#luke in the original story didn't have to navigate any of this | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

liesareeasier · 1 year

Text

'Home To Hawkins' Chapter 10: Lighting Fires

‘Home To Hawkins' is an Eddie Munson/ Stranger Things Inspired Fanfiction

By: MoonFlowerWrites on WattPad

A/N: Hey everyone! Here’s another chapter of my Eddie Munson fan-fic! I’ll be posting a chapter for this every few days, so check for updates. :) This is kind of a strangers to friends to lovers story. There will be smut and mature content in this chapter/ story, so please stop reading if you’re not 18+. Thanks for checking out my story and I hope you enjoy it!! xx

~ Abbey, the writer. :) <3 xx

•••

Word Count: 8,000 words :)

•••

A/N:

A/n: Hello there! Sorry for a late update. I was busy tonight and meant to get it posted earlier, but wanted to make sure it was fully edited before putting it out. I hope you all are liking this story so far. I'm really having so much fun writing it. I was nervous to start writing this story, because I had been working on an outline for it for so long, but your support and reads mean so much to me. Every singe one of you who read my story make me feel so good, so thank you all from the bottom of my heart. I'll post a note on here soon with my social media links, so you can get updates before I post my chapters. Thanks for reading!!!

xx, abbey, the writer c:

•••

The piercing beep from the alarm clock going off was loud enough to wake the dead, so I couldn't help but laugh when Eddie slapped the clock to turn it off and pulled a pillow right over his head. He let out a series of adorable grunts before turning over a few times and falling back asleep. I wasn't as lucky as him since I had to get a shower in and be at work soon.

I softly kissed my sleeping Eddie on his shoulder before slipping out of bed. The room was nearly pitch black, so I turned on the small lamp on the desk to hunt for some clothes to wear. I couldn't help but smile when I saw the beautiful flowers that he had gotten me sitting on the desk.

The faint, floral aroma from their petals filled the room with the most delicious smell. Eddie truly surprised me last night with how thoughtful and sweet he was. I had suspected that he had this side to him and felt lucky that I was the one he allowed to see it. No matter how rough or spirited he usually came off, it felt like a front at times. He seemed to be his true, gentle self in front of me. I appreciated that side of him.

After going to stare at the flowers some more, I seriously needed to start getting ready. When I was trying to find an outfit, I suddenly realized how clean the room was. The shirts and pants that had been strewn about from last night's outfit search were folded on the plaid chair in the corner. My makeup that had been strewn across the desk was all back in its bag and the extra pillows from the bed were now stacked neatly next to the side of it.

Oh my god... Eddie cleaned the room after I passed out last night... The guy who barely cleans his own room did this for me...

A couldn't wipe the smile from my face as I dug through my bag for an outfit. Figuring that I would have some marks visible on my neck and chest from Eddie, I grabbed an orange turtleneck with a striped collar and cuffs, my black jeans, some back cotton underwear, and a matching bra. I gazed over at Eddie who was cuddled up in bed as I walked to the bathroom. I hoped that I wouldn't wake him but selfishly I wanted to see him before I left for work. I closed the door softly behind me and started getting ready for my long day.

I was a bit nervous to meet with Luke at the movie theater today. The pressure I was putting on myself was probably the source of my anxieties, and not based on any real reason for fear, but navigating being a business owner was proving to be even more stressful than I had originally thought. Not like I believed that it would be easy, but I had more riding on the video store being successful than I had first thought.

I didn't plan for this opportunity to turn into what it had. I met some incredible people in this town and now felt like I owed it to them for this deal to work out. We could make it on our own but I wanted something more, something meaningful to come out of my time here.

Coming here was only supposed to be temporary at first but it felt like my home again. What I was building with Robin, Steve, Eddie, Max, and the others was making it worth it to stay. I had never felt pressure like this before in my life and I was hoping that I was up to the challenge. I had people that were depending on me; I simply couldn't fail them.

•••

After taking a steaming shower and getting dressed, I made my way back out to the bedroom. I had my hair wrapped in my towel and sat at the desk to start doing a light face of makeup. Luckily, I didn't need to cover my hickeys since my turtleneck was doing the job. I loved seeing them on my skin but nobody else needed to. I could practically still feel Eddie's lips on me and wanted nothing more than to just stay in bed with him all day, but that would have to wait for another time.

Maybe after I hire a store manager I can finally take a day off to spend with him... I just can't leave the store when we only have a few employees on staff... Though, I would love to rile Steve up and schedule him alone with Keith for a day... Hmm...

When I was just finishing my mascara, I heard Eddie stirring over in the bed. I took the towel off of my head, shook out my already brushed hair, and went to lay with Eddie for a minute. I'd have to leave soon for work but I didn't want to start my day without cuddling with him. Eddie sleepily wrapped his arms around me as he cuddled up to my side. He looked up at me, flashed a cute, drowsy half-smile, and rested his head on my chest.

"Good morning, sweetheart," he mumbled as he struggled to stay awake.

"Good morning, Eds," I said as I leaned down to kiss him on his forehead. "I'm about to leave for work but I'm glad I got to see you."

"Mm, can't you just stay here?" He sweetly asked as he held me tighter to him.

"I wish I could, trust me I do, but soon I can," I answered, trying to hide my sadness. I wished more than anything that I could tear my clothes off and never leave this room but I didn't have a choice.

I continued as he gazed up at me, "I have to meet with a potential partner today and get interviews set up for this week. Once we have a manager and a larger staff, I can take a couple days off."

"I'd like that," he said as he leaned up to kiss me.

Our lips moved rhythmically together for a moment before Eddie pulled away and cupped my face in his hands, "well, what are your plans for tonight? Wanna stay over at my place?"

"I'd love to," I said as I kissed him once more before starting to get out of bed.

"Perfect. I want you to meet my uncle," he said with a budding grin.

"Doesn't he work nights?" I wondered as I grabbed my bag and started looking for my keys, which I was always losing.

"He does, he does," Eddie said as he sat up in bed and continued nervously. "He'll be home before you leave for work in the morning. I know it's kind of weird timing, and you don't have to say yes, but the offer is there."

"I really want to, Eddie. I've just been wondering when you'd ask me," I assured him as I grabbed my keys that were hiding on the corner of my desk and walked back over to the side of the bed.

I slipped the room key off of the ring and handed it to Eddie before continuing, "I'll come by after work if that's okay. I can't wait to meet him. And here, please take this. Stay here until you wake up some more and I can just get it from you later."

Eddie sat up on his knees in the bed, grabbed the key from me, and pulled me in for another kiss. I dropped my bag next to me and joined him in the bed for just a minute more. I wrapped my legs around him, straddling him while our lips moved together. He held me around my waist and tangled his free hand in my damp curls. I had to force myself to pull away, fearful that if I stayed for a moment longer, I would throw all of my responsibilities out the window.

