Try Harder

Morgan Alexander-White.

[morgan-a-w]

It was great and odd and unbelievable how good it felt to ride again. It was a sense of freedom that Morgan hadn’t experienced since forever. And then there was Row, sitting just behind with her arms around Morgan more out of need to steer their horse rather than hugging the jock. But it all added up and Morgan felt safe.

Relaxing on top of a horse was against common sense, Morgan would say. But she did exactly that. No, her grip on the saddle didn’t waver and she was more than aware of the sling, making sure her arm didn’t jostle too much. So far things were alright and perhaps, only perhaps, she leaned a bit more into Rowan.

“This place is amazing,“ she commented as they left the stables behind.

The Anderson ranch wasn’t big. Hell, it wasn’t even huge. It was massive and oh so stunning. All that land for them to ride across just before noon. The weather accompanied them, allowing them the freedom to bask on the sun without dying of a heat stroke but also free from whatever bitter bite the Autumn nights could bring.

“I could stay here forever.“

Thanksgiving was more than Morgan could’ve asked for, really. It was so much more than the same walls of the Academy, even if the lake was a somehow nice view. But well, Erickson was still an Academy and not home. This place was so much more than the Alexander’s house in Orlando, with that minimalist decor that Morgan always hated. No pictures on the walls, nothing out of place. A pristine image upheld at all costs, even if the house didn’t look lived in.

Maybe that wasn’t far from the truth, not like Morgan fully lived when she was there. More like existed.

She let out a heavy sigh; one that Rowan couldn’t have missed with how close they were. But the sound of Charlie approaching didn’t allow for any comments or questioning. For that, Morgan was grateful.

“A unicorn on top of a horse. Never thought I’d see the day.“

[morgan-a-w]

erickson-charlie​:

There were times when the best thing to do in a conversation was stay the hell out of it, and Charlie had learned that skill at a younger age than most people needed to.  So when Row all but dared Morgan to argue with her about being on a horse alone, she leaned back in her chair with a biscuit cradled in one hand and simply waited for the aftermath.  Her girlfriend was the among the most wonderful, talented, and stubborn people in the world, and Charlie knew she wouldn’t go down easily.

“Not a problem,” she shook her head when she was brought into the discussion, content to let Row handle things unless there was no other choice.  “I’m not good enough to have a passenger, even I know that.”  She was reckless and crazy, but she was very rarely stupid.

As she followed Row’s eyeline and caught sight of the bemused faces, Charlie felt a wave of…something wash over her.  She might carry the Anderson name like a badge of honor every time she put her belt on, but this wasn’t home.  And as much as she didn’t want to be home, it still struck her that it was the first Thanksgiving break since she’d been officially disowned.

“I, um…” she started, wincing when her voice cracked.  “I’m just going to take a quick walk while you two get this sorted out, alright?  I’ll be back in a couple minutes.”  There had to be a spot she could be alone, she just had to find it.

There was nothing to sort out. Not really. Because sure, Morgan was more than adept riding horses. But these weren’t the horses that she knew or that knew her. And if she was aware of one thing it was that they were temperamental animals. They either liked you or didn’t.

Still, she saw the conflict on Charlie’s face and allowed her to step away without comment. There would be time for that, when they weren’t on the sight of Mr. and Mrs. Anderson.

Once Charlie had left, Morgan’s attention returned to Rowan and the dare on her eyes for the jock to challenge her. Which wasn’t going to happen. One, because she had no real reason to. And second, because Rowan would try to kill her and Morgan had, despite common belief, some good life preservation instincts.

Instead, she held one of Rowan’s hand with her own and placed it over her chest. Why exactly? She couldn’t tell, but she needed that little intimacy and figured Row did too.

“I appreciate the help,“ she said with a serene smile. “I didn’t expect us to ride today, but I’m excited about it, can’t lie.“

Then, Morgan closed the distance even more, resting her forehead against Row’s. It was silly, and pretty much something very Morgan. It was a moment of softness, with no words spoken for a long second until Morgan felt the need to.

“Thank you for caring.“

And just like that time in Rowan’s room when she introduced her to Ares, or that shared brief moment when they arrived at the ranch, there was something else there. Something Morgan had no intention to dwell on or put a name to just yet.

“Now, help a girl up?“

[erickson-charlie]

Charlie was more than happy with the choice of room, pressing her face to the glass to try and get a better look at the animals outside while Morgan went to retrieve her bags from the other room that would go unused.  As she stared at those animals, though, her own approached to ask for a favor and Charlie didn’t hesitate for a moment.  The first part was easy - undoing the sling to help Morgan out of it.  The second - finding the other sling - turned into such a process that Charlie genuinely worried she’d have to fashion one out of a bedsheet or something.  Eventually, finally, the two of them crashed and thumped down the stairs and Charlie considered it fortunate she didn’t need to try and dive under Morgan to break her fall.

