#feeling at different points he's let down Victoria and Emily | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

ssahotchhner · 3 years

Text

like real people do

PART TWO

hi! this is my first criminal minds fic, i haven’t watched the show all the way through in several years and while doing a rewatch discovered that i HAD to write hotch. this will be two parts, here’s the first! let me know your thoughts please, i love talking to my readers (:

words: 5837

pairing: hotch x reader

warnings: usual criminal minds nastiness, rape mention, death, curse words

Everyone knew that SSA Aaron Hotchner has been emotionally unavailable since his divorce, so everyone was that much more surprised when he kissed you at the bar in front of all your colleagues at the BAU. You wouldn’t lie, you had had a crush on Aaron for years now, but you had imagined your hypothetical romance much differently. As it was, Aaron had immediately left the bar in a flurry of embarrassment, murmuring a hurried apology on his way out leaving you to the unabashed teasing of your coworkers that you had pretended to brush off. Now, days later, Aaron still refused to so much as look at you.

“Y/N,” Morgan rolled his chair over to your desk, “I’m dying to know, is Hotch a good kisser?”

You sigh, “Fuck off, Derek.”

“Leave the poor girl alone, Derek,” Rossi says as he passes by, “Don’t you think it’s bad enough Hotch is giving her the silent treatment now?”

You tried to hide the way the tears pricked the back of your eyes at his comment, but you were surrounded by FBI profilers.

Morgan lowered his voice and reach out his hand to touch your arm, “Hey, babygirl, I’m sorry, I was just teasing, maybe you should try talking to Hotch--”

“Talking to me about what?” Aaron had been so quiet walking up on you and your head had been low, so focused on not crying that you hadn’t heard him.

“Nothing.” You say quickly, and as expected he avoids making eye contact, “Do you need something, sir?” You don’t miss the way he flinches at the formality. Good.

“We have a new case.” He says simply and walks away.

Morgan let out a low whistle, “You really hit him with the ‘sir.’” You started to get up from your desk, but Morgan put a hand on your arm again, “Seriously, Y/N, I’m sorry. If you need to talk I’m here.”

You sighed and stood up again, forcing a smile, “There’s nothing to talk about Derek, I’m fine. Now come on.”

“We have a serial rapist in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.” JJ starts immediately as everyone files in. You feel Morgan’s gaze on you the entire time and try not to get frustrated. He’s been like a brother to you since you joined the BAU a few years ago and you know this overprotectiveness was just him being a good friend, but it was bound to drive you nuts. “Victims are all white women ranging from their late teens to early twenties at a local university.”

“Why are we being called in for a rapist on a college campus?” Reid asks, “I don’t mean to be insensitive, but we all know the statistics. There are dozens of serial rapists on college campuses.”

“Because this one is torturing them while he rapes them and leaves them notes leading up to the attacks.” Hotch says as Penelope begins to pull up pictures on the screen of these women. “Slut, whore, bitch, cunt. All carved on their chests.” You do your best to hide the nausea that rises in you as you look at the pictures. Do your job. You remind yourself.

“What do the notes say?” Emily asks.

“They seem like thinly veiled threats,” Reid begins, “They sound romantic at first glance, but if you read closely you can see the context.”

“He breaks into their dorms when they’re at class or at parties and waits for them to come home and then he holds them at knifepoint so they won’t scream.” Penelope says, trying not to let her voice shake.

“Risky to do in a dorm building and no one’s seen him?” Morgan says.

Rossi ponders this, “That means he must blend in, someone no one would think twice about being inside. A student, an RA, or a university official.”

“University officials don’t normally enter student dorms unless there’s an issue, they’d be more likely to stand out and students would talk about them showing up.” Hotch muses.

“Y/N, you’re awful quiet today,” Emily nudges your elbow, “What do you think?”

You can feel everyone’s eyes on you, but Aaron’s. Still looking at his manila folder as if Emily hadn’t addressed you. As if you didn’t exist. You clear your throat, “I think the RA or student theory makes sense. We should probably interview the RA of the first victim, assuming he’s a man. It would make sense to me that he would start with one of his own students and then begin to branch out. Maybe he thought he could stop, get that release he needed after just one, but the need only grew stronger.”

“Wheels up in thirty, we’ll discuss more on the plane.” Hotch says and stands, walking out of the room without another glance.

“Did something happen last night at the bar?” Emily murmurs, the only member of the team who didn’t make it out the night before, “Hotch is acting really weird around you.”

Derek snickers on the other side of you and you elbow him, “That’s it, I’m going to talk to him.”

Reid winces, “Good luck.”

“It’ll be fine, kid.” Rossi says and squeezes your shoulder as you pass.

You take a long breath before you finally build the courage to walk into Aaron’s office where he’s packing his briefcase. “Sir, can I talk to you for a moment?”

“Can it wait until we’re on the plane, agent?”

Agent. You roll your eyes toward the ceiling, “No, sir, it can’t.” You can’t hide the bite in your words this time. He finally looks at you, really looks at you. You wonder what he sees.

“Close the door.” He says quietly and then sits behind his desk.

You walk slowly to the seat in front of his desk. This time, he watches you. “This is the first time you’ve looked at me all day.”

“I wasn’t aware you were analyzing me.”

“Are you telling me you haven’t been analyzing me all day?”

“Agent, what is this about? We have a plane to catch.”

You stare at him for a few moments longer, “Fine,” You stand, “If you want to pretend nothing happened, I’ll do the same. But if you could at least stop ignoring me, that would be great.”

“Agent--”

“And use my goddamn name, for Christ’s sake.”

He stares at you and you know he hates your emotional outburst and that in turn makes you hate yourself. “Then you stop calling me ‘sir.’” He says quietly.

Your eyes soften for just a moment and then you storm back out of his office nearly plowing over Rossi as you leave. Rossi walks into Aaron’s office to see him rubbing his forehead, “Well that doesn’t look like it went well.”

“I screwed up, Rossi.”

“Oh, come on Hotch, it was just one kiss. It didn’t mean anything--”

“It did mean something. To me. Maybe not to her.”

Rossi shakes his head, “Then why are you giving her the cold shoulder?”

Hotch sighs, “Because we work together, because she doesn’t feel the same, because she’s the first woman I’ve kissed since Haley. Pick a reason.” Rossi looks like he’s going to interject, but Hotch stands, “We don’t have time for this, Rossi, let’s go.”

Rossi sighs as he watches Aaron walk out of his office and follows after.

***

You’re quiet most of the plane ride, conscious of the looks everyone is giving you as you read the information in the manila folder over and over, trying to be good at your job instead of thinking about your boss.

“When we get off the plane, JJ and Prentiss, you go talk to the victims. Rossi and I will touch base with the police. Morgan, Reid, Y/N, you go talk to anyone you can find at the dorms, see if anyone’s seen anyone suspicious.” You make it a point not to react, but everyone else reacts anyway, watching you carefully. Hotch almost always assigns himself with you.

“If you guys don’t stop psychoanalyzing me I will eject myself from this plane.”

Everyone looks away except Aaron and when you meet his eyes, he’s smirking. Those smiles are so rare and you can’t deny how it satisfies you to know you were the reason he did so. You quickly look back down at your work, careful not to reveal anything you’re feeling.

***

“Do you have feelings for Hotch?” Reid asks without preamble when you’re in the car with Derek.

“Spencer!” You exclaim in outrage. Derek just laughs from the driver’s seat.

“What? You both wouldn’t be being so weird about one kiss if it wasn’t something more.”

“Okay, Romeo, remember that she’s armed.” Derek cautioned.

“He’s my boss, Reid. It’s weird because he’s my boss.”

“Well, sure, by definition Hotch is our superior but we all know--” Reid cut himself off when he saw the look Derek was giving him in the rearview mirror, “Yeah, you’re right, it’s weird.” He said quickly.

You sigh and turn to the window and ignore Derek and Spencer the rest of the ride.

***

“So you mean to tell me that ten women have come forward about being raped in their dorms and you told them to consider themselves lucky they weren’t murdered and sent them home without doing a rape kit?” Aaron’s furious. Furious with himself for the previous night and he’s more than happy to take out that anger on the local Milwaukee police department.

“Look, man, we get a lot of he said she said in here, we don’t have the time or the man power to follow up on every one.”

Just then his phone rings. It’s you. He wishes he could ignore the pang that goes through him just from reading your name. “Hotch.” He answers.

“Sir-- I mean, Aaron.” You correct yourself quickly, and then realize you should have called him Hotch, but it’s too late. “They’ve found a body.”

He frowns, “A body? That doesn’t fit his MO.”

You swallow, “Yeah, well, everything else does. He seems to have gotten a little carried away with the carving this time.”

“We’ll be right there.”

You hang up your phone and then turn back to Reid and Morgan who are looking over the crime scene. You sit with Victoria’s, the victim’s, distraught roommate and try to calm her and maybe get some actual information out of her. You don’t hear or see Aaron walk in until he’s already next to you, “Did you get anything from her?”

His closeness makes it hard to focus, “Just regular roommate stuff, she might be more useful once she calms down. I asked if her roommate had a boyfriend or anything like that and she said she was quiet, kept to herself. Boys were out of the question.”

“He’s escalated. Why?”

You shrug, “Could be because we’re here, that might have upset him and he lost control. But it could have been an accident, roommate says Victoria had a heart condition. The stress of the situation might have killed her.”

Hotch nods, “Good work.”

He was trying to be normal, you could tell. And he was trying so hard. “Thank you.” You said softly and then you excused yourself. Everything about him set you on edge and over and over the moment he kissed you plays in your head.

***

You’re both laughing to near snorting while sitting at the bar and Aaron can’t stop watching you, “You have an incredible laugh, you know?” He says softly when you’ve both settled down. “Sometimes when I think this job isn’t worth it, I’ll hear your laugh outside my office and just that sound…” He realizes what he’s saying suddenly and turns his head away from you smiling at his drink now.

“You make it worth it for me too.” You say and his eyes are back on you, “You so rarely ever smile, but when you smile at me… It makes it all worth it. The long hours, the horrible cases… all of it.”

When you look back at him he’s suddenly serious again. You can see his eyes calculating as he searches your face and you realize with a bit of shock that he’s trying to see if you’re lying. When his eyes finally settle back on yours, he gently reaches up, almost without thinking about it and curls a loose piece of hair behind your ear.

And then in the next second, his hand still on your face, his mouth is on yours.You forget that there’s anyone else in the world for those few seconds that he kisses you. Until everyone on the team starts jeering and Aaron pulls away like he’s seen a ghost.

“Aaron?” You say, frowning as he jumps up from his seat, not looking at you and gathering his things.

“I’m sorry.” Is all he murmurs and then runs out.

Derek’s laughing as he walks up to you, “Damn, princess. You broke Hotch! I gotta say, you’re incredibly out of his league.” You glare at him. “What? You’re out of my league too.”

You smile at that and try to act like everything’s normal, but you’re sure Spencer notices that you drink more and laugh a little too loudly.

***

You’re pulled back from the memory as JJ walks toward you, “Hey, you alright?”

“Yeah,” You nod, “Fine, just needed a second alone to think.”

She stops in front of you and rests her hand on your arm, lightly squeezing, “You can talk to me, you know, about men. Even Hotch.”

You smile, “I appreciate everyone’s concern, but I’m fine, really. It’s not that big a deal.”

“It’s a big deal if it starts interfering with the job, and I can see it on both of you,” She’s stern all of a sudden, “I know he’s our boss, but underneath that he’s just any other man, Y/N. Don’t let him fool you into thinking otherwise.”

“Guys,” Derek interrupts, sticking his head out into the hallway, “You’re gonna wanna see this.”

When you come back in the room, Spencer is crouched over the body, gloves on, examining the carvings in her body, “There’s hesitation in the cuts this time and you can tell they were done after she was dead. And if you look a little bit closer…”

“‘Sorry…’” You read the small script, astonished. “Remorse. It was an accident.” Your eyes dart back and forth as you lose yourself in your own thoughts while the rest of the team discusses, “I think we can deliver the profile.”

***

“We’re looking for a white male in his early to mid twenties.” Hotch starts, “He most likely is able to gain the women’s trust, maybe he’s a student RA or a student tech worker, but they let him in without a second thought.”

“I thought he breaks into the dorms and waits for them?” A cop asks.

“He does,” You say, “But the initial access is how he chooses his victims. He’s a loner, doesn’t have many friends, certainly no girlfriend. It’s possible that he asks these girls on dates when he first meets them, and when they refuse he feels entitled to them anyway which is why he comes back for the rape.”

“What about the murder?” Another cop asks.

“We believe the death of the last girl was an accident.” Reid responds, “She had a heart condition and the medical examiner has confirmed she died from sudden cardiac arrest. The unsub even seemed to show remorse when he defiled the body after, carving the word ‘sorry’ into her body.”

“The killing has most likely set him on edge. He’s remorseful, upset, overcome with immense guilt, but he blames the women. If they had just said yes to him, he wouldn’t have to do this. She wouldn’t have died.” Derek continues, “You should be looking for someone who was soft spoken, but as the rapes started he became more assertive, maybe he had an altercation with a professor or supervisor.”

“You’ve probably interviewed him already,” You say, “He inserts himself into the investigation because he feels guilt and watching the investigation play out validates that he was right for doing what he did.” You sigh, “There’s one more thing. He didn’t intend to kill Victoria, but… He spent time with the body after she had passed. He mutilated her as well as continued his rape of her afterward. It’s possible that he enjoyed the kill and will kill the next time as well. So stay vigilant and… please tell the girls not to let any men in their dorms. Thank you.”

Aaron comes up to you, “Can I speak to you alone for a moment?”

You nod and follow him into a conference room and he closes the door behind you, “You’re really an incredible profiler, agent.”

Again with the ‘agent.’ “Thank you, sir.”

“I just wanted to assure you that I will remain nothing but professional around you from here on out.”

You tilted your head to the side and you knew the pain was evident on your face as you didn’t try to hide it, “I see.”

“You’re upset.”

You laugh, “Did you mean anything you said at the bar, Aaron, or were you just drunk?” You’re aware of how vulnerable you’re being in front of him now as you can hear the tears in your own voice.

You see him calculating what the best response is and this just infuriates you more, “Forget it, you’re just going to talk to me like some unsub, trying to best figure out what to say to calm me down.”

He shakes his head, “That’s not what I’m doing.”

You start to walk out and stop to stand next to him, “You just said yourself I’m an incredible profiler, so please don’t profile me and think I won’t notice.”

He closes his eyes as you continue walking out, “Y/N, wait.” Despite yourself, you do stop at the sound of your name. “I’m sorry, I-- I meant the things I said at the bar, I’m… But I’m your boss and I don’t want to make it difficult for you to do your job.”

You force a smile and look up at him, “Don’t worry, Hotch, won’t be a problem.”

And then you’re gone and he gets the feeling you won’t call him Aaron ever again.

***

Spencer walks in the entrance of the dorm you’ve been staking out, two coffees in hand. He hands one to you wordlessly, “Have you gotten any sleep?”

“Obviously not.” You sigh and happily guzzle the coffee, “Thanks.”

“Hotch is upset.”

“About what?” You murmur, half paying attention, half going over the case again on the papers in front of you.

“About you, obviously.”

You don’t look up, “I don’t know what you’re talking about. How do you even know Hotch is upset? He always looks like he’s pissed at something.”

“Because I’m a profiler. Everyone knows he’s off, no one will say to his face that it’s because of you.”

You sigh and look up at him, “Spencer, we’re fine, okay? We’re adults.” He’s quiet, but he won’t stop staring at you, “What?”

“I know that I’m… not the most perceptive when it comes to emotions, but… I think he’s in love with you. And I’m pretty sure you’re in love with him.”

You smirk, “And what makes you think that, Mr. Profiler?”

He smiles back, “Well, Hotch is always watching you, mostly when you’re not looking and when he does his expression sort of… softens. He almost always assigns the two of you together when giving the unit assignments, which I think is partially because he likes to be around you, but also because he’s trying to protect you, especially after that hostage situation a few months ago. He was a wreck when you were in there. Screaming at everyone, I really thought he would kill the unsub when he found him.”

“He would do that for any of us, when any of us were in danger.” You said, quickly shaking your head to dismiss the idea.

But Spencer shakes his head, “You didn’t see him. It was different.”

“Spencer, he barely gave me a pat on the back when I left that hostage situation alive.”

“That’s because he doesn’t trust himself around you. Why do you think the only time he’s ever given you a hint at the way he feels was when he was drunk?”

Your head is spinning as you look at Spencer, “No, that doesn’t make any sense--”

“It makes perfect sense and I know you know that.” Spencer’s phone rings, “Reid.” He sighs and lowers his head, “Where? Okay, we’ll be right there.” He hangs up the phone, “There’s another body.”

You sigh, “I really hate being right.”

***

“You were right,” Hotch says from behind you, “He’s discovered he likes killing.”

It was never easy looking at bodies, but somehow it was always worse when you had predicted it and still not been able to stop it, “How did he do it?”

“Manual strangulation.”

“Has anyone checked for skin or blood under her fingernails? Sign of a struggle?”

Aaron nods, “Already scraped off and sent to Garcia.”

“Even if she can’t find a match, we’ll be able to narrow down suspects by the injuries she left.”

“The school is panicking, they want to evacuate the campus.”

“If they evacuate we’ll never find him, he’ll just start again somewhere else.”

“That’s what I told them.”

You sigh, “Why are the girls still letting him in?”

“Maybe they’re not,” Hotch mused, “Maybe he’s starting to pick the girls from his classes now that we’re here.”

“The last two victims, do we have their schedules? Their majors?”

“They were both nursing majors,” Emily interjects, “Third year.”

You nod, “Okay, so by that point, third year, majority of their classes are restricted to nursing majors only.” You flip your phone open and dial Penelope.

“Hello my delightful fairy princess, what can I do for you?”

“Garcia, the last two victims, can you cross reference their class schedules and tell me if they had any classes in common?”

“Yes, just a second… Three classes in common.”

“Okay, cross reference with the remaining victims.”

“Um, okay, wow, all of them had two classes in common.”

“Shit.” You mutter, “Can you send over the class rosters of both those classes, but just the men. And also send pictures.”

“You got it.”

“Thanks, Penelope.”

You shake your head, “They were all nursing majors.” You say as you hang up, “How did we miss that?”

Reid was shaking his head, “We didn’t have a lot of time to interview the victims before the first body turned up.”

“Alright, we need everyone looking through those rosters, rounding up every male we can and interviewing them.” Hotch starts, “Y/N, you’re with me for interviews, the rest of you keep in touch with Garcia and find out anything you can.”

You try to ignore the shock you feel that he picked you this time, noting Reid’s raised eyebrows as he left the room. “You sure you want me on interviews?” You ask when you’re alone.

He’s looking at all the evidence on the corkboard, “Why wouldn’t I?”

“Wasn’t sure if you would want to work closely with me anymore.” You say, standing next to him now and also looking over the evidence.

He looks at you now, “You have the same features as a lot of the victims, I’m hoping it’ll get a rise out of our unsub if we find him.”

You nod, “Makes sense.”

“And,” He says pointedly until you meet his eyes, “As I’ve said already, you’re an excellent agent and I could use your help on this.”

You heave a big sigh, “Okay, how do you wanna play it?”

He shrugs, “I think you already know what role I need you to play.”

***

This is maybe the tenth or so interview you and Hotch had done with no success. You were tired of playing this role, especially in front of Hotch.

“Jordan.” You smile sweetly at him, making sure to lean over the table just a little to give him the view he wants, “Did you know either of these girls?” You lay the pictures of the last couple victims on the table, wait to see his reaction. He brings his hands up to rest on the table and you see the shallow scratch marks on them, you share a discreet look with Hotch who barely nods in acknowledgement.

He stares for far too long. Hotch notices his hands clench into fists. He’s excited by the bodies.

“Yeah, I knew them.” He’s still looking at the pictures, “They were in two of my classes.” He finally looks up and gazes at you hungrily, “You seem awful young to be an FBI agent.”

You smile again and then look away, a sign of submission. “Stop flirting with my agent.” Hotch says placing his palms abruptly on the table. Jordan doesn’t flinch at Hotch’s presence, not taking his eyes off you. He’s more confident than either of you anticipated. Was the profile wrong or is this the wrong guy? “How did you know the victims?”

“I just told you, from class.”

“Did you ever see them outside of class?”

He shrugs, “I don’t know, maybe, to do a project, not in a while though.”

“Jordan, do you know if either of the girls had a boyfriend?”

“Boyfriend?” He frowns, “Those two? No.” He practically scoffs.

You tilt your head to the side, “Why do you say it like that?”

“Those girls aren’t the boyfriend type. They’re whores.” There’s the bitterness in his voice.

You try to make your face as empathetic as possible, “What do you mean by that, Jordan?”

“Well, you know, they slept around… Wouldn’t give a nice guy like me a chance. You must know their type, you’re the FBI.”

You nod, “It must be so hard for a handsome, smart guy like you to get rejected. I can’t imagine why anyone would dream of missing out on that,” You shake your head, “Their loss.”

Hotch audibly scoffs and you watch Jordan glare at him. He’s getting angry. Good. “Hotch, why don’t you go get Jordan a water?”

Hotch blinks at you, trying to figure out if you had really just given him an order, “Agent, I am the lead interrogator on this case, I’m not leaving you alone in here--”

“Agent Hotchner,” You turn in your seat to face him, hoping he’ll read your expression, “Please get the young man a water, he’s been in here for hours.”

His eyes search your face for a few moments and then he leaves the room without another word. He won’t be getting Jordan a water. You know he’s watching carefully from the other side of the glass. “Sorry about him.” You say, “He doesn’t understand men like you.”

“Men like me?”

“Men who know how to get what they want.”

His face transforms as he watches you and he leans back in his chair, relaxed, legs spread to assert his dominance. “And you understand that?”

“There’s nothing sexier than a man who goes after what he wants… No matter what.”

He leans forward and whispers, “Even when they beg me to stop?”

You swallow past your disgust and, though you hate to admit it, fear, “Did they beg you to stop? Victoria and Erica?”

His smile widens as he watches you, “You remind me so much of them.”

“Can you tell me what you did to them? How you killed them?”

He licks his lips now, you think he’s lost all sense of where he is, falling for the delusion you’ve set in front of him, “You’re just like them, a dirty little slut. You want to be punished, don’t you?”

“Please.” Is the last word you whisper before he practically jumps across the table to grab your throat. Your chair falls backwards and he’s on top of you, crushing your windpipe. How could you forget that he was uncuffed? Hotch rushes in, he yells as he pulls Jordan off you, but you’re not sure what he’s saying. Then he’s cuffed Jordan and taken you out of the room.

“Sit.” Aaron says, ushering you to a chair that you practically fall into. You’re still coughing and you’re shaking a bit as Aaron gives you a water.

“I forgot,” You start, your voice hoarse, but Hotch brings the water cup to your mouth, insisting you drink before talking. You take a couple swallows, “I forgot he wasn’t cuffed.”

He shakes his head, “It’s my fault, I shouldn’t have left you alone with him.”

“No, I needed you on the other side of the glass. He wouldn’t have fallen for the delusion otherwise. I needed him to forget who I was and just see me as a potential victim.” Aaron wouldn’t meet your eyes, not wanting to admit that you were right, “I’m going back in there.”

“No, you’re not, that’s out of the question.”

“Is that an order, sir?” He scans your face in frustration, “You know it has to be me. He won’t talk to you. I’ll be fine.”

He sighs and rubs a hand over his face, “Fine. Ask him about Erica, don’t ask about Victoria.”

“Why?”

“Because he didn’t kill Victoria himself, it’ll ruin the fantasy and he might lie to you to try to impress you. The details of the murders weren’t shared with the public, only the unsub would know how each of them died. He needs to reveal how he killed Erica to you and then we’ll have him.”

“Okay.” You stand and hold your hands behind you so he won’t see them shaking, but he’s a profiler. The attempt is mute.

He takes a step closer, “You don’t have to go back in there,” He says softly, “No one will think less of you.”

When he’s this close, looking at you with such concern, it makes you want to melt in his arms. But you had a job to do, “I can do this.”

And before he can make you think about it more, you turn away from him and march back in the interrogation room.

“Sorry about that,” You sit back down at the table and smile at him, “My partner gets a little jealous sometimes.” You lean in and whisper, “He’s usually the only one I let handle me like that.”

Just like that he’s back, “Why don’t you uncuff me so we can continue?”

You bite your lip, “I’d like to hear more about the other girls first.”

***

“Why is she in there by herself?” Rossi came up behind Aaron who was watching the unsub’s every move, ready to jump in again if needed.

“She insisted.” Hotch says simply, “She almost has him.”

Rossi sighs, “She’s stubborn. Like someone else I know.”

Hotch is quiet for a moment, “I can’t be with her, Rossi, it could ruin her career.”

“You can’t know that. And besides, don’t you think that should be her decision to make?”

Hotch doesn’t answer, he just continues watching you.

***

“Does it turn you on hearing what I’ve done to them?”

You’re sitting on your hands now, trying to stifle the growing panic in your head that was telling you to get out. He’s unarmed, he’s cuffed, Aaron is right there. He can’t hurt you. “You have no idea.” It came out breathless from your fear, but he interpreted it as desire.

