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theoreticalmindgames · 5 years

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puppies & questions - a klance oneshot

klance buzzfeed puppy interview AU :)

So a @lancemcclain wrote this AU and I just kinda took it and ran so thanks for the cute idea and enjoy!

Keith usually didn’t do filming stuff. He was used to sitting at his desk and editing all day. Meeting with different video groups. Editing some more per their wishes and requests. But Shiro asked him for some help with filming a puppy interview, and even though Keith never really liked it when Shiro asked him favors because there was usually a ‘but’ or a ‘and also’ attached to it later-he wasn’t immune to the charm and adorableness of puppies.

So Keith sat behind the camera on a very comfy stool while Shiro chatted with the human shelter volunteers. A playpen had been set up in the corner, the pee pad all crumpled from the puppies frolicking throughout the pen, trying to say hi to everyone walking by.

“So who’s coming in today?”

Shiro had walked over, now holding a coffee and a bagel from Adam who stopped by during his lunch break at the nearby university.

“Oh, It’s Lance McClain.” He said nonchalantly as if he was not one of the most popular celebrities at the current moment. As if he wasn’t seriously attractive. As if Keith didn’t have a mild crush on said celebrity.

“Oh, okay.” Was all he could manage, as he turned back to the camera and began to fiddle with the settings, only to have Shiro fix it right after him with a quiet huff.

A few minutes later the door opened and a tall woman with her hair drawn back in a large white ponytail glided in, followed by a casual looking Lance McClain. Keith swallowed, and stood up, then sat back down because was he supposed to say hi? Or just sit there?

Shiro walked up and gave him a handshake, Lance McClain smiling back with an impossibly bright smile with impossibly straight teeth. They exchanged words but Keith was too busy staring at the way his bomber jacket stretched across his shoulder. But then Shiro was walking towards him gesturing and talking and then Keith was looking Lance McClain in the eye probably looking like a doe-eyed idiot.

“Hi, I’m Lance,” He said, extending a hand which Keith took. It was strange hearing him say his own name. Like they could have been meeting at a coffee shop.

Keith’s vision came out of tunnel mode when he heard Shiro.

“-eah so Keith is gonna be doing most of the interview stuff, and I’m just here to make sure no one dies.”

“What?” Keith looked at Shiro, who gave him a grin. A grin that said “have fun with this really attractive celebrity play with puppies while you get to sit there and watch.”

Lance laughed at Shiro’s comment. “I am very ready to cuddle every puppy in this place so let’s bring it on.” He flashed that perfect smile again, and Keith noticed a dimple form in the left corner of his lips.

Keith resituated himself behind the camera and turned on the camera. “Um, you can just sit on the green ex on the ground.” Keith pointed, and Lance smiled at him, lingering, before going to sit. The volunteers brought over the puppies and Lance’s grin grew as they attacked him in a playful herd.

One immediately went for the jar of questions and began to eat the small slips of paper.

“Oh geez,” Lance giggled, pulling the puppy away, and Keith swore his heart imploded from the sound of Lance giggling.

“Okay-” Keith cleared his throat, as a very fluffy puppy settled itself in Lance's criss-crossed legs and fell asleep. “So um, just choose questions from the jar- oh gosh-”

The same culprit had found his way back to the jar and was batting it around.

Lance laughed again, scooping up the puppy in his arms. “Maybe this will work better if you ask the questions. I think I’d like that better. Interviewing myself is kinda weird anyway.”

Keith blinked at him, before getting up and crouching to grab the jar, which was slightly wet from slobber. “Uh, yeah, that works. Yeah.”

“Sweet.” Lance smiled at his quick before his attention was taken by two puppies starting up a tussle on his legs.

“Okay, so the first question-”

“Wait, I- Sorry, I can’t see you behind that huge camera.” Lance chuckled, peering to the side, the two fighting puppies now hoisted under his armpits.

He wanted to see Keith? As in look at him? Oh god he just realized that he was literally wearing joggers and a t-shirt from his dirty laundry bin. Okay, no time to panic now just do the damn interview and this will all be finished soon. So Keith scooted the stool to the side, the jar of questions sitting in his lap, and his shoulders hunched.

