#then charlie hears it too. and in the background you can see it slowly crouching and walking in but they dont see it | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

fandomstuff67 · 3 years

Text

Yet another fix it for 15x20

Third fix it in three days, wow. This fix it will not be the last either, I’ve got a few more planned.

So this one, is a fix it, but only for Dean’s funeral, where everyone should have attended, not just Sam and Miracle. As usual, read below or on ao3

Celebrating the life of Dean Winchester

Word Count: 2.7k

Sam didn’t know how long he stood there, arms wrapped around Dean’s limp body, sobs pulsating through him with every breath. He didn’t know how long it had been when he finally managed to summon the strength to pull Dean away from the post or how he was able to lift Dean’s body into his arms and carry him towards the Impala.

The two boys they’d saved were standing outside, clinging to each other in fear and Sam had to muster up a small smile as he set Dean gently down on the ground.

“Hey guys, just give me a second okay? Then we’ll get you someplace safe.”

The boys nodded and Sam crouched down beside his brother and reached shaking hands into Dean’s pocket where he pulled the Impala’s keys.

It took him a few tries to get the key into the doors lock but once he did he gestured towards the kids. “Hop in, okay? I just need a moment.”

“Is he sleeping?” the youngest boy asked as he looked at Dean.

Sam had to fight to keep the tears from falling as he nodded slowly and met the boy’s eyes. “Yes, he’s just sleeping.”

The two boys climbed into the front bench of the Impala and Sam carefully opened the back door and then bent down to pick Dean up again before placing him in the backseat.

He slid into the driver's seat, again fighting tears as he thought about how Dean hardly ever let him drive the car and how Dean said he rode the brakes too hard. The ache in his chest expanded and he swallowed down the lump in his throat before turning the key in the ignition and pulling the Impala away from the barn.

He drove to the nearest police precinct and gave a brief explanation of what happened to the cop behind the counter, omitting the details about vampires, before he left the boys in the hands of the law.

The drive back to the bunker was eerily silent. Sam couldn’t bear to put on any music, knowing that the second he turned on the radio it would be playing one of Dean’s classic rock cassette tapes. Instead, he just focused on the rumble of the engine under the hood, it was a sound he’d been hearing all his life and it had become a comfort to him, just to hear it everyday.

When Sam reached the bunker he couldn’t seem to get his feet to work. It was like he was glued to the seat, and he pressed his forehead against the steering wheel and let the tears fall again, letting the aching sobs take over him.

It took him a long time before he had himself under control again but when he stepped from the car and hoisted Dean’s body from the backseat and entered the bunker, his emotions got the better of him again when he saw Miracle waiting for him.

Miracle wagged his tail and came to greet him, sniffing at his shoes and ankles. “Hey there, boy,” Sam said shakily as he brushed past him and moved down the hallway towards Dean’s room.

He hesitated in the doorway, even though Dean’s weight was crushing, but seeing the empty room, clothes strewn across various furniture, the unmade bed, the job application Dean had just signed, made him almost want to go lay Dean out on one of the library tables instead. But he forced himself to enter the room, because it was where Dean would want to be, on his bed, not some hard table.

Once Dean was on the bed, Sam sat beside him and Miracle leaped up onto the mattress and instantly started licking Dean’s face.

“He’s gone,” Sam said softly when Miracle looked at him in confusion at Dean’s lack of response. Miracle whined and nosed at Dean’s body again before looking back at Sam. “He’s gone,” he repeated. It was the only thing he could seem to say, as if he was trying to get it through his head too, not just the dog’s.

He knew he had things to do, arrangements to make, people to call, but he felt too numb to do anything. He’d seen Dean’s dead body before, too many times, but this time it was different, this time he wasn’t coming back, this time Sam had to continue without him. He wasn’t even sure if he could do that, but he knew he had to try because it was Dean’s dying wish that he live his life.

Eventually, Sam managed to drag himself to his feet and drop some food in Miracle’s bowl before stumbling to the library where he sat at the table, staring at the five names etched into its surface, his phone sitting in front of him.