“First, I knocked her out, tied her to the bed. Then I waited for her to wake up before I began. I stripped her clothes off her at that point and then I fucked her while she cried,” He’s smiling at you and you’re doing all you can to keep your expression neutral. “I took out the knife and started carving her up. You should have heard her beg. And then, when that’s all finished, I strangled her while I came inside her.” He leans over the table to get closer to you, and it takes everything in you not to move away, “Have you ever watched the light leave someone’s eyes, sweetheart?”

You calmly scoot your chair back and stand, buttoning your shirt back up and then resting your hand on your gun, reminding him of who you really are, “Thank you, Jordan. You’ve been incredibly helpful in this investigation.” And then turn to leave ignoring the way he calls after you.

When you exit the room, Aaron and Dave are both waiting for you and you sit down, exhausted, resting your head in your hands.

“Nice work, kid.” Dave says with a squeeze on your shoulder, and then he’s gone.

Then, there’s another touch on your back, more gentle and hesitant. You look up to see Aaron watching you, concern masking his face, “I’m fine, Hotch.” You say, shrugging him off.

His hand drops and you immediately regret it. “When you were taken those months ago, by that unsub…” His words are slow, as if making sure this is what he really wants to say to you. You know exactly what he’s going to say before he says it, “He raped you, didn’t he?” Your eyes snap up to meet his. “You would never tell us what actually happened, all those hours he had you, a sexual sadist.” He shakes his head, “There’s no way he would’ve been able to control himself.”

You shake your head just lightly, “I can’t do this now, Aaron.”

“Then when?” He’s frustrated now, borderline angry, “You lied at your psych eval, you said nothing happened, we let you come back after just a couple of weeks--”

“And I’m doing just fine, aren’t I?” You stand so you’re nearly eye level with him.

“You think I didn’t notice the way you almost fell apart in there?”

“But I didn’t. I finished it and I did a damn good job and you know it.”

Hotch erases all traces of emotion from his face as he stares you down, “You’re suspended for two weeks, effective immediately. Hand over your badge and gun, agent.”

You nearly stumble back from him as if you’ve been hit, “Aaron?”

“What’s going on?” Prentiss has entered the room now followed by the rest of the team, all watching with confused and worried expressions.

“You heard me.” Hotch says, never taking his eyes off you. You make no moves to take out your badge or gun, “Now, agent.” There’s bite to his words this time.

You feel humiliated. With the whole team watching, you place your gun and badge on the table and brush by Aaron without a second glance. Pushing past the team, even Spencer who reaches for you.

“What the hell was that, Hotch?” Derek says once you’ve left.

“She lied in order to pass her psych eval. I did what I had to do.” Everyone’s staring at him, but he walks by, seemingly unphased, “Good work, everyone. Get some rest, we go home tomorrow at first light.”

#criminal minds #aaron hotchner #aaron hotchner fic #hotch x reader #aaron hotchner fanfic #criminal minds fanfic #criminal minds fic #hotch fic #hotch fluff #hotch angst #hotch imagine #mine

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creativeashproductions · 3 years

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Mountains and Lessons // Luke Patterson

Summary: A bucket list item Reggie had had was to experience a white Christmas. He ended up dying before hand and his opportunity brings up. All Luke wants is music and warmth, not stuck on a stupid mountain in cold Colorado. Alex is excited to get out of Californai for once.

Warning: Swearing, death, angst, Christmas themed but not Christmas and fluff

Words: 4.9k

A/N: Breaks my heart that Reggie potentially never got to experience making snow angels, snow people and join a snowball fight. But my theme appears to be angst so there’s that as well.

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Masterlist

Julie had a structured routine and schedule she liked to follow in her life, not strict but definitely a guideline. Monday to Friday, like ever minor, spent the majority of the time in a classroom. After school, she would return home straight to the kitchen for a quick snack before spreading her homework on the kitchen island. The homework was typically one hour before Julie would head out to the studio for band rehearsal.

Flynn, as the band manager, had declared Friday’s to be band free just so that Julie and Flynn could hang out. Saturday’s consisted of morning band practice, the early afternoon had a songwriting session with Luke. In the late evening after an early supper, the band would head to the gig they had gotten. Sunday’s however were strictly days off from the band no matter what, the boys would go their own ways for the day as well.

Today, for the young teenager was a Friday but Flynn had strep throat confining herself to her house. No visitors and her electronics taken away to get rest. It was incredibly dull, and no one wanted to go against Flynn’s words because she could be scary.

Julie had done her homework, did her chores, revised a new song, started a new book and added more doodles to her shoes. Now she was laying on her bed staring at the ceiling with her headphones in.

“Julie?” Ray spoke from her open bedroom door. The man received no reaction with his daughter’s head in the clouds, “Julie? I need to talk to you.”

Ray walked over to his daughter to tug the bud out of her left ear bringing the girl back down to land. The teenager sat up to look at her father.

“What’s up?”

“Can you meet me in the living room?” Ray’s blue eyes crinkled at the corners from the many laughs he had shared in his lifetime. While she was confused, Julie proceeded to follow her father down to the lively decorated room.

Carlos had already been corralled to the living room couch listlessly staring in the distance with no iPad on his person. The lack of electronic was a red flag to the musician, the girl settled on the couch while Ray shifted things on the coffee table.

Once settled on the wood coffee table, he focused on his children, “We’ve always discussed big decisions in our family. We had an open discussion of retracting our initial decision to move.”

“Is this about my bed? I can clean it! I will-“

“Carlos! This isn’t about under your bed, we do need to have a conversation about that young man.” Carlos pointed one finger in Carlos’ direction before addressing the situation, “This year is the first year we’ll celebrate Christmas without…”

“Mom.” Both Carlos and Julie murmured slumping down at the stifling reminder of the loss the Molina’s had suffered.

Julie clenched her jaw, forcing the grief down as her hand crept over to hold Carlos’ hand in comfort. The glittering of his eyes and the gnawing on his lower lip dead giveaways he was losing the battle with sadness. Ever since Julie was a kid, she had always been there for Carlos, not saying they didn’t fight. Evidence as Carlos’ requesting a normal sister.

“It’s going to be different. I got offered an excellent contract by a ski resort, we could potentially renovate the bathroom.” Ray’s eyebrows came together as the touchy topic came about.

After Rose died, it had dented the Molina’s financials with the loss of income, the money didn’t matter compared to the person. When the sun shone through the dark clouds, it had affected the way the Molina’s had to live. Of course, the Molina’s had it better than most with a house over their head and food on the table.

Ray just wanted the best for his kids.

“We could build snowmen?” Carlos gleefully exclaimed beaming at the sheer image of seeing snow in person.

“That’s the thing. The ski resort hosts a handful of parties by companies and clients. The contract is photographing the events for their website. All expenses paid and it could open doors to more clients.”

The idea tore Julie in half. Not decorating the tree with her family, Tia Victoria’s tamales that changed every year and carolling with her friends. A lot of traditions wouldn’t happen that had been constant for the Molina family. New Year Eve’s movie night with Flynn wouldn’t happen; the two girls exchanged wrapped Christmas pyjamas to wear.

On the other hand, the new scenery would distract Julie from the broken Christmas holiday without Mom. Julie always wanted to experience a white Christmas for the snow angels, the snowmen, spontaneous snowball fights, sledding and hot cocoa to warm up after the cold.

In the end, it was the glee on Carlos’ face and the excitement on her father’s that had her caving.

“Let’s do it.” Julie faked her enthusiasm before excusing herself from the conversation of Carlos’ disgusting bedroom.

The young teenager shuffled her way to the studio yearning for the piano to cheer herself up. Typically discovering the guys playing music alone infuriated the girl but at the moment she just wanted to mourn the change of Christmas.

“Hey!” Reggie spoke with a bright grin at the moping teenager. At the lack of reaction, his grin faltered, “Julie?”

Luke’s guitar solo came to an abrupt halt seeing the forlorn girl slumping on the piano bench staring listlessly at the ivory keys. The melancholy aura gave the boys a sick feeling in their bellies, Luke wondered if her grades weren’t at Ray’s standard. Alex wondered if she had a fight with Flynn and Reggie just wanted to hug her.

Reggie did so. His arms wrapped around her shoulders in comfort, and he thanked whatever deity there was at finally being able to hug her. After Caleb and the weird situation, the OG Sunset Curve turned into glow sticks touch had become prevalent. Reggie had a secret handshake with Julie. When Alex got overwhelmed over his anxiety escalated, he would braid Julie’s hair and play with her fingers; when this happened, she never physically touched him unless he asked. Luke was a different story.

Luke’s love language is obviously physical affection, he would hug the living girl, gives high fives, grasp her hand to squeeze it. He’d also sit as close as possible for their legs to touch. It was a way for Luke to feel real.

“What’s wrong, Jay?” Alex asked, approaching the piano to heave himself on top of it. His concerned blue eyes on the teenager.

“This is the first Christmas without my Mom.” She revealed, the desolation drawing Luke to be closer to his friends.

If the boys’ had beating hearts, they would have stuttered and shattered, seeing the sorrow overflow in Julie’s eyes. In a short time, they had spent with her since the first night they had come to care about each other immensely.

“I’m so sorry,” Alex spoke scootching closer to lay his hand on the limp hand resting on the piano top. The smile of thanks warming the drummer inside.

“Dad got this perfect job at a ski resort. It’s good money, and Carlos is excited. I don’t want to spend Christmas somewhere else. I want to be here; I want to go carolling with you guys. I want New Year’s Eve movie night with Flynn, I want to fight Carlos on who gets to put the star on the tree. I want to bake cookie.” Julie broke, “Sure a white Christmas would be cool, but this is home.”

“It’s not about where you celebrate. It’s about who you celebrate with Jules.” Luke quietly spoke up physically with them but mentally elsewhere.

His mind returned to the night in December that irrevocably altered his relationship with his parents’. He had tainted Christmas for himself and his family when he stormed out never to return. He would give anything to spend a Christmas, a birthday, or even a Mother’s Day with his parents just one more time. A consolation to the guitarist was easing his parents’ pain with Unsaid Emily.

“You’ll get to build snowmen?” Reggie questioned pouting at his lifer friend who giggled at his look of betrayal, “I was going to spend Christmas at my uncle’s place in Washington before we died.”

Reggie’s words didn’t change the sombre atmosphere, but it did flip a switch in Julie’s mind. Julie could create new traditions with her new family as well.

“We’ll get to build snowmen.”

“How? We’ll be here. You’ll be wherever the resort it.” Reggie interjected with a twisted smile at Julie’s words. The young girl rolled her eyes at him, “We can’t crash your family vacation. It’s Christmas.”

“Reg, you wouldn’t be ‘crashing’ the family vacation. You three are part of my family.” Julie’s words had to be the most touching thing the boys had heard in years, both the twenty-five dead and from 1990-1995.

“I’m so excited!” Reggie beamed, “I have to go, thank Ray!”

With that, the ghostly teenager disappeared in a bright ball of light to the house where Ray was most likely accepting the job. While Luke and Reggie didn’t know boundaries, they sure could make things better for their friends.

The giggle came from the girl bundled up in layers tossed a packed ball of snow at the enemy behind the other snow fort. The sharp laugh of her opponents warming you up more than hot cocoa, well the layers were unnecessary. But, what’s winter without the bundled up outer clothing.

“Surrender!” You called out throwing the new ball high with the hope it would land on the other person. It hit the top of the wall instead.

Lucy was just about to return fire with one of her pre-made snow weapons when the resort’s main building front door opened. Backlit by the lights giving a heavenly glow was a woman of average height. Greying hair scooped up in an elegant style, and thick clothing stood Lucy’s mom.

Your heart clenched at the visible sadness on the woman’s face as her eyes found the mountain in the distance. It had been a constant in the last seven years of the year-round residents and the plaque on the property. Lucy’s family had never properly healed from the tragic event, but they also could bear to leave the place either.

Fox & Hare Ski Resort had been in the ownership of the same family for over a hundred years, a place of happiness. A place where Lucy had loved as a massive fan of skiing and wintertime, Lucy was excited for this year the most. It was Lucy’s third year of lessons with a very well respected and highly sought out trainer.

“Bye!” Lucy spoke to the now standing young adult. Her little feet dashing to the main building for supper with her parents.

Your eyes found the parking lot as a car pulled up to one the spaces reserved for staff; his looks matched the temporary photographer. With him was a young boy and a teenage girl about your own age. All bundled up for the cold climate, but you were most surprised at the sudden appearance of three males.

They had to ghosts. If the teleporting wasn’t obvious enough, it was the lack of warm clothes. For God’s sake, one of them didn’t even have sleeves.

“Hm interesting.” You hummed scrutinizing the trio following the other three aimlessly to the building. You pegged them as about your age with a very vintage style in both fashion and hairstyles.

The luggage clicked on each transition to another board on the porch ramp for accessibility a welcome sound. Just another daily occurrence that brought peace to the individual. Unable to hold yourself back, you quickly scooped up three snowballs.

The first hit the taller boy in the back of the head. When his head swivelled, he couldn’t see the person that did it. Shaking it off, he turned back to view the mountain. Sprinting to the vast sea of trees you stopped halfway to chuck the second snowball. It hit the guy in the leather jacket.

You ducked behind the tree when he loudly protested the sudden attack. With a wicked grin, you went to send the third one before you yelped.

“Nu-uh.” The sudden voice spoke clicking his tongue. Slowly turning you saw the last boy staring you down, “You should have left Reggie for last. He’s very loud, he’s a personal alarm.”

Your mouth opened as the other two appeared, “I’ve never had a snowball fight before!”

You took a guess that was Reggie.

“I’m Y/N.” You spoke holding out for hand for the three to shake. They each introduced themselves; your first hit was Alex, the second was Reggie, and the failed hit was Luke.

“What brings you to Colorado?” You asked shoving your hands in your snow pants bouncing on the heels of your feet. The crunch of snow under them unfamiliar to the trio.

“Our band member is staying here for two weeks. Her dad got a photography gig.” Alex spoke, scanning the area, “So, are you a ghost?”

“I’m a tour guide and area expert.” You beamed revealing a big smile to the three guys standing in the powdered snow.

The cheery light in your eyes, easing the ghosts in the unfamiliar landscape, each a juxtaposition to the climate. Nodding towards the rental shop, you guided them into the average-sized building for the necessary winter wear. Seasoned with your background working in the shop, you quickly grabbed items that wouldn’t be noticed for them.

“We don’t nee-“

“Gotta live the experience. I used to work in here, so I’ve taken the liberty to group your gear. Alex, you have light blue and pink. Reggie red and black leaving the dark blue for Luke.”

You wore a seafoam green ski jacket and matching snow pants paired with the trusty black boots. While the boys dressed in the clothing you chose, you collected your things as well. As soon as they finished, they turned to see you had a snowboard lilac to the dark purple-black gradient. On the top of the board in the middle had a moon with the white foam of the ocean. On the lilac background, the deep purple cut the moon in half, the deep purple background had the lilac moon half. The black had a rough outline of a circle similar to the moon on the front with BURTON in the ring.

“I had a different board.” Your smile faltered, remembering the beautiful board your parents had gotten you for your birthday.

“What happened to it?” Luke questioned scanning the room for the board.

“It snapped in half.” You stated practically skipping out the door, “C’mon! I wanna teach you how to kill it on the mountain! Have you ever done this? Skiing or snowboarding?”

“Neither,” Alex spoke glancing around the area as you led them to the Gondola lifts that brought people to the top of the mountain. This one specifically for the beginner levels perfect for the three new friends, “We’re born and bred in California, never got the opportunity to travel outside the state.

“Well, I’ll try my very best to give you a good experience on the mountain..”

Once released from the Gondola, you jogged to the side giggling at the sight of them struggling to walk in the heavy boots. Near the Gondola, the area was the shift ski patrol building with the heated bathroom. The building along with the bench had been a new addition a few years ago. It never failed to halt you to stare at it for a handful of seconds.

“Okay, so we’ll start with the basics.” You announced clapping your hands together in the thick mittens.

Alex picked up the activity naturally with confidence and calmness he couldn’t even remember last feeling. He had to focus on his movements and directions, giving him a welcomed break from his overthinking. Luke had started his angry pout with his accurate portrayal of newborn Bambi.

“I’m just going to take a break,” Luke muttered wheezing from his sudden position staring at the sky. Taking pity on the Californian boy, you pressed the release function on his boots.

“I think Reggie’s at the ski patrol building.” You called to the boy with the fringe sulking in the direction of Reggie. It left you with Alex learning new hacks to the board.

“This is fun!” Alex shouted, raising his mouth to the sky, “Ooh Willie would love yelling up here.”

“Ghost?” You asked, receiving a nod in response, taking the time to sit down with your knees raised—the board on the edge still connected to your boots.

Alex flailed as he copied you taking in the sunset, backlight the buildings slowly turning their nights one at a time. The large main building would have a fire for everyone with supplied hot cocoa. Tomorrow the mountain would be less populated with the first of many Christmas parties. The crisp air welcomed high above the buildings you felt peace.

“Is it safe to get off the mountain at night?” Alex asked, hugging his knees to his chest, tilting his head to look at your profile.

The smile was small but warm on the girls face as Alex took in her features that had a particular contentness that is hard to attain. Alex could see in Luke when he finished a song he would deem his best work before the next song. Or Reggie at a beach bonfire with the ocean crashing faintly behind Luke’s acoustic guitar.

“Yeah.” You replied smoothly removing your board from your boots to carry it to where Luke and Reggie were. You backtracked to ensure Alex released his boots; his fast learning evident when he stood with a proud smile.

Alex and you both surveyed the area for any lost items or gear you may have forgotten about, coming up clear you continued walking. Reggie and Luke were laughing with their skiis neatly put aside. Hands locked in a fierce game of rock, paper, scissors they looked childlike and untouched by life’s hard teachings.

“I’ll put my board in the Gondola. Be right back!” You called over your shoulder. Alex looked over his shoulder to reply, but the space was empty.

“She moves fast,” Alex muttered shaking it off to jog closer to the boys. He was close to sitting down on the bench when it caught his attention.

“Whoa. That’s nasty.” Alex spoke, gaining his bandmates attention to the bench they had overlooked.

The bench was made out of two snowboards in stone and wood combinations with a gorgeous design. Pieces of the snowboard made to look like a nearly finished puzzle—a plaque on a thick post behind it.

“For the girl who changed the sport for women. Fast like a fox, as graceful as a swan, may you guide lost souls to safety.” Reggie read off the plaque. Luke’s fingers went to brush the ice and snow clouding the picture above the words.

“You guys coming?” You yelled from a distance startling all three intrigued teenage ghosts. Their eyes glanced at the edge of the board in the picture that matched the bench.

“Thanks for that by the way,” Luke spoke gesturing to the area as the Gondola moved down the mountain. His eyes greener in the dimly lit enclosure that shadowed your flustered features at the sole attention.

“I’m on the mountain every day. It was fun talking with people my age.” You informed them pleased to sit in the silence. The three took in the sunset from the height with no buildings blocking the view, “If you can’t find me, I’ll be on the mountain.”

Once back on the bottom of the mountain, the four teenagers snuck the equipment in your personal shack to dry and keep hidden for future lessons. The three guys bid farewell to find Julie in the large cabin, each with beaming smiles and stories to tell the girl.

“Where’ve you guys been?” Julie asked the ghosts in the tucked-away corner near the massive fire ceasing her scribbling to look at them, “Usually I can’t shake you. I had to sit through a safety talk by the director for the mountain.”

“This wicked girl taught us how to snowboard! She’s so cool, Julie. There’s this passion in her when we got on the mountain. The passion that we all have for music!” Luke gushed, breaking his cool guy personality, “She’s so patient.”

“What’s her name?” Julie laughed, getting a first-hand look at Luke all crushed out on someone. His cheeks a rosy pink and soft eyes it amused Julie just imagining the number of love songs he would pen.

“Y/N.” Luke sighed slouching against the wall, “She’s so pretty.”

“-once more, I ask that you check every morning and afternoon for weather conditions, the local Avalanche Information Center website and be aware of our maps for potential avalanche areas. We have a live app that gives updates as well. Just a reminder that I’m Susan and you can also have the ski patrol contact me for further information. Enjoy your stay!” Susan called out gracefully cutting through the crowd to Lucy falling asleep in her chair.

”I heard some lady talking to her friends that the safety regulations and rules increased after an avalanche killed someone. I didn’t catch the name, but it took weeks before they found the bodies, they found the board in a few days.” Julie supplied with a half-smile at another reminder of death.

The three boys had a moment of clarity. They put the pieces together that the bench made of the boards was in memory of the person who died. It was a bitter moment of potentially standing where a person tragically killed with no warning.

“Anyway, I have to meet Dad and Carlos in the room. Have to video call Tía as her stressed wishes for not being home.” Julie sighed, pushing her feet into the slippers, she left the dino ones at home, she had grabbed from the room.

A few days into the Molina’s white Christmas it had been a charming morning thus far. The guys had done a songwriting session for most of the morning. Luke’s eyes continued to scan the room for you as he had since the first day. He had yet to see you inside, if the ghostly trio wasn’t on the mountain with you, then you were playing with Lucy.

Julie and the Phantoms had retreated to the suite the Molina’s had been assigned when the weather looked questionable. Most of the tourists had either stayed in their rooms, cabins or in the main building. It led to Julie taking the session to the privacy of the suite to avoid looking like a crazy person.

“I need to stretch. Walk?” Reggie asked, gaining different sounds of agreement from the band.

The four individuals walked to the main lounging area where a crowd formed around the makeshift stage. On it was Susan shaking in her husband’s arms.

“Please, has anyone seen Lucy?” Susan sobbed, “She’s ten years old. She’s got blue eyes, ginger hair and she’s small for her age.”

Julie joined her father near the crowd, where he swiftly brought his eldest child into his arms with Carlos. Ray’s heart clenched at the thought of his kids going missing like the owner of Fox & Hare owners.

“Dad’s what’s going on?” Julie questioned viewing the blownup picture of a little girl, the perfect split of her parents.

“Susan Fox’s daughter Lucy didn’t show up for breakfast. They thought she was playing just outside the building. No one has seen her. There have been warnings of avalanches, and the mountain was closed twenty minutes ago. ” Ray told his daughter squeezing her once more cementing his gaze on the couple, “It’s devastating to them.”

“Why?” Julie questioned for the concerned ghostly trio at her side.

“A few years ago, Susan and her husband closed the resort for a few months. They completely gutted their regulations and worked closely with avalanche experts. They upgraded the area for increased safety and reworked the rules and regulations.”

“What does it have to do with Lucy?” The Puerto Rican girl questioned furrowing her brow in the same way her mother had. Julie had scrapped back her hair into a half-up ponytail this morning.

“They did all that because they lost their daughter in a slab avalanche when Lucy was three. Slab avalanches are the most dangerous type, they make up 90% of avalanche deaths.” Ray sighed, staring up at the snow-capped looming mountain, “It took weeks to recover her body, there’s a bench on the mountain where she loved to snowboard. She was training for the Olympics actually.”

Luke’s attention faded from the conversation recalling that you would be on the mountain at dawn to watch the sunrise. In the sudden motion, Luke stumbled over his own feet heading straight for the shack. His mind is numb as he applied the gear to his body, the movements keeping him from panicking. Luke sensed rather than saw Reggie and Alex behind him.

“What are we doing?” Alex questioned, getting dressed as well.

“Going to the mountain.” Luke was very determined. Catching Reggie’s confused gaze Luke roughly gestured to the far corner, “What’s missing?”

“Y/N’s gear.” Alex and Reggie breathed physically shaking at the desolate area where a gorgeous board usually was. That lit a fire under their asses for sure, grateful for poofing they appeared on the mountain.

Scouring the white background, Alex pinpointed a speck of seafoam green running for a speck of bring pink and yellow. In the fear they had taken to sprinting in the bulky boots as if they felt something about to happen.

Your attention solely on Lucy, “Lucy, we need to leave now.”

For Lucy, the mountain was her life, it had been one of the things that her older sister lived and breathed for. All Lucy wanted to do was to be like her big sister. Lucy had the potential, her moves and posture striking to the late sister.

“This is the best trail!” Lucy stomped her black boot in the snow while her other one secured in her snowboard.

“It’s also one marked off for an avalanche.” You hissed to the little girl staring up with tear-filled eyes, “Please, go back.”

The unmistakable ‘whoomph’ sound shattered the otherwise quiet area freezing Lucy in her steps. The once stubborn ten years old turned petrified at the sheet of snow coming straight for the two girls.

“Slab avalanche.” The words covered by the snapping of trees. Your arms yanked Lucy up as you raced perpendicular to the moving snow.

Your ears couldn’t distinguish between Lucy’s screams, your screams or even the loud sound of the destructive avalanche. The alarm and terror drowning your insides, leaving no room for thoughts, only actions. Lucy’s small stature and the years you had on the location helped to dive into a safe zone.

Even in the safe zone, you raced further to collapse with Lucy’s inconsolable body quaking in absolute distress. The tears of relief fell down your face as you leaned against the bench of the memorial. Your head thumped the bench causing a puff of snow to fall on your hat.