“Much better.” Lance nodded in approval, a smirk threatening to appear.

Keith nodded back, trying to not look Lance in the eye because wow they were really nice and blue. “Okay, first question. If you could go back in time and play any role in any movie, who would you play.”

Lance gave one of the puppies a quick kiss on the head before answering. “Okay, this is easy- definitely Jack from Titanic.”

Keith hated that he smiled. “Okay, next-who has been one of your favorite costars to work with?”

Lance pondered for a moment, drumming his fingers on one of the puppies’ back, while another knawed on his wrist. “Probably Gina Rodriguez- she is just super fun and lighthearted and we have the same like, goofy sense of humor which was super cool.”

Keith nodded, listening intently because here he was, just chatting with Lance McClain.

“So you’ve been in a mix of lighthearted and serious films- which genre do you prefer to act in?”

Lance looked at Keith as he asked him the question, before scooping up a runaway pup, and holding her close. “Um, well the comedies I’ve been in are always super fun and I think that’s the most like, enjoyable? But I also like the chance to kind of switch roles and play some more serious parts- and it’s the serious movies that get to tell deeper and more personal stories, which I really like as well. So both.” He smiled like he had broken the rules and Keith found in unfairly cute. “Are you a comedy movie kinda person?”

Keith almost missed the question that was fired back at him because- well this wasn’t how it was supposed to go, right? He figured it wouldn't hurt to answer it real quick though. He didn’t want to be rude or anything.

“Um, not really? I mean I like some comedy shows but not really movies.”

“Nice,” Lance nodded, holding a puppy up to his face and letting it lick his nose.

Keith continued with the questions, and almost every time, Lance would ask him one in return. And it wasn’t like- it wasn’t like he was just doing it to maintain some kind of image. He seemed genuinely interested, which is what threw Keith off the most.

“Ghosts are not real,” Keith scoffed. The jar of questions had been finished and they had just been going back and forth for the past ten minutes asking each other things. Their conversation flowed easily and Keith felt like he could talk to Lance for hours without getting tired.

“Um, ghosts are too real and I’ve seen one.” Lance puffed his chest out, holding a puppy protectively like Keith had offended the dog as well.

“You’ve seen a ghost?”

“Yes! At my grandmother's house. Her house is like a million years olf so it had like a hundred ghosts in it.”

Keith snickered at his exaggerations and covered his mouth when a tiny snort escaped. “Oh my god.” He breathed.

Lance laughed loudly, his body tipping from front to back with laughter. “You-you have a cute laugh.” He said as his giggles calmed down.

Keith shook his head, feeling his cheeks get warm. “Anyone who snorts does not have a cute laugh.” But all Keith could hear in his head was cute cute cute cute cute he called me cute.

“Well I like your laugh,” Lance said quietly, looking at Keith through his lashes like some kind of- well some kind heartthrob movie star.

The sound of clicking heels interrupted the moment as Lance’s manager walked over with Shiro.

“Alright Lance, we’ve got to head out soon if we’re gonna make it to your next interview.”

Lance pouted, his lip jutting out as he gave each of the puppies a kiss and a hug before letting the volunteers take them away.

Keith turned off the camera, glaring at Shiro's shit-eating grin as he took over packing up the camera gear. Lance stood up and straightened out his clothes and walked up to Keith who was lingering near the set.

“Thanks for the interview, it was really fun.” Lance smiled warmly, stepping close to Keith. He could smell his cologne, fresh and beachy.

“Yeah, it was - it was nice.” Keith smiled, shoving his hands in his pocket.

“Um, I was wondering- well I don’t know um-”

Lance fidgeted with his hands, and Keith smiled at the nervous boy in front of him.

“Yeah?” Keith urged him on.

“Um, well I wanted to exchange numbers and see if we could hang out. Sometime. Whenever.”

Keith let out a breath, and he was pretty sure Lance could hear it, but he didn’t care as he slipped his phone from his pocket- unlocking it and handing it to Lance.

