was no way of getting him out.

It only took me three minutes after I finished brushing my teeth to decide that I was going to text him. He didn't say goodnight or even goodbye after all. Plus I wanted to ensure that tomorrow at school would be just as casual as tonight was, so I had to text him right?

Me: Thank for tonight. It will go down in history as my favourite night. :)

I sent it. Knowing that Stiles was already contemplating a witty comeback. It took a little longer than I would have like but eventually I felt my phone buzz in my hand.

Stiles: what??

Not his best witty retort, but I couldn't expect him to be completely normal after we just kissed right.

Me: haha. Very funny. Where did you run off to anyways? We could've watched a movie or something.

Stiles: Seriously, what are you talking about? I've been with Scott all day.

I reread the words several times. He's been with Scott all day? Was this another joke? Because I was one hundred and ten percent sure that he kissed me a half an hour ago. Before I had a chance to write back, my phone rang. It was Stiles. I relaxed a little, surely he was calling me to tell me he was joking and that he had a good time time too. I answered it barely getting my bright and cheery hello out before Stiles interrupted me.

“What was I wearing?” He almost hollered from the other side of the phone. His voice was lower than usual, his words running into each other like did when he was upset.

“What?” I questioned, frowning.

“You said we were hanging out tonight, what was I wearing?”

I began pacing the room, biting my lip nervously. What the hell was going on? This wasn't the boy I was walking home with less than an hour ago. No this boy was scared, worried even.

“Uhhh, red - no, maroon shirt with khaki pants.”

The line was silent for a moment and I was worried he'd hang up before I could ask what was happening.

“My eyes!” He urged. “Did you notice anything about my eyes?”

I frown at this question, mostly because I had but I was sure it was just my imagination. Was this some sort of prank?

“Stiles I don't-”

“Listen,” he interjected,”Meet me and Scott at the preserves in ten minutes. We’ll be there in five. I'll be wearing a blue baseball hat. If it's not blue, do not talk to me. Understand?”

I tried to listen intently to his instructions but they weren't making sense. Why would he tell me he's wearing a blue hat if he might not wear one? I scrambled around my room nevertheless, pulling shorts, slipping on shoes and grabbing my keys before I was halted by something outside of window. I could barely hear Stiles voice as I peer down at the person standing in my driveway.

It was him, it was Stiles.

“Stiles, I thought you said you were 5 minutes away from the woods?” I said, as the Stiles out my window looked up at me and smiled.

“What? I am? Wait is he there? Listen, whatever you do don't-” I barely caught the last of his words as I ended the call.

I tiptoed down the stairs, cringing as the deadbolt on my front door made a loud clicking noise when I unlocked it. Stiles was already there, dressed like before, with a beautiful smile lazily draped across his face. It was odd though. Maybe it was the dim light that only came from the moon or maybe it was the lack of it, but he looked even more tired, worn even. There were shades of dark circle eclipsing his eyes. His skin was pale, which I hadn't noticed earlier. Something about his overall presence made my stomach twist into knots, but I wasn't sure if that was from fear or excitement.

He took a step toward me, inviting himself into my house. I stepped back allowing him in, captivated by the hunger at which he gaze upon me with. I grabbed his hand, guiding him up my stairs and into my bedroom silently.

Once the door was shut, I pressed my back into it, watching as he moved about my room. I couldn't believe Stiles Stilinski was actually here. He walked past my bed, his fingers trailing across its surface. I half promised myself that I'd never wash the comforter.

“Where'd you run off to earlier?” I asked, finally breaking the silence.

He glanced over his shoulder, his feature dark and almost menacing but that didn't stop the water park in my panties.

“He's always thought about being in your room.” I heard him vaguely mumble.

The phrase was foreign to me, I wasn't sure who the ‘he’ that he was referring to was. Maybe he just misspoke? There was no doubt in my mind that he was any less nervous than I was. And this was Stiles we were talking about, it's wasn’t unlike him to say outlandish things.

“Well he's here now. So what's he going to do?”

I felt the sultry tone coarse through my words, but I wasn't sure where it came from. Stiles turned to face me. His expression unreadable, but he seemed intrigued by the way he tilted his head. Another unholy and almost sinful smile appeared on his face. If this was any other situation, or person of that matter, I would have been frightened but I was only criminally turned on.

He was in front of me before I'd even realised that he'd moved. His eyes were dark like they had been all night but now I was sure it was because his hands were on my hips slowly trailing up the side of my body. I didn't move or make a sound as they did, rejoicing in the feeling of his hands on me. He didn't stop moving upwards until both hands were around my neck, giving the slightest amount of pressure to it. He leaned his head forward just enough that our lips were barely touching, his eyes flickered to them and back.  

“I'm going to fuck you.” He growled, before smashing his lips against mine.

His body pressed into mine, pushing me further into the door. I groaned as his rough lips tore against mine. The feel of them were unlike anything else. His grip on my neck tightened slightly more as I felt his hard cock pushing into my thigh and I moaned again. Suddenly something came over me, the want for him was insatiable and I clawed at his clothes trying to rid him body of them.

He stopped me before I could even pop a button, pinning my hands to the door. His lips trailed along my jawline, all the way to my ear.

“Don't. Fucking. Move.” He growled and it resonated through my whole body.

I obeyed as his coarse lips ran along my neck, sucking hard, making me hiss in pain. One of his hands played with the band of my pajama shorts, dipping his fingers in them and playing with the lace of my panties. My stomach tensed at his touch and I closed my eyes taking in the way his callused fingers danced along my skin.

He relented on the attack he was casting on my neck to look at me. I kept my eyes shut, knowing if our lust filled eyes met I may just come right there. I could feel him watching me as he dipped his whole hand down my pants, past my panties and connected with me clit causing a filthy moan to spewed out of my mouth.

“You like that?” He asked menacingly, rubbing slow deliberately circles into my bundle of nerves.

“Fuck!” Was all I could manage as a response. He sped up, changing up his patterns and I could feel an orgasm steadily approaching.

With his other hand he kneaded my breast over my shirt adding to the pleasure. My peaks harden under his touch protruding from beneath my shirt. I couldn't stop the sounds protruding from my mouth as he ripped my shirt upwards. The bra that I hadn't put on after I changed into my night clothes, left my chest bare and exposed to him. I wrenched my eyes open, watching as he ducked down latching on to breast.

“God Stiles.” I mewled, tangling my fingers into his hair and pushing him into me.

A sharp pain on the sensitive skin of my breast made me cry out. The tormenting motion of his fingers stopped too as he lifted his head to meet mine.