“Holy shit.” The sob of words from Luke came before his arms wrapped around you. With being able to touch Julie, the guys didn’t get alarmed at the sight.

“Oh my god, are you okay?” Alex frantically scanned the little girl before moving towards you in the same amount of fear. Reggie rendered speechless at the events.

“What the hell were you thinking!” Luke shouted, lunging away to stare you down. Tears streaking his own cheeks, “You’re also preaching the safety rules of the resort. You definitely read the reports and decided to come on the mountain?”

“Luke,” Reggie mumbled remaining the only one standing. His words went ignored, “Luke! LUKE!”

“What!?” Luke snapped resulting in the bassist flinching at the stark memory of his home life, “Sorry, Reggie. What’s wrong?”

“I don’t think Y/N was ever in danger,” Reggie stated, bringing both confused boys to where he stood.

There above the bench uncovered by the snow that melted on Y/N’s thick toque was a picture. Above the quote was a picture of a girl holding the snowboard the bench was made of. Wearing a unique matching snow set was the exact replica of the girl Luke had fallen for.

“Holy shit.” Luke and Alex murmured gaping at the picture and the name of the girl who had died.

Luke recalled things you said,

“I used to work in here.”

“It snapped in half.”

“It was fun talking with people my age.”

Luke’s mind went a step further recalling the first lesson you gave the guys where you went from the bench to the Gondola in a short time. How people didn’t react to you, the ski patrol that ignored you every time on the mountain with them.

“You’re the daughter that died in the avalanche.” Luke gasped, dropping his jaw nearly to the snow-packed ground.

“Exactly seven years ago today.” You replied, keeping your eyes glued to your little sister yearning to comfort here, “Reggie, can you go in the building and press the red button? It’s a signal sender for people sheltering from the conditions.”

Nothing could meet the feeling of your parents weeping along with Lucy after the medic deemed her okay. While you wish you could join the hug, you also knew that things happened for a reason. The feeling that same with kissing Luke could never meet the level of happiness at Lucy’s safety.

I came close to killing ten year old Lucy in this but decided not to be cruel.

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since0202 · 3 years

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Chapter 22: Graduation

April

After Spring Break had ended, Grace was kicked into overdrive preparing for her finals. This was it. One final push and this would be off of her plate.

She spent most of her nights in her room studying, at the library with Bella and Edward tucked away in a corner, or staying late at Paul’s taking way too many study breaks. Sometimes she’d take the truck to Paul’s before he got off rounds to surprise him, cooking dinner and setting up at the small kitchen table with her books. He’d stumble through the door, shirtless and exhausted but immediately crack a smile and scoop her up for a kiss when he saw her there. He’d share about his rounds in between bites and when he was done, he’d tug her off to take a shower with him and try to derail her study night.

Other times she’d get to his house late, spread her books out open on the floor and fall asleep waiting up for him. At some point in the night she’d feel herself get picked up and placed in bed. A freshly showered Paul would slip in beside her and wrap his arms warmly around her, sighing softly into her neck.

But once the crush of finals was upon her and Bella, she knew she’d have to stay away to push through the end. Her last night with Paul, she was wrapped in arms as he pressed his lips to different parts of her face and neck, letting his hands absently trace the sides of her body.

“Okay, so I probably won’t see you for a full week. Communication is going to be limited. Tell me,” she said, trying to hide the creeping smile as he dipped his head to kiss below her collarbone, “How will you survive?”

Paul let out a chuckle and pulled his head up to stare sleepily into her eyes, “I won’t.”

“Hmmm, better make the best of it now then.” she teased. He groaned sleepily and buried his head into the crook of her neck. She laughed, kissing his forehead and wrapping her hands around to cradle his head.

“Rounds have been so brutal lately,” he said softly, his voice muffled against her skin.

“I know I’m sorry. Are you still tracking Victoria?” She said staring up at the ceiling. He took some quiet breaths and said,

“I mean, yeah kind of? Sometimes we catch a scent and sometimes we don’t. Leah actually picked up a new scent tonight which is why we were out so late. We traced it along the treaty line and then it kept hopping back and forth. But we typically never get a solid sighting. It’s frustrating.” He gripped her sides firmly as he said this as if the tension rising in him was causing him to physically manifest it. She wiggled underneath him to remind him she was there and he loosened his grip, kissing into the crook of her shoulder.

The new scent worried Grace. She’d have to check with Edward to see if they had picked up on anything new on their end. These days in her limited time on the rez, she was basically the go-between for the pack and the Cullens. Bella was hoping to get them to work together more and Grace was trying to push in that direction too, but that had fallen by the wayside when school work had kicked in.

“Hmmm, what does Sam think?” Grace asked after a short silence. But Paul had drifted off. Grace lay staring at the ceiling for a long time after that wondering what was coming.

She traced absent minded patterns on Paul’s back listening to his rhythmic breathing and before she knew it, Jake had crept into her mind. She had kept her promise to Paul—she hadn’t been with Jake alone or even really talked to him since that day. Not that Paul ever really gave her a chance. Any time Grace went on limited rounds on the weekend, she was paired with Paul and any outings outside of that were (like meeting up at Emily’s for lunch or hanging on the beach with the boys) strictly chaperoned by Paul.

Now, images of Jake circled in her mind. There was just the odd look every now and then during the times she did see him. He kept his distance and for that she was grateful. The tug was still there but she was able to keep at bay with her and Paul’s healthy sex life and Paul’s constant presence. But even now, Grace felt herself thinking about Jacob’s face and how she’d steal glances at him when Paul wasn’t looking and catch him looking back at her too.

Grace woke up early the next morning to get home before Charlie noticed. It was Sunday right before her finals and she was planning on spending the day finishing up some papers. Paul was going to be out all day on rounds anyway. She bent over the bed to plant a kiss on Paul’s mouth. He stirred and opened his eyes groggily reaching for her. She kneeled on the bed, backpack slung over her shoulder, hair tied up in a messy knot.

“A whole week huh?” he mumbled.

“Yeah,” she whispered leaning down to kiss him again, “I’ll see you on the other side.”

“Hmph,” he laughed sleepily. “I’ll walk you to your car.”

“No, stay in bed, you’re tired.” Grace protested but he was already pushing his way around her and pulling on some sweats. Paul rarely slept in clothes and made sure Grace did the same. He said it improved their ‘efficiency,’ to which Grace had laughed as he had peeled her out of her clothes.

He took her backpack from her shoulder and placed it on the passenger side seat before coming back to meet her at the driver side door. She wrapped her arms loosely around his neck and kissed him, opening her mouth and letting him glide his tongue just inside her lips. She sighed softly into his mouth with a gentle moan she couldn’t quite contain and his grip reflexively tightened on her hips. She already felt the kiss getting out of hand as he pushed her back against the side of the truck. She pulled back lightly and smiled saying,

“I gotta go.” He looked at her face seriously for a moment and then without missing a beat he said,

“Right. I love you.” His eyes held hers as they went wide and she opened her mouth to say something.

“I….” she stammered searching his eyes. He lifted an eyebrow leaning back away from her and she felt the cold creeping in between them. Panicked, she said, “I love you too.” A smile broke over his face and he leaned down to kiss her again. Grace was happy to have him close again but her ache returned.

“Let’s go back inside,” he said devilishly.

“Jesus, Paul,” she groaned, smacking his arm and wiggling out of his arms. “I’ll see you next weekend.” She climbed up into her truck and he shut the door behind her waving her off as she went.

May

The end of finals had passed swiftly, crashing up against graduation, and now as Bella and Grace posed in their gowns with their diplomas, smiling for the camera that Charlie held before them, Grace was relieved.

She had done well, graduating near the top of her class, just behind Jessica and Eric—no small feat for a girl who had been expelled from her previous highschool.

“We better get back and get ready for the party,” Bella said as they wrapped up hugs with their friends.

“Right. No curfew tonight, right Charlie?” Grace joked. He rolled his eye.

Back at home, Grace pulled on her jean mini skirt with her dark green fitted shirt. She took time to expertly curl her hair in gentle waves around her face and tapped on some of her orange/red lip tint.

Bella was combing her hair behind her, “Is Paul coming tonight?”

Grace scoffed, “Yeah right. Like he’d ever be caught dead in a house full of vampires. That boy’s head would explode.”

“That’s a bummer,” Bella said softly, putting on a thin coat of mascara and pulling at her plaid shirt, “Do I look okay?”

Grace turned to look at her full on, “What are we going for here?”

Bella looked down at herself, “Just… like casual party goer.”

“Hmm, do you mind?” Grace said, getting excited. Bella shook her head.

Grace smoothed Bella’s hair in soft luxurious brown sheets that waved away from her face. She tapped on some bright red gloss across her perfectly pouted lips and dug through her closet before tossing chocolate brown fitted shirt dress her way. It was made of soft, clingy, cottony fabric that clung to every curve and dip of her body. Bella blushed as she put it on and Grace put the finishing touches on her.

“So, this says: Casual party goer who’s looking to stun her boyfriend into submission,” Grace cocked her head to the side satisfied. Bella let out a laugh curling a self-conscious arm around her middle.

“Ready?” Grace said shoving her feet in some simple white keds. Bella looked at herself once more in the mirror, pleased with what she saw and nodded.

The bounded down the steps together just as Edward was making his way up the steps to them.

“Charlie, we’re going!” Grace yelled over her shoulder.

“Bye dad!”

Outside, Grace skipped ahead of Bella so that Edward could take her all in.

“Nice huh?” Grace nudged him and headed toward the car. Edward was speechless. Bella tucked her hair behind her ear and gave him a simple,

“Hey.”

Grace enthusiastically gave the thumbs up from behind his back before climbing into the back seat of his car. From the back seat, she watched as Edward gently took Bella into his arms and placed a careful kiss over her mouth, holding her face with one hand and saying something to her without letting his eyes leave hers. Bella stared back up adoringly and Grace felt her heart skip a beat for a minute. She never saw two people more in love. Like really in love.

The party was extravagant to say the very least. Grace and Bella were immediately swept into the crush of people. Edward held fast to Bella as they moved around the party, greeting friends, grabbing snacks, and hugging Carlisle and Esme each and thanking them so much for the party. They clearly had not thrown it for just their Alice and Edward. Cakes with Bella and Grace’s names were prominently displayed along with their senior pictures (that Alice had insisted on earlier that month right after finals) throughout the house.

Grace had whisked Bella out onto the dance floor with Jessica and Angela for a few songs before she retreated in a quiet corner with Edward who fawned over her lovingly and encouraged her temporary outgoingness.

When Grace found herself trapped in the middle of the dance floor as a slow song came on, she looked around her quickly for a way out. And then from behind her she heard a familiar voice ask confidently,

“Can I have this dance?”

Grace whipped around coming face to face with none other than Jacob.

“Jake?! What are you doing here?” Grace said, taking an automatic step back. The couples were crowding in around them though so it was hard to keep distance.

“Bella invited me.” Jake said nonchalantly. Grace shot a look over at Bella who was being glided across the floor by Edward. No one was paying her any attention.

“Okay…” Grace said warily.

“So?” Jake held his hands out to her, “Will you dance with me?” Grace hesitated, looking for an escape. She had promised Paul the very exact opposite of this, but now she was trapped. And she didn’t really want to say no.

“Sure,” she said. Grace took the two steps forward to close the small gap between them and Jake let his hands slide across her waist to rest on her lower back. She snaked her hands up around his neck as he swayed them back and forth with more rhythm than she thought he was capable of.

“I know you’re not supposed to be alone with me,” Jake said, staring down at her, casting his gaze away every now and then to lower the intensity that was already pulsing between them. This was the closest they had been in months and the ache that was always there had subsided for once. She let her body move closer into Jake to monopolize on the feeling of overwhelming relief she felt at being held. It was like having a rock stuck in a shoe for months with no end in sight and then suddenly you’re able to take your shoes off and dip your feet in cool, clean water.

Grace wasn’t going to deny it. “Paul doesn’t trust you.”

“Paul is a control freak.” Jacob shot back.

“For good reason, apparently. Look where we are,” she looked down at the nonexistent space between them and he sighed, readjusting his grip on her so that she was pressed up against him just right. She clicked into place with him like a puzzle piece and it made her dizzy. They were gathering stares from those around them.

“So you’re totally comfortable coming to a vampire graduation party then?” Grace said in a low tone. Jake laughed.

“I guess. When the payoffs are nice at least,” he said.

“What do you mean?” Grace said, confused.

“You, Grace. Obviously,” Jake replied somewhat annoyed.

“Me? You’re here for me?” Grace sighed and tried to pull away at this, but he held her fast and she didn’t protest too much. His grip was comforting where Paul’s could sometimes feel too tight. She relaxed into that feeling.

“Don’t get too excited. I came for that, too,” he nodded over her head and Grace looked over her shoulder to see Alice volleying between here and not here. A vision. Grace let go of Jacob but felt his hand easily grab hers as she made her way across the dance floor. She held onto it, just to drag out that feeling of relief. She’d take whatever fight this would cause between her and Paul, just to have this feeling for a little longer.

“Alice.” Grace said. Bella was right next to her.

“What did you see?” Bella echoed.

“A problem,” Edward replied as he read Alice’s mind.

The Cullens, Bella, Jacob, Embry and Quil who had accompanied Jacob to the party, reconvened in the study.

Jake had finally let Grace go and she had stood next to Bella with her arms crossed in front of her.

“We’ve been tracking the situation in Seattle for awhile,” Carlisle said looking to each new face around him. “It seems like Victoria has been playing possum with us and has instead been making an army to come and confront us.”

“An army? What, you mean like an army of vampires?” Jake said incredulously.

“Newborns, our kind. Their human blood lingers in their tissue so they are at their strongest when they’re first turned. And when a vampire creates a lot of us at once, it’s usually for less than savory reasons.” Jasper contributed.

“So what do we do?” Bella said.

“Well, they were passing around Bella’s scent, so their motive is pretty clear. It seems like they’ve changed course, according to Alice’s vision and they’ll be coming here.” Rosalie stated dryly. Edward tightened his grip on Bella who had a look of pain on her face at the news.

“It might be to our advantage to have them come here right?” Emmett said, arms crossed.

“More vampires mean more problems for us,” Jacob said. His eyes locked with Grace’s.

“We know,” Carlisle said, a genuine sound of regret in his voice. “I’m sorry.” He said quietly. Jacob nodded at him, thankful and Grace’s heart swelled.

“So we draw them out,” Grace said suddenly. All eyes snapped to her at once. “Woah.” she said.

“What do you mean?” Esme asked.

“Emmett said we have the advantage, which we do. And we can draw them out and attack them from both sides, right?” Grace looked to Jacob who uncrossed his arms.

“Right.” he nodded. “We’re in.”

“Jacob, do you think Sam could come to some sort of understanding in this instance, so we could work together?” Carlisle asked.

“It would give us the numbers,” Jasper said, the wheels turning now as he prepared a battle plan in his head.

“I can talk to him. As long as we get to kill some vampires.” Jake said sarcastically.

“No.” Bella said suddenly.

“Bella,” Edward placated softly.

“No, you’ll get yourselves killed. It’s too dangerous.” Bella continued, not listening to Edward.

“Bella, this is what we do,” Jacob said. Embry and Quil nodded behind him.

“We’ll be fine, Bella,” Grace said. Jacob gave her a warning look. Something told her that he wasn’t including her in his instance of ‘we.’

“You’re definitely not going to be there,” Bella said matter-of-factly crossing her arms and getting irritated now. “Absolutely not.”

“Okay, mom. We’ll talk about it later,” Grace poked. Bella’s face was set. Grace and Jacob connected again, this time communicating wordlessly and coming up with a plan to convince Sam.

“It would be ideal if we could maybe coordinate with Sam and the pack, to ensure that there are no mistakes in the field,” Carlisle said.

“Yes, it would be best so we could train around each other. You’ll give us the edge we need, but if we can work with each other and learn from each other, then we can optimize our chances of survival.”

A weak sound came from Bella at this and Edward pulled her into him again.

“Got it. I’ll talk to Sam,” Jacob turned to Grace, “I’ll need your help with that.”

“Of course.” Grace said. He gave her a gentle smile and Grace felt herself shiver.

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collecting-stories · 4 years

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Test Drive - t. 01 - Sarah Cameron

Summary: After a bad breakup you convince your roommate and best friend to go to one last party with you where she makes an unexpected move.

A/N: I love Emily Burns’ EP/Album Seven Scenes from the Same Summer and I get serious Sarah vibes whenever I listen to it.

7 Scenes from the Same Summer Masterlist | Outer Banks Masterlist

♡don’t make me your test drive for the weekend♡

“I hate to be the one to say this but I think you need to get out of this room and do something. It’s been almost a week Sarah-” You commented, rummaging through the suitcases of already packed clothes for something to wear to the party you’d been invited to.

The comforter on the other bed moved, Sarah’s head peeking out as she wriggled around to look at you. “We were together for three years! Three years of birthdays and holidays and dates and vacations-“

You rolled your eyes. It was no secret that you were not a fan of John B and his whiny ‘pay attention to only me’ attitude that demanded all of Sarah’s time when he was visiting. When they broke up you had practically thrown yourself a party. “I know, I know. But you aren’t gonna move on from that laying under your blankets. When was the last time you took a shower babe?” 

“Is my personal hygiene really all that’s important to you?” 

“No, my best friend not totally losing it over a guy is though. You’re 3 hours away from home Sarah and he’s acting like you live on another continent. If he ‘can’t handle’ you going to college then why do you wanna be with this guy anyway.” It was the same argument you had with her every time that she fought with him about their schedules, the only difference this time was that they were totally broken up. A screaming match that you were forced to endure too.

“I love him.” 

“I know you do,” you said, trying not to sound sarcastic, “but let’s push all the love down and just focus on what kind of douche calls you two days before the biggest final of the year and tells you that you’re selfish for asking him to come out to visit for the weekend.”

“He knows I can’t leave during finals! I never focus when I study with him!” Sarah complained, pushing the blanket down a little bit further.

“Why’s that?” You asked though you knew the reason. You were desperate to get Sarah to this party with you and you needed her to actually get out of bed to do that.

“Because,” she said, “because he doesn’t let me! It’s always ‘I’m bored’ and ‘can’t you do that later’ and ‘aren’t I more important than stupid books’ like I’m supposed to drop everything for him!” 

“What a dick.”

“He is a dick...” she agreed, trailing off as she flopped over onto her back and pulled the blanket up.

“Oh my god, you were so close.” You cried in frustration.

“I said-“

“Yeah, I got the train of thought that just happened.” 

“What am I gonna do? What if we never get back together?” Sarah asked, sitting up in bed and brushing her hair out of her face.

“I can’t imagine.”

“I just want him to call me and tell me he changed his mind or something. Like it was all a dumb fluke.” She face was blotchy from crying and she was picking at a tangled piece of hair near the end.

“Sarah,” You stressed.

“I know!”

“Listen, that girl from the third floor, Annie, is having a party tonight. Why don’t we go? It’ll be nice.” You finally said, defeated that you couldn’t bribe her out of bed and trying it the straight forward way instead.

“I don’t wanna go to some lame party, I just want to be left alone.” 

“Okay, well I’m gonna...Victoria’s gonna be there, from my econ class, so I’m gonna head up there.” You confessed.

“You’re ditching me for a hook-up?” Sarah practically screeched looking at you in annoyance.

“You said you wanted to be alone!”

“Yeah like, go in the other room and watch tv while I sulk not abandon me for Victoria from econ!” She hated Victoria from your econ class. And she hated that you were thinking about some girl while she wanted you to be thinking of her.

“Well...depending on the night I might very well be in the next room before the parties over.” You said, offering her an awkward smile.

“Hooking up with her is worse than abandoning me for a party.” 

You groaned and stood up, walking over to bed and laying down next to her. “I haven’t dated in months babe, and I endured countless weekends sitting on that couch or going to Starbucks while John B ‘visited my you. The least you can do is let me have this.” 

“Fine but I’m coming with you. The last thing I need is Victoria from econ thinking I’m a loser cause I’m moping in bed on a Friday night.” Sarah said, climbing out of the bed.

“That’s the spirit!” You cheered, raising your arms in the air and fake cheering.

“Seriously?” 

“Whatever gets you out of bed.” You replied.

“I’m still upset!” Sarah snapped, digging through the suitcases you had just been crouched in front.

“I know, I know.” You insisted, sitting up, “wear the leopard print dress.”

“I’m not trying to hookup with anyone. I’m only going because I have a reputation to maintain and Victoria from econ is the worst!”

“Maybe, but I heard she’s really good in bed.” 

“Is that all you care about?” She laughed for the first time in two days.

“I literally cannot explain to you how little sex I have had all year. Besides the last party I went to that kid from Poly Sci grabbed my boob...and only because he tripped and put his hand out accidentally. That was the highlight of the last three months.” 

“I’m not wearing the dress.”

“You look so good in it!” You said, already imagining Sarah in the spaghetti strapped leopard print mini dress.

“Really? I think it’s a little tight across my butt.” She confessed, pulling it out and holding it up.

“It’s tight everywhere, that’s the point. Besides, you have a great ass so who cares.” 

“Oh tell me more.” Sarah teased, turning to the side and popping her leg to pose for you.

You grabbed her pillow off the bed and threw it at her, “get a shower! We’ll do praise Sarah Cameron hour later.” 

“Fine but your starting with how great my ass looks.” She said, grabbing her toiletries bag off the back of the door.

“Super! Get a fucking shower and let’s go! Victoria-“

“From econ awaits. I get it!” The door slamming behind her was the last sound you heard as you flopped back onto the bed and tried to figure out what you were going to wear to the party.

“Did you find her?” Sarah asked, sitting on the arm of the couch, turned in toward you, knees almost touching. You were sitting on the windowsill scoping out the party.

“Yeah, Annie snatched her up, literally. They are already in Victoria’s room by now I’m sure.”

“Annie does not wait.” Sarah commented, taking a sip of her drink.

You groaned, looking down at your chest. “God, I should’ve gotten like breast implants or something instead of the nose job.” You grabbed your boobs for a second, squeezing them and then crossing your arms under your chest to push them out more.

“I don’t think fixing a deviated septum constitutes a nose job.” Sarah teased, casting a look down at your mostly exposed boobs. The top was low-cut already and when you sat like that it offered up more of them to look at. “And besides, your boobs look fantastic.”

“You really think so.” You pouted at her, leaning so she was almost forced to look at them.

“Oh my god, yes now get them out of my face.” She laughed, pushing you away from her.

“Ugh whatever. You’re no fun.”

“I’m loads of fun.”

“Incorrect. I dragged you all the way here to this banging party-” You said, bobbing your head on the word banging.

“You’re so embarrassing, why are we friends?”

“-told you how great your ass looks and you can’t even flirt with me to make me feel better.” 

“Were you that invested in Victoria?” Sarah asked.

“No, I just really need a good hookup or something. A girlfriend preferably.” You sighed, slumping against the window.

“Those are two different things. And I heard Victoria only does hookups.”

“Is it so wrong to imagine Victoria from econ going down on me and then realizing what a fucking hot girlfriend I would be?” You asked. You could definitely imagine it, even if it wasn’t Victoria that you wanted to have as a girlfriend.

“How would that work?”

“Forget it, you’re not bringing me down to your level.”

“My level?”

“Yes, your level, of being in a shitty mood. I’m going to remain hopeful that Victoria from econ will come back to the party, sweep me off my feet and, preferably, fuck me into oblivion.” You said, matter-of-fact.

“Amazing.” Sarah replied.

You sat up a little straighter when you noticed the door open and two girls enter the party, going their separate ways. “Ha! Look, I knew it.”

“What? Oh my god, they’re back already?” Sarah caught sight of Annie going over to a group of friends and whispering. One of the guys in the group put his arm on her shoulder and for a second Sarah imagined herself at a party like this with John B. Dancing and drinking, his hands on her.

“Annie has the stamina equivalent of a goldfish’s attention span. She never lasts and she barely reciprocates.” You informed, not noticing your best friend’s distracted state as you watched Victoria from across the room.

“How do you know?”

“We hooked up in September.” You shrugged. Your first college hookup.

“You never told me that!”

“We weren’t friends yet! You were just some weird straight girl with a hobo boyfriend.”

“Wow.” Sarah exaggerated the word, rolling her eyes at you.

You smacked Sarah’s thigh when Victoria glanced your way, turning to your roommate and best friend, trying not to look too excited. “Oh my god, she looked over, act interested in me.”

“We’re already talking?” 

“Like, pet my arm or something.”

“Pet your arm?” Sarah asked in disbelief.

“Just-“

Sarah grabbed your face in her hands, throwing her last bit of caution out the window, crashing her lips to yours. Quite literally, she pressed herself closer to you as she kissed you and you somehow pulled yourself enough out of the haze to kiss back, eyes closing without even looking to see if Victoria was still paying attention. All you could focus on was Sarah’s tongue wetting your bottom lip before slipping inside your mouth. Her tongue caressed yours and her hand ran down your neck and over your back before she was groping your breast in her hand, squeezing the soft skin through your bralette. She captured your bottom lip between her teeth, tugging gently as she pulled away.  