“I like your lockscreen,” Lance said as he handed Keith his phone back. “I like space too.”

“Yeah, yeah it’s cool.” Keith bit his lip, peeking down at his galaxy background, still having a hard time believing that Lance had just put his phone number in his phone.

“So, text me and we’ll grab coffee or lunch or something.” Lance looked at him with those bright eyes and that bright smile and Keith, for a moment was convinced that this wasn’t a real thing. But then Lance was coming in a for a hug and Keith leaned in with a little more force then he meant. But Lance delivered with a similar enthusiasm and his hands spanned across his back, and Keith got an even better whiff of whatever kind of scent Lance was wearing and it was so clean and calming Keith felt like he could fall asleep right here.

When they pulled away, Lance’s cheeks were pink and Keith was pretty sure his were as well.

“I’ll text you,” Keith said.

Lance's face broke open into a grin. “Okay. Okay cool.”

Keith clutched his phone to his chest and let out a sigh, just to make sure he was still breathing.

Lance texted like a maniac and Keith kinda loved it.

OH MY GOSH KEITH

I just saw the ugliest bigfoot statue

It kinda looked like you

Just kiddingggg

But you would have loved it

Keith snickered as his Mac pinged with every text.

Lance i’m trying to work here

I know which is why I’m giving you a much deserved break

But if i’m bothering you i can scooch outta here

You’re fine Lance

Thank you for the entertainment

Okay sweet :))))))

They got coffee at a place tucked away in the city, and only two people came up to ask for a picture. They talked for three hours, both ordering seconds, and then thirds of their respective drinks. Lance, a medium latte with vanilla and cinnamon. Keith, a London Fog. With every new topic they discussed, every giggle Lance let out, Keith liked him even more. He saw how human and how real and raw Lance was. He made Keith feel comfortable and welcome and valued. He would listen and respond with intent and it made Keith feel things that he wasn’t sure what they were.

At the end of their coffee date- “Can I call it a date?” Lance had asked and Keith had said yes- they walked out of the building and Lance whisked Keith into a nearby alcove to kiss him gently. It was so soft and delicate that Keith was pretty sure he was gonna melt on the spot and disappear into the drain. But he let himself indulge and wrapped his arms around Lance’s back, while long brown fingers cradled his jaw.

When they pulled away Keith was breathing heavy, despite the lack of tongue. Oh god, did he want to know what that felt like.

“I’ll text you.” Lance said, pressing a last quick kiss to Keith’s cheek before getting into the black SUV across the street.

Five seconds later his phone buzzed.

U are very cute and i wanna kiss you a lot now so when can i see you next ?

Keith rolled his eyes and bit his rising grin as he opened up his calendar app.

the end :)

#klance fic #jay's fics #klance #klance oneshot #klance au #klance buzzfeed au #puppies & questions #buzzfeed au #celebrity lance #camera man keith

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puckermansjake · 5 years

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who: jake puckerman & lauren zizes.

where: apartment balcony on homecoming night.

what: just like the first party, jake meets lauren outside for a little chat.

warnings: n/a.

I'll be here. Jaw was clenched tight in an attempt to bite back the smile that dared to play wildly on his booze soaked lips. Out of everything exciting that had happened during the night, seeing her seemed to top it all. With a solo cup in hand (filled with straight vodka), Jake bounced between crowds, being greeted and praised with every step he took. Hand after hand fell roughly onto his already sore shoulder, but he powered through every congratulations until he'd reached the balcony door. As assured, she was still there. Swallowing hard, Jake slid back the glass door and stepped out, shutting it behind him with a quiet thud. The night was breezy, much cooler than it'd seemed on the field not even two hours earlier. "Hey you," he greeted quietly, bottom lip snaking between pearly whites as he edged closer to her. "I'm beginning to think you don't even like these things," he pointed out, glancing back toward the party inside before settling against the railing.

