✧ fast and furious ✧

Fast, fast, fast, fast, fast and furious

[sawyer-bay]

Sawyer listened to her without interrupting, arms loosely crossed as he leaned back. When she called Kirby a mastermind, he huffed a quiet laugh. “Yeah, that tracks,” he said dryly. “The evil genius vibe was already on the table.” He watched her tuck her phone away, then shook his head when she dramatically told him to slap her.“Tempting,” he said with a crooked grin, “but I’m not trying to get punched again today.” As she explained that it wasn’t about familiarity with toxicity, Sawyer’s expression softened a little. He gave a small nod, clearly taking her seriously. “Hey,” he said calmly, “I wasn’t saying you don’t know the difference. You do. Better than most.” When she admitted that sometimes Kirby just looked at her and she melted, he snorted, unable to help himself. “Oh wow,” he said, dragging a hand down his face. “So the big, scary Loud Bekah gets taken out by eye contact.” He shook his head, though the teasing smile stayed. “That’s brutal.” Her dramatic declaration of hating herself made him chuckle again, but there was still that familiar protective tone under it. “You don’t hate yourself,” he said. “You’re just unfortunately very into someone who clearly knows exactly what buttons to push.” When she started talking about his relationship being softer, Sawyer shrugged a little, glancing down before looking back at her. “Yeah, well,” he said lightly, “I'd been in a toxic relationship for way too long. I needed to find someone more zen." A grin slowly spread across his face. “Okay, hold on,” he said, sitting up a little straighter. “That’s actually kind of accurate.” He pointed at her for a second like he was emphasising the point, then suddenly lifted his fist toward her. “Hell yeah,” he said with a laugh, holding it there expectantly for a bump. “Different fonts, same chaotic document.” He glanced at her, eyes scanning her face like he was memorising the little quirks that made her her. “You know,” he said quietly, his tone more sincere now, “I like that we’re so similar. Feels like, I don’t know, like someone finally gets it, gets me.” He gave a small shake of his head with a soft laugh. “Wouldn’t change you for the world, tho. So don’t go changing for anyone else.”

[bekahgomez]

as sawyer laughed at her for admitting how she melted whenever kirby looked at her, rebekah rolled her eyes. "i’m not telling you anything anymore," she muttered, shaking her head, her cheeks lightly pink. "i don’t even know how she does it," she added, "it’s exactly like that, she knows which buttons to push, and she’s going to be a great lawyer, she’s got a way with words," she assured. rebekah let out a small sigh. "i’ve been with people before, and for the first time, i wasn’t worried about whether she’d stop loving me or just walk away whenever she felt like it… it felt real, the way she talks to me and everything, it’s just… incredible," she admitted, more honest than before, and it didn’t sound like she hated her anymore, not really. she looked over at sawyer. "you deserve someone the complete opposite of lacey, what a bitch," she rolled her eyes. she was genuinely glad he’d found someone soft, someone kind. she didn’t know daphne, probably wouldn’t get past a simple hello, but from the way sawyer talked about her, it sounded like he’d found the right person. when he told her he wouldn’t change her for anything, she smiled, bumping her fist against his after calling them the same document in different fonts. they were both chaotic, both a little messed up, but they had each other. she wrapped an arm around his back, leaning into him. "i wouldn’t either," she said softly. "it’s us against the world."

[kirby-colby]

Kirby smirked, eyes dark and playful, watching Bekah try, and fail, to hide just how undone she was. “Mm, so this is what happens when you try to act all tough?” she murmured, fingers still tracing against Bekah, moving with deliberate, teasing precision. “You hate me. You love this." Her hand pressed a little firmer, controlling the rhythm, testing boundaries, daring Rebeka to resist, and loving the way she couldn’t. Kirby’s grin widened as she watched Rebeka’s head tilt back, lips parting, eyes fluttering. “That’s it. Don’t fight me. I want to see you like this, down bad, begging without even having to ask.” She let her fingers move with skillful intent, teasing and pressing. Her thumb rubbed teasingly, just the right pressure to drive her wild, and she let the smallest, taunting nudge of a smile cross her lips. Kirby’s grin turned wicked as she felt Bekah's hand clamp tightly on hers. “Oh, you really don’t want me to move it, huh?” she murmured, voice low and cocky. “You want more fingers?" Kirby leaned in, teasingly grazing Bekah's lips with hers, slow and daring, watching the way her eyes fluttered shut. “See that? That little gasp, that shiver? That’s all because of me." She smirked, pressing a final teasing kiss against Bekah's jaw, fingers moving with precise, playful control, letting every touch, every press, every glide remind her exactly who was in charge. Kirby leaned closer, her lips brushing Rebeka’s ear, voice low, cocky, and dripping with heat. “So fucking wet- can’t get enough, can you?” She slid her fingers a little deeper, letting a wicked grin curl across her face.

[bekahgomez]

kirby was right—she hated her, and she was loving that moment. maybe at that point she’d say she hated her, but… maybe, in her mind, kirby wasn’t as bad anymore. if rebekah was completely honest, her walls were crumbling incredibly fast; her quick and witty mind wasn’t able to come up with ways of making kirby think she wasn’t good, because she was—and her body was reacting to it. “fuck, kirby,” rebekah moaned, as if that was all she could think about in that moment, because she wasn’t able to focus with kirby’s hand working so skillfully between her legs. her hand clamped around kirby’s, a silent plea for her to keep doing what she was doing. “please, no,” she murmured, looking at kirby. every single word was making rebekah lose it a little bit more. she had been with many guys and girls, but for the first time, she wasn’t in control of her own body anymore. at her question, she opened her eyes, looking up at her. “i need more,” she breathed. her breathing was uneven, her heart racing inside her chest; she was a complete mess, and the dirty talk was only making her more aware of how much she wanted kirby. rebekah’s back arched as she felt kirby’s fingers move deeper, a moan leaving her lips. “i’m close,” she murmured. her hand let go of kirby’s, moving instead to cup her cheeks as she leaned in and pressed her lips against the blonde’s, desperate.