When you opened your eyes, she was staring at you, wide eyed, hand still holding your breast and the other cupping your cheek. “I-“

“Dorm?” You chanced asking.

“Yes.”

She stood up, straightening her dress with one hand while you held the other, leading her through the crowd of people as if you were trying to make it back to your room before the momentum wore off and you were just roommates again. Victoria called your name when you got close to the door, having seen the entire kiss from her spot. 

“Sorry, can’t talk.”

Sarah cocked an eyebrow at her as she passed, throwing up the middle finger before she was totally out the door. She had always been annoyed by Victoria and it always had everything to do with how much attention you paid the girl in your econ class. But now you were pulling Sarah along and Victoria had subsequently lost. 

Sarah felt for the handle, back against the door, as she kissed you. Her other hand was in your hair, pulling you as close as she could as she tried to get the door to the dorm open. She didn’t want to think too much what this meant for your friendship or her relationship with John B or herself, all she wanted to do was enjoy this moment and the feeling of you against her. She finally got the door, tumbling through it and almost losing her balance but your arm around her waist caught her.

“Holy shit,” she laughed and kissed you, not wanting to lose the moment as she walked both of you backward through the small common room to your bedroom.

“Maybe you should open this door the right way,” you teased, your hands on her waist gently guiding her to turn around.

She stepped back just enough to press her ass against you, looking back over her shoulder and smiling, “does that only work on straight guys?”

“No, that definitely working.” You laugh.

Once you were both through the bedroom door and had it swinging shut behind you Sarah resumed kissing you, hooking her hands around the back of your neck and connecting her lips to yours. She walked backwards until her knees hit the bed. You pressed your body against hers, hands on her waist trying to bunch her dress up from there.

She disconnected from you for a second, pulling the leopard print dress over her head, hair flying over her shoulders, and leaving her in nothing but a nude colored thong. You choked down a laugh and she frowned at you. “Not the reaction I was expecting,” she said as she grabbed at the hem of your dress.

“We have the same underwear on.” You replied and Sarah looked at you, eyes sparkling with laughter. She could remember when you’d convinced her to impulse by half the collection of Skims and then you’d both spent weeks flashing each other at random points during the day to tell the other how comfortable your clothes were.

“I fucking hate you.” She mumbled as she kissed you again, pulling you down onto the bed with her.

When you propped yourself up on your elbow to look down at Sarah you could totally understand why John B wanted so much of her attention, though you’d spent an entire school year with her so it wasn’t something you were clueless to before. But she looked beautiful, laid out on the bed with her hair fanned out around her. She smiled at you and you leaned down to kiss her, lips brushing against her and then moving along her jaw to her neck and collar. You kissed the underside of her chin down to her clavicle while your free hand ran up her side, running your fingers along the underside of her breast and feeling goosebumps rise on her skin.

Sarah’s eyes drifted shut at the sensation of your lips sucking a bruise into the skin above her right breast while your hand grasped her left, brushing your fingers over her nipple and then twisting it between your thumb and finger. She moaned, running her hand through your hair and holding on at the base of your neck. She guided you further down her body, your mouth pressing kissing all around her right breast.

She moaned when you finally licked across her nipple, flattening your tongue against it and then sucking on her breast making her dig her nails into your arm. Sarah had a way of making a person dizzy with her. She could make you forget everything but her just by smiling or biting her lip but feeling her under you, getting to taste her slightly sweaty skin had you more in awe of her than you’d ever been before.

“It’s cool with me if this is just a rebound or whatever, I get it. But we’re friends and I should be totally honest with you.” You said, staring at the ceiling so you didn’t have to meet her eyes. “I’ve had feelings for you pretty much since August when we started texting. I didn’t say anything cause I didn’t want you to feel weird or to think that I was trying to encroach on you and John B cause I would never but...after what just happened, I feel like whatever you choose to do, you should know.” 

“That you like me?” Sarah asked, laying there with you in the afterglow, her fingers brushing designs into your stomach and sides. She had never even really thought about being with a girl before...not really. Sure, Kiara had a girlfriend and when they first started dating Sarah had wondered what it would be like but not seriously.

“Yeah.”

“Since August?”

“Oh yeah, hardcore.” You nodded as best you could laying down. She hadn’t let go yet, that had to be a good sign.

“What about Victoria from econ?”

You shifted, sitting up so you could look at her. Sarah sat up across from you. Finally you explained, “She’s hot and the exact opposite of you and that was definitely the point. But hooking up with Victoria wasn’t going to change the fact that I liked you. It might’ve lessened the blow of ya know, not seeing you all summer. This definitely won’t do that.”

“I don’t really know what to say.” She admitted.

“You don’t have to say anything, I’m just telling you, to be up front and cause...I want you to feel comfortable and I know you’re going through a lot with John B right now and the year is over. I also wanted to tell you that I totally understand if you want a new roommate next year.” 

“No, no, are you kidding me? Kiara’s roommate was a fucking psycho all year! I am not rooming with a stranger! My luck I’ll get stuck with fucking Victoria from econ!”

“You really hate Victoria.” You laughed.

“Of course, I do! With her fucking stupid ‘I’m summering in Portugal’ and ‘once I made out with an ambassador’s daughter at a fundraiser for poor kids’ and ‘I speak three languages’.” Sarah said, mocking the way Victoria’s voice always sounded, “she’s the worst.”

“How many times have you talked to her? I’ve never heard any of those things.” You said, trying to think of how much you actually knew about Victoria.

“Spring break that you bagged on! She fucking showed up and spent like three days telling me dumb stuff about herself, like, bitch I don’t care about you.” 

“Okay,” you laughed, “I think we’re getting a little off topic, let’s revisit the conversation we were actually having.” 

“I don’t wanna go back to the eight.” Sarah moaned, leaning over and pressing her face close to her ankles. “It’s gonna be Kiara feeling conflicted about who to hang out with and everybody being weird about parties and seeing John B pop up every five seconds because that would be my luck!” 

You bit your lip, weighing the options of asking Sarah back with you for the summer now that the two of you had just had sex. “Well I’m not sure how enticing it would be but, you could come with me back to Philly for the summer.” 

“What would we do in Philly?” Sarah asked, looking up at you.

“We can go to museums or head to the shore for a day or go eat a 14oz burger or get cheesesteaks and giant slices of pizza or recreate the Rocky scene or go to a farm or see Amish people....” you listed, “any of these.”

“Eating. The cheesesteaks sound good.” 

“Philly has banging food.” You said, nodding.

“Okay.”

“Seriously.”

“Yeah, okay, I mean we’re friends.” Sarah shrugged.

“Yeah, of course, and we can stay friends.” You agreed. You knew you had feelings for Sarah and now she knew that too but you weren’t going to let them come in the way of your friendship.

“Yeah. So, yeah I‘ll go to Philly with you.” 

“Okay.”

Sarah sat there for a moment before, looking around the room, before looking back at you and pouting. “Hey, do you think we could still cuddle cause I could really use it right now.”

“Yeah, totally, I’m coming in for a cuddle.”

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greenapricot · 4 years

Text

2019 fic year in review

Total number of completed stories: 18

Total word count: 53536

Fandoms written in: Lewis (15), Endeavour (2), Inspector Morse (1), Shetland (1), Victoria (1). (Those numbers don’t add up bc there’s a fic that is Lewis, Endeavour, and Inspector Morse all at once.)

Looking back, did you write more fic than you thought you would this year, less, or about what you’d expected? More. I challenged myself to post a fic a month for 2019, so I had hoped to write 12 but hadn’t fully expected that I would. I’m very pleased with myself for having met that goal (even if I didn’t technically meet it bc I didn’t post fic in September, but I’m going to call 18 fics a win anyway).

What’s your own favorite story of the year? I’ve answered other fic memes during the year about my favorite and though I’ve written more fics since then I still think my favorite is A Man About to Fly (Lewis, James/Robbie, gen). It’s just got the most perfect atmosphere of delicate longing that feels so right to me in a way I can’t quite describe. I also think it’s the fic of mine that I’ve reread the most this year.

Did you take any writing risks this year? I would call it a risk, more of a stretch or a challenge to myself, but I wrote in two new fandoms, Shetland (No Holiday, Jimmy/Duncan, mature) and Victoria (Delayed Gratification, Palmerstons, mature). I hadn’t planned to write for either fandom but the ideas for those two stories just grabbed me and then I needed them to exist and so had no choice but to write them.

Also, writing Morris Dancers (Lewis, James/Robbie, teen) in @bryndeavour‘s Night Vale AU universe was a fun challenge with the radio format, getting the Night Vale tone right, and making it fit with the fic she’d already written.

Do you have any fanfic or profic goals for the new year? Now that I’ve proven to myself that I can write a lot of things in one year I want to write something long again. I have two casefics I’ve been poking at off and on for a while now. One in my Lewis wingfic universe and one that follows on from my other Lewis post-s9 fics. I think the wingfic one will end up happening first, even though I’ve had the idea for the other one for something like three years, mostly just because I’ve been having a lot of fun brainstorming casefic and wingfic universe ideas with @bryndeavour.

I also have two more parts to my Shetland fic planned and a couple of WIPs I’d like to finish. And, I just started three new prompt fics (one in a fandom I haven’t written in before). I’d like to finish and post them in the next week or so just to prove I can still write short quick things and also hopefully write something for the other prompts I got.

Most popular story of the year? By kudos, Misuse of Police Resources (Lewis, James/Robbie, explicit); by comments, Over the Edge (Lewis, James/Robbie, mature). Though Over the Edge will surpass Misuse in kudos at some point because it’s much more recent and has almost as many kudos.

Story of mine most under-appreciated by the universe, in my opinion: Delayed Gratification (Victoria, Lady Palmerston/Lord Palmerston) and No Holiday (Shetland, Jimmy/Duncan). This is no surprise at all though because Delayed Gratification is an obscure pairing in a not terribly large fandom and Shetland fandom is very tiny. So they have the least kudos but I think they have been properly appreciated in the small spaces in which they exist. I think I would also add Overture (Lewis, James/Robbie/Laura, explicit) to this list, but again, it being explicit threesome fic I’m not super surprised it doesn’t have a ton of comments or kudos bc not everyone is into that.

Most fun story to write: Winter Wonderland (Lewis, James/Robbie, explicit) and Misuse of Police Resources (Lewis, James/Robbie, explicit). Both of these grew from convos in discord chat and I think that’s part of where the fun in writing came from, snickering to my self about how people were likely to react to certain lines and feeling very clever with my use of cliches.

Most unintentionally telling story: Evening the Odds (Lewis, James/Robbie, gen). My husband is older than me (though not as much of an age difference as Robbie and James) and I do have thoughts similar to James’ in this fic from time to time.

Biggest disappointment: Not posting a fic in September. Which I know is ridiculous bc I posted so much fic but I still think about it and am annoyed with myself.

Biggest surprise: That I met and exceeded my fic a month goal and that I wrote in new fandoms. I must say I’m pretty damn proud of myself for having written so much.

I’m not doing the tagging thing bc I’m just not but if you wrote things in 2019 and haven’t done one of these I think you should. :)

Full list of everything I wrote in 2019 in chronological order blow.

More than all the rest of the world - Lewis (TV) (235 words) James/Robbie - teen - Fluff, Established Relationship “I love you,” James says, pressing a kiss to Robbie’s navel.

Takes one to know one - Lewis (TV) (570 words) James/Robbie - general audiences - Established Relationship, Angst with a Happy Ending It was a stupid fight, it’s never anything but a stupid fight; the job getting to them and them taking it out on each other. Or the job getting to James and James taking it out on Robbie.

Now at the end of the day - Endeavour (TV) (389 words) Max/Morse - general audiences - Love Confessions When Morse walks into the morgue, Max is at the worktop under the windows performing his usual tidying up rituals.

His only remaining vice - Lewis (TV) (311 words) James/Robbie - general audiences - Established Relationship It is a Saturday, they don’t have a case and are down at the bottom of the rota; the day is miraculously their own. Yet they have ventured out into the bitter cold all same because James needs coffee and what they’ve got in the flat won’t do.

A Man About To Fly - Lewis (TV) (2524 words) James/Robbie - general audiences - Episode: s07e05-06 Intelligent Design parts 1-2, Angst with a hopeful ending James looks away from Lewis’ smile and takes another sip of his pint, but it’s not Lewis now, it’s Robbie. Robbie’s smile. To say the name aloud, to have Robbie smile at him like that when he does, is a gift. A gift James has received just in time for it to no longer be useful.

Evening the Odds - Lewis (TV) (605 words) James/Robbie - general audiences - Established Relationship, Angst, Discussion of Mortality James is beautiful, a silhouette in the dark, light from the street lamp catching his hair in an almost halo and turning the smoke bright as it drifts above the garden wall; but the beauty of the moment doesn’t outweigh Robbie’s hope that the next time James tries to give up smoking it will stick.

Misuse of Police Resources - Lewis (TV) (4275 words) James/Robbie, Laura Hobson - explicit - Light Bondage, Masturbation He should have gone with rope, then he’d be able to untie himself, but he couldn’t quite maintain the fantasy of Lewis tying him up in intricate knots, except for how he’s always doing it unintentionally. James thumps his head back against the mattress in defeat. He’s not getting out of this on his own, he’s going to have to ring someone, and there are very few someones in his life.

Delayed Gratification - Victoria (TV) (1723 words) Lord Palmerston/Lady Palmerston - mature - Missing Scene, Episode 3x05 A Show of Unity Emily steps back, breaking the kiss, and Henry leans toward her making a low hum of protest. She takes his hand and leads him to her dressing room; their dressing room now that he has returned, as is their tradition. When they are together here in the castle away from parliamentary time pressure, they dress and undress each other.

Enkindled Spring - Lewis (TV) (4170 words) James/Robbie - teen - Established Relationship, Magical Realism, Wingfic, Alternate Universe, Fluff A large bird with a tail similar to a swallow is soaring overhead, James’ gaze hasn’t left it since he finished his sandwich. I wonder if he’s remembering how it feels to soar through the air, the sun warming his back and wings. It’s a sight I’d very much like to see.

Morris Dancers - Dreaming Spires Radio - Lewis (TV) (2872 words) James/Robbie - teen - Nightvale AU, Alternate Universe, Supernatural Elements Trees are in full bloom all across our fair city, filling the streets with the scent of their perfume and the edges of our peripheral vision with those familiar swirling shadows that can’t quite be seen no matter how fast you turn your head. Do not fear the shadows, they mean you no harm. Unless you have personally offended their families. This is Dreaming Spires Radio and I am, as always, your host, James Hathaway.

Overture - Lewis (TV) (5947 words) James/Laura/Robbie - explicit - Plot What Plot/Porn Without Plot, Oral Sex, Anal Sex, Threesome The way they keep looking at him and at each other is enough to make a bloke think things that can’t possibly be true. If pressed Robbie would have to admit that the thought has crossed his mind; him and Laura, him and James, the three of them together, but it’s only ever been a thought, wank fodder, never a real possibility.

Aftermath - Lewis (TV) (1407 words) James/Robbie - teen - Angst with a Happy Ending, Love Confessions Robbie wakes to a steady beeping in a bed that’s not his own. He feels like he’s been hit by a lorry. Wait. He was. Or near enough, if it weren’t for James. James.

A storm that blackens the quiet sea - Lewis (TV) (727 words) James/Robbie - teen - Established Relationship, case-related angst James takes a long drag and leans against the wall, turning his face to the grey winter sky. It will be dark soon, they’ve been in court all day, yet it’s come to nothing. Less than nothing. He can’t keep letting cases get to him like this.

Even the weeds are green and flowering - Lewis (TV), Inspector Morse (TV), Endeavour (TV)) (2057 words) James/Robbie, Max/Morse - general audiences - Gardens & Gardening, Fluff, Established Relationship, Reminiscence Watching James at his careful work—snipping off a branch or two, stepping back to consider the bush as a whole, snipping another branch—brings to mind another garden, much better kept than Robbie’s poor neglected allotment. A garden with roses that weren’t altogether dissimilar to these.

No Holiday - Shetland (TV) (1539 words) Jimmy/Duncan - mature - Extended Scene, Episode: s05e05, Angst Duncan raises the bottle to Jimmy’s retreating back, looks up at the Merrie Dancers, and takes a hearty swig. There’s not quite enough whisky left to completely dull the echo of Jimmy’s words in his head, but he’ll give it a go.

In the forests of the night Lewis (TV) (6846 words) James/Robbie - teen - Magical Realism, Alternate Universe, Shapeshifters, Love Confessions “I’m fine, lad. You’re the one who’s in danger.” “From what?” James swings his arms out wide to encompass the empty moor in all directions. “We’re trained police officers and there’s no one else here.” “From me,” Robbie says. Whether or not there are other dangers out on the moor, the danger Robbie poses is worse. If James doesn’t get going soon there’s nothing Robbie’s going to be able to do to protect him.

Over the Edge - Lewis (TV) (11809 words) James/Robbie - mature - Hurt/Comfort, Pining, Angst with a Happy Ending, Sharing a Bed, First Kiss Ignoring it then. James can do that. He can sit here while Lewis helps him on with the sling and not lean into his touch. He can get into bed once the sling is fastened and close his eyes and pretend the reason he’s breathing a bit heavier than normal is down to exhaustion and pain. It’s not untrue, even if it’s not the whole truth. He can accept the water and painkillers Lewis brings him, and not read anything into it when Lewis smooths the duvet over his chest and tells him to get some sleep. He can do that. He can close his eyes even though it’s not even properly dark yet and not think about the pain in his shoulder or the pain in his head or the pain of longing for Lewis to touch him and mean it. He can try to sleep.

Winter Wonderland - Lewis (TV)) (5530 words) James/Robbie - explicit - Plot What Plot/Porn Without Plot, Romantic Cliches, Oral Sex, Fingerfucking, Only One Bed, but they never make it to the bed The radio has been going on about the unprecedented snowfall for the past two very slow hours of driving; two hours which would have been one without the snow. Astounding snowfall rates, the announcer keeps saying. What’s astounding is that they’ve made it here at all with how bad the roads are. What’s astounding is that Robbie has invited James on holiday. Not Laura, or Lyn, or anyone else, but James who he ought to have had enough of all day every day at work.

#inspector lewis #itv endeavour #bbc shetland #itv victoria #james hathaway #itv lewis #robbie lewis #endeavour morse #max debryn #laura hobson #jimmy perez #duncan hunter #lord palmerston #lady palmerston #lewis fic #my fic #fic year in review #that is a lot of fic and i'd actually kind of forgotten about some of the ones from the beginning of the year #long post

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oceteva · 5 years

Text

Caught In The Middle | Mayans MC ~ Dinner With The Cartel

Word count ; 14,351

Victoria slowly pushed the silver diamond of her earring into her right ear with a slight shake of her fingers at seven in the evening on a Saturday. The Miller woman was quite anxious while she stood in front of her full body mirror in a simple, off the shoulder, black dress that stopped a few inches above her knee as it was officially the night of her dinner with the Galindo family. Emily had called her on Thursday, a few days after her trip to Charming and her evening with Nestor, and had set up a date for that following Saturday.

The Miller woman had been anxious all Saturday morning and throughout the day as she tried to prepare herself for her dinner with the leader of the Galindo cartel. It didn't really help at all that Victoria didn't have to work at the hospital today and the Reyes brothers were busy with the club, so the brunette woman had to keep herself occupied. Victoria ended up doing all the laundry in her house and stressed baked two cakes and three dozen cupcakes.

The baking did calm Victoria down a little bit but now that she was dressed and ready to go, her nerves were definitely back. The Miller woman trusts Emily with her life and she was basically becoming Nestor's friend since they've been talking more but Victoria was just on edge to be around Miguel. She knew that Miguel was dangerous by what Angel had told her about the Galindo cartel and what she had seen on the local news, so Victoria couldn't help but feel nervous about the dinner with the leader of the Galindo cartel.

Victoria let out a sigh as she shook her head to stop her thoughts from going too far about something bad going wrong tonight. It's just an innocent dinner in a public place, the brunette woman reminded herself as she fixed the sleeves of her black dress. The Miller woman briefly closed her hazel eyes as she tried to prepare herself for tonight before she was suddenly interrupted when there was a knock on her front door. Victoria couldn't help but frown since the club was busy all night and that was usually the only people that comes to her house.

The Miller woman honestly didn't know who it could be, so Victoria quickly shouted, "one second," before she grabbed her black leather clutch purse that she had earlier stashed her gun inside for just encase something were to happen tonight. Victoria then quickly jogged her way to the front door of her house with her black heels clacking against the wooden floorboards before she opened up the door to see who was there.

Victoria couldn't help but to be shocked, though, when she noticed that it was the Oceteva man who had been knocking on her front door. The Miller woman would have figured since Nestor is Miguel's head of security that she would just see him at the restaurant that she was meeting the Galindo family at, so she was surprised to see Nestor here right now in front of her.

There was an amused grin playing on Nestor's lips while he waited for the brunette nurse to say something. However, when Victoria didn't utter a single sound as she continued to stare at him with her wide hazel eyes, the Oceteva man playfully waved his hand in front of the shocked woman's face as he teased, "hello? Is anyone awake in there?"

Victoria's tan cheeks immediately blushed beet red in embarrassment once she realized that she had gotten caught in her shocked state before she mumbled as she glanced down at her black heels, "sorry." The Miller woman then stood like that for a few seconds until she could get rid of her blushing mess before she slowly pushed a loose string of her brunette hair that had fallen out of her elegant bun and causally leaned her body against the doorway of her house as she curiously wondered, "so, what are you doing here?"

The Oceteva man crossed his arms over his white button down shirt as he stared down at the brunette woman with a slight smile playing on his lips as he always enjoyed watching Victoria turn red with embarrassment before he shook himself out of those enjoyable and normal thoughts as he cleared his throat. "Miguel and Emily wanted me to come pick you up for tonight," Nestor uttered as he answered the pediatric nurse's question.

Victoria couldn't help but immediately begin to frown when she heard the cartel assassin's response before she mumbled, "I thought I was meeting them there." The Miller woman remembered exactly that only a few hours ago, Emily texted and called her about where to go tonight for their dinner, so she always figured that she was, in fact, meeting the Galindo family at the restaurant in Oakland.

Nestor lightly shrugged his shoulders like he didn't have a clue about what was going on about the change in Victoria's travel plans before he muttered, "I guess Miguel changed his mind." The Oceteva man, however, did, in fact, know why he was picking Victoria up because it was his idea in the first place. Nestor had considered the pediatric nurse a friend over the last couple of days of them talking and meeting up with each other - along with the fact that Victoria always seemed to help him forget about all the bad shit that he has done in his life for a little while. The Oceteva man figured, this way, he would get that opportunity to feel that calmness again, so he had immediately jumped at the chance to pick up the Miller woman when Miguel and Emily were speaking about their dinner plans an hour ago.

The pediatric nurse stared across at the cartel assassin for a moment with her brows furrowed in confusion before she also lightly shrugged her shoulders and muttered, "oh, alright." Victoria honestly didn't mind spending a little extra time with Nestor on the way to the restaurant. They had hung out together three days this week whenever they could - which usually happened to be them getting a drink after work since they are both so busy - but Victoria liked having the Oceteva man in her company. They both get along greatly when they are together like old friends, so Victoria shot the cartel assassin a small grin before she told him, "well, I'm ready whenever you are."

The Oceteva man shot the brunette nurse a grin right back as he was glad that Victoria was accepting his offer to drive her to the restaurant where Miguel and Emily would be meeting her. Nestor then unfolded his arms from his chest once he knew Victoria was in agreement to his plan before he held out his right arm and teasingly exclaimed, "after you, Ms. Miller."

Victoria couldn't help but roll her hazel eyes in amusement at the cartel assassin's playful attitude to herself as she turned around before she closed and locked the front door behind her. The Miller woman then faced the still grinning and relaxed Oceteva man once she was sure that her house was secure for the night before she linked her arm through Nestor's and muttered with a small chuckle, "you are so extra."

Nestor glanced over and down at the brunette woman on his arm with a small amused smile playing on his lips as they walked down the pathway of the house before he asked, "what?" The Oceteva man waited until they reached his black Audi before he teasingly uttered, "I'm just being a good chauffeur, Ms. Miller."

The pediatric nurse let out a loud chuckle that brightened up her whole face before she shook her head in amusement at the dangerous man beside her. Victoria could always find herself laughing or smiling whenever she was with Nestor - the Miller woman had come to realize through their four meetings together - and this time wasn't any different. "I'm sure you are," Victoria teased right back as she tapped her point and middle finger against the center of the cartel assassin's chest before she slowly moved her hand from Nestor's warm and steady body.

The Oceteva man shot the brunette woman a large grin as he released Victoria's lower arm before he silently opened the passenger door to his Audi. Nestor pushed the door open as he straightened out his body before he lightly placed his hand on Victoria's lower back and guided her into the black vehicle. The Oceteva man waited until Victoria was safety secured into the Audi before he closed her door and quickly rounded the car and got into the driver's seat.

The cartel assassin and the pediatric nurse silently rode out of the deserted mountains that hid Victoria's house for her safety in complete silence with only the radio playing softly in the background. However, it wasn't a bad or awkward silence one would expect from two people that only just began to get to know one another this week. It was relaxing and calming between the two adults that they both appreciated from their hectic lives, respectively, as the head of security of the Galindo cartel and a pediatric nurse who also helps the local motorcycle club.