While drinking for the night had seemed to lose its luster for Lauren, she was more than happy to indulge in other options. The blunt had been pilfered from her teammate's boyfriend before she'd lost the pair to the pull of the party, and she was glad she didn't have to share it with them. Instead she smoked in the cool silence of the evening, while texting Jake and trying to keep her smile in check. She didn't think he'd be at the party but then suddenly there he was, asking about her and wanting to meet up. If she was at all flustered by his need to seek her out, she wouldn't let it show. Instead savored it like the smoke she held between her lips before pushing out in a thick stream. And then he was there, edging towards her and she, clad in her leather jacket and leaning against the railing offered him a slow smile. "Hey yourself. What gave it away?" The thought made her laugh, and she indulged in that too because they always came easy with smoke...and him. "I usually need a break with parties. Too much noise, too much people. It's nice to be on my own, you know?"

Truth be told, he was more excited about seeing her there than the actual party itself. Sure, it was cool to celebrate the big win, but the icing on the cake had been her attendance in the first place. A single hand found it's way into the pocket of his jeans, the other still wrapped around the solo cup that had fueled his quickly rising blood alcohol level. "Just a guess," he replied smoothly before lifting the cup to his lips, it's contents not so smooth as it warmed his entire being. "Guess you could say I needed the break too." Between the congratulations and the offer of booze, he needed a moment to just... breathe. "Can't believe you're hearing my say this, but I could honestly call it a night right now and be completely fine," he admitted, tongue falling against his bottom lip as he glanced over her way. "Puff, puff, pass," he trailed off, brows rising teasingly as he leaned into her gently. "It was cool that you came tonight. I know football isn't really on your top list of things to watch, but it meant a lot." Even if he couldn't really explain it past that, it meant something. "Wasn't so bad, was it?"

"What, and miss out on all those offers? Crush the dreams of so many Ginsburg co-eds, wanting their chance with the star baller?" Painted lips parted in a grin, because she really enjoyed teasing him. Though, it served another purpose, her inquisitive nature wondering what he'd been up to. Having his attention, with the way it seemed so focused on her wouldn't fluster her as much if she knew he was distracted enough elsewhere. But then here he was, admitting to wanting to end his victory party early. "Calling it a night, does that mean the concussion's kicking in, or..." It was easy to keep her flirting lighthearted, and she took another slow pull before passing him her blunt. "I came out here specifically not to share that, y'know. But you did play a good game..." And he was always surprisingly sweet in that way of his, springing his honesty on her only to dart away, but she figured she'd keep him a little distracted from the get away a little longer. "It wasn't bad at all. Like I said, I don't mind going, when it's something I wanna do. And I wanted to go. Soak in the homecoming vibe. See you play. Without you knowing til later, of course."

“Can’t win ‘em all,” he exhaled, amused by her challenging words. Of course he had options, some more reliable than others, but it was hard wanting anything outside of what he currently had in her presence. It was confusing, yet perfectly satisfying all the same. “What’s your name again?” A quiet chuckle followed the playful question, her name practically etched into his mind at this point. Not that he’d ever admit to such a lame thing. “Well, you shoulda thought of that before you said I could tag along,” he trailed off, pulling his hand out of his pocket to carefully take the blunt between two fingers. As he had many times before, Jake lifted it to his lips, taking in a long inhale before releasing it into the night air. “Got any tips? Y’know, from what you saw?” Jake took another quick hit before passing it back, his curiosity getting the best of him as he smiled down at her, all too caught up in the moment and gentle head high that was slowly settling in. “You look gorgeous,” he complimented lowly, voice a quiet rasp. “Not that you don’t usually look good,” he added, stumbling over his own thoughts as he fought every urge to dip out.

"You're such a jackass," she replied, nudging him with her shoulder. Watching him take that hit, her kneejerk response had been concern. He seemed no worse for wear now, making light of it all, but it didn't change the fact that she had been worried. "I don't think you need any tips from me. You seem liked you knew what you were doing, and did it well." One look at his gameplay and it was easy to see why the program had been so dogged in recruiting him. Lauren might've been over football, but she knew football, and Jake was talented. She inhaled slowly, letting the smoke settle but his compliment, quiet and quick as it was caught her off guard. "Oh." the smoke billowed out behind it and she shook her head, the fuzzy feeling not the only reason her cheeks were flushed. She reached out, fingers brushing the nape of his neck, thumb barely grazing his dark curls as she offered him a smile. "Look at you, being all sweet tonight."