[sawyer-bay]

Sawyer snorted softly when she laughed about spiraling together. “Oh, we’ve been spiraling together for months,” he said easily. “We just finally admitted it.” There was no hesitation when she said she was glad they were friends. His expression softened in that quiet, honest way he never tried to dramatise. “I’m glad too,” he replied, simple and sincere. “Out of all the garbage we crawled out of, this is solid. You’re solid.” When she started talking about class, about trying everything and still losing, he listened, actually listened. No interrupting. No fixing. Just taking her seriously. “I know you want to win fairly,” he said. “That’s the thing about you. You’d hate yourself if you didn’t.” At her insistence that she needed to pass, that the praise mattered, he nodded. “Yeah, it does matter,” he agreed. “Especially from someone tough. That kind of validation hits different when you’ve earned it.” When she rolled her eyes at his starvation comment, he smirked faintly. “I am dramatic. It’s part of my charm. Don’t act surprised.” Then she showed him the picture. Sawyer leaned in, studying it longer than she expected, not judging, not mocking. Just observing. He noticed the posture, the expression, the intensity behind the eyes. He handed the phone back slowly. “She looks like she knows exactly what she’s doing. That’s probably half the problem.” But you don’t just attract intense. You challenge it.” When she admitted they clashed amazingly, he gave her a knowing look. “Of course you did. Two control issues in a room? That’s not a meet-cute. That’s a controlled explosion.” Then she groaned about how hot Kirby was and told him to slap her if she kept saying it. Sawyer didn’t laugh this time. He just watched her for a second, gentle but direct. “I’m not gonna slap you,” he said honestly. “You’re allowed to think she’s hot. You’re allowed to like that she takes control.” He leaned back slightly, folding his arms. “But,” he added calmly, “make sure you like it because it feels good not because it feels familiar.” His tone stayed soft. No accusation. Just care. “There’s a difference between ‘unfairly attractive’ and ‘this dynamic is unhealthy for me,’ Bekah.” A small half-smile tugged at his mouth. “And if she tells you what to do? Cool. Just make sure you’re choosing when to listen.” Then he huffed a quiet laugh and rubbed the back of his neck. “I have the opposite problem,” he admitted. His tone shifted, still honest, but softer now. Thoughtful. “Daphne’s deaf,” he said plainly. “She talks in sign language most of the time. So when we’re together, it’s… quiet.” He glanced down at his hands. “It’s like our eyes talk,” he went on. “You can’t really fake attention with her. If I look away, she knows. If she looks at me, she really looks.” A small smile tugged at his mouth, genuine and a little vulnerable. “It’s intense,” he said. “But not loud. Not explosive. Intense in a quiet way.” He looked back at Bekah then. “It’s more like stillness. Like everything slows down and you actually feel what’s happening.” He shrugged lightly. “So yeah,” he added, a faint teasing edge returning, “while you’re out here getting bossed around by a hot hurricane, I’m over here having silent eye contact that feels like it could knock me flat.”

[bekahgomez]

as sawyer gave her advice on how to deal with kirby, rebekah didn’t roll her eyes like she normally might—she just listened. he was her friend, and she knew he wanted the best for her. “she knows exactly what she’s doing,” she said, rolling her eyes as she took her phone back and glanced at the screen before slipping it into her pocket. “honestly, she’s some kind of mastermind.” she let out a small sigh. “but yeah… calling the way we met an explosion actually fits. i never thought about it like that, but you’re right.” she groaned dramatically, leaning back. “you should slap me or something, make me change my mind.” then she shook her head quickly. “and before you say anything, no—I don’t let people control me like that, so it’s not because it’s familiar,” she added, though a small smile tugged at her lips at how protective he sounded. “i know what toxic looks like, and somehow… this hatred thing we’ve got going on doesn’t feel toxic like that.” she exhaled slowly, realizing that putting it into words was harder than she expected. “i won’t give details—for both our sakes—but i do know when i want to listen to her and when i want to tell her to fuck off,” she admitted. “the problem is sometimes she just looks at me, and you know what happens then? i melt. it’s so annoying. loud bekah just shuts the hell up and suddenly i’m standing there waiting for kirby to tell me how to behave.” she made a fake gagging noise. “i hate myself,” she declared dramatically. when sawyer mentioned his own relationship being the opposite, her head tilted slightly. “you don’t always need words,” she said with a soft smile. “and if intense isn’t your thing, that’s completely fine. you’re allowed to be soft.” then she pointed lightly at him with a grin. “but you know what i see? no matter the format, we both get knocked flat—either by eye contact or by someone giving an order. we’re not that different there, sawyer.” she chuckled. “we’re basically the same person in different fonts.”

[kirby-colby]

Kirby noticed everything. The flicker of annoyance. The way Rebekah tried to make it look reluctant. The way she still moved the second Kirby told her to. Kirby didn’t call her out on it right away. She just watched her, slow, deliberate, confident in the way she held herself. When Rebekah tilted her chin up like that, breath thinning, eyes dark and fixed on her, Kirby’s mouth curved. “Look at you,” she murmured, voice low and smooth. “Trying so hard to act like you don’t want this.” She moved closer, not rushing. She liked the tension. Liked how it coiled tighter the quieter she got. When she lifted her fingers past her own lips, she didn’t break eye contact. She saw the exact moment it hit Rebekah, the hitch in her breathing, the way her chest rose a little sharper. Kirby’s smile turned knowing. “Keep looking at me like that,” she told her, softer now, but not gentler. “Like you’re trying to memorise every second.” And when she told her to lie back? Rebekah did it instantly. Kirby’s eyebrow arched. There it is. She took her time stepping forward, gaze dragging slowly over her. “No hesitation,” she observed, voice edged with amusement. “Didn’t even pretend to argue.” She reached the bed and leaned down just enough to close some of the distance, not touching, just hovering close enough that the air between them felt charged. “You can glance away all you want,” Kirby teased quietly. “But you always look back.” Her fingers hovered near Rebekah’s waist not quite brushing it yet. “And you know what I love the most?” she added, voice dipping lower. “That you act like you’re fighting me but the second I tell you what to do—” her eyes flicked down briefly, then back up, confident and unshaken, “—you melt.” She let the silence stretch just enough to make it throb. She let her fingers drift down slowly, not rushed, not greedy, just deliberate. When she reached the waistband of Rebekah’s jeans, she paused, eyes lifting to meet hers first. Always checking. Always reading her. “You’re all tense,” Kirby teased softly. “That doesn’t suit you.” Her fingers worked carefully, unbuttoning, easing the zipper down with slow patience rather than drama. There was nothing forceful about it. Just steady, attentive movements. She then slid her hands inside of Bekah's pants and slide two digits against Bekah's core.