The comfortable silence in the black Audi continued for a couple more minutes until Nestor pulled onto the highway and began the drive towards Oakland to the restaurant at where Victoria would meet the Galindo family. The Oceteva man glanced over to the pediatric nurse for a quick second before he focused back onto the busy highway and curiously wondered, "so, how has your day been? Didn't you have the day off?"

Victoria nodded her head as she turned her attention onto the Oceteva man beside her instead of all of the deserts and mountains that they were passing. The Miller woman couldn't help but release a small chuckle at how her day had gone with her anxiety getting the better of her for the most part before she mumbled, "oh, it has definitely been very eventful."

Nestor glanced back over to the Miller woman when he came to a stop at a red light before he furrowed his brows when he heard the obvious annoyance and nervousness in Victoria's voice. The Oceteva man couldn't help but to be curious to Victoria's reaction, so he focused back onto the road when the light turned green before he inquired, "how so?"

The Miller woman couldn't help but huff out an embarrassed sigh while her tan cheeks turned beet red as she felt like that she had been complaining and ranting to the Oceteva man about the same thing for the past three days. "I've just been dreading tonight," Victoria mumbled out when Nestor looked over at her with a raised eyebrow. The brunette nurse felt embarrassed that she was still so nervous about the dinner with Galindo family but she couldn't help it after knowing who Miguel is.

The Oceteva man let a small smile play on his lips as he drove through Oakland at the fact that Victoria was so nervous about tonight. "You mentioned that over coffee when Emily called you the other night," Nestor noted before he took a quick glance over at the Miller woman and inquired, "you're still nervous?" The cartel assassin had been trying to relax Victoria's mind about tonight for the last couple of days, so he was surprised that the pediatric nurse was still worried.

Victoria huffed out another but louder sigh as her worries about tonight began to cloud her mind once again. "I know it sounds stupid," the Miller woman began with an embarrassed mumble before she confessed as she nervously messed with the zipper on her black clutch purse, "I'm just anxious about meeting Miguel again." The cartel leader just made Victoria nervous - especially since she only met him once at the clubhouse.

Nestor couldn't help but release an amused chuckle at the brunette woman that was nervous about meeting Miguel - his closest best friend in the world. It just amused the cartel assassin when Victoria easily hangs out with him after knowing what he did in his past life and what he currently does. "You hang out with an assassin and a former Navy Sailor," Nestor stated the obvious before he teased the woman beside him with a smirk playing on his lips, "how could you possibly be nervous about seeing Miguel?"

The Miller woman rolled her hazel eyes as she knew that she shouldn't be scared to meet her old best friend's husband when she hangs out with Nestor, an assassin, along with the Mayans, a motorcycle club, and is basically family with the motorcycle club in Charming. "I told you it was stupid," Victoria mumbled in embarrassed like she did every time that this topic would come up and her mind would run wild with nerves.

The Oceteva man could tell that the pediatric nurse was starting to stress herself out, so Nestor lightly and cautiously placed his right hand onto Victoria's exposed knee before he softly assured the brunette woman, "hey, it's not stupid. I'm just teasing." Nestor squeezed the Miller woman's knee before he placed his hand back onto the steering wheel to not make Victoria uncomfortable and continued in a soft tone of voice, "but, honestly, you have nothing to worry about, Victoria." The Oceteva man shot the brunette woman an assuring smile as he stated, "this isn't going to be an interrogation - trust me. Miguel wouldn't be taking you to a restaurant if he wanted to kill you and he certainly wouldn't do it in front of Emily and Cristobal."

Victoria did feel slightly relaxed at Nestor's reassuring words like he had been doing these past couple of days but when the cartel assassin reached the end of his speech, the Miller woman couldn't help but let out a loud scoff. "Well, that reassuring," the pediatric nurse sarcastically exclaimed as that didn't exactly help her nerves.

Nestor released a deep chuckle at the nervous but sarcastic woman beside him before he lightly waved his hand and muttered, "you know what I mean." The Oceteva man paused for a moment as he focused on taking a right turn before he glanced over to the anxious nurse and assured her, "Miguel just wants to get to know his wife's childhood best friend. I promise, you aren't in any danger."

The Miller woman silently stared into Nestor's calm brown irises as she slowly took in his words while her right hand unconsciously gripped the black handgun in her clutch purse. Victoria knew that her thoughts were irrational since it wasn't likely Miguel would kill her just because of her connection to the Mayans - especially not with so many witnesses - so Victoria took a deep breath before she mumbled, "yeah, you're probably right."

The Oceteva man shot the pediatric nurse a wide but teasing grin when he could see that she was beginning to relax her body more while he slowly pulled his black Audi to a full stop in front of the meeting place with the Galindo family before Nestor told the Miller woman, "well, I'm glad we are in agreement because we're here."

Victoria instantly furrowed her brows as Nestor's words before she quickly took a glance out of the tinted window of the passenger seat - where she noticed the bright red sign for the restaurant; Duende. The Miller woman hadn't even realized that they were at the restaurant already - which immediately caused Victoria's anxiousness to return. However, Victoria knew that she couldn't turn back now or back out, so the pediatric nurse took a deep breath before she told Nestor in a mumble, "let's get this over with."

Nestor chuckled at the unmotivated Miller woman, who wasn't exactly excited about her dinner plans, while he turned off his black Audi. He found it amusing that the woman, who hangs out with dangerous people on a regular basis, was this nervous. However, Nestor decided to not tease her anymore - encase Victoria tried to escape before the appetizers. Instead, the Oceteva man stayed silent as he exited out of his vehicle before he rounded the Audi and opened Victoria's door.

The Oceteva man held out his hand for the pediatric nurse to grip before he gently helped Victoria slide out of the low Audi. Nestor waited until Victoria was settled after she fixed the straps of her black dress and she gave him a small smile before the Oceteva man placed his hand onto Victoria's lower back and lead her towards Duende. Nestor, however, could feel the Miller woman's nerves by the shake of her body, so before he opened the door to the busy and loud restaurant, the cartel assassin leaned down and whispered by the shell of Victoria's ear, "you'll do fine."

Victoria glanced up at the Oceteva man for a small moment as she absorbed his kind words before she nodded her head with a smile playing on her lips. The Miller woman took another deep breath to ready herself for the meeting with her old childhood friend and the leader of the Galindo cartel before she nodded her head to herself and opened the wooden door to the restaurant to finally face the music.

The cartel assassin and the pediatric nurse silently entered Duende with Nestor's hand still resting comfortingly on Victoria's lower back before they came to a stop when a bright smile moved in front of them. "Hello! Welcome to Duende!" A cheery voice that belonged to the blonde woman in a white button up shirt uttered before she inquired, "do you have a reservation this evening?"

The Oceteva man gave the familiar blonde hostess a polite smile that he had seen on many occasions of Miguel coming to this very restaurant before the cartel assassin answered the woman's question in the same polite manner as he knew that the hostess wouldn't give him any trouble, "Mr. Galindo is already expecting us."

The blonde hostess's green eyes widened when she heard the very familiar name of the man that basically co-owned the Duende restaurant. "Of course," the woman uttered once she got control of her emotions and acted like her normal and professional self before she stated with a wave of her hand, "Mr. Galindo is in his regular private room."

Nestor gave the blonde woman a small nod as he knew that Miguel wouldn't be anywhere else - especially when he's with his family - before he uttered a small, "thank you." The Oceteva man then placed a little bit of pressure onto Victoria's lower back before he silently lead the anxious woman towards the back of the restaurant with his hand.

The Miller woman couldn't help but cautiously glance at everything and everyone as she slowly walked through the packed out restaurant. The fact that Miguel has a private room like the hostess mentioned made Victoria that more nervous since there wouldn't exactly be any witnesses if he did decide to kill her. However, those tragic and horrid thoughts were immediately washed away, though, when Victoria saw the happy family of the Galindo's gushing over their son around a circular table. It made Miguel seem so normal, so it helped the Miller woman relax a tiny bit as she and Nestor entered the private room.

It only took about a minute and a half before the cartel assassin and the pediatric nurse was noticed when the blonde woman that is Emily Galindo happened to glance up and saw her old childhood best friend. The wife of the leader of the Galindo cartel quickly stood up from her seat and excitedly exclaimed, "you're here," before she rushed to pull the brunette woman into a tight hug.

Victoria released a slightly awkward chuckle while she hugged the blonde woman back just as tightly as she still felt nervous under the gaze of the leader of the Galindo cartel. However, the Miller woman knew that she needed to stay calm and relaxed, so she glanced up to the taller woman and uttered with a small smile, "I told you I would come."

The Galindo woman slowly released her old childhood best friend before she shot Victoria a wide grin. "I'm glad we could do this," Emily confessed as she felt this was the first time in a long time that she has actually been around someone that she sees as a friend instead of Miguel's mother or his associates all the time.

Victoria nodded her head with the same small smile playing on her painted red lips before she softly murmured, "me too." The Miller woman, despite being so nervous and anxious of tonight with Miguel, was quite glad that she was hanging out with Emily again. The blonde woman with the same bright blue eyes that she had when they were children was someone that Victoria wanted to know like she used to, so Victoria knew this dinner was also a way to get close to Emily again and hopefully gain her old best friend back in her life.

Emily squeezed her childhood best friend's lower arm with an excited grin still shining across her nude colored lips before she murmured, "I have some people I want you to meet." The Galindo woman then lightly turned around with the Miller woman's lower arm in her grasp before she pointed towards her son as she began to introduce her family, "I know you already met mi rayito de sol [my little sunshine]."

A large smile immediately pulled onto the Miller woman's face at the sight of the youngest Galindo member, who she only got the opportunity to meet once when she had coffee with Emily. The pediatric nurse couldn't help but walk around the large circular table to greet the small, adorable child as children have always been a soft spot for her. Victoria bent down once she was in front of the small child's stroller before she lightly trailed her finger tip against Cristobal's soft cheek as she murmured with a small smile playing on her lips, "hola, beautiful boy."

Victoria watched as a wide grin played on the small child's face as he let out a cheerful giggle for a moment before she straightened out her body as she stood back up to her normal height. However, though, the Miller woman's smile instantly disappeared when she noticed that the leader of the Galindo cartel was heading straight towards her. Ah, crap, Victoria swore to herself as she could feel her nerves sky-rocketing into overdrive.

"Hello, Victoria," the smooth and suave voice of one of the most dangerous men in California greeted as he came to stop in front of the brunette woman. The leader of the Galindo cartel gave the pediatric nurse a wide grin and pulled Victoria into a polite hug before he stated, "it's good to see you again, Victoria."

The Miller woman tried to calm her nerves as best as she could while Miguel's rough arms hugged around her back that could easily sever her spine. Victoria released a silent deep breath and took a step back once the leader of the Galindo cartel released her so she could at least breathe without being so close to the dangerous man. The brunette woman then gave the man a polite smile as she tried to get control of her emotions before she murmured, "you too, Miguel."

The leader of the Galindo cartel gave the anxious pediatric nurse another wide smile as he stared into Victoria's hazel eyes before he waved his hand towards the circular table. "Please, have a seat," Miguel requested in a easy and relaxed tone before he also joined the table as he took back his original seat beside his son's stroller.

Victoria immediately swallowed down the thickness in her throat as she watched Miguel walk around the table as she felt like she could breathe a little bit better when the most dangerous man's attention wasn't solely on her. The Miller woman briefly closed her hazel eyes as she reminded herself that nothing was going to happen to her before she took a deep breath and walked around the table to take a seat at the last space.

However, though, when Victoria went to pull out the shiny cherry wood chair to join the Galindo family, the Miller woman was surprised when a large hand shot out from behind her and pulled the chair out for her. The pediatric nurse swiftly turned her head to the side at the motion before she noticed it was the Oceteva man. Victoria honestly had forgotten about Nestor's presence ever since she had seen Miguel, so seeing the cartel assassin helped Victoria relax a little bit more since she's, surprisingly, comfortable when he's around her.

The Miller woman, with the help of the Oceteva man, slowly and silently took her seat on the comfortable chair around the circular table before Victoria felt Nestor push her chair towards the table. The pediatric nurse turned her head to the side once she was settled in her chair before she gave Nestor a thankful smile and murmured her praise, "thank you." Victoria was honestly already feeling better now that she remembered that Nestor would be close by. She didn't know why, but the Miller woman felt herself relaxed and safe whenever she is around the cartel assassin after only befriending one another this week.

The Oceteva man gave the obviously anxious nurse a silent nod of his head before he squeezed the Miller woman's bare shoulder. Nestor could see and feel the tension every second that Victoria was inside of the room with Miguel, so the cartel assassin bent his body at his waist before he leaned down until his lips were at the shell of the brunette woman's ear. "You gotta relax," Nestor teasingly whispered and squeezed Victoria's shoulder once more before the cartel assassin straightened his back and headed to the front of the entrance of the private room.

Nestor couldn't help but find it amusing how nervous the Miller woman was obvious being around, his best friend, Miguel as he took his stand as head of security for the Galindo family. Victoria had only been this nervous around him once or twice until they started to get to know one another more, so the cartel assassin found it humorous that Victoria was so nervous when they hang out with one another. It was amusing for the Oceteva man to watch the Miller woman twitch and awkwardly move in her seat from her obvious nerves of being around Miguel.

The private room in the Duende restaurant was silent for a few minutes as everyone got themselves situated in their seats around the large circular table before the blonde Galindo woman was the first one to speak. "Victoria, I would like to introduce you to Cristobal's nanny," Emily began as she looked over at her childhood best friend before she pointed to the brown eyed woman beside her and introduced the aforementioned woman, "this is Maria."

The Miller woman turned her attention onto the quiet nanny that she had noticed when she had walked into the private room as she followed Emily's pale hand before she gave the brown eyed woman a polite smile. "It's nice to meet you," Victoria murmured as she greeted the youngest Galindo's nanny.

Maria silently and shyly nodded her head once in a bowing and greeting fashion with a small smile playing on her lips as she stared across at the brunette woman. "I've heard so much about you," the Galindo family's nanny commented as she remembered how Emily had been gushing about her old childhood friend all week long.

Victoria couldn't help but raise an eyebrow in surprise before she asked, "oh, really?" The Miller woman turned her head to the side so her attention was solely on the blonde woman before she inquired with an expression of teasing shining across her face, "have you been spilling my embarrassing childhood moments?"

The Galindo woman playfully rolled her blue eyes before she lightly waved her right hand and uttered with a smile playing on her nude lips, "of course not." Emily lifted a smirk onto her face as she stared across at her childhood best friend before she teasingly added, "if I wanted to embarrass you, I would do with you in the room so I can watch you become a red mess."

Victoria immediately rolled her hazel eyes right back at the blonde woman with a relaxed chuckle before she mumbled in amusement, "same ole Em." The Miller woman felt like no time had left her and Emily as she remembered this teasing and calm aura that used to surround Emily and her during their childhood and their school years through pre-k to senior year. Victoria honestly felt herself relax now that she was joking around with Emily, so she shot the Galindo woman a wide smirk before she teased right back, "but remember, Em, I have just as many embarrassing stories as well that I would love to share."

The Galindo woman let out a loud groan as she did not want to relive any of her embarrassing moments while the Miller woman continued to laugh before the leader of the Galindo cartel spoke up. "I would love to hear about these stories you speak of," Miguel began as he looked across at Victoria before he glanced over at Emily with a smirk and murmured, "especially if they involve embarrassing my wife."

The Miller woman and the Galindo man shared a small laugh as they watched how red Emily was turning for a few minutes before Miguel turned his attention back onto Victoria. "But before we do that, you need a drink," Miguel told the pediatric nurse before he pointed at the array of bottles in the center of the circular table and inquired, "so, what will it be? Bourbon? Vodka? Tequila? Scotch? Wine? Water?"

Victoria bit down on her bottom lip as she glanced at the different types of bottles before she took a quick look at the glass in front of Miguel - where she noticed that he was drinking bourbon. The Miller woman wanted to keep on the cartel leader's good side and she didn't want to give him any ammunition to kill her, so Victoria decided that she would impress Miguel as she requested, "I could go for a glass of bourbon."

The leader of the Galindo cartel let a smirk grace his lips as he told Victoria, "excellent choice." Miguel stood up from his seat and leaned over the table before he grabbed the bottle of bourbon that he had already opened. The Galindo man then poured the amber liquid into a crystal glass before he reached across the table to hand the drink to the Miller woman.

"I do not know how you guys drink that stuff," Emily mumbled with a disgusted expression on her face as she watched the pediatric nurse take a sip of her alcoholic drink. The Galindo woman picked up her alcohol of choice which happened to be red wine and uttered, "at least wine actually has a flavor," before she took a gulp of her aforementioned sweet drink.

Miguel let out a small chuckle at his wife before he told her with a grin playing on his lips, "it's an acquired taste, mi amor [my love]." The leader of the Galindo cartel then looked over to his guest of the evening before he inquired, "how are you liking the bourbon?" Miguel lifted up his own glass of the amber alcohol as he told Victoria, "it's a '93 Buffalo Trace aged twenty five years."

Victoria's hazel eyes immediately widened when she heard the name of what she was drinking. "Wow, I've heard about this one," the Miller woman commented as she gazed down at the amber liquid before she mentioned, "I read it an article a few months back." Victoria furrowed her brows for a moment as she tried to remember the article before she snapped her fingers and exclaimed, "yes, the article mentioned that one bottle is about ten thousand." The Miller woman shook her head in disbelief at the priciest drink that she has ever had in her life before she complimented towards Miguel with a small smile, "it's very good, thank you."

The Galindo man tipped his head in a nodding fashion as he accepted her praise while he took a sip of his own glass of bourbon before he shot Victoria a wide grin and mused, "ah, a fellow alcohol connoisseur." Miguel gave the brunette woman an impressed look as he could appreciate someone that knows their alcohol before he told the pediatric nurse, "well, I'm glad you are enjoying it. Please, have as much as you like."

Victoria gave the Galindo man a thankful nod and a small smile before the private room grew silent with the married couple and the pediatric nurse looking through their menus and the nanny playing with the small child and a stuffed lion toy. The tranquility continued for a few more minutes before Miguel looked up and between Emily and Victoria as he wondered, "I'm curious about something. How did you and my lovely wife come to meet?"

The Miller and Galindo women immediately glanced over at each other at the question with grins shining across their lips before they both uttered at the exact same time like they used to do as kids, "on the red slide at the park on fifth street." The old best friends couldn't help but share a laugh together before Emily looked over to her amused husband and explained, "it happened when we were about four, I think, and we both wanted to go on the only slide in town by the old elementary school and we just instantly clicked."

Victoria nodded her head in agreement as she remembered that moment when she had met Emily Thomas - now Galindo. It was during a weekend when her brother, Nathan, was gone at his friend's house. Victoria really wanted to play on the big red slide that day but her mother was gone at work on the streets and her father was, thankfully, passed out from his twenty-four pack of cheap beer, so little Victoria had wondered to the park that Nathan always brought her to - where she ultimately met the bubbly blonde that was Emily Thomas.

"It helped that Em over here was a girl," the Miller woman began to tell Miguel with a soft chuckle as she nodded her head towards the blonde woman. "I've only hung out with boys ever since I could walk," Victoria explained to the Galindo man before she paused and changed her sentence, "well, really only Ezekiel. He's always been my best friend since I was in diapers." The brunette nurse turned her hazel gaze over to the blonde woman before she concluded with a playful grin on her face, "so, Emily was definitely a great addition to my life when we were growing up."

A bright smile immediately lit up the blonde Galindo woman's face as soon as she heard the words come from the pediatric nurse that meant the world to her - especially after not talking for years. Emily reached across the table and squeezed Victoria's hand as she gushed, "aw! I felt the exact same way when we were kids." The blonde woman gave the brunette a wide smile before she softly murmured, "you were always my best friend through everything."

The leader of the Galindo cartel silently listened as his wife and the woman who seems to know everyone around Santo Padre talked to one another while he sipped on his bourbon with interest shining throughout his brown eyes. Miguel had always been curious about Victoria ever since he briefly met her at the Mayans clubhouse. He could never understand how a pediatric nurse like her could be mixed in with all of the bikers, so Miguel decided that he would subtly approach the topic of Victoria's connection with the Reyes men since Victoria did bring up the younger one. "Is that why you are involved with the Reyes brothers?" Miguel curiously asked as he stared across at the brunette woman before he continued, "because you were friends when you were kids?"

The Miller woman couldn't help but bite down on her lower lip and she took a shaky and deep breath. Victoria knew that she would get asked about her connection with the Reyes men sooner or later by Miguel as she figured Miguel would want to interrogate her about her life since she was involved with Emily now. The pediatric nurse completely understood, though, but she was still a bit anxious about being interrogated by the dangerous man since that hadn't happened since she was eighteen and she got in trouble by the local Charming police for public intoxication with Juice when they went and tried to get tacos at three in the morning.

Victoria knew that she couldn't avoid the question any longer after she got out of her thoughts when the leader of the Galindo cartel was still staring at her, so the Miller woman quickly downed the rest of her glass of bourbon to gain the confidence that she needed to talk to Miguel before she began her story about the Reyes men. "My parents weren't the best of people throughout my childhood," Victoria muttered as she anxiously played with her fingers while she briefly spoke about the two people that she hated thinking about before Victoria glanced up to Miguel and stated, "I had my older brother but sometimes I would end up playing by myself."

"But one day," the Miller woman continued with her story, "little EZ, who was one at the time, and his mother were taking a walk down the street and that is where EZ noticed me with this bright red firetruck that my brother had gave me and he wanted to have it." Victoria let out a small chuckle as she remembered that moment before she concluded with a soft smile, "anyways, long story short, EZ ended up running up on the front lawn and started pouting about wanting to play with it." Victoria lightly shrugged her shoulders and murmured, "and we've been best friends ever since."

Miguel nodded his head with a carefree smile playing on his lips after he listened to Victoria's story about how she came to be close to the youngest Reyes man. The leader of the Galindo cartel could understand the connection with the pediatric nurse and the Mayans prospect a little better now as he had seen how protective Ezekiel gets when someone mentions Victoria's name - just like the older Reyes. "Is that how you got close to Angel as well?" Miguel inquired as he was even more curious about the relationship between the pediatric nurse and the biker.

It wasn't Victoria that answered Miguel's question, though, as the aforementioned man's wife quickly let out a loud giggle before she exclaimed as she jumped into the conversation, "God, no!" The blonde woman waited until she could get her tipsy giggling under control before she looked over to her husband and told him with a small chuckle as she remembered their childhood together, "Angel and Vic hated each other."

The Galindo man's brown eyes widened slightly when he heard the words leave his wife's mouth. "Really?" Miguel questioned with his brows furrowed once he moved his gaze back onto the pediatric nurse. The leader of the Galindo cartel was quite surprised to hear that the two didn't like each other by how close they seem when he saw Angel with the pediatric nurse and how protective he always gets like his younger brother does.

Victoria couldn't help but let out an amused chuckle at Miguel's reaction to her and Angel's beginning relationship. It was a reaction that she got quite a lot when someone would ask how she and Angel knew each other since it was way different to their relationship now. "Angel and I were never really close while growing up since he was a few years older than me," Victoria began to explain to the puzzled Miguel before she playfully rolled her hazel eyes and muttered, "he was basically my own personal bully growing up."

Miguel's brows continued to be furrowed as he stared across at the pediatric nurse in confusion as he tried to understand what he had seen at the Mayans clubhouse between the two. "You guys seem very close, though," the Galindo man commented as he remembered how the pediatric nurse and the biker had interacted with one another before Miguel wondered, "what changed from the beginning of your relationship to now?"

The Miller woman bit down on her bottom lip as she remembered the exact reason why she and Angel ended up getting close. It was something that broke her heart every time that she thought about it. "Well, after their mother was killed and EZ went to prison," Victoria began as she mentioned a bad moment in their lives before she stated, "Angel and I ended up leaning on one another for comfort." The brunette woman decided to not mention the whole part where she and Angel started sleeping together while they comforted each other before she uttered with a small shrug, "we ended up growing on one another and we've been close friends ever since."

The Galindo man nodded his head as he hummed to himself while he silently took in the Miller woman's words. It helped Miguel understand the relationship and the connection between Victoria and the Reyes brothers that he had recently been curious about. However, the one question that was still on the leader of the Galindo cartel's mind was how Victoria, a pediatric nurse, could be mixed in with the local motorcycle club. "Is Angel how you got involved with the club?" Miguel questioned as he decided to take his interrogation about his wife's old friend a step further.

"Miguel!" The blonde Galindo woman instantly scolded her husband as soon as she heard his question. Emily shot her husband a slight glare as she recalled their conversation earlier about not mentioning work before she mumbled, "I thought we promised that we would leave business out of dinner tonight."

The Miller woman could feel the tension building between the married couple, so Victoria quickly gave them a small smile and assured the Galindo's as she stated, "no, no, it's okay. Everyone's always curious." Victoria knew that if she didn't answer Miguel's question right now, then it would just come up some time later and Victoria would rather get it out of the way while she still had the courage to do so. The Miller woman took a deep breath before she began her tale about how she got into the Mayans inner circle, "I didn't get involved with the Mayans until two or three years ago."

