#bea just nods along without hesitation | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

berrynarrybanana · 3 years

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sounds just like a song - ws pt. 3

A/N: This is a rewrite...I did not edit...and I just...might have added a few things that some people will hate me for. I love you all though :)

Warnings: Mentions of ex girlfriends, mentions of bullying, self doubt, smut for sure, alcohol obvi, and...maybe other stuff?

Word count: 10K

Watermelon Sugar masterlist

July 14, 2018 Bea’s POV

“I find it kind of hysterical that we had to sneak off to a bathroom to say goodbye properly.” I let out a series of girlish giggles, dropping my head against the door as Harry continued to kiss down my neck. “Harry-”

“I don’t want to say goodbye yet.” His words were muffled by the skin of my neck. “Give me five more minutes.”

“Champagne makes you needy.” I gasped, lifting my hips up when he bit a little harder than the few times before, his tongue immediately swiping over the skin. “Fuck, that feels so nice.”

“I bet it does.” He hummed out, his chest vibrating under my palms as he tilted his head up to nip at my earlobe. “I can’t wait to have you all to myself.”

“Believe me, I can’t either.” I pressed my palms against his chest, slightly holding him back from my body. “But you have to get to soundcheck eventually, and I have plans with the girls.”

“I know.” He sighed, raking his fingers through his hair. “I just….fuck, I think I’d take you with me everywhere if I could.”

“I’d gladly follow if I didn’t have prior engagements.” I gave him a soft smile, brushing my thumb over the collar of his shirt. “We’ll only be apart for a few hours, that’s not so bad.”

“It can be when we know our time is limited together.” He nibbled on his lower lip. “We only have until Tuesday-”

“Which means we still have three days.” I reminded him. “Besides, I’ve spoken to Claire about Saturday, and I think I might be able to sneak away.”

“Yeah?” His brows lifted, a grin pulling at the corners of his mouth. “Well, I guess it’s a date then.”

“I guess so.” I chuckled. “Now, give me one more good kiss before I go.”

Harry smirked, his dimple flashing as he leaned forward like a shark chasing after it’s prey.

🐙🐙🐙🐙

Harry’s POV

I pressed the key to my Tesla into Bea’s palm as I kissed her forehead.

“Don’t argue with me.” I whispered, glancing down at her as she squinted up at me. Her empty hand rose to her forehead, shielding her sensitive, blue eyes from the california sun . “Just take my car so you don’t have to uber around, and we can drive it home tonight from the venue.”

“But Harry.” She sighed, licking over her bottom lip as she looked back at my car. “That thing costs more than...well, everything I own.”

“Shut up.” I snorted, rolling my eyes at her before I stole another kiss. “Take it, okay? It’s just a car, and it literally can drive itself. If you have any questions about it, just shoot me a text and I’ll respond.”

“This is unnecessary, but I really appreciate the gesture.” She smiled. “Thank you for not leaving us stranded.”

“I would never.” I pressed one more kiss to her lips, my fingers squeezing her sides. “Alright, go have fun with your friends. Send me a few pictures while you’re out, yeah?”

“I will.” She took a step back, watching me with an almost sad smile. “I’ll see you in a few hours, darling.”

“I’ll see you in a few hours.” I repeated back to her. “Be safe, and have fun.”

“You too.”

I turned on my heel, checking both ways before I jogged across the street to the car Gemma and Michael drove to brunch. I slipped into the passenger side, shutting the door with a quick huff as I reached for my seatbelt. I looked across the street as Bea turned to Claire, her arms crossing over her abdomen as the wind blew her long cardigan around her body.

“She’s a wonderful girl.” Gemma gave me a smile, her eyes practically sparkling. “Mum thinks so too.”

“You’ve told Mum about her?” I asked her, pushing my sunglasses up with raised brows as Gem smiled wider. “Gemma, tell me-”

“I didn’t tell Mum, The Daily Mail did.” Gemma rolled her eyes, putting the car in drive before she pulled out of her parking spot. “The bloody paps have already sold pictures of us at brunch to the rags, and I guess a few fans got some snapshots of you and Beatrice entering and leaving the bathroom.”

“Grand.” I huffed, slumping in my seat. “I didn’t want that for her.”

“Harry, she’s a smart girl.” Gemma said. “She knows what she’s getting into with you. She might not know the extent of what she’s getting into, but she knows enough about it.”

“I just don’t want them to chase her off.” I mumbled, pulling my phone out of my pockets, pressing my finger to the home button. “She’s got such a good heart, Gemma. She doesn’t deserve to have her name raked through the mud because of some asshole like me.”

“She doesn’t think you’re an asshole, and I guarantee if I asked her right now, she would say that you're worth it.” Gemma glanced at me with furrowed brows. “Don’t be bothered by it, Harry. Beatrice seems like a strong girl, and she’s got a decent sized support group to look after her.”

I sighed, biting my lower lip before I nodded.

“Yeah, you’re probably right.” I whispered. “I just can’t help but worry about her.”

“I think that’s natural.” Gemma hummed out. “But I do have to say, this is the first time you’ve ever been worried about your bird and not yourself when it comes to being in the papers. You aren’t even a little bit annoyed that they plastered your face on the front page.”

“I couldn’t care less about myself right now.” I cleared my throat. “She’s not used to this, I am.”

“Well, maybe you should just have a talk about it.” Gemma said. “And you should definitely call Mum before she decides to fly over here to meet Bea herself.”

🐝🐝🐝🐝

Bea’s POV

“Do you think I can pull this off?” I held the maroon colored bodysuit up, twisting the hanger around as I looked at the lack of fabric. “I mean, it’s really cute, but I’m just-”

“Perfect in every way, shape, and form.” Tara pressed her hands to my shoulders, kissing my cheek as I rolled my eyes at her. “I think you would fucking kill in that thing, babe. It’s perfect for your body shape.”

“My body shape is blob, Tara.” I glanced back at her with a wild expression, shaking my head as she laughed. “What could I do for this thing?”

“You have a fucking hourglass figure.” Jackson snorted out a laugh. “And you keep it locked up all the time, so let it out.”

“But I have a tummy.” I lowered the bodysuit, turning towards my friends. “Won’t that look a little unflattering if I just walk around with my stomach sticking out? And my arms-”

“Go put the damn thing on.” Tara carefully ushered me towards the dressing room, snagging a belt and a leather jacket along the way. “Try it, I think you’ll like it.”

I inhaled sharply, pushing the velvet curtain aside before I slid it shut again. I put the items down on the bench in front of the mirror, wiping my palms on my pants as I tried to soothe my nerves. It wasn’t like I was anxious about trying on clothes, I just hated the entire process. I had to undo my shoes, slide my pants off, put the bodysuit on, and then put my pants back on. After I finished all of that, I’d have to do it over again to get redressed. I started the process, balancing my hand against the wall as I stood on one foot. It took me a few minutes, but when I finally finished getting into the bodysuit, I looked at my jeans with a heavy frown.

“Hey, Tara?” I moved the curtain aside, catching her attention. “Can you find me black jeans? I don’t think this shade of blue is gonna look good with the maroon.”

“Yeah, give me a sec.” She turned on her heel, strutting towards the jeans without a care in the world.

I pulled the curtain back before I turned to face the mirror.

The bodysuit had a bottom that was far more comfortable than any other bodysuit I’d worn. It was almost as if it had a pair of boyshorts at the bottom, the material stretchy and comfortable as I moved around. I especially enjoyed the zipper on the side that made it easy to slip on. I didn’t have to flail around like a fish out of water to pull it over my hips or to get it zipped up either. It was absolutely perfect, and the more that I looked at myself in it, the more I loved it.

I twisted and turned, looking at myself from different angles as I waited for Tara to return with a pair of jeans for me. As I turned around, admiring my bum in the pair of cheeky boy shorts, an idea popped into my head. Harry did ask me to send him pictures throughout the day so that he would feel like he was with me. I rolled my lips in, holding back a giddy laugh as I thought of sending him a picture of me in just the bodysuit. It was quite a scandalous idea to me, though I knew there were people who’d sent pictures of far more intimate things to their boyfriends.

I nibbled on the inside of my cheek as the wheels in my brain turned. On one hand, I knew that Harry would never say anything insulting to me about my picture. He would never point out a flaw, or offer a backhanded compliment. He would tell me that he loved it no matter what I sent, I knew that...but I was still nervous to show him my body in such a vulnerable state.

I didn’t even know how to pose for those types of things, and surely someone else would need my dressing room before I finished figuring out the perfect post. I hesitated, my heart beating faster and faster in my chest. I finally grabbed my phone with a heavy exhale, trying my best to expel all of the negative energy from my body as I swiped over to my camera app.

I held the phone up, tilting myself to the side before I looked at the screen of my phone.

I groaned when I saw how I actually looked in the bodysuit.

My legs were far too short, and my skin was far too pale.

I looked like an old picture of me as a chubby child in a bathing suit, my stomach pushing out ever so slightly and the skin of my thighs dimpled. I rolled my eyes, pushing away the tight feeling in my chest as I lowered my phone down. It was no use even trying to take a picture of myself for Harry. The lighting of the dressing room wasn’t exactly helping me too much either.

“If you want to take a picture, you weren’t doing it right.” Tara’s voice interrupted me, causing me to jump as I looked back at her. “You need to learn your angles, babe.”

“How long have you been standing there?” I asked, pressing my hand to my chest.

“I walked in when you started pouting at your phone.” She snorted out a laugh, tossing the jeans onto the bench. “Give me your phone.”

“I don’t think-”

“Listen to the master.” She glared at me, holding her finger in the air. ��Do exactly as I say, and we’ll get the perfect set of naughty pics for your man.”

“Tara-” I felt my cheeks growing warm, my eyes growing wide as she swirled her finger around.

“Turn around and drop it girl, Harry will literally have a heart attack.” Tara said.

“I’ve never dropped it, and I never will.” I crossed my arms over my chest. “I’m not….I don’t like my ass, okay?”

“It is one of your best features, babe.” Tara looked at me over my phone, a soft look in her eyes as she sighed. “Do you feel insecure?”

“No, I just…” I shifted on my bare feet. “I’m just not as confident as I could be, that’s all. I’m working on it.”

“I truly think this will help.” Tara said softly. “We’ll save dropping it low for the wedding pictures, okay? For now, just… turn towards the mirror and stick your left over your right...that’s perfect Bea! Now just turn your head to the side, hold your hands in front of your stomach, and glance back at me like you’re modest.”

“I am modest, you heathen.” I grumbled, following her instruction as she snapped a few pictures. “How did that look?”

“Perfect.” She said. “Your hair did a lot of work, and we got the perfect shot of your ass without making it the focus.”

“Oh my god, I don’t want to see it.” I groaned, turning towards her with a pout on my lips. “Can you see-”

“How positively exquisite you look in that bodysuit?” She asked. “Yes, you can. Now put the pants on and sit on the bench for me.”

I did as she said, sitting down on the edge before I crossed my legs. I extended them out, pressing my palms to the edge of the bench before I turned my head just like Tara asked me too. I wasn’t sure how she managed to avoid putting herself in the photo, but she did an excellent job of getting me in a raw, natural state with a smile on my face.

When we were done playing around, I changed back into my old clothes before tossing the bodysuit, the belt, and the jeans over my arm. All three articles of clothing would be going home with me, and they would carry this memory with them forever. Tara handed me my phone back with a proud smirk, the device buzzing in my hand as I noticed a picture of Harry on the screen.

“You sent them already?” I asked her. “Fuck, I’m not prepared.”

“Go take the phone call.” She said. “Give me your shit, I’ll get you checked out.”

I handed her my purse and the clothing before I answered the phone, holding it to my ear.

“Hi.” I said softly.

“You’re trying to kill me.” Harry whined out, his voice strained. “When I said send pictures, I meant ones with you doing innocent things. Now I have to wait for hours to touch you again, and all I can think about is you in that changing room.”

“I thought it might be a nice preview of things to come.” I bit my bottom lip as I crossed my free arm over my stomach. “I hope that you liked them.”

“I fucking loved them.” He said. “I plan on having them framed.”

“No you don’t.” I rolled my eyes. “No one wants to see those hung up in a gallery anywhere.”

“That’s not a bad idea…” He hummed out. “I wonder if the Guggenheim will take them?”

“Stop being so cheeky.” I tossed my head back, laughing loudly. “I allow you to put one in your wallet, so that you shall have to squint to see any flaws.”

“That just won’t do.” He tutted softly. “I’m putting them in my house, in large frames! I might even commission an artist to paint you like a little renaissance princess...but you’d have to send me one without the lacy thing for that.”

“In your dreams.” I mumbled, snorting out a soft laugh. “Have you done rehearsals yet?”

“Just about to go on stage and test it all out.” He said. “I was at the mic stand when I got those pictures by the way. I might have had to wobble off stage to take care of some things before I called you up.”

“Did you jack off to those?” I asked him bluntly. “Holy fuck, there’s no way-”

“Um, yeah, I did.” He said plainly. “My girlfriend sends me pictures of herself in lingerie, giving me bedroom eyes, and you expect me not to get hard? You’re insane.”

“You are insane.” I chuckled. “I’m happy to give a little inspiration to you in such desperate times, darling.”

“You sound so smug right now, honey.” His voice was soft, but there was a teasing edge to the tone of his voice that sent shivers down my spine. “Just you wait until I get on that stage tonight. I’ll have you dripping down your legs the second I walk out, and you know it.”

“Fuck.” I all but wheezed the word out. “Maybe I should cut my shopping trip short?”

“Now, now.” He taunted. “I don’t think your friends would like that very much, honey.”

“Alright, I’ve learned my lesson.” I cleared my throat. “Don’t tease if I don’t want to be teased back.”

“My clever girl.” he laughed. “Thank you for the pictures, honey. I think you looked positively stunning, and I really love them a lot.”

“You’re welcome.” I smiled, looking down at my feet. “I’ll see you soon, darling.”

“See you soon, Beatrice.” He whispered. “Be good.”

“Same to you.”

I hung up, taking a deep breath in attempts to hold in a squeal.

I fucking loved having a boyfriend.

🍯🍯🍯🍯

Harry’s POV

I slammed my fist into Dave’s covered palm with a loud grunt, biting down harder on my mouth guard as I ducked to avoid his right hook. I didn’t need a bruise on my face during the last show of my world tour, even if everyone would love that. I jumped back up, swinging my arm around for a side hit as Dave grunted in front of me. I took a few steps back, exhaling heavily as I heard chatter around me. I turned my head, my eyes landing on Beatrice and Claire standing by the ring. Claire was busy talking to Gemma, but Beatrice had her eyes glued on me. Just as I lifted my hand to wave, I felt a hard hit land on my ribcage, causing me to fall to the ground.

I heard Bea gasp as Dave laughed loudly.

“You shouldn’t have let your guard down, mate.” He tapped my hip with his glove. “Number one rule.”

“You prick, I was admiring my girl.” I groaned, falling onto my back. “It’s not my fault she’s so bloody gorgeous.”

“Oh my god, you’re ridiculous.” Bea’s laughter caught my attention, my head lolling to the side to see her standing at the side of the ring with one hand pressed over her lips.

“You think this is funny, huh?” I asked her, my words muffled around my guard. I turned my head to the opposite side, spitting it out before I looked back at her. “You wanna get in here and show me what you’ve got?”

“No thank you.” She laughed. “I’d rather stay down here and watch.”

“I see.” I looked up at the ceiling, trying to catch my breath before I sat up straight. I started removing my gloves, pulling at the velcro around my wrists with my teeth. “Come in here and give me a kiss at least?”

“If you insist.” Beatrice mumbled, pressing her hands onto the floor of the ring before she hoisted herself up with a small grunt. “This is too much physical exercise for me, Styles. I’ve already done one workout with you.”

“I’m just getting you prepared.” I smiled up at her as she stood over me. “I want you nice and prepped for our big workout tonight.”

“You two are disgusting.” Gemma groaned, her face twisting up. “I don’t want to hear this.”

“Bugger off then!” I laughed, tossing my hand about. “I ain’t gonna stop now, so here’s your warning.”

Beatrice dropped to her knees beside me, holding back laughter as she grabbed my arm.

“I knew you boxed, but seeing it in person is extremely erotic.” She mumbled, pulling the velcro away from the glove before she pulled it from my hand. “You’ve already seduced me, you don’t have to keep trying.”

“That goes both ways.” I let out a breathy chuckle, shaking my head at her. “What on earth possessed you to take those pictures in the changing room?”

“You.” She glanced up at me as she started to undo my wrap. “I was sitting there, looking at myself in that bodysuit...and you just popped into my head. I wasn’t gonna do it first, though. I couldn’t get a good picture by myself, so Tara helped out a little.”

“Remind me to buy her a car or something as a thank you.” I teased, bumping my shoulder into her arm. “You do know that you’re beautiful, right? Like...not to be a proper dick, but you’re one of the fittest girls I’ve ever seen in my whole life, and that’s coming from my heart and not my trousers.”

“Harry.” She laughed, shaking her head as she moved to the other wrist, her eyes avoiding mine at all costs. “You don’t have to sing such high praises-”

“Apparently I do, because you don’t seem to get it.” I whispered, sliding my free hand to her side for a quick squeeze. “You. are. Beautiful.”

I watched her cheeks turn red, her hips shifting about as she pulled the other glove off.

“I won’t stop saying it until you feel it.” I leaned closer, pressing my lips to her collarbone as she started working on the wrap. “I’ll say it a million times a day.”

“It’s not that I don’t believe you see me that way, Harry.” She mumbled. “It’s just that I can’t believe it or see it myself, you know?”

I stopped, looking at her as she continued to work on my hand.

When my wrap was fully removed, I lifted both of my palms to her face as I sat up on my knees in front of her. I brushed my thumbs over her cheeks, my brows pulling together as she swallowed harshly. I could see a light glaze over her eyes, almost as if she were going to cry.

“Who made you feel like you’re not beautiful?” I asked her, watching her eyes cast down towards her knees. “Who hurt you?”

“No one.” She mumbled. “It’s not like I can sit and point fingers at every major company or magazine that put me down because of my weight or my body. I can’t individually list every person that’s ever called me names. I can’t sit and add it all up, because that makes it worse. So I just...let it go. You should too.”

I watched her look up at me with an unsure smile, and it nearly broke my heart.

“You are perfect the way that you are.” I moved my forehead closer to hers. “Fuck them all, Beatrice. From the magazines, to the fashion industry, to the people around you that make you feel less than perfect for feeling comfortable in your own skin. I saw how much fun you were having when you took those photos, and I knew that you were feeling good about yourself...so why let those people drag you back down?”

“I don’t know.” She shrugged. “I guess that’s just how the female brain works. We take one step forward in progress and then we leap five steps back when we get a glimpse of peace.”

“Well, we’re not taking steps back anymore.” I pressed a kiss to her forehead, closing my eyes as I inhaled the scent of her shampoo. “I know it’s hard to love yourself, especially when the whole world is telling you not to, but we have each other now. We’re not alone in this.”

I watched her eyes narrow, her head tilting to the side as she stared at me.

“What?” I asked.

“Who hurt you?” She asked. “Harry, please tell me that you don’t...if anyone in this relationship is perfect, it’s-”

I pressed my lips to hers, sliding my palms to the side of her neck as she let out a surprised squeak. Seconds later, she melted into my kiss, her fingers gripping my shirt tightly as I brushed my tongue over her bottom lip. It took us seconds to find our way to the floor, her legs spreading just enough for me to slot my hips between them. I felt my hand slip down, cupping her breast over the thin, satin tank top that she put on. The soft pink color looked beautiful on her, and I was envious of the blouse as it clung to her body in such a flattering manner.

“Don’t ever do that.” I pulled back, looking into her eyes as she tried to catch her breath. “I know that the world has me on some pedestal, but I’m just Harry. I’m your boyfriend, and I’m going to make mistakes just the same as you. I’m not any better than you, Beatrice, and I never want you to feel that way. We’re equals, and I will never let you put yourself down just to build me up.”

“Kiss me.” She gripped my shoulders, pulling me into her lips again.

I felt the stirring in the lower pit of my stomach, a soft burn accompanied by the blood flowing straight to my cock. I groaned, sliding my tongue past her lips just so I could hear those beautiful noises she made in the heat of the moment. It was almost as if she couldn’t contain her feelings in her body, so they had to escape in soft hums. I felt her fingers gripping at my arms, desperate to pull me closer to her body as she shifted her hips against the mat.

I pulled away, pressing my forehead to hers as my chest heaved.

Kissing her made me more breathless than my workout.

“You’re intoxicating.” I let out a breathless chuckle, sliding my palm from her breast to her neck. I brushed my thumb over her jaw, closing my eyes. “And you smell fucking amazing, what is that?”

“I spoiled myself with a new perfume today.” She chuckled, sliding her fingers over my forearm before wrapping them around my wrist. “It’s by Chloe.”

“It smells delightful.” I ducked my head down, brushing my nose over her skin. “Like roses.”

“I think it’s called Roses De Chloe, if I’m not mistaken.” She let out a shuddery breath when I kissed over the skin of her neck. “You’re dangerous, Harry Styles.”

“You have no idea.” I chuckled, lifting my head up. “C’mon, I need to shower before dinner.”

“And I need to be present?” She lifted her brows up as I settled on my knees.

“I would prefer that you’re present.” I chuckled, reaching for my water bottle. “I want to hear about your day.”

“I suppose that’s fair.” She sighed, raising her upper half with her palms behind her on the mat.

“And maybe, I can sneak in a couple more kisses before tonight.” I watched her drop her head back, laughing until a little snort slipped out. “Just when I think you can’t get any cuter, you do something like that.”

“Oh, yes, the snort is so cute.” She rolled her head forward, sending me a blank stare. “Let’s go, casanova, you do need a shower.”

“Rude.”

🐟🐟🐟🐟

Bea’s POV

“I almost got a haircut today.” I scrolled on my phone, curling my feet under my legs as Harry continued to shower. “I mean, that’s not that interesting seeing as I didn’t, but I thought about it.”

“I think you would look cute with short hair.” Harry called over the spray of the shower. “I just don’t know what I’d do if I didn’t have something to pull into a ponytail when you’re-”

“Don’t say it.” I glanced over my phone, watching him smile at me through the steamed glass of the shower.

“C’mon, you know you’d miss that feeling.” He chuckled, sliding his abnormally large hands over his head as he tilted it back towards the spray of the shower.

“I’ve only given you one blowjob, sir.” I tilted my chin up. “I don’t know that I would miss it.”

“Giving me blowjobs or having me pull your hair?” He asked. “We can test both of those theories out right now if you want.”

“Maybe later, darling.” I rolled my eyes, glancing back at my phone. “Are you excited for tonight?”

“I am.” He said. “I’m so thrilled to get this tour over with, honestly. I love every single moment of it, don’t get me wrong, but I need some time off.”

“You’ve been a busy boy.” I nodded. “You never really took a serious break between the band and your solo stuff, squid.”

“I didn’t want to.” He said casually. “I need to be working, Beatrice. I literally don’t think I could ever stop.”

“I know what you mean.” I chuckled, shaking my head. “I mean, I’m not necessarily pulling the hours that you are, but I am a workaholic like you.”

“That’s not good.” He turned the shower off, talking through a soft chuckle as he pulled the door open. “If we’re both workaholics, who’s going to take time off to visit the other.”

“You.” I pointed at him with my phone, offering him a smile. “You’re the one on break, aren’t ya?”

“Touche.” He stepped out of the shower, reaching for the towel on the hook next to the sink with furrowed brows. “Why are you on the floor?”

“It’s comfier than sitting on the sink.” I shrugged, looking up at him. “You smell delectable.”

“Thanks.” He leaned down, stealing a kiss. “Want a taste?”

I rolled my lips in, looking into his eyes as he toweled his hair off.

“Yeah, actually.” I mumbled, dropping my phone to the floor on top of my shoes. “I might want a taste.”

Harry’s eyes snapped to mine as I rolled onto my knees, pressing my palms to his damp thighs.

“Fuck.” He whispered. “I didn’t actually think… you don’t have to.”

“I want to.” I dug my nails into his thighs, smirking when he hissed out. “Lean against the sink for me? I don’t want you to fall.”

“Okay.” He shuffled back a few steps, pressing his bum to the edge of the sink as I moved closer to him.

Harry’s eyes were glued to me as I kissed over the small tattoos on his legs.

They were mostly silly little words, but I found them adorable.

I let my right hand move from the tiger tattoo on his thigh to the base of his cock, my fingertips trailing over a vein in his shaft. I watched his cock twitch, a small drop of precum bubbling from the red tip. I was curious to know more about Harry’s body, and the things that I could do to it. He was only the second guy that I had seen naked like this, but I was proud to say that he was my favorite. I liked his cock, and I loved how it reacted to the smallest of touches from me.

“You have a very pretty cock.” I mumbled, glancing up at him as he gripped the edge of the sink with white knuckles. “It seems to like attention, huh?”

“Just yours.” He cleared his throat, shifting his hips around. “Please, angel.”

“Be patient.” I whispered, sliding my forefinger over his tip. “I’m admiring it.”

It was slowly growing harder with each second that I stared at it, my fingertips still lightly tracing over the shaft. Harry was breathing heavily above me, his chest heaving and his grip tight on the porcelain behind him. I loved watching his thighs and his tummy tense when I leaned closer, my breath brushing over the sensitive area ever so slightly. I had him wrapped already, and I couldn’t wait to test just how much willpower he had.

Part of me wanted him to tangle his fingers in my hair before pulling my mouth onto his cock. I wanted him to groan and growl out filthy words while I gasped for air. I wanted to be everything he wanted me to be while I was on my knees in front of him. I knew that he had a bit of a dominant streak in him, just like I had a submissive one in me, but we weren’t quite there yet.

“What are you waiting for?” I glanced up at him. “I thought we were testing out if I’d miss having your hands in my hair while I sucked you off?”

“You are trouble.” He lifted a hand from the sink, cupping my chin gently. “I see it in your eyes, you know? I know what you want me to do, but I won’t do it unless you beg.”

“I have no clue what you’re talking about.” I said sweetly.

“Don’t play coy, angel.” He brushed his thumb over my lower lip as he mumbled, causing me to smirk up at him. “You want me to fuck your mouth, don’t you?”

“Sounds pleasant, I suppose.” I shrugged my shoulders

Harry’s lips curved into a smirk that reminded me of the cheshire cat.

“You’re a bit of a brat, aren’t you?” He tilted my chin up higher, watching my face as I tried to contain my smile. “Sweet Beatrice, you are treading on very thin ice.”

“Am I?” I asked softly. “I feel like I’m being such a good girl.”

“You know that you’re not.”

I moan when I felt his thumb slip past my lips, brushing over my tongue before he pulled it right back out. I leaned forward, pulling it back into my mouth as Harry’s eyes turned from light to dark. I could see the intense look burning behind the soft Jade color of his irises.

“You’re teasing me again.” He let out a shuddery sigh, closing his eyes as he tilted his head back. “You’re going to be in so much trouble when I get you home.”

I pulled back from his thumb with a pop, smiling up at him as his hand gripped the base of his cock. I watched him stroke over the shaft twice, holding back soft whimpers as he did.

“Open your mouth.” He said it sternly, but I could see the hint of softness left in him.

He wanted to make sure that I was okay.

I stuck my tongue out, settling my palms on my thighs as I waited for him to finally give me what I wanted. He rested the head of his cock on my tongue, the salty taste of his precum mixed with a hint of his body wash. I closed my mouth around the head, lapping my tongue over the slit of his cock as he hissed. Seconds later, his right hand was digging into the roots of my hair.

“Your fucking mouth, angel.” He dropped his head back, letting out a high pitched whine. “Feels so good wrapped around me, Beatrice.”

I hummed softly, moving as far as I could go on his shaft.

He was thick, but not overly so, and the length of his cock was perfect for my mouth.

I could hardly make it to the base of his cock, but I was happy with making it halfway at least. I pulled back, suckling harshly when I made it to the tip. Harry’s hips jutted forward in response, causing his cock to slip right back into my mouth. I moaned around him, closing my eyes as I dug my nails into his thighs. I moved my head slowly, trying to figure out the perfect pace.

I hadn’t had much practice, but this was my third blowjob, so I liked to think I had the basics down. Harry seemed to think so too, his fingers pulling my roots tighter as he moved his hips gently in and out of my mouth. He was nowhere near my throat, and I was thankful for that. I wasn’t quite ready to test out that area of pleasure when it came to blowjobs. I didn’t know how I would handle having someone literally pushing into my throat just yet.

“I’m gonna cum.” He whimpered. “Open your eyes, Beatrice.”

I did as I was told, looking up at him.

“Use your hands and…” He inhaled sharply when I suckled on the head of his cock again before moving my lips down. “Please just play with my-”

I knew what he was trying to ask, my fingers already finding their way to his balls.

I brushed my thumb over the skin at first, testing out the waters before I started to really massage them between my fingers. Harry’s hips stuttered forward as he cursed loudly, dropping his head forward as I stared up at him. The second his glazed over eyes locked with mine, it was all over. He lowered his left hand to my head, sliding his fingers through the roots as he held himself in my mouth, his cum coating the center of my tongue as he cried out.

When he was done, he pulled himself out, and I swallowed with a scrunched up nose.

“You didn’t have to swallow.” He chuckled, reaching down to brush his thumb under my lips. “I would have moved for you.”

“It’s okay.” I shrugged. “I didn’t mind it.”

“Your face said otherwise.” He laughed a little harder. “Thank you, honey, that was really nice.”

“I’m glad you enjoyed it.” I rolled my eyes, holding my hands up towards him. “Help me up, my knees are sore.”

“Sorry.” he grabbed my hands, pulling me up to my feet. “Give me a kiss.”

“You want to kiss me?” I asked him, pulling my head back as he leaned forward. “Don’t you want me to like, brush my teeth first?”

“No.” His brows furrowed. “I want your lips.”

“But...I thought guys didn’t like…” I paused, tilting my head. “Nevermind.”

“No, finish that sentence.” he said. “You thought guys didn’t like what?”

“Kissing someone after they’ve...you know?” I felt my cheeks heat up as Harry stared back at me.

“Is that what the guy before me said? The guy that you tried this out on a while ago?” He asked softly, his thumb brushing over the back of my hand in soft circles.

“Yeah.” I mumbled. “He also kind of didn’t give me a choice on the whole spit or swallow thing.”

“He sounds like a fucking prick.” Harry’s jaw tensed as he inhaled sharply, shaking his head with a stern expression. “Don’t ever let a man treat you like that again, do you hear me? I don’t ever want you to do something because you think I’ll like it. We both have to enjoy it if this is going to work.”

“I wanted that with you.” I brushed my palms over his pecs, sliding them up to his neck. “I just...I didn’t know.”

“Well, you do now.” He leaned forward, brushing his nose against mine. “I’m a lucky bastard for being able to have your mouth like that, the least I can do is kiss you after and call you a good girl.”

“Don’t call me a good girl.” I closed my eyes, pressing my thighs together.

“S’that turn you on?” He laughed, sliding his hands to my lower back. “But you were so good for me, angel. After you were a total brat, of course.”

“That’s my favorite part.” I opened my eyes, offering him a smile. “I like being a brat.”

Harry let out a soft sigh, his lips pressed together as he tried not to smile.

“We’re going to have so much fun.” He whispered, leaning closer to my lips with his own. “I’m going to wreck you.”

“Don’t threaten me with a good time.” I snorted out a laugh, but Harry cut it off with a kiss. “You really are the type to kiss someone in the middle of-”

His lips pressed into mine again, and I melted.

🍆🍆🍆🍆

Harry’s POV

Beatrice and Claire were a force to be reckoned with.

Three tequila shots and a watermelon margarita later, and they were both ready to party. I watched Bea toss the tequila shots back like water, reaching for the lime as her nose scrunched up ever so slightly. I tried to hide the proud smile I was wearing, but it was hard to do that when my girlfriend was crushing my favorite liquor like it was water. Gemma wasn’t quiet about catching my smile either, her elbow digging into my side.

“You’re in love.” She sang out. “Look at her, like another version of you.”

“In my younger days.” I snorted, crossing my arms over my chest. “I can’t party like that anymore.”

“Yes you can.” Gemma rolled her eyes. “You’re dramatic.”

“Eh, just a little.” I smiled over at her. “Have you two been getting along?”

“We’ve talked some, yeah.” Gemma nodded, digging her spoon into a mountain of mashed potatoes. “She reminds me a lot of you in certain ways, but there’s something about her that I can’t put my finger on.”

“Something that you don’t like or?” I waited for her response as she let out a soft noise of uncertainty. “What?”

“I just think that she’s one of those people that puts her own needs aside to please everyone else, you know?” Gemma sighed. “It's not a bad thing, but it can be harmful.”

“I’ve noticed that too.” I scratched at my jaw. “But it doesn’t make me want her any less.”

“Oh, I know.” Gemma rolled her eyes. “When you fixate on someone, you’re like a fucking dog with their new favorite toy.”

“Yeah, yeah.” I bumped her shoulder with my own. “I get it, you think I’ll forget about my favorite sister.”

“You did when you were with Hannah...and Madison...and Samantha-”

“Got it.” I said sharply, glaring at her. “Gemma, I know that I’ve been a proper dick about relationships in the past, but I just...I want someone to love. Is that such a bad thing?”

“It is when you put everyone else aside and focus on someone toxic.” She was such a smart ass sometimes, and I hated it. “But I don’t think Bea is toxic. I just think she’s a little innocent.”

I snorted, but I quickly wiped my hand over my mouth.

“You’re disgusting.” Gemma narrowed her eyes at me. “I meant in worldly matters, not in the bedroom.”

“She’s pretty innocent in the bedroom too.” Claire’s voice made me jump, my hand pressing to my chest as Gemma turned her head back. “She’s still a virgin...right, Harry?”

“Oh my god.” I felt my face heat up as Claire plopped into the seat beside Gemma. “Can I see your spoon, Gem? I would like to scoop my eyes out now.”

“So many things that I didn’t need to know.” Gemma mumbled, glancing at Claire. “You’re insane, I like that.”

“Good.” Claire smiled at Gemma, reaching over to steal a green bean off of her plate. “I think you’re pretty fucking awesome too.”

Gemma laughed, shaking her head at Claire as she reached for a water bottle.

“In all honesty, she is pretty innocent, but she’s also pretty smart.” Claire said. “Even though she’s most definitely losing it with Sarah over there.”

I turned my head around, watching Sarah and Beatrice lean into each other as they both laughed. I raised my brows, looking back at Claire who just shrugged her shoulders.

“They both had an emo phase, and to them, that’s hysterical.” Claire sipped at her water. “I didn’t know Mitch’s birthday was yesterday, by the way.”

“Oh, yeah.” I nodded. “We did a pre-party for him, it was fun.”

“I feel bad for stealing his birthday thunder.” Claire pouted her bottom lip out. “Had I known, I wouldn’t have soaked up being in the spotlight light last night.”

“I’m sure Mitch enjoyed it.” Gemma said. “He’s not one for being the center of attention.”

“Very odd, isn’t it.” Claire hummed. “For both of us to be cancers, but to be so different.”

“Natal chart.” Gemma pointed her spoon towards Claire. “It makes a world of difference.”

“On that note, I’m leaving.” I stood up from my chair, pressing a quick kiss to the top of Gemma’s head before I nodded at Claire. “I’m keeping my eyes on you two tonight, you seem dangerous.”

“Wait until she starts trying to take her clothes off.” Claire moved her eyebrows, biting her tongue between her teeth.

“Oh fuck me.” I groaned, dropping my head back before I walked around the long table, heading in the direction of Sarah and Bea.

“You two look like you’re having a good laugh.” I looked between them with raised brows.

“Sarah showed me a picture of her hair in highschool.” Bea pressed her palm over her mouth, her eyes watering as Sarah laughed harder next to her.

“Oh my goodness.” I chuckled, sitting down next to them. “I haven’t seen that, let me see.”

“No, for Bea’s eyes only.” Sarah wheezed, snatching her phone against her chest. “You wouldn’t get it.”

“You’re stealing my friends.” I glanced back at Beatrice as she silently laughed, hunching over as I let out a breathy laugh through my nose. “Is this the tequila, or do I need to get you an inhaler, honey?”

“I’m fine.” She waved her hand about, taking a deep breath before she wiped under her eyes to collect the fallen tears. “I just haven’t laughed like that in a while.”

“I’m glad my hair was amusing.” Sarah giggled, patting Beatrice’s thigh. “I’ve got to go find my boyfriend, I haven’t shown him this picture yet.”

“So everyone gets to see it but me?” I watched Sarah nod as she stood up. “Rude, Sarah Jones.”

“I love you, Harry Styles.” She dropped her hand to my head, ruffling my hair. “But, no.”

Beatrice let out another round of giggles at that, and I turned my eyes towards her.

“I’ll get you for this later.” I reached over, tickling her side before she squeaked out. “You seriously can’t get any cuter.”

“Stop.” She groaned, swatting my hand away as she pouted. “I’m ticklish.”

“Good.” I chuckled. “I’ve been away far too long, where is my kiss?”

“Needy man.” She leaned forward, pressing her lips to mine. “I’m excited for the show to start, I can’t wait to see you dancing around like a fool on stage. What was it that you said earlier? You were going to have me dripping down my legs?”

I inhaled sharply as she tilted her head, kissing the soft spot below my ear.

“Claire warned me that tequila made you horny.” I brushed my palm up her thigh. “Easy there, honey.”

“Oops.” She pulled back, her cheeks practically glowing red. “I forgot about the other people in the room.”

“S’alright.” I lifted my hand, brushing my thumb over her chin. “Just don’t want to get worked up before I have to sit in the hair and makeup chair.”