He stared at the black screen for a moment, before he opened his phone and clicked his way through his contacts. Dean’s name was the first one he saw and he only hesitated for a second before he clicked the call button; the need to hear Dean’s voice again was too powerful.

He could hear the phone ringing down the hallway but once it stopped Dean’s voice came from the phone’s speaker.

“This is Dean’s other other cell, you must know what to do.”

Sam ended the call and let out a shaky breath. He couldn’t just sit here and call Dean over and over again, he had to tell people what happened, he had to call their friends.

The next name under Dean’s in the contact list was Donna. His finger hovered over her name for a moment as he tried to control his breathing. When he finally pressed call, and put the phone on speaker, he could feel his heart beating faster as each ring filled the air.

“Hiya,” Donna answered after the third ring. “What can I do ya for, Sam?”

“Uh, hey Donna,” Sam replied. He knew he sounded like shit, he knew his voice was tear jerked and rough, that it was obvious something was wrong.

“Oh no, what’s happened?” Donna asked, instantly worried.

Sam felt the tears in his eyes again and the softest of sobs escaped his lips. “It’s Dean,” he managed to choke out. “He’s-” he trailed off, trying desperately to get air into his lungs as his chest seemed to be collapsing at every corner. “He’s dead,” he finally sobbed.

Donna was silent on the other end and Sam could hear the quiet intake of a breath. “I’m so sorry, Sam,” she said after a moment.

Sam nodded as more tears slid down his cheeks. “Yeah, so um, I guess I’ll be holding the wake in a few days, at the bunker. Um, I want to tell Jody myself, but uh, can you… I know it’s a lot to ask but… can you get the word out, I just… I don’t think I can-”

“I’ll get the word out, Sam,” Donna cut in.

“Thanks,” Sam replied. “I gotta… I gotta call Jody, but I’ll see you in a few days?”

“I’ll be there.”

Sam hung up and once again tried to get himself under control before he called Jody.

She answered right away and Sam could hear the voices of Claire and Alex in the background and the sizzle of something on a stove.

“Hi Sam,” Jody said, a smile in her voice.

Sam hated that he was about to wreck her good mood. “Hi Jody.”

“What’s up? You don’t sound so good.”

“You might want to sit down,” Sam said.

“Okay…” Jody replied. He could hear her move away from the stove and pull out a chair. “What’s up?”

“It’s Dean, he’s… he’s dead.”

There was silence for a moment, and then, “how?” Jody asked, Sam could hear the break to her voice, the shake of it as tears undoubtedly began to fall from her eyes.

“Vampire hunt,” Sam replied. He sniffed and gripped the phone tighter. “I’m holding the wake in a few days, Donna’s already telling people what happened, but maybe you could help her out? I have to… I have to prepare the-the body, and everything.”

“We’ll take care of it,” Jody said.

“Great, uh, thanks.”

With the calls made, Sam sunk further into his chair and shut his eyes, he had a lot to do in the next few days, but for now he just wanted to sleep.

****

When Sam opened the bunker door five days later, he didn’t expect to see so many people lined up to come in.

There were Jody and the girls, Donna, Doug, Charlie, Bobby and the rest of the apocalypse world hunters, and lastly, Eileen.

Sam accepted hugs and condolences from everyone, but he held onto Eileen the longest. “I’m so sorry, Sam,” she said. Sam could only nod as he took her hand and led her into the bunker.

“So, uh, Dean’s body is in his room, and I figured tonight we could build the pyre,” he said once everyone was inside and had turned to look at him. “There’s beer in the kitchen and I’ll go out to get the pizza soon.”

“I can get it,” Bobby offered. “You’ve been through enough.”

Sam nodded in relief. “Okay, thanks.”

Sam collapsed in a chair next to Eileen and watched as people filed off to find beer or go see Dean.

“You know, I remember when I first met you boys,” Jody said as she sat down across from Sam, a beer in hand.