“I thought I told you not move.” The dangerous look in his eyes had me swallowing thickly.

“I uhh- I'm sorry.” I tried to apologise.

He wrapped his hands around my wrist roughly then pinned them back against the door. The menacing look in his eyes was warning enough to not move again. I could feel the wetness pooling in my panties because even though he was kind of intimidating; this other side to Stiles that was aggressive and demanding turned me on like no other. He maintained eye contact as he removed his hand from my wrists and began tugging my shorts and panties down my legs. I stepped out of them when they hit the floor and he kicked them aside to somewhere unknown.

“Remember what I said.” He warned as he nudged his leg in between mine, spreading them apart. I felt the most pleasurable of twinges in my core as he did. I wanted to lunge at him, not caring if the consequences, and kiss him until he was begging for air. But I did care about the consequences because Stiles had shown another side of himself tonight and who knew what he was capable of.

In my idle thoughts, he'd unzipped his pants letting his aching erection fall through the slit. “Now Koneko, sit still and let me fuck you.”

His cock slipped between the narrow gap of my thighs that were slick with from my own wetness. His tip rubbed against my clit making my hiss upon contact. He passed over it a few more times teasingly. I almost begged him for more when he grabbed my hips and plunged inside of me, filling me to the hilt with his member. I didn't have time to against to his size before he began moving and I relied solely on gravity and the door for support as he slammed into me relentlessly. His hands gripped my waist with such a force that I was sure I could feel the bruises forming.

“You feel so fucking good around my dick.” He said through gritted teeth.

It became increasingly harder to containing my moans. My bottom lip was raw from my teeth wearing into it for so long. I could feel the burning ball of desire intensifying as my orgasm steadily approached.

“Stiles, I'm gonna, gonna-”

“Not yet.” He growled, pulling out of me causing me to almost cry out.

“No, please. I was so close.” I whined as he peeled me off the door he'd just banged me into and guided me over to the bed.

“Don't worry, gorgeous. I will make sure you come.” He smirked as he basically threw me on the bed.

I landed on my back, bouncing lightly. Stiles stood at the edge of the bed, staring over my half naked body with a hunger in his eyes.

“Come here.” He rolled me over to my stomach before grabbing me by the waist and forcing my ass in the air. His cock was hard against my pussy and he played teasingly with my entrance. He roamed over my ass with his hand, touching the soft skin there. He dragged his hand down to my clit swirling his fingers over the sensitive bundle.

“Please Stiles.” I begged, pushing back into him. “I need you.”

He didn't respond, just rubbed soft slow patterns. The pressure was just enough to make my body spark but not enough to make me come. I pushed back into him again, eager for him to bring me some relief. Satisfied that I was, he eased his cock back into my dripping pussy while still working over my clit. We both sighed, the new angle allowing him to sink deeper. He wrapped his arm around my waist forcing me to sit up and started up a rhythm, moving hard and deliberately inside of me.

My back hit his chest and the hand attached to the arm skidding along my skin, palming roughly over one of my breasts and his fingers tweaked harshly at my nipple. His teeth moved over my neck, biting, lips sucking and bringing dozens of red marks to the surface, all of which would be purple by tomorrow.

“Fuck, Stiles, please.” I begged, hips shaking as my climax built, and I wasn't sure how much longer I could hold on. His hand left my chest and his lips left my shoulder, fingers pushing my head around and his lips slanted hotly over mine. It was all tongue and teeth, moans being shared between us and he pulled back to pant breathlessly.

He picked up his pace, slamming into me quickly and roughly, fingers rubbing harsh curled on my clit as the other hand wrapped tightly in my hair, holding my head in place so he could watch as I came. My eyes rolled back, sounds near screams leaving my lips and it wasn't long until he was throbbing between my clenched walls, cumming so hard he groaned almost as loud as me.

He fell forwards, pinning me beneath him before rolling over to the side and pulling out, an arm over his head and his mouth hung slack. The room smelt of sweat and sex, and I grinned lazily, turning to curl into his side.

My phone vibrated rapidly from the floor, the device being momentarily forgotten about in all the chaos. I lifted my head to glare at my phone with intent to get up and not so nicely tell the person on the other line to call me in the morning. As I moved, Stiles stopped me turning his body towards mine and capturing my lips with his. I moaned sweetly into the kiss, pulling my arms around him in attempt to get as close as possible to him.

I was startled when my door was slammed opened, thumping against the wall loudly. I dragging my lips away from Stiles so I could see who had made the intrusion. Much to my surprise standing in my doorway was Scott, mouth hanging open.

“What the hell Scott?” I yelled, scrambling off the bed and searching the floor for my shorts.

I expected Scott to realise his mistake and back out of the room covering his eyes. But he didn't, in fact his eyes never left Stiles who was now sitting on the bed with a smirk on his face. I pulled on my shorts just as Scott called over his shoulder, without taking his eyes off Stiles, down the hall.

“He's in here.”

I frown at him, placing my hands on my hips. “Scott, you can't just barge into my house and- what the fuck?”

I had to blink a few times to makes sure that what I was seeing was real. Stiles, different from the one sitting on my bed, was standing in my door way with Scott looking from the Stiles on my bed to me. His expression was hard, almost angry as one last time he looked me over then turned to the Stiles on my bed.

The difference between the two were obvious now with the addition of the new Stiles. The one on my bed was sickly pale, with shadows under his eyes that were just as dark as his irises. His hair, upon further investigation, was improperly disheveled compared to the other Stiles.

“You son of a bitch.” The Stiles standing with Scott roared taking a step toward the Stiles on my bed. Scott put his arm out to stop him. The Stiles on my bed just smiled moving to a standing position.

“Will someone please tell me what the fuck is going on?” I yelled sending all three boys attention my way.

“You see, Stiles, shielding the girl you love from your life does have its disadvantages.” There was a twinge of excitement in his tone, that made me stomach turn. “How are you going to explain to her that the person that just fucked her wasn't her sweet precious Stiles? It was a thousand year old fox, a nogitsune.”

I couldn't understand the other Stiles’s words. What the hell was he talking about? What was Stiles supposedly shielding me from?

“You're nothing. You're void, a useless, bare, version of me!” Stiles growled trying again to go towards, but Scott held him back again.

A void Stiles? My head started to hurt and I leaned against the wall in case I fainted, which was a good possibility.

“Useless, huh? I'm sure that toy over that wouldn't say so.” He thumbed at me over his shoulder, sending a devilish grin with it.

“I’m going to fucking kill you.” Stiles shouted running at the Void Stiles so fast that Scott didn't have a chance to stop him. Stiles cocked back his fist, heading full speed when the Void Stiles stopped him by his neck, squeezing it tightly.