“Oh, makeup!” She exclaimed. “I still have to get ready.”

“You can get ready with me.” I said. “We’ll sit side by side.”

“How cute.” She pouted again, tilting her head to the side like she’d just seen a cute puppy dog walking down the street. “You’re sweet.”

“And you’re tipsy.” I laughed. “You haven’t eaten yet, have you?”

She shook her head. “I was waiting for you.”

“C’mon, let’s grab a plate or two and figure out what we want.” I reached for her hand, standing up before she followed suit. “One more kiss?”

“Okay.” She pressed up on her toes, kissing my cheek. “Oh, I wonder if you have fries around here somewhere. You know the old saying, fries before guys.”

“Excuse me.” I followed behind her as she giggled, shaking my head. “No, it’s guys before fries here.”

I was going to have my hands full with this one.

🍟 🍟 🍟🍟

Bea’s POV

When I walked out of the bathroom, pulling my faux leather jacket on, my jaw nearly hit the ground. I stopped in my tracks, looking at Harry with parted lips and wide eyes as he turned around and held his arms out for Lambert. I watched him shrug his jacket on, shimmying his shoulders until it rested comfortably on his frame. Harry looked up at me, shooting me a grin that made me knees feel wobbly. I cleared my throat, adjusting my own jacket before I walked closer to him with sweaty palms and a frog in my throat.

“You look gorgeous.” He leaned forward, holding my elbow with his massive hand before he pressed a kiss to my temple. “Have you put on the lacy thing for me?”

“Yeah, I have.” I sucked in a breath as he lifted the lapel of my jacket, his eyes burning when they landed on the bodysuit. “Better in person?”

“Much.” He mumbled, glancing up at me with a lopsided grin, his dimple just barely visible. “If there weren’t other people in this room, I’d kiss the breath right out of your lungs.”

I pressed my lips together, holding back a groan as his voice dropped.

“Sadly, there are plenty of people!” Lambert interrupted. “And I refuse to see this shirt ruined by that gorgeous red lipstick you’ve got on, Beatrice. What is that?”

“Um, Revlon.” I said softly. “I think the shade is Black Cherry or something like that.”

“Revlon.” Lambert muttered. “You wear it well, darling.”

“Thank you.” I felt my cheeks heat up as Harry smiled at me, almost as if he was proud of my ability to impress his friends.

“Now, you two are off to watch Kacey’s set, but please be careful with the jacket.” Lambert brushed his hands over Harry’s arms. “We don’t want too many sequins gone before your set.”

“I’ll try to keep the dancing to a minimum.” Harry laughed, shaking his head at Lambert. “Thanks for being such a wonderful addition to the team, mate. I don’t know what the fuck I would done without you.”

“Probably would have worn those dreadful black skinny jeans on stage for the entire tour.” I tried to hold back my laugh, slapping my palm over my hand at Lambert's words. “And those chelsea boots, the tan ones? I’m getting nauseous thinking about it.”

“Oi, I was fit!” Harry exclaimed. “I pulled it off well, didn’t I Bea?”

“There was a reason Niall was my favorite.” I shrugged.

“Excuse me?” He blinked at me, his face blank. “Niall looked like a fucking frat boy-”

“You had a phase.” I pointed out. “You all went through a frat boy phase with your snapbacks and your cut off shirts.”

“But I was the only one who pulled it off well.” He held his finger up, waving it about. “Niall was nowhere near as attractive as I in the snapback.”

“You fucker!”

Harry and I snapped our heads around at the new voice in the room.

The second I lay my eyes on the dirty blonde Irishman, I felt like my heart was going to fall out of my ass. Niall stood there in the doorway with his hands held up, a look of mock offense on his face. I turned to Harry, my jaw practically on the floor as he stared at his old mate.

“Niall!” Harry said. “You made it, lucky charms!”

“I heard what you said, Styles.” Horan pointed his finger, putting on a fake angry expression before his eyes darted towards me. “Is she alright?”

Harry looked back at me, his brows raised as I looked between him and Niall, my finger weakly pointing at my childhood crush.

“That’s Niall Horan.” I said softly as Harry walked up to me. “That’s Niall Horan.”

“Okay, let’s breathe.” Harry chuckled, brushing his hands over my biceps, holding me in place as I tried to peer around him. “I’m offended that you weren’t this shell shocked when we met.”

“You aren’t Niall Horan.” I said, looking up at him. “That’s….I had such a huge crush on him.”

Harry ducked his head down, his breath tickling my ear.

“Do I need to take you into the bathroom and remind you who you’re here for?”

I felt my eyes flutter shut, a soft whine catching in my throat as Harry nipped at my earlobe before pressing a quick kiss to my pulse point. I almost felt dizzy when he lifted his head up with that dazzling smirk on his lips. I cleared my throat, shifting on my feet.

“Answer me.” He said. “Do you need that?”

I opened my mouth, but no words came out.

“Oh, angel, you look flustered.” He cooed, brushing his knuckles over my cheek.

“I’m good.” I cleared my throat, willing my voice to go back to normal. “I was just a little shocked, that’s all.”

“Gimme a kiss.” He puckered his lips out dramatically, and I let out a breathy laugh. “There she is.”

I pressed up on my toes, kissing his cheek.

“Sorry.” I mumbled, avoiding his gaze. “I just...he just popped up out of nowhere. I need a warning for these kind of things.”

“Next time I’ll sing a good ol’ pub song while I’m walking down the hall so you know I’m coming for you, love.” Niall laughed at himself, and I couldn’t help but laugh along as Harry turned around with an unamused expression. “You gonna introduce us, Styles?”

“This is my girlfriend, Bea.” Harry slipped his hand over my back. “Beatrice, this is Niall.”

“Hi.” I held my hand out, but Niall swatted it away before opening his arms.

“I like hugs.”

“She’s not hugging you.” Harry held me back, scowling at Niall.

I turned my head back to look at Harry, my lips pressed together and my brows raised as if to say ‘oh, really?’ to his comment. I could hug whoever I wanted, and right now, I wanted to make Harry jealous by hugging Niall fucking Horan.

“I’m hugging him.” I said, moving closer to Niall. “Don’t be sour.”

“He is a bit of a sour patch kid, isn’t he?” Niall laughed as I wrapped my arms around his middle, giggling when he tossed his arms around my shoulders. “I can’t believe Harry’s got himself a decent girl.”

“You just met me, you don’t know that I’m decent yet.” I pulled back with a laugh, retreating to my spot next to Harry. “But I’ll take the compliment all the same.”

“Thatta girl.” Niall winked at me before stuffing his hands in his pockets, turning towards Harry with a bright smile. “I’m excited to see your show tonight.”

“It’s gonna be weird, knowing that you’re out in the crowd watching instead of performing with me.” Harry blew out a nervous breath, shaking his head. “And it doesn’t help that you’re not the only one here. Liam is coming tonight, fucking Kendall will be here...I’m pretty sure a few other people will be here tonight too.”

“Well, Kendall is fucking tone deaf, so I don’t think she’ll notice if you fuck up.” Niall cackled, tossing his head back. “And I doubt you’ll fuck up at all, you’re a star mate.”

“So are you, Horan.” Harry reached out, tapping Niall’s shoulder. “I’ve missed you.”

“Yeah, I’ve missed you too.” Niall’s voice was softer, a happy smile still on his face. “Can’t believe it’s already been two years apart.”

“I’m gonna cry.” I whispered, waving my hand in front of my eyes as they started to water. “I’m having flashbacks of the History music video, I don’t need this today.”

“You got yourself a fan.” Niall asked, his brows shooting up towards his hairline. “Is that why she was so wigged out a second ago?��

“Yeah.” I spoke up. “You were my favorite.”

“I was?” Niall asked, his head tilting to the side. “Am I not anymore.”

“I mean…” I turned towards Harry, sliding my arm around his waist before I looked back at Niall with a small giggle. “Look at this one, mate! He’s so dreamy and he’s romantic.”

“I can be romantic.” Niall exclaimed.

Harry snorted, turning his head to spit out a fake cough to save himself.

“What was that for?” Niall said. “I can be romantic!”

“Sure, mate.” Harry reached out, patting Niall’s shoulder again as a knock sounded at his dressing room door. “Oh look, more people.”

I turned my head to the doorway, suddenly intimidated by the three women walking in.

Claire, Kendall, and Hannah (Harry's most recent ex) walked in together.

I automatically felt inferior to them, and not just because I was much shorter.

Even my own best friend fit in better with that group than I did, her perfect brown skin and long legs practically identical to the other two women. Harry clearly had a type for summer goddesses with a knack for modeling, and it made me wonder why he didn’t pick Claire over me. They would have made such a beautiful couple.

“I want you to meet Kenny.” Harry squeezed my side. “She’s a good friend of mine.”

“Sure.” I gave him a tight smile, swallowing my nerves as I felt my palms sweat.

I didn’t know a lot about Kendall or her family, but I never heard anything good.

I also didn’t know how to talk to someone of her status.

“Ken!” Harry said her name so casually, like he was used to calling it out. “I’d like you to meet someone.”

Fuck.

She set her eyes on me, scanning me from head to toe before plastering on a smile and strutting over in her mega high heels. I owned a pair similar to hers, but mine came from Walmart, and hers were probably from Dior. She stopped in front of us, affectionately touching Harry’s bicep with a soft hell before she turned to look down at me.

“Hi.” She said. “I’m Kendall.”

“Beatrice.” I stuck my hand out to her nervously, but she just looked at it. I had a feeling that she wasn’t a hugger like Niall. “Um, you can call me Bea though.”

“Bea.” She nodded as I pulled my hand back. “Where did you two meet?”

“At a bar last night.” Harry laughed softly, squeezing my side as he shot me a wink. It eased my nerves just a little. “Swept her right off of her feet.”

“So that is how we’re telling the story?” I chuckled, turning my attention towards him instead of the nerve wracking situation in front of me. “I suppose you’re not entirely wrong.”

“I never am.” He sighed dramatically, pursing his lips before he leaned in for a quick kiss. “So, Ken, where’s your man tonight?”

Oh, thank god.

“He’s just talking shit with Jeff, I think.” She turned her head, scanning the dressing room before she rolled her eyes. “I honestly don’t want to see his face tonight, he’s being annoying.”

“Oh no.” Harry laughed softly. “What have you done?”

“Me, I did nothing?” She pressed her fingers to her collarbone, scoffing playfully. “I merely said we should vacation in Mykonos with my family-”

“There it is.” Harry interrupted.

“What’s wrong with vacationing with my family?” Kendall asked, tilting her head to the side with a frown. “Everyone loves it!”

“No, they don’t.” Harry shook his head. “I remember your Mum made us-”

He stopped, shifting on his feet as he looked at me.

“Don’t mind me.” I said. “You can keep talking, I can go find Claire or-”

“That would be great-”

“Don’t go-”

Harry and Kendall spoke at the same time, and I rolled my lips into my mouth as they both looked at each other in shock.

“Um, well,” I stuttered, slowly pulling myself from Harry’s arm. “You clearly need a moment, so I’m just gonna go somewhere that isn’t right here.”

I turned, walking towards Claire and Niall like there was a fire under my ass.

“Oh my god.” I whispered, grabbing Claire’s arm. “I feel like I was just met the fucking queen or something! I mean, the way she looked at me, Claire-”

“She’s not very nice.” Claire laughed, sliding her arm around my shoulder. “It’s alright though, I’m a much better model than her and I plan on dragging her ass down the runway one day.”

“Thank you.” I squeaked out, letting out a laugh as Niall chuckled in front of us. “Sorry, I know you’re probably friends with her too, I just-”

“Not friends.” Niall said, shaking his head. “Never have been, never will be.”

“Fair.” I sighed, taking a few deep breaths. “Oh, Claire, it’s Niall!”

“Yeah, we’ve been chatting for a minute over here babe.” She laughed. “He introduced himself.”

“Right.” I laughed nervously. “There’s a lot happening.”

“You need a break?” Niall asked. “Because the three of us can sneak off for a drink, I doubt anyone will notice we’re gone.”

I turned my head, looking at Harry as he laughed with Kendall and Hannah.

It hurt just a tiny bit to see him so chummy with his exes, but who was I to judge.

“Yeah, that sounds nice.” I turned back to Niall with a fake smile. “Let’s go.”

Harry’s POV

“So, what’s the deal with this new girl?” Kendall asked. “She’s...different.”

“I don’t like what you’re insinuating.” I said slowly, my brows pulling together. “Why did you say it like that?”

“She just, doesn’t seem like your type.” She shrugged, brushing it off as if it was no big deal. “I haven’t seen you with someone like her before.”

“Kenny has a point.” Hanna interrupted, looking at me with raised brows. “You don’t typically go for her type.”

“Okay, you’re both being vague and annoying.” I let out a frustrated huff. “What are you getting at?”

“She’s not stepping on the cover of Vogue anytime soon.” Kendall shrugged. “That’s all.”

“Because-” I waited for them to speak, but they both glanced at each other.

“Well, she’s bigger than what you normally go for, and she’s a little plain.” Hannah said. “It’s not really like you to downgrade.”

“Right.” I let out a bitter laugh, lifting my hand to scratch at my jaw as I felt anger boiling up from my chest to my throat. “Fuck you...both of you. I don’t know where you get off insulting someone you don’t even know, but that shit doesn’t matter to everyone. Beatrice could put a paper bag over her head, and it wouldn’t make me want her any less. Do you know why?”

They both stared at me as I waited for an answer.

“Because she has a fucking heart, and a beautiful mind.” I snapped. “You two are a bunch of gossiping trust fund babies with no morals.”

I turned around, stalking towards the door of my dressing room without second thought.

I slammed it behind me before I turned down the hall, walking straight for catering.

When I walked into the room, Beatrice was sitting between Niall and Claire sipping on a watermelon margarita with pink cheeks and a bright smile. I felt my anger dissipate in my chest, her laughter distracting me from the cruel words replaying in my head. I let out a sigh, feeling my shoulders slump before I walked towards the cheerful group.

“Hey.” I said, dropping into the seat next to Bea’s. “I missed you.”

“Did you?” She asked me, squinting playfully with pursed lips. “You seemed like you were having fun.”

“It was dreadful, believe me.” I leaned closer, stealing a kiss from her. “Are you having fun?”

“So much.” She smiled, kissing me once more. “I can’t wait to get out there though. I think Kacey is on in ten minutes.”

“Sounds right.” I let out a breath, pressing my palm to Beatrice’s thigh. “Finish up your drink, honey. I’ll have Larissa make us more before Jeff takes us to the side stage.”

“Okay.” She gave me a bright smile. “Thank you.”

“For what?” I asked, tilting my head to the side curiously.

“For being so sweet.” She mumbled. “I adore you.”

My heart practically screamed in my chest, the hairs raising up on the back of my neck as I felt my lips pull into a huge smile. I let out a giggle, ducking my head down as my cheeks warmed.

Beatrice brushed her fingers over the back of my neck as I moved closer to her, wrapping my arms around her the best that I could from my chair.

“I adore you, too.”

#honeybee #harry styles fanfiction #harry styles fanfic #harry styles imagine #harry styles one shot #harry styles fic #harry styles x ofc #harry styles series #harry styles multi-chapter fic #harry styles smut #harry styles fluff #harry fluff #harry smut #harry angst #tw: kendall jenner #tw: bullying

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nelllraiser · 3 years

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of the same blood | luce & nell (ft. ???)

SUGGESTED LISTENING: if i go, im goin’ & deep end. TIMING: the night of beltane, following these. ( 1 ) ( 2 ) LOCATION: the vural home. PARTIES: @divineluce and @nelllraiser. SUMMARY: the sisters remember that they don’t always have to do things alone. CONTAINS: sibling death mentions, sibling death grief.

Hair still damp from the shower, Luce made her way to the kitchen to grab a beer from the fridge. The house was quiet, though it was almost always quiet now. Ever since Bea had gone to New York with Felix, the house felt empty without her presence. Just like it had felt nearly a year ago. Fuck. A year ago. A year ago, she’d been… she’d been at the Beltane ritual with Nell. They’d watched August fall, she’d held her flames to his face, threatened him. She should have killed him, she’d done the right thing. She’d hesitated, she’d shown mercy. No. No, no, no. What was done was done. She couldn’t go over the what if’s, not any more. Shutting the refrigerator, Luce grabbed a glass from the cupboard and the whiskey from the bar. She wanted something stronger than beer. Popping the cap off, Luce poured herself a generous glass of whiskey and took a long sip. She leaned against the kitchen island, hands cradling the glass. What’s done was done. The past was behind her. Life went on. Life went on. But the echoes of the past still remained.

Nell had stayed in her tree until the flames of the coven’s fires had turned to ash, and every spellcaster had left the clearing empty. A desperate part of her had wanted to go up to where the bonfires had been burning— to touch the ash and see if it was still warm. But at least she’d had enough self-respect to prevent herself from doing so, taking the long route home instead. She hadn’t yet realized that the cinders of the fires had flown up into her roost in the branches, leaving a few smudges on her face as she walked through the door and into Luce’s party of one. The sight of whiskey was a welcome one, and the younger sister wasted no time in grabbing herself a glass before leaning next to Luce. “Are you going to share?” She didn’t want to think of the past anymore tonight, but as she looked at the liquor in Luce’s hand she couldn’t help but remember the memorial drinks they’d raised to Bea nearly a year ago. Could this be the same bottle of liquor? No, she was pretty sure Luce had downed the rest of that spirit when she’d gone out to set the trees ablaze.

The smell of smoke was what caught Luce’s attention, moreso than the sound of the door opening or even the sight of her younger sister walking in. It was the familiar scent of fire, fueled by magical intent. It was the scent of home. Of family. Had Nell been to the coven? She couldn’t have been there, there was no way. The excommunication had fallen like an iron curtain between them and the rest of the coven, final and unyielding. “Nope.” Luce said as she poured Nell a glass of whiskey. “Ice?” She asked, sipping again from her own glass. The whiskey burned, hot and familiar, but not in the way that she wished to burn. She wanted her fire back. She wanted her life back. But that was never going to happen. “So, what have you been up to?” She asked, wiping at her own forehead purposefully.

Nell’s eyes rolled in response to Luce’s brief answer, though she wasn’t surprised in the least. It wasn’t as if she’d expected her sister to have suddenly become the waitress of her dreams, despite Nell’s best efforts to make her one ever since she could string a sentence together. Still, there was whiskey in her glass, so Nell was happy. Or...as happy as she could be after witnessing a scene she wanted both to be a part of, yet have nothing to do with. “Yes, ice.” Hopefully the chill of it would wake her up a little in addition to the sting of the whiskey, bringing some life back into the numbness that had set into her bones on the walk home. A brief look of confusion settled on Nell’s face as she mindlessly mirrored Luce’s motion, taking the hint as she rubbed her own hand across her forehead. When it came away with a smudge of black she knew she’d been caught. A sigh later and she was taking a long drink of her glass before answering. “Oh you know- just sitting in trees in the forest.” She knew the answer wasn’t the one her sister was looking for, nor one Luce would accept. “I just went out to see Beltane or whatever. Mom sends her love,” she finished sarcastically, an age old shield from the true weight of the words.

Turning to the freezer, Luce grabbed a few cubes from the ice box and dropped them into the bottom of Nell’s cup, careful to set them in before they could melt against her skin. She stared at the amber liquid in her glass, thinking about drinking from the same glasses last year. That night, that terrible fucking night when she’d learned that Bea was dead. The night that she had learned that someone had killed her sister without a second thought. And she’d tried to drown the ache in her heart with whiskey, to burn it from her soul with fire. It hadn’t worked. None of it had worked. Even now, even with Bea returned to the world, she still couldn’t shake the hollow sense of loss. Particularly not on days like this, when she remembered just how different life had been one short year ago.

Luce raised an eyebrow skeptically at Nell’s words, but the expression shifted to shock when she admitted to what she’d been doing. “You went to the ritual?” She repeated. “Nell…” Why had she done that? If she’d been caught, the consequences would have been severe-- they were exiled from the coven, banished for practicing necromancy. What would she have had to gain by going and risking her neck like that? “Why’d you go?” She asked.

Bea was in the living world once again, but her ghost was one that still constantly haunted the sisters, forcing Nell to live her future as if she were doing it from the past. Almost a year ago she’d barely been able to come into the kitchen let alone stand in it to have a whiskey along with Luce. It had been Bea’s place, it was still her place even as the eldest sister was off in New York along with Felix, hopefully living her new life to the fullest. But it was nights like these that made it hard to remind herself that Bea was still alive when she wasn’t here in the flesh to remind Nell. The witch looked to the scars on her arms, the ones she’d earned from Bea’s resurrection to make it more real. The scars were here, so Bea was here...even if she wasn’t here with them.

Why had she gone to the ritual? Nell hadn’t particularly planned on it until she’d found herself walking the familiar path, and climbing her hidden tree. “Habit?” she joked stupidly, as if she could blame her actions on the fact that they were the same ones she’d been doing on this day for as long as she could remember. “I didn’t go, go. I just sat in a tree where no one could see me and watched.” She’d felt like something of a vulture, perched in the leaves as she feasted on whatever scraps of gathered magical intent managed to fly her way. But again— she knew Luce would want a better answer than that. No more secrets. That’s what they’d promised one another after the youngest witch’s secrets had killed the eldest. “I don’t know…” she grumbled a bit more sincerely. “I just wanted to see it.” Did Luce miss their coven in the same agonizing way of knowing it was wrong to want something that didn’t want them?

Luce snorted at Nell’s initial answer, knowing it was a knee jerk reaction. Because that’s how Nell played the game-- she joked. She made fun of herself, brushed things off with a silly joke or some off-beat observation. It was what she’d always done to keep the focus off her problems. And Luce knew that. She’d always known it. But, she’d never really cared to call her sister out on it because, fuck, she had her own ways of brushing people away. They were a result of their mother’s singular bid for perfection with Bea and it showed. Tracing a triangle against the cool marble countertop, Luce mulled over Nell’s words. She’d stayed hidden, even though that must have hurt even more. To be so close you could hear the words, feel the magic in the air, smell the smoke and ash in the wind?

A lump formed in the back of her throat and she nodded once. “I wish I’d gone with you.” Instead, she’d run to the woods. Just like she always did. She’d run to the woods before, separating herself from her family for years and now she wished she could take that time back. Five years. Five years, she’d lived in this town but never realized just how much she had. She’d been selfishly devoted in her pursuit of what? One upping her sister who’d never wanted to make their shared existence a competition? “We’ve only got each other. And Bea-- always Bea. But… for now, it’s just us.”

Luce’s answer was one that surprised Nell, still not all that used to the concept of doing things as one with her sisters rather than apart— even nearly a year after being reminded that they were a unit of three, broken when the circle was disrupted. “We could go back, if you want. I bet the ashes are still warm. You know...together.” But even that felt like the wrong answer. They were supposed to be moving forwards, not going back. Alone, Nell could barely remember to pluck herself from the past, but alongside her sister it was easier to see that a return to what they’d had before wasn’t a path that led onward in the least. “Or...or we could…” Nell trailed off uselessly, still not knowing how to step into the shoes of someone who knew how to move on, even if she’d just barely started to realize that by obsessing over things that were done, she might be left behind along with them. But the lessons those things had taught...those were what she couldn’t let go of— the things she needed to remember to ensure that nothing like what had come to pass ever happened again. She just hadn’t figured out to sift through them, didn’t know how to pick up the pieces she could carry without strapping the rest of it onto her back, inevitably crushed under the weight of it when it proved to be far too much to handle.

Still, Nell nodded at the mention of Bea, knowing Luce’s words were true. They were another reminder of the most important thing they’d stumbled upon in losing one of their own. They’d found each other along with the knowledge that so long as there were two of them standing alongside the other...they would manage. “I know. And I’m- I’m glad you’re here. And I want to do something with you tonight- I really do.” She still had plenty of time to be with Luce before she went to see Adam for the rest of the evening. “I just...I miss her, too. I miss Bea.” It was hard to remind herself that she and Luce were two, when she could barely remember that all together they were three.

Nell was trying. She was trying so hard. And Luce knew that, they both knew it. They both knew how hard it was, being cast out from everything they’d ever known. Growing up, the coven had been a second family to her, the other members helping to raise the three of them alongside their parents. But they had been banished from the coven. Locked out of one of the only places that could ever understand who they were. It was only now that Luce realized just how much she’d taken the coven for granted and how much she truly valued the community they’d grown up in. As much as she would have loved to go back, to try and reclaim what was lost? “We can’t. We can’t do that and you know it too. We’re not… We can’t get the old days back and trying will only make it worse.” She shook her head. The words made her heart ache, because there was nothing more that she wanted to do than to go to the ritual spot, to see the familiar grounds, to see the ashen remains of the Beltane celebration. But there was no going back to the way things had been. Life moved on. And she was trying her best to be at peace with that. She just hoped that Nell could too.

Taking another long sip from her glass, Luce offered a weak smile. “You better be glad I’m here.” She joked, though a part of her wondered if she could actually do it. Could she ever leave this place? Could she ever leave Nell? She’d done it before and hated herself for leaving. She’d abandoned the people she’d cared about for a month, left them at the mercy of this town-- this fucking town. She couldn’t do it again. She wouldn’t. She’d stay by Nell’s side for as long as her sister needed her, wanted her. And when Bea returned, she’d stay by Bea too. “I want to do something too. I… I went into the woods earlier today. By myself.” She said with a shake of her head. “I’m still trying to break the habit of doing shit alone. But yeah. I’d like to do something with you too.” At the mention of their sister, Luce let out a sigh before looking around the kitchen. She could see echoes of her sister still lingering in this space. Bea, cooking at the stove, music playing from a speaker as she watched a pot on the stove. Drinks shared late at night in the corner nook, the three of them tipsy and giggling. Remnants, that was all they were left with now. “Yeah. I miss her too.”

The house they lived in was haunted, but not in the traditional White Crest sense of ghosts and ghouls. They’d lived some of their worst moments in these walls— couldn’t look at certain corners of it without being thrown back into the memories of a year ago. The feeling was only exacerbated by the missing sister of their trio, Nell constantly needing to remind herself that Bea would cook in this kitchen again, that the home would fill with the eldest daughter’s spirit sooner, or possibly even later rather than never. “If you weren’t here I sure as hell wouldn’t be,” Nell answered with a chuckle, perhaps a little too honest in her attempt to be brief. But it was true. The house was only bearable because Luce was in it. Living together was good for both of them despite the fact that it ended out days in shouting matches as often as it did with laughter. Sisters would be sisters, and Luce gave Nell a grounding that she desperately needed simply by being here. She couldn’t know for certain whether the same could be said for Luce, but she suspected as much. They needed one another whether they wanted to or not. And Nell wanted to. “Then let’s do something. It’s not like we can’t go out and make our own bonfire, right? I’m sure Taki would be more than happy to provide some flames.” She didn’t want to poke at her sister’s struggle with her magic, but figured addressing it off the bat was a decent method of getting it out of the way. “How was...the woods for you? You know I’m shit at doing stuff together too, sometimes. But I think the fact that we’re trying is something, right? And I mean...I appreciate it- knowing that you’re trying and stuff.” As for Bea… “What do you think she’s doing today? Maybe we could FaceTime her or something if we decide to burn something.”

As for going back to days past, Nell knew it wasn’t something she should be doing. “It’s not even necessarily that I want the days back I just-” She didn’t know how to find a balance between bitterness and longing, the two so thoroughly wrapped up in one another she could barely tell them apart when it came to the coven and the rest of her family. It felt as if she’d hit the ground running last year and just...never stopped running. And now it was too late to adjust— she didn’t know how to slow down and force herself to find a new normal that didn’t make her sneer in judgement at both those she’d lost as well as herself for missing them. “I can’t even figure out what I want.” How could she give herself the peace she sought, when she didn’t even know what peace she was looking for?

Luce let out another wry chuckle and nodded in agreement. If Nell wasn’t here, Luce wouldn’t be here either. She’d be back at her cabin, most likely. Living there, staying in the woods. Isolating herself from the world again, but without the coven this time. She would be truly alone, without either of her sisters at her side. Even if Nell still lived in the town, even if Bea was still alive and breathing and walking on this plane, she would be alone. And Luce wasn’t sure if that was the right thing for her now. Losing her sister, losing her family, losing her coven-- did she really want to lose more? “Yeah, neither would I. This place… it’s hers, you know? At the end of the day, it’s Bea’s.” She said, gesturing to the kitchen around them with her whiskey glass. It was Bea’s through and through. Every wall and fixture, it was a part of their sister. And living here without her in it, was… hard. Because they had to live with the memory of those terrible, silent weeks without her. “I like the sound of a bonfire though. It’d be nice to do something like that here. And hey, it gives Taki the opportunity to cut loose.”

At her sister’s question, Luce mulled over her experience. “It was… peaceful. Good, in its own way. Reminded me of the purpose of Beltane, you know? Spring turning to summer, the seasons passing. Life moving on. It was grounding. Sometimes I just get so stuck on how things used to be,” How I used to be, “That it gets hard to remember that life is always going to change.” She said. At Nell’s mentions about doing things together, Luce shrugged. “None of us are great at doing things together. But yeah. I’m glad we’re trying too. And I know that you’re doing your best, Nellie.”

Listening to Nell speak, Luce rolled her glass between her hands contemplatively. “And that’s okay too. It’s okay to not know what you want.” She nodded. “I’m not going to pretend like I know what’s going to happen or that things will work out for the best. Because they might not.” Luce’s fingers flexed, the absence of her flames even more present than normal, “But I’ve got faith in you finding your way. Might not be tomorrow or even a year from now, but you’ll find it.” Tossing back the last of her whiskey, Luce glanced at her phone, “Yeah, FaceTiming Bea might be a good idea. I’m betting she’s gone full nocturnal living with Felix.”

Nell nodded as Luce outlined the ways in which this place belonged to Bea. “Yeah...it really is her’s.” Even before she’d died, the sisters had only owned spaces of it, holed the bits of them up into their rooms to make their own little homes within a house. And Nell hadn’t minded. Not when Bea was here to liven the spaces up with her own energy, and there’d been only good memories that filled the walls. But living here without Bea felt as if she were stuck in that month long hell of getting their sister back— a tape that simply looped over on itself countless times as Nell was forced to stare at the screen. How was she meant to move forwards when she lived in a place that forced her to relive the worst days she’d had? She couldn’t move on with her life when she was still stuck in the one she’d been living a year ago.

“Oh absolutely. It’s been a minute since Taki got to really go to town. And I bet Iggy’d have fun too what with all his...frustrations as of late.” Nell snickered at the tail end of her words, not to subtly alluding to the familiar’s horny mating season state. “But I mean...like witch, like familiar, I guess.” A somber air returned to her as she listened to Luce, happy that her sister had begun to find her peace. There was a flare of envy trying to work its way into her throat, but Nell tamped it down before it could truly surface, unwilling to risk this moment and future that Luce so thoroughly deserved. “I’m glad you got to do it for yourself- even if it was hard in a way. But I guess you’re right about the change and stuff.” A half-smile showed up on Nell’s lips as Luce granted the affirming words. “And I know you’re doing your best, Lulu.” They were trying, and that’s what mattered most.

Perhaps it was okay that Nell wasn’t sure of what she wanted, but she wished she could pin it down nonetheless. It was exhausting having the things she wished for constantly trying to battle one another for dominance, and she wasn’t sure how much longer she’d be able to stomach if before making a choice born out of simply wanting it all to end. Still— at least she had Luce’s faith in her, which was more than she’d ever gotten from their mother. “Thanks, Luce...really. You’re usually pretty dumb, but sometimes you’re kinda smart, I guess.” The heavy tone of the evening was settling into something else as they spoke of Bea and bonfires, and a full chuckle found Nell’s head titling along with it as she spoke. “You know how she only wears white, now? I bet she’s so fucking pale she’ll blend right in with her shirt on the screen. Here— I can just call her now, and we can laugh at how much of a vampire she looks like.” Tugging her phone out of her pocket, Nell clicked on Bea’s name, waiting for her sister’s face to show up on the screen.

If there was anything Bea was certain of, it was that her sisters were finding a way to make this holiday far more morose than it needed to be. It was their first Beltane being outside of a coven, but Bea had not celebrated with the Coven before. She knew they didn’t need a coven to make the holiday and she would teach her sisters. Her fingers had been twisting through Felix’s hair in the dark comfort of their bedroom when she thought of her sisters alone, stumbling through this new terrain. She had left White Crest to find herself in a new light, to learn to keep her chin up with the new crown of shadows she had obtained, and she had. There was no part of Bea that felt broken or wrong any longer. She had been put back together and for too long she felt the tug of the stitches holding her, but now that tug was no longer felt. Her skin was her own, stitches and all. Beatrice Vural had evolved and grown, she had become something no one had expected. She was as much a monster as anyone else in White Crest and that was the only reason she could drive her car across the boundaries of town. Wicked’s Rest had missed her and she had missed it, but before she made her reappearance in town, she had sisters to celebrate with. Her phone began to vibrate in her purse as her keys slipped into the familiar lock of her home. She swung open the door, lowered her sunglasses as her cherry red lips split into a grin. “If this is how we’re celebrating this year, I should have stayed in New York.”