“Yeah, you arrested us,” Sam replied as he raised a beer of his own to his lips.

Jody chuckled. “That I did.”

“And I tried to kill you,” Eileen said.

Sam nodded, the smallest of smiles on his lips. “Yeah.”

“You boys saved me from fat sucking monsters,” Donna added as she came to join them.

“And Dean killed Lucifer,” Bobby said.

“He did,” Sam agreed. “And Hitler.”

“And Hitler,” Jody laughed.

“I never got along with Dean,” Kaia said as she and Claire gravitated towards the table. “But he saved a lot of people, myself included.”

Claire nodded in agreement. “I remember when I tried to have him killed, he should have been furious, but he never held a grudge against me.”

“Dean was a good person,” Charlie said.

“The best,” Sam replied.

“Hey, Sam?” Claire asked.

“Yeah?”

“Where’s Cas?”

Fuck.

Through it all he and Dean had really forgotten to tell everyone about Cas.

“Uh,” Sam choked slightly, eyes focused on his beer. “He’s um, he’s dead too.”

“What?” Claire gasped, horror passing over her face before tears sprung from her eyes and she turned into Kaia’s arms.

“Dean said the empty came for him, he uh… he never told me why,” Sam replied quietly. “Sorry, I… I didn’t even think… I thought Dean would’ve… a lot’s happened these past few days.”

Sam watched Kaia lead Claire away towards a corner of the bunker and Sam returned to his beer, taking a long sip.

Jody reached out a hand and touched his arm gently. “It’s okay.”

Sam shook his head, once again finding that he was crying. “It’s not. Cas was part of our family and we didn’t even… he didn’t deserve that.”

“But we know now, we can celebrate his life today too,” Jody replied.

Sam nodded mutely and let his hand fine Eileen’s again, holding onto her like she was the only thing that was keeping him grounded, and she probably was.

Bobby went and got the pizza and they ate to the sound of Dean’s favorite songs filling the bunker. Sam hardly managed two bites of food, but he chugged down a few more beers in the pizza’s stead.

After many drinks were had, and many stories were told (of both Dean and Cas), Sam knew it was his turn to speak, sohe forced himself to stand in front of everyone.

“Thank you all, for coming. None of us really expected to see this day, least of all me. I never thought… I’d be standing here at my brother’s funeral, I always assumed we’d end up dead together. But, Dean would have wanted you all to be here, and I’m sure he’d be proud of all the alcohol we’ve consumed.” That earned Sam a small chuckle from the crowd and Sam smiled at it. “Dean was always there for me, he always looked out for me, and protected me. He always knew he’d go out on a hunt, he always knew there would be a day where he wasn’t brought back to life, and this time, when he died… he chose to go and he chose to stay gone.” Sam paused and gripped his beer tighter. “And Cas, he was my brother too, he sacrificed so much for Dean and me, the last of all being his life. They’re both going to be missed, but Dean wants us to keep going, I’m sure Cas does too, and so that’s what I plan to do.”

Murmurs of agreement pushed their way through the crowd and Jody raised her beer to the air. “To Dean and Cas.”

“To Dean and Cas,” everyone echoed.

After they drank to Dean and Cas, Sam led everyone out to the clearing behind the bunker and together they all began to build the pyre Dean would finally be laid to rest on.

It didn’t take long, with all of them working together, and soon the pyre was ready, the only thing it was missing was the body. Sam stared at the empty stack of wood for a few moments before he cleared his throat.

“Right, I’ll go… I’ll go get him.”

“Do you want help?” Jody asked.

Sam shook his head. “No, no, I’ve gotta do this alone.”

Without another word, Sam headed back inside and found his way to Dean’s room. Miracle was curled up at the base of Dean’s bed and he raised his head when Sam walked in. Sam paused to pet him but he quickly stood again and moved to Dean’s side.

He pulled the white sheet away from Dean’s face and took in his brother one last time.

“You shouldn’t have gone out that way, Dean,” he said in a choked whisper. “I’m sorry.” He took a breath to steady himself and forced the tears back down. “I’m going to try and live my life for the both of us, I’m going to make you proud.”