What happened next was unbelievable, incrediblely impossible. But impossibly true. Scott's eyes changed from their usual brown to a bright red. This hands resembled claws now that long dark nails shot out from the tips of his fingers. When I blinked again, hair began sprouting out at an alarming rate around his face and down his neck. His ears and teeth both grew out into a point, making him look like a wolf.

A werewolf.

Just thinking the words made me feel crazy. But how could I ever believe I wasn't? In front of me was Stiles choking someone that looked identical to him while Scott pounced looking like something out of a teen movie and I was caught in the crossfires. So I did the only logical thing to do, I ran. Out of my room, out of my back door, and straight into the woods behind my house. I ran and ran, the woods too dark and thick to see more than a few feet in front of me. I heard shouting behind me and looked over my shoulder to see what or whom it might be. Almost instantly tripping over something and I landed chest first on a very large, very old stump. I could feel a bruise already forming around my rib cage, as I struggled to stand again.

“Hey!” I turned quickly in the direction of the voice, not really knowing who I'd find. From in the general direction of which I just came, Stiles appeared. In the darkness, it was hard to make out much of his features but he was wearing a plaid shirt for sure. I relaxed knowing that this wasn't the void Stiles or wolf Scott, just human Stiles.

“Stiles.” I breathed, rushing over to him as he held his arms open to embrace me. We collided a little harder than expected, hitting the newfound soreness on my ribs.

“Are you alright?” He asked, noticing the tenseness when we met.

“I am now.” I muttered into his shoulder.

“I’m here Koneko and I won't let anyone hurt you.” I moved my head to smile up at him. He smile back, ducking down to place a soft kiss on my lips. I was home in his arms now and I'd never felt safer.

“Will you tell me what's going on? What's really going on Stiles?” I asked, trying to search his eyes but the darkness loomed to heavy and I could barely make them out.

“I will but let's get you back, Koneko.” His warm voice soothing me instantly. I nodded, curling into him as he wrapped his arms around me and we headed back to my house.

My mind raced, replaying the night over in my head as we walked. Stiles held me so close to him, his knuckles were turning white. But out of all the things that happened that night, the only thing that stood out to me in that moment was that I couldn't remember a time before tonight that Stiles had ever called me Koneko.

[mulder-krycek]

                                                  [ Part One | Two | Three ]

MARCH 7,1992 COASTAL NORTHWEST OREGON

Bellefleur actually seemed like a nice town, a good place for someone to hang their hat, Krycek thought as the agents drove through the place, on their way to the cemetery.  There was a commercial quaintness to it all and yet it was large enough that you could still meet new people.  It was nice.

They hadn't spoken much since Mulder's stint with tagging the roadway earlier and Krycek was okay with that.  It gave him time to think.  He'd read over the case files half a dozen times at this point but he continued to scan through the pages, giving an impression he was lost in thought regarding it.  It was Mulder he was thinking of in reality—and Spender.

After everything he had been through, it seemed surreal that Krycek sat where he did, next to Fox Mulder, in a car in Oregon, hoping to solve the mystery of some kids' strange bumps.  He remembered when Spender had come to him with the assignment, telling him he'd like to see Krycek on it.  He'd told him that he believed he was the best man for the job—Krycek wouldn't prove him wrong.  It just begged the question: why?  What was so important about Fox Mulder and the X-Files?  Couldn't any poor slob be dropped besides Spooky Mulder?  Spender had made it seem a privilege, a task that only the best of the best could accomplish—and he'd believed in Alex.

That made Krycek's chest fill with pride again.  Spender believed in him.  He'd be the best.  For Spender, for his mother and his father.  He'd wondered what they'd say now, if they saw him.  Their son, the FBI agent.  The PhD wouldn't surprise them—they'd always expected that of him, always instilled in him the determination to be better, to be smart.  Krycek let out a sudden, gruff laugh—they would have HATED the Navy, though.

The military, his mother had said once, was for people without the wits to think.

Mulder looked over at him, having finished his sunflower seeds and discarded the bag on Krycek's side of the car, "Something funny?"

"What? Oh, no," Krycek waved his hand to dismiss Mulder's curiosity, "I was just… thinking about something."

"Care to share?"

"It was about my parents, is all."

"Oh?" Mulder questioned, his interest a little piqued—perhaps a bit interested in learning about his new partner, "What ab—"

"Cemetery's there.  Pull in here, this is the lot," Krycek cut him off, pointing towards the right side of the road.  They could see the crane already waiting for them, along with several official looking people who stood around expectedly for their FBI guests to arrive.

"Rule one, Krycek, always arrive fashionably late," Mulder quipped as he turned off the engine.  That made Krycek smile.

John Truitt, from the County Coroner's Office, greeted them when they arrived at the site.  They were hardly out of the car before him and his assistant hurried over in their sensible brown and gray suits to shake their hands.  Krycek was pleased with being introduced by Mulder—he was sure the man would have opted to cut him out if he could.  They four men began to make their way over to Ray Soames's grave and were discussing the facilities that would be made available to the FBI agents when another car pulled up.

They didn't notice him until he abruptly shouted, "Excuse me!"

This caught their attention and Mulder and Krycek whirled to the name.  He was in good shape, mid-40s and his blonde hair was beginning to dull with gray.  From the passenger seat of his car, a young girl popped out.  She was thin and wiry, with mousey brown hair the hung in a half-combed limpness on her shoulders, bangs on her forehead.  The irritated man went to her as she got out, attempting to put her back in the car.  The girl seemed unthreatened but unhappy and it was clear the man had a paternal relationship with her, just by the way the small squabbling bit proceeded.

When he finally got the arguing girl in the car, the man made his way back over to the agents, already fired up and ready, "I don't know who you people think you are.  You think you can just come up here and do whatever you damn well please, don't you?"

Krycek gave Mulder points for the blank face he wore because Krycek was sure his own face registered surprise.

"I'm sorry," Mulder started, "you are…"

"I'm Doctor Jay Nemman.  I'm county medical examiner," snapped the other, with a squaring of his shoulders that meant he demanded respect from such a title.

Mulder responded without hesitation, "Surely you must have been informed of our intention to come up here."

"No," Dr. Nemman deflated a bit, seemingly now to question his own aggressive charge, "No, we've been away."

Krycek took his moment, "Well, that answers a question we had.  The question of why you hadn't done the recent autopsy on Karen Swenson.  You're aware of the tissue sample that was taken from the girl's body."