"Fuck, baby... do you have to go?" Eddie teased as he held onto my hand as I stood up to grab my bag.

"No, let's stay in here forever and never leave," I joked.

"Sounds like a pretty good plan to me," Eddie said with that devilishly pretty smile of his. "No, but seriously, I'll drop your keys off to you today. What time is your meeting?"

"Noon, so I should be back to the store by one, but who knows... This guy didn't sound too thrilled on the phone so I might be back sooner than that," I said with an eye roll, dreading the potential failure that awaited me.

"I'm sure it'll go just fine. You have nothing to worry about, sweetheart. Don't doubt yourself," he said as he stood up out of bed to hug me.

I wrapped my arms around him, drinking in every last second before I left. This was just the boost of confidence that I needed. I was usually so sure of myself but just couldn't shake that mounting pressure that I had put on myself. Eddie's assurance truly made me feel like everything was going to work out.

It will... It has to...

"By the way," Eddie continued, "I'm sorry again about the fire last night. I really hope that didn't ruin it. I know you said that it didn't but..." he trailed off, trying to read my reaction but I couldn't help but smile.

"Please stop apologizing about it. It wasn't your fault. Like you said, we just didn't notice how windy it had gotten. I was a little preoccupied with how good you made me feel," I said as I leaned up for one more kiss. "You called Dustin last night, right?"

"I did, I did," he said as he sunk back into the bed and reached for the remote. "After you fell asleep, I remembered that I had to. I was so tired but I just couldn't fall sleep."

"Well, catch up on a little now. I'll see you at the store later, okay?" I said as I stood in the doorway to leave.

"See you later, Violet," he said with a wink.

"Bye, Eds," I said with a wave as I slipped out the door.

I started up my car and popped in some Fleetwood Mac to start my day. Still high from my night with Eddie, I made my way to the store. I was determined to make today work out for me. My grandparents were the kind of people who never gave up, and after all, I was doing this in their memory. I knew that they would be proud of me for taking on this challenge. I just needed to channel their energy and let it fuel me.

I've got this... I've got this... I've got this...

•••

When I pulled into the lot, I could see Keith's car parked out front. He wasn't sitting inside, so he must have been waiting for me out back. I was trying not to let Steve's judgment of him get into my head, but he was pretty boring. That kind of energy was exactly what I needed to relax this morning, though. I'd take boring any day over having someone like Paul back on our staff.

I made my way around to the back of the store and saw Keith leaned up against the wall. He gave me a wave and grumbled hello, seemingly tired, but trying to perk up judging by the coffee in his hand. I was jealous since I hadn't stopped at the diner today but I didn't want to be too jittery from caffeine at my meeting later.

Hopefully, I would be able to stay awake through the day without it. Robin and Steve were coming in at 11:30, so I'd be able to finish the shift with them. They always put me in a good mood, so regardless of how the meeting was going to go, I knew that the end of my shift would make me happy. I wished that I could fast-forward through time until after the meeting to when I had planned on getting a large coffee to properly wake up, but since I lacked the superpowers to do so, I'd just have to wait until then.

•••

The morning with Keith went by swimmingly. We had a few customers but nothing we couldn't handle. We spent the time tending to them, restocking the snacks that we had run out of because of the Halloween sale, and putting back all of the returns from the return box. There were a decent amount due to the holiday weekend but they were mostly horror, action, and kids' movies, so they were easy enough to organize.

With the clock ticking down the minutes to my meeting at the theater, Robin and Steve came bursting through the door a few minutes before their shift was slated to start. They were laughing with each other about something. I couldn't figure out what the source of their smiles was until they walked closer to the cash registers, where I was standing.

Clutched in Steve's hands was the Michael Myers mask that Eddie must have left in his bathroom on Saturday night. My heart grew hot with slight embarrassment as I tried my best to keep a reaction off of my visibly stunned face. Steve would just love it if he riled me up and I wasn't about to give him that satisfaction.

Steve greeted me with a smug smile and a wink as he and Robin approached, "hey there, killer. Think your boyfriend left this in my bathroom."

"Steve, I told you to leave that in the damn car," Robin said as she tried to snatch the mask from his hands but he kept a tight grip on it

"Ah, ah, ah, not so fast, Robin," Steve said as he held it out to me and I grabbed it from him.

Steve continued as he leaned against the counter and crossed his arms, "this belongs to Violet here."

"Hi Steve, thanks," I said calmly as I felt my skin flush. "Hey, Robin!"

"Hey! I'm gonna go put my bag away and get clocked in," she said as she turned her attention back to Steve. "I suggest you do the same and leave her alone."

"He's fine," I said before Steve could speak. "I'll get it back to Eddie."

Robin and Steve went to put their things away in their lockers while I waited for them in the front of the store. I tucked the mask into my bag before they got back. I needed to head out soon to get to the theater on time, since it was in the next town over, but I still had a few minutes until I had to leave.

Thankfully, Robin came back out before Steve. The action of him bringing that mask into work was starting to piss me off. We had such a good night the other night and the last time I saw him, he was thanking me up and down for helping him. Steve could be hard to read sometimes but I felt like he was annoyed with me or something. I was hoping that wasn't the case but I could tell that there was something up with him. Finding out what was wrong would have to wait until later and bother me until then.

"Hey, sorry about cranky pants. I don't know what crawled up his ass today," Robin said quietly as she came right up and gave me a hug after clocking in.

"It's fine," mouthed back as I pulled away and Steve approached.

After giving them the breakdown for the day, I continued, "so, you guys will be okay until I get back?"

"Yeah, we'll be fine, boss," Steve replied.

"We can handle anything! Don't worry about coming back in," Robin said with a reassuring smile.

"Well, Eddie has my keys, so he has to stop by the store today. I'll be back right after my meeting with coffees for you guys," I said with a slant smile, thinking once again about our wonderful night together.

"Your room keys?" Robin asked as she raised a curious eyebrow at me. "He stayed over again?"

"Yes. He um- he took me on a date last night and it was pretty late, so yes, he stayed over," I answered.

"Good for you," Steve grumbled under his breath, thinking I couldn't hear him but he was mistaken.

"Okay, in that case, you better come back here and tell me everything," Robin said.

"Will do. I have to get heading out now, but I'll be back as soon as I can," I said and turned my attention to Steve. "Everything alright Steve?"

"Yeah, fine," he said as he shrugged. "Can we talk for a sec before you leave, though?"

"Yeah, do you mind talking while I walk to my car?" I asked as I slung my bag over my shoulder.

"After you," he said as he held his arm out, pointing toward the door.