"Keep talking dirty to me," he shot back, taking her shoulder nudge with a quiet chuckle of amusement. Everything between them was easy, but then again, maybe that was just how she was. "C'mon, nothing at all? Alright," he nodded, tongue falling over his bottom lip in an arrogant manner. He knew he was good, but it never hurt to get better. Not that he'd ever ask anyone else for constructive criticism, that shit was reserved. Her short reply made him question if the compliment had been too much, or just enough? Either way, the few moments in between had been long enough to down the two, maybe two shots and a half of vodka he had left. It was her fingers against his skin that chilled him though, despite the booze warming his core. "I always think you're gorgeous," he shrugged, setting his empty cup on the railing in hopes it wouldn't be carried away by the gentle breeze that flowed all around them. "Shotgun me," he challenged, moving around to pin her against the railing, his hand on each of her. "Y'know, if you're up for that," he added, voice low as he smiled down at her.

Lauren rolled her eyes, but still managed to laugh because he had that effect on her. She really enjoyed their back and forth, even in those moments where she couldn't see where the hell his head was. Which was often. There were times when it was easy to read, maybe more than he realized. Like asking for tips on his game. She had no strong criticism of his skill, but found it interesting that he was so interested in knowing her opinion. And his reaction to finding out she'd been at the game and had seen him play. Lauren liked that he was eager for her attention, in that way, even if he was totally cocky about it. "I'll make you a list for later," she promised. Because she was distracted, maybe a little caught off guard by his compliment and the casualness of it all. Lauren watched him down the rest of his drink, his words still hanging between them, and she wondered how he was just able to do that. And it was her initial reaction to shrug it off as regurgitated moves he probably practiced on damn near every girl that crossed his path, but there was the other part that suspected it wasn't the case here. And that made her wonder why. But then he was standing in front of her, their difference in height never more apparent and issuing his request, as if framing it as a challenge would be the only way she'd give in... and Lauren licked her lips, needing to pause before she spoke. "You want something, then say it." Her fingers tightened at his neck, keeping him in place while she took a slow drag from the blunt, holding the smoke until her lips hovered near his, parting just enough to let the thick cloud escape in a steady stream to his mouth.

Even with a wild raging party unfolding inside, there was no other place the male wanted to be but outside with her. It wasn't something he could explain, nor was it something he wanted to. If questioned, he'd dodge it better than he dodged the defensive line of his opponent. "I'm still waiting on that playlist," he pointed out, more so a gentle reminder than anything. He was curious as to what she'd put on it; what she'd assume his musical taste would be. There was no doubt that she'd get it right though, because she was Lauren after all, and she'd proven herself quite resourceful over the month or so she'd been around. A whole month had been spent playing this game with her, not that he labeled it as such. He was genuinely interested in her, but was the feeling even returned? Did it even matter if it was? With his body hovering so close to hers, Jake swallowed hard, feeling incredibly high by the mix of her, the booze, and the blunt between them. Fingers curled around the railing tightly, fighting every urge within to kiss her the way he wanted to. Nodding, Jake leaned forward, forehead falling against hers as he inhaled her exhale of smoke, the smooth burn filling his chest as he lingered against her. After a few short seconds, Jake exhaled to the side, only to return his gaze to her. "What about you? Do you want anything?"