[bekahgomez]

rebekah wasn’t able to look away; it was impossible at that point. the way kirby got close, everything was enough to leave her in some kind of trance. the way she lifted her chin sent a chill down rebekah’s spine. “i want this,” she assured. she wanted her, but the fact that she hated her was part of the reason she was so turned on. everything kirby was doing had a purpose—the way she took her fingers past her own lips, the way kirby looked at her so intensely—it was enough to leave rebekah trapped, and if she was honest, she didn’t want to get away from that place. as kirby pointed out the things she liked about rebekah, she felt her heart racing inside her chest. in that moment, not a single word left her lips. it wasn’t that she didn’t have something to say; she was just speechless, taking her in. she wanted her, of course she did, and there was a kind of anticipation building, wanting to know what kirby would do next. her breath hitched as the blonde’s hand found her waistband. she looked down before her eyes met kirby’s again, her breathing ragged. “i’m not tense,” she assured. as she felt kirby’s fingers inside her, her eyes closed, her head tilting back, lips parting open. she didn’t know if it was relief or the fact that she had tried to pretend she wasn’t ready for that moment, but rebekah was down bad. her eyes found kirby’s again. one of her hands moved to keep kirby’s fingers from pulling away. “tell me how i feel,” she whispered, leaning closer to the blonde, chasing a kiss she wasn’t sure she was going to receive. she wouldn’t say she was a top—in fact, she didn’t really care. she normally didn’t have this kind of anticipation building for months, but in that moment she knew she was putty in kirby’s hands. she knew she wasn’t in charge, and she wasn’t going to be if kirby was the one with her. she knew it, and the thought of it didn’t bother her, though it somehow scared her too, knowing that all her strong walls and teasing just crumbled if kirby was around. she hated her. she hated the fact that her rival was able to make her do whatever she wanted.

[sawyer-bay]

Sawyer snorted at her joke, shaking his head as they walked. “Yeah, no, I’m not competing in the Trauma Olympics with you,” he said bluntly. “We’re both screwed up. End of discussion.” He hugged her back without hesitation, arms firm, grounding. When they pulled apart, he glanced at her like he was checking she was still there. “Anytime you need that, I'm here” he said simply. “You don’t gotta spiral alone. That’s kind of the deal with being friends with me." At her rant about class, he let out a low laugh. “That tracks,” he said. “You’re competitive as hell. You don’t just wanna win, you wanna win correctly.” He shot her a sideways look. “Staying up till three for a ‘good job’ is insane, by the way. Respectfully.” When she asked if she was crazy, he didn’t even slow down. “No,” he answered immediately. “Annoyed? Yeah. Driven? Definitely. Petty sometimes? Sure.” A beat. “Crazy? Nah. If you were crazy, you wouldn’t be questioning it.” She nudged him and mentioned food, and he scoffed. “But hurry up, because if I pass out from starvation, that’s on you.” When she handed him her phone, Sawyer stopped walking and actually studied the picture for a second longer than expected. His jaw tightened just a bit. “Oh, I’ve seen her,” he said finally. Sawyer glanced at the screen again, then let out a short huff. “Yeah, intense lesbian energy,” he said bluntly. “She looks smart. Intimidating. Looks like she genuinely does not give a shit what anyone thinks.” He handed the phone back, eyes flicking to Rebekah. “That’s not a bad thing,” he added, straightforward as ever. “Just that kind of person knows exactly how much space they take up. And they use it. Not saying she’s bad news,” he added. “Just saying, she’s intense. And you tend to attract intense.” He glanced at her. “So be careful, yeah, because you two will probably clash in both the worst and the best ways."

[bekahgomez]

talking to sawyer had always felt a little chaotic, just like he said—they were both a mess in their own ways, and even if their pasts weren’t exactly pleasant, they understood each other because of them. if anything good had come out of their shitty lives, it was this. “oh, so we’re spiraling together now?” she laughed, knowing she could count on sawyer the same way he could count on her. “i’m really glad we’re friends,” she added sincerely. she went on about her classes, about how she’d tried everything to beat kirby and still failed. “of course i want to win fairly,” she insisted with a nod. “i actually need to pass that class—it’s important, sawyer,” she said, though she was smiling. “and getting praised by that teacher? that’s huge. she’s tough as hell,” she added, like that made her loss sting a little less. when he joked about starvation, she rolled her eyes. “oh, sawyer, you’re so dramatic,” she laughed, shaking her head. when she held out her phone so he could see kirby’s picture, she hadn’t expected him to actually study it so closely. she bit her lower lip, watching his reaction. “she’s definitely an intense lesbian,” she nodded. “that’s the perfect way to describe her.” she took her phone back, glancing at the picture once more before slipping it away. “i’m like an intense magnet,” she mused. “but she’s different from the other intense people i attract.” at his last comment, she smirked. “we did clash pretty amazingly the first time, not gonna lie,” she chuckled, chewing lightly on her nail. then she groaned playfully. “ugh, i hate how ridiculously hot she is. seriously, slap me if i keep saying that,” she huffed, though her grin gave her away. “but god… the way she tells me what to do? unfairly attractive.”

[kirby-colby]

Kirby’s smirk deepened the second Rebekah gave in, satisfaction flashing openly across her face. She took her time following her to the bed, clearly enjoying the way that single word had worked exactly as intended. At the comment, Kirby let out a quiet, amused laugh. “I know I am,” she said smoothly, like it was a compliment she fully accepted. She stopped just in front of her, tilting Rebekah’s chin up again without asking, eyes dark with confidence. “And you love it." When Rebekah challenged her again, Kirby leaned in just enough to crowd her space, not touching, but close enough to remind her who was in charge. “For now?” she replied lightly, playful but firm. “I want you right there. Sitting. Looking at me like that.” She straightened, clearly pleased, voice dropping just a touch. Kirby’s eyes flicked down to Rebekah’s mouth for half a second before she acted, slow and deliberate. She lifted her own hand and slipped two fingers past her own lips, not rushed, just confident. Her gaze never left Rebekah’s as she did it, eyes sharp, knowing exactly what kind of reaction she was provoking. She withdrew them just as slowly, a faint smirk curving her mouth. “Lie back."

[bekahgomez]

rebekah would tell anyone who asked that she walked to the bed reluctantly when kirby told her to—but that would be a lie. there was a flicker of annoyance on her face, sure, but she followed anyway, because deep down she wanted this. she always did. when she tilted her chin up, her breath thinned in her lungs. it wasn’t her first time in a moment like this—she wasn’t inexperienced—but with kirby it felt different. sharper. heavier. she wanted to be present, to take in every second, and she hated how much she wanted that. when kirby told her to keep looking at her like that, rebekah let out a slow breath, brown eyes locked onto hers. then kirby lifted her own fingers to her lips, and bekah’s chest tightened as she watched them slip between them. anticipation coiled low in her stomach, heat mixing with something dangerously close to surrender. when kirby told her to lie back, she did—instantly. no hesitation, no argument. she lowered herself onto her elbows, gaze fixed on kirby with something almost like awe. she glanced away for a split second, knowing kirby would eventually point out how easily she obeyed, but she couldn’t stay away for long—her eyes found their way back to her.