Mulder gave Krycek a brief glance and Krycek wasn't sure if it was annoyance or appreciation.  He didn't give it a second thought.  The surprise that moved across Nemman's face was apparent but it faded quickly with a newly engaged anger.

"Wh-what's the insinuation here?  Are you saying that I missed something on those other kids' exams?"

"We're not insinuating anything, sir," Mulder finished and, along with the others, turned back to head up the grave and get the metaphorical show on the road.  He was grabbed by Nemman who yanked Mulder back to face him, face turning red.

"Wait a minute!  I think you are!  And you're making an accusation, then you'd better have something to back it up.  I—"

"Daddy, please!"

It was the girl from the car.  She'd witnessed the entire event and, with an air of worry and a quivering of fear in her voice, she called out to her father again, "Please, let's just go home… Let's go home, please."

At first, it didn't seem like Dr. Nemman would comply with his daughter's wishes.  He held onto Mulder with a vice grip and then, draining himself of all indignation, managed one last hard glare at the agents—first Mulder, than Krycek and returned to his car.

Watching Dr. Nemman and his daughter drive off, the agents stood side by side for a moment before Mulder opened his mouth to speak.

Krycek, unknowingly, cut him off before he got the chance, "Guy obviously needed a longer vacation."

In unison the two men glanced at each other, confirming each other's feelings.  Krycek's comment had made Mulder smirk with genuine amusement and as they turned to head back towards Ray Soames's grave, Krycek felt a little accomplished.  As the crane finished it work, Krycek had already re-pulled some of the files from the satchel he had at his side.

He attempted to read over the loud machinery to Mulder, who stood watching the grave be cleared out and the coffin lifted via harness, "Ray Soames was the third victim.  After graduating high school, he spent time in a state mental hospital treated for post-adolescent schizophrenia."

"Soames actually confessed to the first two murders," Mulder responded, eyes never leaving the work site, "He pleaded to be locked up but couldn't produce any evidence that he committed the crimes.  Did you happen to read his cause of death?"

Mulder turned his attention to Krycek when he asked that, eyebrow raised in challenge.  Krycek was pretty sure he remembered but he glanced at the file again, just to make sure.

"Exposure," he confirmed.  Then hesitated, thinking just a second, "Missing for only seven hours… How does a twenty-year-old boy die of exposure on a warm summer's night?"

"Hmmm," Mulder nodded, like Krycek had read his mind, "Maybe he forgot to put his socks on.  My mother always warned me of that."

Krycek smiled and went to respond but something else consumed their attention.

"Look out!" one of the workers called before Ray Soames's coffin came crashing down, the harness having snapped and dropped it.  The people, including the agents, jumped at the sound and several of them scrambled to get out of the way.  The coffin rolled down the small incline before getting stopped on a sturdy tombstone, Mulder running down the hill to be the first one there.  Krycek and Truitt followed closely behind.

As Mulder went to lift the busted lid, Truitt grabbed him and weakly supplied, "This isn't procedure."

"You're kidding," Krycek deadpanned, picking up the skill already from Mulder.  The sarcastic remark had made it's point and Mulder took his chance to open the lid of the coffin.  The smell hit them all first.  Decay and death.  Despite his bravado before, Krycek was the first to cover his mouth and step back—although the others followed suit.  Mulder seemed mystified though as he stared down at the body.

It wasn't just the smell that would repulse a person.  Whatever was in Ray Soame's coffin, it wasn't anything human.  Gray and old, a mummified corpse of something long and unnatural lay in the silks.  Mulder cleared his throat, glancing back at Krycek.

"It's probably a safe bet Ray Soames never made the varsity basketball team," he half-joked but Krycek was far too nauseated to respond, keeping hand firmly over his nose and mouth.  He just wanted Mulder to close the lid and he got his wish when the other agent turned to Truitt and demanded, "Seal this up, right now!  Nobody sees or touches this.  Nobody!"

Truitt nodded and hurriedly went to close the lid.

8:56 PM BELLEFLEUR COUNTY CORONER'S OFFICE

Flash.

"This is amazing, Krycek.  You know what this could mean?"

Flash.

"It's almost too big to even comprehend."

Flash.  Mulder was liberal with his camera, zipping around the examination table with a frenzied excitement as he snapped pictures, flashbulb filling the room with white light every time he did.  He'd taken off his suit and jacket, tossing them to a nearby empty table to work.  He had his sleeves rolled up like he meant business.  Krycek had opted to stand clear, away from Mulder and the… corpse.  He'd taken a corner of the room, arms crossed, mask over his face.  Mulder had snorted when Krycek had requested a mask but Krycek had also chosen to ignore that.  It was a decaying corpse, he'd reasoned, it was perfectly rational to want a little protection on his mouth and nose.

"If it's almost too big to comprehend," Krycek finally spoke, black eyebrow raised, "don't you think that should make you doubt it?"

Mulder either didn't hear him or just didn't respond.  He snapped another picture.

Dr. Carter, the medical examiner, was a woman in her 50s, with short, white hair that stuck out in a strange non-style.  She worked diligently despite the agents peering over her.  Speaking into her recorder, her voice was even, "Subject is a hundred and fifty-six centimeters in length, weighing fifty-two pounds in extremis.  Corpse is in advance stages of decay and desiccation.  Distinguishing features include large ocular cavities…"

Mulder took another picture and Carter winced at the flash hit her in the face again.  Her fingers continued to examine, speaking as she did, "oblate cranium… indicates subject is not human."

That got Mulder even more excited and the flashing increased.  Maintaining her professional demeanor, the medical examiner just tried to ignore it.  Krycek too pity on her and when Mulder came with distance, he reached out and tapped the other man on the arm,

"Hey, why don't we give a rest with the flash, huh?"

With the glare of a petulant child, Mulder lowered the camera.  The sharp look he was giving Krycek, who went back to standing stoic and cross-armed, was replaced with interest as Mulder turned to Dr. Carter,

"If it's not human," he asked, oozing with enthusiasm, "what is it?"

"It's mammalian.  My guess?  It's a chimpanzee or something from the ape family," Carter responded, still looking at the body.  She looked up at Mulder and snapped off one of her gloves, "Possibly an orangutan."

Nothing seemed to dampen Mulder's fires and he ordered, "I want tissue samples and x-rays.  I'd like blood type and toxicology and a full genetic make-up."

"Gotcha," was all Dr. Carter replied.  Krycek cleared his throat, getting Mulder's attention.  When Mulder looked at him, he waved the other man over.

"Mulder," he started, removing the mask and lowering his voice when Mulder was close enough.  He didn't want to share his conversation with Dr. Carter, "That's an awful lot to do for an orangutan."