"I didn't forget about your playlist." She'd been distracted lately, by a healthy balance of schoolwork and social things, but in her spare time there'd been some serious effort put in to fulfill the promise she'd made to him in their early interactions. The smoke was heady and she welcomed the familiar fuzzed out feeling; it paired well with the moment they were in. The railing dug into her back, not in an uncomfortable way but a necessary grounding as Jake pressed closer, his forehead meeting hers. The questions, always with the questions. The lack of clarity would never not work her nerves, mostly because in this moment, what she wanted most was to figure out what the hell he wanted. The push and pull never made sense, considering his reputation and the rumors she heard and it was frustrating to feel like there was an extra step involved when it came to just their interactions. Making her work for the attention that he couldn't stop giving her anyway. And maybe part of her knew that wasn't the case, but she didn't really know anything. Because he wouldn't say anything. It was enough to irritate, but not knock her out of the moment. And that was definitely thanks to the smoke. Her grip loosened at his neck, fingers sliding to grip his chin, keeping her gaze level with his. "I want you...to tell me what you want, Jake."

"I didn't think you had." It wasn't like he knew her all too well, but he knew her well enough to know she wouldn't back down from a challenge. It was one of the many things he liked about her, not that he had a list or whatever. She was strong, independent, and seemingly unfazed by his antics, no matter how hard he tried. Then again, it wasn't like he'd put in a ton of effort for something he wasn't even sure she wanted. Knuckles lightened with his tight grip on the railing, an attempt to keep himself from running. He wanted her, wasn't that obvious? By the way his heart pounded against his chest and knees dared to give in, he assumed it to be so, but maybe it wasn't. "I want you," he hummed smoothly, eyes never leaving hers. He was supposed to be the confident jock who could have anyone he wanted, yet he'd never felt so fragile. One breath of rejection would be all it would take to make everything crumble, to burn whatever bridge they'd built in a month's time. He'd spent so long bouncing around the truth that finally uttering the words aloud left him scared for what was to come.

There was some weight in that 'want'. And with a clearer head, maybe she'd break it down. Dissect the details of it all, because it was deceptively concise. What was in that want? Something physical? Something more? It was too damn vague to tell. But it was honest. And the flicker of something in his eyes, something she couldn't exactly place, told Lauren as much that he'd meant it. So she kept it simple, taking his words at face value because it took no manual to interpret. Closing the distance, there was no hesitation in her movements, just a small hitch in her breathing before her lips met his in a bold kiss, fingers brushing at his jawline.

It wasn't much, but it was what she'd asked for, right? She'd asked what he wanted and against all odds, he'd admitted the truth. While most would've brushed it off, it was damn near impossible to water it down. He'd took a leap of faith and to his surprise, she'd matched his eager stride. No words were shared in agreement, but the feeling of her lips against his was all he needed. A single hand moved from the railing to rest against her face, a gentle attempt at keeping her close out of fear it'd end all too quickly. Tongue swiped teasingly against her lips as thumb rubbed gentle circles against her skin. Who needed liquor and weed? The only high he needed was against her lips.

Lauren leaned into his touch, lips parting with a moan when Jake deepened their kiss. It was a heady feeling, feeling her cheeks flush against the warmth of his hand and though the temperature outside was chilly she felt overheated. Her hand fell to his chest, fingers gripping his shirt to keep him close because she wasn't ready for the moment to end just yet. This wasn't her usual, making out with someone in a public place, where anyone could happen upon. But it was late enough, and she was buzzed enough, and he was tempting enough that those thoughts were put on the back burner.

Every part of him burned with a fiery desire for the female against him. The way her fingers lingered over his skin and lips hung against his made him want her that much more. The quiet moan that settled between them forced a hand to her side, fingers curling into the material of her shirt the way she gripped his. She was far more exciting than any house party and offered more of a high than even the win itself had given him. She was everything he needed in that moment and while their lips worked eagerly, he wondered if perhaps that statement extended past the moment. Not that it mattered. They were having fun, right?

A shiver raced down her spine and Lauren rocked against him. The noise of the party had long faded into the background, leaving only the sound of their lips meeting the gasps between them. He was so damn good at this, unfairly so, and Lauren chalked her up her responsiveness as instinct. She liked kissing, and Jake knew what the hell he was doing; she wouldn't overthink it. Instead she indulged, nipping at his bottom lip and soothing the hurt with a swipe of her tongue. The sound of shouts nearby made her jump, the chorus of voices from the passing pedestrians fading quickly, but breaking the moment between them. She leaned away--only slightly--head dipped back to the sky and she took a deep breath, licking her lips as her laughter pierced the quiet. "Shit..."