[sawyer-bay]

Sawyer listened, hands resting on his lap, jaw tight. Bekah filled the space the way she always did—jokes stacked on confessions stacked on laughter that was a little too sharp. In his head, things churned: anger he didn’t know where to put, old hurt that never really left. But her voice cut through it. “I meant what I said back then. I don’t promise things I’m not willing to bleed for.” She joked about them both being disasters. He let out a breath that almost passed for a laugh. “If you’re a mess,” he muttered, “then I’m not exactly a success story.” A glance at her. “Guess that makes us even.” When she hugged him, he stiffened out of instinct, then gave in, arms settling around her. He told himself it was for her. He knew that was a lie. The noise in his head dulled. “Don’t act like that was charity,” he said under his breath. “You needed it too.” At the emotions comment, he scoffed. “Some of us just don’t make it everyone else’s problem.” She called herself a thunderstorm. He nodded once. “Fair. Sunshine was pushing it.” As they walked, she talked about the girl she hated and wanted all at once. Sawyer listened, eyes forward. “Sounds exhausting,” he said. Then, quieter, “But familiar.” When she threatened him into silence, he snorted. “Relax. I’m not your enemy. So, you want to screw this girl you hate because she gets under your skin in a good way, is what you're saying?” He didn’t say what sat heavy in his chest—that she was constant, that she made the anger easier to carry, that being her person felt like something he couldn’t afford to lose. Instead, he nudged her shoulder lightly as they stepped outside. “C’mon,” he said. “You promised me food.”

[bekahgomez]

rebekah felt such a massive weight lift when she talked to sawyer; he wasn't just easy to vent to, he was just easy to be around. she didn't feel on edge at all and honestly saw him as a brother from another mother, someone she could actually be herself around without putting on an act. when he mentioned he wasn't exactly a success story, she just shook her head and joked, "are we really gonna argue over who's more damaged? i don't think so, let's just agree we're both a mess and leave it at that." she laughed, "exactly," she added with a chuckle. as they hugged, she felt the pressure vanish for a moment; she really needed that, she needed to feel like she wasn't losing her mind and just have that human connection. that hug was going to make things feel a bit more manageable, at least for a while. rebekah laughed at his response, "it's exhausting, it’s like this heated rivalry," she chuckled, "you have no idea how badly i wanted to out-argue her in class every day, i’d stay up until three in the morning just to hear the teacher say, 'good job, rebekah,'" she confessed. "that’s basically it, i just want to beat her because she drives me absolutely nuts," she admitted, then asked, "do you think i'm crazy? you can be honest," she mused as they walked. "and yes, i promised you food, so don't be a baby and keep walking," she said, giving him a playful nudge before opening the door to head out of the dorm. she pulled out her phone and handed it to sawyer, "not sure if you've seen her around campus," she wondered, glancing down at kirby's picture, "but what kind of vibes does she give off?"

[kirby-colby]

Kirby didn’t miss a single reaction—she never did. The way Rebekah bristled, the way her breath hitched just a little too fast. It only made Kirby’s smirk sharper, more self-satisfied. She pushed off the doorframe and stepped in closer, slow and deliberate, like she knew exactly what she was doing. “Oh, relax,” Kirby murmured, voice low and amused.When she hooked a finger under Rebekah’s chin, Kirby tilted her head, eyes glinting with playful arrogance. “You say that,” she replied lightly to the you’re not special, “but you’re still looking at me like that.” She leaned in just enough to let the tension spike, brushing her lips against Rebekah’s cheek on purpose before pulling back. “See? Self-control. I’ve got plenty.” At the insult, Kirby laughed under her breath. “Idiot?” she echoed, unfazed. “Wow. I must really be getting to you, Bekah." And when Rebekah grabbed her shirt and kissed her, Kirby didn’t hesitate. She met it immediately, one hand coming up to steady her, the other already at her waist. Pulling back just enough to breathe, Kirby smirked again, forehead resting briefly against hers. “Yeah,” she said, voice smug and pleased. “You really should’ve known better than to tell me that.” Kirby broke the kiss just enough to breathe, eyes flicking from Rebekah’s face to the bed behind her—slow, deliberate, like she was making a point. One corner of her mouth lifted, confidence radiating off her. “Bed,” she said simply, voice low and firm, unmistakably teasing. Then she glanced back at Rebekah, eyebrow raised, daring and amused. “Now.” The word landed half-command, half-playful challenge—Kirby clearly enjoying how easily she could make Rebekah unravel.

[bekahgomez]

it was obvious the whole situation was just entertaining kirby; the way she smiled and that smirk got sharper showed she was loving rebekah’s reaction, which honestly just pissed the brunette off even more—it pulled her in every single time. as kirby forced her to look up, rebekah swallowed hard. "how?" she challenged, her eyes locked onto kirby’s, desperate to know how that look actually made her feel. when the other girl bragged about having self-control while pulling away, rebekah realized she had absolutely none. self-control wasn't really her thing; that’s exactly why she’d grabbed kirby's shirt to kiss her in the first place, and why she usually couldn't think straight when they were together. feeling kirby pull her closer, she smirked against her lips. as kirby confidently told her to get to the bed, rebekah pulled back just enough to look at her. there wasn’t a hint of hesitation in kirby's voice, and rebekah loved that, even if she’d never admit it. that "now" was all it took to make rebekah give in. she walked over and sat on the edge of the bed, raising an eyebrow at kirby. "you're so bossy," she mused, challenge dripping from her voice. "anything else you want me to do?"

[sawyer-bay]

Sawyer listened to Rebekah, the tension in his shoulders loosening bit by bit as she talked. He didn’t look away from her—didn’t even try to hide the way her words hit him. He wasn’t good at being vulnerable, not really, but with her? It always slipped out anyway. He huffed a quiet, self-conscious laugh. “Yeah, yeah… whatever works,” he said, his tone soft but threaded with that playful edge he always used to keep himself from getting too sappy. “You make it sound simple.” But her belief in him—that made his chest feel warm and unbearably tight. When she insisted she loved him and knew he could win Daphne back, Sawyer looked down for a moment, a small smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. “You give me way too much credit,” he muttered, though the way he said it made it clear he appreciated every word. He nudged her shoulder lightly. “But… thanks. For believing I’m not a total disaster. Like I can proving I am again and again." Her line about him just being a guy who wanted to be loved made him snort softly. “Wow. Calling me out today, huh?” he teased. When she echoed “forever,” Sawyer’s smile finally cracked wider, more real. “Damn right. You’re stuck with me.” The moment her arms wrapped around him, he returned the hug without hesitation, burying his face briefly against her shoulder and letting himself breathe. He didn’t hug many people. But Rebekah? She didn’t count as “people.” She counted as family. When she teased him about getting emotional, he scoffed with exaggerated offense. “Me? Emotional? Nah. Never. I’m a rock. I’m a mountain. Completely unshakeable.” A beat. Then, with a crooked grin: “…Okay, maybe a little emotional. Just sometimes." She suggested getting something to eat, and Sawyer leaned back enough to look at her, eyes brighter now. “Going out sounds good,” he said, shrugging like it wasn’t a relief to have something to focus on besides his own mess. “And hey—don’t sell yourself short.” He tapped her cheek gently with two fingers, smiling. “You’re pretty enough company for me, sunshine." He pushed himself to his feet and offered her a hand up. “And if it’s on you?” he added, wiggling his brows. “Yeah, even better." Sawyer’s grin softened as he looked at her. “Thanks for being here, Bek.” Sawyer stepped close, looping his arm easily around Bekah’s shoulders, pulling her just enough to make her feel the warmth of him beside her. He gave her a crooked grin, voice low and teasing. “Come on,” he said, leaning slightly so his words brushed her ear, “let’s go drown our sorrows with food… maybe drinks too. Maybe you can tell me about that new girl you’re pretending you don’t like,” he murmured, voice low and playful, the words carrying just enough edge to make her laugh—or squirm—while still keeping the moment intimate. He gave her a gentle nudge with his shoulder, clearly enjoying the game he’d started.