“Sorry about that,” she apologized as well.  “Definitely not sleeping, though.”  It wasn’t a necessary or important detail, but she wanted to share it all the same.

Taking her seat, she smiled around the table at everyone as Row began piling up a plate like she was never going to eat again.  Charlie caught Morgan’s eye and rolled her own, hoping for a laugh, just in time for Row’s mother to speak.

“I mean, we are pretty awesome, Mrs. Anderson.  Like really awesome.  So I think that’s probably why.  But we’re honored to be here for thanksgiving.”

[morgan-a-w]

Of course Rowan would be more interested in food than her parents or friends. Morgan wasn’t really surprised after knowing of the girl’s love for food, but it was still amusing and when Charlie caught her eye, the jock couldn’t quite stifle the chuckle before offering a half shrug.

It was amazing to see the composure of the bright unicorn. Morgan couldn’t muster her usual bubbliness but made her best to pass it out for tiredness as she listened to Charlie talk. Careful as she could, she poured the orange juice into glasses and passed them over before taking a sip from her own. It was perhaps a little wonky work, but she managed not to spill or break anything.

“We truly are honored. And well, Rowan is a tough one to crack so we must be really special. But so are you for welcoming us in such a short notice considering Rowan dragged us out of bed this morning and gave us little time to pack.“

“Sweetheart, seriously?“ Mrs. Anderson admonished but the softness of her gaze told she wasn’t surprised by her daughter’s actions. “I’m sure you’ll love to explore the rest of the ranch, uh? Any of you ever been on a horse?“

And just like that, conversation flowed with ease between them. Not that Row really added much until she had her fill, but Morgan basked in the warm fuzzy feeling of a loving family, even if it wasn’t her own.

[morgan-a-w]

Morgan’s first instinct was to refuse help, but one look at Mr. Anderson and another subtle one on Rowan’s direction told her it would be no use. If he was able to resist whatever Rowan could throw at him, then Morgan had absolutely no chance. She offered a smile then while handing the bags over before hurrying to catch up with Row and Charlie as the tour started.

And what a tour it was.

Both rooms were...huge. And the deciding factor for the jock was the view, not that the other room didn’t have a decent view from the window, but the Anderson sure owned a lot of land and Morgan could swear they could see the cattle from one of the rooms but not the other. Maybe it was because animals were a little too far off the left, but Morgan chose the left room just the same.

“I think this one?“

A moment later Mr. Anderson had delivered their bags. And even when Morgan went to the other room to retrieve her own, she was back at Charlie’s side a moment later.

“Hey, can you help me with something before heading down?“

Without really waiting, Morgan took off the sling. It wasn’t the usual one, it was harder and stiff. It surely helped for the bumpy road, but the jock would literally fight it off if she had to wear it much longer. The only downside of it, and why she needed Charlie’s help, was to undo the bothering strap on the back.

***

“We’re here! We’re here!“ Morgan said loudly, almost tripping on the last step of the stairs.

Taking out the sling and finding the other one had been an adventure. She had to empty almost all the contents of her bag on the bed. There was a moment of panic where she wondered if she even had thrown it into the bag. Finally, the item was found and her arm was secured into it as they made their way down in a hurry.

“I promise I didn’t fall asleep.“

Her words were met with a chuckle, but not from Rowan. The girl would probably roll her eyes. Instead, Morgan was met with Mrs. Anderson’s smile and a blush dusted her cheeks at the parental attention.

[morgan-a-w]

erickson-charlie​:

The car ride was, to put it mildly, a rollercoaster.  Charlie was exhausted, even with the double helping of coffee, and it wasn’t helping her to stay awake or pay attention to what was going on around her.  And the whole scenario was too complicated for her brain to work through.  The girl she loved, the girl she’d given her whole heart to, was sitting in the back seat with Ares.  The other girl she loved, despite her urge not to, was sitting in the seat beside her.

There was a constant sense that she should be looking somewhere other than where she was looking, and so her gaze jumped painfully quickly between Morgan, Ares and Row.  And then, because sometimes her eyes needed a break, there would be occasional glances out the window as well.

Despite the tension in her, Charlie did perk up a little at the idea of having more animals around, because she loved animals.  Especially the three that she shared the car with.

***

Reaching back for Morgan’s hand, Charlie pressed her face against the glass to try and get a better look at the cows.  They were massive creatures, but somehow cute at the same time, and she bounced a little in ways that the bumpy road weren’t causing.  Her exhaustion, her worry, it was all but forgotten as she stared wide-eyed at them.