He drew the sheet back over his face and then began to wrap him up in the cloth, tucking it in carefully around his body and securing it with ties. When he finished, he gently picked Dean up and made his way out of Dean’s room. Miracle trailed at his feet as he pushed his way outside and placed Dean’s body atop the pyre.

He stepped away and joined the circle of people surrounding the pyre and let his hand fall back into Eileen’s.

“Well, this is it,” Sam said. “Thank you for everything, Dean.”

“You’ll never be forgotten,” Jody added.

“Your story will be told for years to come,” Donna said.

“The great Dean Winchester, who fought angels, and demons, and God himself,” Bobby said.

“And Cas,” Sam said with a sniff. “Thank you for saving my brother in more ways than one.”

“Thank you for trying your best to make things right with my family,” Claire added.

“Thank you both for being there,” Sam choked out. He flicked open his lighter, Dean’s lighter, that he’d dug out of Dean’s pocket the other day. He let the flame sway in the light breeze for a moment before he raised his head to look at the pyre.

“Goodbye Cas, goodbye Dean.”

With that, he tossed the lighter towards the pyre and watched as it caught on the dry brush and spread to the top of the wood, engulfing Dean in flames.

It was the hunter's funeral Dean deserved.

Miracle whined at Sam’s feet and he let his free hand brush against his head as more tears fell from his eyes.

The smoke clouded Sam’s vision and he tilted his head to the sky, watching the blue move timelessly above him. He hoped Dean was up there, he was sure Dean was up there, with Jack in charge now there was no way Dean had ended up in Hell.

He knew he’d join Dean eventually, but he wasn’t going to make that day today, as much as he’d thought about it. He had Eileen, and Miracle, and Dean would be pissed if he joined him too soon.

With a sad smile, Sam turned his gaze back to the pyre and gave Eileen’s hand a squeeze. For now he was going to live his life, just like he told Dean he would.

Tag list (ask to be added or removed):

@anotherdowneyfan1 @tearsofgrace @quxxnxfhxll @rebelangel67 @professorerudite @adsdragonlover @wantstoflyafraidtofall @goblinwritergay

#Supernatural #spn #15x20 fix it #Dean's funeral #fix it #fanfic #spn fanfic #supernatural fanfic #fanfiction #dean winchester #sam winchester #miracle #my writing #yes i wrote another fix it #because dean deserved a better funeral

35 notes · View notes

wide-eyed--wonderer · 4 years

Note

I’m craving angst so...“Why do you flinch every time I raise my hand. . .?”

Anon, I’m so sorry this took so long! Hopefully, you’re still craving angst!

TW: allusions to past violence/trauma, panic attacks, mild dis@ssociation

Most of the time, Spot loves learning new things about Race.

The first time he saw him smile wide enough to see his dimples, the way his eyes light up when he talks about dancing or his brothers, and songs he hums when he’s cooking.

There are some things Spot would rather he never had to learn about Race.

Like today, for example.

Admittedly, he hadn’t actually known Race was in their room. Race usually met Al for some dance thing on a Friday afternoon, but Al had gone home for the weekend, and so Race was there.

Spot stormed in, letting the door slam behind him. He didn’t even notice Race jump from where he was sitting on the bed.

“How dare he,” Spot seethed pacing back and forth in the small space, “that weasel can kiss my ass if he thinks he’s gonna get away with this!”

“Spot?”

“He’s lucky I didn’t punch his stupid face in. Or that Delancy asshole. The two of them are just asking me to hit them at this point.” Spot started gesturing wildly, trying to get his anger out before he actually went out and hit somebody.

“Spottie?” distantly, Spot registered that Race was sitting up on his bed and tracking Spots movements with his eyes.

“Can you believe it? What a fucking ridiculous answer to a stupidass homework question. I should have known that shithead would side with him too”

“Spot?”

“And actually asking us about Theories surrounding love. What kinda asshole therapist is he trying to get us to be?”