[bekahgomez]

sawyer was the closest thing she had ever had to a brother; her family was completely deconstructed, her parents were out of the picture, having painted themselves out long ago, and she only had her grandmother—the only person who believed in her and wanted her around. after spending all that time with her in argentina, she made a promise to come with her to euroville and be the person she needed. “if you’re a total disaster, i’m even worse, so i want to think you’re not a total disaster, because where would that put me?” she laughed, nudging his side. “i love calling people out, that’s why i’m studying law—think about it, bay,” she teased, sticking her tongue out at her best friend. she hugged him like they were sealing a promise, holding him close as a sigh of relief left her; she was a very physical person, she liked human contact, and that hug—she’d started it because she knew sawyer needed it, but she found relief in his arms too, like the weight on her shoulders suddenly felt lighter. “men like to think they’re not emotional, that fucking sucks, dude,” she joked, smiling. “of course you’re emotional—if someone says they aren’t, that just makes them a sociopath,” she laughed. “c’mon, rocky,” she teased. “oh yeah, you love free food, huh?” she chuckled. “that was a cute moment until you called me sunshine—don’t call me sunshine, i’m a thunderstorm, i can’t be tamed, not sunshine, that’s lame,” she laughed, squinting as she guided them out of her room. “not drown, we can dip our sorrows, i’m not rich,” she added with a laugh. “i don’t like her, i hate her so much i want her to want me,” she admitted, laughing at her own words, “and she’s not my girl,” she corrected him as they walked out of the building. “she’s my classmate, and we hate each other, but maybe the line between hate and sex is thin,” she mused. “i want to slap her and kiss her at the same time,” rebekah confessed, “don’t tell anyone or i’ll kick your ass.”

[kirby-colby]

Kirby follows her down the hall with that easy, reckless confidence — the kind that always got under Rebekah’s skin, the kind that made her feel unsteady in ways she hated admitting. She lets Rebekah tug her along. When Rebekah mutters that she hates her, Kirby’s smirk only sharpens — not cruel, not mocking, just knowing, in that way she shouldn’t be allowed to look at anyone. “Oh, Bekah," she murmurs, voice low against Rebekah’s ear as they walk, "come hate me some more if this is the reward that I reap from you hating my guts so much." When they reach the room, Kirby leans on the doorframe while Rebekah throws her bag inside, arms crossed loosely, hip cocked, watching her with that infuriating, slow-burning heat in her eyes. She doesn’t hide the smile tugging at her mouth when Rebekah finally turns back around. And when the brunette rattles off her little speech — defensive, sharp-edged, meant to build walls that Kirby can see right through — the blonde just lets her finish. Kirby pushes off the frame and steps closer, close enough that Rebekah can feel the warmth of her breath. She tilts her head, that smirk dipping into something darker, softer. “Baby,” she says quietly, “if you think any of that scares me off… you don’t know me at all.” She reaches out and gently hooks a finger under Rebekah’s chin, tipping her face up just a little — not demanding, just coaxing. “I don’t care who you see,” Kirby continues, voice calm, steady. “I don’t care what you do when you’re not with me. I’m not asking for anything you’re not offering.” Her thumb brushes lightly along Rebekah’s jaw, slow and deliberate. “But don’t stand there and tell me I’m not special,” she adds, tone dropping to a whisper. “Not when you’re shaking like this just because I’m in your dorm room.” She leans in, lips ghosting near Rebekah’s cheek without touching. “And definitely not when you dragged me down the hall like you couldn’t wait another second.” Kirby finally meets her eyes — steady, unflinching, warm. “If you want me to touch you,” she murmurs, “just say it." Kirby didn’t hesitate. The moment the tension thickened between them, she stepped in closer, eyes locked on Rebekah like she could read every jagged, hungry thought behind her defenses. Her smirk softened into something slower, warmer — the kind that always made Rebekah’s stomach twist. "Get your protection then,” she said, the words smooth but edged with challenge. “We’ll play by your rules.”

[bekahgomez]

rebekah hated how much she was affected by the way kirby looked at her—the way she whispered in her ear like she already lived in her head, the way she leaned against the doorframe with her arms crossed, staring at her in a way that made her stomach twist in the best possible way. she wanted to kiss her so badly in that moment, and that was exactly what made her so angry at herself. when she finished talking, kirby stepped closer, and rebekah wanted to wipe that smirk off her face with her lips; then came the nickname, and she was already melting. she looked up at her, eyes meeting kirby’s as a finger hooked under her chin, forcing her to look. “good, i wouldn’t offer that,” she shot back. “i’m not shaking because you’re in my room, what the fuck,” she muttered, shaking her head, not pulling away even though she knew she should—her body betraying her mind. when she felt kirby lean in, she closed her eyes, and instead of a kiss, kirby’s lips only brushed her cheek, making it painfully clear how badly she wanted more. “you’re not special,” she repeated, eyes closing again. when kirby challenged her, dared her to say it, rebekah looked at her, deep brown eyes caught somewhere between annoyance and giving in. “idiot,” she muttered, shaking her head, the sudden rush of protective thoughts making her roll her eyes at herself—she wasn’t going to end up pregnant tonight. “fuck you, kirby,” she whispered, leaning closer, visibly fighting herself before the words finally slipped out. “touch me,” she breathed, “and you better not hold back, asshole,” before grabbing the front of kirby’s shirt, yanking her down, and crashing their lips together.