"Bye Robin," I said as we started making our way outside. "Iced mocha, right?

"See you later, with all the juicy details," Robin teased with a wave. "And yes! A large please."

"You got it," I smiled back as Steve held the door open for me.

"You two and your coffee addiction," Steve laughed with a joking eye roll.

At least I hope he's joking... I hate feeling like he's mad at me for something...

Steve stuffed his hands in his pockets as he walked with me out to my car. For the life of me, I couldn't gauge how he was feeling or where this conversation was going to go. I also didn't have much time to talk, but I wanted to hear him out. Whatever was bothering him, I owed him that much. He had been a good friend to me since I got into town.

"What's up, Steve?" I asked as I leaned against the hood of my car, its cold surface sending a slight chill through me.

"Nothing I- I know you have to leave but I was wondering if we could hang out later. I need someone to talk to about-" he said, stopping his train of thought as a puzzled look graced his face and I could instantly feel what this was regarding.

"About Nancy?" I boldly asked as I fished my keys out of my bag.

"How'd you know?" He asked as the confused look on his face grew even more.

"I just figured," I answered. "Are you okay?"

"I don't know... She called me yesterday and it's been driving me wild," he said as he ran his hands frantically through his flowing brown hair.

He continued as I started unlocking my car, "do you have time to come over today?"

"I'll meet you there after work," I said as I rated my hand on his arm.

"You sure? You and Max or Eddie don't have plans or anything?" He asked.

"Of course I'm sure. I'm hanging out with Eddie tonight but my afternoon is open. You'll be okay until then?" I reassured and wondered.

"Thank you so much," he said in a much lighter tone as he pulled me in for a hug.

I wrapped my arms around his slim frame and held him close for a minute. I knew that he needed someone to comfort him. It hurt seeing him so down and I would do anything in my power to help him.

He continued when we moved apart, resting his hands in his back pockets, "you guys seem really good, by the way. I've never seen Eddie so happy before."

"He's pretty incredible," I said, not able to hide my embarrassingly giddy smile. "He took me on the sweetest date last night. I um- I wasn't expecting to meet someone like him."

"I can't wait to hear about it when you get back," he smiled knowing that his friend was happy. "Now get your ass to that meeting before you're late! Good luck today."

"Bye Steve, and thank you," I said as I ducked into my car.

"Drive safe. I'll see you later," he said as he closed my door behind me and waved as I started up my car.

He stood near the front door of the video store as I started leaving the parking lot. I waved back to him and cranked the music in my car. I couldn't help but wonder how Steve's conversation with Nancy went.

What did she say?! Fuck... I hope he's okay... I hope he can open up to Robin a bit before I get back... How did it go?! Good? Bad? God... This is going to drive me crazy...

Thoughts about what they could have possibly talked about consumed my thoughts as I made my way to the theater. I tried my best to stay focused on the road, but the map I was following and my short conversation with Steve were taking up a lot of my attention. I bobbed my head aging with my music and tried to refocus on the task at hand. The sweet voice of Stevie Nicks was just the medicine that I needed to get me back on track.

•••

My nerves were flowing through me as I pulled into the parking lot of the movie theater. There were a few cars in the lot, presumably there for some matinee shows, and I hoped that they would still have enough time for the meeting. The tone of the guy on the phone was still ringing in my ears. I was probably just reading the situation wrong and I needed to shake off my hesitations so that today's meeting would be successful.

I pulled myself together, turned down the music in my car, and went to get out. Before I shut my door, I remembered the Michael Myers mask taking up a large space in my bag. I grabbed it out and whipped it onto the front seat. The last thing I needed in my meeting was to be reminded of Eddie. He'd quickly take up all my thoughts and I needed to try to be serious.

I'm a business owner now... I have to secure this deal for the store... Gag with me a spoon... I sound like such a square...

There wasn't anyone standing in the ticket window when I walked up, so I decided to just head straight inside. The delicious smell of popcorn smacked me in the face when I swung the door open. A few people were in line for the concessions and not many employees walking around, so I took my spot in the queue and waited for someone to be available to talk.

After the customers in front of me were done ordering their popcorn, candy, and sodas, I was next in line. I was greeted by a brunette, high-school-aged girl which a large smile. She asked me what movie I was here to see and what she could get for me, but I told her my real reason for being there.

"Hi, I'm actually here to see Luke. We have a meeting set up for noon," I said as I shifted nervously on my feet and clutched onto my bag.

"Okay, I'll go grab him. He's been in the office all morning," she said. "I'll be right back."

"Thank you so much," I said as I moved off to the side to stay out of the way of any other customers.

After a couple of minutes of waiting, the girl who greeted me took her spot back behind the concession counter and a man started making his way toward me. He was tall, mid-thirties, and had a video-game nerd meets hippie vibe about him. His long, black hair was twisted up in a bun and he was wearing a floral button-down shirt with brown slacks. He greeted me with a serious look and a firm handshake.

"Hello. Violet, I assume? I'm Luke," he said as he released my hand.

"Yes, hello," I said with a false sense of confidence. "Nice to meet you."

"You as well," he replied in a nicer tone than on the phone, making me drop my guard. "If you want to follow me to my office, we can chat in there."

"Perfect," I answered as I stared following him toward a red door in the back of the room, just past the row of theaters.

Luke closed to office door behind us, cutting us off from the low rumbles of the movies they had playing. I took a seat in one of the red leather chairs as he took his spot behind his black desk. Its surface was littered with papers and a few picture frames but they were turned around and I couldn't see what they held. I twisted my fingers together as we started what would hopefully be a fruitful conversation.

"So, you called talking about a partnership of some kind?" Luke started, not wasting either of our time by getting straight to the point of today.

"Yes, yes I did," I said as I relaxed my shoulders and tried to calm my nerves once more. "I'm the new owner of the Family Video over in Hawkins and we're looking for a theater to link up with."

"Hawkins? Okay, I thought you said that over the phone. Sorry, when you called the other day we were swamped so I apologize if I was a little rude or if I was short with you," he said as he leaned onto his elbows on the desk.

"Yes, Hawkins. My grandparents owned the store before me and they passed it down to me," I said. "And you don't need to apologize for anything. I understand."

"So, what would this partnership look like in your eyes? What would be the benefit for us to, say, join up with you?" He asked as he stared pointedly at me.

I took a breath and a moment to gather my thoughts before responding, "I know it's a little bit strange, out of the ordinary if you will, but we'd love to set up a regular movie night with your theatre. We could promote new releases for you in our store and I heard that you've also shown old movies here in the past. I think we could have a good thing going here if we could work out the logistics."

"I see, I see," Luke said as he leaned back in his chair and took in what I said. "We've never done anything like this before..."