“Spot.” Later, Spot would recognise that Race sounded desperate at this point like he was almost begging him to stop.

“He can shove his theory of love up his-” Spot cut off and froze, arm mid arc, as Race flinched so violently he fell off the bed.

“Race? Hunny?” Spot rounded the corner and moved to hug Race, who curled up into a ball and whimpered. His head was hidden in his arms.

“Baby, it’s just me, can you look at me?” Spot crouched down near Race, scanning him and trying to figure out if he’d hurt himself when he fell.

“I’m sorry, I’m so sorry, I didn’t mean to, I’ll be better I promise please don’t-”

“I need you to look at me Race,” Spot said a little firmer, trying to get Race to listen, but he just curled up tighter and shook his head.

“No, no please, I can’t anymore, stop, please.”

Shit was this a flashback? Jack had warned him that sometimes Race gets set off and he loses where he is and that he needed to try to bring him back and help him remember where he was. Spot tried to remember how Jack had told him to do that, but it was hard to focus when his boyfriend was crying in the background.

“Sweetheart I promise I’m not mad, I just want you to see you’re safe.” Spot racked his brain for that thing people in movies did when someone’s having a panic attack.

“Can I touch you baby?”

Race jolted back against the bed frame hard enough for the pillow to fall off.

“Ok, ok. No touching. Got it.” Spot stood up and moved back from Race, “Ok, um..” Spot brought his hand up to run in through his hair, and Race (who Spot hadn’t even realised was watching him) flinched again.

Spot stared at his hand for a second, trying to figure out what he did, but Race’s whimper brought him back to reality.

“Shit uhh... Jack’s away…” Spot was wildly out of his depth here, and he needed some help, “Charlie! Race, do you want me to go and get Charlie? You don't have to talk, just nod or shake your head.”

Race nodded his head quickly, but without taking it out from his arms.

“OK, I can do that. I’ll be right back baby, promise.”

Spot bolted out of their dorm room, leaving the door open behind him, and down the hall to where Charlie shared with Finch.

“Charlie! Charlie you in there?” Char-”

“I’m here Spot. What’s up.” a tired Charli opened the dorm already in his pyjamas.

“I think Race is having a flashback thingy and -” Charlie instantly looked more alert.

“Shit, ok, lead the way.”

Spot and Charlie quickly made their way down to the dorm, where Spot let Charlie go in first.

“Racer?” Spot heard Race sob, but he didn’t make himself known, so Spot pointed to the other side of the bed where he’d left Race.

Charlie rounded the bed and sat on the floor near Race. Spot followed, but stayed back, watching the two interact.

“Hey, Racer. Spot said you needed me, I’m here, ok.” Charlie kept his eyes on Race as he talked, but he sounded calm and relaxed, as if he was having any other conversation with his brother.

“We’re in your dorm room, with Spot, on campus. See, this is your bed that we’re next to, and we’re in our pyjamas cause it's the weekend but there are no parties on cause everyone's too busy and stressed to party.” Charlie took a deep breath and watched Race. Spot was also closely watching Race, and could see the tension slowly leaving his shoulders, and the sobs quieten as he listened to Charlie.

“And listen closely, can you hear that?” Charlie paused, “That's the water from the fountain outside. I’m so jealous you can hear that from your dorm. Have I ever told you that before? I can’t hear it from my window, and it sucks. It’s like a free ambience to help you sleep at night. I bet it's nice, hey?”

“Ye- yeah.” Race peaked his head out of his arms and looked at Charlie, letting Spot get the first real look at his face since this had all started. He still had tears running down his face, but his eyes looked clear, and he was staring straight at Charlie, who was smiling softly back.

“You ready to be touched? Or do you need more time?”

Race nodded quickly, and Charlie opened his arms and let Race come to him. Race slowly crawled in between Charlie’s outstretched legs and rested his head on Charlie's shoulder, letting his brother’s arms wrap around him.