Was it bad that the football player wanted nothing more than to leave the party? Even with the limitless booze and chicks, all he wanted as to fade away in the safety of her suite, or maybe even his own room. To do what, well, he wasn't quite sure. Hand slid down to her throat, fingers curling into her skin lightly as she teased his bottom lip with her teeth. Just as quickly as it'd all started, it'd all came to an unfortunate end with a quiet laugh that left them both in need of air. "Tell me why we haven't done lately?" Jake grinned, forehead falling to rest against her shoulder as he bit back the wide smile that played on his throbbing lips. Sighing, the male pulled back, only enough to catch a full look at the female he'd yet to fully capture. "I think I could get used to these outside meetups if it means that'll happen every time," he teased, arms now wrapped loosely around her waist. "Even when it drops down to negative thirty out."

"'Cause we have to go to class at some point," she replied, still giggling. It was a good question. Not like she didn't want to. But with classes and all the extracurriculars on her plate, she was still working on getting the balance right for the new semester. Or at least, that was the simplest answer. Since that weird text conversation about homecoming and the situation they'd both misinterpreted, perhaps Lauren, even subconsciously kept her distance, keeping their interactions to online or in the case of the library, someplace neutral. But now was good, in the quiet and cold and her gaze met his. She flicked the remnants of the blunt off the rails as Jake's arms curled around her waist, and she draped hers on his shoulders, careful not to press down too hard on the one where he took the hit. Despite his insistence, she was sure it was still tender. "Think your fan club might miss you dippin' out at every party. And besides, once it hits the 30 degree weather you're not seeing me outside. Better enjoy it while you can."

“Do we? ‘Cause I’m pretty sure I could just wing it,” he teased, fingertips dancing against her back gently. He had football, classes, a tutoring service he wasn’t willing to admit to, and frat stuff that kept him on his toes. It was one reason, he assumed, that they hadn’t hung out as much. “You say that like you aren’t part of my fan club,” he grinned, quiet chuckle following. She was better than the girls who practically drooled over him and maybe that was one of the many reasons he enjoyed her company. Plus, she’d already asked more about him than anyone else had ever bothered to. “Southern girl isn’t built for the winter, huh?” Not that he could blame her, the snow could get wrecked. “You never said what you wanted,” he hummed, eyes flicking down to her lips to avoid her gaze. It was childish, but he was curious.

"You're ridiculous." It was paired with a smile, because everything felt hazy in a really good way and it might've been from the smoke but a tiny part (teensy, really) of it was him. She liked hanging around him, but he didn't need to know that, his ego didn't need anymore stroking. She was sure he'd gotten enough of that from the game. "Fan club? Me? Now I know you must be concussed..." Her fingers grazed the hair at the nape of his neck. "You're alright. And please, winter is fine but freezing cold? Y'all can keep it." The light talk shifted once more, and Jake's words made her pause, briefly. "I wanted to kiss you" she told him simply, dipping her head to catch his lowered gaze. "So I did."

"Yet you stick around for some reason." For whatever reason that was, Jake couldn't complain too much. She'd put up with his bullshit on numerous occasions and yet, there she stood. Chuckling, Jake's head dropped momentarily, his tanned cheeks glowing a light shade of red (of which he'd blame entirely on the cold) and not because of her, of course. "What's a winter like down south? Does it drop below forty? Do the swamps freeze over? Educate me." If time allowed (and the party did too), he had no problem with staying outside and talking to her until the sun came up and everyone was ready to settle in. It was a good time and quite honestly, he needed a break from the chaos that erupted within the apartment behind them. "Great minds think alike," he joked, words easy as he leaned down, lips pressed against hers once more. This time it was softer and much shorter as he pulled back, smile wide. "You should want that more often."