Victoria poured herself another glass of the high priced bourbon as she tried to gather her thoughts before she focused back onto the curious Miguel and continued with her story, "I was just out of nursing school and was starting my job at the hospital when one of the Mayans got hurt during a run." The Miller woman took a sip of the smooth bourbon before she uttered, "Angel knew that I would be able to help, so he ended up at my place and I helped patch 'em up." Victoria lightly shrugged her shoulders as she commented, "I guess Bishop appreciated the help with his men, so I always end up helping them out when they need me - like you saw when you were at the clubhouse last week."

Miguel nodded his head as he murmured, "ah, that makes sense." The Galindo man recalled exactly what the pediatric nurse was mentioning when he, Nestor, and Marcus had showed up at the Mayans clubhouse. Miguel remembered seeing the large bag and the injured biker when they had stopped by to conduct some business about his missing drugs and had seen the brunette woman that was currently in front of him.

The table in the private room, unfortunately, grew silent after Miguel's last sentence. Victoria usually wasn't this awkward but she wasn't sure what she was supposed to say to the leader of the Galindo cartel. The Miller woman didn't want to talk anymore about the Reyes men or the Mayans to give Miguel any ammunition against them, so Victoria decided to stay quiet as she avoided Miguel's brown eyes and continued to sip on her heavenly bourbon as she prayed that Miguel wouldn't ask anymore about the group of important men in her life.

Thankfully, though, the blonde Galindo woman had noticed the awkward tension that took over the private room after a few silent minutes. Emily knew it would happen and that was the reason why she tried to tell Miguel to keep business out of tonight with mentioning the Mayans as she knew it would make Victoria anxious. It was just something Emily knew that would happen - even though that she hadn't been in Victoria's life in years - so the Galindo woman loudly cleared her throat to get everyone's attention before she asked with a simple smile shining on her nude lips to end the awkwardness, "should we order?"

Miguel gave his wife a large smile after he moved his steady brown irises off of the Miller woman before he murmured, "that sounds perfect, mi amor [my love]." The Galindo man then moved his attention back onto Victoria before he politely asked her as if he wasn't just interrogating her, "are you ready to eat?"

The Miller woman gave the married couple an awkward smile after she finally pulled the glass of bourbon from her lips as she still felt anxious about any type of conversation that was to come. Victoria knew that she couldn't show Miguel her fear, though, so the pediatric nurse took a silent deep breath before she murmured with a tight smile, "I'm ready if you guys are."

The leader of the Galindo cartel nodded his head in Victoria's direction before he uttered in agreement, "very well." Miguel then looked over the pediatric nurse's shoulder and towards the door of his private room before he called out to his head of security, "Nestor."

The Oceteva man didn't even have to say anything to Miguel as he already knew what he needed to do. Instead, Nestor opened the door to the private room and briefly looked around the hallway before he noticed the familiar waitress that always waits on the Galindo family. The head of security gave the woman a silent nod towards the private room before he allowed her to enter and closed the door behind them.

"Good evening, Mr. and Mrs. Galindo," the waitress quickly greeted the married couple as soon as she walked into the private room with a cheery smile on her pink colored lips. The brunette waitress walked up to the circular table and pulled out her small notebook from her black apron before she politely asked, "are we ready to order?"

Miguel nodded his head and uttered as he gave the waitress a slight smile, "yes, we are." The Galindo man then moved his gaze over to the Miller woman and stated, "you are our guest of honor this evening," before he lifted his hand in a waving motion to let Victoria know that she could order her meal first.

Victoria gave the Galindo man a thankful but slightly nervous smile before she moved her hazel eyes down to the menu that she had read at least one hundred times during the awkward silence. The Miller woman moved her hazel irises over the menu for a moment as she looked for the meal that she had picked out earlier before she looked up at the patient waitress. "I'll have the fideua," Victoria requested as she felt like she could go for some seafood pasta right about now.

The brunette waitress quickly wrote down the order on her notebook as she commented with a small smile, 'excellent choice." The woman then moved her gaze over to the familiar nanny of the Galindo family before she inquired, "and what will you be having this evening, Ms. Maria?"

The nanny of Cristobal Galindo gave the familiar waitress of Duende a polite smile before she looked down at the menu in her hands and read off her order, "I'll take the brocheta de camarones." Maria silently closed her menu before she softly murmured after she ordered her shrimp brochette, "thank you."

The waitress for Duende nodded her head as she wrote down the nanny's order before she lifted her gaze and looked over to the married couple. "And how about you, Mr. and Mrs. Galindo?" The brunette woman inquired before she asked as she knew what the happy couple usually ordered when they would have dinner at the restaurant, "are we going for some tapas tonight?"

"Yes, we are," Miguel uttered to the waitress before he ordered a plate of marinated Spanish olives and a Spanish omelette with mussels that also comes with a side of pork skewers, "we'll take the aceitunas alinadas and the tortilla española y mejillones escabechados." The Galindo man then closed his menu while the waitress wrote down their order before he looked over to his wife and inquired, "is there anything else you would like, mi amor [my love]?"

The blonde Galindo woman bit down on her bottom lip as she looked over the menu for a few seconds before she nodded her head and uttered, "yeah, I think there is." Emily loved trying new things whenever they would come to Oakland for dinner, so the blonde woman looked for an item that she hadn't tried yet before she told the waitress that she wanted the pork rillette plate, "We'll also have the montiditos de manteca colora."

The waitress, once again, nodded her head as she finished writing down the orders before she murmured to the Galindo woman, "of course." The brunette woman looked back up to the circular table once she had placed her notebook back into her apron with a wide smile before she told them, "I'll be out with your food as quickly as possible."

The private room, unfortunately, grew silent once the waitress had taken her leave as soon as she had finished speaking to place their order. Victoria couldn't stand the silence as it was awkward and it was making her even more nervous than she had been all night, so the Miller woman decided to focus on Miguel since she knows barely anything about him - along with the fact to stop him from asking any questions about her relationship with the Reyes men and the Mayans.

Victoria only knew that Miguel was this big and bad cartel leader from what she had heard from the little bit of information that Angel had told her about, so the Miller woman decided that she would focus on that since she was curious how her old best friend's husband even got involved in all that. "So," Victoria uttered as she interrupted the silence after she cleared her throat before she inquired, "did you always know that you wanted to go into the line of business that you are in?"

The Galindo man let a small smile lift onto the right side of his lips while he was drinking his bourbon as he had been curious when Victoria would come out of her shell and begin to question him about his life. Miguel honestly didn't mind the Miller woman questioning him about his work since he could tell that she was honestly curious along with the fact that she is involved with the Mayans so she would be able to handle it.

The leader of the Galindo cartel placed his glass down onto the circular table once he had finished a sip of his bourbon before he looked over to Victoria and answered her question as he leaned back in his chair, "well, it was right after high school. My father was in charge of the family business at the time and he sent me to America to learn how to become apart of the business from a fellow associate of his." Miguel placed his arm on the back of Emily's chair and squeezed her bare shoulder before he continued about his past with a wide grin shining across his face, "I ended up staying in the states for a couple of years until I got my degree while I was being taught about the family business - where I met this beautiful woman."

Emily immediately released a lovesick giggle from her lips when her husband mentioned when they met in college and murmured as she stared into Miguel's brown eyes that always made her fall in love all over again with the man beside her, "it was the best thing to ever happen to me," before she pulled her husband into a sweet but short kiss.

Victoria couldn't help the small smile that rose onto her face as she watched the married couple. The Miller woman could see how happy Miguel makes Emily, despite the fact that she did love EZ and the blonde woman together when they were all in high school, and that made Victoria happy as she could tell that Miguel was the one for Emily by the way a certain glow surrounded the blonde whenever she would talk or when she's around Miguel.

The Miller woman watched the married couple become lovesick with one another as they smiled and kissed for another minute or so before Victoria decided that she would focus back onto the topic of the leader of the Galindo cartel. Victoria wanted to learn as much as she could about the dangerous man, so Victoria took a sip of her bourbon before she curiously inquired, "did you always know that you were going to follow in your father's footsteps into the family business?"

Miguel focused his attention back onto the Miller woman once he heard her question before he shook his head with a chuckle. "I actually had no interest in joining my father while I was in high school," the Galindo man stated before he glanced over Victoria's shoulder and over to his best friend and head of security. "Nestor and I used to always say we were going to be astronauts when we were kids," Miguel uttered with a smirk playing on his lips before he called out to his best friend, "isn't that right, Nestor?"

The Oceteva man turned his body to the side while he continued to have an eye on the door of the private room and looked over to the Galindo man with his own smirk playing on his lips as he remembered their childhood dream job. Nestor tipped his head in a nodding motion as he murmured with amusement in his voice, "yes, sir."

The leader of the Galindo cartel and the head of security both shared a moment of laughter as they remembered all the moments from their childhood when they thought they would become astronauts before the Galindo woman suddenly exclaimed, "oh, my God!" Emily had all of her attention on the Miller woman as she exclaimed when she suddenly remembered something when she heard about her husband and his best friend's childhood dream job, "that reminds me of the time when we said we were going to be these famous ballerinas that cured sadness with our fabulous dancing skills."

The Miller woman immediately let out a heavy groan before she mumbled as a blush lifted onto her tan cheeks, "oh, don't remind me." The brunette nurse remembered that before she wanted to go into the medical field, she and Emily wanted to be these healing ballerinas. It was such a childish dream that it embarrassed her even just thinking about it. Victoria shook her head with a small chuckle before she voiced her thoughts, "that was such an embarrassing dream of ours when Mr. Ham told us we would never accomplish it."

Emily rolled her blue eyes at the memory of their first grade teacher's words to them when they wore tutus to class for six months straight before she exclaimed with a shake of her head, "he was such an ass for crushing two seven year old's dreams." The Galindo woman puffed out her chest with her red wine settled in her right hand before she uttered with a look of confidence on her face, "we could have totally been ballerinas."

Victoria couldn't help but let out a loud chuckle at her childhood best friend before she sarcastically uttered, "oh, yeah, totally." The Miller woman shook her head in amusement as she stared across at the confident blonde woman before she continued teasingly, "we would have toured the world curing everyone of their sadness like goddesses."

The Galindo woman looked at the pediatric nurse as if she couldn't believe that Victoria wasn't being serious like she was about their childhood dream job - even though she wasn't actually sincere. "What?" Emily mumbled with her brows playfully furrowed as if she didn't know why everyone was watching her with grins on their faces before she exclaimed with a wide smile spreading across her nude tinted lips, "it could have happened!"

The Miller woman shook her head in amusement at her old best friend's childish behavior before she murmured with a smirk playing across her lips, "whatever you say, Em." Victoria actually found herself relaxing after the words teasingly slipped out of her mouth. It made Victoria feel like no time had passed between her and Emily. It was like that they didn't, in fact, spend years apart from one another.

The private room was then soon filled with the sound of an enjoyable laughter and a grinning Oceteva man from his security post at the front door after they all had watched as Emily pouted at the Miller woman and the aforementioned nurse playfully stuck out her tongue. It was like that awkward tension from fifteen minutes ago just disappeared after a few memories were shared between the group of adults.

The evening dinner at Duende slowly but surely began to go more smoothly as the night went on between the Galindo couple and the Miller woman after their shared laughter along with the elephant in the room that came in the form of the Galindo cartel. The three adults spent the rest of their night getting to know one another better while they ate their meals and drank their wine and bourbon. They shared bunch of laughs and details about their lives like old friends would before the enjoyable night was suddenly interrupted when a cell phone began to ring throughout the private room.

Victoria furrowed her brows at the loud sound as she remembered that she had silenced her cell phone when she was still at her house. The Miller woman didn't want to have any interruptions from Angel or Ezekiel, so she had made sure that her cell phone wouldn't be a problem as she knew Angel would just keep on calling until she answered. However, Victoria relaxed her body when she realized that it hadn't been her cell phone when the Galindo man answered his device in a quiet murmur.

Victoria didn't want to be nosy as she figured it had to deal with the Galindo cartel, so the Miller woman just focused on her delicious plate of seafood pasta and her high priced bourbon while Miguel continued to speak into his cell phone. There was only the sound of the Galindo man speaking to someone over his device for a couple of minutes before, finally, Miguel ended the call and placed his cell phone back into the pocket of his black slacks.

The first voice that spoke through the silent private room after the interruption into the dinner happened to be from the wife of the leader of the Galindo cartel. "Is everything alright?" Emily gently inquired with her brows deeply furrowed as she softly laid her hand onto her husband's upper arm. It was very abnormal for a call to happen during dinner, unless it was important, so Emily was concerned to what could have happened.

Miguel gave his wife an assuring smile as he murmured, "of course, mi amor [my love]." The Galindo man placed a soft kiss onto Emily's forehead to ease her obvious worrying before he simply told her, "it was just business." Miguel waited until he was sure that Emily understood that nothing was wrong before he faced the Miller woman. "I'm sorry to cut this lovely evening short, ladies," the leader of the Galindo cartel apologized to both of the women before he continued, "but Marcus has some information that I need to intend to."

Victoria immediately waved her hand and told the Galindo man, "don't worry about it. I completely understand." If there was someone that would understand, it would be the Miller woman with her being a pediatric nurse. It wasn't the same with Miguel but there were times when Victoria had to be paged to the hospital whenever a post-op child needed her since she was one of the only nurses that specializes in pediatric surgery.

Miguel nodded his head and uttered as he was pleased that the Miller woman understood what happens when duty calls, "thank you." The Galindo man then focused his attention solely onto his wife beside him as he lightly placed his warm hand onto Emily's right cheek before he softly promised in a small murmur, "I will make this up to you, mi amor [my love]."

The blonde Galindo woman gave her husband a small smile as that was what Miguel always does whenever he has leave during their time together. It was a common occurrence that she was hundred percent used to, so she didn't exactly mind. However, Emily did love to tease her husband, so the blonde woman widely grinned before she teasingly murmured, "you better."

Miguel shook his head with a small chuckle as he watched the playful side of his wife before he murmured, "I will," and pulled Emily into a small but meaningful kiss. The Galindo man held his wife in that position for a minute or two as he silently apologized for leaving during their dinner before he pulled Emily up with him as he stood up from the circular table to leave for his meeting with Marcus.

Everyone in the private room each began to prepare to leave Duende once they saw the leader of the Galindo cartel stand up from his seat with Maria gathering little Cristobal's diaper bag, his toys, and his bottle from around the table while Emily gathered her son in her arms. However, Victoria was the awkward one out, though, as she didn't know what she was supposed to do since she only had a clutch purse. The Miller woman settled on gathering the money from her purse to pay for her meal to stop the awkwardness that she could feel by just standing there.

"Put that away," the Galindo man immediately told the Miller woman in his loud voice, which scared the pediatric nurse, when he looked over at Victoria and realized what she was doing. Miguel shot the brunette woman an amused smile as he had seen her jump before he uttered, "you were our guest tonight, so the meal is on me."

Victoria bit down on her bottom lip as she stared across at the Galindo man. She hated having other people pay for her since she always liked to do something with her hard earned money, but Victoria knew that it would be best to allow Miguel to pay as she knew it would be rude. The Miller woman, finally, nodded her head in agreement to the awaiting Miguel once she came to a conclusion before she promised, "but the next one is on me."

Miguel let out a deep chuckle before a wide smirk lifted onto his lips and he muttered to the brunette woman in agreement, "deal." The Galindo man then placed his hand into the right pocket of his black slacks before he pulled out his wallet. Miguel opened up the piece of Italian leather before he grabbed a couple of hundred dollar bills to cover everyone's meals and drinks.

The group of adults all filed out of the private room and into the busy restaurant once the Galindo man exited with his wife and child by his side. Victoria allowed Maria to walk in front of her with a polite smile on her face before she followed along. The Miller woman glanced around the restaurant as they walked as she didn't really have the time when she had entered since she was so nervous. However, though, while Victoria was looking at a beautiful painting of Spain, her thoughts were soon interrupted when Nestor sped up until he was next to her.

The Oceteva man loudly cleared his throat through the busy restaurant to gain the Miller woman's attention before he playfully bumped his hip into Victoria's black dress covered one and teasingly uttered, "I told you that you didn't have anything to worry about." Nestor had known that Victoria would be okay tonight with Miguel and he had been right all along as he had noticed when Victoria stopped being so anxious about fifteen minutes into the evening.

Victoria immediately rolled her hazel eyes at the Oceteva man's teasing with a deep red blush on her cheeks before she mumbled in embarrassment, "oh, shut up." The Miller woman knew that she had been silly to be nervous for a dinner with her childhood best friend and her husband but Victoria knew that she had a reason to be cautious since Miguel is a dangerous man. However, that didn't stop the embarrassment Victoria felt by Nestor's teasing as the night turned out pretty good.

Nestor let out a heavy chuckle as he watched the brunette woman become annoyed with her beet red cheeks and her tense standing. "Aw," the Oceteva man murmured as he decided to further his teasing before he cooed into the shell of Victoria's ear, "is little Miss Victoria embarrassed that she freaked out for nothing?"

The Miller woman glared over at the man beside her for a moment at his continued teasing but it didn't exactly last that much longer as she couldn't help the small smile that lifted onto her lips. The Oceteva man just made her feel so relaxed and safe that Victoria couldn't stay mad. Instead, she slapped his hard chest and playfully muttered, "you're the worst."

The cartel assassin and the pediatric nurse shared a playful chuckle together as they continued to walk through the busy restaurant with small jabs being thrown at one another before they finally arrived out on the street in front of Duende, where the Galindo family, Maria, and two other men, that Victoria figured were apart of Miguel's security team, were waiting on them.

The leader of the Galindo cartel turned his attention onto the Miller woman when he noticed her presence standing along the streets of Oakland before he reminded her and his wife, "Nestor and I need to go visit Marcus at the clubhouse." Miguel pointed over to the man with the buzz-cut and goatee before he continued, "but Benson, here, will drive you lovely ladies anywhere you want to go."

Victoria nodded her head in understanding as she had been curious about the driving situation since Nestor did pick her up from her house and she figured the leader of the Galindo cartel would need his head of security for whatever, Marcus, the president of the Oakland charter needed to talk about.

The Galindo man took a step closer to the Miller woman until he was in front of her before he uttered his farewell for the evening, "it was nice see you again and to get to know you." Miguel glanced over to the blonde woman behind him before he faced Victoria with a smile and continued, "I can see why my wife wanted to arrange this dinner tonight and keep in touch with you after so many years apart."

A small grin lifted onto Victoria's lips at the Galindo man's words before she murmured as she glanced over to Emily, "I'm glad she did, too." The Miller woman then focused back onto Miguel before she also uttered her farewell for the night as she showed her praise, "thank you for the meal. I'm glad we got the chance to do this."

Miguel nodded his head in agreement before he promised, "we'll set up something soon." The Galindo man then remembered something that he had bought the other day before he told Victoria, "I picked up this perfect bottle of bourbon from Ireland last week. We'll have to have a drink sometime now that I know you know your alcohol." Miguel gave the brunette woman one last smile after he watched Victoria nod her head in agreement before he headed over to his family to say goodbye for the evening.

The Miller woman couldn't help the soft smile that rose onto her lips while she watched Miguel, a dangerous cartel leader, walk over to Emily and Cristobal before he placed a loving kiss onto his son's forehead. It made Victoria remember that there was always two different sides of a person - no matter how dangerous they may seem and after tonight, it made Victoria understand a little bit more of how her childhood best friend ended up with the leader of the Galindo cartel.

Victoria felt like she was watching a homey and heartfelt movie as she continued to watch the small family that she never really did have all her life before the Miller woman's thoughts were soon interrupted when the Oceteva man stood in her line of sight of the loving family. Nestor waited until the pediatric nurse looked up at him before he spoke in a gentle voice, "shoot me a text when you get home safely." The cartel assassin didn't really like that he wouldn't be the one to drive Victoria home but he knew that he had to be with Miguel for the meeting with the Oakland charter. Nestor trusted Benson, someone he had personally brought into his security team, so he knew Victoria would be in good hands.

The Miller woman nodded her head while she stared up at the taller man as she was used to Nestor asking this of her over the last couple of days that they've been friends. It was something that Angel had always asked her to do when she would, on the off-chance, go home alone so Victoria didn't really mind. "Be careful," the pediatric nurse told Nestor after she agreed to text him. Victoria immediately scolded herself for saying that, though. It was something that she did for Angel like a reflex since she was always worried about the older Reyes whenever he would go on runs.

Thankfully for the Miller woman, though, the head of security for the Galindo cartel didn't take it the wrong way. Instead, the Oceteva man shot the pediatric nurse an amused smirk before he nodded his head in agreement. Nestor reached across from him and found Victoria's warm hand by her side before he squeezed her small limb as he silently promised to be careful.

Victoria gave the Oceteva man's hand a small squeeze as she felt his rough fingers graze the back of her hand before she released it when she noticed the leader of the Galindo cartel heading their way. The Miller woman gave Miguel a small smile and a nod before she watched the two equally dangerous men enter Nestor's black Audi and drive off into the night.

"Ladies," an unfamiliar voice spoke up once no one could see the red lights from the car as the Audi turned the corner - which immediately caused Victoria to turn around and realized it was Benson, one of the security guards, who had spoke up. The man with the buzz-cut pointed his arm towards a black SUV that was a few steps away from the restaurant as he told the three women, "if you are ready, we can get going."

Emily nodded her head with a slight smile on her face before she murmured, "thank you, Benson." The blonde Galindo woman looked over to her childhood best friend and nodded her head towards the vehicle before she walked towards the black SUV with her son settled in her arms and the two women following closely behind.

It was a calm and relaxing feeling in the air as the three women walked towards the black SUV with the surprisingly cool atmosphere in Oakland flowing through the streets during the middle of July. The two security guards that had stayed with the Galindo woman opened up the passenger and backseat doors and stood to the side by the time the women walked up to the vehicle.

The nanny, Maria, placed the diaper bag onto the floorboard in the backseat of the SUV before she turned her attention onto the youngest Galindo with a small smile adoring her face. "Ven acá, principito," [come here, little prince] Maria cooed to the small child before she carefully grabbed Cristobal from his mother's arms and began to sing a small tune as she placed the youngest Galindo into his car seat.

The Miller woman smiled and waited as she watched the Galindo family nanny sing to the young child while she entered the black SUV and buckled Cristobal into his seat. Victoria stood still until she saw Maria get into the black SUV before she went to follow to get into her own seat. However, before Victoria could get into the backseat, the Galindo woman instantly stopped her with a light touch on her lower arm while she asked, "do you want to sit in the front?" Emily let out a small chuckle before she explained, "I know Cristobal can get a little fussy during car rides."

Victoria gave her childhood best friend a small smile before she shook her head and uttered, "oh, I don't mind." The Miller woman looked into the backseat of the black SUV with a grin shining across her lips when she saw the youngest Galindo playing with a small toy before she told Emily, "I would love to spend some more time with the cutie."

The blonde Galindo woman released a small chuckle as she could see the truth of the words from Victoria's mouth as the Miller woman stared at her son with adoration in her hazel eyes. Emily could see just how much the pediatric nurse loves kids, so the Galindo woman nodded her head and murmured a soft okay before she and Victoria entered their respective seats in the black SUV.

The two security guards spoke for a minute or two after the women and child were secure in the vehicle before Benson climbed into the drivers seat and the other security guard, Jay, headed to the other SUV to speed to the Galindo compound to make sure the house was secure for Mrs. Galindo's arrival. The two security guards gave each other a small nod before Jay headed out back towards Santo Padre with Benson following a few minutes behind.

The black SUV was silent for a few minutes as they drove through the dark night in Oakland in a comfortable atmosphere before the Miller woman turned her attention towards the babbling child beside her. Victoria couldn't help the bright smile that lifted onto her lips when she met the honey brown eyes of Cristobal Galindo. "Hey, there," the pediatric nurse cooed as she let the small child wrap his hand around her point finger when he reached for her.

Victoria listened to the heavenly sound of the small child giggling before she picked up the stuffed animal that was a lion and waved it in front of Cristobal like the small animal was dancing while she made funny faces at the youngest Galindo. It was like a reflex for Victoria as she always did that for the children at the hospital as it always lifted a smile onto their faces and that was the joy of her whole day - seeing the ill children look and act happy during a bad time in their lives like she wished that she had when she was growing up with an abusive father and an absent mother.

The black SUV was filled with nothing but the youngest Galindo's heavenly laughter which gained the attention on his mother. Emily turned her body the best that she could in her tight dress and a seat belt until she could see into the backseat before a small grin lifted onto her lips at the sight in front of her. "He likes you," Emily told her childhood best friend as she continued to watch as her son looked at Victoria in amazement and amusement.

Victoria quickly and briefly shot her hazel eyes to the blonde woman with a small smile before she looked back at the child that wanted her attention. "Well, good thing I like him too," the Miller woman joked to what Emily had said as she could feel herself falling for the innocence and joy that was coming from the youngest Galindo. Victoria shot the small child a grin when he finally released her finger and placed the lion in his lap before she covered her face with her hands. The pediatric nurse could hear Cristobal squirm in his seat before Victoria swiftly lifted her hands and exclaimed, "peek-a-boo!"