"I figured, and I know it could be a lot to ask. I only want us to both be successful and collaborating with another local company could provide some much-needed entertainment in our towns," I said, trying my best to convince him but feeling slightly underwater. I'd never negotiated a deal or run a business before and I wasn't sure what I was doing. I just knew that I had to try, no matter how uncomfortable of forward this felt.

"So, what do you have in mind specifically?" He asked curiously as his eyebrows raised and he scratched at his untrimmed beard.

"Well, I thought we could start out with one night a month," I started, taking a deep breath before continuing. "There's been a rise in theaters showing old movies that people might have missed on the first showing. We could provide the reels of film we want to show, some food for the guests, and advertise for the event in our store. I was thinking that we could do a different genre each month, keeping with whichever are the most popular here."

"We don't show the mainstream movies that people around here seem to go nuts for. You know that, right?" He asked.

"I do. That's why I called you specifically," I answered with a smile as I finally felt myself relaxing. "You guys show mostly indie and horror films, correct?"

"We do, we do," he answered with a slow nod.

"Well, with our established client base and your venue, I really think that we could both benefit from this," I said confidently.

"I'll tell you what," he started ominously as he leaned back onto his elbows. "I think so too."

A wave of relief swept over my body. Our conversation had been nerve-wracking but now it felt like my fears were all for nothing. This is just what our store needed and it felt overwhelmingly good to feel needed as well.

He continued since I was too happily stunned to speak, "let's start with what you said, one night a month. You can even pick the first movie that we show. If it goes well, we can talk about doing this more often and, if it goes well, expand from there."

"Wow, thank you so much. This is- thank you," I said as I stood up to shake his hand before sitting back down in the comfortable chair.

"Like I said, even though we've never done anything like this before, you have me interested. I also went to high school in Hawkins, so I have a sweet spot for my hometown," he said with a kind smile as he turned around one the photos on his desk to reveal him standing in front of the high-school. "It's nice that you want to help spread some interesting media to a town that needs it."

"That's all I want. I'm not trying to change this town, I just want to help," I said as I started gathering my bag back onto my lap. "When do you want to set up the first night?"

"I'll give you a call tomorrow to nail down the details regarding the time, film selection, and food, but how does two weeks from Friday work for you?" Luke asked.

"That sounds perfect," I answered.

"Here, write down the number for the store and your information on this," he said as he handed me a ballpoint pen and a thick stack of blue post-its. "I'll call you around one tomorrow to get everything sorted out."

"Amazing, thank you again," I said as I scrawled down my name, the store's address, and phone number.

"Of course. Anything to help out another local business owner. Well, I'm only a part owner here but still," he said as he stood up and I followed suit. "Here, I'll walk you out the front, partner."

Luke held out his hand for me to shake again before he led me to the front of the theater. He sent me on my way with a smile and a wave as he held the door open for me. I returned his favor and headed back to my car. I had to fight the urge to literally jump for joy and scream with excitement but held myself back from overly reacting until I got back to my car.

I hopped into the front seat and kicked my feet as I started up my car. I felt like I was high. The meeting had gone better than I thought. I'd gone into it so nervous for no reason at all. It felt like my efforts here were actually going to pay off. After the robbery during my first week here, I didn't know how the store was going to recover. This expansion and exposure were going to be great for the both of us.

Luke seemed like a nice guy once I sat down with him. I couldn't fault him for being grumpy during our first phone call. We'd started off a bit rocky but we were already planning our first event together and all of that was out the window and forgotten. I headed back to the store as I jammed out to some Fleetwood Mac, per usual.

Now to just pick the perfect movie for our first night... Fuck!!! I can't believe I did it... I really fucking did it...

•••

I had swung by the diner on my way back to the store to grab coffees for us. Keith had gone home for the day, so I just ordered three, but I definitely owed him one soon. He had been such a big help to me. He didn't have to stay on staff after the robbery but he did. I was grateful to have him and Robin and Steve standing behind me. I couldn't wait to tell them all about our new venture.

When I pulled into the parking lot, my heart skipped a beat when I saw Eddie's van parked out front. I was thankful for my timing and that I didn't miss him. The meeting had gone on a little longer than I had planned so I was excited that we could see each other, if only briefly during my shift.

I made my way through the front doors and was greeted by Robin who had a worried look on her face. I could hear Eddie and what sounded like Dustin bickering off on the side of the store, while Steve tried to calm Dustin down. I could tell that he was worked up about something serious as I handed Robin her drink and went over to deliver Steve's.

"What's going on?" I asked Robin as we made our way across the store.

"I'm not sure really. They just got here and then I saw you pulling in," Robin said as she took a sip of her iced mocha. "Damn, this is good. But Dustin was saying something about the lake and Eddie being irresponsible, so I'm just as curious as you."

My stomach formed a pit and a rush of heat shot through my body. I swore that we had put the fire out last night but maybe we hadn't. There had been some damage from the embers that had caught on the blankets, but it wasn't anything too serious. I hoped that I was just jumping to conclusions but Dustin's panicked tone when I approached told me that we had royally fucked up last night.

"Oh, here she is. She can explain, Henderson," Eddie said in an anxious tone as Robin and I approached. "Tell him, Violet. Tell him we put that damn fire out."

"What fire?" Robin asked before I could speak.

Fuck, fuck, fuck...

"We did, we put it out, Dustin. I swear," I said before turning my attention to answer Robin. "We had a fire out by the lake last night and some of the embers caught the edge of the blanket we were on, but it was out when we left, I promise it was."

"Holy shit," Robin said as she took a long sip of her drink.

"Well, no you guys didn't," Dustin said frantically to Eddie. "The whole blanket, the pillows, and the base of the tree next to it were lit up like a damn Christmas tree when Mike and I went to clean up last night. You guys are lucky my generator was fine and the tv didn't explode. That would have made it even worse."

"Henderson, I told you. Violet told you. We put that damn fire out," Eddie said as he scooted next to me.

"Then why is he in here freaking out?" Steve wondered as I passed his black coffee to him and he took a swig.

"Because none of you are listening to me, seriously," Dustin replied.

"No, we are," I said as I put my hand on his shoulder. "Are you guys okay? You got it out, right?"

"Yeah, we did. It took almost the whole lake to put it out but thankfully Mike had some empty McDonald's cups in his car. We filled them up about a million times and got it put out eventually," Dustin said as he scratched his head.

"Eddie, how did it catch again? It was out when we left. I know it was..." I trailed off as a fearful chill crept up my spine.

"I don't know, sweetheart. I don't know," Eddie answered as he slipped his arm around my waist to comfort me.

"Well, someone needs to figure this out because this wasn't some normal fire," Dustin insisted.

"What are you saying?" Steve and Robin asked in unison as they stared at Dustin.