"An orangutan?" Mulder whispered back, leaning in close to Krycek as he spoke.  The disbelief was evident on his face, "Come on, Krycek, in Ray Soames's grave?  Try explaining that to the good townsfolk.  Or Ray Soames's family.  What we can't do here, we'll order to go."

Krycek sighed, "You're serious?  You don't honestly believe this is some kind of extraterrestrial?  This is somebody's sick joke, Mulder."

It was admirable, Krycek thought, the way Mulder never gave up.

"We can do the x-rays here, can't we?  Is there any reason we can't do them right now?" he sounded to Krycek like a boy asking for just one more cookie.  The soft look that came over Mulder's face surprised Krycek.  Mulder clenched his jaw in thought and then spoke equally as softly, "I'm not crazy, Krycek… I have the same doubts you do."

Krycek seemed resolved and, letting out one last sigh, nodded his head—as if he could have stopped Mulder anyhow.

"Alright, well, you get your x-rays, I'm going to ask the desk guys where the best seafood place is.  I'm starving."

There seemed to be relief—was it relief?—on Mulder's face and, with a small smile, he nodded approval at Krycek's plan.  He could go for some dinner, too.

9:44 PM BECKETT'S SEAFOOD & STEAKS

"Has anyone ever told you that you eat like an animal?"

"They have actually.  Are you going to finish that?"

"No, you can have it," Mulder said, switching plates with Krycek.  The salmon was good, sure, but he just wasn't hungry.  Spread out on the cloth-covered table were the x-rays taken from the corpse found in Ray Soames's grave and Dr. Carter's notes.  Even Krycek had to admit, they were fascinating—then his food had come and he'd gotten lost in devouring his fish.  Mulder had ordered a sensible dinner for one of salmon and a side of greens.  Krycek, on the other hand, had ordered a plate almost double in size and finished it—and now was eating the rest of Mulder's picked through food.

Both men were seated, sans jackets and ties, at a small booth in the corner of the restaurant.  It was a nice place, family oriented but not exclusive to screaming, sticky children.  It was the kind of place a respectable family could take themselves for a decent meal in a quiet atmosphere.  The late hour had cleared most of the restaurant out, with a few stragglers still chatting and popping crab legs.  Krycek's hair was beginning to fall in front of his face, the copious gel he used starting to wear away and he brushed it back before digging into Mulder's salmon—not before squeezing the lemon slice across the pink, soft flesh.  Then he ripped into it with his fork.

Mulder finally dropped the x-ray he was holding and leaned back on his chair, letting out a stream of breath from his lips.  He rubbed his head, which was starting to hurt.    He knew he should have worn his glasses.  Between them, the vial containing the strange metallic object sat isolated like it's own morbid table decoration.  Mulder reached out to take it, rolling it around gently in the glass vial, examining it.  Krycek, in between bites of food, scanned the papers for the coroner's reports.

Krycek read with food in his mouth, chewing between words, "Official laboratory inspection of the body… yeah, yeah, x-ray analysis confirms… hmmm, homologous but possibly mutated mammalian physiology… does not account for small unidentified object in… yadda, yadda, nasal cavity…"

He swallowed and dropped the report back on the table, letting out a sigh just like Mulder.  There was a few more minutes of silence as Krycek finished the final plate of salmon, then he spoke, "I'll admit, Mulder… it's weird.  It's definitely weird."

Mulder put back down the metal object, resting his elbow on the table and his cheek on his fist, shoulders slumped.  A waitress came over to collect their dishes and asked if they were going to want anything.  Mulder was sure Krycek was about to ask about dessert so he cut in with a quick, "No, we're good, just the check please."

The waitress smiled and left, leaving them alone again.  Krycek reached over to slip the x-ray of the naval cavity where the implant was found back over to him, "What do you think it is?  No, wait, let me guess," Krycek was smiling, "It's an alien mind control device?  Or, no wait, how about an alien tracking device?  Am I in the ballpark?  Come on, Mulder, animal, vegetable or mineral?"

Despite himself, Mulder cracked a half smile.  Suddenly, without provocation, he changed the subject, "You know, Krycek, I'm going to request a new partner if you spend all night puking up that 4 pounds of salmon you wolfed down.  It's my motel room, too."

"Don't worry about me, Mulder," Krycek responded, slapping his own stomach, "I can handle it.  You should have seen what I could put back in the Navy.  I wasn't kidding when I said people used to call me an animal."

"The Navy?  I didn't know you were in the Navy."

"Oh?" Krycek grinned, recalling their first meeting, "I guess that little report of yours didn't have everything.  I was.  When I was a kid, I had a few reckless tendencies, when I turned 17 I started thinking that maybe the military was exactly what I needed.  I wanted to be in the Air Force but…" Krycek trailed off, shrugging, "They told me I didn't have what it took to be a pilot so I went with the Navy instead.  Lieutenant by the time I was discharged.”

"Why couldn't you be in the Air Force?  I don't mean to pry.  If it makes you feel better, they'd never let me fly a plane.  I'm colorblind."

"Really?" Krycek feigned surprise but he knew that.  He'd read it in Mulder's file.  Mulder nodded and Krycek hummed a sound that showed interest in the information.  He took a deep breath and responded to the question, actually managing to laugh even though he'd laid awake many nights still angry over the subject, "They just said I wasn't cut out for it.  Something about dexterity."

"Hm. Was it in the Navy you got your PhD?"

"Yeah," Krycek nodded, pursing his lips with the memory.  The waitress dropped off the check and was gone in a flash, "They helped me through school.  Which I was pleased with, it took a lot of the financial burden off… of the people helping me.  I don't like charity."

"Your parents must have been proud of you," Mulder said casually, mulling over the new information about his new partner.  It made sense and Mulder was surprised he hadn't spotted it before.  Krycek handled himself like a sailor, there was clip, tightness in his movements.

"I don't know," Krycek admitted, "They were dead by then.  They died when I was young.  I'm not sure they would have been.  They considered themselves intellectuals, scientists actually, they weren't so much for the militant life.  It was good for me, it helped me straighten out.  I wouldn't be where I am today without the Navy."

"I-I'm sorry," Mulder responded, feeling a little guilty with having mentioned it but Krycek didn't seem affected, "Can… You made mention of someone helping you."

Krycek saw cigarette smoke and nicotine stained fingers.

"A friend of my parents took care of me," he replied, "I didn't live with him but he paid for my boarding school, sent me things I needed, you know, just like that.  He said he owed it to my parents.  I appreciate him more than I can express, I only hope I can repay him for what he's done for me one day."