The black SUV was silent for only about a few seconds before the small child immediately let out the cutest giggle that anyone had have heard - which immediately caused the three women to laugh at the excitement bubbling from the youngest Galindo. "You are going to have him spoiled rotten for your attention," Emily teased as she shook her head in amusement. The blonde woman watched as her childhood best friend and her son played peek-a-boo for a few more rounds before Emily softly murmured, "I'm glad we did this tonight."

Victoria gave the small child one last smile and placed the stuffed lion between his grabby hands before she turned her attention onto the blonde woman once Cristobal was occupied. The Miller woman gave her childhood best friend a soft smile before she uttered right back in the same gentle tone that Emily had used, "me too."

Emily pushed a portion of her blonde hair behind her ear as she stared across her at childhood best friend. "If I'm being honest," the Galindo woman began with a light blush on her cheeks that, thankfully, no one could see in the dark vehicle before she told Victoria, "I was nervous that you would end up bailing tonight."

Victoria stared over at the blonde woman with her brows slowly beginning to be deeply furrowed. "Why?" The Miller woman curiously wondered as she twitched her head to the side in confusion.

The Galindo woman let out a small chuckle before she explained, "well, obviously, you know what Miguel does for a living." Emily lightly shrugged her shoulders before she stated, "I was just nervous that it would scare you off." The blonde woman knew that Victoria's involved with the Mayans and the Reyes brothers but Emily had still been nervous for the past couple of days that her cartel husband would be too much for the pediatric nurse to handle.

The Miller woman couldn't help the tiny laugh that escaped through her lips once she realized why Emily had thought that she would bail tonight. "You know I'm tougher than that, Em," the brunette nurse joked while she hid the fact that she been scared out of her mind before and during the most part of their dinner with being in the same room as the leader of the Galindo cartel.

Emily playfully rolled her blue eyes at her childhood best friend before she mumbled, "I know, trust me, I know." The Galindo woman knew first hand how strong and tough that Victoria can be from their younger days. Emily had seen the brunette woman at her lowest point when they were sixteen and everything in between, so she knew exactly how tough Victoria is. The Galindo woman shook her head after a moment as she pushed away the guilt that she felt for her best friend experiencing all those horrible memories before Emily softly uttered, "I'm just happy that we are back into each other's lives."

Victoria gave her childhood best friend a soft smile as she could hear the truthfulness through Emily's voice. The Miller woman reached across the seat and squeezed the blonde's hand that was resting on the middle console before she murmured, "me too. I'm glad we ran into each other last week." Victoria honestly found it a blessing that she and Emily connected back together so quickly. She didn't realize how much that she missed having the blonde in her life until they had coffee last week. It was like having a missing piece back in her chest with having her best friend involved in her life again.

The two childhood best friends grinned across at each other as they both knew what the other was feeling about connecting again before they were soon interrupted when there was the sound of someone clearing their throat. The person that wanted their attention happened to be the security guard as Benson politely asked the women, "did you have anywhere in mind that you ladies would like to go this evening?"

The Galindo woman turned back to her childhood best friend after she heard Benson's question with a bright smile spread across her lips before she inquired with a hopeful tone in her voice, "would you like to come to the house for a nightcap?" Emily didn't wait for Victoria to answer before she quickly added to convince the pediatric nurse to come with her, "Miguel is usually gone for a couple of hours when he has a meeting, so that'll give us some more time to catch up and I'm sure Nestor can drive you home when they get back."

Victoria couldn't help the small smile that pulled onto her lips as she realized Emily was still the same person that she grew up with as the blonde used to always babble when she wanted something - like she was currently doing. The Miller woman didn't really have to think about the question, though, before she was nodding her head in agreement since she didn't have anything waiting for her at home with Angel busy with the club. "I'd love to," Victoria told the grinning blonde before she spoke to the security guard, "the Galindo's house it is, Benson."

The security guard nodded his head once while he kept his eyes on the dark road before he murmured as he headed towards the Galindo compound, "yes, ma'am."

The black SUV was soon overcome with excitement coming from Emily once she knew her childhood best friend was coming to her house so they could talk more as the blonde felt like that they barely had any time to talk with just them along with the sound of Victoria chuckling at the excited blonde and the youngest Galindo giggling from all of the happy noises surrounding him.

The vehicle was filled with a sense of tranquility as the two best friends began to talk about which movie that they would watch with a glass of wine once they reached the Galindo compound while they rode through the desert roads and tall mountains as they arrived in Santo Padre. However, while the two women talked like they never lost touch, no one noticed the incoming car heading towards them when they were passing a supposedly empty intersection before it was all too late.

Victoria only remembered talking to the Galindo woman about a bottle of red wine from Italy before her whole world was literally thrown upside down when the black SUV began to flip over and over again. The Miller woman immediately pushed away all the nerves that she was feeling while the car flipped as she had the need to help. Victoria was scared out of her mind while the car continued to flip but that didn't stop her from quickly taking her seat belt off and hurriedly shielding Cristobal with her body as she tried to protect him as best as she could while he cried into her chest.

The Miller woman hadn't even noticed that her body began to absorb pain until the black SUV finally came to a stop with the vehicle settled upside down. The position made the pain come in strong motions that Victoria could barely handle it. The brunette woman took a strangled deep breath once her vision wasn't as blurry before she sluggishly lifted her head to check on the youngest Galindo in her arms.

The pediatric nurse couldn't help but release a sigh - which hurt whichever part of her body that was injured - when she saw there wasn't even a scratch of Cristobal. Victoria was silently praising the Gods for protecting the innocent child before panic immediately pushed through her veins. The Miller woman could only feel this intense pain swallowing her body before Victoria's whole world slowly turned dark, no matter how hard that she tried to fight it, as her eye lids closed for the last time.

#mine #Mayans MC #mayans mc fanfiction #mayans mc fanfic #mayans fanfiction #mayans fanfic #angel reyes fanfic #angel reyes x oc #nestor oceteva fanfic #nestor oceteva x oc #miguel galindo #emily galindo #cristobal galindo

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6-and-7 · 5 years

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Doctor Who Cooking Headcanons

1. Right out the gate,they use the food machine for more or less everything. They are a Time Lord, cooking is menial labor and therefore beneath them. However, the more they travel, the more they find that cooking can be really quite intriguing. Once their friendship with Ian and Barbara develops, they ask if perhaps there are any Earth meals they they particularly miss, and if perhaps they might like to use the TARDIS kitchen to recreate them? With the Doctor there to supervise, of course. No, they don’t want cooking lessons, Chesterman, what nonsense. Eventually, with some trial and error, the Doctor learns how to make scrambled eggs. It is a source of great secret delight to them. Their favorite thing to make is cocoa, a reminder of a bright and witty human that very nearly stole their heart.

2. Enjoys baking, which they are rubbish at. They are, however, quite good at making soups, stews, salads, anything where measuring is done in more haphazard dashes and pinches with occasional tastings and frequent sniffs. Jamie will eat almost anything, though even he turned up his nose when the Doctor tried to make a fruitcake. Victoria is quite fastidious. The menu for her tenure on the TARDIS mainly consisted of soup, sandwiches, and tea. The Doctor branched out a little more after she left-- Zoe was scarcely any more fussy than Jamie about the quality of the food.

3. Most meals are either served at the UNIT canteen or at some members club in London-- the Diogenes or some similar institution. However, on the nights when they can’t make it out of the lab, they tend to boil eggs and tea over Bunsen burners. If they happen to be bored, or if there’s nothing good for lunch that day, or if they feel Jo isn’t as enthused about science as she could be, they might try something fancy, ranging from liquid nitrogen ice cream to molecular gastronomy. After all, it is only chemistry.

4. All of their companions were astonished at how good they were. It was nothing to write home about, exactly, but they were convinced that his laissez-faire attitude extended to food. It did not. They had at their disposal a compendium of every recipe in the known galaxy, in the form of K-9, and made a point of never repeating meals, though they did make note of what each of their companions favored. Harry liked simple, hearty meals. Sarah-Jane enjoyed a good roast. Leela quickly developed a fondness for barbecue. It was Romana where the Doctor fell into a pickle-- she was as closed off from culinary delight as their first self had been. Therefore, he made a point of cutting loose, each night something new and exquisite from some far-off corner of the galaxy.

5. In many ways, their culinary skill was superior to Four’s, but their range was somewhat limited. They enjoyed nutritious, down-home meals-- things like roast vegetables, ham, mac and cheese. They refused to use celery in their dishes on the basis that their companions would make fun of them, which was probably true.

6. Really very impressively skilled. Peri was quite alarmed when the first meal the Doctor cooked was six courses, comprised of ingredients and techniques from nine different planets and seventeen various cultures. After awhile though, as their mind settled and healed after the trauma of regeneration, their menu settled as well, much to Peri’s relief. This incarnation was truly skilled at blending flavors, bitter into sweet, salty into umami, sour into tangy. Much like their clothes, their tastes were colorful, and somewhat jarring at first. However, it couldn’t be denied that in cooking, the Doctor had excellent taste.

7. For Ace’s sake, they usually stuck with Earth cuisine. It didn’t hurt that they themself had developed a liking for it. Most dinners tended towards comfort food, fatty and meaty and sweet. That may or may not have been related to the departure of Mel and her nigh-draconian control of the menu. Some nights, though, when they were feeling particularly piqued, the Doctor would conjure up obscure, obscenely complicated meals from long-dead civilizations and turn them into a feast fit for any king. Generally, the night after, they would land somewhere in 20th century America and go for hamburgers, after which the Doctor would take Ace back to the kitchen and teach her to make cookies.

8. As with everything else, their cooking skills were... variable. One day, they might fix up lobster, the next they might forget to put flour in their cookies. They tended to depend quite heavily on the food machine.

9. Cooking was, for them, somewhere between science and stress relief. Everything was done by hand; beating eggs, kneading dough, shredding vegetables, everything. For a long time, they wouldn’t even let Rose in the kitchen. The night after Father’s Day, though, she found herself at the kitchen door. It was wide open, and the Doctor stood with his back to her, stirring a pot of soup on the simmer. There was a chopping block on the other counter, with carrots, celery, and leeks sitting next to it. She took the hint. After that, cooking together became a frequent activity on the TARDIS-- sometimes, they even let Jack join in. Those were the fun nights, where everyone smiled and laughed, and splashed one another with cake batter. When it was just the Doctor and Rose, they talked, but it was much more subdued. When it was just the Doctor, it was almost totally silent.

10. Everything is automated. Bread machines, toasters, blenders, they love it all! And they love combining them in increasingly bizarre and unusual ways. It’s a thing that boils potatoes, slices bread, gets free WiFi, and translates Sanskrit into Spanish! Amazing!

11. They aren’t allowed in the kitchen anymore. They know what they did.

12. While traveling with Clara, they were pretty good at making more or less everything. By the time they got to Bill, though, they mostly lived on ramen, curry, and delivery pizza. However, that didn’t stop them from taking a lecture that was supposed to be about Emily Dickinson and telling all the students how to safely prepare fugu, including a live demonstration.

13. Exceptional at baking, basically fine at everything else as long as you don’t mind it being a little burnt. They have a habit of making dishes from whatever place and time they’re planning on taking the fam, but since those plans hardly ever last the night, none of them have ever really noticed. Cooking is, for them, a social thing, and they like to get at least one of their friends in the kitchen with them.

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thevalicemultiverse · 4 years

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Get To Know the Muse(s) -- Alice & Victor

season: Alice -- early spring; Victor -- late spring

color: Alice -- blue and red; Victor -- blue

pie: Alice -- strawberry; Victor -- apple

fruit: Alice -- strawberries; Victor -- apples

ice cream flavor: Alice -- strawberry, chocolate, Neapolitan; Victor -- chocolate, Rocky Road, Cookies & Cream

breakfast food: Alice -- pancakes with syrup; Victor -- French toast and hard-boiled eggs

alcoholic drink: Alice -- Nothing; Victor -- Nothing (neither of them drink)

soda flavor: Alice -- Dr. Pepper; Victor -- root beer

scent: Alice -- Floral scents, catnip; Victor -- Tree scents, dog smells

flowers: Alice -- Roses, lilies; Victor -- daffodils, bluebells

animal: Alice -- cats, rabbits; Victor -- dogs, butterflies

movie: Alice -- The Truman Show (I think she’d find the main character relatable, and the whole movie fascinating); Victor -- Ghostbusters (a fun sci-fi/fantasy about busting ghosts! He also likes the sequel and the reboot)

tv show: Alice -- QI (it’s a show about weird facts and suchlike; right up her alley); Victor -- Castlevania on Netflix (I have personally not seen it, but I’ve heard good things, and it’s about vampires and kick-ass lady magic users and going up against evil -- he’d probably enjoy it)

book: For modern verses, anyway: Alice -- Monstrous Regiment from the Discworld series (she likes and relates to the main cast a lot); Victor -- Dragonsong from the Dragonriders of Pern series (he’s always wanted a pet dragon, and he relates to Menolly more than he thinks he should)

fairy tale: Alice -- Cinderella (she has a whole new appreciation for what the title character went through after Houndsditch -- also the mental image of Bumby getting his eyes pecked out by birds in the appropriate versions); Victor -- Snow White (he can’t help but feel a kinship with the princess who shares his color scheme -- plus he’s sometimes wondered if running off to a house of dwarves in the woods wouldn’t be better for him than his home life)

genre of music: Alice -- “moody” songs (like with heavy bass beats, dark lyrics, stuff like that), but she’s also fond of parodies; Victor -- classical (especially piano numbers), big musical numbers

genre of movies: Alice -- fantasy, comedy; Victor -- sci-fi, fantasy

genre of books: Alice -- fantasy, mystery; Victor -- fantasy, horror

Pick one.

hot or cold: Both prefer hot

juice or soda: Alice prefers juice; Victor is more likely to get a soda

tv or movie: Both would pick movie

movie or book: Both would pick book

late night talk shows or reality tv: I don’t think they’d like either, but if there was nothing else on, I think they’d pick reality TV -- might be more interesting, should provide plenty of opportunities to mock the television

twitter or instagram: I think both would prefer Instagram; Twitter would provide too many opportunities to annoy them

trees or flowers: Alice prefers flowers; Victor prefers trees

philosophy or psychology: Both are more into philosophy (Alice in particular doesn’t like psychology for what I hope are obvious reasons)

ocean or lake: Both are more familiar with lakes, at least in the real world; the Deluded Depths are fun in Wonderland, though!

water park or amusement park: I think they’d both prefer an amusement park, though one with water rides would be a good compromise

cats or dogs: Alice is a cat person; Victor is a dog person

fresh water or sparkling water: Both prefer fresh water

sugar or honey: In tea, I assume? I’d say both prefer sugar, though they both will eat honey

cookies or candy: Both prefer cookies (though Victor will definitely not say no to candy)

bath or shower: Alice prefers showers; Victor likes baths (even if he’s too long for most bathtubs!)

morning or night: Both tend toward night (even in verses where one of them doesn’t have to be nocturnal)

running or walking: Both like walking (particularly together); both tend to end up running from something at some point. XD

piercings or tattoos: Eh, I can’t see either of them getting either. . .but if it came down to it, I could see both going for a tattoo over piercings.

frozen yogurt or ice cream: Both prefer ice cream, but this doesn’t mean they won’t eat frozen yogurt

vanilla or chocolate: Both prefer chocolate

caramel or butterscotch: Both like caramel

art or music: Alice falls on the art side; Victor falls on the music one (though he’s also an accomplished artist, and Alice likes his music a lot)

t-shirt or button down: Alice is more likely to wear a plain t-shirt; Victor prefers a button-down

text or call: I think both prefer text -- less pressure that way, and Victor in particular finds it easier when he can do a draft or two of what he wants to say

ghosts or aliens: Both prefer ghosts (and are more likely to encounter them everywhere except my Sims game)

Have they ever.

ridden a motorcycle: Depends on the verse, but I’ve stated in the past I like the idea of Secundus!Alice getting her own steampunk motorcycle and roaring through the streets with a mildly-terrified Victor XD Most of the time, though, neither of them have.

stolen something: Again, verse-dependent -- most of the time, I’d say no for both, but the Catch Us!pair probably steal things from their victims, and just for survival purposes, while Londerland Bloodlines!Alice will occasionally pick up “vendor trash” to sell to Fat Larry. (Not so much once she starts getting money from more legit sources, though.)

eaten an entire pizza by themselves: Alice, probably not. Victor, yes. XD (Though it was over an entire night)

made a prank call: I can’t see either of them being the type, so no.

broken a bone: Somehow, neither of them have. Victor is as shocked as anyone about this. (Though he has sprained his ankle.)

fallen asleep during a concert or movie: A concert? Not to both? A movie? Not in theaters, but I can see them maybe falling asleep watching a super-late movie one night at home. (Cute mental image, actually.)

walked out of a movie because it was so bad: I personally think they’d stick it out to give it the MST3K/Rifftrax treatment (quietly) unless it properly offended them. So neither has done so yet, but it’s a possibility.

been on the phone with someone for longer than 2 hours: No, if only because I can’t think of any situation where they would have to be.

dined & dashed: Traditional form? No, neither. But Londerland Bloodlines!Alice has occasionally had to just grab a convenient person to drink from when she was low on blood. Sort of counts?

held a gun: This is verse-dependent -- the vast majority, no. But I’m sure the Catch Us pair have used guns on occasion (if their victim has one to wrestle away, anyway), and Londerland Bloodlines!Alice learned how to shoot to protect herself on the mean streets of L.A.

ding dong ditched: I can’t see either doing this -- except maybe Catch Us!pair, or Londerland Bloodlines!Alice, as some sort of distraction while they do something else. (LB!Alice is a master of Obfuscate, after all. . .)

gone skinny dipping: Nooope for both. Nope no never.

cried during a movie: Yes, though Alice generally hides it a bit better than Victor. She’ll only openly cry if she’s alone, or with people she trusts (generally Victor, add in Victoria, Emily, Lizzie, Bonejangles/Sam, Richard, and Christopher depending on verse).

smuggled food into a movie: Alice would, Victor wouldn’t -- but only because Victor can consistently afford concession prices. And to be honest, he’d probably help Alice smuggle in food if she asked.

lied to get a job: No -- if only because neither of them has ever had to (Victor of course comes from super-rich stock, and Alice generally either has a job given to her/forced on her, or picks something she knows she can get without lying)

practiced lines in front of a mirror: Victor has, for when he has to be Social with his parents -- it doesn’t usually help much, as his anxiety gives no shits about how much he practices. I can’t think of a situation for Alice to do so, but maybe if she needs to rehearse something difficult to say sometime. . .

tried to see how many marshmallows they can stuff in their mouth at once: Not as of this writing, but somehow I think they might at some point XD

been kicked out of somewhere: Yes, though for different reasons -- Alice because she was making a scene while stuck in Wonderland; Victor because his parents were making a scene and he was “collateral damage.” Oh, and I guess Victor was essentially kicked out of Burtonsville in both Forgotten Vows and Secundus. . .and then decided he never wanted to go back anyway

been on a blind date: Does a blind arranged marriage count? Actually, in more modern verses, the two sets of parents WOULD set the kids up on a date without introducing them first, so -- yeah, I guess Victor has. Alice, no.

ghosted someone: No -- unless you count Alice disappearing from Houndsditch as such in the “Catch Us If You Can” verse. Victor’s probably been ghosted once or twice by women who didn’t wish to continue their acquaintance. Not a pleasant experience.

bragged about something they haven’t done: Victor, no. Alice. . .edge case, as she’ll brag about stuff she’s done in Wonderland, not the real world. Which, considering the stuff she can pull off in Wonderland, I say -- let the woman brag.

said i love you without meaning it: No, neither. Alice only says it when she means it, and Victor has meant it every time he’s said it.

gotten in a fight: Yes to both, though how often depends on the verse.

fallen asleep on a bus: I can’t see either of them doing it, if only because I don’t think either would ever feel comfortable enough to fall asleep. Too many people and not exactly plush seats are not conducive to rest.

Miscellaneous.

how do they take their tea or coffee: Alice takes her tea with a couple of spoonfuls of sugar and a quick dash of milk; Victor puts so much sugar and milk into his it can barely be called “tea”

what is their ideal date: Depends on the verse, but a few favorites are going to the park on a picnic (Forgotten Vows and Secundus); either going dancing or staying at home for a private dance party (Cuddlepile); and going to the movies (Londerland Bloodlines). I’d also like for at least one skating date to happen in some verse. XD

what are some of their guilty pleasures: Alice has probably read and enjoyed some romance novels -- it’s a guilty pleasure in the sense of “Lizzie would probably never forgive me for reading these.” XD Victor, depending on the verse, has penny dreadfuls or comic books, which his mother disapproves of but he reads on the sly. He particularly enjoys superheroes and horror stories.

longest they’ve stayed up for: This would be dependent on verse, but I’m sure that both of them have stayed up at least one entire day for some reason at some point

greatest talent: For Victor, it’s definitely his piano skills -- he’s got a nice well of natural ability, and he’s put in the practice to get really good at it. For Alice, it’s storytelling -- she knows how to weave a good yarn, helped a lot by that active imagination of hers!

strange habits: Less “strange” and more “informed by her past trauma,” Alice tends to triple-check every fireplace in her current home to make sure it’s out before going to bed. Yes, it was deliberate arson that took down her family home, but she still gets antsy over leaving flame attended. She also tends to rock on her heels when in deep thought. Victor of course has his tie-pulling and general fidgeting when he’s nervous -- I can’t think of anything off the top of my head that he might have that is stranger.

first job: Alice’s would be her stint at Bumby’s -- she was maid and dogsbody in exchange for her keep and a smidgen of salary. Victor -- well, does helping his father do the books at his fish business count?

can they do a handstand: Alice probably could if she practiced enough, though I don’t know how long she could hold it. Victor could only do it against a wall, and even then he’d probably tip over after a couple of seconds.

can they cook: Yes -- they both have a baseline of “I can make a couple of edible items,” and improve from there. Victor in particular grows to like baking.

do they have allergies: Alice does not, but Victor is allergic to artichokes. Nothing life-threatening, fortunately, but it does result in an itchy rash all over his face and neck if he eats them.

do they believe in love in first sight: Alice never did -- Victor is willing to believe at least in attraction at first sight, thanks to his experiences with Victoria and Emily. He’s not sure about true love, though.

have any special talents: Well, I already mentioned playing piano for Victor, and storytelling for Alice. They’re also both quite good artists! Alice works in pencil, while Victor works in quill pen and ink. Victor is also a MASTER at climbing, thanks to finding that going vertical often helped him get away from his bullies growing up. And I’m sure Alice’s way with sarcastic comments must count too. :p

Tagged by: @hamelinbound

Tagging: Taken me long enough that I’m sure most people I would have tagged have been tagged. Take this as a general “if you want to do it, feel free!”

#~M: what’s going on here? (meme)#~M: when he was a boy (headcanon)#long post #sorry it took me so long!#just a bit more difficult when you're doing it for two characters #and some of the questions I hadn't really thought about before #I struggled with the favorite books and tv shows and movies and such for a while #and then you have to consider a good number of these are verse dependent #I think it all came together in the end though #~M: with this hand I will lift your queue

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damndaehyung · 5 years

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Daniel Choi College Au Part One.

Mentions : Tyler Lee, Sungjae Lee References : Minah, Gabe, Jane, M

Ever since coming to this hellhole called University, Daniel had his fair share of odd days but none quite as weird as this morning had been. The day kicked off rather badly, him having to wake up at the ungodly hour of seven am in the morning because his art history professor is an asshole and thought having early classes was a good way to weed out people who weren’t taking the class seriously. It was made better by a phone call from Emily telling him that she would be visiting next weekend for some sort of welcome early admission event but ruined when M called telling him that Sungjae would be filling in for M because he came down with the flu. From there the day continued to spiral into not necessarily in a bad way but more of strange way. For whatever reason, the sorority girls who usually sat at the front of the lecture hall had decided to sit around Daniel asking him his opinion on all things from what he thought of their lecturer to how to give good head – at that point Daniel had never been more grateful to see their professor in his life. One girl had even managed to corner him after class to ask if he would help her talk to some guy named Gabe at tonight’s party. Daniel had agreed only to shut up, he wasn’t going to a party tonight and he had no idea who the hell Gabe was anyway.

Daniel was happy to spend a few hours in the dorm he shared with his cousin Jessica and his rival/friend Joshua. It was a little unconventional, at first it was just him and Joshua but after Jessica got kicked out of her sorority last semester, the university wasn’t exactly happy about but they Daniel was related to Jessica and Joshua was well Joshua, so they university let it be. Plus, they were rather relaxed when it came to dorms, with majority of the student body having their own houses and apartments or living in sorority or fraternity house. Daniel had considered getting an apartment when he first started at college but decided against it assuming he wouldn’t last that long – he even surprised himself. Maybe next year he’d get an apartment for him and Emily, maybe Jessica as well since she wasn’t a complete awful roommate. Joshua could afford his own apartment, maybe they could be neighbours.