"I'm saying that something didn't feel right," he replied.

"So we're here fighting where we work because of a 'feeling' you have. Here we go," Steve said with air quotes as he dramatically rolled his eyes.

"Hear him out, Steve," Robin said seriously.

"Clarify, Henderson, clarify," Eddie suggested as he seemed to be taking Dustin's fears more seriously.

"I'm not doing this again. There are customers coming in that need help," Steve said as he brushed past us and went to help two guys who had just walked in

"The fire was bright red and took way more water to put out than I should have," Dustin started before continuing after taking a long breath. "At one point, it started to grow again right as Mike dumped a full, large cup of water onto it. I'm telling you, it was fucking weird."

"Language," Eddie scolded.

"Whatever. I need you guys to take me seriously," Dustin said.

"We are, Dustin. Here, go grab a movie and some snacks on the house," I said as I led Dustin over to the middle of the store before heading back over to Robin and Eddie.

Steve came back over since the customers were already checked out as Dustin perused the store for something to watch. I could tell that he just needed a distraction to calm down. I wasn't trying to manage him or push him out of the conversation, but we could figure this out without further stressing him out.

"So, the kid has a point, doesn't he?" Steve asked as he leaned against a display and crossed his arms.

"I think he does," I said as I rolled my lips nervously together. "Why does this keep happening?"

"What do you mean by that, Vi?" Robin asked as they all stared at me.

"Well, Dustin said that the fire was glowing red and it just kind of clicked," I answered nervously.

"What clicked, babe?" Eddie asked as he stood back and crossed his arms, matching Steve's worried energy.

"That first night I came to your house when I almost just that deer, I didn't tell you everything. Its eyes- its eyes were glowing bright red. I thought it could have just been because of my headlights or that I was seeing things but now..." I trailed off for a moment before continuing. "After the robbery, there were some bright embers in the trash can where Paul had burned our records. It looked kind of strange but brushed it off. And then last night, when Eddie and I were um- talking in the van, the fire picked up out of nowhere. We fully put it out. I know we did. This makes no sense."

"Jesus, Violet," Steve said as he threw his arms up. "Why the hell didn't you say anything until now?"

"Let up, Stevie," Eddie defended me as he mocked Steve.

"He's fine," I said. "You're right, Steve. I should have told you guys. I just thought I was making something out of nothing."

"What the hell do we do?" Robin asked. "I mean- it can't be... We can't do this again. It can't be..."

"It's not, Buckley, it's not," Eddie said as he tried to calm her down. "Look, it's just gotta be a coincidence. If something else happens, then we can do something about it."

"This seems like just a lot to ignore, Eddie," Robin said, unable to hide the worried quiver in her voice.

Their collective fear was palpable and I felt sick to know that I had kept this a secret from them. I truly thought nothing of the strange happenings until last night. I didn't want to worry them any more than they already were, but I couldn't brush this off this off any longer.

"No, she's right, Eds," I said as I went to stand next to Robin, wrapped my arm around her shoulders, and rubbed her arm with my fingers to calm her down. "This is all too weird to ignore now. I can't begin to imagine what you guys have gone through before, and I hope that this isn't that, but we can't just ignore all of this."

"Shit, no, I know," Eddie said as he rubbed at his chin nervously. "What the hell do we do?"

"Okay, okay... Fill Henderson in when you guys leave and try not to work him up too much," Steve suggested. "Until we know what this is, we need to try and stay calm. This could just be nothing, after all. I love Dustin, obviously trust the kid, but he does have a tendency to get a little too worked up sometimes."

Steve sounded like he was trying to convince himself as much as us. He patted Eddie on the shoulder as he went to help Dustin narrow down the selections that he was juggling at the front counter. I stood with Eddie for a moment as Robin pulled away from my touch and walked to the back room to collect herself.

I leaned over and wrapped myself around Eddie. He held me tightly as I tried to stay calm but I could tell that he was just as worried as I was. He almost felt like he was shaking and I held onto his hand as I pulled away.

"So, you guys think this is the Upside Down place, don't you?" I asked as I looked into his soft brown eyes.

"I really fucking hope not. I don't want to drag you into all of this. I never wanted this," he said as he brushed my hair behind my ear with his free hand.

"You're not, Eddie. If this is that, I want to help but I hope it's nothing," I said as I faked a smile.

"We're going to figure this out. I'm so sorry baby," Eddie said as we started walking to the front of the store.

I didn't want Eddie to leave but I needed to get back to work. We'd have all night to hang out and talk, even if it was about this. He made me feel safe and there was nobody else that I wanted to spend tonight with. We stood by the front counter for a minute while he gave me back my room key.

"I don't really want to give these back," Eddie teased as he fished my keyring out of his jacket pocket and reluctantly handed them over to me.

"You can stay over whenever you want," I said as I tucked them into my bag and took a sip of my nearly empty iced mocha.

"So, I'll see you tonight?" He asked.

"Yes. What time should I come over?" I asked.

"Whenever you're free. I'll be home all night," Eddie said with a pretty smile.

"Okay, well, I'm stopping by Steve's on my way home then I just have to pack a little bag and I'll be over. So, I'll probably get there at 6, if that's okay," I said.

"Perfect. See you then, sweetheart," Eddie said as he held my face in his hands and I leaned in to kiss him.

This was the first time that anyone had seen us kiss, so we had to keep it appropriate. Even though we were in my workplace, I couldn't help myself. I kissed him softly a few times before I forced myself to step back. Thankfully there weren't currently any customers in the store to see us but I couldn't ignore the stares from Robin, Dustin, and Steve. They quickly started to pretend like they were busy when I looked their way and my cheeks flushed.

"Shows over kids," Eddie said to them with a laugh before looking back at me. "And I'll see you tonight." He smiled at me and started holding the door open for Dustin to follow him.

"Thanks for these, by the way," Dustin said to me as he held up a movie and some candy he'd picked out. "Sorry for doing this here. These idiots just never listen to me."

"It's okay, Dustin and you're welcome," I said. "Bye Eddie."

Eddie winked at me before grabbing Dustin lightly by the shoulder and leading him back to his van. I was trying to process everything that happened but I still had to get some work done in the back before we left today. There were only a couple more open hours here and I wanted to get a jump on preparing for our store manager interviews this week. I wasn't sure if it could, but the fire issue would have to wait until later. I walked past Steve and Robin talking to each other and made my way into the office, trying to hide my worried expression all the while.

•••

When the store had been locked and the drawers were counted, we were all ready to head out. Steve just had to drop Robin off at her place and I was going to meet him at his. I still needed to fill Robin in on my date with Eddie, but that would just have to wait until tomorrow. She had heard the gist of it when Dustin was here earlier and my brain was in a million other places.