Telling him everything he ever wanted to know about Fox Mulder seemed a good way for Krycek to start repaying to Spender, and the kindness he'd shown a boy with no other options.  The sudden turn of conversation soured the friendly mood between them.  It wasn't replaced by displeasure but there was a sullenness that suddenly grew on Krycek.  Mulder thought it was the memory of his parents that had brought it on but the reality was that Krycek had suddenly remembered what his real purpose was.  It was important, he realized, that he stay focused on that.  Friendship had a way of clouding business.

"Well, assuming the iron gut is full," Mulder finished, referring to Krycek, "I think it's about time we head back to the motel.  I want to go back over the coroner's report in better detail."

"Yeah, alright," Krycek said as he watched Mulder stand, stretch and begin to collect all the papers and x-rays scattered on their table.  He tapped them into a neat little pile and, putting them under his arm, began to move from the table—not before first snatching up the keys to their rental car.

"Rookie pays," Mulder grinned, leaving Krycek behind, "I'll meet you at the car."

"Yeah, okay," Krycek watched his retreating form and removed his wallet from his pants.  He huffed as he tossed money to the table, covering the check and leaving a decent tip for the waitress.

Goddammit, Krycek realized, Mulder was probably going to drive, too.

THE NEXT DAY RAYMON COUNTY; STATE PSYCHIATRIC HOSPITAL

"Ray Soames was a patient of mine, yes.  I oversaw his treatment for just over a year for clinical schizophrenia," Dr. Glass, a balding man in a blue suit, explained to the agents as they wanted towards the building, "Ray had an inability to grasp reality.  He seemed to suffer from some kind of post-traumatic stress."

The morning had been relatively uneventful.  Mulder had stayed up well into the night re-reading and re-examining the reports from Dr. Carter, making notes in a beat up pad he kept with him.  Krycek had promptly fallen asleep when the reached the motel.  He wasn't sure when it was that Mulder had finally gone to bed but he vaguely remembered being disturbed by the light from Mulder's side of the room often while he tried to sleep.  It must have been late.  Despite that, Mulder was up around five and slipping on sweatpants.  He asked Krycek if he wanted to join him for a morning run—which had been met with a harsh glare from Krycek who was intolerant of mornings.  They were both shaved and showered by 6:30 and ready to begin.  Their breakfast was bagels and coffee (two for Krycek, who drank them silently and sullenly in the passenger seat of the car).  By the time they reached the psychiatric hospital, Krycek could think straight.

"Is that something you've seen before?" Mulder asked as he kept the pace with Dr. Glass.  The shortest of the trio by just a few inches, he walked sandwiched between Dr. Glass and Krycek.

"I've treated similar cases.  Some of whom were Ray Soames's classmates."

"We're trying to find a connection in these deaths," Mulder explained, "Did you treat any of these kids with hypnosis?"

Dr. Glass seemed to scoff at that but for only a moment before returning to his professional state, "No, I did not." 
"Are you treating any of these kids now?" Krycek cut in, looking around Mulder as he did.

The three of them came to a stop in front of building when they had ascended the steps.  They huddled together and Dr. Glass crossed his arms, "Currently?  Yes, I'm treating Billy Miles and Peggy O'Dell.  Both have been long term patients.  They've been patients of mine for about four years."

"Would it possible for us to talk to them?"

There seemed a hesitation in Dr. Glass and he sighed, "Well, you might find that difficult…" he trailed and the agents furrowed their brows in unison, "Certainly, in Billy Miles's case."

When they met Billy Miles, Dr. Glass's concerns were made clear.  Billy Miles was… not the ideal candidate for questioning.  He lay awake on his hospital bed, eyes wide and staring aimlessly out at nothing.  They were glassy and unfocused.  Beside him, a small girl with dull red hair read to him from a book.  She was seated in a wheelchair.

Dr. Glass leaned into the agents, the three of them watching the scene a few feet away.  Dr. Glass's voice was hushed to keep his words between them, "Billy's experiencing what we call a waking coma.  Functionally, his brainwaves are flat and he's in a persistent vegetative state."

Great, Krycek thought as he squared his jaw, he's a vegetable.  He looked over at Mulder who's face, per usual, remained passive.

"How'd it happen?" Krycek asked, looking back to Glass when he got nothing from Mulder. "Both he and Peggy were involved in an automobile accident out on State road."

"We'd like to speak to her, if we can," Mulder spoke.  Dr. Glass nodded and, holding up a hand to halt the agents for a moment, he began to walk over to Peggy and Billy.  His voice was soft but authoritative.

"Peggy?"

The girl stopped reading and looked up at them.  There was displeasure on her face, the book held primly in her small hands.

"Peggy," Dr. Glass continued, "We have some visitors.  Would you like to talk to them for a moment?"

After a moment, she spoke.  Her voice was quiet but had the creeping sounds of annoyance, "Billy wants me to read now," she clarified and returned to the book, reading from the pages, "'It's not sand, it's dark…'"

It was Mulder who moved first, stepping forward to kneel before Peggy.  The tenderness he showed surprised Krycek, who followed him but remained away from the group, watching with a keen eye.   Peggy looked at Mulder and tightened the grip on her book.

"Does he like it when you read to him?"

"Yes," she was so tense, her body seemingly coiled on a tight string, "Billy needs me close."

When Peggy said that she inhaled deep exchanging looks with Agent Mulder.  She glanced then over to Agent Krycek, who observed everything silently.  It was clear just from the look on her face that she didn't like /that/ agent at all.  She tightened her jaw and made a show of turning away from him and regarding Mulder again.  Then she dropped her face into the book again and started to read.  Mulder stood up and made a few short steps back to Dr. Glass.

"Doctor, I'm wondering if we can do a cursory medical exam on Peggy."

Chaos ensued.  Peggy threw down her book with a sudden surge of unexplained anger.  The action shocked the orderlies and doctors but Peggy wasn't done.  She flipped her neglected food tray and jerking in her wheelchair.  The nurses and Dr. Glass rushed over to assist, just as surprised as the agents were.

"Stop it! Stop it!" Peggy was screaming, flailing when they tried to touch her.

"No one is going to hurt you!" Mulder attempted to reassure her bit it did little.  The nurses tried to sooth her as well but were met with equal resistance.  Dr. Glass ordered something to be gotten to sedate her and one of the nurses ran to fetch it.  In her panic, Peggy's hand went to her face and when she pulled it away, she was bleeding violently.  Her screaming only increased and she managed to fling herself off her wheelchair and crashed her body to the floor.  They all went to help her, Krycek moving closer to the scene.  Mulder took the opportunity to pull up Peggy's shirt, revealing to Krycek two familiar bumps.