#// GUEST WRITER WAS SUCH A TREATTTT #shoutout to my bestie <3 #sibling death tw #wickedswriting #ch:luce #chatzy

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wizardofrozz · 3 years

Text

The Perfect Pair

Warnings: swearing, mention of implied future smut

Pairing: Loki x OFC

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Chapter 15: Let’s Go Home

I stood in the doorway of the large room where the Asgardian citizens gathered, watching Asgard burn as we drifted away. “Violet?” Thor murmured. I didn’t realize he moved from the window on the other side of the room until he was directly in front of me. “Hey, Vi?” he whispered, resting a hand on my shoulder. I lifted my head, the tears finally breaking free, blurring the image of Thor standing in front of me. I heard Thor’s quiet gasp when our eyes met, and then he pulled me forward into his chest with such force it knocked the air out of my lungs. I hesitated for a moment before clinging to Thor as if he were the only thing keeping me together. Thor hugged me closer, bending down to rest his head on my shoulder; I nuzzled into his neck to hide my tear-stained face, sobbing silently into him. Loki, please. Please answer me. I can’t do this without you! I cried harder as I reached out for Loki again, gasping around sobs. “Let’s get away from the crowd,” Thor mumbled, his throat vibrating against my shoulder. I took a deep breath, ready to pull my arms back from around his shoulder, when Thor stood straight again, lifting my feet off the floor, walking through the doorway. “Thor, what are you doing?” I mumbled, managing to laugh softly. When Thor didn’t answer, my only option was to just hang on and let him carry me off. “I’m going to set you on the couch, okay?” Thor warned, gently rubbing my back. I nodded, sniffling, trying to compose myself at least a little before I had to see Thor’s face again. I unwrapped my arms from Thor’s shoulders as I sunk into the couch, sucking in a shaky breath. “You’ve heard nothing from him?” Thor asked as he walked towards a vanity a few feet away. “N-nothing,” I choked out. The clinking of glass drew my attention to Thor, where he was pouring a drink; he sighed heavily, shaking his head slightly. Turn around. I froze, trying to decide if the soft, almost whisper was my own mind playing a trick on me. Darling, please. That wasn’t a mind trick. I spun on the couch towards the door, my heart hammering against my rib cage. A sound somewhere between a scream and a sob flew from my mouth as I launched myself over the back of the couch, barreling towards the figure in the doorway. Thor spun around just in time to see me crash into Loki with an oof, pushing us into the door frame. “Hello, brother,” Thor greeted, sounding relieved. I froze again, pulling away from Loki to glare at him. “I thought you were dead!” I yelled, violently smacking at his chest and arms. “Darling?” Loki tried, but I ignored it. “Violet!” he finally shouted when I didn’t stop hitting him. I stopped, swiping at the tears rolling down my cheeks angrily, continuing to glare at Loki. “You could’ve answered,” I growled. “I knew you were on the ship; I was helping Heimdall with a few of the injured citizens. I truly didn’t mean to worry you, my love.” “You should’ve answered,” I whispered, my anger ebbing. “Please forgive me,” Loki urged, his voice cracking momentarily. My eyes racked over his face, noticing the tension in his jaw and the redness in his eyes as he waited for my answer; I sighed, shaking my head. “Of course I forgive you, you asshole.” I shook my head again, laughing sharply. “But it’s a thought, Loki. You are literally always thinking! So, for fucks sake, just answer me instead of giving me a heart attack, you pain in my ass!” Loki breathed a sigh of relief, his eyes fluttering shut for a moment as a smile slowly spread across his face. “Gods, I love you,” Loki laughed, snatching me back into a hug, burying his face in my neck. I could feel Loki’s smile against my skin and I couldn’t fight the joy and relief I felt; I hugged him tightly, smiling as I nuzzled into his neck. I love you too. Loki squeezed me tighter when he heard my thought, pressing a gentle kiss to my neck. “I hate to interrupt, but I’m a little lost,” Thor piped up. “What did you mean about the whole ‘thinking’ thing?” “Not it,” I mumbled against Loki’s shoulder. “Asshole,” Loki chuckled. Loki and I separated with a sigh before turning towards Thor. “I’m going to find Bea. Loki will explain,” I smiled and winked. I angled my face towards Loki, waiting until he looked at me; I pressed a quick kiss to his lips before stepping around him. I was pulled to a stop when Loki’s hand closed around the back of my neck; he spun me to face him again, bringing my face within inches of his. “We’ll pick this up later,” he growled. Before I could ask what he meant, his lips slanted against mine, his tongue coaxing my mouth open almost immediately. Thor cleared his throat, clearly uncomfortable; Loki made an aggravated noise in the back of his throat, running his tongue along the roof of my mouth before breaking the kiss. I stood stunned for a moment, my lips still tingling from the heated kiss. “Hm, look at that. Shut your sassy ass up,” Loki laughed darkly. “Now you can go,” Loki smiled, squeezing the back of my neck once before releasing me. I blinked a few times, getting my bearings before shuffling into the hallway. “Should I be scared for her?” I faintly heard Thor say as I walked away. /// I wandered back into the large room where all the Asgardians were huddling together; a constant murmur filled the room as groups clustered together, talking to keep busy. I strolled through the room, checking on people I recognized on my way towards where Bea was standing at the front of the ship. “Fjola?” I heard from somewhere off to my right; I scanned the faces surrounding me until my eyes landed on a familiar face stepping around people. “Hertha,” I greeted with a happy sigh. “Oh, I’m so glad to see that you’re okay!” Hertha gushed, pulling me into a tight hug. Hertha tentatively drew away, her eyes falling away from my face down to my armor. “Why are you wearing armor, pumpkin?” “Hertha, don’t take this personally, but I wasn’t always completely honest with you.” “I can see that,” she snorted. “I’m not a housewife. I’m a sorceress and a warrior for the Asgardian army. A very powerful one at that,” I explained, avoiding her eyes. “Why didn’t you just tell me that from the beginning?” Hertha asked, for confused than anything. “I couldn’t say because of my husband,” I started. “He works for the royal family, but why would that matter?” For some reason, telling Hertha the truth was so much harder than I thought it would be. Well, Asgardians don’t like Loki, that’s why. “He doesn’t work for the royal family; he's-" “Violet!” I heard Bea yell from the front of the ship. “I’m sorry, come with me for a moment,” I whispered to Hertha. She nodded and let me drag her towards the front of the ship. Bea stood on the first step leading to the window; Thor, Korg, Heimdall, and Bruce stood near the window, murmuring amongst themselves. I found Loki standing on the step right behind Bea, smiling softly. “Wait here, and I’ll finish explaining.” “Of course, pumpkin,” Hertha smiled. I noticed her eyeing Loki as I walked up to Bea. “Nice of you to join us, Princess Violet,” Bea laughed smugly. “Oh shut it,” I snorted, sticking my tongue out at her. “I like the way queen sounds better.” “I have to agree, my love. Queen Violet is much more fitting,” Loki laughed. Gently gripping my chin with his thumb and pointer finger, Loki pulled my lips to his in a searing kiss. My cheeks burned after Loki pulled away when I remembered Hertha was standing behind me. “Violet?” Hertha mumbled from behind me. “Loki, dear, you remember Hertha,” I managed around the lump in my throat. I’m assuming it’s time to come clean, my love. Loki’s soothing thoughts clouded my mind. “Hello again, Hertha,” Loki smiled, stepping around Bea to press a kiss to Hertha’s hand. “Y-your Highness,” she stammered, shocked. “Please, none of that,” Loki urged with a smile. “I don’t think you got the right impression the last time we met, so I would like to introduce myself again.” Hertha stood stunned as she stared into Loki’s jade eyes. “I’m Prince Loki, husband to” -Loki reached back for my hand, pulling me closer- “Princess Violet.” “I-I can’t believe it,” Hertha mumbled. “I’m sorry, I couldn’t tell you the truth,” I babbled. “I appreciate the honesty. Better late than never,” Hertha chuckled nervously. “I’m sorry to interrupt, but we need you both up here,” Bea cut in, smiling at Hertha. “I’ll find you again. I’m sure you have more questions,” I offered to Hertha. “I would like that,” she smiled brightly, grabbing my hand to squeeze it tightly before wandering off again. Are you okay, darling? Loki's thoughts gently swirled through my mind. I will be. She's like the grandmother I never had; it was hard lying to her. But subject change. When did you get your title back? And when did I gain one! I tried to keep my face neutral, but a small smile tugged at the corner of my lips. Thor’s king now; he gave me my title back. Loki smiled, seeming happy for once to be referred to as prince. It feels nice coming from my brother; he thinks I deserve it. And you, my love, receive a title for being my wife. Loki smiled down at me, reaching a hand up to brush his thumb across my cheek before slinging an arm over my shoulders, pulling me into his side. “So King of Asgard.” Heimdall drew everyone’s attention to the man sitting in the chair; Thor looks up at Heimdall, looking a little panicked. “Where to?” “I'm not sure. Any suggestions? Miek, what's your home planet?” Thor addresses the creature Korg is holding. Hm, that’s his name. Loki glanced at me, raising an eyebrow, but I shook him off with a shake of my head, forgetting he could hear me. “Oh, Miek's dead. I accidentally stepped on him on the bridge; I've just felt so guilty I've been carrying him around all day.” Korg looked down at his friend, sadness somehow apparent on his face until the small creature made a sound, sending a wave of happiness through Korg. “Miek, you're alive! He's alive, everyone! What was your question?” Thor laughs to himself, shaking his head before turning back to gaze out at the twinkling galaxies in front of us. “Earth it is,” Thor states, smiling. I glanced up, meeting Loki’s troubled gaze at the mention of Earth. This will be interesting. Loki thought, outwardly sighing before squeezing me tighter into his side. /// Loki and I looked out the ship's window long after everyone else dispersed; we stood close together, arms crossed, staring out into space. “I was wondering where you two were,” Thor’s voice bounced off the walls around us. “Weren’t quite ready to turn in yet,” I called over my shoulder. Thor moved across the room, coming to stand in the space behind Loki and me so he could see between our heads. “Do you really think it's a good idea to go back to Earth?” Loki suddenly asked. “Sure! They love me there,” Thor quipped with a shrug and a smirk. “Let me rephrase: Do you really think it's a good idea to bring us back to Earth?” Thor chuckles softly, resting a hand on our shoulders as he smiled down at us. I looked up at Thor, trying to read his expression, hoping it would help with the sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach. “Probably not. But don't worry brother...I've got a feeling that everything's going to work out.” Thor smiled, squeezing our shoulders before crossing his arms over his chest, looking out into space with us. Loki reached over, gently grabbing my arm, giving it a comforting squeeze; I took a deep breath, letting the anxiety roll off my shoulders. Then, slowly, a shadow fell over the back of the room, gradually moving down, blanketing us in darkness. Out of the corner of my eye, I managed to see Loki’s face fall into something resembling pure terror; my mouth fell open when I got a better look at the warship surrounding us.

____________________________________________________________

Series Masterlist | Chapter 16

Taglist:

@criminalyetminimal @marvelfansworld

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monaownsmyass · 4 years

Text

Us Against Them

Book: Queen B, (after) Chapter 11

Pairing: Zoey Wade x MC (Bea Hughes)

Genre: Mostly fluff but there’s a little angst in the beginning

Rating: Uh, PG13?

Word count: 3,348 (It just keeps increasing lol)

A/N: This occurs directly after Chapter 11. For the sake of this fic, Carter will be put to use. As soon as MC finds out about the folder, she tells Carter to post the cards instead and immediately goes to search for Zoey but she’s still too late.

"You are Poppy," her cold voice rang in my ears, leaving me rooted in my place. Those three words played over and over again on repeat in my head.

"Zo, wait!" I reached out to gently grab her hand. I saw her flinch then tense at my touch. I could feel my heart start to break. Physical affection was always our thing but now I've lost that too.

She made no move to pull her hand away but with a defeated sigh, she asked, "What do you want, Bea?" Her voice was tired, cracking as she spoke.

It hurt to see her like this. To see this confident, exuberant, sunshine of a person almost on the verge of tears again made my heart hurt like nothing else ever had.

"I swear as soon as I found out, I only told Carter to post it and then immediately went to look for you! But I was too late!" I exclaimed. "In that moment, all I could think about was you, but I thought I had at least a few seconds to tell him what to do. I was wrong and I'm so, so sorry, Zo."

She looked me straight into my eyes. Her teary eyes shining under the streetlight while mine pleaded at her to listen to me.

"Please, Zo," I begged. "You have to believe me. Please."

"I... I want to believe you, Bea," she admitted. "I really do," she paused again. "But I'm not sure I can... I don't know if I can forgive you yet." She pulled her hand away but remained her gaze on mine, conflicted.

"Zoey," I uttered her name, slowly stretching my hand out to touch her face, giving her time to pull away. She didn't. I stepped closer to her as my palm cupped her cheek. I felt her hesitant before leaning into my touch. My thumb swiped just under her eye, wiping away the tears.

I hated that I was the cause of these tears. The fact that I hurt her enough to make her cry was making me sick to the stomach, even if it wasn't intentional.

"You don't have forgive me, not yet," I whispered. "Just let me make it up to you."

"Bea..." she started but I cut her off.

"I can't lose you, Zo. Just the thought of you being mad at me kills me."

"I'm not mad. I'm just... disappointed." That somehow broke me even more.

"At least let me take care of you, just for tonight. You've been through so much already and you always take care of me, it's the least I could do. Just... let me treat you right."

Defences crumbling down, she pulled me into her and buried her face into my shoulder despite being taller than me. My heart leapt at the contact.

"Damn you, asshole," she mumbled into my shoulder. "I can't say no to you."

I let out a small laugh of relief as I hugged her back. I kissed to crown of her head before speaking, "I know this doesn't mean you forgive me, but I'll try to make it up to you. Promise."

We broke apart and made our way back to our place in comfortable silence. Once we stepped foot into our apartment, I spoke up, "We should probably get cleaned."

"Yeah," she agreed. "Sorry I got you dirty as well."

"No, don't say that." I move towards her. "We're in this together." To demonstrate my point, I wrapped my arms around her waist and hugged her tight. More squashed tomatoes and wine found their way onto my skin, hair and lingerie. I paid no mind to it, just simply enjoying her embrace.

"I'll always be here for you. We'll get through this together."

I couldn't gauge her reaction to my words as I couldn't see her face but I felt her nod and that was enough to let me know she understood I wasn't going anywhere.

I lead her to the bathroom and turned on the shower for her. I looked back and saw Zoey already stripping off what little fabric she had on.

"Uh, don't you want to wait till I get out first?" my breath hitched as I averted my gaze elsewhere. She was quite literally breathtaking but I knew this wasn't the time.

"Actually," she said quietly, almost shy. "I want you to join me. If you want to, that is."

I smiled at her gently. "Of course, I'd love to."

I removed my garments and toss them onto Zoey's pile. We stepped into the shower, hand-in-hand.

Nothing about this was sexual but it was it was the most intimate thing I've experienced. We held onto each other as the water washed away the tomatoes and the wine. I scrubbed her soft skin, worshipping every inch of her body as I did so.

Washing off the stains that were left behind on her body, I looked into her eyes, trying to express how much I cared for her, that I'd do anything for her. With the way her captivating brown eyes stared back into mine, I knew she'd do the same for me.

The eye contact alone was enough to make my cheeks burn with heat. I leaned up to plant a kiss on her lips and she held me closer to her. It was all so overwhelming. The kiss was full of eagerness and adoration for one another as we poured all our emotions into it.

"You mean so much to me," I whispered into our kiss. "I hope you know that."

"I can tell," she joked back and I smiled. There's my Zo. "You mean a lot to me too."

I could cry just hearing her say that.

Once we were done showering, we put on some comfy clothes before I reached down to grab our dirty lingerie.

"It's fine, Bea," Zoey said from behind me. "I'll wash my own clothes, you don't have to do it ."

"No, I want to, let me do this for you," I replied, looking over my shoulder at her. "Just go put on a movie or something, I'll be with you in a sec."

Zoey looked like she was going to argue but instead, her face soften and she lets out an infectious grin. "As stubborn as always, I see."

She leaned down to peck me on the cheek and the turned to go to the living room.

"You know it," I called out after her and smiled. It seems like she was warming up to me again and I couldn't be more grateful. I didn't know if I could survive with Zoey being upset with me for much longer.

I wasn't sure if the stains would come off but I went to go soak our underwear and stopped by the kitchen before joining Zoey on the couch. I grabbed a bottle of wine, a tub of ice cream, two spoons and two glasses.

"Brought the good stuff, huh?" Zoey mused when she saw what I was carrying.

"Ice cream always makes people feel better, you can't tell me otherwise," I kid. "Plus you always give me wine so I thought I'd return the favour. And it won't really be a 'Zoey/Bea Night' without it, right?"

"You're definitely right about that, babe," she laughed and my heart swelled.

'Babe,' I thought to myself as I tried but failed to fight the smile working it's way onto my face. I wasn't sure I'd ever hear that again.

"What are you smiling about, you dork?" she giggled and patted the seat beside her. "Come, sit with me."

I wasn't sure what was playing on the screen but I was too elated to care. I plopped myself beside her, setting down everything I was holding onto the coffee table. I poured the wine into the glasses and offered her one. I gave her a spoon and cracked open the tub of ice cream.

She took a sip from her glass. "Wine is much better when it's not thrown at you," Zoey laughed weakly.

There was a long pause before I finally spoke. "Do you... want to talk about it? It's fine if you don't want to, but I'm here if you do."

She's silent for a few minutes, thinking about it before letting out a sigh.

"I should have known something like this would happen. I should have known better. I shouldn't have pushed for us to go," she said quietly, looking everywhere but at me.

"What? Zo, no!" I responded, exasperated. "Don't you dare blame yourself for what those idiots did!"

"I'm not, I just..." she exhaled deeply. "Like I've said, I've always had to deal with people like Poppy, I've always had to looked out for myself. I just shouldn't have let my guard down, especially since we were walking into the lion's den."

"Hey, look at me," I brought my finger under her chin and guided her gaze to meet mine. "Don't beat yourself over it. You just wanted to enjoy the party, it's those jerks' fault for ruining your night, okay?"

"I know, I just can't help-" she began but I interrupted.

"Zo, I will beat your ass."

The frown on her face instantly quirked up. "Are you threatening me with a good time, Ms. Hughes?"

I couldn't help but laugh, of course she'd find a way to make this conversation flirty.

"I mean it Zoey."

"That you'll spank me?" she laughed.

I rolled my eyes but I couldn't stop the grin on my lips. "That you shouldn't blame yourself. It's not your fault Poppy and the Zetas are a bunch of assholes."

She didn't look entirely convinced but I gave her a glare and she raised her hands in defeat.

"Fine, I know it wasn't my fault. I do, but sometimes I just wished that it was different. That I wasn't so low in the rankings and-" I stopped her yet again.

"Zoey Wade, do not talk about yourself like that!" I fumed. How dare Poppy and her stupid gang make her feel this way? "You of all people should know that the ranks mean shit, you became my friend when I was right at the bottom! And even if it does count for something, who cares? You're Zoey Wade! I wish you could see yourself the way I do." I whispered the last sentence but she caught it.

"How do you see me?" she asked, genuinely curious. "Actually. For real."

"I don't even know where to begin," I plucked the glass and spoon from her hand and placed it back on the coffee table along with mine. I cautiously took her hand in mine, still afraid she'd retract. She let me hold her hand as my thumb stroked over her knuckles.

"Besides being insanely gorgeous and talented? I think you're an absolute goddess, and I feel so lucky to even be in your presence. The way you carry yourself is so powerful, it's hard to notice anyone else when you're in the room. You're unreal and I'm in utter awe of you, Zo. You're a incredible person and an even better friend."

I could tell she was a little flushed after my string of compliments but that didn't stop her from replying with a witty remark.

"Just a friend?" she teased.

"Well, maybe not just a friend," I grin and brought her hand up to my lips, giving her knuckles a soft, gentle kiss. "I'll be whatever you want me to be to you."

"I think it's safe to say we're well past that stage by now," Zoey joked with a smile.

"I think so too," I responded before being taken by surprise. She grabbed the back of my neck and pull me into her until our lips met.

"Mmm," I whimpered as she snaked her arms around me and flushed her body against mine. The heat radiating off our bodies kept each other warm in the cool night.

"I really can't stay upset with you," Zoey whispered against my lips.

My heart pounded against my chest, hard enough that I'm sure Zoey could feel it too. I was so glad to hear that. "Lucky me," I smiled.

She broke the kiss after a while. I was a little disappointed that it ended but I wasn't gonna push it. Tonight wasn't about me, it was about her.

So instead, I offered to hold her. "Cuddle with me?"

Zoey looked at me for a second, dazzling soft brown eyes boring into mine. "Okay."

I leaned back against the arm of the chair, stretching my legs out and spreading my arms to welcome her.

She laid her head on my chest as I embraced her. Her dark curly hair tickling my nose as she did so. I moved to toss the throw blanket over us and we shifted to get into a comfortable position.

Neither of us were paying attention to the movie even though our eyes were trained on the screen. It's not like I could've focused even if I wanted to. It didn't matter that we've cuddled a million times before, Zoey's close proximity to me still affected me in a way I couldn't even fathom anyone else's would.

Zoey's ear was pressed against my chest and I was positive she could hear my heart hammering like crazy. 'Listen to how hard my heart beats for you,' I thought while looking down at her. I felt her hand creep up my side to finally rest on my chest as well. I could only assume it was to feel it better. "You're the only one that's made me feel like this," I muttered quietly into her hair.

Not long after that, I felt her sob softly. She buried her head in my chest and clutched me tighter. I started rubbing one hand along her back, the other lightly massaging her scalp.

"It's okay, Zo," I reassured her. "It'll be alright, I'll take Poppy out for you if I have to, she won't know what hit her."

I heard her let out a small laugh in between sniffles which surprised me. "It's not that," she said into my sweatshirt then tilted her head up to look at me, a small grin playing on her lips and her eyes a little watery. "Well, it is, but I was just thinking about how glad I am to have you here with me. I don't know what I'd do without you."

The thrill I felt at her words were unmatched. I leaned down to kiss her on top of her head and she wiped away her tears. "I'm always going to be here for you, I'm not going anywhere. And I should be the one that's glad you're even still here with me."

The hand that was stroking her back landed on her right shoulder, lightly squeezing it. "You still feel tense," I told her. "Do you want me to help you with that?"

"Mhm, I'd like that," she replied.

I gently helped her up to shift positions again. I motioned for her to lay on her stomach as I straddled her thighs. I lifted up her hoodie to her shoulders when she spoke, "Y'know, if you wanted me out of my clothes you could have just said so," she teased yet again.

"Where's the fun in that? Where's the charm? If I'm getting you out of your clothes I'm going to be suave about it," I joked back. "I'll smooth talk my way into doing it. Cuz I definitely am. I'm so smooth."

"Oh. My. God. You're such a dork, that's what you are," she giggled, clearly embarrassed for me. "Why do I even like you?"

"Cuz I give you free back massages?"

"Mm, yeah, that could be it."

I started kneading into her back, applying pressure from the heel of my palms to the tense areas and working the knots out of her muscles. I felt her hum in approval.

"Oh, yeah, right there, babe," she encouraged. "You're really good at this, you should do this for me more often."

"My room's just down the hallway from yours, you know where to find me."

"Wine, ice cream and massages? Looks like I have competition as best roommate," she said and I chuckled.

"You scratch my back, I scratch yours."

"Literally."

After a while, I felt all the knots go away and her tensed muscles became relaxed. I turned to look at Zoey only to see her eyes closed. She looked like she was falling asleep. I ran my hands up and down her smooth back then saw goosebumps appear when I trailed the tip of my fingers along her spine.

"Hey, babe? Are you awake," I asked her softly.

"Mhm," she replied groggily. "Did you call me 'babe'? That's what I call you." Her voice was so cute when she was sleepy, it made my heart flutter.

"Yeah I did."

"I like it." I saw the corners of her lip turn up ever so slightly.

God, this girl was adorable. "C'mon, sleepyhead. Let's get you to bed."

I pulled down her hoodie and got off of her. She turned over to lie on her back and was about to sit up when I bent over to picked her up, bridal style. This seemed to alert her.

"You're gonna carry me?" Her arms clung around my neck as I lifted her off the couch, almost wide awake again.

"I thought that was obvious," I grinned at her.

"You're pretty strong," she commented as I walked us to her room, being careful to make sure I had a good grip on her and that I didn't bang into anything on the way. She buried her face into the crook of my neck.

"I did grow up on a farm, after all."

"Is it weird if I said that that's kinda hot?" Her tone was playful.

"That I grew up on a farm?" I joked and was rewarded with a blissful, bright laugh.

"Is this pay back for when I said 'spank me' earlier?"

"Maybe," I glanced at her, pretending to look mischievous.

Using my foot to nudge the door open, I entered her room and set her down carefully onto her bed. I pulled the comforters over her and tucked her in, making sure she was comfortable.

Zoey grabbed onto my arm and gently yanked me down to give me a kiss on the lips. "Thank you, darling."

I kissed her on the forehead and smooth her hair back. "Anything for you, sweetheart. Goodnight, Zo."

I straightened my back and turned to head out her door but Zoey's grip remained on my wrist, refusing to let go. I looked at her hand, then at her.

"Spend the night with me?" Her eyes pleading as she gave me a little pout.

I let out a small breath. "Looks like I can't say no to you either."

I made my way to the other side of her bed and got under the covers, turning on my side to hug Zoey from the back. I pulled her into me and secured my arms around her. "Is this okay?"

"It's perfect. I feel... safe," she said and let out a contented sigh. She intertwined her legs with mine and held onto my hands.

"So... does this mean you forgive me?" I asked innocently.

She lets out a beautiful laugh. "Yes, babe. It does."

As I laid with her, I couldn't help but think once again how lucky I am that I still had her here with me. I wouldn't be able to forgive myself if I lost her.

"Promise we'll always stick together? No matter what?" she asked softly into the darkness, bringing my hand up to her lips to kiss my fingers.

I placed a light kiss on her shoulder in return and replied. "Forever and always."

We drifted off to sleep peacefully in each other's embrace, forgetting about the events of that day, knowing we're in this together.

After all, it was us against them. And I couldn't have asked for a better partner in crime.

(More fics!)

#zoey x mc #zoey wade #qb: zoey #zoey qb #qb #queen b #choices: qb #qb choices #choices #choices: stories you play #pb #pixelberry #queen b fanfiction #choices fanfiction #theres always a different song i think of and listen to whenever i write these #should i link it?#ill think about it next time

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strawberriestyles · 4 years

Text

Chapter 20

(Banner made by sweet sunshine @harry-nofookingway-styles)

Harry X OFC (AU)

Sequel to Brutality: In which Melody and Harry must relearn how to navigate one another among a flurry of changes.

Read previous parts here.

Author’s note: Heyoooo. Only like 10 chapters left omg can you BELIEVE?? Get ready for some excitement tho I’m not done throwing y’all curveballs. ;) ANYWAY. Enjoy this one, my loves. When you’re finished reading, this is a here’s a masterpost of petitions. Find one you haven’t signed yet. AND THEN COME TELL ME WHAT YOU THOUGHT OF THE CHAPTER!! BIG SMOOCHES.

Harry and Melody spent Saturday morning curled up under the sheets, recovering from their late night, when Melody hadn’t been able to fall asleep for hours. Eventually, toward midday, Harry coaxed her out of bed and they each packed a bag. He had no clue what he was supposed to wear to this party. And when he asked Melody, she smiled mischievously at him.

“Actually,” she began, “I bought you an outfit.” She giggled to herself, and Harry was so glad to hear her laughter after the night before that he wasn’t even bothered by her picking out his clothes. Until she followed up with, “You’re gonna hate it.”

Harry groaned, stuffing a pair of socks roughly into his suitcase.

“It’s in my suitcase already. Do you wanna see it?” Melody asked.

He shook his head. “Absolutely not. I might decide not to go.”

Melody thought he was probably right. She continued to pile things into her suitcase until she felt satisfied that she wasn’t forgetting anything, and then she sat on the edge of the bed while Harry dug through the closet for clothes to wear that day. She could tell he was agitated. He threw four different pairs of jeans across the floor, as if he was looking for something less casual, but Melody knew that the only other things he owned were sweatpants or athletic shorts.

“Harry,” she said, interrupting his frustrated rummaging. “Just wear the jeans. The black ones are fine.”

“Are they?” he asked, turning around and leaning against the closet door.

“Yes.” She nodded toward a rumpled pair that he’d tossed. “They’re fine. Does it look like I’m wearing a dress?” She gestured toward her outfit—a simple pair of black leggings and a chunky yellow sweater, old enough to be fraying at the edges.

Harry pulled at his lower lip and then let out a defeated breath, reaching for the black skinny jeans to pull them on over his briefs. He turned back toward the closet when he’d done up the button, but Melody spoke before he could begin picking through his clothes again.

“Just a t-shirt,” she encouraged. “Whatever you want to wear is fine, Harry.”

He muttered under his breath, something that Melody couldn’t make out, reaching for a plain blue t-shirt and pulling it over his head before he could second guess the decision. He smoothed the cotton down on his abdomen and then made his way back to the mattress, zipping up his suitcase. Melody was watching him when he looked at her next, and his lips formed an unhappy frown as he studied her face.

“Your parents are gonna think I fuckin’ beat yeh,” he whispered, grasping the back of her jaw to turn her head, examining her skin. Somehow, a good portion of her jawline seemed unharmed. Most of the bruises were faint, and without looking for them, they might go unnoticed. But the one on her chin was dark and splotchy. Although they’d iced it before going to bed, there was no hiding that one.

Melody caught Harry’s wrist before he could prod at the bruise. She shook her head incredulously. “I would tell them the truth before I let them think that, Harry.”

“Yeh’re ready to tell them that?” he asked, raising a doubtful eyebrow. “That yeh’re fightin’ in illegal boxin’ matches?”

Melody drew in a long breath before she let go of Harry’s hand, looking down while she picked at the hem of her sweater. “Not really.”

“I didn’ think so.”

“But if it came down to it,” she insisted. “If that’s what they thought, I would tell them the truth.”

Harry licked his lips, watching her fingers work at a loose string. “Do we have another explanation?” he asked. The thought made him tense. He hadn’t even met these people yet, and already he was concocting lies to feed them. How could they ever like him when this was their first impression?

“We can just say I f—”

“Do not say yeh fell,” Harry dismissed with a roll of his eyes. He could still remember her using that excuse on him, and the annoyance he felt then blossomed in his belly all over again. “Yeh’re not fuckin’ clumsy, Melody. Tha’s a horrible story.”

“Well, what’s your idea, then?” she prompted, folding her arms together.

“Jesus, I dunno.” He shrugged, looking around the room for something that could’ve caused a bruise like the one she was sporting.

“Fine. Bea slammed a door into my face.”

Harry looked at her again, frowning. “Well, tha’s rude.”

Melody shrugged. “It was an accident.”

“And it bruised your chin?” he asked. "Didn’ hit your nose?”

She turned her eyes upward, thought for a moment, and then added, “There was a spider on the ceiling. I was looking up. She was coming to kill it.”

Harry scoffed. “Why wasn’ it me?”

Melody let out an airy laugh, lowering her gaze, noticing the crease between his brows. “Do you wanna tell my dad you slammed a door into my face?”

Harry pursed his lips and then gave a short, acquiescent nod. “No, tha’s fine. It was Bea.”

Melody glanced at the clock on the bedside table as she laughed. She tilted her head when she saw that it was only just after noon. “I say we watch a movie before we go.”

“What?” Harry followed her gaze to the clock. “Yeh don’ wanna get there—”

“Unless you wanna spend extra quality time with my mom?”

Harry pressed his palms to his face. He was still tired, and the strange feeling in his gut wasn’t excitement for the day. It was closer to nausea. “What movie?”

***

Harry’s knuckles were chalk-white on the steering wheel of the car he and Melody had rented. His other hand was curled up into a fist in his lap. Melody had been playing Fleetwood Mac through the stereo for the past two hours, but it wasn’t having the effect that she’d hoped. Harry didn’t seem to be able to hear anything. And he hadn’t spoken a word since only a few minutes after they’d left.

“Hey. Hey.”

He blinked, turning to glance briefly at her before watching the road again. She was staring at him, a deep-set frown on her face. “What?”

“Harry, relax.”

“‘M fine.”

Melody rolled her eyes, watching him adjust his grip on the wheel, the skin over his knuckles loosening and then tightening all over again. She reached out to touch his arm. “Switch hands.”

“What?”

“Harry, switch your hands.”

He sighed, placing his fisted hand on the wheel and peeling the other away, stretching it out. Melody pulled his hand from the air, flattening his palm against her thigh and kneading his stiff fingers.

“I can tell when you’re worked up, okay?” she said. “Don’t tell me you’re fine.”

Harry wetted his lips, drawing in a deep breath. Melody stretched his fingers out when she was done massaging them. Then she lifted his hand to her mouth, pressing kisses to the old scars that shone across his knuckles. When she was finished, she laid his hand back in her lap, open, and gently traced the lines in his palm. She could almost feel the tension draining from him.

“Are you scared to meet my parents?”

Harry eased onto the brakes as traffic slowed and muttered, “‘M not scared.” He blinked languidly, shivering as Melody’s fingers drew up the inside of his wrist.

“Nervous, then,” she amended. “You know their opinions don’t mean anything to me, right?”

Harry frowned, looking at her fully when their lane came to a standstill. “They’re your family.”

“Sure.” She nodded, leaning her temple into the headrest. “But how they feel about you isn’t going to affect how I feel. I love you, okay? I think they’ll see that, too.”

Harry’s gaze was repeatedly drawn to the ugly bruise at Melody’s chin. He sighed, turning to face the street again, creeping forward as the line of cars began to move again. “How much do they know about me, anyway?”

“Some.” Melody glanced out the window. It was a dreary day. Old snow was still packed along the sides of the highway and thick clouds hung in the sky, letting only occasional sunlight filter through. “I had to tell them about Colton,” she continued. She hated saying his name. “I mean, you were in a coma for months, and I didn’t finish my semester and I wouldn’t come home. And I told them you were a boxer, but I left out a lot of the details. My dad thought that was cool.”

Harry snorted. Melody smiled at the sound, but it was gone as quickly as it came.

“I didn’t tell them about your mom,” she said, turning to look at his profile. She curled her fingers between his, keeping his hand in her lap. “Or your dad. Or anything else, really. They know we used to go to school together.”

Harry nodded, drawing in a deep breath. He hesitated before he spoke again. “You don’ think they...blame me for yeh bein’ out of classes?”

Melody’s brows furrowed. She leaned closer to him, confused. “Do you think that’s your fault?”

He was silent, his eyes unmoving.

“Harry,” Melody said, “you can’t take the blame for any of that. Not finishing my semester—that’s because what happened was really traumatic for me. No one could’ve expected me to do schoolwork. I think my parents understand that.”

“But yeh’re still not takin’ classes when—”

“I wasn’t ready. And that still isn’t your fault.” She couldn’t believe he had been blaming himself for the time she’d taken off from school. Were there other things he felt he was responsible for? “Whatever you’re thinking about yourself, whatever’s going on in your head, no one else is thinking that. Least of all my parents. They haven’t even met you yet.”

“Can’ believe you want them to,” he muttered.

“Harry.” She groaned in frustration, squeezing his hand. “Why wouldn’t I want them to meet you? Do you hear anything I say to you?” She shook her head. “I love you. I’m in love with you.”

Harry pressed his lips tightly together, giving Melody's hand a squeeze in return.

“Just try to relax, okay?” She stroked his knuckles. “It’s not going to be as horrible as you think it is,” she insisted, reaching across the console to comb hair back from his face. It was getting a little long, a little harder to tame, a bit bothersome as it tickled his cheeks and neck, and she often caught him pushing at it. “Oh, they also think I’m working at a bookstore, okay?”

Harry shook his head. “Right.” He couldn’t imagine how they would react if they learned the truth.

They lapsed back into silence, nothing but the quiet music for sound. Harry seemed lost in his own world again for the rest of the drive, but at least he seemed more at ease. His hand no longer seemed painfully tight on the wheel, and the hand in Melody’s lap, which had been clammy when she’d first taken in, was no longer radiating heat. But he pulled away from her as she directed him down her street and he turned into her parents’ driveway, putting the car into park. A four hour drive and all of the effort Melody put into keeping him relaxed, and suddenly his nerves reignited.

He leaned forward, shaking his head as his eyes scanned the property. The house itself was large and looming. There was a fountain running in the front garden, stone siding around the front porch, flowerbeds stretching around the garage. “This is your house?”

Melody sighed. “I know it looks like a lot, but that’s only because my dad built it. If he didn’t, we wouldn’t have been able to afford half of this.”

“Oh God, Mel,” he murmured, closing his eyes and pressing his forehead into the top of the steering wheel. He hadn’t turned the engine off yet. “What the fuck am I doin’ here?”

Melody shook her head. “Harry, I told you that you didn’t have to come.”

“I know,” he said, looking up at the house again. He didn’t think he’d ever been inside a home that looked this expensive before. “Fuck, I know what yeh said.”

“You’re gonna be fine,” Melody murmured. She reached for him, lifting his face away from the wheel. “Come here.”

Harry leaned toward her, trying to take a deep breath, and then she was kissing him. Her fingers tucked hair behind his ears before she cupped his jaw, lips pressing comfort into him somehow even more firmly than any words. He wrapped a hand around the back of her neck, holding her in place, kissing her until he’d begun to forget why he was nervous in the first place.

“It’s okay,” she whispered as she pulled away, sensing the shift in him, still running her thumbs along his jaw. “Really. Look, my dad’s truck isn’t even here.” She pointed out the empty space where he usually parked. “You’ll just meet my mom for now.”

Somehow, that calmed him. Harry glanced at the house once more. Melody’s hands fell into her lap. She waited for him to say something, but all he offered was a soft “okay” before he twisted the key in the ignition, cutting the engine, and threw open his door to step out of the car. They collected their suitcases from the back seat and trailed up to the porch. Harry tried to flatten out the wrinkles in his shirt as Melody rang the doorbell. The sound of it chiming inside the house made Harry’s heart leap in his chest.

It was only a moment before the door opened. Melody’s mother stood there in a bright green dress, a curious smile on her face as she glanced at Harry over Melody’s shoulder. And when her eyes trailed down to his jeans, he tried not to shift in discomfort. “Hi, sweetheart,” she greeted Melody, leaning in to give her a hug. “I thought you’d be here earlier.”

“I had to run into work for a bit,” Melody lied. Harry tried to keep his face neutral as her mom stepped back and directed her attention to him.

“You must be Harry.”

He gave her a curt nod. He could see Melody in her features, in the thin bridge of her nose and the set of her eyes. “Nice to meet yeh, Mrs. Rhoden.”

“Beth,” she corrected, smiling. “You went to school with Melody when you were younger?”

“For a few years.”

“What a small world,” Beth said, finally stepping back to allow them inside.

***

Harry wasn’t shocked to see that the inside of the house looked just as upperclass as the outside. He and Melody had escaped to her bedroom only a few minutes after they arrived, after the short greetings with her mother, to put away their suitcases. He had very nearly laughed when he saw that her walls were painted a bright bubblegum pink. Books were stacked sideways on a set of shelves in one corner, overflowing onto the floor, and there were stuffed animals piled up in the next corner.

“What’s so funny?” she’d demanded.

“Nothin’,” he'd said with a grin. “Absolutely nothin’.”

They ate dinner with Beth, and it really wasn’t nearly as bad as he’d been prepared for. She asked simple questions about him, about where he’d lived, about his family, and he didn’t have trouble answering her truthfully. She already knew about Colton, and explaining about his mother and the lack of contact with his father was somehow easier than it had ever been.

“Why don’t we go for a walk?” Melody had asked when they’d finished eating. She was surprised by how well Harry was handling interacting with her mom, especially after his behavior when they’d arrived. And she was even more shocked by the way he had opened up. She never expected him to reveal so much information about himself, especially to someone he’d only just met, but she didn’t want him to get overwhelmed. “We could walk to Littlewood.”

“The school?”

She’d nodded and Harry had agreed, so they’d bundled up and set out along the sidewalk.

Melody almost regretted her suggestion by the time they reached the school. It was cold and dark, with only the occasional streetlight to illuminate their path. And somehow she’d ended up with snow in her left boot, melting into her sock. But Harry didn’t seem bothered at all. His breath was condensing into clouds before him as he looked at the front doors to the building. Being here felt incredibly strange, like he was somehow sorting through someone else’s memories.

“How’re we gonna get in?” he asked after a few moments.

Melody turned to him in confusion, only half of his face visible in the moonlight. “In? You wanna go inside?”

“Sure.” He shrugged before peeling his gaze from the doors, his lips turning upward in amusement as he caught sight of her expression. “Are yeh scared?”

“To break into a building? It makes me nervous, yeah.”

Harry snorted. “Mel, yeh’re already a criminal.”

“But it would be kind of impossible for me to go to jail when half the city’s police force is in on the crime,” she protested. “What happens if we get caught here? Is Brian gonna vouch for us, make sure any charges are dropped?”

“If he needs to,” Harry answered with an affirmative nod. “Owes us, doesn’t he?”

Melody chewed on her lip, studying his face for some hint of humor, but he seemed genuine. He wanted to go inside. And he didn’t think they’d get into any trouble. She wasn’t quite convinced, but she sighed and swept her gaze along the length of the school anyway. It was cold out here and a short wander through the halls might offer some relief.

“Maybe there’s an open window into one of the classrooms,” she muttered.

Harry was grinning when she looked at him again. She watched his bright smile disappear in the darkness as a rolling cloud overtook the moon, and then he was tugging at her coat sleeve, pulling her hand from her pocket and lacing his fingers with hers. He led her toward the closest window, using his free hand to test if it gave, but it was latched, so he dragged her along to the next window.

They continued like that, around the side of the building, Melody shivering, until Harry pulled upward on a window that squeaked in protest.

“We have a winner,” he whispered. Although there was no one around, it felt right to stay quiet. Breaking into buildings didn’t seem like an activity that required any sort of volume. He let go of Melody and used both hands to pry the window open farther, wide enough that he would be able to fit his body through the opening.