“You’re safe Race, it’s ok,” Charlie muttered into Race’s ear. Some of what he was saying was lost to Spot under Races crying, but as Charlie continued to hold him, the sobs eased.

Eventually, Race lifted his head from Charlie's shoulder and looked around the room. His eyes eventually landed on Spot

“Spottie?” he cocked his head and looked at Spot as if he’d only just noticed he was there. His eyes widened as he remembered what had happened. Spot held his breath, waiting for Race to kick him out, instead, he reached out an arm in invitation and Spot practically fell to the floor next to Race, letting his boyfriends arms wrap around him.

“I’m so sorry Race...I didn’t… I swear.. I would never.”

Spot felt Charlie stand up and press a kiss to Race’s forehead.

“I’m gonna go, you two know where to find me.”

“It’s ok Spottie,” Race sniffed, “I know you didn’t mean to. It just…. You were shouting and saying all that stuff and - and I know that - that you’d never hurt me but… I guess my brain forgot who you were for a second.”

“I know Race,” Spot sighed and raised a hand to run through his hair, but froze halfway when Race flinched back against him.

Spot stared at Race for a moment, the gears in his head clicking into place.

He really, really wanted to be wrong.

“Why do you flinch every time I raise my hand…?”

Race’s broken eye contact and rewelling of tears was answer enough.

Spot's first instinct was to get angry. How dare someone hurt Race like that. What had they done that made Race so scared of such an - an innocent gesture? And often enough that he associates raising hands to pain and fear. Spot wanted to go out and teach whoever did this to Race a lesson in real fear.

But one look at Race and Spot knew that it wouldn’t help. Race needed him here right now. Spot can’t fight his demons of the past, he could only hope to protect him from those in his future.

“Oh, sweetheart, c’mhere.” Spot reopened his arms and let Race fall into them.

“I’m - I’m so sorry - you- you don’t deserve this. You deserve, you deserve so much be- better than this, then me.”

“Race. Racer. Hey.” Race pulled back to look at Spot. “You are perfect, ok. I love you so much, and nothing is going to change that, ok. I’m here and I’m not going anywhere.”

Race fell back into Spots arms, and the two boys stayed on the floor, holding each other until they were ready to face the world again

Let me know what you think!!

#newsies #newsies fanfiction #newsies fanfic #racetrack higgins #race newsies #spot conlon #spot newsies #sprace #crutchie morris #crutchie newsies #angst #tw: violence #tw: past trauma #tw: panic attack #tw: dissociation #prompts #my writing #anon request

53 notes · View notes

walkerismychoice · 5 years

Text

Stripped Bare - Chapter 6 (Bryce X MC AU)

Book: Open Heart

Pairing: Bryce X MC (Charlie Hawkins)

Summary: Charlie and Bryce attend their first wedding group dinner

Rating: PG-13 but there is some irresponsible alcohol consumption

Word Count: 1802

"You ready?" Charlie looks over at Bryce as they approach the entrance to The Sugar Mill, one of the upscale restaurants at the resort. "Katelyn and her friends can be...something."

"I got this, Charlie. It seems if anyone needs reassurance, it's you." Bryce gives her hand a squeeze. "But you have nothing to worry about. "You landed a spot in a competitive residency, you look incredible...and you have a really hot, successful boyfriend."

Charlie laughs, but it does help ease her nerves. She glosses over his compliment once again because he's probably just trying to make her feel better. But he is right that she has a lot going for her, and with him playing her boyfriend, she's got nothing to feel inferior about. “Okay, let’s do this.”

The wedding party is already assembled at the bar when Charlie and Bryce arrive. All heads turn as they approach at Katelyn calls out. “Charlie, hi!” She stands and sizes Charlie up and down before giving her a hug and turning to Bryce. “And this must be....”

“Bryce.” He flashes her a smile and holds out his hand for her to shake.

“Nice to meet you Bryce. I’m a little bit surprised Charlie ended up with someone so-”

“Yeah, I know,” Bryce cuts Katelyn off. “I’m surprised I can could land a spectacular woman like Charlie too. I’m a pretty lucky guy.” Bryce looks at Charlie and gives her a wink.