"Well," she started, attempting to dim her smile because it wouldn't do to laugh in his face just yet. "I didn't say you weren't entertaining with it. I like ridiculous." It was too dark outside to completely make out his expression, but she felt the flush in his cheeks when she leaned in, briefly pressing her cold one to his warm skin. "See? Not used to the cold, but you are. It can hit below forty. It's snowed in New Orleans before. Nothing like up here, that's for sure. The swamps can freeze but ain't thick layers of ice. Wouldn't recommend trying to walk on it." Lauren welcomed the kiss, surprisingly tender as it was and Jake's grin when he pulled back only made her lean in again, cupping his still warm cheek to follow through on his words, letting her lips glide over his once more in a brief press. "Something to look forward to for next time."

“So, you like me?” It was just like Jake Puckerman to pick and choose what he wanted to hear. He smiled down at her eagerly, surprised at how easily she held his attention. Then again, he had no doubt that she had that affect on everyone. “Can’t say I wanna go ice skating with alligators doing their thing under me, waiting for the ice to shatter. Sounds like a death trap waiting to happen. Was last year your first big snow?” Growing up in Ohio, Jake knew all too much about snow and the monster it could be. Still, the north had it far worse than he ever did, but he was still better prepared than she was. Brows furrowed lightly as she pulled him down for another kiss, this one being a surprise as they parted once again. “Next time,” he nodded, thumb brushing against her bottom lip softly. “You tryna kiss me again next party or what? ‘Cause it sounds like it.”

Lauren rolled her eyes. "I don't offer my roommate's twin bed to any old rando frat guy." It was a good answer, the most neutral one her fuzzed out brain wanted to decipher at the moment. Because things were good and chill between them and he smelled nice...and she was definitely higher than she realized. She shook her head at Jake's question of snow, vaguely recalling a vacation with her family years ago. "Nope. Went to Colorado when it snowed, back when I was fourteen. It was so fuckin' cold but really pretty. I remember my thinking I wanted to live someplace where I could feel different seasons." Lauren sighed, feeling the heat on her lip from where Jake had touched her and she smiled at the question. "Guess you'll have to wait and see for the next party. You know where to find me."

"Maybe soon you'll offer up yours," he challenged, head shaking. They'd both expressed their dislike of the twin sized hell-bed, but part of him wondered what it would be like to actually fall asleep by her side. Then again, he shook the thought away before it lingered too long. That was dumb thinking, perhaps to be blamed on the booze and the head high that dared to consume him whole. "Colorado, huh? Shoulda been a cowboy or something." There was a song like that, right? "That's cool though. College was the first time I ever got out of Ohio. West sounds pretty badass though. Might have to fuck around and try it out sometime." Nodding, the body exhaled deeply and stepped back, allowing a bit of space between them as he glanced back at the party. "I hope you have a good night, Lo. Seriously, you deserve it."

Lauren didn't know how to respond to that, but then again, maybe it was better not to. She liked the way the question lingered in the air, the silence feeling less definite. 'Maybe' was a good place to be. Her hand cupped his cheek, thumb smoothing against his skin while listening to Jake reflect on his own travels. "You should get out there. Take a road trip sometime. It's beautiful." It could've been a song, the words he'd rambled, but her mind was blanking and it was just nice to be near him and not think too much. But soon he was stepping back and glancing towards the noise of the party and no doubt the crowds of people probably looking for him. The 'deserve' of it all confused her. She certainly didn't do much for that happen. Didn't play in a game that made all this celebration possible. Still, she nodded. "I'll be alright. Think I'm gonna head out in a little bit. But you get back. Enjoy your victory party."

He had a party to attend, even if part of him wanted to chill with her. He had an appearance to make, more so to celebrate the big win with those who were eager to congratulate him. Nodding, Jake took the words as encouragement. Maybe after he graduated, he'd have the means to see the world for what it was. Until then, he was good with google images. "It was cool you came," he shrugged, head buzz heavy. "I'll see you around." It was half a question, half a statement. Of course he'd be seeing her around, but when and where was the question. With that, Jake turned and headed back inside, only pausing at the sliding glass door for a few short seconds before being swallowed whole by the crowd inside.

#homecoming / lauren.

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