We all walked out the back and over to our cars together. I wished that Steve would open up to Robin about the drama with Nancy but I wasn't going to push him. He knew that Robin and Nancy were friends and probably just didn't want to make her feel like she was in the middle. Since I wasn't going to be seeing her until tomorrow, I pulled her in for a long hug before we left each other. I still hadn't told her about my meeting with Luke but we had others things to figure out, and it was far from my mind at this point.

"I'm so sorry about all of this, Robin. I promise I'll do anything to help, whatever this is," I said when I pulled back.

"It isn't your fault, Vi. I hope it isn't what we think because- because damn it that would fucking suck," Robin said as she ran her fingers through her messy hair. "See you tomorrow?"

"Yes, I can pick you up before work if you want me to," I offered.

"I'd love that," she said as she tried to smile but couldn't quite fake it.

"Everything is going to be okay, Robin. I swear we'll figure this out," I said trying to reassure her.

"Sure, sure. See you later," she said as she waved and ducked into Steve's car.

"I'll meet you at my place," Steve said with a slanted smile.

"I'll wait for you there," I said to him as I unlocked my car door. "Drive safe."

"You too," Steve said as he got into his car and turned it on as he closed his door.

Today had been such a long day and it was far from over. I switched from my Fleetwood Mac tape to a Metallica one. I needed to zone out before this inevitably heavy conversation with Steve. I tried as hard as I could to put the stresse of today far behind me, cranking up the heavy music as I made my way to his house.

Fuck... This can't be the Upside Down... It just can't be... From what Max said, they had destroyed it... Right?! Oh god... I don't want them to have to face this again... Can I face this?! Can I handle this?! Fuck...

8 notes · View notes

okimargarvez · 6 years

Text

APRIL FOOL’S DAY

Original title: April fool’ day.

Prompt: april fool, comic, friendship.

Warning: none.

Genre: comedy, humor, romantic, family.

Characters: BAU team, Penelope Garcia, Luke Alvez.

Pairing: Garvez.

Note: oneshot.

Legend: 💏😘🔦.

Song mentioned: none.

MY OTHER GARVEZ STORIES

APRIL FOOL'S DAY

The others continue to giggle. JJ is the first to return serious. -Why did you' take the blame?- she asks, knowing full well who the real culprit. She.

-All right, spit it out. What you have attacked behind my back?- JJ and Reid hold back her laughter, especially since Emily's expression is priceless. Tired of receiving no response, the brunette goes to the bathroom, to look in the mirror. And finally her suspicions are confirmed. She goes back to the desk area. She examines her coworkers one by one, looking for the weak link. -Who did it?- silence reigns. Then at the end, one of them decides to leave the anonymity. Stephen raises his hand, with amazement of all. -You, Walker?- even the "victim" is upset. -The most serious and respectful BAU agent? I wouldn't have ever expected, right from you.- and she glares to the youngest. Then she smiles wickedly. -I think I'll take a nice break. A whole weekend off to be with Mark. Paris.- she uses a very emphatic tone with evocative force. -You don't have any program, right?- she doesn't give him time to respond. -Because I know you'll have some unhandled documents.- and she slams a folder on the man's desk. -Good job!- then she heads for her office and closes the door. She walking almost dance and singing a few songs in French.

-Honestly?- he glances toward the room where Prentiss is gone. -To see her face!- and he burst into another laugh, that a bit turns off when his eyes fall on the infinite stack of papers waiting for him. But it was worth it.

-You've known each other a while?- Spencer asks, intrigued. Even the blonde goes down from the desk and reaches the other two to hear better.

-How was your trip to Rome?- Rossi sets his books according to a different arrangement. Tara shrugs.

-Yes.... I met her about six... seven years ago. In London. She immediately stood out among the many... for more than one reason...- and so he begins to navigate through stories, anecdotes, ending with the promise not to say anything to their boss. Before she could force him to do the tasks of the son she didn't have yet.

-Everything good. Apart from the fly.- she makes a grimace. -I prefer travel with you on jet.- and she laughs, to emphasize her own joke.

-The congress was interesting?- she raises her eyes on her colleague.

-Yes, a lot. And I learned a lot of things that can be useful in our work. It was a sort of update.- after a moment of reflection, she decides to ask the older man that question. -When was the last time you went to Italy?- and she receive a sigh in return.

-Uh... I don't remember.- he shakes his head -I have a fairly conflictual relationship with that country. I feel American, and it's the United States that I have decided to defend. And for which I fought, risking my own life.-his voice becomes completely serious, but also bears traces of disillusionment. Then he passes the kerchief on the forehead. And from that moment he sees Tara's expression changing.

-Yes... in Italy they are much more... serious... than us.- he doesn't understand what she means.

-Well, bigots. It's the influence of having the Vatican so close. Although politically it's not part of their state.- the woman nods. But she seems to be holding back from laughing. About what? Or whose? A suspicion begins to penetrate his mind.

-And you are more serious or bigoted?- she finally asks him, bursting into loud laughter.

-No one of the two.- he tries to stay composed -I believe in God, as you know, but not every single word that comes out of the thousand mouths of the Church.- yet the other continues to emit a kind of giggle.

-I meant to say something a little different...- she finally gives up, deciding to explain her attitude, before he is convinced that in Italy she has also done another kind of experience.

-What?- he at last asks impatiently.

-You... you would be so angry, if I told you that you had something on your forehead?- the man pulls out a small mirror. And what he sees reflected is a red writing, painted on his own skin.

-Damned kid! This is his work!- he bangs a fist on the desk, dropping the pile of books on which he had previously worked so hard.

-Who?- the woman scrutinizes the phrase Everything unknown appears magnificent. It's from Sir Conan Doyle. Now she understands why Rossi is so strongly convinced of the culprit. And she also understands who it can be.

-Good morning.- this time he's the one who's already on board. Penelope rises in turn, trying to keep in part the distances.

-Spencer.- he adds, to reinforce the accusation.

-Hi.- Luke looks at her in passing. -How are you?- he finally decides to ask.

-Not well.- she replies, unexpectedly. -I have a tragic headache, in fact even a dizziness... no, it's more nausea and I think I'm about to throw up.- she rubs her stomach while she is bleaching. Man can't help but worry. And he isn't very good at hiding it.

-What is it, flu? Do you have a cough due to a cold, by any chance?- she is very expert in eliminating from her listening the sweet notes of the male voice.

-No, Newbie.- she throws a very serious look -I'm pregnant.- he is so shocked that he doesn't have any kind of reaction, if not to rub his eyes and practically stop breathing. She decides to have mercy on him. -Ha, ha!- she bursts into a roar of laughter. -Your face...- it's hard to articulate the words -your face is... priceless! - he looks at her even more strangely.