“I’m guessing what Katelyn means is she thinks you’re really hot, but that’s why you and Charlie make a perfect match.” A pretty brunette with curly hair gets up from her stool to greet them and Charlie immediately recognizes her as Katelyn’s cousin on her dad’s side. "You look great, Charlie!"

“Kyra!” Charlie hugs her enthusiastically. “I haven’t seen you in years. How have you been?”

“Oh, you know, just beating cancer again and again. No big deal. I've been in remission for two years now, though."

"That's amazing! And you look pretty great yourself," Charlie compliments Kyra and she can see Katelyn out of the corner of her eye with arms folded across her chest and a slight scowl on her face.

"So, Charlie," Katelyn chimes back in. "Did your plane get delayed? The rest of us have been here for forty five minutes already."

"Are we late? The itinerary says dinner is at seven, which is still forty five minute from now. I thought cocktails starting at 5:30 meant come anytime after then."

"It's my fault." Bryce wraps his arm around Charlie's waist and pulls her in tight to him. "I just can't keep my hands off of her. You two know how it is." He points between Katelyn and Landry."

Charlie laughs nervously and subtly elbows Bryce in the side for that remark. "Bryce, honey, nobody wants to hear about that. Anyway, I suppose I need to make up for lost time." She flags down a bartender and orders a beer for Bryce and a Moscow Mule for herself, immediately downing half her drink because she envisions it's going to be a long night.

Charlie quickly finishes her drink and then another and is on her third by the time they sit down for dinner. She really needs to pace herself, but the alcohol is making it much easier to tolerate the Sarahs blathering on about things nobody cares about. Katelyn somehow ended up with three best friends named Sarah, and each one is worse than the last. At least Charlie doesn't have to bother keeping them straight.

When they get to the reserved table at the back of the restaurant, Charlie notices there are name cards at each place.

"Everyone find your seat," Katelyn instructs. "I've mixed everyone up so we can all get to know each other better, so please don't swap seats."

Charlie is not surprised to see her seat is all the way at one end of the table, and Bryce's is at the other, sandwiched in between Katelyn and one of the Sarahs. It becomes quickly apparent that there is a boy/girl pattern, and Charlie groans internally when she sees that it's none other than overgrown frat boy Bob next to her. She swears Katelyn is trying to make her miserable. Across from her is one of the Sarah's husbands and next to him is Landry's noticeably pregnant sister-in-law Stephanie who looks just as enthused as Charlie is to be there. Poor girl - at least Charlie can drink.

Stephanie is nice enough, and she and Charlie make decent small talk. But as dinner goes on, Bob becomes increasingly more drunk, and thus louder and more obnoxious and it’s more difficult to get a word in edgewise over his talk of cars, sports, and “hot chicks” he picks up every weekend. Charlie glances over to Bryce every so often, or probably quite often, and when she catches his eye he gives her a sympathetic smile. Most of the time though, he’s the center of attention, talking animatedly, while everyone on his end of the table listens attentively.

While everyone seems to be taken by Bryce’s typical charming self, Katelyn is particularly enthralled by him. She’s smiling too wide and leaning in too close for Charlie’s comfort, and when she brushes her fingertips over Bryce’s forearm as she laughs giddily, a pang of jealousy hits Charlie deep. Charlie tries to shake the feeling because it is ridiculous for multiple reasons. Katelyn is getting married in less than a week, and Bryce isn’t really Charlie’s boyfriend just to name two. She tells herself not to be concerned with whatever Bryce is doing, but she fails miserably at that. She catches him winking at Katelyn, and she almost loses it. Charlie excuses herself to get some air so she can get her irrational emotions under control. It’s got to be the alcohol because this is so not like her.

Charlie walks out the open French doors to the patio overlooking the ocean, placing her hands on the railing at the patio’s edge and taking a deep breath in. There’s background chatter from the patrons eating outside, but it’s not loud enough drown out the soothing sound of the waves crashing gently against the shore. She inhales deeply, taking in the scent of the salty sea air until she’s startled by a tap on her shoulder.