Melody stuffed her hand back into her pocket, turning around to make sure that they weren’t being watched. The closest house was past a thin line of trees, but the moon was uncovered now, and if someone were to look, she didn’t think they’d have much trouble catching the two of them.

“Let me go first,” Harry murmured, reaching for the windowsill and poking his head inside.

“Wait,” she hissed, grasping his elbow to hold him in place. A sudden thought had occurred to her. “Harry, aren’t there cameras?”

He pulled back to look at her, frowning. “Probably. But yeh think they run through the feeds without a reason?” Turning his body, he leaned back against the brick wall, pulling Melody toward him. He saw how red her nose was and pressed his hands to her cold cheeks, warming her skin. “Mel, we’re not gonna leave any clues that we were here. Why would they check the video?”

She merely shrugged.

“Do yeh not wanna come in with me?” Harry asked.

“No.” She shook her head quickly. “I mean yes, I’ll go.”

“Okay.” Harry delivered a quick kiss to her lips, then shifted back to the window, he lifted himself through the opening, feet first, and his shoes squeaked against the tile floor of the classroom he landed inside. He glanced around, and in the bit of light leaking through the window behind him, he could see books lining the shelves along one wall.

“C’mere,” he said, turning back around to reach for Melody. She swung a leg over the sill, holding his shoulders as he grabbed her by the waist and pulled her inside. “Watch your head.”

She landed in front of him and immediately wrinkled her nose. “It smells like bleach in here.”

Harry nodded in agreement. “Smells like school.”

The moon disappeared again and the classroom grew dark. Harry’s eyes struggled to adjust to the loss of light as he took a couple steps forward, in the direction he remembered seeing the door to the hallway.

“Jesus, fuck—” His foot caught on the leg of a desk, sending it squealing across the tiles. He caught himself on the next seat before he could fall, but he swore again under his breath.

Melody was laughing behind him. “Glad I’m not the clumsy one.”

“Oh, yeah?” Harry turned to glare at her, but he couldn’t make out her face in the darkness. “Can you see?”

Her laughter took a moment to fizzle out. He heard her step toward him. “Are you okay?”

“‘M fine,” he grumbled.

“Why don’t you turn your flashlight on?”

He reached into the back pocket of his jeans and pulled out his phone, blinking quickly as light suddenly filled the room. Melody swung the desk that he’d tripped over back into place as she moved in his direction.

“Take your boots off,” Harry said, lifting a foot to strip off his shoe.

Melody frowned. “What?” She turned and followed a trail of water back to the window when he shone the flashlight on his phone in that direction. She sighed, slipping her feet free. Harry waited for her, and then led her out into the hall, making sure the door stay unlocked, leaving their boots in the classroom.

Harry made his way along, Melody on his tail, shining his light at the walls as they walked. He recognized a few of the teachers’ names. It took a few minutes to figure out where they’d come in and then he knew what direction they needed to go. Melody didn’t have a clue where they were going until they were standing in front of a familiar row of lockers. She scanned their surroundings when Harry stopped and she pictured the scene all over again. Harry, much younger, much smaller, shoved inside one of these lockers while the taller boys laughed.

“Was it this one?” she asked, stepping forward and placing her hand on a locker.

Harry shook his head and patted the metal door of the one beside her. The sound echoed through the empty hall.

“Never liked small spaces,” he muttered, pulling the latch to swing the locker open, peering at the schoolbooks and binders that it now held.

“You’re claustrophobic?”

Harry shrugged. Melody was floored. She never thought he was scared of anything. Logically, she knew that he had to be, but he didn’t seem at all fearful of Colton. Just hateful. Claustrophobia?

She hummed, linking her arms at her chest.

“What?”

“Nothing.”

“Tha’s not your ‘nothin’’ face.”

Melody snorted and lifted one shoulder. “I just didn’t see it, I guess.”

“Yeh didn’? Feel like yeh woulda picked that one up real fast.”

Maybe he was right. The more she thought about it, the more claustrophobia seemed an obvious dread. Harry, however complex and confusing she found him, liked control. He liked using his body as a tool, placing himself in or out of situations, forging his own path. An inescapable space, a locker that constrained his movements, these weren’t surprising aversions.

“A little slow on the uptake there,” Melody whispered.

Harry turned away from her, staring into the depths of the shallow locker. He slammed the door shut again and rapped his knuckles against its surface once more.

“I went to the gym in the next town over that night.” Melody wanted him to look at her, but he was gazing down the opposite hallway. “Told my mum I had a club meetin’ or somethin’.”

“And what did she do when you got in your first fight?”

Harry’s lips puckered. “Was proud of me that first time. For stickin’ up for myself. But the next time I started the fight on my own.”

“She wasn’t as happy with you?”

Harry shook his head. “No. Sounded like she was about ready to hit me herself.”

Melody frowned, playing with the catch of the locker Harry had been stuck inside on that day so far removed from now. “She didn’t, did she?”

“No,” Harry said, turning back toward her. “No, she’s never laid a hand on me. My dad didn’ either, actually. He’s just a dick.”

Melody snorted and gave an understanding nod. She glanced at Harry when a thin silence pressed between them and she was surprised when he broke it. Surprised at the way he broke it.

“Yeh’re the reason I didn’ hate myself,” he muttered, “for the rest of the time I was in school. If yeh hadn’ said anythin’ to me...”

Melody shook her head vigorously. “I didn’t save you any heartache, Harry.”

“No,” he agreed, “but I think yeh made it all less miserable. I didn’ just lie down and take it. And my mom kept me safe at home, and then she couldn’. If I didn’ start fightin’ back, maybe Colton would’ve killed me before I graduated.”

Melody’s blood ran cold and she shook her head again, as though it could clear her mind of the idea.

“Point is,” he continued, “yeh were the catalyst for me. For a lot of who I am. That gym, those people, what I learned—I wouldn’ be here without all of that.”

Melody glanced down the hall in the direction that Harry had been staring. His logic felt like a stretch. But she felt his eyes on her, heavy and warm and intense. And the next thing she new it was his hands on her. They snuck under her coat, beneath her t-shirt, settling on her hips, and he pressed her back against the lockers so quickly that her breath abandoned her.

Their eyes met in the semi-darkness. Harry leaned in until their foreheads met, until Melody could taste his air. His fingers shifted up her waist. She wasn’t surprised when he kissed her, but she still hadn’t recovered her breath and she gasped for it in the brief parting of their lips.

“Let me fuck you,” Harry whispered, shuffling forward until his hips pinned her in place.

Melody’s fingers grasped at the short locks of hair that brushed his ears and settled her head back against the locker, attempting to separate herself from him enough to speak, but there was nowhere for her to go. He was too large, too enveloping, and her words barely felt like they had space enough to leave her tongue. They were quiet and short. “What, here?”

Harry swallowed up her next breath, tightening his hold on her waist and leaning more of himself into her. He traced the inside of her lip with his tongue and reveled in the way she opened up. Her toes slipped against his feet as she tried to gain traction and he fed an arm behind her for support, crushing her to him. The last time they’d been here together they were nearly the same size and height, and now he was lifting her just for their mouths to meet. “Fuck,” he muttered between her lips, “please let me. Let me in.”

Melody could feel him hardening in his jeans. She swallowed down the thick sensation in her throat. She searched for words, something intelligible, but her mind couldn’t organize anything coherent. It only screamed Harry, Harry, Harry in an endless chant. So she nodded, barely even a movement in the little space she was granted, but his mouth returned, greedy and harsh, all sharp teeth and bruising lips. He’d never kissed her like this, never handled her so recklessly. Her toes could no longer find purchase on the tiles. And she couldn’t remember ever wanting him so badly, so desperately that it made her sick to her stomach, but she was nauseous with it.

Harry lowered her to the ground and clawed at the fastenings of her jeans. The loss of pressure made her somehow needier. Her lungs couldn’t expand far enough to grant her the air that she craved, and Harry’s mouth disappeared long enough for him to glance down at his hands before he kissed her again, so hard that her head hit the lockers. She was kicking frustratedly at her pants, trying to free her feet, and she barely tripped out of them before Harry was shoving her panties down her thighs, nearly ripping them.

Melody was beginning to sweat beneath her coat as she shimmied free from her undies. Her fingers dug into Harry’s shoulders as she finally kicked them off, and she didn’t have a moment to prepare before he angled one of her thighs up and sank himself inside her.

She choked on an intake of air, her upright leg shaking. She hadn’t noticed him undoing his own pants, but he’d obviously gotten them open and she could feel the metal of his zipper pressed again her skin, his boxers tugged down just enough to free his cock. Harry grunted against her chin as he drove himself into her again.

Melody’s ears rang for a moment. A chunk of her hair was stuck in a metal piece of the locker behind her and it pulled against her scalp with each one of Harry’s thrusts. All she could hear was his shallow breathing, the forceful outlet of air each time his hips slapped against her, the feel of his jeans biting her thighs. And this was all she could handle, the feel of him, the sound of his strained panting, the lingering taste of his mouth. Neither one of them seemed able to find enough extra energy to speak.

Harry’s head knocked into Melody’s chin as his bared teeth searched for her throat. He could feel her pulse beneath his tongue, taste the sweat that was beginning to collect along her skin. The roots of his own hair were growing damp and the knowledge that he was working her just as hard only sharpened the force behind his thrusts. But this angle was wrong. It made everything harder, from the way he held Melody’s thigh to the angle of her hips.

Melody gasped when Harry pulled out of her, peeling her heavy eyes open to stare up at the ceiling. He dropped her thigh, let her feet return to the floor, and she stumbled to find balance before he spun her around and pressed her flat against the lockers. His knee separated her legs enough to fit himself back between them. His hands lifted her hips until she rose onto her toes and he buried his cock back inside of her.

A sharp, shrill noise left Melody’s throat. She turned her face until her cheek rested flush against the locker at her front, skin already warming the cold metal. She wanted desperately to peel off her coat but Harry’s torso flattened against her back, pressing the material even tighter to her. His breath stirred the hair at the top of her head, warming and slicking the metal around her face.

Air hissed from between Melody’s parted lips as Harry’s hips knocked into her, as he developed a rhythm that was somehow quicker than her pounding heart, as his palm pressed into the back of her hand where it lay against the next locker. She moaned, too high, broken by a staggered thrust as Harry widened his stance. His forehead met Melody’s temple, nose to her cheek, open mouth against the corner of her jaw, just beside her ear.

“Fuck, fuck,” she muttered, so breathily that she doubted it was audible. Harry’s gasps, his carnal grunting, the grating moans that he let slip were feeding directing into her ear. He kissed her neck. He teethed the edge of her earlobe and then tilted his head to bury his nose in her hair, still heaving at the edge of her jaw.

Melody slid her hand up the lockers when she felt the first stirrings of an orgasm. She brought the edge of her thumb to her lips. Harry was forceful, vigorous, driving her closer and closer to the edge. He released a deep moan as she tightened around him and she felt her last bit of control slip.

Melody panted and whined and twitched against Harry’s chest. Her fingers wiggled beneath his hand. She constricted around his cock, drawing a deep ache from his belly, rocking his steady pace into a frenzy.

“Coming, ‘m fuckin’ coming,” he nearly sobbed, slamming the side of a fist into the locker above her head, forcing his other arm in front of her and anchoring it around her hips. He drove forward twice more, listening to the lockers rattle, listening to Melody whimper into her own wrist, until he was bursting inside of her. His fingertips twisted into her hip and he held her as close as he could get her, as deep as can be and somehow still craving something deeper. He spilled everything he had, even more than he knew he could give, and Melody clawed at the metal lockers but let him fill her until he was completely finished.

Harry winced as he slid out of her. He was tender. He hadn’t only ruined Melody, but he’d wrecked himself, and he had to be gentle as he tucked his dick back into his briefs. When he’d zipped up his jeans he felt different, like he was viewing the scene from a new perspective, removed from what they’d just done.

Melody’s cheek was still pressed to the lockers, her breath catching on her wrist, her other hand braced beside her. As Harry watched, she drew one socked foot across the tiles until her shaking legs met, but she didn’t turn, didn’t even open her eyes. Her face was twisted up and his stomach dropped, a wave of anxiety rushing through him.

“‘M sorry,” Harry said, an ache in his voice. His stomach rolled again. He lifted a hand to touch her back and then changed his mind, clenching his fingers into a tight fist. “Did I hurt you? Mel?”

She shook her head in the faintest gesture and finally lifted her cheek from the blue paint of the lockers. “No, no,” she whispered.

Her voice had cracked and Harry clenched his jaw. He’d never touched her like that before, never even faced her away from him, never been so desperate to get off that he hadn’t worried about how she felt. Because that was how he’d treated girls before her and that was not how he treated Melody. Now there was a hollow feeling in his chest.

“‘M sorry,” he repeated, quieter, more apprehensive.

“Please, don’t,” she replied. She turned around, keeping her weight balanced against the lockers. Her cheek was red where it had been pressed to them and the rest of her skin was flushed. Sweat matted loose strands of hair to her forehead. “Don’t be sorry, Harry.”

“Are you okay?”

“I’m good. I swear.” The edges of Melody’s lips curled and she reached for his coat. “You didn’t hurt me. You didn’t do anything wrong. Nothing. I’m great.”

Harry took a step forward as she pulled on him, still searching her face, a deep crease between his brows. She held his jaw and her hands were cold against his damp skin, frigid as ice. He grasped her wrists, felt her pulse beneath the skin, strong and erratic, but beginning to steady.

“Yeh’re sure yeh’re okay?”

“So sure. It felt good Harry, I promise you. God, I wish I could tell you how good it felt.”

Harry swallowed back the worry that had begun to climb up his throat and exhaled. He shut his eyes, resting his forehead in Melody’s hair, a hand falling from her wrist as her fingers snaked around the back of his neck. They pressed into the muscles on either side of his spine. Her lips, wet and soft and warm, sponged at his chin, up his jawline until even her toes couldn’t lift her any farther. She sighed against his collar as she fell back onto her heels.

“Not to ruin the moment,” she whispered, barely above a breath, “but I need to get to the bathroom before I start leaking all over the hallway.”

Harry groaned a defeated sort of sound, trying to reel himself in. He backed away from Melody, letting his eyes run down her bare legs. Juices were already trickling along the insides of her thighs. She wasted no time collecting her pants and underwear from the floor. Harry tapped her bottom as she straightened up.

“Go,” he said, smirking and nodding to the girl’s room down the hall when she turned to look at him. He followed behind as she hastened through the open archway and shut herself into a stall.

“You’re still smiling, aren’t you?” she asked from the other side of the door. Delayed lights flickered on, sensing their entrance. Harry leaned against the wall across from a mirror and shrugged as he looked at his reflection.

“Yeah. So?”

“You’re so smug.”

“And?”

The toilet flushed and Harry watched Melody’s socks beneath the stall door as she slipped first into her underwear and then into her pants.

“And,” she continued, stepping back into view as she zipped up her jeans, “I don’t have anything to add.” She studied his smile for another moment before turning to wash her hands.

Harry sidled up behind her, looking at her through the mirror. “Wanted to fuck yeh before I even knew what it meant, Mel.” He tugged at the collar of her coat and placed a swift kiss where her neck met her shoulder. “Middle school me would lose his shit if he could see me now.”

Melody turned off the water and grinned up at him. “And adult you? He doesn’t lose his shit?”

“Nah,” Harry scoffed, letting Melody’s coat fall back into place and taking a step back. “Much too cool.”

She spun to face him and raised a brow. “That so?”

“‘S exactly how it is.”

She trailed the few feet to where he stood and tucked her fingertips into the waistband of his jean, nails brushing the skin at his hips. Harry’s smile morphed, teeth closing over his bottom lip but still smug.

“I think you’re wrong,” Melody whispered.

Harry took a single step back and she matched him. “‘M not wrong.”

Her brow arched further, knuckles tickling his stomach as they crept inward along his waistband. He held her stare until she popped the button of his jeans.

“Please don’ do this,” he muttered.

“Kiss me,” she said, soft, a request. Harry leaned forward to reach her lips. He’d only just brushed them with his own when Melody yanked her boots from his hand and twirled toward the hallway. “Definitely too cool.”

Harry grinned after her, watching her disappear around the corner. He fastened the button she’d undone and followed. He found her a few paces down the hall and reluctantly he lifted his watch.

“‘S almost ten, love.”

Melody whipped her head around, her expression one of disbelief. “You’re kidding.”

“‘M not.”

“Fuck.” She stuffed her hand into her pocket and fished out her phone, checking that he had the correct time. “We need to go. My dad will kill us both. Me first so you have to watch.”

“Mel, yeh’re an adult.”

“Doesn’t mean I’m immune to knives.”

Harry took one last glance at the familiar row of lockers, searing every detail of tonight into his memory, and then followed Melody as she dashed toward the classroom that they’d come in through.

Chapter 21

#harry styles #harry styles writing #harry styles imagine #harry styles blurb #harry styles drabble #harry styles series #harry styles fanfiction #harry styles angst #harry styles fluff #harry styles smut #harry styles au #harry styles x ofc #boxer!harry #boxer!au #harry styles ferocity

80 notes · View notes

fiction-fun · 4 years

Text

A Loving Headline

@braidedchallah @alexanderdamnhethin @creedtheconquer @rthoney @andpeggy21 @pixiepip @little-nymph-claro @haha-gunsgoburrr @hamiltimes

Fandom: Newsies the musical

Pairing: Jack/Oc

Words: 6526

I blinked open my eyes and stood quickly, pulling my vest tight around me and tucking my hair up under my hat. I reached down and shook the kid’s shoulders.

“Come on, little ones. Time to go see Ms. Medda Larkin.” I said softly.

The kids groaned but stood up getting ready for the day. I grabbed my paper bag and made sure I had enough on me for the hundred I’d be getting that day. I took Bea’s hand and lifted Ry into my arms before walking quickly down the fire escape and out of the alley. I took a look around before running across the street and ducking back behind the theatre. I knocked quickly still looking over my shoulder.

“Ley! There you are, I was getting worried.” Medda said opening the door.

I smiled softly and passed her Ry before lifting Bea up into the doorway.

“They didn’t wanna get up today. I gotta go, Jack'll never let me live it down if 'e beats me to the gate! I’ll sees yous two later, behave!” I called before turning and racing away.

I slid around the corner getting to the gate and catching my breath seconds before Jack and Crutchie walked up.

“Ley, how you always beat us here.” Jack said shaking his head and smirking at me.

I laughed sharply.

“Maybe someday you’ll be able to beat me. Not likely, but maybe.” I said a smirk curling my lips.

Jack laughed a bit at that before stopping and turning to the gate, the others coming around us. We stood watching the board.

“Whatcha think it’s gonna be today?” Someone asked behind me.

Jack shrugged and turned his head slightly.

“Doesn’t matter, if I don’t like it, I’ll just change it.” Jack said his solution to most things.

I shook my head and closed my eyes.

“I just hope it’s not the rail strike, again.” I muttered.

Those had been hard papers to sell lately. I heard murmured agreements and even Jack was nodding along. We all groaned as the board lit up.

“Rail strike enters week three! Great.” I heard muttered behind me.

The two goons opened the gate and we entered, forming the line.

“Hey Weasel!” Jack called.

We all laughed.

“It’s Wiesel!” the paper pusher called.

Jack shrugged and took his stack; I slapped my money done and shot him a look.

“Weasel, my man!” I shouted.

I walked over and grabbed my stack, high giving Jack as I did.

“Hey, weasel!” Crutchie continued the call.

I laughed and high fives him too. The kids behind Crutchie were new though.

“You could at least call me Mr.” Wiesel said with a gruff.

The kid behind Crutchie put his coin down.

“20 papers please, Mr. Wiesel.” He said as a younger boy darted over to us and grabbed a paper bag.

I looked at him and closed my eyes, he was barely older than Bea and Ry. I knew Jack saw it as an opportunity.

“Fifty more papes for the new kids!” jack said slapping a coin down.

The kid tried to fight him over it but his younger brother struck up a deal with Jack and I laughed when they shook.

“That’s disgusting.” Davey said pulling a face as Jack helped Les down.

“No, that’s how we do business. Good luck, I’m off.” I called sticking a hand up and walking away.

I went around and sold my papes the best I could, falling three short by the time my area cleared out. I sighed softly as I counted the money in my hands.

'Well, they’ll get to eat. ‘I thought as I headed back towards the theatre, seeing Jack, Davey and Les race in.

I looked and saw Snyder chasing them. I ducked back into the shadows praying they would keep me from being seen. I let out a breath and raced across the street when I was sure he was gone. I yanked open the back door and jumped in.

“Snyder after you again, Jack?” Medda was asking.

I saw Jack nod and look up I gave him a glare.

“Ya almost led him right to me!” I growled walking over to him.

His eyes went wide, and he backed up a step.

“Now, let’s not do nothin' hasty!” Jack said hands up.

I glared at him before turning back to Medda.

“Hey Ms. Medda, where are they?” I asked looking around.

She opened her mouth just as I heard two sets of feet racing towards me. I dropped to my knees and caught them hugging them tightly.

“Thanks for letting them stay here.” I said looking up at her.

“Anything for you Ley, you two know you’re always welcome.” She said smiling.

We ended up staying for a show before heading back out, Jack had tried to convince us to stay but I still had to get the kids food. I got them food quickly before we ducked back into the small hole we had found. The next morning, we repeated the morning. I got to the gate and waited, Jack and Crutchie joining me minutes later.

“Let’s hope.” I muttered.

The others nodded, and muttered agreements. All noise stopped when we saw the board.

“Prices raised for paperboys! Sixty cents a hundred?” someone read out.

We all turned to Jack; he was our leader.

“They can’t do that can they Jack?” was a common question I heard.

Jack laughed and shook his head.

“Nah! They’re just yanking us!” Jack said and that seemed to reassure everyone.

We formed a line and Jack slapped his coins down.

“Hundred papes!” he called.

Wiesel laughed meanly.

“It’s 60¢ for the hundred, Jack.” He called a cold cruel grin on his face.

Jack backed up and our line broke. He sat heavily on a crate and the others crowded him, until Les made them back up.

“Jack, you still thinkin'?” Les asked a few seconds later.

Jack nodded and then waved us in.

“We just ain’t gonna sell them, and we ain’t gonna let nobody else sell them either!” Jack declared.

Jack and Davey got into an argument about what a Union needs and how to go on strike. I swallowed feeling the ice slide down my back.

“Jack.” I called; he had just declared the strike.

He looked up at me, his eyes widening a bit, he waved me over to the truck.

“Go ahead, we won’t blame you. You gots responsibilities.” He said.

The others all started to throw a fit as I slowly walked over to the truck setting the sixty cents down to take my hundred. I kept my head down as I walked back passed the boys.

“Ley!” I paused at Jack’s voice.

I turned and looked at him.

“Don’t worry none.” He said and I gave a small smile before moving out into the city to sell my papers.

Each one I sold felt wrong, but I had to. I sold out and still had barely enough to get us all food.

‘I’ll go without tonight, so we have a little buffer in case I don’t sell enough tomorrow.’ I thought as I trudged back to the theatre.

I got the kids and we got food, then I got them back to the safe spot and got them laid down. I heard it then.

“Ry, buddy did ya just snuffle?” I asked crouching down to look at him.

I had already taken my hat and vest off, letting my hair fall down my back. The little boy nodded and snuffled again, I reached out and felt his forehead, flinching at the warmth I found. I sighed and leaned back, quickly tugging my vest on, and tucking my hair back into my hat.

“Stay here and don’t make a sound, don’t come out until I get back got me?” I asked softly.

Both kids nodded and I ducked out of the hole, running to the corner pharmacy looking through the medicine there.

'So much for a buffer.” I bit my lip as I tried to decide.

If I got the one, I knew would work it would wipe out the money I had left and make it so I couldn’t get a hundred papes tomorrow. I turned and looked trying to see if there were any other options. I reached my hand up and then hesitated.

“Are you buying something?” the counter person asked.

I looked at them for a second before looking down.

“Let me go get more money, the prices are different than what I remember.” I muttered as I turned and ran from the shop.

But I didn’t go back to the kids, I don’t know why, but I headed towards where Jack stayed. I stopped seeing him talking with that reporter lady from the other day.

“We’re counting on you, Katherine!” Jack called as she walked away.

I almost walked away; I knew Jack understood why I had to sell….but I still felt bad.

“Ley?” Jack asked turning and seeing me.

I looked up at him and waved slightly. He gave me a concerned look; he could always read me. He walked over and took my arm, leading me to the stairs, he was the only one who knew the truth.

“What’s wrong, Kaley?” he asked his voice dropped low enough no one else would hear.

I closed my eyes and bit my lip again.

‘Besides you flirting with the reporter girl?’ I thought before shaking it off.

“Ry is…is sick. And I didn’t make enough today to feed us and get his medicine. I already went without, so we’d have some incase somethin' else happened but the medicine, Jack it’s so much.” I said my voice cracking.

Jack watched me for a second before hugging me gently, that’s what was nice about Jack. He was all rough and tumble during the day but if you needed him, he was there for you.

“How much?” he asked voice soft.

I took a breath.

“25¢, I…I got most of it but it’ll wipe out any kind of buffer we had. But I have to get it! I swore I’d protect those kids.” I said my voice shaking slightly.

Jack patted my shoulder and stood up; I closed my eyes.

'He's mad, he won’t help. Why would he? I still sold; I broke us up during something so important!’ I thought.

My thoughts were cut off when I felt Jack take my hand and press a coin into it.

“Jack…I…” I said my voice wavering.

He shook his head and waved off my words.

“No, you get that medicine, and you pay me back later. If anyone knows what it takes to survive out here it’s you and me. Now, I know you’re all up in your head but, I ain’t mad atcha. I know what you gotta do, the others ain’t so happy with you, but they stopped bitchin' when I told ‘em to. Now go.” Jack said.

I stood up and hugged him quickly.

“Thank you.” I whispered before racing back off to the Pharmacy.

I ran inside and grabbed the bottle of medicine before going to the counter.

“I didn’t think you’d actually come back.” The person made no attempt to hide his disdain for me.

“Just this thanks.” I said a fake smile on my face.

He sighed and rung up the medicine, I paid quickly taking the brown bag and running from the shop. I took a long winding way back, just in case he watching me to try and send Snyder the Spider after me. I got back to the safe spot and ducked inside.

“Hey, hey, it’s ok guys. It’s just me.” I said crouching in front of them.

I tugged my cap off and pulled the medicine from the bag, I had read it in the shop and poured just the right amount into a cup for Ry. I gave it to him and he made a face.

“Now get some sleep buddy.” I whispered before settling down next to them.

I tugged off my vest and spread it over top of them, giving them a little more warmth. The next morning, I woke up early and let them sleep in for a minute with a sigh, looking at the sky as it slowly went from dark inky black to a lighter grey.

“Kay?” I heard a soft voice and turned my head seeing Ry sitting up, Bea behind him.

I smiled gently.

“Hey buddy, how are you feeling?” I asked as I grabbed the bottle and poured another dose for him.

Ry sniffled again and shrugged. I frowned softly and felt his forehead again before giving him the medicine.

'Maybe Ms. Medda will let us stay in the theatre for a few nights.’ I thought.

“You seem upset.” Bea said looking at me.

I smiled softly and ruffled her hair.

“I always worry boutcha when you’re sick!” I said smiling softly.

Bea batted my hands away and flattened her hair or tried to.

“But you look sad, like when momma and daddy didn’t come home!” Ry said looking at me.

I sighed and nodded.

“I let my boys down yesterday and I have to again today.” I said softly.

I didn’t like letting them into my problems, I was older I was meant to take care of them. Bea and Ry looked at each other before scooting to me, hugging me.

“So, don’t.” Bea said softly.

I laughed and kissed her forehead.

“If I don’t, we don’t eat.” I said softly.

They looked at each other and shrugged.

“We get can get food lots of other ways!” Ry said, with a smile.

I swallowed, the way he was talking about is when I used to steal for us.

“I can’t do that anymore.” I whispered.

It was true, Jack had been my partner and he had gotten caught, for me. They didn’t know that. They hugged me again.

“It’s ok, they’ll forgive you.” Bea said and I hoped she was right.

We got ready and headed to the theatre.

“Thanks again Ms. Medda. For everything.” I said as it turned to trudge off to the gate.

“Ley!” Ms. Medda called.

I turned to look at her and she stepped out of the theatre and over to me.

“Help your family.” She said softly.

I nodded towards the theatre.

“That’s what I’m doing.” I said trying to stay strong in my resolve.

She shook her head and pressed something into my hand, tilting my head up when I went to look at it.

“Your chosen family.” She said before gently turning me and giving me a shove towards the gate.

I walked a few feet and turned the corner, before pausing and opening my hand. Ms. Medda had pressed a roll of coins into my hand and sent me on my way, I looked back towards the theatre before nodding tugging my bag off I took off running.

“Ley! I beat you!” Jack called a smirk on his face.

I gave him a look, having tucked the coins into my pocket.

“Jack, shut up.” I said before throwing my bag on the ground at his feet.

His head followed the movement before his head snapped back up and he looked at me.

“What about?” He asked trailing off.

Only Davey, Les and him knew about the kids. I smiled and tilted my head back towards the theatre.

“Let’s just say Ms. Medda helped me make up my mind. And they also said I should help.” I said vaguely.

“Aw yeah! Ley’s with us!” Crutchie called waving his crutch with the strike flag on it.

I let out a sharp laugh and ruffled his hair.

“I was always with ya, ya damn fool!” I called.

After that, the day went downhill and before I knew it, I was running for my life from Snyder and the cops.

“Fuck, fuck, fuck!” I yelled as I spun around a corner and up a flight of stairs.

‘I hope everyone managed to get away.’ I thought as I finally stopped to breath, I was hidden behind an outcrop on a roof.

I waited a while before making my way over to Jack's, hoping to find him. I ran up the fire escape and looked over the railing giving a small sigh of relief.

“Jack!” I called relief in my voice.

He spun and in seconds we were wrapped up together.

“Thank everything anyone believes in! I thought they got you too.” Jack said looking down slightly at me.

I swallowed at what that meant.

“Too? Who else did they get?” I asked fearing the answer.

Jack moved away from me leaning on the rail and shaking his head, I walked up to him and laid my hand on his shoulder.

“Jack?” I asked, concern in my voice.

“They got Crutchie alright! I was right there but I couldn’t get him! They beat him with his own crutch!” Jack exclaimed.

I took a shaky breath and hugged jack.

“We’ll figure out how to get him back. It’ll be ok.” I said trying to reassure him.

Jack shook his head looking up at the sky, he blamed himself any time anything happened to any of us, but he took things that happened to Crutchie particularly bad.

“He was real hurt, what if he doesn’t make it?” Jack asked softly.

I shook my head.

“You can’t think like that. He’s stronger than anyone knows. If anyone can survive that hell hole, he can.” I said firmly.

Jack didn’t look convinced, but I knew nothing I said would actually help him. We stood there for a while in silence, before Jack turned to look at me.

“Shouldn’t you be getting the kids?” he asked me.

I saw a moment of worry in his eyes, I smiled softly and shook my head.

“Ms. Medda said they could stay at the theatre for a few days while Ry gets better. I'll head over in a few minutes, unless you want me to go now.” I said voice gentle.

He shook his head.

“No, you don’t gotta go yet.” He said quietly.

I nodded and we stood there for a while longer, letting the sun set. I took a breath and turned to Jack hugging him again before moving towards the steps.

“I’ll see you tomorrow Jack.” I said softly.

He nodded and did his best to give me a smile, I knew he felt our injuries were his fault, and sadly I knew him well enough to know he wouldn’t be out there tomorrow. I walked quickly down the steps and stuck to the shadows, popping into the shops and getting something quick to eat for the kids, I ran to the theatre and inside. I quickly fed them, ignoring the questions about my cuts and bruises before giving Ry another dose of medicine and getting them ready for bed. The next morning, I woke up and got ready quickly letting the kids sleep in. I turned seeing Ms. Medda standing there, I had already tucked my hair up so I wasn’t worried.

“Thank you.” I said sincerely.

She shook her head and smiled softly.

“Of course, dear!” she said with a smile.

I ran out of the theatre and head towards Jacobs Deli hoping no one else had been caught. I slid to a stop in front of the door and pulled it open, seeing Katherine standing there with the guys I did a quick count and saw that besides Crutchie only Jack was missing. I quickly fell into a chair beside Les and Davey. Everyone looked to happy this morning, that’s when I saw the paper.

“We made the front page?” I asked softly.

Davey nodded bouncing slightly.

“Above the fold!” He exclaimed happily.

I let out a soft laugh, they couldn’t ignore us if we were in the papes!

“Ley, where’s Jack?” one of the boys asked and I looked up, seeing them all looking at me.

I looked away and everyone started talking.

“Shuddup wouldya!” I yelled standing up on my chair.

That go their attention.

“Jacks fine, Snyder missed him. But I ain’t gotta tell yous all how he is.” I said quickly.

The others nodded, except Les, Davey, and Katherine, who looked at me. I sat down in my chair.

“How is he?” Les the more outgoing brother asked.

I sighed and shook my head.

“I forget, yous two…. three sorry reporter girl…are new.” I said softly.

“It’s Katherine.” She said hands on her hips.

I waved my hand, waving off her words.

“Yeah, yeah. Jack takes all the bad stuffs that happens to us and blames himself. I saw 'em yesterday and he was bustin’ himself up over what happened to Crutchie. I wouldn’t be surprised if he was hiding out in Ms. Medda Larkin’s theatre.” I said sipping the water that had been put in front of me.

That’s all it took and the four of us were up, I paused at the door letting the others run ahead of me, I turned to the others.

“Get word to Spot Conlon! His cousins callin' in the favor 'e owes!” I shouted and darted from the building before they could question me.

The four of us ran into the theatre, and down the steps into the basement.

“There you are! How about letting a pal know you’re alive!” Davey called running down the steps to him.

Jack shook his head and kept working in the background. Katherine Les and I stayed back.

“Look! We made the paper! Front page, Above the fold! That’s right! Above the fold!” Davey said enthusiastically.

“Yeah that’s great.” Jack said.

“Is that Santa Fe? I have to say Jack this go west young man thing is getting old. You should paint something you know.” Katherine said and I slapped my forehead.

Jack froze for a second a dark look over taking him.

“You wanna see somethin I know?” Jack asked and his voice was low.

I didn’t want to see what he was going to do. He spun the background around and in almost photo realistic paint was the fight that had happened yesterday. I swallowed looking away.

“That’s what I know! That’s Newsie square, all of the kids gettin’ beat down for standin' up for themselves! I ain’t puttin’ them through that again!” He yelled, face contorted in a mix of anger and upset.

Davey tried to convince him to have hope.

“You know why a rattle snake rattles?” Davey asked walking up behind him.

“No, why?” Jack asked sarcasm clear.

“Cause he’s scared!” Davey said.

Jacked huffed and shook his head.

“Look it up! Why else would he have sent the goons!” Davey continued.

Jack started to slowly nod.

“Maybe your right!” Jack said finally.

“Thank the god!” Davey said.

I huffed a laugh at that, and we all started to plan a bit. Katherine had to leave and so Davey, Les and I stayed with Jack for a bit. Davey and Les started up the stairs a while later and I kept an eye on Jack knowing he was planning something.

“I'm fine.” He said as he kept working on the painting.

I nodded and pursed my lips.

“Ok, but bullshit.” I said letting my opinion be clear.

He let his head drop back and he laughed, turning to face me.

“I hate that you know me so well.” He said finally.

I crossed my arms and smirked.

“No, you don’t.” I said firmly.

He nodded and laughed, his own smirk on his face. We stood there staring at each other for a while. He finally set down his paint brush and refused to meet my eyes.

“I’m going to go invite Pulitzer to this rally maybe let 'em see who he’s messing with.” Jack said finally, still not looking at me.

I sucked in a breath and looked at him, his mind was made up. I nodded slowly, my arms dropping to my sides.

“Ok but what if it’s just us? Spot hasn’t said one way or another that he’s in this, and without him, without Brooklyn, you know damn well the others won’t come!” I exclaimed frustrated.

He nodded and looked up at me.

“I know, that’s why if they don’t come, I want you the kids Les and Davey outta here. Cause if the others don’t come, you know Snyder's going to find a way to get in here.” He said firmly.

I bit my lip and nodded.

“I don’t like it, Jacky.” I said quietly.

Jack sighed and dropped the cloth in his hand, walking over he wrapped his arms around me, we had always been close. I wrapped my own arms around his chest and tucked my head under his chin, we were alone I could do this without worry.

“I know, I don’t like it none too much neither, but if it’s the only chance we all got.” Jack said pulling back to look down at me.

I nodded and closed my eyes, letting my arms fall from him and he stepped back.

“Just be careful, Jacky. You got all of us here waiting for you, and reporter girl to impress.” I said softly with no lack of scorn buried in my tone when I said that.

Jack had picked up his brush to finish the backdrop but he paused at my words and tone. He turned back to face me, a smirk on his face.

“What, are you jealous?” Jack asked a teasing turn to his voice.

I felt my face flush and turned away a bit.

“Kaley?” Jack asked softly.

I bit my lip before looking up at him.

“Yes ok! Is that what you want to hear? I've liked you for a while now, can’t help it. Seein you pine after that reporter girl makes me realize…” I broke off and shook my head.

Jack was just watching me now, his eyes wide.

“Doesn’t matter, I gotta go get food for the kids.” I said turning and running up the steps.

I didn’t stop running until I was out of the theatre, ignoring Jack’s voice as he shouted my name. I ran to the shops and got food, paying quickly and walking back to the theatre. I paused at the corner seeing Jack just leaving, I waited until he was gone before I walked back into the theatre. I fed the kids and cuddled up with them giving Ry his medicine. When they were asleep, I sat up and crossed my arms over my legs.