[kirby-colby]

Kirby’s grin widened, sharp and teasing, as she felt Rebekah’s tension radiate against her. She traced a fingertip along Rebekah’s jaw, playful, letting the touch linger. “Cute. Honestly… I like it when you fight me a little.” When Rebekah finally shot back, Kirby’s eyes sparkled with mischief, her grin growing even bolder. “Ooh, feisty. I like that too,” she said, her tone almost predatory, confident, and a little cocky. She let Rebekah’s words hang in the air, savoring the moment before she stepped back just enough to watch her reaction. And when Rebekah reached for her hand, Kirby didn’t hesitate—she caught it with a sly, satisfied grin, pulling her close effortlessly. “Took you long enough,” she murmured, voice flirtatious, letting Rebekah feel the warmth and confidence radiating from her. Kirby’s smirk softened slightly, playful but victorious. “Don’t worry… I always win.” She held that confident, flirty energy, letting the subtle arrogance mix with intimacy, making it impossible for Rebekah to forget who was in control of the moment. When Rebekah muttered 'something 'fuck me' dramatic under her breath, Kirby’s grin widened, teasing and confident. “That’s the plan, pretty much,” she said with a wink, her tone playful and cocky, like she was sharing an inside joke. “Took you long enough to catch on.” Then, stepping a little closer, she tilted her head and added, voice dripping with playful challenge, “Come on, smartass. Let’s go back to yours… or mine. Whatever’s closer.”

[bekahgomez]

she hated she had no self-control when it came to kirby, that she’d given up and was now following the blonde, willing to hold her hand like she was already winning; she was giving in, heading to kirby’s room to finish what they’d started, and she hated how much power kirby had over her. “you don’t always win, don’t be so cocky,” she rolled her eyes, even though she had won and they both knew it, but rebekah wasn’t about to admit it. she rolled her eyes again at the blonde’s reply to her cursing, even though deep down she wanted it — wanted to get rid of all that tension, wanted kirby to kiss and touch her, annoyed at herself for not being able to hide that she’d lost. “i hate you so much, god,” she muttered as she tugged kirby down the hall to her room, urgent, pretending that meant she was in control when she wasn’t, which was exactly why she kept trying to say it out loud. she avoided looking at kirby, knowing she’d see that smirk that made her want to kiss her even more. she dug out her keys, opened the door to find the room empty, tossed her bag inside, then turned to face her, heart racing, excited to have her there and annoyed that kirby could see right through her. “before your hands are on me like i know you desperately want, i see others, you’re not special, and i use protection, so if that grosses you out, you can leave and fuck yourself later at the idea of me,” she shrugged — even though she’d never brought anyone to her room before, which made kirby special whether she liked it or not.

[sawyer-bay]

Sawyer’s chest tightened as he listened to Rebekah, a mix of gratitude and frustration twisting inside him. Seeing her there, so steady and kind, made a small warmth bloom in his chest—he was lucky, unbelievably lucky, to have someone like her in his corner. “Yeah…yeah, I know,” he muttered, forcing a small smile, though his hands fidgeted in his lap. “I—God, Bekah, I don’t even deserve you sometimes.” His voice was rough, edged with the anger he still carried at himself and at the years that shaped him into someone he sometimes hated. “I’ve done a lot of dumb shit…a lot of things I wish I could take back.” He glanced down for a moment, jaw tightening. “And now, I…maybe I’ve ruined the best thing I ever had,” he admitted quietly, his tone almost a whisper. There was a sting in his eyes, a mixture of guilt and fear that he might’ve lost her trust—or worse, lost Daphne completely. Then, looking back at her, a faint, grateful smile tugged at his lips. “But…you’re here. You still choose me. Even if I'm an asshole. Maybe I'll be able to win her back around too?” His voice softened, tinged with relief, though the shadow of self-reproach never fully left his expression. "Sawyer and Bekah. Best friend pact forever, right?" Sawyer reached out, gripping Rebekah’s hand firmly, his eyes meeting hers with quiet intensity. “You got my back, and I got yours,” he said, voice low but steady. “Thanks for showing up…when everyone else turns their backs.” There was a weight to his words, a mixture of gratitude and relief, and the squeeze of her hand was his way of saying more than he could put into words. Even with all his doubts and anger at himself, in that moment, he knew he wasn’t alone—and that mattered more than anything.

[bekahgomez]

hearing the roughness in his words, how he genuinely felt grateful to have her by his side, made rebekah smile warmly at her best friend; she didn’t believe he needed to thank her — she was there because she considered him family, and she’d show up for him no matter what. “you don’t know if you ruined it until you talk to her, or sign at her, or whatever,” she said softly, “and if she likes you, i’m pretty sure she’ll see it as just a little bump in your story.” she shook her head. “i’m here because i love you, but i really think you can win her back,” she nodded, “i know you, bay — i know how deep down you’re just a guy who wants to be loved, and i’m sure daphne can see right through all the tough exterior.” at his playful words she smiled. “forever,” she agreed. “i know the feeling, and i’d hate to know i turned my back on someone i care about,” she added softly. when he squeezed her hand, she let go only so she could wrap her arms around him and pull him into a tight hug. “i think you’re getting too emotional,” she teased lightly, “let’s get something to eat.” she leaned back to look at him. “do you feel like going out? i’m not as pretty as daphne, but i can be good company,” she joked, “and it’s on me, so honestly? i’m your best option right now.”

[sawyer-bay]

Sawyer listened, every word from Rebekah settling into him like a soft weight. When she said she’d be there for him, he let out a breath that felt like it had been held too long and managed a small, crooked smile. He reached out, fingers brushing hers in a quiet, grateful squeeze. “You don’t have to say that,” he murmured, voice low. “But… thank you. Means more than I can say.” There was something in the way he said it — honest, a little raw — like the idea of being called family both comforted and scared him. When she teased him about sneaking in and suggested Daphne could go out so he could be his loud, stupid self, Sawyer snorted, the sound half-laugh, half-exhale. He shook his head and let a corner of his mouth lift. “I don't want her to get into any trouble with anybody. She's the opposite of me.” Her quick, self-protective brush-off about 'not playing hard to get' made something ache in him, and he glanced at her with an expression that had no judgment in it — only a slow, careful affection. “Don’t ever call yourself that. You're single and living your best life." Then, Sawyer’s face fell, and the small lightness left him. He dragged his hand through his hair and breathed out, the admission coming with a hard edge of regret. “Because she was the other girl. And I never told her.” His jaw tightened; he was angry at himself more than anything. “I was with Lacey, I didn’t say a damn thing before everything happened with her. So yeah—she’s gonna be pissed. And she should be. I fucked that up, and I hate myself for it.” Sawyer’s jaw tightened, his gaze dropping for a moment like the weight of it was too much to hold her eyes. He dragged a hand through his hair, frustration bleeding into the gesture, before he finally forced the words out. His eyes finally lifted to hers, a little sad, a little desperate, like he was bracing himself against the judgment he thought he deserved. “That’s why she’ll hate me.”