Charlie turns around to see Bryce looking genuinely concerned. “Are you okay, Charlie? You’re looking a little flushed”

“Oh...yeah. It’s just hot and stuffy in there, and I’ve probably had too much to drink.” As if on cue, Charlie stumbles and Bryce braces her shoulders to steady her.

Bryce chuckles. “Probably so. Why don’t we get back to the table and then we can make an excuse to duck out as soon as dinner’s over?” Bryce wraps an arm around Charlie and guides her back to her seat.

The rest of dinner is a blur, somewhat literally as the waiter keeps refilling Charlie's wine glass and she loses track of how much she's had. Much to Katelyn's dismay, Bryce announces they are calling it a night shortly after dinner ends, but since it comes from Bryce, Katelyn holds back on any snide remarks. They walk out arm in arm and as Bryce's hand slides down low on the small of Charlie's back, she looks back to see Katelyn glaring at them. She's definitely jealous, but a little extra wouldn't hurt, so Charlie squeezes Bryce's ass for good measure. She'll probably regret it tomorrow, being seeing Katelyn's nostrils flare is worth it. Bryce's eyes widen in surprise before his lips quirk into a knowing smile.

Once they turn the corner and are out of sight, Charlie wriggles out of Bryce’s grasp, quickly realizing that was a mistake as she stumbles sideways. She catches herself on the wall and takes her stiletto pumps off before she breaks her neck.

“Whoever decided women need to wear these things to look sexy...should burn.” Charlie speaks slowly trying not to slur her words.

Bryce shakes his head and laughs. “You don’t need to wear those to look sexy.”

“Oh, stop!” Charlie pushes Bryce’s shoulder, but the momentum carries her, and Bryce has to catch her before they both topple over. “I’m a mess right now, aren’t I?”

“I think you shouldn’t be trusted on your own two feet right now.” Bryce crouches down in front of her. “Hop on.”

“What?! I’m about twenty years too old for a piggyback ride.”

“Hey, it’s the only way I can assure we don’t both go down at this point.” Bryce pats his ass a couple times in encouragement, and Charlie giggles before climbing on.

He seems to carry her without much effort, but she's struggling to see straight and starting to feel woozy, so she closes her eyes and buries her head in the crook of his neck. His skin is soft and warm and he smells like...she doesn't know what, but he smells really good. She lifts her head back upright once the reach the door, and she slides down, walking through the door as Bryce holds it open for her.

Charlie stumbles to her bed and plops down on top of the covers. Her eyelids are heavy and she's content to fall asleep right then and there.

Bryce rubs her shoulder to get her attention. "I brought you some water. You don't want to be dehydrated and hungover in the morning. Why don't you sit up and drink it."

Charlie groans but crawls up to the head of the bed and sits upright. She gulps as much of the water down as she can and hands the bottle back to Bryce. "I think that's all I can fit. Thank you, but I need to pass out now."

"Are you sure you don't want to get out of that dress first?"

"Bryce Lahela, you are just trying to get me naked again aren't you?" She pokes him in the stomach because she can't reach his chest.

Bryce just shakes his head and smiles. "Okay, you can sleep in whatever you want. Goodnight, Charlie."

Charlie fumbles for the zipper on the back of her dress but can't seem to grasp it. "Wait, I'm stuck. I need help." She climbs out of bed and turns her back to Bryce. His breath tickles the back of her neck deftly unzips her dress. She shrugs the shoulders off and lets the whole thing fall to the floor so she's standing only in her bra and panties, and then she dives back into bed.

"Uh...Don't you want some pajamas?"

"They are somewhere over there." Charlie gestures to dresser against the wall.

Bryce sifts through a couple drawers and comes back with a silky matching short and tank set, and that's the last thing Charlie remembers.

#playchoices fanfic #open heart #bryce lahela #bryce x mc #stripped bare

135 notes · View notes