‘Jack still hadn’t come back; I hope Snyder didn’t get him.’ I thought with a worried frown on my face.

I laid back and tugged my cap over my face to try and get some sleep. Early the next morning I woke up to chanting voices in the street. I stood up, tugging my cap on and looked out of the door, before yanking it open and rushing out.

“Spot!” I yelled.

He turned and grabbed me, his arms around me as he spun.

“Brooklyn’s here. We’ll win this thing yet!” He shouted.

That got mass acceptance and that’s when I realized, all of the paper boys from the entire city were here including our group. Davey walked up to me then.

“Where’s Jack?’ he asked quietly.

I swallowed and shrugged.

“I don’t know, we got into a fight after you guys left and I haven’t seen him since I went to get food.” I said softly.

Davey gave me a worried look and I knew my face mirrored it. Within a few hours all of the boys where gathered into the Theatre. I had given Ry his medicine and moved the kids into another part of the theatre incase anything happened. I stood by Les and Davey. I smiled as Spot took the stage and rallied the boys. And I actually breathed a sigh of relief when I saw Jack appear.

“He raised the price and we strike, so he lowers the price. And in a few weeks, he Jack’s them right back up, because let’s be honest, he will.” Jack said and I froze.

Everyone in the theatre erupted in anger at the same time, except me, I was still to shocked at what Jack had said. The others had already started to clear out about an hour later when I saw Jack and one of Pulitzers men. I saw the money the guy handed him and I shook my head.

“I thought they were worth more to you then a wad of cash, Jack.” I said disbelief and anger coating my tone.

He jumped at my voice and turned to me guiltily.

“Ley, I can explain.” He said looking at me worriedly.

I closed my eyes and turned to walk away, but something told me to hear him out.

“You have two minutes.” I said still not turning to face him.

I heard Jack let out a breath, in a sigh.

“He said I had to talk against the strike or he’d throw me back in.” Jack said quickly.

I didn’t have to ask, 'in where?’, we all knew where.

“The money, Jack.” I said firmly.

I heard a soft thump as if Jack had thrown the money down.

“It was part of his deal. He cleared my arrest record, including the warrants and gave me enough money to go wherever I wanted. I just didn’t want to go back in.” Jack said and I turned slightly.

I took a breath.

“Well you’re lucky it was me who saw that. But you have to fix this Jack, those boys don’t think you care.” I said my voice stronger than I thought was possible.

He watched me for a few seconds, taking a small step closer.

“What about you?” He asked.

I closed my eyes and shook my head, moving to the stairs.

“That balls in your court, Jack. Your decision and your move.” I said before disappearing to go take care of the kids.

I didn’t see Jack at all for the rest of the evening and laid down after giving Ry his medicine. I was shaken awake hours later, I sat up rubbing my eyes.

“W-wha?” I asked before my eyes cleared enough to see who was standing before me.

There I saw Les and a bit away I saw Davey, his eyes wide.

“Woah! You’re a girl!” Les exclaimed, and I shushed him.

I quickly pulled my vest on, making sure the kids didn’t wake up, before I tucked my hair up into my cap and stood shooing them into another area of the theatre.

“You’re a girl?” Davey, this time, asked shock coating his tone.

I rolled my eyes.

“Yeah, I am. You gots a problem with that, skinny boy?” I asked him quickly.

Davey put his hands up and stepped back.

“Jack needs us! Katherine and him planned somethin’! Come on!” Les said grabbing me and tugging me along.

I bit my lip and looked back towards where the kids were, before finally nodding

“Alright, let’s go.” I said and the boys led me outside and we ran through the streets before busting into Pulitzers basement.

“Woah.” I said quietly.

“You got enough people coverin' us?” Jack asked looking up at Davey.

Davey tilted his head and gave Jack a slightly unimpressed look.

“We could have a hoedown down here and no-one would know.” Davey said.

Jack smirked and nodded.

“Good let’s do this.” He said.

I walked down the steps and looked Jack in the eyes.

“What is this?” I asked looking at him, a smirk playing across my face.

He smirked back and looked towards the room; I turned my eyes widening at the printing press.

“You told me to fix it, this is how we’re fixing it.” Jack said softly.

I turned and nodded.

“We got work to do. I’ll get Spot on the line and get his group rallied, they’ll spread the word.” I said nodding already racing up the steps.

“Let’s do this!” Jack shouted again.

I ran out of the door and to the nearest payphone, using a trick I had learned a while ago I entered Spot’s number.

“Spot, rally the gang. We are going to make first light news.” I said quickly when he answered.

“You got it! Let’s go boys!” Spot called from the other side of the line.

I hung up and ran back down into the building, quickly helping bundle and stack the pages. Before long we had enough to blanket the city, and that’s exactly what we did. Hours later, saw everyone with one of our papes and Jack looked at me smirking.

“Time for Davey and me to make the final blow.” He said with a bright sparkle in his eyes.

He knew we won. I laughed and shook my head.

“Go, we’ll be there with you! RIGHT BOYS!” I yelled the last bit to a resounding agreement from everyone in the area.

Jack smiled at me before taking off, Davey right behind him. The next thing anyone knew we were all outside Pulitzers building looking up and blocking all of the streets, we saw Jack and Davey and Les managed to get away from us and ended up with them in Pulitzers office. The thing that did surprise us, with Governor Roosevelt was stood with them. Twenty minutes later and Davey Les and Jack came racing from the building.

“WE WON!” Jack shouted in such a manner I hadn’t seen on him in a while.

A bright cheer went up, it got louder when Governor Roosevelt announced that the Refuge was closed, Crutchie joining us again. All of us surging over to him, the best news was when Snyder the Spider was put in chains, Crutchie took great joy in whacking him with his crutch.

“Could be used for a weekly political comic, what do you say Theodore? Let Jack behind your back door?” Pulitzer was saying.

I looked over and saw Jack debating between staying and leaving for Santa Fe.

“What’s Santa Fe got that New York doesn’t? Tarantulas?” Davey asked walking over to Jack.

Katherine walked up to Jack then.

“Better yet, what does Santa Fe have, that New York doesn’t?” She asked him with a smile.

I turned and gave a smile to the guys walking through the crowd. We won today and tomorrow, I’d be back out selling papes to help my family, I felt a hand grab me and turn me.

“Ya know, you walk really fast when you wanna get away from somethin’.” Jack huffed out, still holding my hand.

I smiled weakly at him.

“We won, congrats.” I said softly.

He tilted his head for a second and sighed shaking his head.

“For a smart girl, who can hide in plain sight. You can be kinda dumb.” Jack said.

I huffed out a breath and closed my eyes.

“If you’re just going to insult me you can just …” I started before Jack interrupted me.

I would have smacked him if he hadn’t had his lips attached to mine. I froze for a second before my eyes fluttered shut and my arms wrapped around his neck. I lifted one hand placing it on the back of his hat, giving absolutely no fucks when I heard it and a similar thing hit the ground. I didn’t care when I felt my hair down my back. The only thing I cared about was Jacks one arm wrapped around my waist and the other around my shoulders as he tilted me.

“Jack where did you…. Oh!” We heard a voice from behind us and stood up slowly.

Jack pressed his forehead to mine, and didn’t look up.

“What is it Crutchie? Can’t ya see you’re interruptin’ somethin’?” Jack asked looking into my eyes.

I smiled softly at him, running my fingers through his hair.

“S-sorry!” Crutchie said and I heard him move away.

I smiled again, closing my eyes.

“So, what’s this about?” I asked still a bit breathless.

He laughed and held me closer, if that was possible.

“Well you did say that this particular ball was in my court right?” He asked turning it back to me.

I took a breath and stepped back, breaking his hold on me. I turned my back and crossed my arms in front of me.

“I…I just…I saw how she looked at you and I thought…” I said softly.

Jack laughed and I felt him wrap his arms around my waist, placing his head on my shoulder.

“Nah, she’s just a girl. A friend yes, but just a girl. You’re so much more than that.” He said gently swaying us.

He turned me around and looked down at me tilting my head up.

“My best friend. My partner. The only person I’d willingly get arrested for again. Beautiful. Witty. Wise. Bright as a whip. Caring. Loving. Kind. Do I need to keep going?” He said pressing a soft kiss to my lips each time he paused, before turning the ending into a question.

I was bright red as my arms wrapped around him.

“The kissing, yes please. The compliments…. only if you want to.” I said softly burying my head in his chest.

He laughed and I felt him kiss the top of my head.

“Oh finally!” we heard and turned again, seeing a small group of boys at the mouth of the alley we were stood in.

I raised an eyebrow.

“What?” I asked.

Most of them groaned and rolled their eyes.

“One, we’ve known yous was a girl for a while. We just didn’t care. And two, yous two dancin' around each other for years got old real quick.” Romeo said stepping forward.

Jack and I laughed and spun a bit, just then the paper alarm sounded. Together jack and I leaned down grabbing our hats and quickly got them back on our heads, my hair tucked back under it.

“Well, what are we waitin' for? We got papes to sell!” Jack shouted.

With that we headed back out and into the streets selling the papers. Jack did eventually accept Pulitzers offer of the cartoonist job and we eventually were able to afford a small apartment. It took a little bit but, everything worked out in the end. Including Jack and I.

“EXTRA, EXTRA OUR BOY JACKS OFF THE MARKET STEP ON UP YOU HEARD ABOUT IT HERE! READ ALL ABOUT IT!” if I had figured out who yelled that I probably would have cuffed him with the paper.

Instead I shook my head, holding Ry in my arms as he held up a paper, Jack doing the same with Bea.

“Get yer paper!” Ry called.

I smiled and patted his head gently; Bea made an echoing call and I saw Jack nod at her sales tactics. That’s how the next while went, until we saved enough to send them to school, then Jack took the cartooning job and I sold Papes. Taking over the pack for Jack. And that’s just how it went.

#newsies #Jack kelly #oc #davey jacobs #ocs

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bookjunkie25 · 3 years

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The Wilds: Chapter 1

I tuck my legs underneath me in the airplane seat, running my fingers over the title of my book. It’s a new book bought purely for this occasion. In Focus Tarot: Your Personal Guide. So far it’s been informative and works well with my tarot deck.

Across the aisle is a brunette bookworm immersed in the book in her lap. It seems we have similar interests and we might get along. Hopefully we have the chance to interact sooner rather than later. In the seats ahead of me are what appears to be twins based on their physical likeliness, across from them are a dark haired purple shirted girl with earbuds in. In the rows towards the front there are a girl with a purple streak in her hair, a slim and sporty girl who gives off major lesbian vibes, a rich girly-girl, a delinquent in layers, and a bubbly Texan blonde who I find annoyingly optimistic.

And the one person I despise more than anything: Nicole McKee. Her and her holier-than-thou attitude, rich girl privilege, and despite being a teenager, a complete ‘Karen’ personality. Ugh, she pisses me off. I have zero idea why she would waste her time with this.

She is perched on the edge of a seat trying her best to flirt with the flight attendant. She beams at something he says, placing her hand on his elbow. His eyebrows furrow, his mouth twisting into a disinterested smile. He says something I can’t understand or hear. He moves back into the attendant quarters.

Good. She’s sixteen, she is not mature enough to be in a relationship with him or even a guy our age. She’s petty, jealous, insecure, and entitled. Any relationship with her would end up toxic.

“So in the interest of bringing us all together, I’d like to propose a little icebreaker!” The blonde stands up, her ponytail perfectly composed like the rest of her.

“Oh like Never Have I Ever,” the purple shirted girl pops up in response.

The blonde hesitates, “Uh, that game’s a little much.”

“I know,” the other girl continues like nothing happened. “So here’s how it works. One person says something they’ve never done been and if you have done it, you have to drink alcohol.” She covers her enthusiastic smile bashfully.

“Uh that game’s a little intense like for people who don’t know each other real well,” the Texan diffuses. She walks down the aisle, hands gesturing.

“So how about we just pair off, pow wow with your partner for a second then afterwards you can introduce it to the rest of us,” she suggests.

Yeah no. With my luck, I’d get stuck with She-Who-Shall-Not-Be-Named. Quickly I open my book and pretend to be invested. The blonde starts pairing off people one by one. When she gets to the other girl with a book, the girl flat out ignores her in a huff. The blonde backs off, directing her attention towards me.

“Hey there, I think you can be roped into a three person group like Nicole. C’mon,” she grabs my hand and pulls me to my feet. I don’t fight her. She leads me to the girl with the purple streak. “You can join us!”

“Okay,” I say quietly. I awkwardly stand in the aisle.

“Hi, I’m Martha.” She holds out her hand to shake.

“I’m Bea.” I take her hand in mine and loosely shake.

“Alright I’m Shelby,” the blonde chirps smiling. “It’s a pleasure to meet you both.” She and Martha shake hands. “Okay so let me tell you a bit about me. Okay I do real; I do family, I do Jesus, I do pageants. I’m doing this conference to offset the pageants, some colleges might see them as retrograde when it comes to female empowerment. Has anyone ever told you have the most drop-dead gorgeous eyes?” Shelby turns to me. “And you, I just adore your crystal necklaces.”

Martha bashfully smiles looking away.

“Thank you,” I smile. “Um, I like to read and write and I’m kinda getting into Taylor Swift again.” I gesture awkwardly tucking a piece of hair behind my ear. “I have a twin, and I have two younger siblings. Oh, and I’m from Maine.” I nod. I twist one of my many rings in an attempt to draw back into myself.

“Uh, I came here with my best friend Toni, I love animals, and I used to dance. I’m an only child and I’m a vegetarian.”

The flight attendant Nicole was flirting with, hands out slices of chocolate cake to us. His name pin reads Marcus. “Thank you,” I say with a polite smile. “If I could get past you,” he says.

“Oh no, yeah, sure.” I scurry into an empty space. The cake slides towards the end. I hurry to balance it before it falls to the floor.

“Um, could you move forward a bit?” The purple shirted girl asks.

“Yeah, yeah yeah yeah, sure.” I rush forward to get back to an open space once the flight attendant passes by.

Shelby and Martha are deeply immersed in conversation, paying me no mind. Might as well go sit back down in my spot to eat. An ache rumbles in my stomach, audible to everyone else. Shit I forgot to eat this morning. Or last night. I maw down on the cake. Chocolate gets on my finger tips and I suck it off.

Might as well get some sleep. Digging into my bag I pull out some melatonin gummies and swallow at least five if not more.

Sleep comes fast and easy.

Icy cold fluid hits my face and soaks into my bones. I tremble slowly coming awake. Salt septs into my half open mouth. I cough choking a bit. Rushing to sit up, my head aches and throbs. Wiping my face off, I strain to see around me. Blurry objects are obscured by a light fog, waves hit my chest. I move with the flow ever so slightly.

Where am I? How did I get here? What happened? Wait - where are my glasses? I pat down my surroundings in an attempt to find them. Rock, rock, sand, seaweed, water, my leg, my other leg. Where are they? My pinky brushes something glass like. Is that it?

I scramble to find it again before it gets dragged out by the water. On the first grab I catch it. Water droplets cling to the lens and runs down the frames. I shake it out in an attempt to get the water off with no hands. Testing out my glasses seem futile. Even though I can see more clearly than I would’ve without them, everything is still blurry.

It’s completely dark, clouds are covering the moon. A breeze rises over the ocean and runs over my soaked body. I tremble. How did I get here? Okay, okay, just think. Just think. I was in the plane on my way to a girls-only retreat with ten others - the others. Where are the others? What happened to them? Are they around here somewhere?

I search wildly for some sign of another life form. Blackness coats the beach, the night sky pitch black. My legs wobble and shake under my weight. I take a step forward and instantly my ankle gives out. I yelp as I land directly on top of a rock. Pain travels up my ribs through my stomach. My side is definitely going to be bruised.

I push myself onto my heels and try to stand once again. A burn septs up my muscles as I struggle to keep myself up. One foot in front of the other. You can do this. I try to step forward with my left leg. I trip and get a face full of water. The salt burns my chapped lips and the back of my throat. I get up and try again. Once again, I fall and hurt myself.

“Ow,” I whine dragging out the vowel. My entire body aches and pulses with pain. I have to get out of the water. Just have to get to land. Somewhere dry.

Panting I get to my feet. Just one foot in front of another, just concentrate on small things. One foot in front of another. I got this. I can do this.

I dunno if I’m going to keep this or continue this, I’m not sure how I feel about it.

#the wilds #the wilds fanfiction #oc x canon #toni shalifoe #shelby goodkind #martha blackburn #dot campbell #fatin jadmani #leah rilke #rachel reid #nora reid #oc x oc

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chasseurdeloup-retired · 4 years

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Into the Woods || Morgan and Kaden

TIMING: Last Sunday LOCATION: The woods PARTIES: @mor-beck-more-problems and @chasseurdeloup SUMMARY: While the banshees scream, Morgan and Kaden try to distract themselves.

The woods were strangely eerie. Odd, he was used to them being comforting. They used to be; they used to be his home away from home. But more and more that feeling was being picked away. Maybe it was because Kaden was subconsciously listening for the sounds of screams in the distance. Maybe it was because the last time he was truly out here on a hunt was with Alain. His stomach dropped what felt like down to his toes. He had his knives on him as always, but part of him wished he didn’t. Even though he knew that would be stupid. It surely didn’t help that his current company was also somber. Oddly so. Of the two of them Morgan was the more talkative of the two normally. And yet, here he was, the one trying to make bullshit conversation on their attempt to distract themselves. “So. We’re pretending that nothing terrible is happening in the woods, what, a few miles away? At most?” Kaden sighed, kicking the dirt under his shoe across the path. “You okay?” he asked, turning to her. Well that was stupid. Neither of them were o-fucking-kay. “I mean you know. Given the whole, uh, everything.” He had a feeling Sundays felt heavier for Morgan than other days of the week. They didn’t make much difference to him one way or another. Every day was a day he didn’t see Regan and worried about what sort of training she was up to. Still, having the solidarity was nice. Or it would be. In theory.

“I took us in the opposite direction,” Morgan said flatly. She slashed her pruning knife through a bundle of purple thistle waving in the underbrush. Slashed again. “We aren’t going to run into anything we shouldn’t. Or, well, we aren’t going to run into the pain parade.” Morgan winced as she reached for her string to tie it off with the rest she’d gathered and set in her basket. “I’m sorry. I don’t mean to be… I like it, when we hang out like this, even when we feel awful. I’m just...having a hard time.” To put it mildly. Her last visit with Lydia still shook her to her core. She couldn’t tell anymore what was making her energy dip, being reminded of how much she’d lost because of Nell and Constance, the memories her body stored of floods and car accidents, and death, or knowing what Deirdre was being forced to do right now on account of Regan’s dad having been more in love with the denial game than she was. It was the worst game of roulette, where even the winning slot didn’t get you anything besides a need for therapy. “The universe is coming for me on all sides,and I don’t have enough of me to hold onto it all. I don’t even know how I’m going to get through the rest of today.” She stood up, dusted herself off, and shot Kaden a watery smile. “But uh, yeah, though, I’m okay,” she sing-songed. “How about you?”

Kaden wasn’t sure if that made him feel better or worse. Some sick part of him wanted to wander upon it and see what was going on. See how truly terrible it was. He did know that in reality, it wasn’t what he wanted. Hell now that he had the freedom to ask what was going on with the training, really ask, he was too afraid to. Not that he knew where to start. So he simply hadn’t. For now, he waited for whatever Regan had to offer while knowing full well she wasn’t going to offer shit. “You don’t have to apologize. It’s not like I’m great company either.” He had a feeling half the walk he was stuck in his own mind. Too many things were weighing on him. He wondered when he’d break, crumble under the burdens he was bearing for everyone else. Regan, Nadia, Alain, Blanche, Nell, Adam, Bea, hell even Morgan herself; he’d leanded his help to all of them. And he’d keep doing so without hesitation. But he was wondering when he was hurting more than helping, saying he could do things when it was possible he had nothing to offer. “I really understand. Wish I didn’t but I do.” Her chipper attempt at a reply made him roll his eyes. “Yeah, sure, alright. Me, too. I’m completely fucking fine.” He shoved his hands in his pockets before he found a bigger rock and kicked it away. Only slightly more satisfying than the last. Still a hollow victory, though. “I mean I’m the reason my friend is an amputee now and I haven’t seen my girlfriend in… has it been weeks now? But we’re fine.”

Morgan gave Kaden an apologetic look and squeezed the sleeve of his jacket. “I’m sorry. I’m just uh…” Not sure how to balance the honesty you can handle with the honesty that will get me murdered before I have a chance to call Deirdre and tell her I’m sorry. “We’re still kinda new at this whole honesty hour thing, I guess,” she said instead. “You wanna tell me more about your friend? Or ask one of those spooky questions you’re pretending not to think about? ‘Cause I’m all ears, no matter what.” She led them down to a patch of clover and settled down to cut as many as she could, gesturing for him to sit with her a while as she did.

“I guess,” Kaden said with a shrug. “I don’t know, you’ve forced me to share all my feelings and shit all the time. I think the entire time I’ve known you.” He still wasn’t sure why he answered her questions and indulged her in the first place. By now he knew it wasn’t worth fighting her on it and just letting it happen. Which is why he sighed and took a seat next to her. “I don’t know. I feel like you’re not going to like any of it.” She wasn’t exactly shy about telling him how much she hated the whole hunter shit. He found a rock nearby to lean against, crossing his arms in front of his chest as he did. “I don’t even know what to ask about what’s happening anymore. Now that I can know. Where the fuck do I even start? After all of you tell me how much it’s destroying everyone in-fucking-volved.” He thought about picking up a stick or rock nearby, but he didn’t want to uncross his arms, let his guard down. Best to stick with the other thing. “The other part though, uh, we fought a bugbear. Me and the other hunter. Apparently the bugbear was a criminal or a murder or some shit, I don’t know.” He didn’t look at her while he spoke, simply watched the branches across the way, watching as they moved with the breeze. “But I had a clear shot. And I hesitated. The other hunter jumped in to save my ass. And he lost his leg. And then I killed the fucking bugbear anyway.”

“I guess I should’ve clarified,” Morgan smirked. “I’m new at not having to fight you tooth and claw for honesty. Or for having things I don’t know how to talk about either.” She smiled sadly and started plucking stems. She listened to Kaden’s frustration, nodding along and watching the wrinkles in his face as he searched for the words for this. “It doesn’t sound to me like you did anything wrong on your hunt,” she said at last. “People hesitate. They doubt. That makes you human. And, you know, some people would argue that having qualms with killing someone, even an evil, bear-shaped someone, is a good thing. I’m sorry about your friend’s leg. But I imagine they were ready to do anything for you, in that moment. He doesn’t actually blame you, does he?”

“You have feelings you don’t know how to talk about? That’s new and different.” Kaden huffed out a laugh but it didn’t make the mood feel any lighter. He felt his fingers dig into his palm as he made his hand into a fist. She may not have had to fight him tooth and claw but he still wasn’t entirely comfortable with the whole thing. “I’m not supposed to hesitate,” he said before even absorbing the rest. “I can’t be out in the field if I’m going to hesitate or freeze up. It’s dangerous.” He didn’t have to explain that much, he hoped. He played with the pressure of his fist, clenching it tighter and then looser as he paused to try and take in the rest of what she said. “I don’t know if he blames me. I don’t know. I know I blame me.” He felt his throat getting tighter already. Supposed he should have anticipated that would happen at some point. “I don’t know. I think some of you are getting in my head. All I could see was Blanche’s old roommate.” He gave a shrug. “I tried to tell Regan why I hesitated and I-- I don’t know. I don’t think I can explain it.” At least not in a way he’d feel good about it. Which he didn’t know what to make of, either.

“Yeah, even insufferable zombies have their moments,” Morgan said. “And I figured you blame you, but that doesn’t mean you have to. You saw a person there, because they are a person. Even someone you have to kill because they’re out of control and malicious and there’s no other way.” She paused in her work to look at him fully, carefully. “What did Regan say? You could try to explain now. I know it’s...on a practical level, it’s risky, hesitating, but I don’t think it says anything bad about you, Kaden. I think you were just asked to do something incredibly difficult, and you acted the way people do. I know that’s not...super comforting. But, I’m trying to say you’re still a good person, that’s all.”

“I don’t think that makes it better,” Kaden said, voice tight. If that bugbear was a person, then that changed…. Well, it changed a lot. Too much. Enough that he didn’t want to touch or acknowledge. He could feel the crank holding back the flood gates was loosening. He wasn’t sure if he wanted to let it down, accept what it could mean for his life. Not now. Maybe not ever. “Regan just knows I killed a monster. Or, well, a dangerous unusual animal, as she calls it.” He shifted in his seat a bit. “And I mean, that’s true. It is. I mean he was. It was. I don’t--” He hated how much this complicated things. How far from simple hunting had gotten. He let out a deep exhale, trying to release some of the tension building in his chest. “She doesn’t know that bugbears or werewolves transform into, you know, more or less human. When-- And I don’t know how to tell her.” That wasn’t completely true. It would be as simple as trying. “I mean she wouldn’t believe me.” And if she did… He had a feeling it wouldn’t be good. But that didn’t mean it was wrong. It didn’t. Maybe it did. But if it was wrong then what was he supposed to do about it now? If he left that bugbear alive, he’d be dead, Alain would be dead, and countless future people would be dead. Somehow, something still felt wrong. “I don’t feel like a good person. And I feel like an even worse hunter.” And he wasn’t entirely sure what he had to offer if he wasn’t a good hunter. What else was there that he was qualified to do? His whole life had been dedicated to hunting. Without it, what was left?

Morgan knew that Kaden struggled with accepting the personhood of the people he hunted, but she didn’t understand why he wasn’t able to shoulder that gravity the way Deirdre did. And she couldn’t ask or draw the comparison, of course. Even if she wasn't bound to secrecy, telling him would sign Deirdre’s death over to him, and hers too. She couldn’t tell him that seeing people as objects, as prey, aligned him with Lydia and some of the more stomach-turning people she’d met in town. But Kaden wouldn’t appreciate that distinction either, and she didn’t dare endanger Lydia by speaking her name around a hunter. Turning all of these things over in her mind, Morgan bowed her head, shivering in spite of not being able to feel the cold. “You’re a good person, Kaden,” she said firmly. “And it speaks better of you, not worse, to recognize the humanity of the supernaturals you go after. Maybe Regan can’t make that distinction, but I can. Losing a sense of other people’s humanity scrapes away some of yours too, I think.” She sat thinking, no longer even moving her hands, but fixed on the growing dark around them. “Why isn’t being a good hunter something you can define for yourself?”

Kaden dug his fingernails into his palm, a familiar tick as of late. Holding in the emotions and holding back the flood gates, one small crescent shape at a time. He met her eyes when she reaffirmed what she said, hoping it might sink in. But it didn’t. It didn’t seep in. Because he knew he was on a ledge. If he teetered to either side, it would mean pain. He was doomed either way. If he rejected that the supernatural were people, it meant his girlfriend and his friends didn’t deserve to live. If he believed that they were…. He gripped his fists tighter and bit the inside of this lip. “It’s not that Regan can’t make the distinction, Morgan,” he said, voice tight and barely there. “It’s that I’m afraid she will. And if I--” He could feel himself shaking slightly but he forced himself to hold it in, hold steady the gates. “If I acknowledge that-- If we say that’s mu-- I mean that would mean that I’m--” He couldn’t even say it out loud. “I can’t--” He shook his head and braced his hands against the ground, forcing himself still and steady. “They have to be monsters. The things I’ve killed? They have to be that or I don’t know how to live with myself. I don’t know what would make me a good person if I was… that.” His fingers gripped the grass beneath them. This was supposed to be something to make him feel better, right? “I’m sorry, I can’t. I can’t be that.” He breathed in and out slowly, following the dumb breathing techniques he learned from Regan. “Being a hunter it’s-- I mean it’s what I was raised to do it’s all I-- I just, I need to keep people safe. I have to. You don’t-- I have to. And if I’m not doing that, what good am I? What kind of a person am--” Breathe. He had to breathe. Feel the ground under his hand and breathe.

Morgan set her foraging tools aside and crawled over to Kaden, close enough that she could reach out with her small hand and cup his cheek. “You have a kind heart, Kaden. And you wouldn’t intentionally do harm or spread hurt. You said it yourself. That counts for something, you know? And you are more than your duty. You’re a whole person, with so much more to offer the world than the ability to kill and destroy. Sometimes that’s exactly what we need. But it’s not always, and you shouldn’t treat yourself as a thing that’s broken when it doesn’t act with perfect coldness. You’re a person, and I think you owe it to yourself and the people you go after to see them as they are. It isn’t going to make you any less kind, any less worth caring about.”

The emotions Kaden was trying to hold in came spilling over when she came over to him. A sob choked out and he caught it, holding it back. It sounded nice. It sounded great and hopeful and wonderful. As nice an idea as that stupid charging rock built with love. He sure felt like an idiot for falling for that, for believing in it when he learned the truth. And he felt even stupider now than he did then. His lip wrabbled and he wanted to tell her to stop and scream at her that she was wrong. About something. He didn’t know what it was. But she had to be wrong about something. He was wrong about something, too. He wanted to push her away and run as much as he wanted to curl up and crumble. Instead he pulled himself in, hands still clinging tight to the dirt beneath them, his core and arms shaking slightly as he resisted the emotions that were overwhelming him. He attempted a nod, shaking his head, anything, but he felt like any conscious movement would crush him, all the weight of years just on the other side. “What does it mean?” he tried, eyes filling with tears a little more each word. “If I-- What does it mean for all the ones before?” He shut his eyes tight, pushed the feelings back down, bottled away somewhere, tried to. Monsters. They were just monsters. Someone had to be a monster.

Even in her anguished stupor, Morgan’s heart broke for Kaden. She moved closer, taking his face in both hands now. She could almost see the little boy he’d once been, scared and impressionable and wanting so badly to be good. Why was it that parents were so eager to twist their children’s desire to be good for them? Why were so many cruelties hidden away as ‘lessons’? Morgan didn’t know, but she hated it all, the whole complicated mess of it. But there was something she felt sure about, and she spoke it with gentle clarity. “It makes you someone who has had to make some very difficult decisions with reasons and intentions he wasn’t able to fully understand. And maybe some of the choices are regretful ones, some really bad mistakes, but not all of them. And it doesn’t make you bad or awful. Okay? What’s important is what you do now that you understand.”

Kaden couldn’t escape her gaze now, there was no way to look away and not let the words reach him, no way to pretend that she was saying something untrue or anything she didn’t mean. Part of him didn’t want her to forgive him or tell him it might be okay. But she did. Why was she being so nice to him? What the fuck did he do to earn anyone’s trust or anything is this town? Why did he care? It was so much easier when he just simply didn’t care. When the world was black and white and he wasn’t here in a forest with cold hands cupping his face, cold hands that felt more comforting and had more warmth than he could remember feeling in too long now. He could either melt or explode, that was all he could do because he couldn’t hold back everything anymore. He couldn’t carry the weight. A small nod was all he could give her before the emotions forced their way out, the tears broke past his lids no matter how hard he shut them, the sobs escaped his lips and he couldn’t bite it back. He wanted to collapse into the ground and stay there. He still couldn’t sort through this, couldn’t tell if he believed her fully or not, but he also couldn’t stop from feeling the tidal wave of emotions trying to wash him away.

Morgan pulled on Kaden until he sank into her arms. “It’s okay,” she said, squeezing him tight. “You’ll be okay, Kaden. What matters is right now, okay? You’re still a kind person, and a good friend.” She tried to get a better grip around his shoulders, to bundle him better against her body. “You weren’t taught to know these things, because it’s easier if you don’t. But you know now, and you’ll be okay…” she whispered.

Kaden didn’t know how long he let himself fall apart and how long he let her hold him. It felt like too long and not enough but he felt like he was drowning in all of it. Everything was just crushing him and pulling him under. The incident with Alain, his past, everything with Regan, his mother, Celeste, Ariana. He felt everything though, every nerve, raw and painful. “I’m sorry,” he croaked out, over and over. When he finally felt empty he sniffed and tried to collect himself, recovering from the mess he’d become. “Fuck. I’m sorry. We came here to be less fucking sad.”

“You don’t have anything to be sorry to me for,” Morgan assured him, her voice faint and even as she comforted him. “You don’t have to be sorry. Don’t be. It’s okay.” She said it again for every apology he made, knowing that there would be another, because shame was terrible and predictable that way. When he started making more words than just that, she gave a breathless laugh and mussed his hair. “Sometimes things are just too sad, and the best you can hope for is being sad together with someone.” She sniffled and wiped the corners of her eyes, which had started to tear up. “And I think we’ve got that one down easy. Don’t feel bad for having a feeling.”

“Hey, not the hair,” Kaden said, batting her hand away gently, a small smile peeking through on his face. He took a moment to try and push some of his hair back where it belonged, probably pretty pointless by then. When his hands were free, he reached out to grip her shoulder a moment, just give them a squeeze and be done, but instead he paused and pulled her into another hug. He still wasn’t sure how to feel, he still wasn’t sure what it meant or if he knew the way forward. He wasn’t even sure if her words actually held comfort anymore or just offered him with more questions. What he did know was he had support, someone else who, maybe stupidly, believed in him. “Thanks,” he said as he let go of the hug. It was nice, not feeling alone, feeling like someone would try to catch him when he fell.

The thing was Kaden had that. He had that with Regan. Maybe not right that second but he did, and he knew that she would even if her world was falling apart. She’d proved that, she’d tired. And it struck him that was who he should be having this conversation with and the pit of weight dropped down onto him again. “I miss her,” he said softly, wiping away some of the tears that had pooled on his face before with his palm. “I saw her pretty much every day. I didn’t realize it. Until she was--” Gone. It had been a while. The last he’d seen her he was on the curb two meters away from her as they sat there and watched the sunrise. He talked to her online but it wasn’t the same. This was stupid. She wasn’t dead, she hadn’t even dumped him. Being away from her was hard but it was far from the worst of this. He let out a sigh as his mind wandered to why they were even there and what they had intended to avoid in the first place. Here he was drowning in emotions and somewhere else in the same woods, Regan was trying to cut hers away. “Right. Definitely a master of being sad together. Funny, I never thought I’d say this but at least we get to be sad.” His voice was hollower than he intended, but it was fitting given the subject.

A scab peeled off Morgan’s heart as she took in Kaden’s smile. There was that kid again, not in the juvenile, black-and-white judgemental asshat sort of way she’d hated when they first met, but in the way that Deirdre sometimes looked different, more herself, when she was watching the spiders feast or running with her through the cemeteries and stopping to admire a grave. Something pure and essential that went beyond the bulshit shoved down her throat. Something wonderful. It was like that, with Kaden’s smile. “It’s okay, Kaden,” she said.

The relief was short lived as he started talking about Regan, and what he was losing. Morgan’s gaze fell back to her butchered patch of clover, feeling guilty for the way she’d ‘helped’ the baby banshee move out once again. What did it mean that she’d barely been able to smile, or freak out at any of the stuff she’d done. Even the low-grade stuff. “I’m sorry,” she said. “That it’s like this. I think...I really do want it to be over soon. For her.” For all of them. If she could just get that stretch of time from Sunday to Tuesday and Wednesday back, when she could see Deirdre smile again, all the way up to her soft, autumn-brown eyes. Picking up the clover she’d picked, Morgan flashed Kaden a smile of her own. “Here’s to being sad.”

“Training like this. It…” Kaden sighed, truly hating the fact that he was giving Deirdre some credit, that was admitting to any similarities, even after their time in that stupid circle. “It took me years. It took Deirdre years. And I know we were kids but..” He shook his head. “Sorry, I don’t mean to bring us down again.” At least one of them was an optimist. If he was meant to hope and hold on and try desperately to be a lifevest when he was fairly certain he was drowning himself, he needed some help. And it likely meant any shred of hope he had was going to be saved for Regan. He rubbed his face again, trying to reset, and pushed his hair back. “Here’s to being sad. Remind me to bring some liquor out here next time.” Right. Putain. “At least for me. Sorry.”

“I didn’t realize you were aware of those common details between you. You wanna elaborate?” Morgan said. She couldn’t figure out who would have told. It definitely wasn’t her, as much as she burned to say it sometimes when they were being especially similar and obtuse, she could never bring herself to share something that would make Deirdre so vulnerable to some she knew she hated. Morgan had assumed Regan wasn’t up to mining Deirdre’s backstory either, or if it came up, that it wasn’t something she would see fit to share. Regan could be fastidiously thoughtful, even when she was being frosty, provided the thoughtfulness was turned into a rule. “And you’re okay, really.” Morgan dusted herself off and scanned their surroundings for hemlock. It had an unfortunate resemblance to Queen Anne’s Lace, which was frustratingly common around these parts. “Regan is stubbornly devoted. As long as we don’t fuck this up, maybe it’ll be okay. And maybe, you know, whenever ‘after’ happens, that’s how things turn out better for her. And she already loves you, I think that gives you a leg up, in the man v. banshee game. And don’t worry about me. My next dose of the good brain drugs is coming in a few days, and I’m just...not very up in general right now. You’re good, okay?”