[bekahgomez]

rebekah had learned early on that family wasn’t defined by blood, but by choice. her real family was her abuela and sawyer—those were the people she could count on, the ones she wanted to protect and see happy. that’s how she knew they were hers. her parents? they were just people she was related to. if they didn’t want to know her, they didn’t deserve the title. and she was proud of that—of believing that family was something you built, not something you were handed. “i want to say it because it’s true, and you don’t have to thank me, sawyer,” she said softly, a small smile tugging at her lips. the way his eyes lit up when he talked about daphne made her smile even more. “you’re really out here ready to protect your princess, huh? that’s cute,” she teased, poking his side just to see him blush. his reaction made her shake her head with a quiet laugh. “sawyer, that’s how people see me—and i don’t give a fuck. if it helps me with work, then fuck the rest, honestly,” she said with a shrug. “but we can’t pretend that’s not the image people have of me. that’s how this girl sees me too.” she paused, noticing the shift in his expression, her tone softening. “there’s no easy way to tell someone you’ve got a girlfriend but you want to cheat on her with them,” she said quietly. “but if what you two have is as real as it seems, you’ll have to give her time. she’ll come back around,” rebekah assured him gently, her gaze steady. “i’m sure of it.”

[kirby-colby]

Kirby’s grin curved slow and sharp, like she’d been waiting for that exact question to drop from Rebekah’s lips. She didn’t flinch at the bluntness, didn’t retreat from the hand still at the back of her neck—if anything, she leaned into it, eyes glinting with that cocky, knowing spark that always seemed to get under Rebekah’s skin. “What’s going on in my mind?” Kirby echoed, voice low, teasing but threaded with confidence. She let the silence stretch just long enough to make it heavy, her gaze flicking down to Rebekah’s lips before dragging back up. “I’m still thinking about how good your lips tasted. About how I’ve been making you chase me just to see how long it’d take before you snapped like this.” Her thumb traced along Rebekah’s jaw, deliberately unhurried, grounding and provocative all at once. “You say I confuse you, but you’ve been giving me everything I wanted from the second you leaned back in.” Kirby tilted her head, lips quirking into that maddening smile again as she murmured, “And for the record? I was waiting for you to crack and ask.” Without breaking stride, she reached one hand back behind her, palm open, an unspoken dare in the gesture. Her voice carried over her shoulder, playful and certain all at once. “You coming to my dorm or what?” She didn’t even glance back at first—she didn’t have to. The cocky sway in her walk and the curve of her smile said it all.

[bekahgomez]

rebekah didn’t know if she wanted to slap that smirk off kirby’s lips or kiss her until she stopped grinning like that—and she hated herself for it. she could feel every touch: kirby’s hand still resting at the back of her neck, keeping her close, the warmth of her skin making it impossible to pull away. and when kirby asked that question, rebekah found it almost cruel—teasing her confusion, playing with her just to see how she’d react. she wanted to answer, to throw something back that would regain control, to say she hadn’t chased her because she wanted to. her lips parted, but nothing came out. rebekah always knew what to say—but not now. not when kirby could undo her with a word, a touch, a kiss. “crack and ask? you didn’t have the guts to ask yourself, admit it,” she finally shot back with a smirk, forcing herself not to stay silent and let kirby think she’d won. when kirby stepped away, rebekah exhaled sharply, realizing she’d been holding her breath. then she saw her hand extended, waiting. “fuck me,” she muttered under her breath, and before she could stop herself, she moved—quickly—closing the distance to take it. her fingers slipped into kirby’s, the fight leaving her chest as fast as it had come. “you win,” she said quietly, the words tasting like surrender and relief all at once.

[sawyer-bay]

Sawyer could tell the moment she spoke that her words were a mix of genuine care and a bit of her usual bravado. She’d never wanted him to feel isolated, and that was something she made clear to him over and over again. It was hard not to be amused by her confidence, even when it was laced with a hint of mockery. The wink that accompanied her words seemed like an attempt to hide whatever else was brewing underneath—something deeper that she didn’t quite want to show. She wasn’t the type to wear her vulnerabilities on her sleeve, but somehow, Sawyer always caught them, and he didn’t miss the way her grin was a little too bright, a little too forced. "I honestly don't know what I would do without you. You're like family to me, Bekah." Sawyer grinned, his usual smirk pulling at the corner of his lips when Bekah teased him about Daphne’s sister being a heavy sleeper. “Yeah, lucky for me,” he replied, his voice light but with a hint of something genuine underneath. “Wouldn’t want to be caught sneaking around... especially not when I’ve got this much on the line. She's the only hearing one that I need to worry about when I'm there." He shifted a bit, not quite sure how to explain the way Daphne made him feel, but it was obvious from the smile on his face that he was thinking about her more than he cared to admit. When she spoke again, it came out sharp. Sawyer raised an eyebrow at her response, a half-smirk creeping onto his face. He leaned against the wall, crossing his arms as he watched her. “Are you sure about that? I don’t know... sounds like you’re dodging something.” He tilted his head, his eyes narrowing playfully as he added, “I know you like playing hard to get sometimes." Finally, she attempted redirecting the conversation, though it was clear to anyone who knew her well that it was just a tactic to deflect from whatever had started to unravel in the quiet spaces between her words. Sawyer’s shoulders slumped slightly, his usual grin replaced with something more serious. He pushed a hand through his hair, looking at her with a mix of frustration and concern. “Well, as I was saying,” he began, voice tight, “I don’t know if my girl is still my girl. I don’t know if she hates me.” The words came out heavier than he intended, the unspoken weight behind them making it clear he was struggling with something more than just a casual annoyance. He shrugged, trying to play it off, but the vulnerability in his voice gave him away. “I don’t know how to fix it. She’s pissed at me."

[bekahgomez]

rebekah was going to be there for sawyer—that was all she could do. she wasn’t going to leave him when he was going through something like this. in her mind, if they had met back when her whole life flipped upside down, he would’ve fought for her in the way her parents never did. “you don’t have to imagine that,” she said softly, “i’m sorry, but only having my grandma on my side… that makes you my family.” it was sad, but sweet at the same time. she hadn’t spoken to her parents since being sent to her grandma’s house, and she didn’t want to. when sawyer mentioned not wanting to get caught sneaking in, she smiled, glad the heavy talk about family and fear of losing people had passed. “you should,” she teased, “maybe next time daphne can suggest she go on a date or hang out with friends or whatever, so you can enjoy your time and be your loud self.” she wiggled her eyebrows at him, already knowing the kind of face he’d make at that suggestion. but then the conversation shifted toward her. “i don’t play hard to get—most people would call me a slut if they knew what i do,” she admitted, almost like that was what he meant. “as if you haven’t seen me sleep around,” she tried to brush it off quickly, pushing the spotlight away from her. and thankfully, he let it shift back. but when he said she might hate him, her brows furrowed. “why would she hate you?” she asked quietly, searching his face. “what did you do?”