The shock on his face was apparent and as the nurses managed to get Peggy back up, Krycek felt angry at himself.  That's probably exactly what Mulder had wanted; he'd shown him he knew more than Krycek.  That he was always two steps ahead.  It really pissed Krycek off and when it was assured the girl was okay, he turned from the hospital room and stalked down the hall.

Mulder managed to catch up with him on the steps outside the building.

"Krycek! Krycek!" he called after him, finally falling into sync with him, "What's his name… er, Billy said he was sorry he didn't get to say goodbye."

This was the… fourth time?  Yes, the fourth time Krycek wondered if he could get away with punching Agent Mulder.

"How did you know that girl was going to have the marks?"

"Lucky guess?"

"Oh, cut the crap, Mulder!  Just cut it out.  How did you know those marks were going to be there and what else aren't you telling me about this case?"

Mulder's tone was surprisingly icy, "Why?" he asked, "So you can put it down in your little report?  I don't think you're ready for what I think, Krycek."

Krycek stopped him them, putting up an arm to halt Mulder.  The move was decidedly aggressive and the two men squared off in front of each other, each one puffed as if ready to tumble.

"I want the truth, Mulder.  I'm here to solve this case, no matter what you think.  Are you going to keep playing games or are you going to be a part of this investigation because whatever you may think… you can't do it alone."

Mulder seemed to deflate just a little but his stare was still hard, "You want the truth?  I think those kids have been abducted."

Okay, now they were getting somewhere.

"By who?" Krycek asked, letting out a breath and attempting to ease the tension between them.  Mulder seemed to be okay with that and his body language softened.

"By what," he clarified.

"You don't really believe it was aliens, do you?" Krycek smiled, he couldn't help it, "Look, I told you I have no problem with the idea of life outside of our planet, Mulder…"

"Well, do you have a better explanation?"

Krycek threw up his arms, "Uh,  maybe the girl inside of the /psychiatric/ hospital has issues with /psychiatric/ problems.  I could believe that Peggy O'Dell is suffering from some pronounced psychosis.  Now, whether that's organic or as a result of those marks, I can't say.  I'll give you that.  But, I mean… what?  You think these kids have been riding around in flying saucers?  That's… There's no evidence to support that, Mulder."

"Nothing scientific, you mean.  But there /is/ evidence, Krycek."

Krycek eyed him shrewdly and hesitated before speaking again, "There has got to be a more solid explanation, Mulder.  Look, I'm a man of numbers and certainty.  Let's look at all facts," as Krycek spoke he started marking things off with his fingers, as if counting, "We've got four victims with strange marks.  All of them died or near the woods.  They found Karen Swenson's body in the forest in her /pajamas/, okay?  Ten miles from her house.  So, if we follow that, the next question that has to be asked is: How did she get there?  What were those kids doing out there in the forest?"

Mulder was the one smiling now, "I bet you liked paint by numbers as a kid, Krycek."

"Clean, neat, step by step.  That's how I like it."

Mulder and Krycek began to walk again, heading back towards their car.  Krycek spoke as they neared it, "We've got to check out those woods.  But before we do that, I need to get something more than a bagel in me.  I'm starving."

Mulder chuckled as he went around to the driver's side, "Somehow I knew you'd say that."

final part coming soon.

[suspiciouswarriorhonmayan]

32 gekitabe :3c

Aaah I finished it. Also tagging @almightyyuna since they also requested #32. I added a part of prompt #3 into this as well.

I wasn’t sure how to end this so I’m sorry if it feels unfinished at the end.

Anyway I hope you guys enjoy! Also available on AO3.

Gekikara had thought they were coming down with something. The quickened heartbeat. The shallow breathing. Sweaty hands. Upset stomach. The painful ache in their chest.

Gekikara had gone to Sado in hopes of finding out if something was wrong with their health. But Sado and the doctor she was helping told Gekikara that their health was fine. Gekikara didn’t trust doctors but she trusted Sado, even if Gekikara was sure there was something wrong with their health.

Still, they went about their week as they normally would. Or rather Gekikara tried.

Every time Gekikara was in Rappapa’s music room, the sickly feeling returned. They had first thought that something inside of the room might be triggering an allergic reaction. But that was ruled out when the feeling persisted even outside of school.  

It clicked, when all the Rappapa members decided to go get a meal at a ramen place that Gekikara couldn’t remember the place of. Gekikara had been starving and they practically attacked their food. They had been sitting next to Otabe at the time. Gekikara had only been half listening to the conversation around them. Gekikara paused in their eating to take a sip of their water. From the corner of their eye they saw Otabe watching them. It had caught Gekikara by surprise, that they almost choked on their water.

“You have something on your face,” Otabe had said with a smile that had Gekikara’s cheeks flare up. Before Gekikara was able to do anything, Otabe reached over with a napkin and wiped their face with a gentle swipe.

There was a searing that ripped through them. It burned more than the spiciest food Gekikara had ever eaten, and she’s eaten some pretty spicy food in her lifetime. They had left the restaurant dazed, but with a sense of fear that refused to leave.

People might think they were crazy, but that didn’t mean that Gekikara was stupid. Deep down, they knew. This feeling that prickled against their skin every time Otabe would smile at them. The way their heart would skip a beat when Otabe held her hand. The overwhelming desire to press Otabe against the wall and kiss-

Gekikara slammed her head against their desk in despair. They could hear other students whispering about them. Gekikara shot them a dirty look. The small fry scattered and left Gekikara alone to the hard realization that refused to be ignored.

The only kind of sick Gekikara was, was love sick, and it downright terrified them.

Gekikara sat unmoving from their desk for a good chunk of the morning.  They had been trying to think about what to do about their current situation when they felt a hand on their shoulder.

Gekikara jumped out of their desk and caused their chair and desk to get knocked over in the process. They stood abruptly in a fighting stance. The sudden commotion drew the attention of other students who were still in the classroom.

Otabe, because of course it was her who had approached Gekikara, looked surprised at their reaction. She stood holding two bento boxes. “Gekikara, are you okay?”

Gekikara’s eyes darted around the room, suddenly aware that she made a scene. They eased their stance and mumbled a soft sorry to Otabe. “I’m okay,” they managed to say.

Otabe didn’t look like she believed them. “You missed the lunch bell, so I came to look for you.”

“Oh,” was all the response Gekikara could muster.

The was an awkward pause between them. It didn’t help that Gekikara could hear the whispers of the other students start up again. It was beyond irritating how nosy the small fry were. They growled in the other students direction, which quickly shut all of them up.