“Hmm? Oh. Right.” Kaden almost thought that Deirdre might have shared the details of their time in the witch’s circle. Guess not. “We, uh, we got stuck in a magic circle. It was like some bullshit therapy session. I don’t know. It was stupid.” He instantly regretted telling any of this to Morgan. He could feel the laughter and questions about to rain on him. He sighed and figured he should stand up. Take a step or two again. Move on and continue forward from the discussion they just had. He wasn’t sure if he wanted to, but if she had more herbs to find, guess he’d have to. “I hope you’re right. About all of it. The after and the leg up. I don’t know.” He rubbed his arm and figured he should probably brush off some of the dirt and leaves from his pants. He kept wondering if all of it was enough. If he was enough. If there wasn’t that part of him that she’d find and decide she didn’t want him after all. His stomach churned thinking of everything he’d just confessed a few minutes ago. He sniffed and blinked away any tears threatening to break through again. “But, uh, that’s good. The brains. I guess. Is there something else? Other than, uh, this?” he asked. His brows were knit together as he searched her face for some sort of hint or answer. He had to wonder if it was something she couldn’t tell him. He hoped it wasn’t because she didn’t trust him.

Even from her sunken place, Morgan couldn’t help but snigger at the thought of Deirdre and Kaden in therapy...together. “Oh, that’s good. That’s amazing! Obviously I can’t pry for details, with confidentiality of course, but—oh, stars above, Kaden.” She beamed. “I’m happy for you two. You both definitely need it, and if you came out of it without stabbing each other, you must have found some kind of understanding in there.” She smirked again. “Does this mean you two could share a space without hurting each other for an hour?” She didn’t raise her voice above sarcasm, not daring to hope for even that much from the world right now, even those she cared about.

She wandered a little ahead of him, still looking for the hemlock. She didn’t enjoy lying to her friends and she didn’t like the sad puppy look on Kaden’s face, like he needed to be able to do something for her. He wouldn’t understand that he couldn’t offer her anything besides the murder of her friends, even if Lydia might deserve it. “Classified,” she said with a sad smile. “Fall is a hard time for me anyways. Constance’s curse usually took something away that mattered to me around this time, so there’s a lot of trauma stored inside this little corpse of mine. Apartments, cars, places, friends, my parents. It’s a whole thing. Kind of awful, since Samhain is my favorite holiday.” She shrugged, but there wasn’t much effort put into being convincing. When it came to dealing with loss, there didn’t seem to be much of a point to hiding it from Kaden.

Kaden immediately rolled his eyes at her response. Saw that coming a mile away. “Amazing’s not the fucking word I’d use for it.” Tedious, arduous, awful, all very good words for that experience. Amazing was not one. “You know if you still had your powers, I’d have half a mind to ask that it wasn’t you who set up that fucking circle. It seems like the kind of shit you’d pull.” Hell she seemingly tried to do it without magic now. And honestly, she might have some degree of success since Morgan was one of the few things Deirdre and he could manage to agree on. “Don’t get too excited. Wasn’t really a barrel of fucking laughs. Not until she--” Uh, right. Maybe he didn’t want to reveal to her how he fell flat on his face when the barrier fell away. “Never mind,” he added quickly.

There was a bird chirping overhead as she talked and it caught his eye. He didn’t need to watch her to know there was pain there. He could feel it. Even as blase as she was being. He understood. Sometimes you had to put up walls around loss or tuck it away for long enough to keep moving. “I’m sorry,” he said as he watched the bird take off and fly away, his eyes dropping back to her. It was unfair. All of it. Being cursed thanks to your family’s legacy. The puff of a laugh escaped his lips before he could stop it. Sounded familiar. “Maybe this will be the last season Constance can take anything from you.” He wasn’t sure if that was hopeful or still just as depressing. It almost sounded nice, though. “You know, I never did much to celebrate holidays, even when my parents were alive. It just wasn’t as important. So I can’t say I know much about Samhain. Not that I, uh, I would. I’m guessing it’s a witch thing. So. Yeah.”

“I would never do that to you two as a surprise. Not unless I knew some trick for making sure you literally couldn’t hurt each other even if you tried,” Morgan admitted. “Besides, that’s got to be some offshoot of mental magic, and I could never figure any of that stuff out. Not that you don’t make it tempting. When this all shakes out in however long, if we’re all still alive, it might be nice to have that picnic.” She couldn’t picture it no matter how hard she tried, but her dad had believed that speaking things into the universe would help teach it to make them so. “You have more in common than you realize, Kaden. Even down to rubbing people the wrong way on a first impression.”

Morgan held herself still and cold as she could at Kaden’s attempt at comfort. ‘As much as she could,’ didn’t amount to much, but she didn’t feel like crying in front of him, especially when she could only explain some of what she was feeling. “I’d really like that, if this could just be the end of it. If I never had to feel...so fucking broken because of her again… I don’t even know how to talk about half the things her curse did to me and my family. It’s kind of amazing it took me so long to realize her bullshit is what made my mother into such a nightmare. But that’s…” she shook her head. It was all she had to hold onto besides Deirdre, and she was going to take it, no matter how gathering the materials for ritual made her feel. Not doing it was still worse. “It’s whatever,” she mumbled. She dug deep into herself and tried to rally some of her usual bright energy into her spirit. “But Samhain is for everyone! Or it can be. It’s all about paying homage to the harvest of the year, and for the harvest of our forebearers. What we have that’s grown, what’s going to survive the coming darkness and death of winter. It’s about bracing yourself for the worse still to come with...love, stupid as I’m sure that sounds to you.”

“So that I couldn’t stab her? Don’t get me wrong. I was tempted. But the whole being turned into a zombie thing seemed less than appealing,” Kaden retorted. Not to mention, without Deirdre, who would Regan have to help her? Her grandmother, maybe, but something about even thinking about her sent a chill down his spine. Not that he had much reason to, he knew shit all about her or the circumstances. Then again, he’d seen that basement in Millinoket. He had to blink a moment at Morgan’s suggestion of a picnic with all four of them “Right. I’m the only one of the four of us who doesn't have centuries. Good luck waiting on that one.” It was meant to be a joke, but somehow it still stung a little in its own way. “I mean it’s hard to imagine all four of us in the same spot, all relatively okay.” Leave it to Morgan to remain hopeful despite the odds.

“I know you’re better at the feelings talk than I am, but I don’t think it’s whatever. Shit sucks.” Kaden reached out and gave her shoulder a squeeze. He was pretty sure it wasn’t comforting or right. It wasn’t something he had a lot of experience with. He knew how to be around Regan. And Blanche. Sometimes Bea. And even then he was unsure of what was helpful, overbearing, incorrect. All he could do was try. “I mean it. If I can help. You just have to point me in the right direction.” He gave her shoulder one more squeeze before letting go. He knew actions weren’t weighted any more than words to her, at least not what he could gather. But they were to him. And it was all he knew to offer. So he’d try. It was what he could do. And he hoped she knew that. Still he had to laugh at what she said about Samhain. Bracing for the worst with love. “You’re right it does sound stupid,” he said, be he couldn’t help keep the smile off his face despite the sadness he still felt lingering. “But I have a feeling it’s the kind of shit I need a little more of. Maybe you can share a little more about it with me. We have plenty more sundays to go.”

“So you know about the lifespan, huh?” Morgan said, frowning sympathetically. “I don’t guess there’s anything to stretch lifespan out for hunters, is there? You’d think with all the cosmic public service and greater good talk you guys have, someone would have at least tried.” She frowned again, uncertain as to whether she sounded callous. “I’m sorry. I want you to be able to be here. I want you to stay with us. I want all of this to be okay in a few months, in a year. I don’t know, sometime. I feel like we should all get to have that so this feels worth it.”

Morgan almost cried at the whisper feeling of Kaden’s hand on her shoulder. “I wish I knew what the right direction was. Everything feels like it’s just...falling apart. The only thing that makes sense is… Okay, you have to confront violence with your morals all the time, so tell me this: is there anyone who ever hurt you so much that the only thing that makes sense is to get them back? How much hurt til it’s fair?” But she couldn’t imagine more hurt on her shoulders and bound in her body until this moment. How much hurt could someone else bear from another person? The destruction, the fear, the loss (and there was so much loss, every week that re-opened another wound reminded her just how much). Maybe it didn’t, couldn’t matter what Kaden thought. “Never mind,” she said quietly. “You don’t have to. I’m sorry… I do uh, I do think that it wouldn’t hurt you to lean into more love to get by. Maybe that’s how we try to find balance. Maybe that’s how we get to ‘after.’”

“I do. I mean, I know the general fae lifespan. So I figured.” Kaden gave a shrug, tried to brush off the hurt. It was stupid. He’d never get centuries even if it were possible. Ever. That wasn’t how hunting worked. “My lifespan has been stretched, Morgan. I’ve had more near death experiences than most people ever do. This is it. This is what I--” He felt his voice rising, anger rising up with it, and he wasn’t sure when his words choked him, what part made him stop. It wasn’t like he didn’t already know all this, hadn’t reckoned with it before. A long time ago. “Sorry. I-- Sorry. I would like us all to be around, too.” He was more and more reminded why he had only lived in pockets of time. It was all he was guaranteed. And even then.

He stood and listened to what she said. Took it all in. “Yes.” It wasn’t a hard question. Was there anything he hated so much he wanted revenge? Easily. “I don’t know about fair. I don’t think it’ll ever be fair. No matter what I do. No matter what anyone does. What’s lost can’t come back, it’ll never be fucking fair. But it can be over. I can make sure no one else suffers like this. That the hurt they cause is done. Forever.” If anyone understood the desire for revenge, it was him. It had dulled a bit after fifteen years, sure, but not much. “You’re right I don’t have to. But I’m offering. And you could be right. Just maybe.”

Morgan stared into the dark, knowing Kaden was right in more ways than she wanted to admit. Maybe it was just the steady creep of winter, or the wounds on her psyche blending her brain into mush, but seemed like even her anchors were shriveling up in her hands and slipping away. Ideas she had started to cling to weren’t worth as much as she’d thought. My friends will stay with me. Believe in me. Even her old standby, ‘tomorrow might be better,’ didn’t steady her the way it used to. She grimaced, holding herself against her pain and mumbled, “Fate’s a son of a bitch.” It was hard to believe her curse was lifted when every time she tried to push back on Constance, she lost whatever she cared about. It almost lent credence to Deirdre’s fae bullshit about a supernatural caste system, like all she could do was take shit for someone else’s baggage or get more for trying to do something about it. At least seeing things through her way would prove that her life wasn’t made to be anyone’s chew toy or snack pack. Not that anyone understood how the need to make any of this different ground against her sanity. No matter what she said, it never sank in beyond some ‘horrifying’ hypothetical. And, stars, sometimes it horrified her too, but she couldn’t turn her back on herself.

Then Kaden said yes. Morgan squinted at him in the twilight, wincing at the bittersweet rush of warm understanding that filled her. “Finished is one word, yeah. I thought we were finished before, but, you know, guess not. And I keep feeling like...I need to be the one who decides how it goes, for once. Even if it’s just to give her back even a fraction of the suffering she’s given me as she’s wiped off the earth. My terms, for once.” It was one of the few things that still made sense, that she felt remotely certain of. “I hope you get yours too,” she said. “Maybe it won’t take so long for you, at least, huh? Maybe we’ll get what we need and come out of this all shiny and happy.” She didn’t believe a word of what she was saying, but maybe it would happen anyway. Maybe.

#wickedswriting #Chatzy #morgan #morbeckmoreproblems #into the woods #writing

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sdottkrames · 4 years

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The Wolf’s Out of the Bag

(A Maruaders Era Fic)

@comfortember Prompt 9: Confession

Summary: Lupin’s friends no longer believe that he’s visiting his parents each month at the full moon.

Notes: I was originally going to do a Golden Trio fic, but my heart kept calling me towards the Marauders. So here we are. My first HP fic. I hope you enjoy it!

Also: this is definitely based on a screenshot of a Tumblr post by @hogwartshead-canons (I can’t find the blog anymore?) that I saw on Pinterest that went like this:

Sirius: of course we’re not going to have you kicked out! Why would we do that?

Remus: Because I’m a monster….

James: Oh stop being such a drama queen. You fold your socks, Remus. Do forgive me if I’m not trembling at the sight of you.

Read on AO3: Here

I hope you enjoy!

When James met the boy with the messy black hair on the train to Hogwarts, he’d known right away they would be best friends. Sirius Black was confident and loud, bold and funny. James didn’t care about his last name, and Sirius was grateful to be seen as something other than a family legacy. They got on famously from the very first “hello.”

When Peter Pettigrew, with his mousy hair and nervous disposition ended up being in their dormitory, James had instantly decided Peter was his project. James had his father’s drive to protect and his mother’s kind heart, and he knew Peter needed protection and confidence. He was determined to give that to his new friend.

Remus Lupin was another story entirely. The boy was quiet, but when he opened his mouth he had the ability to make the others nearly wet their pants with laughter. He kept to himself most of the time, almost like he was afraid to let himself become friends with the group. The urge to crack his shell and earn his friendship sunk deep into James’ skin.

James tried everything. He made Remus’ bed (he had discovered his friend liked his bed made, but often slept so long he rushed out with no time to make it in the morning), he snuck Remus food from the great hall when he was sick (he was sick a lot), he let Remus ride his prized broom. Giving Remus chocolate seemed to have the best effect, though. Slowly, slowly, James could see the shell Remus had created around himself cracking, and that feeling under his skin became even more present as he got closer and closer to earning the shy, quiet boy’s trust.

And he also learned a few secrets along the way.

After months observing Remus to find his favorite snacks or his go-to hiding spots, it wasn’t hard to piece things together. The other boys often talked about it at length while Remus was gone on his trips “home,” or while he was “sick.” It didn’t take a genius to figure out that it was always during the full moon, and soon they were no longer debating the what if’s, but instead the what now’s.

They obviously didn’t care that Remus was a werewolf. Sirius prided himself on not being afraid of anything, James was far too loyal to let any prejudice get in the way of his friendship, and Peter was simply their shadow, content to follow their lead as usual.

With growing concern, the boys watched their friend struggle each month. They tried to let him come to them, dropping hints, and hoping he would trust them with his secret. They’d gotten close enough over the last year. But he never did.

They decided it was time they went to him.

***

“You look horrible, Remus,” Sirius said as the other boy entered the dormitory.

It had been a rough transformation that month. Worse than usual, for some reason. Madame Promfrey had said it was natural for some to be harder than others, especially since he’d been very homesick the past week. The Christmas holidays seemed like ages ago, and the summer ones were a lifetime away. He missed his mum terribly.

So, no, he wasn't looking very good. He’d worn a thick, comfortable sweater to hide the raw wounds that he’d given himself, chewing on his own flesh when there wasn’t anything else to chew on. A nasty habit he’d picked up on during his younger years. His hair was disheveled, and he was sure he looked thinner than he usually did.

“It was a long trip at home, I’m just tired,” he said, giving a grim smile, the lie falling from his lips so naturally even he almost believed it.

Unfortunately, the others did not. Remus swallowed as he registered the concern and disbelief that filled each of their eyes in various degrees.

“C’mon, mate,” Sirius said. “We know you haven’t been home.”

“We can’t help you if you don’t tell us what’s really going on,” Peter piped up. “We just want to help.”

Remus shook his head, his eyes wide, looking and feeling like a cornered animal. The urge to run, to get away from them and their kindness, away from where they could get him to speak the truth that would turn their love into hatred, was overwhelming.

“I...I can’t,” he gasped, then tore out the door without another thought.

Peter sighed, and started to straighten Remus’ books. He always turned to cleaning when he felt uncomfortable and knew that his friend liked a clean desk.

Sirius and James shared a look, having a conversation without words as only they could.

Should I go after him? James asked in a nod towards the door.

A pursed lip. He might need more time.

A sigh. We need to tell him.

Sirius shrugged his shoulder, leaving it up to James and ending the conversation. He turned back to his books. He would be there as soon as Remus needed him, of course, but James was much more delicate and tactful in these types of situations. He would give his friend a head start and join them later.

James hesitated a second before following his gut and heading to find Remus. Throughout the years, he had learned a lot of his friend’s favorite spots to go to when he was upset. He rarely encroached on his friend’s space, but just now he felt it was warranted.

Remus was huddled underneath a tree by the lake. The weather was just starting to turn warmer, and he relished the ability to be outside with only a jacket again. He quickly wiped his eyes as James approached and flopped down beside him, leaning against the tree.

“Listen, mate, we’re your friends. We just want to look after you. We don’t give up on people, and we certainly aren’t going to give up on you,” he said, after a bea

“I know,” Lupin whispered, his voice pained. “But you should.”

James sighed, deciding to rip the proverbial band aid off. “I know you’re a werewolf,” he confessed.

Remus looked at him, his mouth opening and closing a couple times before he stammered out, “I...you...what?”

Suddenly, a new voice cut in. “Seriously, Remus, you’re a rubbish liar,” Sirius said.

“We figured it out months ago,” Peter added.

“And we don’t care,” James said firmly.

Tears filled Remus’ eyes. “You should. I’m a monster. I’m dangerous. I-”

“Oh stop being such a drama queen,” James interrupted. “You fold your socks, Remus. Do forgive me if I’m not trembling at the sight of you.”

“You’re not taking this seriously,” Remus said harshly. “I could kill you.” He emphasized his point by angrily shoving his sleeve up his arm to reveal the red gashes that criss crossed over older white scars, a cruel scrapbook of his life that only pictured his lowest moments. “This could happen to you, only you won’t survive it.”

The others were silent as Remus’ anger filled the space around them, but James could see the self loathing that was the true cruz of the matter. He slowly reached out towards his friend, trying not to spook the boy, and gently tugged him into a hug.

“Remus, we aren’t going anywhere,” he said. Remus was paralyzed in surprise for a moment before bringing his arms up to return the hug.The others quickly joined in, enveloping their friend in the warmth of their bodies and friendship.

But soon the quiet moment ended.

Sirius, unable to help himself, dug his fingers into Remus’ side, which made him giggle. Then Peter joined in, and soon they were all on the ground unable to stop.

Remus sobered first, but a grin stayed on his lips as he looked at these three boys who had finally broken through his walls, who had really seen him and still loved him.

“Thank you,” he said.

“You’re welcome,” Peter said simply.

“Yeah, mate. Who else is gonna make sure we finish our homework in time,” Sirius grinned.

James slung his arm around Remus. “One condition, though.”

“What’s that?” Remus asked suspiciously.

“No take backs. You’re stuck with us now.”

Remus smiled bright as the sun, warm and genuine. “I think I can live with that.”

“I’m telling you, mates,” James said dramatically. “This is the beginning of an era.”

#comfortember #comfortember 2020 #mischief managed #marauders era #i just really love them okay?#When's the best time to post?#i honestly have no clue #mine

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beatrice-blaze · 4 years

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The Body In the Library || Bea & Evelyn

Timing: Sometime Last Week Location: Evelyn’s Dream Parties: @beatrice-blaze and @thronesofshadows Warnings: Mentions of Death and Parental Death

The room was cold. Evelyn bit her lip as she glanced around it, bookshelves lining a few of the walls. The first thing she noticed was that it was not her home. Or at least, not the one she lived in now. It was oddly familiar though, and after a moment she startled. Her childhood home’s library. A place of refuge when she wanted to ignore her father or hide from her tutors. Not that such hiding had always been successful. Rows of bookshelves lining the walls and leather plush chairs all around. Ones that she’d curled herself into - except - except she hadn’t been in this room in four years. Which meant that something was off. She could smell the leather, could smell the old books. ‘My love,’ Evelyn turned her head around at a voice she was not so used to, but one that felt just like home. “Mum?” What was going on? Yet there stood her mother, clear as day. Clear as every picture she’d stolen from her father, from the few he’d given her as well. “You -” she shook her head. This wasn’t real. This wasn’t happening. It was almost as though her childhood daydreams had come to life, which was impossible. She didn’t properly dream. She reached out, brushed a strand of her mother’s hair - her mother who looked the same age as Evelyn, almost - away from her face. “I have missed you, you know. Every day of my life.” Before her mother could respond, Evelyn heard the sound of a door and turned her head toward the entryway to the library.

Sleep had once been something that Bea looked forward to. It was a break to the hectic life she led. Now, sleeping had become a task. She didn’t enjoy the routine she had once had before she slept. Often, before she laid down to attempt rest, panic crawled through her chest. Even dreams that weren’t nightmares scared her now, they reminded her too much of floating along like she had when she was a ghost. She pushed down the panic she had now, as she floated down the strange hall she had been placed in tonight. The doors opened for her, leading her into a brilliant library. She’d never been here before, she knew that for sure. She looked at the scene before her, realizing that she had interrupted something. “I’m sorry. I seem to be lost. I don’t know why I’m here.”

Someone else entered the library and Evelyn blinked. Blinked without thinking. Blinked because she was startled. What was happening? This person wasn’t familiar. Or at least, in no more than passing. “What?” She glanced back over at her mother, her lip quivering. This wasn’t real. But she didn’t - she didn’t dream, never had. She considered herself an expert in dreams, but not on a personal level. “I am Evelyn.” She said, reaching her hand out to the other woman, wondering for a moment if she was somehow a part of her mother’s past that Evelyn had never known about. This isn’t like when I feed, she thought. I have control then. She looked back over to her mother, the soft smile she’d only seen in photos and dreamed about before now. Looked back over to the other woman. “I think I need to sit down.” She moved over to a chair and sat down, her mother moving over to her. “You, you can take that seat, if you would like.”

Bea hesitated to take the woman’s hand. She had no idea why she was here, but slowly she took the hand offered. “Beatrice.” She didn’t offer her nickname, not quite comfortable enough in the situation to give out that detail about herself. Not when she didn’t even know where she was. “Why am I here?” She asked softly, fingers adjusting the scarf tied around her neck, nervously making sure her scar was covered. She looked between the two women, before taking a seat as well, far too aware of how distant the fabric felt underneath her fingers. “Do you know what’s happening?”

The name held a certain level of familiarity to Evelyn. Someone else who’d made a name for herself in town. In Maine, not back in England. Which is where the two of them were right now. Which was absolutely impossible. Not to mention that her mother was dead, and were she not, she’d be in her fifties now. She was exactly how Evelyn pictured her. Her blonde hair spilled over her shoulders just so. “I do not know why you are here. I also do not know what is going on. I presume this is a… dream, or some such thing.” I presume, as an expert on sleep and dreams, except I have never had any of my own. “However, since we are making introductions, this is…” my mum, my favorite person who I never properly met, “Caroline. My - well, my mother.” Evelyn bit her lip. “I - how exactly did you get here?”

A dream. The word made Bea’s breath hitch. Dreams had become a battleground for her now, reliving her death over and over again. She had nightmares where she was unable to move as the hunter mounted her head, making her a trophy for his wall. The distant the feeling under her fingers phased out even further, until she was once again feeling things like a ghost would. Not even a whisper of feeling she once had was with her now. She looked down at her hands as they grew see through just as they had been before. Bile rose in her throat and she swallowed it down as her fists clenched. “I don’t know.” She replied, staring down at her hands. She forced herself to look up at Caroline. “Is she always in your dreams? I’m not meant to be here. I shouldn’t be in other people’s dreams.” She didn’t know what was happening and it made her chest tighten.

She watched the other woman, watching her hands turn see-through. Another mara? Evelyn had to wonder for a moment. Was that - could it be? She shook her head. No. The woman’s fists were growing tight and mara did not do that. She was proud to be able to turn invisible. “Always? No. I have never dreamed before in my life. Up until less than a week ago.” I do go into other people’s dreams all the time. Though they are not so much lovely dreams as… well… she didn’t voice her comments though. She didn’t know Beatrice well enough to be divulging information like that. Everyone who knew, knew for a reason. Not even Alain knew. Something she would be asking her mother about if not for her guest. Her mother wavered for a moment, before moving - almost floating - along the bookshelves. Evelyn glanced over at her, imploring her not to leave. I still need you. She turned her attention back to the other woman. “Do you know how you got here?”

“Why are you dreaming then?” Bea asked, looking at the other woman, her brow furrowed. This made absolutely no sense, but she couldn’t think of why she would be dreaming of someone else’s dream. The clenching panic was growing in her chest as she couldn’t feel anything beneath her anymore. She needed to grab something, hold it in her hands. She was not a ghost anymore. She was alive. She had to be alive. She tried to grab the edge of the armrest, fingers passing through it as easily as passing through air. “I am here,” She muttered angrily at herself. She had not dreamed of the resurrection, she had not become such a twisted ghost she had tricked herself. She refused to believe it. She looked up at Evelyn again,“I told you, I don’t know. I know less than you do with all of this.”

“It is a mystery to me.” Evelyn shrugged. At least this wasn’t one of the recent dreams that she had that involved finding Melanie dead on the floor. She still didn’t understand who this woman was. “You are here.” She quirked her brow, a bit confused as to why the woman was muttering about this. Did she often venture into dreams? This was all quite confusing, especially given that she’d seemed so confused just moments ago. The woman’s fingers passed through the armrest and Evelyn shook her head. Could she see ghosts now? She’d wondered about that as a child, especially after finding out what she was. It only seemed fair, but despite some desperate attempts, she had very clearly never been able to see any. Knowing what she knew from Nadia and Deirdre, she wasn’t entirely sure she wanted to, anyhow. “I know about dreams, but not this in particular. I have never done this before.” She glanced over at her mother. “None of this is real.”

Bea’s palms went to press her palms to her eyes, but the pressure that would typically be there was absent. She missed it far more than she thought she would. She looked up at Evelyn sharply, not realizing she had been speaking so loudly, before nodding sharply. “Yes, I am. I am. It just feels strange here.” It felt wrong here. She hated how wrong it all felt. It shouldn’t have felt this wrong, nothing should feel so wrong. She watched Evelyn’s eyes go to her mother and felt for the other woman. The other woman wasn’t dreaming of her mother for good reasons, Bea had to imagine. “Some dreams can be based on real things, you know.”

“It feels strange for me too.” Evelyn murmured. Even if she wasn’t currently able to be intangible like the other woman was, everything here was strange. In the few days since she started to be able to dream, she hadn’t had guests in her dreams. “I know.” The words came out measured, carefully chosen, but not unkind. Just careful, the same intonation she resorted to so often back home. Which made sense, she supposed - she was back home and with a human who she didn’t know. Even if most humans didn’t turn intangible. “Dreams and nightmares both.” Walking over toward the other woman Evelyn turned her head to the side. “I have been dreaming similar things to this for a little while now, but you have never shown up before. I recognize I have remarked on this before but I am still quite puzzled.” She glanced over to the door. Praying internally that her father wasn’t about to show up. He hadn’t yet, but given how strange this dream could be, anything was possible. “Might I ask - is the whole, well, what you just did, normal, or is it dream-specific?”

“Seems we’re both puzzled then,” Bea replied, tone clipped. She had never heard of magic like this before, she’d have to see Leah about whatever was going on here. She couldn’t go through this again without looking for an answer. She hoped she never went through this again. She looked down at her hands, trying to uncurl them from the clenched position they had taken. “Dream-specific. I don’t know why it’s happening,” She lied to Evelyn. No matter how intimate being in someone’s dreams was, she was not admitting that this had happened before. The danger that would threaten her if people found out that she had been dead was far too high. “What usually happens in your dreams, Evelyn?”

“I explained before that I do not dream.” Evelyn gave a small huff, though she could not blame the woman for not listening, she supposed. Her head was spinning and as she looked over to her mother she could almost feel a sort of pain all over her body, though not one she could explain. Not the same hunger that she’d felt ages ago, upon finding out what she was. She scrunched up her nose a bit at the dream-specific comment - though she didn’t think too much on it. After all, her mother was very much dead and she’d conjured her up in her mind, so who was to say that whoever this was couldn’t make themselves intangible, despite being not-a-mara, clearly.

“So nothing, nothing happens in my dreams,” she could feel her hands shake and she pressed her fingertips against her thigh - 1, 2, 3, 1, 2, 3 - before she took a deep breath and looked over to her mother again. Her mother, who was fading in and out again, almost in the same pattern of Evelyn’s tapping of her thigh. Stopping suddenly, Evelyn felt her breath grow short for a moment. Clearly something continued to be amiss, and she looked over to Beatrice. “This is quite a bit unstable, I think. If none of this was meant to be…” her voice trailed off, for once unsure and wavering. “It is entirely out of my wheelhouse.” Her mother flickered again and Evelyn went completely still, looking over to Beatrice. “What do you usually dream about,” she spoke slowly, doing her best to not pay attention to everything else going on, “Beatrice?”

Bea frowned at the woman,“Yes, but then you said that you were dreaming similar things without me here. Excuse me for being a bit confused. This happens to be a confusing situation.” The spellcaster didn’t have the patience to deal with this woman huffing about a small mistake Bea had made because her words had been confusing. This entire situation was putting Bea on edge and she didn't want to be here. She wanted to sleep dreamlessly and with no nightmares of becoming a ghost. She was tired of fearing sleep, but there was nothing for her to do about that. She supposed that Evelyn was likely on edge too and took a breath to regain control of her emotions. She couldn’t blame Evelyn for being frustrated. “I don’t think it’s magic doing this, but something certainly is. I have to assume you’re also from White Crest, Evelyn?” She was sure that they had to be close by for this to work. She watched Evelyn’s mother flicker in and out, and looked towards her own hands. She was beginning to fade as well. She looked up at Evelyn, throat tight,“My full name is Beatrice Vural. I own Illusions of Grandeur. Find me when you’re awake if you want to talk more. I don’t think we have much time left here.”

“I am well aware of that.” Her voice was calm, even though Evelyn could feel the urge to bite back with her words - stay calm, my dear - she could almost hear her mother saying. Besides, she’d always been one to err on the side of politeness, at least by face. Nobody could control her thoughts, though she did find that she forgave the woman more easily than normal - perhaps it was some combination of sheer exhaustion of dreaming for the first time ever and being rather confused by this whole predicament. After all, of the two of them, Evelyn was certainly the dream expert. “Something is indeed…” she trailed off, before answering, “I live there now, though this,” she gestured around the room, “is where I am from. Well, not the dream, but you are smart, you get that. Evelyn Hoffman. I own the Artesian.” She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and she could hear her mother’s voice in her head again. It is all your fault.

All of a sudden she found herself back in her bed as her body shot up, heart racing. None of what she said was real, Evelyn reminded herself. It didn’t stop her from finding the necklace around her neck. It didn’t stop her from having to squeeze her eyes shut and focus on anything but what the last words had been. It is not my fault. My mother would have loved me.

Perhaps she’d have to go and find this Beatrice, see if she knew more than she was letting on.

#chat log: evelyn #wickedswriting #The Body In the Library #death tw #parental death tw

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berrynarrybanana · 3 years

Text

breathe me in - ws pt. 4

A/N: I feel like this is a boring chapter, and it’s a little shorter than usual, but omg the smut. I hope you all enjoy this, and thank you so much for being so patient with me. I am hoping that life mellows out sooner rather later! I hope you enjoy and don’t be afraid to let me know what you thought about this chapter!

Word Count. 7.7k

Warnings: Smut, alcohol, i don’t think there’s anything else tbh

Bea’s POV

It was loud on the side stage.

Harry had to yell in my ear for me to understand anything that he was saying, but I found the entire thing to be exciting. He kept his arms around me, holding me against his chest as he sang along to every word of every song. I knew a few of her songs, but she’d only played one that I was familiar with so far. Harry’s margarita disappeared quickly, so I handed him mine to finish off. I didn’t want to be hammered for his performance, so I decided to stop drinking for about an hour or two. Instead, I was nursing a bottle of water while Harry squeezed me tight.

“Are you having a good time, honey?” His breath was hot against my ear as I nodded, a smile on my lips. “You look like you’re having a lot of fun.”

“I am.” I chuckled, turning my head back to him.

He pressed his lips to mine, stealing a few pecks before the crowd cheered for the ending of Kacey’s song. I turned towards her, watching as a stagehand walked towards Harry with his guitar. I felt his arms tighten around me before they released me. I grabbed his drink, holding it as he put his guitar around his body, a pick hanging between his teeth casually.

He explained that normally, Kacey would come out during his set to sing with him, but tonight it was different. He had a surprise planned for the end of the show, and it would take up a lot of time in his set. So instead, he was joining Kacey on stage for one final rendition of their cover song. I smiled at him, taking a deep breath as I prepared myself for the emotional duet.

Harry leaned closer to me, ducking to my ear.

“Be good for me, yeah?” He said. “I’ll be right back, honey.”

He pulled back, landing a soft kiss to my lips before a few soft pecks.

When he pulled away, he winked at me before turning towards the stage.

I watched him hug Kacey, moving around as his guitar was attached to the amp cord lying on the ground. Kacey waved at me from her spot on the stage, and I waved back with a smile. I met her right before she went on for her set, and I adored her personality. She was just like Harry, positive and bright and funny. Harry’s eyes darted over towards me, and he tried to fight off a smile as Kacey started talking into her mic, but he couldn’t do it.

I pressed my lips together, holding his drink to my chest as he strummed over his guitar strings.

As the music began, my heart started to beat faster.

This was the first time that I would see him singing in person. I couldn’t believe how close I was to him, his facial features still perfectly clear from my spot on the side stage. He gave Kacey a quick nod, his fingers forming the G chord on his guitar before he strummed out. As the rest of the band joined in, I became more excited to hear them sing a classic country ballad from my childhood. I didn’t have too many memories of the song, but I knew it by heart. It was one of those songs that played on the radio non-stop, but somehow, it never got old.

When Kacey opened her mouth to sing, I felt my eyes begin to water.

I wasn’t one to cry easily, but this was such a sweet song.

Kacey kept her eyes on Harry, the two sharing a few smiles here and there as they performed together. I watched Harry as he leaned towards the mic as the chorus started.

“You’re still the one I run to,

The one that I belong to,

You’re still the one I want,

For Life”

Harry’s attention was divided between the audience, Kacey, and me.

I felt my heart soaring in my chest, the attention he was giving me enough to send my mind flying off into space. Each time he smiled at me, I felt like I was the only person in the entire world that mattered to him. I wondered if I was bewitched by the entire production, or if it was just Harry that had me so emotional and flustered. His eyes met mine, and I felt the air leave my lungs as he sang out a particular line.

“They said, “I bet they’ll never make it”

But just look at us, going strong.”

I pushed my bottom lip out in a soft pout as Harry winked at me, turning back towards the crowd in front of him. I sniffled, swiping away a few stray tears as he finished out the song.

When he handed his guitar off to a stagehand, he gave Kacey a quick hug before waving once at the audience. He ran back to me with his head ducked down, watching his feet. I didn’t wait for him to pounce on me first, this time. I looped an arm around his neck the second he was in reach, pressing my lips into his as his hands fell to my sides. He pushed his hands under my jacket, his fingers digging into my sides as he pulled me into his body.

“That was beautiful.” I exclaimed, a wide smile on my lips as Harry ducked down. “You winked at me.”

“I did.” He laughed, holding me tighter. “I saw you getting emotional, I thought I could make you smile if I did that.”

“It worked.” I pulled my head back, receiving another kiss before Harry moved behind me.

“She’s going to play your favorite now.” He said in my ear. “I asked her to play it now, because I have to be off stage after this.”

“Thank you.” I kissed his chin before turning my attention back towards the stage.

When Butterflies started to play, I clapped my hands together.

Harry swayed our bodies back and forth as we both sang the lyrics together. At one point, he took the margarita from my hand before twirling me around, pulling me back into his arms as we slowly moved together. He sang into my ear, his voice sending shivers up my spine.

When the song was nearing an end, I pulled back from him with a giddy grin.

“You give me butterflies.”

Harry repeated my facial expression from earlier, his eyes going soft as he looked at me singing to him. During the last line, he pulled me into him for one more kiss before we were being guided off of the stage. It was hectic backstage as crew members raced around to get things in order. Harry made me stand in front of him, guiding me with his hands on my hips through the maze of people and equipment. When we finally broke into the back hallway, I let go of the breath that I didn’t know I was holding.

“Harry, we need you with the rest of the band.” Jeff pointed at Harry before looking at me. “Bea, Dave is going to take you down to the barricades with the rest of the group. Claire is waiting for you down there with Gemma and everyone else.”

“Cool.” I nodded, turning back to Harry.

“Give us a minute, Jeff?” Harry asked his friend as his hands pulled me closer. “I swear, it’ll just be a quick goodbye.”

“You have two minutes.” Jeff’s brows lifted, adding some edge to his new stern expression. “I mean it, H.”

“I understand.” Harry said. “Two minutes.”

“Go.” Jeff nodded, turning around to talk to someone else behind him.

Harry spun me around, his hands lifting to cup my face.

“I’m gonna miss you while I’m up there, but I hope you have fun.” He brushed his thumbs over my cheekbones. “You look beautiful, and I swear that I won’t be able to keep my eyes off of you for the entire night. I don’t know how I’ll make it through my set honestly.”

“You’re going to do such a great job.” I said, tilting my head to the side. “I’m really proud of you for making it this far, and I can’t wait to see you up on that stage. Break a leg, yeah?”

“Kiss.” He mumbled as he ducked his head down, connecting our lips.

This wasn’t like our other kisses shared throughout the day.

This one was tentative, and slow.

Our lips moved together in perfect harmony, pushing and pulling like ocean tides as his hands kept me anchored. I opened without hesitation when his tongue swiped over my bottom lip, and I moaned when it slipped into my mouth with ease. Harry tasted like tequila and mint, an absolutely intoxicating flavor that I never wanted to forget.

“H, we gotta go.” Jeff pulled us from our little paradise, causing Harry to pull away with a small frown.

I lifted my hand, brushing my finger over his chin before landing a peck on his lips.

“Go on, darling.” I said. “I’ll see you after, okay?”

“Stick with Dave.” Harry said. “Have fun, honey.”

“Bye.” I whispered, offering him a soft wave as Jeff started to pull him away.

I turned to Dave when Harry was out of my line of vision, offering him the best smile that I could muster as the butterflies in my stomach started to flare up again.

“I think I need a drink, Dave.” I said. “Can we make a stop before we go to the barricades?”

“Absolutely.” Dave chuckled. “I’ll show you the way.”