[kirby-colby]

Kirby couldn’t help but enjoy the fire that danced between them. It was the kind of tension that kept her on edge, the sort of game no one else would understand—except for Rebekah, of course. When Rebekah sighed and rolled her eyes, Kirby grinned, knowing exactly how to push her buttons. She had always liked making her work for it, and the challenge of this game was more delicious than anything. As her hand grazed Rebekah’s side, she saw the flicker of something in her eyes. It was exactly what she wanted—Rebekah’s resistance slipping, even just a little. Then, the kiss came, quick and full of that unspoken frustration that had been building for months. It wasn’t soft, it wasn’t sweet. It was more like a challenge—one Kirby was more than willing to meet. Rebekah pulled away too soon, just when things were getting interesting, and Kirby’s eyes followed the retreating distance, knowing exactly what was going on. Leaning in closer, she let her breath ghost over Rebekah’s ear, letting the silence stretch out between them. "Was that too much for you, or not enough?” she teased, her voice low and flirtatious, every word dripping with playful confidence. Kirby leaned in just a little closer, her voice dropping to a teasing whisper, “Desperate? No, sweetheart. Just playing the game you started.” The challenge was set. Kirby was in control, and she wasn’t going to let up. With a confident, slow movement, she reached up and slid her hand to the back of Rebekah’s neck, fingers curling gently but firmly. She pulled her in just a little closer, the playful challenge still lingering in the air. Without warning, she pressed her lips against Rebekah’s again, this time with more intention, her tongue slipping softly into the kiss. It wasn’t frantic, but it was sure—slow, teasing, as if reminding her that she wasn’t going to back down. Kirby kept it there, lingering just enough to leave Rebekah breathless when they finally pulled apart. Her eyes met Rebekah’s with that unmistakable, flirtatious glint. “Your chap-stick tastes good."

[bekahgomez]

she could try to act unbothered, try to win their fights by ignoring kirby or pretending she didn’t care, but she did care—way too much—and she knew that was exactly what kirby wanted. kirby knew which buttons to press; what had started as torture had turned into something she secretly wanted: her eyes on kirby, everything that came with her, and she hated herself for it. kirby could make her breath hitch, make her eyes roll, as if she already knew what rebekah would do before she did it. when rebekah leaned in as kirby pulled away from the kiss way too early, way too teasing, she couldn’t help herself. “not enough,” she shot back instantly, the challenge clear in her voice. “you can still be desperate even if you started the game—that doesn’t change that you’re desperate to kiss me,” she mused, trying to grab some control she’d never really had. her hand slid to the back of kirby’s neck; she told herself not to cave under that touch, but she was lost. completely lost. when their lips crashed together again she felt butterflies like a whole zoo, hands tugging at the collar of kirby’s shirt, pulling them closer in a rush of need—she was the desperate one. when they finally broke apart, rebekah felt stupid for letting herself be led like that. “cherry flavor,” she said simply, a crooked smile in her voice. “i bet you do have good taste,” she added, raising an eyebrow. then, brutally blunt, she asked the question she couldn’t keep down: “what the fuck are we doing here? you don’t hate me—because here we are—but why the fuck are we still here and not in your room? what is going on in that sick little mind of yours, colby? you confuse me.” she mused, as if those were the only options.

[sawyer-bay]

Sawyer took a slow breath, the weight of everything pressing on him like a heavy fog. He looked at Rebekah, knowing how rare it was for her to show this side—the care beneath the loud, chaotic exterior. His voice was quieter, deeper, as if digging through the guilt that had tangled inside him. “I know I’ve been carrying a lot... anger, frustration. And yeah, maybe I’m scared. Not just about my dad, but everything falling apart. But hearing you say that about Lacey, it... it helps. Feels like maybe I’m not as alone in this mess as I thought.” He let out a small, humor-tinged sigh, a little of the weight lifting. “Learning sign language for Daphne, it was more than just the girl. It made me feel like I mattered. Like I could matter to someone, even when everything else’s broken. That was worth every second.” Sawyer smiled faintly at Rebekah’s teasing, a spark of the old easy friendship flickering back. “Chaos suits you, honestly. I wouldn’t have it any other way. And yeah, sneaking around is harder when only one person in the house is hearing. If I make one loud noise - I'm out." His gaze softened as he caught the fist bump, the simple gesture grounding him. “You’re the only one I trust like this. You don’t sugarcoat, and I respect that more than I can say. Knowing you’re here... it makes things feel less hopeless. It makes me feel less hopeless too." He paused, the hint of a grin returning. “And burgers sound perfect. Lead the way." Sawyer raised a brow the moment Rebekah said, “ki”—that little slip didn’t go unnoticed. A sly grin tugged at the corner of his mouth as he nudged her back playfully. “Oh yeah? ‘Ki’? Don’t think I didn’t hear that slip. Who’s that, huh?” His tone was teasing but curious, the spark of mischief lighting his eyes as he waited for her to spill whatever secret she was trying to hide. Sawyer nudged Rebekah’s arm gently with his own, his playful grin widening. “New girl? What’s she like?” he asked, eyes gleaming with curiosity and just a hint of challenge, waiting to see if she’d open up or try to dodge the question.

[bekahgomez]

she had never wanted sawyer to feel alone—sure, she could be messy, loud, self-absorbed in the ways people liked to call her out for, but never with him. never with sawyer. he was family in the kind of way that didn’t vanish when she screwed up, the kind that stayed. she’d stay, too. “i know it’s scary,” she said, softer this time, before smirking, “but you’ve got me. and my grandma—she’s ready to fight anyone’s ass for you, so we’re covered.” a chuckle slipped out, trying to keep the weight from pressing down too heavy. “you don’t even have to ask for help, i know when to step in,” she added, flipping her hair back with mock-arrogance. “you’re just copying me, because clearly i’m a role model. i know exactly what you feel.” her wink was playful, though her grin betrayed the fact she was only half joking. listening to him talk about daphne made her smile without meaning to. it wasn’t her style—long-term, lasting things—but the way he lit up reminded her maybe she wanted to be looked at like that someday, even if she never admitted it aloud. “worth it, huh?” she teased, her grin widening. “good thing her sister’s a heavy sleeper then, or you’d be in trouble.” when he called her out for being honest to a fault, she shrugged. “of course. i’m spicy, not sweet. sugarcoating’s for cowards.” still, the warmth in her tone lingered. “i’m glad you know i’ve got your back.” but then came his questions. the slip he’d caught in her voice. she hated how easily he read her. nerves prickled, and she pushed to her feet, opening the door like it was the only escape. “are you coming, or what?” she rolled her eyes, trying to smother the crack in her voice. “she’s not a new girl,” she blurted once he stepped into the hall, her tone sharper than intended. “she’s an asshole.” she shut the door behind him, words rushing as if speed would make them truer. “just a classmate. she suggested this place, that’s it.” even she heard the lie lacing through. sawyer would hear it too. “let’s go back to your girl,” she muttered, a flimsy attempt at redirecting, shoulders tight as if holding her walls in place.