Otabe drew their attention back by grabbing their hand. Gekikara’s heart raced at the sudden contact. “Let’s go eat.”

Gekikara drew their hand away. They bit her nails nervously.

“I’m not hungry,” they mumbled. Just being this close made Gekikara’s previous thoughts of pining Otabe to wall come back in full force. Gekikara needed to get away.

Then they did the most cowardly thing. Gekikara actually ran away without so much as an explanation and left behind a confused Otabe and more gossiping students.

———————————————————————————————

If Yuko could see them now, Gekikara would be sure she’d be disappointed.  

Gekikara was currently hiding away on the roof. They didn’t bother going to class or to the music room. They completely missed lunch, which they kind of regret, but what good would it have done to have Otabe see them so vulnerable.

Gekikara pressed their head against the roof fence. Having these feelings was stupid. It’s not like Otabe would return their feelings.

Who would ever love someone like them?

Thoughts of Gekikara’s mom flooded through their mind. Hadn’t their love been rejected then?

They shook their head.

Gekikara knew they were being overly dramatic. Their friends loved them, and, of course, Gekikara loved them back just as much, but this felt different. Gekikara didn’t really know what to do about it. Making friends with new Rappapa had been hard enough, adding their feelings into the mix would just make everything awkward.

“Is this where you’ve been all day?” Gekikara turned to see Otabe leaning again to one of the pillars near the roof entrance. She raised an eyebrow at Gekikara expectantly.

Gekikara should have known that Otabe would have found her eventually. They tried to act nonchalant. “Maybe?”

Otabe strides towards them. Gekikara couldn’t help but tense up. If Otabe noticed Gekikara’s behavior, she made no comment about it.

She simply handed Gekikara a bento box she had gotten for them earlier. Gekikara took it with some hesitance. They felt bad for ditching Otabe during lunch, but their hunger won out. They muttered a small “thank you” before sitting down on a nearby bench to eat their food.

Otabe took out her own bento and sat right beside Gekikara. It seemed she had skipped lunch as well, but Gekikara didn’t know why she wouldn’t have eaten lunch without them. They gave Otabe a questioning look. Otabe only smiled. “Eating together is better than eating alone, don’t you think?”

Hearing that Otabe wanted to eat with them just made Gekikara feel a twinge of regret for skipping out on her, again.

After a few silent moments, Otabe spoke up.

“You’ve been avoiding me. Is something wrong?”

It seemed that she wasn’t going to be beating around the bush. Gekikara squirmed where they sat and couldn’t look Otabe in the eye. Gekikara could see their hands shaking. They took a deep breath and stuffed them in their jacket pockets. Otabe patiently waited for their response. Gekikara glanced at her reaction. Otabe had a soft look of concern etched in her face. “I’m-I’m afraid,” they said.

Otabe’s concern only deepened. She placed her bento box down and gave Gekikara her full attention. “Afraid? Afraid of what?”

Gekikara bit their nails. The crawling feeling of anxiety slithered through their skin. The fluttering in their stomach did not ease. If anything, as Otabe drew closer to them, it only got worse. With a shaky breath, their words slipped through their quiet exhale. “I’m afraid of you.”  

The atmosphere around them stilled. Otabe took a step back from them. Gekikara saw a flash of hurt pass over Otabe’s face, but tried to hide it behind a neutral expression. Gekikara immediately regretted their choice of wording.  

“I see,” said Otabe. Her tone sounded detached and stoic. Her smile didn’t quite reach her eyes. Gekikara scrambled for something to say to fix the mess of words they’ve made. They wished Yuko was here. At least then they could ask her what to do. But they doubted any of their friends could rescue Gekikara out of this situation.

“I don’t-I didn’t mean-” Gekikara tried to formulate the proper words but it was just coming out as a garbled mess.

“If my presence is causing you distress, I can leave.” Otabe started to pack up her lunch. She got up, but Gekikara’s hand shot out and stopped her.

“No!” Otabe stopped at Gekikara’s sudden outburst. Gekikara’s food went scattering across the roof floor.

Gekikara’s shoulders sagged. “Please, don’t leave.”

Otabe doesn’t make any moves to leave. But Gekikara could see the gears turning in her head. She interlocked her hands with theirs, while Gekikara likes the gesture, at the moment it was making it hard for them to think. “Geki, why did you say you’re afraid of me?”

Gekikara pulled away. They scuff their feet against the floor, still hesitant to look Otabe straight in the eye.The burning sensation singed her fingertips and all the way down to their toes. Otabe, ever patient, waited for Gekikara to get their bearings. “I think…I love you and it’s terrifying.”

Otabe tilted her head in thought. “Am I too terrifying to love?”

Despite the question, there was a teasing glint in her eyes. Gekikara shook their head. A blush rose to their cheeks, but they hide behind their hair. The prideful part of them didn’t want Otabe to see them blushing.

Otabe folded her arms. “Then why are you afraid?”

“Ah…”

Gekikara didn’t respond. Revealing all their insecurities to Otabe wasn’t exactly what they had in mind.

“Were you afraid I would reject you?” Otabe’s words were careful.

They gave Otabe a half-hearted shrug. Gekikara bit their lip. “It’s just….when I’m with you, it’s hard to breathe. My hands get sweaty. My stomach hurts. My chest feels heavy and I wanted to-.”

Gekikara stopped abruptly. They couldn’t bring themselves to say that they’ve wanted to kiss Otabe for awhile now. To press her hard against the fence and run their hands in her hair and sink their teeth on her lips and her collarbone. They wanted to leave her breathless as they pressed closer to Otabe.

Otabe flicked their head and brought Gekikara out of their thoughts. They blinked in confusion, but Otabe had a cheeky smile on her face. She threaded their hands together again. “Are you saying you’re allergic to me?”

Gekikara played along. They didn’t pull away from Otabe this time. “Just a little.” A grin broke through their face.

Otabe chuckled. An easy silence fell between them. The food completely forgotten as they both basked in each other’s presence. Gekikara wished they could stay like this a little longer.

But Otabe reluctantly lets go and picked up herself abandoned bento. She places it gingerly in Gekikara’s hands, since Gekikara’s own lunch was now adorning the roof floor.  Gekikara looked st her expectantly. “I won’t force you into anything. It’s okay to be afraid, but know that I’m here with you if you ever want to take the chance.”

She pressed a quick kiss to Gekikara’s cheek.

Gekikara went rigid. Their breath hitched. Their heart beating a mile a minute.

Gekikara swore they saw a hint of smirk on Otabe’s face, before she disappeared down the stairs.

As Gekikara’s spirit returned to their body, it was they who were left standing there breathless and a mess.

Oh.