🎸🎸🎸🎸

Harry’s POV

The crowd roaring always made me feel nauseous.

It was insane to think so many people wanted to see me perform my songs on stage. I was just Harry, a boy from a small town in England. I didn’t have anything important to say, and most of my songs were about frivolous things like love and partying. I was just me, not the bloody queen. But people were still cheering for me as the screen lifted, the lights cutting completely as I moved towards my mic out of pure habit. I took a deep breath, closing my eyes as I tried to take in the moment as it was unfolding before me. This was my last show of my first solo world tour. I had made so many memories that I hoped would stick with me until my dying day.

My favorite memory was standing in the barricades, waiting for me to give her the show of a lifetime. I was most worried about disappointing her. Not only was she a true fan, but she was my girl. I had to give her a reason to be proud of me, to be proud of her man. I smiled at the thought, reaching up to adjust my in-ear as I approached the mic.

The music was loud as it played through, blaring into my ear over the sound of the crowd. I lifted my left in-ear up, stuffing it in as I stood in front of the mic. As the lights flicked on, I sang into the mic before moving backwards to the beat of the song. I knew this was one of Bea’s favorites, so I really had to impress with my performance of Only Angel. I glanced towards the barricades as I sang into the mic, fiddling with a few things to get them properly set.

I saw Gemma first, nursing a gin and tonic as Michael bopped his head along behind her. I noticed Claire and Niall chatting, and I especially noticed Niall’s hand on her ass and the grin on his face. I decided to deal with that later, my eyes trailing over Kendall and a few other people until they landed on her. Dave was guiding her towards Gemma, his broad shoulders blocking her from the crowd as they moved closer towards the end of the line.

She settled next to my sister, looking up at the stage with a bright smile as I sang.

I nearly lost my wits when she stripped her coat off, her bare arms on full display in that little, red lacy thing that I adored so much. I licked over my lips, smiling in her direction as she looked up at me. I knew that she noticed my smirk, one that was meant just for her. She sang the words back to me as I all but screamed them into the mic, her hips swaying to the beat.

Any meaning that this song had before was now completely erased.

This was her song now.

She owned it, just like she owned my heart.

😇😇😇😇

Bea’s POV

Harry sang Kiwi three times.

By the time he dropped to his knees on stage, I was practically a goner. I was indeed dripping down my legs for him, just like he’d promised. With every song played, I felt that knot in my stomach growing tighter and tighter. Each dirty smirk or sly wink sent my way only made it worse, my fingers gripping the empty glass I had finished during the first four songs. I was stone cold sober, and absolutely drooling for the man I was lucky enough to call my boyfriend.

“Did you have fun?” Gemma asked as Dave guided us backstage, her hand tightly gripped in mine as I led the group.

“He’s so fucking amazing, Gem.” I called back to her. “He was born for it, I fucking swear.”

“Don’t tell ‘em that, it’ll go to his big head.” She laughed, stumbling into me as we stopped in the hallway. “I can’t believe his first solo world tour is over. Seems like just yesterday he was auditioning for the x-factor.”

“Alright, Bea-” Dave turned around. “I need you to go in Harry’s dressing room just there. His car is going to be the third out of the venue.”

“And the rest of us?” Gemma asked. “We’re gonna be stuck here for ages, aren’t we Davey?”

“No, you’re going now.” Dave laughed. “Claire, Niall, Gemma, and Michael are all in one car.”

“Where are we going?” I looked back at Gemma.

“Probably back to Harry’s.” She shrugged. “Maybe out to a bar, I don’t know.”

“Dinner.” Dave said. “Well, a late dinner and a tiny celebration.”

“Oh, food.” I sighed happily. “I can’t wait.”

“Well, get on with it then.” Dave gestured towards the door. “Everyone else, follow me. You guys are going out before the band. They’ll meet you there.”

Dave opened the door, and I stumbled in before he pulled it shut.

Lou was wrapping up hair tools, and Harry was slumped over on the couch as Jeff talked.

I could tell that Harry wasn’t really listening to Jeff, however.

I bit the inside of my cheek, carefully walking over before I sat down next to Harry. He lifted his water bottle to his lips, nodding as if he were listening to Jeff. His hand found my thigh, giving it a quick squeeze as Jeff rambled off a list of things that still needed to be taken care of.

“Alright, so we’re going to Wise Guys next.” Jeff looked at his phone. “I’ve arranged for a cake there, and a little birthday cupcake for Mitch and for Claire.”

“That was sweet.” I said softly. “Thank you.”

“Of course.” Jeff nodded. “The band just left, and everyone else is following behind. Your car is gonna leave in twenty minutes.”

“Thanks.” Harry sounded spent, his voice hoarse and low. “I appreciate everything, mate.”

“Anytime.” Jeff smiled, lowering his phone. “You did good tonight, Gary. I’m proud of you.”

Harry gave Jeff a small smile.

When Jeff was gone, Lou turned to us with a soft smile before she disappeared.

I didn’t say anything to Harry as he sipped at his water. I merely rested my head on his shoulder, slotting my fingers between his as we sat there in silence. The sound of the crowd rumbling was still vibrating through the floors, but it was quite otherwise. Harry let out a soft sigh, tossing his water bottle to the coffee table before he started to shift around.

“I want a shower.” He mumbled. “Can you join me?”

I rolled my lips in, debating on whether or not I was comfortable enough to do that yet.

After a few moments of careful consideration, I finally lifted my head up.

“Yeah, let’s go.” I said, patting his thigh before I stood up.

“I’ll have Jeff bring you some merch to wear when we get out.” Harry smiled, standing up after me with a groan. “S’not as easy as it used to be, I’m getting old.”

“You’re twenty-four, not eighty-four.” I chuckled, wrapping my arms around him for a quick hug as he laughed. “You were the picture of a perfect rockstar tonight, Harry. I had an amazing time watching you on that stage, and I don’t think I’ll ever forget it.”

There was a knock on the door that interrupted Harry’s response, his brows furrowing.

“Didn’t know Jeff and I were telepathic now.” He mumbled. “Let me go see who that is.”

He pressed his lips to mine as I untangled my arms.

I moved aside, watching him open the door slowly.

“Hey, I just thought I’d stop by and-”

“Oh, I’m kind of busy.” Harry said quickly, interrupting Kendall’s sentence. “I’m actually kind of knackered, Ken. Probably gonna go home and go to sleep.”

“You’re not going out?” She sounded shocked, and a little hurt.

I wasn’t one to gloat, but a small smile creeped onto my lips.

“No, Kendall, I’m not.” He said sternly. “I have to go. I need to shower before my car leaves.”

“Is she-”

“Goodbye, Kendall.” He shut the door, turning around with an exasperated sigh before he met my eyes. I raised my brows, pressing my lips together as he rolled his eyes. “Sorry.”

“Don’t be.” I said softly. “You’ve had a really long day.”

“Yeah.” He mumbled half-heartedly. “Let’s go before we run out of time.”

I nodded, walking towards the bathroom as he grabbed his phone.

I started the water while he texted Jeff, his hip pressed against the sink as his fingers moved rapidly over the screen. I turned around, offering him a tiny smile before I tilted my head forward. I reached for the elastic on my wrist after I gathered my hair into a messy bun.

I didn’t feel like dealing with wet hair at a restaurant, and I hoped that I could keep my face out of the spray to avoid losing the makeup still on my skin. Harry was still texting when I finished with my hair, so I dropped to my knees in front of him to help him out of his shoes. I pulled the zipper down as Harry shifted, clearing his throat as he adjusted in his pants.

“Hmm, I said a shower.” His lips curved into a smirk as he focused on his phone. “We did that earlier, didn’t we honey?”

“Don’t be cheeky.” I snorted. “I’m just taking your clothes off.”

“I can do it.” He mumbled. “Just gotta finish a few more texts.”

“I’ve got you.” I shrugged, patting his leg. “Lift your leg.”

I pulled both shoes off, tossing them aside before I made my way up to his pants.

I pulled his zipper down before undoing the button.

Harry set his phone on the countertop, looking at me fondly as I finished pushing his pants down his legs. He kicked them aside as I tugged his boxer briefs down, letting them fall to the floor. I lifted my hands, my shaking fingers working on the buttons to his top as I held my breath. It was so intimate, undressing him while he watched me with hungry eyes.

“You’re so beautiful.” He whispered, brushing his knuckles over my cheek. “I can’t believe that I’m this lucky.”

“I think I’m the lucky one.” I mumbled. “My boyfriend is a musical sex god, so I think I win.”

“And my girlfriend is a sweet, southern minx.” He chuckled, brushing the strap to my bodysuit with his fingertips as I undid the last button on his shirt. “It’s my turn now.”

I inhaled sharply, nodding my head as he dropped to his knees.

I felt the air leave my lungs the second he glanced up at me with those beautiful green eyes.

He leaned forward, pressing a kiss to my stomach as he closed his eyes. I couldn’t move a muscle as I watched him, his fingers fiddling with the zipper on my boots before he tugged it down. I bit the inside of my cheek, feeling the heat coursing through my body as he tugged my shoe off slowly. He ducked his head down, resting his forehead on my hip as he tugged my shoe off. He tossed it aside to join his own shoes in the corner of the room before he pulled my other shoe off just the same.

“You have another tattoo down here.” He mumbled, tracing his finger over my ankle before he started to stand. “What does that one mean?”

“It’s a lily of the valley.” I mumbled, my eyes glued to his as his fingers occupied themselves with my pants. “It’s the flower of my birth month.”

“When were you born?” He asked softly, leaning his forehead against mine. “Talk to me.”

“May.” I mumbled, closing my eyes as he tugged the zipper down. “May fifteenth.”

“A spring baby.” He sounded happy at that. “That explains why you’re always glowing.”

“Shut up.” I laughed, opening my eyes again as he tugged my jeans down my legs.

I shimmied a little pushing them aside with my feet as Harry’s fingers immediately started to knead over the globes of my ass. I gasped as he hitched my hips closer to his, digging his fingers harder into my bum as I gripped onto his shoulders for support.

“You’re sexy.” He ducked his head down, peppering kisses over my shoulder. “I was so fucking hard on stage, because of you. I saw you take your jacket off, and I fucking lost it.”

“Can you imagine how I felt?” I asked him, closing my eyes as I felt his hand slide around my waist, ghosting over my thigh. “You made good on your promise, at least.”

“What promise was that?” His voice was dripping with sarcasm, as if he didn’t know exactly what I meant. “I can’t recall.”

“Why don’t you move your hand up and find out?” I asked him, pulling my head back as I sucked in a deep breath. “We have time.”

Harry’s lips were pressing into mine moments later, the pent up frustration from our day leaking into every movement. I gasped when he raked his teeth over my bottom lip, pulling it away from my teeth before he let it snap back into place. His fingers were digging into my sides, helping me roll my hips as he pressed his thigh between my legs. I whimpered, dropping my head back as his lips started to trail down my neck. Little nips and harsh suction greeted my sensitive skin, leaving a trail of damp and sore skin in his path. I didn’t care about it though. I only cared about the pleasure I was receiving as my body limply rested in Harry’s arms.

“I want to make you cum.” He gasped, lifting his head up, his eyes trailing over my body like a madman. “How do I get this thing off?”

“Zipper on the side.” I turned, lifting my arms as his fingers fumbled for the zipper.

Moments later, it was stripped from my body.

I couldn’t think about being insecure when Harry was guiding me towards the shower, my feet moving backwards as he stuck a hand out to feel for the glass. He pulled the door open, lifting his head for long enough to guide me over the small. He snaked his arms around my body, keeping me close as we entered the warm spray of the shower. His naked body pressed against mine was a completely foreign feeling, and I didn’t know how to respond to it.

Luckily for me, Harry made sure that I didn’t have time to think about anything besides him.

“M’gonna try something with you.” He pulled away from my lips, pressing his forehead to mine as I tried to catch my breath. “If you spread your legs just a little, I can slip between your thighs and…we can um-”

He stuttered, the tips of his ears going red.

“I know what you’re trying to stay.” I said. “Do it.”

“Yeah?” He asked me. “Are you sure?”

“Positive.” I dropped my arms over his shoulders, tangling my fingers into his hair as the water cascaded over him. “Let’s try it.”

“Fuck, okay.” He nodded, sliding a hand between our bodies.

I felt him shift his cock around, wincing softly when it brushed against my hip.

I nearly lost my legs when he brushed the tip of his cock over my clit, gently massaging the bundle of nerves between my legs until I was crying out, my fingers grasping at his hair.

“Fuck.” I whimpered, clenching my eyes shut as he kissed over my jaw. “Harry, I-”

“I’ve got you.” He grunted out, sliding his cock fully into the small space between my thighs. “Oh my god, that’s so good, honey.”

He dug his nails into my hips, holding them as he pulled his hips back.

I bit my lip at the feeling of his cock sliding over my lips smoothly, coated in the arousal that he caused. I dropped my left hand to his shoulder, my nails digging into his skin as I tangled the fingers of my right hand in his hair. He ducked his head down, resting his forehead on my collarbones as he continued to move his hips at a slow pace.

“I’m not gonna last very long.” He kissed over my shoulder, pulling my hips against his with a little more force. “I’m so fucking close.”

“Cum.” I said softly. “Cum for me.”

“No.” He lifted his head, his eyes staring into mine with a burning determination. “I want to make you feel good.”

“I promise I feel fucking fantastic.” I chuckled softly. “But I don’t know if I can cum from this alone.”

Harry didn’t say anything.

He merely pulled himself away from my thighs before he turned me around. I felt a new wave of excitement wash over me as he guided us towards the shower wall, his hands pushing me gently against it before his feet pushed mine aside just a little. I gasped when his fingers dipped into the sensitive skin of my hips, pulling them up just a little so that my ass was perched up for him. I felt him dip his finger towards my mound, slowly easing it between my lips to collect a bit of my arousal before he slid his finger back up to circle my clit.

“Fuck.” I dropped my head forward, pressing my palms into the wall for support. “Harry.”

“That’s it.” He kissed over my shoulder blade, sealing our bodies as he aligned his cock with that little space between my thighs and my cunt. “Do you feel okay? Is this good?”

“Perfect.” I nodded. “Please, do something.”

From there, all I could hear was the sound of our bodies colliding and a mixture of our moans.

We sounded so beautiful together, the perfect mixture of soft and rough as he took me to a world I’d never known before. It was different than having his fingers in me, and I did miss the full feeling that came with penetration, but I was getting off on the motions of our bodies as the tip of his cock massaged my clit. He held onto me with his left arm, keeping my body supported as my knees started to grow weak. He could tell that I was close when I started to get quiet, a few squeaks and moans coming out in between long periods of holding my breath.

“Let go for me, angel.” He gasped. “I’m right behind you.”

The feeling that erupted throughout my body had my jaw practically unhinging, a desperate cry spilling from my mouth as I dropped my hands to grip at his arm. I felt my nails dig into his skin as he stilled his hips, his cum shooting onto my thighs in thick, warm spurts.

“Bea.” He buried his nose into the crook of my neck, holding me upright as his hips jerked in quick motions. “Yes, angel.”

When Harry finally stilled behind me, and I finished unraveling under his touch, I let out a series of giggles. Harry held onto my tighter as I dropped my head back against his shoulder, his lips pressed against my neck as he laughed along with me. I felt like I was fucking floating on cloud nine after that, and I didn’t even know it was possible to feel that good after doing something so simple. Harry playfully bit at my shoulder to get my attention, but I groaned.

“I have to actually shower now.” He whispered. “And I think you might want to tend to your makeup.”

“Do I look like a racoon?” I asked him through another giggle.

“You look like a very pretty raccoon.” He squeezed me gently, kissing my cheek. “Jeff should have left the clothes out for you by now. I’ll be out in just a minute, okay?”

“Okay.” I turned around, tossing my arms over his shoulders before I kissed him. “I’m leaving now.”

“Okay.” He pressed his lips to mine again. “Bye.”

“Bye.” I responded with another kiss, a smile breaking out on my face.

‘“Bye.” He mumbled into my mouth, dropping his hands to my hips.

“I’m going now.” I whispered as he pressed my back against the wall, ducking in for another kiss.

“You really should.”

But I didn’t go.

Not for another fifteen minutes.

And Jeff was kind of pissed about it.

🦝🦝🦝🦝

Harry’s POV

“I just want to thank each and every one of you for making my dream come true.” I lifted my glass, looking around the private room as everyone stared back at me. “Without you, I would not have been able to do the thing that I love most in the world, and I am forever grateful to you for being a part of this journey. I am so grateful to have found a chosen family that understands me for who I truly am, and I cannot wait for our next tour to start so that we can make many new memories together. I love you all, and I hope to see you again very soon.”

I lifted my glass of champagne before taking a sip as everyone clapped.

When I sat down next to Beatrice, my hand rested on her thigh as she continued to talk with Claire about something. I was beyond exhausted, especially after our little shower tryst. I squeezed Bea’s thigh at the thought of her soft moans, tossing the remaining contents of my drink back with ease. I saw Bea turn her head towards me with raised brows, but I merely shook my head before leaning over for a quick kiss.

“You two might be the most handsy couple I have ever seen.” Claire said. “Harry, I didn’t peg you for a PDA man.”

“I’m not.” I said. “But I don’t mind it so much with Beatrice.”

“Oh, barf.” Niall scoffed, rolling his eyes at me. “I can’t believe you’re that guy.”

“Fuck off.” I flicked my middle finger up at Niall as he lifted his pint glass to his lips. “She’s extremely gorgeous, and I just can’t help myself.”

“Oh, Squid.” Beatrice dropped her head to my shoulder with a soft coo. “That’s so sweet of you.”

I felt my cheeks heating up as she looped her arm around my own.

I loved feeling her warmth surrounding me.

She had such a warm and comforting presence, and it made me want to spend my entire life wrapped up in her arms. She was a lot like the sun, beaming down on me in scorching hot waves of good vibes. I turned my head, pressing a soft kiss to the top of her head as Niall and Claire picked up their conversation. I watched Niall laugh at something Claire said, his head dropping back and his eyes crinkling at the corners. He wasn’t one to open up to someone new so easily, but apparently Claire had quite the effect on him. They spent most of the concert in close quarters, yelling in each other’s ears and laughing while I sang on stage. I could have sworn I caught them sharing a kiss at some point, but that had to be in my head.

Niall didn’t do one night stands anymore.

He was still healing from the last one that left him battered and broken.

I inhaled sharply, looking at the remainder of Bea and I’s food as I felt her weight pressing into my side just a little harder than before. I tilted my head forward, glancing at her face. I tried not to laugh when I realized that she was fast asleep on my shoulder, her perfect lips pushed out into a cute pout. I squeezed her thigh one more time before I turned to Jeff on my left.

“I think we’re gonna head out.” I said softly. “Someone is a bit tired.”

“Glenne and I were just talking about ditching.” Jeff shook his head, laughing as he lifted his drink up to his lips for a quick sip. “It’s been a long run, man. I don’t think anyone would blame you for disappearing into the night with your beautiful new lady.”

“I’ll text you about our farewell get together.” I said softly, carefully sliding my left arm around him for a quick hug. “It’s been a good run, mate. I wouldn’t have been able to do it without by my side.”

“We make a good team.” Jeff smiled. “Go home, Styles, you look like the walking dead.”

I chuckled, shaking my head before I turned back to Bea.

“Honey, it’s time to wake up.” I whispered, pressing my lips to the soft hair on top of her head a few times as she stirred under the palm of my right hand. “We’re gonna go home now, okay?”

“But Claire-”

“Claire is gonna go home with Gemma and Michael.” I said. “They’re going back to the air bnb because they want to surf tomorrow morning.”

“Gemma is going to surf?” Beatrice lifted her head, a confused look on her face that made me want to laugh. “She doesn’t seem like the type to surf, and I mean, I’m not either but-”

“She’s got a good book and a nice little umbrella to sit under.” I leaned forward, kissing Bea’s lips softly. “C’mon, let’s get home. I’m absolutely knackered.”

“You’re so cute and so british.” Beatrice giggled, leaning forward to press her lips to mine. “I like you.”

“I like you too, honey.” I chuckled, watching her as she slipped out of her chair onto wobbly feet with a large yawn.

I followed suit, tossing my napkin down to the table before I turned to Gemma and Michael who were sitting in front of Jeff and Glenne. Gemma smiled at me before giving me a soft wave. I smiled at her as Beatrice walked around the end of the table until she was standing behind Claire. She wrapped her arms around her friend's shoulders, leaning down until she kissed her cheek. Claire rubbed her forearm gently, talking softly as Beatrice nodded at her.

“I love you, C.” Bea gave her one last squeeze. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“I doubt it.” Claire chuckled. “Please, have fun tomorrow.”

Beatrice pouted, but Claire merely rolled her eyes and told her to go.

“Don’t worry about me, I’m spending my day in the ocean.” Claire called out.

“Have fun, don’t forget your sunscreen.” Beatrice smiled at her friend.

When Beatrice was finally by my side again, I reached for her hand, slotting our fingers together.

Dave was going to drive us home in the Tesla so that I didn’t fall asleep at the wheel.

As Beatrice and I walked towards the exit of the restaurant, my nerves started to flair up. I knew there would be paparazzi standing outside of the restaurant waiting to get a glimpse of Beatrice and I. I turned my attention to her as she slowly walked beside me, her eyes heavy.

“Beatrice.” I said softly, stopping just in front of the exit. “We’ve never talked about the media, and the influence it’s going to have on our relationship-”

“There won’t be any negative influence if I can help it.” She looked up at me. “I know what being with you entails, Harry. I’ve never experienced it, but I’ve seen it tear couples apart from a fan perspective, and I like to think that I’m stronger than the pricks with cameras standing outside.”

“I know that you are.” I cleared my throat. “But you won’t have any privacy, Beatrice. People are going to dig into your life, and they’ll use anything they find to tear you apart. If you step outside with me now, holding my hand, it’s all fair game. It’s going to be the beginning of a shit show that will disrupt your entire life-”

“But at the end of the day, I get you.” She squeezed my fingers, moving closer to me until her hand was pressed to my cheek. “I get to be with the kindest, and sweetest man I’ve ever met. I think it’s worth it, and I’m not afraid of the price I have to pay to be yours.”

I felt my heart squeeze in my chest, the doubt still settled in my chest.

It was going to be hard.

But I had to trust her on this. She knew her limits better than I did, and I had no reason to doubt her word. I inhaled, holding my breath as she stared up at me with those soft, blue eyes.

“Alright.” I nodded, exhaling quickly. “Let’s do this then.”

📸📸📸📸

Bea’s POV

I absolutely fell asleep on Harry during the car ride to his house.

He didn’t say anything about it when I rested my cheek on his shoulder. He merely adjusted his body until I was wrapped in his arms with my head in the crook of his neck. I didn’t even remember Dave taking off from the restaurant parking lot. I only remembered the scent of Harry’s body wash and the warmth of his arms around my body as Dave merged onto the freeway. I felt Harry’s cheek press into my head at some point, soft snores rousing me slightly before they lulled me back to sleep.

I had a vague memory of Harry and Dave talking, and it reminded me of being a kid in the backseat of my parents car when we got home. I was awake, but not really all there. I felt Harry moved from under me, leaving me propped up on the seat for a second before I felt him pulling my arms around his shoulders. I clamped his legs around my waist, whimpering as I buried my nose into the soft material of his Treat People with Kindness hoodie.

I fully woke up when Harry walked into his large kitchen, dropping his keys down on the granite countertop before he started walking through the open floor plan.

“Put me down.” I mumbled, wriggling in his grasp. “I’m gonna break your back, squid.”

“You’re fine.” He snorted out a laugh. “Light as a feather, you are.”

“Harry, I’m serious.” I frowned as he walked towards the stairs. “I’m too heavy.”

“I bench press five times your weight, honey.” He turned his head to the side with furrowed brows. “You’re okay, I promise.”

“But-”

“Beatrice, I’m being cute here.” He said softly. “I’m just giving my girlfriend a piggyback ride before I tuck her into bed.”

“Don’t come crying to me when you wake up with a sore back tomorrow, darling.” I rolled my eyes, letting out a sigh. “It won’t be my fault, I warned you.”

“I promise not to complain to you.” He dug his fingers into my thigh just a little harder, hiking me up before he started to take the steps. “Hold on tight.”

I rolled my eyes, tightening my legs around him as he started to walk up the stairs.

I squeezed my eyes shut, hoping that we didn’t fall backwards as he took each step. It wasn’t that I didn’t trust him, it was that I didn’t trust the concept of him carrying me up a flight of stairs after putting on a concert for thousands of screaming fans. He was tired, and I was just weighing him down...literally. I heard him let out a soft chuckle when I gasped as he adjusted his hands under my thighs. I thought for a second he was going to let me fall.

“I’ve got you, honey.” He whispered. “Won’t ever let you fall.”

I felt my heart melt in my chest, my bottom lip pushing out into a soft pout.

I ducked my head down, kissing his shoulder.

When we finally made it to the end of the hallway, Harry pushed the white wooden door open with one foot before he walked into the darkness. I was afraid of the dark, but with Harry holding onto me, I didn’t feel nearly as freaked out by the absence of light. He turned around when his shins collided with something, his hands squeezing my thighs before he whispered.

“M’gonna put you on the bed, okay?” He whispered. “Do you want to sleep on the right side, closer to the bathroom.”

“Yes, please.” I nodded, loosening my arms from around his shoulders as he lowered my body down gently. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome, honey.” He turned around, dropping a kiss to my forehead. I heard something shifting around, and seconds later, a light came on. “That’s better.”

“Much better.”

“Are you comfortable in what you’re wearing?” I felt his eyes trail from my legs back to my eyes, examining my comfy outfit I put on in his dressing room before dinner. “I have your bag downstairs that Claire packed for you if you want something else.”

“This is fine.” I moved myself back towards the headboard, stretching my legs in front of me with a soft groan at the ache in my muscles. “You should get ready for bed, darling.”

“I’m ready.” He smirked, glancing at his hoodie before looking back at me. “Gonna sleep just like this.”

“I was hoping you’d be naked.” I tried to hide my smirk as I mumbled, watching Harry’s lips part slightly before his brows lifted towards his hairline. “But I guess sweatpants are okay.”

“Oh, you little brat.” He kneeled on the bed, reaching out to brush his thumb over my cheek. “If I wasn’t about to fall asleep standing up, I’d wreck you.”

“I’m looking forward to the day you come through on all of these promises you’re making me.” I narrowed my eyes at him as he snapped his mouth shut, exhaling through his nose as his jaw tensed. “Did that make you mad, Harry?”

“It made me want to pin you against the mattress.” He moved his second knee onto the bed, crawling towards me as I lowered my back against the pillows piled on his bed. “You’re trouble.”

“I know.” I dropped my head back as he pressed his palms into the mattress beside my ribcage, his body hovering over mine. “You like that about me though, don’t you?”

“You have no idea.”

He pressed his lips to mine in an innocent kiss, pulling away after a second before he tilted his head. He went back in with a little more vigor than before, his lips pressing hard into mine as I lifted my hands to grip at his sides. I let his tongue dip into my mouth, massaging over my own in a sensual dance as he kept his body above mine. I pulled at his hoodie in attempts to get him closer to my body, but he didn’t budge. I whined out, pulling my lips away from his.

“You’re starting something we can’t finish.” He whispered. “I should lay on my side of the bed, Beatrice. If I -”

“I just want to feel you on me, that’s all.” I shook my head. “I want you to lay on me, Harry.”

“Trouble.” He stressed the word with a pained look on his face, lowering his hips between mine before he pressed the rest of his body against me. “Is this what you wanted? I’m not crushing you, am I?”

“No.” I smiled, sliding my hands under his hoodie, brushing my fingers against the warm skin of his back. “I like the weight of you, it’s comforting.”

“Your hands are cold.” He hissed out. “They’re like blocks of ice.”

“Sorry.” I whispered, lifting my head to kiss his lips. “Maybe they’ll warm up if I keep them here.”

“Or maybe, I’ll get frostbite.” He brushed the tip of his nose over mine. “I can’t believe I’m about to say this, because it’s so cheesy, but I’m so happy that I met you. Being with you makes me feel so...content and carefree. I feel like I can be myself with you and that’s so hard to find these days.”

“You can always be yourself with me, Harry.” I giggled when he pressed his lips to my forehead, pulling away with a soft mwah. “I like who you are, inside and out.”

“Good.” I felt him shift around, lowering his body until his head was tucked into the crook of my neck, a soft sigh escaping his lips moments later. “I like who you are, too.”

“Goodnight, Harry.” I turned my head, kissing his temple.

“Goodnight, Beatrice.”

#harry styles smut #harry and beatrice #honeybee #watermelon sugar series

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ificanthaveu · 5 years

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Trust Issues || Shawn Mendes

Description: You and Shawn bond over your shared trust issues, telling each other where they came from. Something you haven’t done in years.

A/N: half of the reader’s problems are literally what I went through, so yay for trust issues!!! I had a lil daydream about this the other day, and it actually turned out pretty cute.

Word Count: 3k

A soft knock on your door pulled you out of your trance as you stared at your laptop. You blinked the tiredness out of your eyes and checked the time. It was just after 1:00 pm, and you’d been working for over four hours already. You sighed and stood up from your desk and workspace in the corner of your living room to go answer the door. You peered through the peephole to see your neighbor Shawn waiting there. You knew what was coming.

You swung the door open, and you were met with his cheerful face and two cups of coffee.

“Good afternoon, Ms. [Y/L/N],” he said with a big smile. You definitely didn’t have the same expression.

“What do you want?” You said in a monotone voice.

“You wanna go for a walk?” He asked hopefully.

“Shawn, I have a stack of work I haven’t even gotten to yet that has to be done before midnight,” you said as you leaned against the doorway, eyeing the cup of coffee in his hand. It was an iced latte. Your favorite.

“But I know you need a lunch break,” he paused and held up your drink. “And I got you coffee. So we’re going to go on a walk to clear your head and to recaffeinate yourself.”

You thought about it for a moment as you continued to stare at the drink in his hand. You could easily grab the cup out of his hand and shut the door on him.

Before you could even entertain the idea, he had your cup held over his head.

“Not happening. You’re not getting this until we’re out of the building,” he said with a sly smile.

“Fine,” you grumbled with an eye roll as you grabbed your coat from the hook next to the door, stepped into the hallway and locked your door behind you.

“So what do you all have to do still?” He asked as you stepped into the elevator.

“I thought we weren’t talking about work.”

“We won’t after this one question.”

“I have a play manuscript and half a novel to read still. I’ll be lucky if I send it in before midnight,” you said as the elevator stopped at the ground floor and you walked out.

You exited the building and were met with the cool, fall Toronto air. As promised, Shawn handed you your drink as you turned to your left and began to walk towards the park.

“What are you doing today?” You asked him as you took a sip out of your coffee.

“Nothing. I had a melody stuck in my head for a while that I might try to get a song out of later, but the more I work at it, the less promising it gets,” he said as he took a drink out of his black coffee.

You walked in silence for a few moments as you both drank your coffees. As you stepped into the park, you took a deep breath and smiled. The smell of autumn air was your favorite.

“Alright, Mendes, what’s today’s walk topic?” You asked as you started down your usual trail.

Shawn was one of the first people to come introduce himself when you moved into your condo almost a year and a half ago. He offered to show you around the neighborhood, and you gladly accepted. Ever since then, the two of you took to a walk in the park down the street at least twice a week. On bad weeks where you had a ton of work or he was swamped with rehearsals and meetings, you made it a point to walk every day to make sure you got your mind off things. But work had its way of making the whole conversation about itself, so you and Shawn started coming up with topics to center your walks around. Whether it be friendships or why you love your hometown or favorite vacations, you always kept your conversations on track.

“Trust issues,” he said plainly without looking at you.

“Ah yes, the perfect light-hearted topic to distract us from work, our trust issues,” you said sarcastically.

“Well, you obviously have a lot of them. And I have some, too. So, today, I’m determined to find out why you have them,” he said as he glanced over at you.

“It’s a long story. Also, me telling you all that, would show that I don’t actually have trust issues since I’d be trusting you with why I may or may not have trust issues,” you reasoned.

Shawn gave you a confused look as you tried to rationalize you not saying anything.

It was nothing against Shawn. The two of you had grown to become pretty close within the last year, but when it came to the deep stuff that barely anyone knew, you hesitated to tell him You hesitated to tell anyone.

“We’ve been friends and neighbors for over a year now, and you do a remarkable job of not telling me anything remotely secretive about you. Most I know about the traumatic stuff is that you met your best friend because of it. But I don’t know what that ‘it’ is. And I think you should tell me. But that’s up to you and I have a backup topic if you don’t want to fight that battle today. That being said, I will bring this up every walk for the rest of our lives until you open up to me,” he said as you two stopped for a moment in front of the creek.

You stared at the ripples in the pond caused by a little boy throwing pebbles to your right.

“It all started in third grade,” you said, maybe a little too dramatically.

“Beautiful,” he said, a little too happily. You gave him a look. “Not the trust issues, you opening up to me,” he saved himself.

You started walking along the creek as you began again. You ran the story in your head a few times and cringed at the worst parts. You shoved your hands in your coat pockets as far as they could go.

“Third grade is when I fell in love with writing. I found it so remarkable that I could write my daydreams onto paper. I became absolutely obsessed with it. It’s really what carried me through everything. It’s what brought me to what I’m doing,” you said softly. You loved talking about your job. It was stressful, but it was your dream job. Since third-grade grammar lessons where you corrected your classmates' papers, you knew editing was going to be just for you.

“I don’t know how you do it. I can barely correct my own writing. And that’s never more than a page,” Shawn said.

“Third grade was also when my anxiety started to kick in,” you continued. “Third graders don’t understand that stuff very well,” you said.

“Like you didn’t understand it? Or your classmates?” He questioned. You shrugged your shoulders.

“Both? I guess. I would get frustrated, like why is this happening to me? Why can’t I go to sleepovers at a friend’s house without freaking out? Why do I feel nervous when literally nothing is going on? What’s this constant pressure in my chest? And then, on top of that, my friends never understood, and I lost a lot of people,” you said as you ran your hands up and down your cup.

“Is this when you met Bea?” He asked hopefully.

You laughed and shook your head.

“I didn’t meet her until junior year of high school. We have a beautiful roller coaster of events that happen before that,” you said.

“Damn,” he mumbled.

“Anyway,” you continued. “I remember being in the lunchroom. I was sitting at one of the tables with my neighbor. I went to throw something away, and on my way back to my spot, I heard one of my other friends talking about me. She was telling a whole lunch table about the weekend before when I left her house crying. I was quick to stop as she noticed I was there. I remember looking at her and saying ‘You don’t understand what I’m going through,’” you recalled.

“You called her out?” He said excitedly. “Is this when your badass side was born? Because of some asshole third grader telling everyone your problems?”

“Exactly. Look at you, learning so much already,” you said as you rested your hand on his shoulder.

“Amazing.”

“I look back at it, and she was always kind of an asshole. Her family was cool though. Her older brother still comments on all my facebook posts, but I haven’t really talked to her since middle school,” you said.

“So, after that I kind of shifted friend groups. I started stuffing all my feelings down instead of saying anything. But then I got comfortable and started opening up to these people. It was seventh grade. We were all at our one friend’s house and talking about anything and everything. And I told them about the guy I had a crush on.”

“Oh, God, I definitely know where this is going,” he said with a disgusted look on his face.

“Yep, they told him. Everyone found out, and I was humiliated. No one ever really said anything to me except for little comments here and there.”

“They knew not to mess with you because of your badass side,” Shawn added.

“Exactly. But that’s how I became friends with Andy. He was friends with the guy I liked, and he always called people out if they said anything. Besides Bea, he’s the one who knows everything because he lived it with me. I’d be dead without him,” you reminisced.

“I want to meet him. He’s in the army, right?” Shawn asked. You nodded your head and tried to hide your shocked expression. You didn’t think he’d remember.

“Yeah, he actually just got home a month ago. He’s visiting me next week,” you said with a big smile on your face.

“Will he join us for a walk?” Shawn asked. You shrugged your shoulders.

“I’m sure he will. He’ll want to be shown around, and you do it best,” you said as you bumped your shoulder against his.

“Ok, ok, back to the story,” Shawn caught you sidetracking, and urged you to continue.

“After that, I kind of coasted through the rest of middle school. I tried to stay open and friends with everyone without actually letting people in. It ended up working out pretty well. And then high school came,” you paused and took a drink.

“The suspense is killing me,” Shawn whispered. You rolled your eyes at him before continuing.

“I met some new friends. I met a guy. His name was James. He asked me to homecoming. Everything was perfect. I had a nice new group of friends and a guy who was head over heels for me. I really thought I had finally found my place. I had never been more wrong in my life. He kissed me that night. Then proceeded to text my friends that I was a bad kisser and that he planned on not really talking to me anymore. They thought it was hilarious,” you grimaced at the memories of your early high school years.

“Is this the James you were trying to avoid when we were out a few months ago?” He asked.

You nodded your head, “you bet. He’s not doing too well recently. Just lost his job because he was stealing from the company.”

“Serves him right,” Shawn mumbled.

“Oh, yeah,” you agreed. “But during that time, I had one friend in another friend group. She helped me through all of it. She was the one who listened to me crying in the middle of the night and responded to my depressing texts in the middle of the day. She introduced me to her friends, and it was all perfect. That friend group felt like home to me,” you paused.

“Or so you thought?” Shawn added.

“Or so I thought, exactly. She was my best friend for three years. Three whole years. It was a new record. I met Bea somewhere in the middle of that when she transferred. It was because of Bea that I found out the truth about my supposed best friend. Since day one, she had been gossiping behind my back, telling lies about me and telling people my secrets,” you said quietly. Out of all the horrid memories, this one hurt the most.