-What?- he begins to guess. -You... you're not pregnant?- seeing her shake her head he feels a sense of relief.

-No! At my age?- the elevator doors opens and she goes down first. -And then, with who?- she adds with a very different tone, much more serious and even disillusioned.

Luke follows her -So why...?- she doesn't let him finish.

-Oh, mister Naivety, is your first April Fool's day at BAU, isn't it? Get ready, if there aren't cases to be dealt with, it will be so for all- she takes a breath -day.- and she smiles maliciously, while looking in the bag for the plastic card to enter her office.

-Uh, really?- Luke answers in tone. -So why don't we make a bet?- the woman turns back to look at him. He manages to get her attention.

-What kind of bet?- in those eyes the concern, the taste for the challenge, the expectation.

-If I win, you'll have to come and have dinner with me, tonight.- he starts, not even knowing where he's find the courage to talk. Garcia examines him with increasing confusion. Why should he want to have dinner with me? -If you win, instead- and now thing gets interesting -...tell me the most perfidious thing that comes to your mind. One thing you'd like me to do.- and there are many ideas about it, but many are to be discarded for another kind of question. While that other....

-Oh, yes.- her expression becomes malicious, takes the features of a witch. A terribly sexy witch, however, not the old crone. The tone is pleased and catastrophically exciting. Luke struggles to keep his mouth tight, to avoid having... incorrect reactions. -I already have in mind a perfect little dress, with a hat and matching shoes, of course, which will get so many "like" on Facebook.- the man imagines what she has in mind. But he decides that it's worth the risk. -You already regretted, Newbie?- and if some uncertainty still enveloped him, just hearing her say for the umpteenth time that nickname, he finds the courage that he was missing.

-No.- the extremely decisive tone -I'm in.- he offers her the hand, which she squeezes after some hesitation and uncertainty. Contact, as always, between them, lasts much longer than necessary. -There are rules, or is everything fair, as in war and in love?- he asks, emphasizing a lot on the last word, giving it stratified nuances: superficial irony, intense and serious core, central part of challenge. He says it as if it were a phonetic element, a pure sound and not something that takes on a fairly precise meaning in certain contexts. But she pretends not to have noticed.

No rules? Can I trust him? She looks him in the eye, as if hoping to read the right answer. But there isn't. She must risk, or let it go. And she isn't one who pulls back. Certainly not with the last (it is no longer true, but she continues to consider him as such) comer. She'll never give him the satisfaction of being able to say he won for abandonment on her part.

-No rules.- she repeats, trying to use a neutral, firm, sure tone. All emotions that she doesn't feel in reality.

-Everything is allowed? Both words and gestures?- the man asks for further details. In the end she becomes impatient and, to look more threatening, approaches him dangerously, their noses touching each other. A lock of her hair tickling him.

-If you're afraid of losing, Alvez, you just have to say it.- Luke's eyes can't break away from her mouth, red and so provocative, damn headed in his direction, seems to ask him to be compressed, and that tongue, which flicks inside of. He feels the extreme impulse of make collimating their bodies, ending the distance. But something still holds him back. And so, he gives her time to move away again, to increase what he wanted to reduce. The moment is lost. There will be others similar, in which time will seem to have stopped, as happens so frequently when they are alone. But this will never come back; it has gone. The awareness of the loss leaves him partly out of breath.

And after the irony, the embarrassment reigns supreme. As if both knew that this is just a stupid game, which hides much more. It's her again to break the ice.

-Listen, what do you think if we start with talk big, to see if the other is able to understand when it's a lie and when is the truth?- and if Luke nods is more than anything because he has nothing to say, that doesn't make he look like a total idiot.

The anxiety in the air still hovers. -Who first?- he finally finds the breath enough to pronounce the question.

-Me.- Garcia is thrown out. -Once years ago I answered a call from Derek... about work...- her cheeks get red while going on -...he told me to behave and I replied: Or what, you'll spank me?- the man remains a moment stunned, looks at her in a strange way. Perhaps even he animating the last sentence pronounced by the blonde, in his own head. -On the other side there was Morgan, along with the others. But there was also Strauss, the chief of the unit.- she continues, but he doesn't seem to listen to her, not even being able to hear her. -Are you there?- her screeching voice carries him off the clouds.

-Knowing you, even vaguely, I would say that you could have done it.- Penelope is tempted to slap him, because Luke seems to assume something that makes her look like a stupid, capable of any madness. And it' so, but he doesn't have the right to express such an opinion. -I'm right?- she doesn't know how, she manages to hold back. And then she is also forced to nod. Reluctantly. And not by hiding her reaction at all.

-Now it's your turn.- she avenges herself by dumping the hot potato to him. What can I say now? I have no particularly interesting or strange anecdote, like hers... Why I did mess up alone?

-When I was a child, my mother pushed me to the Rolling Stones stage, so she had the chance to come and pick me up and touch Mick Jagger.- this is really too big a stretch. Too much? Garcia studies his expression very carefully. Maybe a little exaggerated. He almost has the feeling of being under the microscope.

-It's weird.- she finally pronounces. -It's as if you were telling a lie and at the same time the truth. Mmm...- in what sneaky way (for him, who is there, on the other side) her lips curl? -I have decided. You're lying.- she sentences quite firmly. -Something very similar happened to you, but either that was not the group, or it wasn't your mom who forced you to get on the stage.- seeing Luke's frustrated expression, she realizes she's hit the mark.

-But how the hell did you understand all these things?- there is also a nuance, an aftertaste of admiration, in his sentence.

-I'm profiler in the soul. I certainly don't need to study a manual of a thousand pages or attend a course of 500 hours.- she is making fun of him, smug. Both for the tone and in attitude in general. That usual smile and even the whole face, with chin up, give her a bearing that sends blood to his brain... and down, in other more remote areas.

-560, hours.- the man is keen to point out, just as Hotch had done with him.

-When I was in university, I spent an entire night in the bathroom to avoid having to do the same trip twice- she changes the subject, resuming their challenge. He sighs. Also this time, she was too able and he too slow. While she speaks she appears staid, putting Luke in serious difficulty.

-I don't know.- he reflects aloud. -Shouldn't someone check before closing it all down?- a flash seems to suddenly pass through his mind. -And then you didn't tell JJ last week, something about that you had lived on campus while you were attending university?- he is convinced he has found the right answer. -So, it's a lie.- but that cut on the woman's mouth makes him realize that he had obviously made some calculations wrong.