“You got a present,” Jessica said from her bed as soon as Daniel walked in. Her friend “Aria” was sat beside her, the pair looked like they were studying but Daniel had walked into them making one too many times for him to believe that is all they are doing. Though he would think Joshua’s presence might stop it since he was sitting on the floor playing on his Nintendo switch, then again Joshua was a kinky shit who would totally watch so who really knows. “That came for you,” Jessica said nodding towards a box that sat on his desk.

“Yes, it came with this,” Aria said pulling a letter out from under her shirt, “Sorry about that it is just those two wanted to read it as soon as it came and I was like no its for Daniel,” she explained with a sheepish smile. Daniel grabbed the letter wincing at how warm it was and opened it, eyes briefly reading over to see it was from Tyler.

“Is it from Tyler Lee?” Jessica asked smirking, “Because according to my entire design class you two are fucking like rabbits,” she said with a shit-eating grin.

From the floor, Joshua scoffed, “Daniel no we are above those Neanderthals,” he said putting his game down.

“From what I heard Daniel prefers to be underneath the King prat himself,” Jessica said far too amused with the situation for Daniel’s liking. “Apparently Tyler owns that ass now,” she said slapping Daniel’s ass as he walked towards his desk.

“I may have hooked up him once or twice let’s not get ahead of himself,” He shrugged, that was a lie at this point their little meets up happened frequently enough for Daniel to stop counting. “And who even told you that?” Owned my ass pfft he wishes,” he muttered scrunching his face up.

“Everyone girl and a few boys in my design class was talking about it, apparently, he has put some big claim on you,” she laughed. Daniel rolled his eyes wondering what Tyler was playing at and why anyone cared about what he had to say – the guy was an idiot, a very attractive idiot with an amazing stroke game but an idiot none the less.

“What did the letter say?” Aria said sounding innocent in comparison to her ‘friend’. Daniel had momentarily forgotten about the letter, on further inspection, it was an invite to some party tonight followed by a very descriptive plan of what Tyler wanted to do to him tonight.

“It’s just an invitation to some party,” Daniel answered leaving out the rest. He did not need Sica or Josh hearing that. None the less both of them had different reaction’s Jessica feel back on her bed laughing her ass off while Joshua looked like he was going to pop a vein. Ignoring them Daniel moved to the box, opening it to see several other packages inside, each box seemingly having instructions on it. Daniel snorted pulling the largest one out, the note just read wear tonight, Daniel opened it raising an eyebrow as he pulled out what looked like something people would wear in ancient Rome. “What the fuck,”

“It’s for his frats annual Toga party,” Jessica said looking over. “At least it looks expensive- you should have seen what one of the other frats Toga party was like, people were wearing bedsheets-“she shuddered dramatically. “Though Kappa Alpha whatever Lee’s frat is called is known for going all out so –“ she shrugged, getting up and curiously picking up two of the other boxes before Daniel could stop her, with a laugh she tossed one to Aria, “Agent Provocateur and La Perla –“ she said through a fit of giggles.

“At least he is buying you the good stuff and not Victoria’s Secrets or something like that,” Aria said, trying to hide her own giggles.

“Oh just so you know you are also meant to wear one of these tonight,” she said holding a note up and handing him back the box she was holding. Daniel flushed grabbing the box and throwing it onto his bed. “Maybe I should get a frat daddy as well,” she said with a snort. “I want nice lingerie as well,” she pouted. Daniel decided to save the rest of the boxes for later, especially since one of the notes said this one is a bit more true to size – he had an inkling of what that would be and was not opening that in front of Jessica and Joshua.

“Daniel, I say this as a friend don’t get involved with him,” Joshua said, “It will only lead to heartbreak and you’ve only just got over that other guy – Stephen or whatever,” he said, “Frat boys are assholes, he is probably using for some sort of dare, like trick the pretty little gay kid into think there is something and embarrass him in front of everyone,” Joshua said.

“Or you are projecting and these two are just having some fun,” Jessica said with a roll of her eyes, “And stop acting like a saint, you are just as bad as those guys, even worse because you trick boys and girls into thinking that you are nice and then rip their heart to pieces,” she said with an eye roll.

“And Daniel’s a very pretty guy,” Aria added, “just saying,” she said when the attention turned to her. “And regardless what Daniel does is none of our business, it is especially not mine so I am just going to shut up now,” she said looking down cheeks tinged a lovely pink shade.

“I agree with Aria, I am very pretty and it’s none of your business,” Daniel spoke, “But I know you two,” he said pointing to Joshua and Jessica, “And if I stay here I will never hear the end of it, so I will see you after I finish my shift at the café,” he said rolling his eyes walking back towards the door shaking his head. God help Tyler Lee if shows up at the café.

“Your shift doesn’t start for another hour,” Sungjae said to Daniel as he stepped into the cafe. Daniel pulled a face as he walked behind the counter, grabbing a bottle of water out the café’s fridge.

“I know that which is why I am going to sit in the storage room for an hour –“ Daniel said with a roll of his eyes, “I think we should get a do not disturb sign for it by the way, yesterday I walked in on M and his girlfriend which reminds me you should probably get your girlfriend to tell her friend M is sick,” he said.

“And last week I walked in on you and Tyler doing more than just making out so –“Sungjae pointed out. Daniel’s eyes narrowed at the shorter boy; how dare he bring up one of Daniel’s increasingly frequent moments of weakness. “I had to bleach my eyes, Daniel,” Sungjae said seriously.

“Thus, the do not disturb sign and really what did you think was happening? We are both pretty vocal,” Daniel said scrunching his nose up. “Anyway, I am hiding in the storage room until my shift actually starts – “

“Or you could stay and talk to your boyfriend who just walked in and is making his way over here,” Sungjae suggested. Daniel was about to ask what boyfriend before he put two together – Tyler. Daniel wondered how many times Sungjae would betray him in this lifetime. “I’ll leave you two to it shall I, just – if you , you know - I don’t know put a sock on the door handle or something,” Sungjae said his ears turning red, once upon a time Daniel would have given anything to see Sungjae blush but right now Daniel scoffed in annoyance, how dare he insinuate that Daniel couldn’t control himself for five minutes around Tyler. “Enjoy,” he muttered walking back to the counter.

Daniel gave himself an internal peep talk, he could handle this without losing it, he could do it. Twirling around he came face to face with the person who had disrupted his whole day somehow. “I am not actually working so I can’t take your order,” he said raising an eyebrow as the other boy just grinned at him. Why did he have to have a nice smile and those god damn arms?

“So, you are on a break then?” Tyler asked, his eyes flickering to the storage room then back to Daniel, a stupid smirk making its way onto his face.

“No,” Daniel snapped, “I mean my shift hasn’t started I actually just wanted an iced latte because I was going to … study , you know hit the books and all,” he said with as much enthusiasm as one could muster while talking about study. He honestly thought his excuse was pretty believable, Tyler had no idea how seriously Daniel took his studies – they didn’t really have many intellectual discussions most of the of their conversations revolved around them arguing or very heated words.

“Oh is that so, so what are you studying because I don’t see any books or your computer… do you even have your phone with you?” he asked mockingly looking behind Daniel to see if was hiding anything.

“I am an art student, I am studying people, you know trying to find someone to draw – maybe naked who knows,” he shrugged nonchalantly. In a split second, he realized his mistake because Tyler’s eyes darkened.

“And you think you would find the person here,” Tyler asked cocking an eyebrow, jaw clenching as he looked around the shop at the customers. “You are really going to draw one of them? Like any could even come close to what you’ve already had the pleasure of seeing,” he smirked.

“Look what are you here for?” Daniel decided, “Because the line is going to get super long because Sungjae’s girlfriend is here and he gets distracted easily,” Sungjae spoke a tinge bitterness lacing his tone. He momentarily forgetting that said girlfriend was Tyler’s ex and part of the reason the pair were doing whatever the hell they were. “Sorry I forgot –“

“Don’t worry about it and I was looking for you sweetheart, how about I go get you that iced latte and then you can draw me instead while we talk,” he said pulling out his credit card. “Do you have a size preference?” he asked, “Oh wait no I remember,” he smirked to himself. Daniel blinked was this guy seriously making innuendo’s out of coffee cups.

“No how about we just skip to the part where you actually tell me what you want,” Daniel suggested, mostly because people were actually beginning to watch them and also a little bit because he didn’t want Tyler wasting his money on an iced latte Daniel didn’t even actually want.

Tyler's face fell the briefest of seconds before going back to the ever-confident boy he usually is. “Fine, did you get my gifts?” he asked shifting on his feet slightly. If Daniel didn’t know better, he would think he was actually nervous.

“Yes, and I am mostly confused,” Daniel said nose scrunching up, silently praying that curiosity hadn’t gotten the better of his cousin and Joshua.

“I labelled them for you, what is there to be confused about?” he grinned, “I know your blonde and all but come on,” he said cheekily. “Or did I go too hard on you last time,” he asked raising an eyebrow. “I know I am good but damn,” he winked.

“You are –“Daniel said throwing his hands up in frustration, “Firstly if anyone got fucked stupid it is you, we both know I could make you a moaning mess in minutes,” he said making a blow job gesture with his mouth. “And two why would I go to a frat party? Have you ever seen me at one of those parties and what the hell is a Gabe? and why did some girl make me promise to help her?”

Tyler tilted his head to the side before laughing. “Okay,I am going to ignore that last part because it’s not important trust me love you don’t have to help anyone out, to the first part you are so good baby like,” he said with a chefs kiss, “but you ain’t doing no fucking,” he said boastfully. Daniel glared at him, he could always sneak behind the counter and grab that blender, surely that would hurt him. “And two because I invited you but you are right,” he said with a heavy sigh, “I should have figured out that you wouldn’t be able to handle one of our parties..” he said with a whistle.

“Can’t handle one of your parties?” Daniel repeated in undignified rage. “How did you come to that conclusion?”

“Well as much as I like that M guy, your friends are kinda –“ he shrugged, “And that’s cool some people just can’t hang, you should stay home and ….what is it you do?” he asked.

“I can totally ‘hang’ you arrogant little –“

“Little isn’t the the word you were using last night - “ Tyler interrupted.

“I wasn’t even with you,” Daniel ranted, “Oh for god sakes I will come to your stupid party and wear the god damn toga and –“

“And the panties, preferable the red – and that’s great, I can’t wait to see you,” Tyler said stopping Daniel mid-sentence. “I’ll see you tonight,” he said twirling around on his feet, “And look if you need some pictures for your art just message me okay,” he said with a wink.

Daniel still reeling trying to figure out what exactly just happened stood there dumbfounded. Daniel growled stomping his foot. Why did he have to deal with this? Why?

#story #oc

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kimnamjooonz · 5 years

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Blank Space - Episode 11

Everything Has Changed

Songs used in this Episode:

Everything Has Changed - Taylor Swift ft Ed Sheeran

Feelings are shared, words are said and confessions are made.

''Come back and tell me why I'm feeling like I've missed you all this time, and meet me there tonight and tell me that this is not all in my mind''

''We don't want to get out through the main door'' Morgan stated. ''It's full of paparazzi. What do think they'll think if they see us leave together? You don't want to start rumours... or do you?'' That was the least thing that Morgan wanted. There were already people in the world that thought that Sebastian and Morgan would make hell of a couple, and even though they weren't wrong, she didn't want to be seen as if they were following that advice. And there was the tiny detail that he had a girlfriend. ''I thought you were the queen of not giving a fuck. You're my date and everyone knows that, they're expecting us to leave together. And we're just getting pizza, not spending the night in a cheap motel.'' He was right. If they left together there wouldn't be much of a fuss as if they left separately or with different people. ''You have no shame'' ''Great. Now let's leave'' As they expected, the paparazzi started taking pictured and shouting questions at them by the second they took a glimpse of them. ''Morgan! Are you walking in the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show?'' No, she wasn't. ''Are you two dating?'' No, they weren't. He had a girlfriend, for God's sake. ''Sebastian, do you want to see Morgan stepping on the runway?'' Yes, he wanted. Better if it was in lingerie. ''Morgan, is it true that you're planning to join the Marvel Cinematic Universe?'' She wanted to laugh. Of course that she wanted to join the MCU but it wasn't as if she could show up in Atlanta and Marvel was going to give her a role out of the blue. ''Morgan, is it true that you and Chris Evans have been seeing each other?'' And that was enough for Sebastian who did the most stupid thing he could have done and not even Morgan was ready for it. He just simply reached out for her hand and interlaced his fingers with hers. And that gesture in itself said enough. Morgan wanted to murder him. Yes, there was nothing wrong with leaving together but leaving together holding hands in front of a horde of paparazzi was a complete different story. ''You make a really hot couple!'' some paparazzi shouted. ''Thank you!'' he shouted back with a big smile on his face. Well, Morgan was sure that they were going to be brutally murdered by Taylor and Emily when they found out about what had just happened. And thank to the wonders of the Internet they'll find out very soon. And stan twitter was probably going to blow up in pieces after this. With all the calm in the world he guided her towards a taxi and opened the door for her to enter. Every single one of their movements were being caught in camera. ''You idiot!'' she hissed after Sebastian closed the door. ''What have you done?'' ''Calm down, nothing's wrong. Do you think these people will think that I'm cheating on my girlfriend in such a public and shameless way?'' ''Of course they will, you idiot! They were already suspecting it after out little show at MSG! How do you think this will be seen? You held my hand and basically shouted that we look hot together!'' ''Where's the lie, Llewellyn. I though you didn't care about people's opinion'' he raised his eyebrows. ''And I don't. Look, I don't care about your girlfriend, I don't care about the general public, I don't care about the media. But I don't really want to face Taylor. And she will want to kill me''. That seemed to ground Sebastian. ''And Emily...'' now he looked concerned. ''...damn, what have I done.'' ''What's done is done'' Morgan had no other option than resign herself. ''Now let's get that pizza.'' ''Are you really seeing Chris Evans?'' he asked out of nowhere. The best answer to that question was 'It's none of you goddamned business' but she decided to tell him the truth. ''We talked for half an hour about pets and I didn't even get his number. That question answers itself. It's a no, by the way. Happy?'' ''Actually, yes'' he had a triumphant smile on his face. The taxi left them in front of a Pizza Hut. Sebastian guided Morgan inside, as if they were getting into the most elegant restaurant of the city. ''We can't stay here'' he started when they had already got the pizza boxes and a couple of beers. ''People are already looking at us and we're not very discreetly dressed.'' Morgan knew that it was true. They were dressed for an elegant party not for getting pizza. ''Let's get out of here.'' this time she grabbed his arm and got him out of the place. They were looking for a place to eat for a little while until they settled for a spot under a tree in a park. Elegant. ''I'm sitting on the grass in a thousand dollar dress. Luke will kill me tomorrow, add him to the list of people that'll want to murder me after this.'' she grabbed a slice of pizza. ''And this is an Hugo Boss suit. My stylist is getting my neck tomorrow.'' he delicately bit his pizza. ''As everyone wants to kill us, I suggest that we elope together before someone notices. Look, we can go north, to Alaska, get a nice cabin in the woods and live there.'' ''Yeah, that's what I was planning: changing my promising acting career for Alaska and a cabin in the woods.'' ''You get me as part of the deal'' he winked at her. ''That's irresistible'' she joked. ''It's not that bad... we'll become friends in time. We'll be in a small cabin in the woods so maybe even romance will flourish between us'' he cheekily winked at her. What he had said sounded like the plot of a cheesy Christmas movie. ''You sure? Because I think that it's more probable that we'll end up in a bigger war. We don't get on very well so imagine if we're left alone for weeks.'' ''Don't be such a pessimist, Llewellyn. Alaska would change us'' ''Forgive me if I can't see how Alaska may change us. Both of us under the same roof is not even a potential disaster, is a guaranteed catastrophe.'' Sebastian was having fun with Morgan's answers. But he couldn't help by wonder how would it feel to share a home with her. It would either be a nightmare or a dream, there was no middle ground. ''Don't be too harsh... look at us, we're having plenty of fun.'' ''Because we're desperate. We were starving in a place where the only thing left to eat was shrimp.'' She had a point. But Sebastian also knew that if he had gone at that party by himself, he'd have stayed there and forcefully eaten the shrimp. He had to thank Morgan for making him a braver person. ''Fair point. But I also think you're more fun than everybody else.'' Morgan almost laughed at him. ''You're a masochist if you think I'm fun. The only thing I do, ninety percent of the time is mortify you. Sometimes I'm kind of sorry but then you ask the most inappropriate questions and say stuff that makes want to smack you in the head.'' ''Inappropriate? Me?'' his eyes got impossibly big. '''Are you seeing Chris Evans?''' she mocked his voice. ''I let that one pass but why do you even care?'' before he started rambling some rushed explanation Morgan stopped him. ''Don't answer that. It just surprises me how cool you think I am. Probably Evans doesn't even remember me and you thought we were dating.'' ''No one that's seen you, can forget you. And I think you're... interesting, even if half of the time I want to send you back to Wales.'' She wasn't surprised about that at all. There were days that Morgan herself would have preferred to work with anybody else in the industry rather than Sebastian Stan. ''Nice to know'' she took a sip of her beer. ''Coming back to Alaska... I think that if Damien wants to unleash all the chemistry we have inside, he should send us there for a while.'' ''Don't give him ideas. He's capable of doing it. He was the one us that convinced Taylor to send me here with you.'' ''He ships us.'' Morgan sent him a weird look. ''Since when do you speak fangirl?'' immediately Morgan regretted having said this. It was better not to mention the word 'fangirl' in front of Sebastian. She had been his fan and that was something he could never knew if she didn't want him to tease her until the next century. ''Nevermind. Forget it. is not that he likes us together, he needs us together, at least in a friendly way, to hype the movie so the general public can see how good we look together. I thought you knew how things worked in Hollywood.'' ''Yeah, but I never had to date anyone for publicity.'' ''You're not dating me for publicity'' she immediately said. ''I was never going to agree to that. But Damien is literally setting us up.'' Sebastian felt a weird feeling of gratitude towards Damien. Yes, he knew it wasn't right but he couldn't control his emotions. ''He's not the only one'' he decided to lead the conversation ahead from his own feelings without changing the topic. ''All the Internet apparently share his view. I am constantly tagged in countless of Instagram collages about us. I swear that they can't wait to see us married with three kids and a dog.'' Yeah, Sebastian fans also made manips of him married to Chris Evans, living happily ever after and taking pictures every Christmas with Dodger in them. Morgan herself had retweeted a couple, in the past, of course. So, nothing surprised her anymore. ''If they only knew....''' she laughed ''...that this is absolutely impossible'' That hurt Sebastian a little. He knew that Morgan had never expressed much interest in him in that way but hearing her rejecting the possibility in such a direct way, wasn't nice at all. Maybe it was because he had a girlfriend and that had ruled him out completely from Morgan's list of possible love interests. If she even had one. ''Wow, you have the same sensitivity of a rusted axe.'' he tried to sound sarcastic but there was a hint of hurt in his voice that Morgan noticed. And it wasn't acted. She couldn't believe how big his ego was if he had got offended by getting ruled out of some imaginary possibility. And it wasn't even true because the main supporter of the Morgan-Sebastian ship was Morgan herself. But never in a million years she was going to say it out loud. ''What a snowflake. Really, you're about to make me laugh. I don't say it's impossible because I'm rejecting you of your fans' imaginary plans. I'm saying it because it's biologically impossible that their fantasy ever become a reality.'' It took a while for Sebastian to process and then understand her words. But when he finally did, he felt that he was the one with the sensitivity of a rusted axe. He had judged Morgan without knowing the whole story. Morgan noticed the regret on his face and how much he wanted to say something but he was struggling to find words. And Morgan didn't help him. He desperately wanted to ask something to make sure that his suspicions were correct and he hadn't misunderstood Morgan's words. ''Just ask whatever you have in your mind'' But he couldn't just ask such a personal question, let alone in a couple of minutes later that he had called her a 'rusted axe'. ''You... you...'' he wasn't able to say anything. ''No, Sebastian, I will never be able to have children of my own. And change that sad expression from your face, please, because it's really stupid. Look, it doesn't affect me so I can't see no reason why it should affect you.'' But Sebastian's sad face was actually regret. He felt awful for bringing a sensitive topic without knowing nothing. ''I'm so, so, so, so sorry.'' he was looking directly at Morgan's eyes. ''I didn't know... I feel like such a stupid idiot for bringing this topic and... I called you insensitive... you have no idea how sorry I am''. And Morgan noticed that it was sincere. ''Don't worry. It's not really a sensitive topic. I've known about this little issue since I was fifteen and I've come to terms with it a long time ago. It's not even a secret. Look, women are not reproductive machines. We're human beings capable of doing great things. If you think that not being able to pop out a child out of my body lessens my worth as a woman, let me kick you in the head back to the eighteenth century, where you belong.'' He lifted his hands in surrender. ''I don't think that way, Morgan, I swear. Women are the most powerful beings in the universe, independently if they have kids or not, who cares about that. I mean, the world is already overpopulated and dying, we don't need more kids. And women are more stronger an brave than men, only idiots with fragile masculinity can't admit it. You have to deal with periods, that according with what I've read around, they feel like you're being stabbed. Men could never.'' Well, at least he was a man that didn't blush or got uncomfortable by the word 'period'. Points for him. ''You're right in something, I can't believe it.'' she mocked him. ''If having a period is bad enough, I can't imagine giving birth. Literally, you're pushing a watermelon from your lady parts.'' This time Sebastian blushed and looked embarrassed as hell, even with the light of the park's lamp post she could notice. Morgan just raised her eyebrows and looked at him with mild curiosity. He was giving her good material to tease him. ''Wow, wow, wow. What left the mighty Sebastian Stan so hot and bothered. Was it the lady parts or the watermelon? If it's the watermelon I might be... sightly concerned.'' Sebastian blushed even more. ''I can't believe you're so direct. You just described a birth using a watermelon as an example. I'm never forgetting this.'' ''What is so weird about it? Do you know how kids are brought into this world or do you still believe that the seagulls bring them?'' ''Seagulls?'' Sebastian was wondering in which Welsh legend seagulls brought babies. ''Maybe you mean storks, Morgan.'' ''Yeah, it's the same thing, they both have wings, who cares.'' Morgan wasn't an expert at differencing birds. Everything that had wings, feathers and a beak were either chickens, ducks, seagulls or pigeons. ''That's wasn't the point.'' ''I'm not that stupid to believe in legends, I never did by the way. And before you ask, I don't believe in Santa.'' suddenly he laughed. ''Seagulls... look, when we'll have to do the press junkets to our movie and someone asks me for a funny cast anecdote I'm going to tell them that you confused seagulls with storks.'' She actually didn't mind. ''I'm not an intellectual prodigy, Sebastian''. He looked surprised. Yeah, Morgan may be annoying and obnoxious but he always thought that she was smart. Maybe she liked learning certain things and focused on them rather than trying to learn about everything. ''I think you are pretty smart. Yeah, maybe you're not Stephen Hawking but... who is. You have another type of knowledge, the one that you can't learn in books.'' Morgan wondered why he got out of his way to compliment her. It was not as she deserved his kindness. But he was a kind person to literally everyone. But this was the Sebastian Stan she had imagined for the past five years. The one that had destroyed her standards in men. The Sebastian she had fallen in love with. ''You give good compliments, Sebastian.'' ''Maybe I do'' he lifted her chin with his fingers so he could look at her better. ''See? You can be nice if you want to. You've been pretty nice tonight, Morgan.'' It was hard for them to resist the temptation and not kiss. They had to gather all the will they had in themselves to keep calm. ''I think we should go'' she proposed. After all, they had finished with their food. ''I think so.'' They gathered the empty pizza boxes and beer bottles and threw them in the trash can. The way back to the hotel was quiet and calm. They weren't speaking but the silence between tem wasn't uncomfortable at all. They fell at ease with each other. Only when they got into the elevator they could notice how messy they were. They had grass and pizza crumbs on their expensive clothes. Morgan had even stained her dress with beer. Luke was going to kill her. ''You have a leaf in your hair, Morgan'' he brush it away with extreme softness. Morgan got off in the seventh floor and Sebastian stood alone on the elevator, more confused than ever. She was driving him crazy and he wasn't doing anything to prevent it. On the contrary, he was all the time finding more and more reasons to be more attracted to Morgan if it was possible. Once he got into his room, and after changing his clothes for something more comfortable than an elegant and expensive suit, he threw himself to the bed and tried hard to fall asleep. But he couldn't. He was just waiting for someone (Morgan of course) to knock on his door. They didn't need to say a word, he'd just get her into his room and slowly take off that amazing red dress of hers, even if it was stained with grass. He'd take his time with her, without rushing anything, making sure of kissing every single inch of her skin, paying special attention to her long and kissable neck. He'd let her do the same to him, touch his skin with that long and soft fingers. He was hers to keep and she could do whatever her wanted. Kiss him, lick him, bite him, taste him, scratch him, whatever she wanted. Afterward, he'd made love to her in the most exquisite and intimate way he could imagine, enjoying every single second of it. But that was too good to be true, and of course that it was not going to happen. Morgan was probably fast asleep in her room, not giving a damn about his turbulent feelings.

P.S. Seagulls? Really Morgan?

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