“Oh my God,” Shawn whispered.

“Bea was the one who told me. I was having a hard time with this friend, and I spent the night at Bea’s after a football game once. She asked me a question about me and one of our guy friends having feelings for each other. When I looked at her like she was crazy, that’s when we started piecing together what was going on,” you explained.

“Is that the end of it?” Shawn asked carefully.

You shrugged your shoulders, “For the most part. There was some work drama, too, with my coworker telling people things I’d complain to her about, but the thing with my old best friend was the part that definitely broke me.”

“But you trust Bea?”

“Oh, totally, but there are things that I told my old friend that I still haven’t told her,” you said with hesitation.

“Really?” Shawn said, completely shocked. “But she’s your best friend.”

“It’s not that easy. It’s the heavy shit. The stuff that keeps me up at night. I know she’d understand and love me through it, but it’s the actual saying it part that I have such a hard time doing. Anxiety and trust issues don’t pair well together”

“Wow,” Shawn said before he paused for a moment, processing everything. “You had some asshole friends.”

“The beauty of private school,” you proclaimed. “So, what about your trust issues, huh?”

“I don’t have trust issues,” he said as he gave you a look.

“Oh, yeah, sure. The international superstar that gets every bit of his personal life leaked on to the internet doesn’t have trust issues. I’ll never, ever believe that,” you said.

He shook his head with a small smile on his face.

“Alright, you got me,” he said. “But that’s also the whole story just in what you said. Everything I tell someone ends up in a tabloid. I have to be extremely careful about every damn thing I say. It gets twisted and turned into something it’s not.”

“But you tell me everything,” you pointed out as you stopped near the lookout. He turned and looked at you. He stuffed his hands in his denim jacket pockets, something he only did when he was nervous.

“Because you have trust issues,” he said quietly. “I know you’d never tell anyone because you know exactly what it’s like to have it be told. People with trust issues keep secrets the best. I trust you.”

You paused for a moment and just stared at him.

“I never thought of it that way,” you whispered after a while.

“It’s also more than that. You always seem insanely interested in everything I say. You get this look on your face,” he paused as he tried to imitate it, “when someone’s telling you a story. It’s cute.”

Your heart leaped as you turned to look at the view of the park from the top of the hill. He did the same.

“I hadn’t told anyone that story since I told Bea,” you said quietly. “I promised myself that the moment I found someone that reminded me of home, reminded me of that feeling I get when I’m with my family or Bea or Andy, I would tell them.” You didn’t look at him.

“I feel like home to you?” Shawn asked with a glint of hope in his voice. You could feel his eyes on you, but you still didn’t look at him. You just nodded your head.

“I’ve never told anyone that,” you said before finally looking at him. The sun hit his face perfectly. He was radiating.

Without saying anything more, he pulled you for a hug and held your head against his chest. You felt him press a kiss to the top of your head before resting his head on top of yours, looking at the fall colors and admiring the colors of change.

You pulled away after a moment. “Ready to head home?” You asked as you rocked forward on your toes.

“But you’re home right now,” Shawn said with a stupid smile on his face.

“Shut up,” you said as you hit his chest. He grabbed your hand before you could move it. You looked from your hand on his chest up to his face.

Before you knew it, you were both leaning in. He pressed his lips to yours as you rested your other hand on his chest and his arms wrapped tightly around your waist. His lips were smooth, and his cold nose tickled your cheek. You could feel his curls as they lightly touched your forehead. You pulled away, and he rested his forehead against yours.

“Yeah,” you finally said after a moment of silence. “That’s home.”

Shawn pulled you in for another kiss. You could feel him smile through it.

“Ok, for real now, we’re going home. I have a manuscript yelling my name,” you whispered. He nodded his head and grabbed your hand as you made your way down the hill.

“Can I take you out tonight?” He asked. “You know, on a date.”

“Unless that date is bringing me Chinese food and keeping me company while I edit, it’s going to have to be a no for tonight,” you said.

“Well, then it looks like I’m bringing you Chinese food tonight,” he said before looking down at you.

“For a superstar with trust issues, was kissing someone in the middle of the park the best idea,” you pointed out.

“Nope, that was a horrible idea. One of my worst,” you said. You could feel his hand shake a little as you brought your other hand around to grip onto his arm and squeeze it. He looked down at you again and smiled. “Totally worth it.”

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brief-candle · 4 years

Text

αℓεα ιαcтα εsт - various kny x reader [1]

reuploaded bc my tumblr is being stinky >:(( update: still being stinky. for some reason this isn’t showing up in any tags no matter what i do and i’m so confused? bc the second chapter’s showing up??? idk :/

also was wondering if y’all would be interested in seeing some art that i do sometimes, bc i’ve kinda been getting back into drawing lately!

THIS IS A YANDERE SERIES. JUST SO YOU KNOW. I WILL WARN OF ANY TRIGGER WARNINGS IN FUTURE CHAPTERS, BUT THIS ONE’S NICE AND TAME!! TY FOR READING AND HAVE A WONDERFUL DAY!! <3

GENERAL OTHER STUFF TO KNOW BEFORE YOU READ: MC (READER) IS FEMALE; THERE IS A BUNCH OF CANON DIVERGENCE; MANGA-ONLY CHARACTERS WILL APPEAR IN LATER CHAPTERS, THOUGH I DON’T PLAN TO DEAL WITH ANY PLOT ELEMENTS THAT DON’T APPEAR IN THE ANIME.

edit: chapter 2 is out!!

⊱ ────── {.⋅ ♫ ⋅.} ───── ⊰

The sun was high in the sky, beating down on the trio that were treading unfamiliar ground. The scenery looked very much like that which they'd seen countless times before, but that was to be expected to an extent. They were in the same country that they'd always been in, after all, however that didn't alleviate the sense that something was amiss in these parts. These parts that were so close to where they'd always been, yet seemed so completely and utterly different all at once.

"Tanjirou...!" One of them wailed, as usual. He was already a couple of paces behind, but had really began to drag his feet over the last couple of metres. Though this behaviour was very much usual for the wailer, Tanjirou didn't act annoyed in the slightest. Not that such a thing was surprising in any way- Tanjirou was too patient and kind for his own good sometimes.

He turned to face the boy, who was barely making an effort to catch up, while the third begrudgingly stopped also. With eyebrows slightly furrowed in concern, he asked: "what's wrong, Zenitsu?"

Zenitsu- the wailer- was huffing and puffing when he finally made it over to Tanjirou. It appeared difficult to even stand up straight, as he wavered and wobbled with each slight and rare gust of wind.

Still wheezing, he gasped out a desperate question, "are we nearly there yet?"

Tanjirou stared at him for a moment in silence, before sighing deeply.

"Hey- what was that for?!" Although completely out of breath just a moment earlier, it seemed that his energy had been restored enough to begin to screech. It was whiny and hurt the ears, though that was probably its purpose, knowing Zenitsu. It was no wonder why he couldn't get married when he began to speak using such a tone of voice; it truly was grating on the ears. Never mind his whiny begging, clinging, desperate tone and actions mixed with his general perversion. If you happened to be feminine and breathing, chances are Zenitsu was interested.

But I digress.

Their companion snorted before erupting into a fit of mean-spirited cackling at the blond's outburst, having held it back from even his initial whining. This only served to fuel Zenitsu's irritation, leading to his pitch raising and voice increasing in volume as he began to (attempt to) berate the boar-headed male.

"Zenitsu..." oh dear, it seems that Tanjirou is tired of this situation. He even pulled out the 'I'm not mad, just disappointed' tone of voice and expression.

Zenitsu noticed this immediately, quieting down very soon after, only to pipe up with a, "yes?"

"This is the third time that you've asked in five minutes."

"And?!" And suddenly, his enthusiasm that he could have been putting into walking and actually getting somewhere instead of simply complaining returned with a vengeance, arms flailing with fury as he did so, "we've been walking since dawn, and you're telling me that we're not there yet?!"

Tanjirou nodded.

"No way...!" His voice lingered long after he'd collapsed to the ground, lying there like a starfish and staring at the sky with a gaze like that of a dead fish.

"Hey, Zenitsu, are you alright?" Tanjirou- bless his cotton socks- had asked without a moment's hesitation as soon as it had happened. However he did make a very strange noise of confusion soon after, if that counts for anything. Either way, though, he was still staring down at his friend with a very worried face. Their friend, on the other hand, only began to snicker louder at such a display.

"This is the end for me, Tanjirou." Said Zenitsu, not even glancing in Tanjirou's direction as he did so. Each word was monotonous, too even in tone to be from Zenitsu. "You must go on without mE-"

His even-toned speaking evolved into a high-pitched shriek as he was dragged up and slung over the shirtless male's shoulder- him still cackling- before the latter began to sprint away.

"Hey, Inosuke-!"

"INOSUKE, PUT ME DOWN, STOPSTOPSTOPSTOP--"

Tanjirou didn't even have time to sigh again before he had to sprint after them, lest he get left behind. Though even if he did, he supposed it would be easy to find them without even having to sniff them out, with the obnoxious laughter and the terrified screaming. For such a normal, kindhearted boy, he certainly had some strange friends.

They kept running along the path until the sun flew over them, now threatening to disappear beyond even more hills. However the scenery here was rather different, with large fields of grass to the left and crops growing to the right. It was well-organised and looked well-maintained, however Tanjirou didn't even want to know how many people would have to work so rigorously to maintain the land.

"Oh, are you boys demon slayers by any chance?"

It was sudden, abrupt, and caught all three of them off guard. Perhaps if it didn't sound so gentle and feminine then they'd have reacted a bit more quickly and with a bit more force. However they were glad they didn't when they saw the owner of the voice: a young woman, ordinary-looking by all means, but with a certain twinkle in her eyes that looked very amused by what had just happened. And for good reason, too, as one had screamed, one had turned so quickly that it was surprising that their neck didn't snap, and the other grunted. Except it was more of a surprised grunt if anything. Though it was extremely hard to tell the difference between each type of grunt.

"Did I scare you? I'm terribly sorry." She bowed politely as she spoke, each word matching her reserved and respectful demeanour. However she clearly wasn't adept enough at hiding how much enjoyment she'd gotten out of witnessing such strange reactions, as the corners of her mouth struggled to not turn upwards.

"No, no, it's fine; there's certainly no need for a lovely lady like yourself to apologise!" Of course, this was Zenitsu speaking, having recovered rather quickly from his screech that was much more ladylike than any lady that the other two had come across. It was clear that he wanted to move on from that as soon as possible, in some vain hope that this person might be the one that was sympathetic enough to marry him. So far, he'd had no luck. And he was growing more desperate by the minute.

But as he tried to grow closer, he was soon flung a couple of metres away in an instant. Such an event was followed by the woman's scolding voice. However, for once, it wasn't Zenitsu getting scolded. Instead, in an unlikely turn of events, it was something getting scolded for his sake. Every now and again into her scolding session, a whinny attempted to be heard, only to result in even more scolding. Tanjirou and Inosuke only looked on, minds just as blank as their faces. What does one do in such a situation?

Well, upon realising that Zenitsu was bleeding, Tanjirou very quickly decided to try and help him. Inosuke merely watched on for a moment, before making a sound of awe and withdrawing his swords from their sheaths with a rather terrifying cackle,

"What a beast! If I can take it down, then-"

"Please don't try and fight my horse."

"Inosuke!"

-----------

It had taken a while to sort everything out, so much so that nightfall was but minutes away. Thankfully, even after the Inosuke incident, the woman had been willing to let them stay in her house for the night, perhaps more if Zenitsu needed extra rest. His friends already knew that he'd play on the illness card just to continue trying to court the poor girl, but it was something that they simply couldn't hope to change.

"She's really kind, isn't she?" Zenitsu gushed to them in the shared room that had been provided, "giving us all this stuff, even after what Inosuke tried to pull." It was impossible to miss the annoyance lacing his voice as he mentioned Inosuke, who had now taken off the board head and was lying on the best futon available. Not because he deserved it, but because he refused to move off it for Zenitsu who, despite his ulterior motives to his injury, was indeed injured.

At that, Tanjirou grew curious, "Inosuke, have you never seen a horse before?"

"Horse? You mean that thing that Zenitsu lost against? 'Course not!"

'Course not?

"Inosuke..." Oh, how Tanjirou wanted to explain everything wrong with what was just said, but that would require too much time and too much energy for the night. A night which had followed a hectic day which was extremely tiring.

He glanced over at the box he'd been carrying all day, lips pursed slightly to accompany a conflicted expression. Was it alright for Nezuko to come out here, when their host could walk in at any second? It would be difficult to explain their situation, especially to someone who may have lost their entire family to a demon. It could also be dangerous to Nezuko to be put in such a position. And so he shuffled over to the box, opting to sit near it rather than to open it.

"Sorry, Nezuko," he murmured, patting the wooden walls of the box carefully, "but you'll have to stay in there for a bit. I'm sure I can let you out for a bit tomorrow, if we're still here."

Inside the box, there was a bit of shuffling to be heard. But soon after was an acknowledging grunt, one which Tanjirou thanked her for, face forming a bright and beaming smile. It was just in time that he'd shuffled back to his futon, as the woman knocked upon the door and entered very soon after. The relief he felt knowing that he had narrowly avoided a sticky situation was immense, though he had to admit that he felt a little bit nervous when thinking of what could have so easily taken place instead.

"Sorry to interrupt," she said, a tray in her hands. Immediately after shutting the door behind her, she placed the tray on a nearby table, sitting beside it. "I made some tea, if you'd like some. I figured it'd been a long day for you all, so I decided to make some tea to help soothe the body and mind." Her words were spun like silk, with a quality to her voice like warm honey. The tea merely became one of the many aromas which wafted around the house, mingling and mixing to form one very odd (and quite overpowering) smell.

Zenitsu was (predictably) the first to join her, singing her praises to the heavens. She merely accepted them with the humility and grace that they'd come to expect from her, and so they all began to sip their tea in comfortable silence.

That is, until she was the one to shatter the comfortable atmosphere.

"I'm sorry for how abrupt it may be for me to say this," she started with, glancing briefly into each of their eyes before returning it back downwards to her own cup. It was held between her hands, and she squeezed it ever so slightly before continuing, "but I fear I must ask, lest anything undesirable occurs."

After one more sip, which felt so drawn out that it was as if she had sipped it until it was all gone, she began to elaborate: "Please, no matter what you hear, do not go out after nightfall."

That was certainly not what they were expecting to hear, especially being demon slayers. Their whole occupation was to fight demons, which required them to go out at night. It was safe to say that such a thing was a very odd request. Even if she had phrased it more like a demand.

Indeed, as she began to speak of that which she wished of them, her voice seemed to drop the kindness that they'd grown to associate with it. The honey that she wound into each word was cut loose, leaving that which she said with a bitter taste in their mouths.

Well, not Inosuke's. He, after chugging the rest of his tea (which was still very much piping hot), asked with little to no hesitation: "Why?"

The girl clearly wasn't expecting this, blinking owlishly twice before repeating the question with a slight tilt of the head.

"Yeah- why not? We're demon slayers, after all, so it's not as if the demons pose a threat." As usual, Inosuke was cocky and boisterous in everything that he did. His words were drowned in such an attitude, his movements were made from them, his expressions screaming them. Still, it did little to affect her, who sharply poked a hole in what he'd said without a moment's delay.

"Really? Then does Kibutsuji Muzan not pose a threat? Or the Demon Moons?" This time, even her eyes had dropped the gentle and kind mirth to them. It was difficult to recall the last time that she'd blinked as she sat there, the sharp colours found in her irises standing out much more in the dim candlelight as she bore holes into he who spoke against her.

Before he could speak up again, she rose to her feet, staring down at them all. Perhaps it was the fiery and temperamental glow of the candlelight rather than the calm and natural light from the sun that accentuated the tense atmosphere- so tense that perhaps a knife could not even slice through it. Perhaps it was also the lighting that made her seem much more ominous than she had at any other moment, that made the scowl she wore more menacing than it would be. It would have been a question as to whether she'd been scowling at all, whether her lip had been curled that much and her eyebrows furrowed so deeply that the skin between them crinkled, had she not spoken so coldly and with a tone so clipped.

"There is a difference between confidence and foolishness. Perhaps it would be best that you learn this difference before your next fight."

This humble farmer, who'd chuckled with them just a few hours before and boasted little more than a simple yet productive life, uttered sentences in which wisdom, the kind which could be born only from experience, ran like rivers. Yet when prodded when she let them slip, she merely brushed it off, claiming a relative used to say it. Or something to that extent.

She bowed then, deeper than ever before, and after excusing herself had disappeared into the darkness of the hallways.

No conversation stuck that night, and sleep had a similar pattern when it finally came.

-----------

Despite struggling sleeping, on edge due to events that never ended up occurring, the three awoke a bit after daybreak. It was about five minutes later that a knock on the door echoed through the room. It was rather surprising to find the woman who was so moody and distant the night before, looking so chipper and energetic in the morning. Once again, she brought in a tray, bearing a simple breakfast for them all and accompanied by some more tea. She placed it on that table once more, removing the other tray at the same time. Once again, she excused herself, though this time it was with the same merriment that they'd expected from her before the occurrence of the previous night. It seemed so hazy now, almost like a fever dream.

However they knew it wasn't. They knew it was real, without even having to confront each other about it. Although she never brought it up and cleverly avoided giving them a chance to, they didn't doubt for a moment that what had happened the previous night was equally odd and true.

And so, while she excused herself from the house very soon after taking away the almost untouched tea from the night before, they concocted a plan. It was morally very wrong, but their curiosity overturned their morals in this place. Not only was her behaviour rather odd, but the more that they thought about it, the house was rather odd as well.

"It smells so weird..." Tanjirou had found himself to be the first to complain about the house. The smell was beginning to irritate him with how powerful it was, so much so that he couldn't even begin to separate the different scents and their origins. Such a thing was so simple for him to do usually, yet he was unable to do so here. It was unnerving to think about; a demon could attack at any notice and he wouldn't even be able to know.

Inosuke was next up: "y'know, I was excited and all at first with how soft the floor is- I mean, where else do you get floor that's soft? In a house?!" The more he thought, the more he got distracted by how much he liked the softness of the material under his feet and hands, and how it separated in between his fingers and toes but was still so soft-

"Get on with it, we don't have all day," Zenitsu commented bitterly, quite upset that his most recent crush wasn't honest and trusting of him, someone she'd met literally the day before.

"Ah-" and Inosuke was brought back to present day, clearing his throat, "but yeah, I can't even feel anything else apart from how fuckin' soft this floor is. And the house!" He slammed open the door to the hallways, terribly startling Zenitsu in the process, "Is full of it!"

Zenitsu's heart seemed to be racing too fast for him to be able to participate in their little chat for a bit, but thankfully five minutes with a cup of tea had calmed his nerves. Not before he began to mutter very angrily about Inosuke under his breath for 'trying to kill' him, mind, but with a gentle prod from Tanjirou he began to share as well.

"I've never really come across anything like it..." he mumbled, quite ashamed of it as he dug a finger in his ear, "and it might sound kinda stupid, but I can't hear anything through these walls."

It took a moment for that one to sink in- such a thing seemed impossible. However he soon added on to what he said.

"Well, actually I do hear some stuff. But it's really faint, even though I can't hear stuff that's right outside."

"Like what?" Tanjirou immediately asked. This prompted Zenitsu to think deeply, staring up at the ceiling and humming for a moment.

"Dunno. Footsteps? They sound kinda far, though, so surely that's not it."

That was true. And so the trio began to think a bit more, staring at different places in the room and humming to themselves as they did so. Tanjirou even began to talk to Nezuko about it, even if she couldn't respond. Seeing as their host wasn't in the house currently, he deemed it safe to let her out and wander around a bit to stretch her legs. She had been in that box for over a full day, after all.

Then, as he watched her toddle around, an idea struck him.

"Wait, Zenitsu!" The sudden outburst shocked the aforementioned male, but (thankfully) not bad enough that he needed more tea and a time-out session.

Tanjirou pointed at his younger sister, who stared up at him questioningly, "how loud are Nezuko's footsteps?"

It was a strange question to ask out of the blue, but with how serious Tanjirou looked, Zenitsu replied as soon as he processed it, "pretty loud. Way louder than even Inosuke's."

This prompted an irritated growl from Inosuke, who looked ready to brawl with Zenitsu over the implications of that statement.

At this, Tanjirou lowered a fist onto his open palm, an expression of realisation on his face, "then what if they are footsteps?"

This question seemed even stranger at first glance- how could they be footsteps when footsteps from right outside the room couldn't even be heard? It just didn't seem logical, especially when the one that was navigating the hallways wasn't even very stealthy from what they'd seen of her. But then it clicked, and Zenitsu's face paled at the very notion of it.

"You can't mean-"

"Yes, I do." His face was deadly serious as he stared at Zenistu, ignoring Inosuke's persistent pestering to know what was going on. The latter's questions were answered anyway when he elaborated: "I think there's a demon in this house."

-----------

"Tanjirou..." Zenitsu was barely able to speak through the chattering of his teeth, which was the one thing that didn't falter about him as they headed down the stairs. Even Inosuke was being quieter, not uttering a single thing, nor even laughing at the blond's misery from underneath that boar mask of his. They'd found the staircase from behind a bookshelf, only doing so when Inosuke had felt the drag marks it had left on the carpet that he so loved.

It was dark, and would only get darker the further down that they went. It would be all too easy for the girl to trap them in there if she discovered where they'd gone, but it was a risk that they were willing to take. For there was a chance, no matter how slim, that she may not know of the demon in her house. Or perhaps it is forcing her to provide shelter for it to stay. There were too many possibilities which could mean that she was in danger, and all of them stemmed from the demon being in her house.

"Tanjirou...!" He repeated, a bit louder and whinier this time. Even Nezuko, who had forced them to allow her to tag along, shot him a look of disapproval. And if nothing else shut him up, then that certainly did, for Zenitsu was a creep to the core, and would drop anything that any living girl disliked that he did in a heartbeat. At least it came in handy sometimes, such as now.

There was light further ahead, and Tanjirou could smell it clearly now: it truly was the scent of a demon, and they would have left without knowing such a thing had they not been so insistent before. Sometimes, in rare moments like these and when he was asleep, Zenitsu was truly useful to have around. But then he squealed, and a huge list of reasons as to why not to have him around could easily be thought up.

Either way, there was no point in sneaking around now that Zenitsu had blown their cover so soon. Duct tape would have really come in handy. If only it was invented about half a century earlier. But, alas, this was their fate, and it was one that they had no choice but to live through. They didn't have the upper hand of surprise, but they certainly had the upper hand in numbers.

And if everything went to pot then they could just knock Zenitsu out. Always seems to work a treat.

As they crept into the light of the room, they took note of the figure kneeling in the centre. He faced away from them, though many of his features could be noted of. The first and most bizarre thing to note was the sword laying beside him. At least, it was the most bizarre until they took note of his clothing, which was extremely similar to theirs, though he also adorned a white jacket over the top of it. His hair was a mess of white, tinted with the warm hue of the flickering flames of the torches around him.

He hadn't noticed Nezuko's growling until now, nor her intense and furious glare. If looks could kill, that guy wouldn't even have ashes left.

"You really haven't learned what respect is at all, have you, you damned brat?"

That voice- how could Tanjirou forget that voice? The voice of the Hashira who had attacked his sister from a couple of years ago with a twisted grin all over his face. He was quick to understand Nezuko's growling, and had to hold her back from rushing in to attack him. The one thing that protected him from her was now gone, and he was one of what they hated.

He turned, a similar expression to the one back then written on his face, with those purple eyes still so wide, smile so wide that it split his face and nonexistent eyebrows furrowed. Though his rise to his feet was slow, obviously taking his time, they still didn't attack. Zenitsu's whole body was clattering with fear, clamming up and making him unable to say anything at all.

"It looks like I'll have to teach you myself, doesn't it? Maybe then it'll finally stick, even with a moron like you!"

As a human, he was already extremely quick. But as a demon he was even quicker as he lunged towards them, blade in hand and all too eager to strike.

#yandere x reader #yandere kny #yandere kny x reader #yandere kimetsu no yaiba #yandere #x reader #kimetsu no yaiba #kimetsu no yaiba x reader #kny #kny x reader

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nelllraiser · 4 years

Text

teardrops on my guitar(m) | leah & nell

TIMING: shortly after and then you’re free (escape from the ring) LOCATION: nell’s greenhouse. PARTIES: @nelllraiser and @phoenixleah SUMMARY: leah helps heal nell’s arms, and gets some veggies in return. taki gets to see his cat crush.

To be honest, Nell had been in dire need of some burgers from Al’s, and Leah was always good company for a trip such as that. After breaking loose from the Ring with Remmy, she’d been eating more than perhaps seemed humanly possible after going hungry for an entire week. Now that her stomach was full, she was walking Leah towards her greenhouse behind the Vural place, figuring it was as good a place as any to do this. “You’re sure you’re okay with this?” Nell asked again, not wanting to take advantage of Leah and her tear’s healing abilities. “I still feel sort of bad that all I got you for something like this was lunch.” Nell knew that phoenix tears went for obscene amounts of money on the supernatural market, and she still wanted to make sure that everything was still alright with Bea’s friend. Opening the door to the greenhouse, Nell circumvented around the mattress that was still in the center of it, leftover from when Bea had been dead, and Nell hadn’t felt right sleeping in the house. To be honest...she still used it when Bea wasn’t home, the house seeming too quiet to be alone in it, as if her sister were still gone. “Alright, here we are,” she said before stopping some twenty feet in, surrounded by greenery.

Leah would never turn down a good burger, so stopping at Al’s with Nell before giving her what she needed was never not an option in her mind. She was worried about the youngest Vural, if she were being honest. After everything that had happened with all of them- after what happened with Bea, she still felt a certain ache and anxiety around the Vurals, like she couldn’t do enough to help. She didn’t know exactly what happened that got Nell involved in an underground fight ring, and for once she had no desire to know anymore about something that was clearly supernatural. Maybe she was doing a disservice to herself and the Scribes, but she was worried she’d find out something she didn’t like about the ring- and if Nell were involved in something like that- well, … It was easier to just not ask questions. She adjusted her bag on her shoulder as she followed Nell, not remembering the last time she’d been back there. “Really. I’m really more than okay with it. I wouldn’t feel right taking money, not from you.” She probably wouldn’t feel right taking it from anyone, but then she wouldn’t have offered tears to just anyone, either. “I know you’ll keep it quiet- people don’t need to know where you got these from, right? ...and that’s really all I can ask, honestly.” Her eyes fell to the mattress in the center, and that pang of worry was back in a flash. How could she have been so distant and selfish when Bea died to not even reach out to Nell and Luce? “I don’t think I’ve ever been in here. It’s..beautiful. Are you… in here a lot?”, she asked vaguely.

Nell nodded at Leah’s answer, having wanted to confirm one last time that this was all in line with her sister’s friend. Though she figured...it wouldn’t be blasphemy is she also counted Leah amongst her own friends. Certainly they weren’t as close, but it was safe to say she always enjoyed the other girl’s company. “Alright then, deal. Thank you again, Leah.” As for not spreading the news of the tears, Nell didn’t hesitate to reassure the phoenix. “Oh no, of course. I won’t be telling anyone where they came from. I know how...people like you can often be targeted. And I have no interest in putting you in danger.” If anyone tried to hurt Leah, Nell wouldn’t hesitate to make them regret, and she knew Bea was of a very similar mind. “Really? I guess that makes sense. I’m pretty...protective of the greenhouse. I don’t usually like people going into it without me. Of course, sometimes Bea gets to come in if she needs vegetables for dinner sometimes or something.” It was still strange at times, readjusting to Bea being back and mentioning her in everyday conversation as if she’d neve died in the first place. “I mean- I spend a lot of time here. It’s...peaceful, you know?” It was basically Nell’s retreat at this point, a safe space to be away from all the noise of the outside world. “I’m glad you like it, though. Maybe you could take come clippings with you if you won’t accept payment.”

With a smile, Leah dismissed Nell’s thankfulness. She never quite knew how to react to gratefulness, especially when she knew in her heart something was the right thing to do. She didn’t have to question whether she’d give the tears to Nell, or whether to bring extra for the other Vurals. “You brought her back”, she started, knowing she didn’t have to explain what she meant. “And now you’re hurt because of it. This is literally...literally the least I can do.” At Nell’s reassurance, she reached into her bag, fishing around for one of the vials she’d brought with her. She nodded, letting out a breath. “I trust you, Nell. And, well… if it does somehow get out, it’s not like I don’t know where to find you,” she teased. Her hand finally found the vial, and she pulled it out, holding it up triumphantly. Her eyes landed on Nell’s wounded arms, and she blinked. They were worse than she thought. “They won’t be instant”, she explained. “Not with your arms being so bad. But maybe after an hour or two, you’ll notice a huge difference.” She looked around, amazed at the variety and condition of plants that surrounded them. Nell was describing the greenhouse almost like her own private sanctuary, and it reminded her of how she felt about the library. “Maybe I’ll take some veggies of my own?”, she suggested. “Do you have any kale?”

“We brought her back,” Nell corrected gently, knowing it wasn’t just herself that was responsible for Bea walking the earth once again. “I would have...there’s nothing I wouldn’t do for her. For Luce, too.” She figured that went without saying, but the witch wasn’t sure what else to say in response to Leah’s words when it came to her wounds. At the sight of the vial, Nell’s eyes lit up, hopeful as to how they might make it so her arms seemed to constantly sting and crack. She tried to reign it in as Leah explained, giving a nod. As for her arms...they looked like someone had splashed a map of the world across them, shiny continents plastered onto rougher patches here and there, still raw in places and pink and fragile. “Anything is better than this,” she simply said, endlessly frustrated with how limited she’d been ever since the resurrection. “I’m ready whenever you are?” Nell asked, presenting the gruesome sight of her arms for inspection and phoenix tear application. “Leah, you can have literally as many veggies as you want if it means being able to do something as take a fucking shower without having to worry about reopening my arms. I’ll give you an entire forest of kale.”

Leah nodded. “You all did.” She couldn’t imagine what it took for all of them to get Bea back, even now, it was clearly still affecting everyone in some way. She’d helped Winston with their tech problem, at least, but emotional trauma was going to be a little harder for all of them to overcome. “I know that, Nell. And I know they know that, too.” Even when they bickered or argued, the love the Vural girls had for one another was so strong you could basically see it flowing through them. She expected nothing less than Nell and Luce to try to bring Bea back when it first happened, and part of her felt like a coward for giving up hope so soon. With a laugh, letting her eyes fall to more of Nell’s plants. “You’re like a regular old granny, growing all of this in here, you know that? Okay, deal… I’ll have free reign of all your kale and zucchini. That’s how you can repay me.” She winced as she got a better look at Nells arms, every new angle seemed to provide deeper insight into just how damaged they truly were. “Shit. How did you explain this to the hospital?”, she asked, as she popped open the vial. “I can see why they wanted to keep you there for so long. Okay, hold still…”, she warned. Gently taking hold of Nell’s left wrist, Leah pulled her arm out straight so the tears could access area’s evenly. Her face was serious and concentrated as she began the process, tipping the vial along Nell’s arm and letting the contents spill out onto it. The last thing she wanted was to use too much on one arm before she had the chance to start the process on the other. “Stop me if it’s hurting you”, she said, letting her eyes shoot to Nell’s for only a second.

As far as emotional trauma went, Nell was firmly refusing to let it truly sink in, or rather acknowledge it. She’d power through. She always did. That’s how it worked, right? Either way, a warm smile was on her lips at the mention of her sisters and their relationship. It was certainly..complicated at times, but at the end of the day they were family. “Excuse me?” Nell said, faking outrage at Leah’s words. “I am not a grandma! But if I was a grandma, I’d be the hippest one. If anyone’s a grandma, it’s Bea.” She stayed still as Leah poured, a little apprehensive as the drops began to flow. There was a reason her blood sacrifice scars had been so prominent on her arms before the necromancy had even happened. Injuries made by blood magic weren’t meant to be healed by magical terms. But at this point, Nell was desperate to have her arms healed. With everything going on with the Ring, she couldn’t afford to be caught at anything less than her best. Hopefully, seeing as phoenix tears weren’t the traditional sort of magical healing, it wouldn’t have any adverse effects. Finally, the tears made contact with her skin, and Nell clenched her teeth as a burning sensation began to follow the liquid’s path. That wasn’t supposed to happen, was it? Maybe it was just the residual blood magic fighting back, trying to keep the sacrificial wound from being healed. But even though it hurt, she could see her skin stitching itself back together before her very eyes. If she could have her arms back, the pain was worth it. “No, keep going. It’s fine.”

With a loud laugh, Leah held up a hand defensively. “You’re the coolest granny”, she reassured. “All the other grandmas go to you for grandma fashion advice.” She pointed at her with a teasing finger, grinning. “Are you calling Bea a grandma cause you think she’s old? Because I’m not too far behind her, honey.” She bit her lip as she continued to pour the tears, wanting to get every inch of Nell’s arm before she starting on the other one. Her eyes darted up when she noticed it was causing Nell pain, but she continued. She nodded at her words, understanding. Pausing in between would just make the pain last longer. “Hey, where’s that big guy Taki? I haven’t seen him in a while”, she said, wanting to distract Nell. Satisfied that she was done with her left arm, she grabbed Nell’s right wrist, glancing up at her before she began again. “We good?”

“You bet I am,” Nell joked back with a slight chuckle. “I’m the baddest bitch in the retirement home.” Though, if she was being honest...the chances of making it to a ripe, old age at the rate she was going seemed slim. Before the last couple of months, she’d barely thought about her own mortality, but after watching her sister die, being an inch from death, and continuously finding herself in bleak situations...it was a reality she could no longer escape. “I’m calling both of you grandmas because I think you’re both old,” she shot back with a grin. Then, Taki seemed to appear at the very mention of his name, instantly rubbing up against the ankles of Leah with eyes sleepily slitted in contentment. He’d always been fond of the girl, after all- they shared the element of fire. Nell spared him a smile before gritting her teeth again, and giving Leah a determined nod. “We’re good. I just want my arms back.” She’d bear the pain ten times over if it meant she could get rid of this sense of powerlessness.

Leah rolled her eyes playfully, chuckling. It was something she could really see happening, Nell being the ring leader to a bunch of badass old ladies. “I’ll be sure to remind you of that on your 28th birthday, we’ll see what you think of that then.” She smiled down at Taki as he walked by, taking her attention away from Nell’s arms momentarily. “I’ve summoned him!”, she joked. “Hey there big guy.” She always felt a certain kinship with the Ovinikk, and hadn’t seen him since before Bea died. Leah nodded back, licking her lips before pouring the last bit of the vial onto Nell’s right arm. “There.”, she said, letting her eyes meet Nell’s again. “That should be it. They already look like they’re getting better.” It wasn’t a lie- she could tell just by looking at them that they were already vastly better than when she got there. But Nell still had a long way to go. “It’ll take a few hours, … maybe even into tomorrow to be 100%. Maybe you should have a movie night with Winston or someone, just so you’re not tempted to go out and get yourself into more trouble… at least not until you’re fully healed.” There was a playful smile on her lips, but the sentiment was real- if Nell wanted this to work, she needed to rest. Suddenly, she held up her finger, as if she was remembering something. She rummaged through her bag, pulling out two more vials and presenting them to Nell. “For Bea and Luce. You’ll probably see both of them before me, so… I figured I’d just give them to you.”

“If I make it until then,” Nell joked, though the delivery of it might have come off a bit more morbid than she’d intended. With everything that had happened in the past few months...it wasn’t exactly looking all that promising. The witch tried to brush the thought aside like an errant cobweb, moving on to something much more enjoyable. Taki. “He must have sensed your radiant presence,” she said lightheartedly. Meanwhile, the oversized cat began to purr ferociously, patting his paws against Leah’s legs as he stretched, almost as it to ask why she was paying attention to anything other than him. As Leah signaled the end to the healing, Nell instantly went to test the limits of her arms, stretching and flexing them. They still weren’t prettily healed, but her voice broke out in a relieved laugh when there was little to no pain as she moved. “Thank you, Leah,” she breathed, not knowing how to express her endless gratitude in a way that was sufficient. “Thank you so much. This is...this is really helpful.” At least she could gain some of her autonomy and power back now that her arms were nearly mended. As she gripped the vials in her hands, she again asked, “Are you sure? If you give us these you have to take more vegetables and stuff than you can carry.”

Leah gave Nell a pointed look. “Don’t talk like that”, she warned, putting a hand on Nell’s shoulder. “You can’t let yourself even think like that, Nell, because you’re gonna manifest it. You’ll make it to 28. You’ll make it to 108. Because your sisters will kill you if you don’t.” There was no doubt in her mind that if something happened to Nell before then (and who knew, with all the bad luck she’d been having lately), that Bea and Luce and Blanche and Winston would go to the ends of the earth to bring her back, just as they had done for Bea. But she also couldn’t imagine all of them having to go through that again. She laughed at Taki at her feet and at Nell’s comment, kneeling down to scratch behind his ears now that she was done with Nell’s arms. “Do you need some attention, Baby?” she asked over his purr. She pressed her face into Taki’s and then kissed him on the forehead before quickly standing back up to chat with Nell, though she continued to pet him. She nodded to acknowledge the thanks, biting her lip. “I’m really, really glad, because after all the shit you’ve been through lately, this is the least I can do, like I said. For all of you. I’m so, so positive”, she nodded again, and then glanced around at all the vegetables just begging to be picked. “Okay, fine… but can you and Taki help me bring them to my car?”

#teardrops on my guitar(m)#chatzy #ch:leah #wickedswriting

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