-Oh, poor, poor little Newbie.- for once it's not the penultimate nickname that most arouses his attention; Penelope accompanies her sentence with gestures to make a fake caress, but the comic part wanes from the first thousandth of a second - You fell like a chicken in my trick. You have a good memory- she gives him that. The fact that he remembers a conversation that didn't concern him, which happened a few days ago, has greatly upset her. It seems strange, is there something more behind it? But she decides to ignore it, as always. -But it's not enough. It's true that I moved to live in college, but only later a few months, at the beginning I did the commuting, back and forth.- she explains, this time leaving aside any tone too satisfied. -And as for the inspection- she continues, -they didn't even want to clean the floors, let alone go around to see if some naive had been standed somewhere!- And now, what can I do? She is about to win. And pink isn't a good color on me. -Well, a point for the computer technician. You can redeem yourself with the next one, or decree your ruin. It depends on you.- she seems to make it on purpose, to make him anxious. -I already see you with tutu and capezios. Pink, ballet slipper.- Here, what I feared. -Obviously.- and it's her final expression that make him take this umpteenth decision.

-I'm in love with you.- time stops. The game stops.

Silence first: the sudden pallor on the cheeks, the eyes bulging, the mouth half open to let a little air pass.

It follows the real shock: arms abandoned along the body, inanimate, the hands instead stiffened.

And then that laugh. How crystalline, how sincere? As if they had continued that game, pushing themselves a little too far. Overcoming that border line that is not visible in any way, but that one of them has taken too much for granted.

-That's a good one. It's easy, it's a lie.- but Penelope seems to hear another person talking through her. As if she were playing a part or if some spirit had possessed her body, not necessarily malignant. -Flag on the play. Let's just get this over...- she lowers her eyes to her watch. -It's getting late...- but they both know it's just an excuse. And in her line of sight suddenly appears a hand, an arm, darker fingers than hers that wind around her wrist.

-I wasn't kidding.- and for the first time since they met today, Luke drops his voice like every time (from the first moment he saw her) that he tried to have a "friendly" relationship and show an interest in her. To be a good colleague. Something more. Voice low and deep. Serious and intense. And at the same time quiet. Even if he's not at all. But he is tired. Tired of having to pretend, like wearing a mask whenever he is with her. -So I won.- he announces, focusing on why they found themselves at this point. -When should I pick you up, tonight? -it's also a way to play down, make his statement less heavy and dangerous. For how much instead he would like to shout in her face that it is much, really much worse than what she thinks.

But Penelope doesn't like to lose.

-Wait, how do I know you're not lying?- and while she says this, he understands that he's bogged down even more. Soon the quicksand will completely suck him. -Feelings shouldn't be involved.- she scolds him. She looks away from him. Now she looks like a child. She hugs herself, puts herself in a defensive position. But from who she should protect herself, from him?

Luke gives her a look that sums up everything that was there before: since she mentioned her fingering techniques, to her "I'm nothing if not moderate person", from the Judgy McJudgerson gaze, to reiterating that she wouldn't stop treating him badly only because he had shown himself sweet with her in a moment of fragility. But this look takes very short time, like a blink of an eye. Yet Penelope feels she has never been looked in this way before.

-Are you sure you want to know, or do you prefer the dinner?- he gives her the opportunity to choose. Maybe he's wrong to do it. Because it would be enough for him to take a step, to take it for her. But she becomes so fragile, small and tender, sometimes. Like when he saw her cry. And vulnerable. Too much to decide what to do in her place. This would make him feel like... like he's abusing her (temporary) insecurity. But he wants it so much and basically, it's just a...

-I want to know. I don't trust you.- she poses in a self-confident way, but the tone betrays her. Luke is at the game. -Before giving you the honor of bringing me to dinner at some of the places you frequent, I have to be absolutely sure you're not kidding me.- and she's not as naive as she would like to believe. She knows perfectly what the reaction to her action will be, the effect on the cause. And she stays there, she doesn't run away. She awaits his next move.

He has been waiting for this moment for too long, and now that it has arrived, he seems to no longer have the strength to make it happen. It's not just fear.

Where is the joking and ironic atmosphere of a few minutes ago? Is it still the first of April or the hours have passed as if someone had pressed the fast-forward button while they were busy staring at each other?

Penelope starts thinking that she was wrong, or rather she had unfortunately (Unfortunately? Why unfortunately? I don't want Luke Alvez to like me. Or I do?) right. He said that only to try to confuse her and so win. But even in this case, she doesn't come out from the other doubt. Why does he want to take her out for dinner so much?

-Listen, we can forget everything and pretend nothing has happened. In the end nothing happened.- this sounds like a reproach. And finally gives him the right impulse.

His lips have the taste she had expected. Sweet and bitter, more bitter than sweet. And something strange that she can't recognize, distinguish; mysterious, a bit like him. The short beard tickles her, but it's a pleasant sensation. She is afraid to open her eyes again, but she is forced to do it and in those of him, in his turn half-closed, she sees the same thing that she seemed to seize some time ago, when he gave her that anti-stress kitten after he had accidentally seen her crying.

Love. No, love is too serious word.

Sweetness. Tenderness. He is very tender and sweet when she allows him to be it.

I'm here.

And it's so terribly true. There he is.

Luke's hands pass from the neck to the cheeks, leaving caresses everywhere, avoiding the "dangerous" areas. Then they rest on her shoulder blades and he approach, forcing their bodies finally to coincide.

-Would you say that again?- Penelope asks, timidly, her forehead against the man's.

-What?- he answers, using a similar tone. But she doesn't have the courage to explain what exactly she means. And she puts a limit to this story that hasn't yet been born: if he will guess what she is thinking right now, then it will mean that... -I am in love with you.- he breaks into her random thoughts -It's not an April fool's joke.- he smiles, touches her lips with his fingers, shaping them to her liking. -But I have a question too.- she encourages him to continue while she playing with his hair, in which so many times (more than she would be willing to admit) she would have liked to sink her fingers. -What time should I pick you up, for the dinner, tonight?-

TAGS: @theshamelessmanatee @itsdawnashlie @talesoffairies @janiedreams88 @kiki-krakatoa @yessenia993 @teyamarra @c00lhandsluke @gcchic @arses21434 @orangesickle @entireoranges @jarmin @kathy5654 @martinab26 @thisonekid @thenibblets @perfectly-penelope @ambrosiaswhispers @maziikeen92 @lovelukealvez @reidskitty13 @jenf42 @gracieeelizabeth27 @silviajajaja @smalliemichelle99 @charchampagne14 @ichooseno @ megs2219 @rkt3357 @franklintrixie @thinitta @chewwy123 @skisun @maba84 @saisnarry @myhollyhanna23 @thenorthernlytes

#garvez #penelope garcia #luke alvez #penelope x luke #luke x penelope #alvez x garcia #garcia x alvez #criminal minds #cm #april fools day

15 notes · View notes