When the door opened Charlie hopped out, taking Ares from Morgan’s side to allow her an easier exit.  With one arm around the dog, she offered her other to her love and helped her down as best she could before her attention turned to Row’s…rather enthusiastic mother.  “Thank you for having us,” Charlie replied shyly.  The idea of family was still sore for her, but it was impossible to deny that the Andersons were doing a good job of making them feel like they were coming home.

“And honestly, Row’s much more of a pain in the ass than we are.”

The rest of the way was mostly quiet, with Rowan filling the silence with bits and pieces of what they could expect at the ranch. There was a hint of excitement in blue eyes, but that was mostly eclipsed by the conflicted emotions the jock experienced. It was too early for that, despite the coffee and the bit of food, Morgan could feel herself being nauseous.

It was a blessing to have something else to focus on; cattle on a side and when Morgan turned to see through the opposite window, she could barely make out the shape of horses. Only then she fully understood the extend of the Anderson’s ranch and her excitement overcame any and every other feeling.

“Holy cow,“ she whispered. “Literally.“

There was no time for further questions as Rowan parked and both girls jumped out of the truck. Morgan graciously handed Ares over before accepting the help to get down herself, it wasn’t the biggest jump of her life, but she wasn’t ungrateful either. So, while the girls were busy with Mrs. Anderson, Morgan managed to unload their bags. Perching tow of them on her healthy shoulder and carrying the other one in her hand.

“It’s a pleasure to finally meet you, ma’am.“ Morgan finally greeted with a nod and a warm smile towards the woman. “And we’re very grateful for the invitation. As much as a brat your daughter can be,“ the jock teased as she nudged Rowan slightly, “she’s the best friend I could have asked for.“

There was a softness in her words, sure. But it couldn’t rival the tenderness in her eyes when she looked at the girl. There were things Morgan couldn’t voice right then, or even later, but she hoped Rowan could understand just how much being there meant to Morgan.

Even if the girl didn’t know more than the lie Morgan had thrown out. Even if the pain went deeper than the jock would like to admit. Even if the heartache of not having a family mixed with a hundred abandonment issues and that lingering feeling of “not being enough” and it all formed this bitter clog on her throat. She hoped that Rowan knew how such a little action, maybe impulsive if their rushed morning was any clue, meant so much for a thousand different reasons.

“Mr. Anderson, I believe we can agree you have a beautiful family.“

[morgan-a-w]

erickson-charlie​:

Charlie was at least halfway sure that being awake as early as they were was a Geneva Convention violation or something.  Even though Morgan’s sleepy!Charlie to English translator wasn’t quite a hundred percent, it was at least an answer to a question she was going to ask anyway, and she slumped into the front seat with a grumble as she tried to climb out of sleep.  Even as tired as she was, though, the way that Morgan talked to Ares - and the way their gazes locked in the mirror - could make her smile.

Fortunately Rowan didn’t seem to expect conversation before coffee, and that was a fortunate thing for everyone involved - mainly because Charlie might have thrown something.  Her friend had even been smart enough to get a second coffee for her, which at least got her caffeine up to a somewhat reasonable concentration so that she could actually hear words and make them make sense.

Her heart thumped a little faster and harder in her chest as the reason behind the trip was made clear - that Row hadn’t wanted to leave either of them behind.  Charlie knew things were still not a hundred percent right between the three of them, but the chance to spend a family holiday with the two most important people in her world sounded a lot better than being on campus.

“They’re crazier than you?” her eyebrows shot up.  “You’re kidding.”

Being part of a family like this was certainly...odd. It made Morgan feel out of place, trying to find her footing on uneven terrain. Then there was guilt, for not being able to come clean with either Charlie or Rowan, and that guilt grew when she realized Rowan considered them important enough to bring them along for Thanksgiving.

Rowan and her stupidly big heart and kindness. She had a sharp mind and Morgan always stumbled in front of her, feeling as if the girl could see right through her no matter how hard Morgan tried to hide. And now they were in a car, with no way for Row to safely look at her for prolonged extends of time, and yet, the soccer player wanted to hide. Being part of something was almost terrifying.

So, Morgan drank her coffee diligently and shifted her attention to Ares for the rest of the way. At least she didn’t have to think about Rowan and the many things about her that made Charlie fall in love. She could see it, every little reason to love Rowan Anderson. From her stupidly gorgeous face to the scent of her preferred body wash. From her smarts to her athleticism and dedication to box. From her weakness for food, her favorite coffee and her survival instincts for winter. It made her heart swell with pride only rivaled by a shadow of heartache.

For a moment she wondered how that car ride would be different without her there? Would Charlie smile more? Would Rowan even notice that Charlie, with her beauty and her sass, with that passionate fire all around her, was in love with her? Still, Charlie was also in love with Morgan. The girl made that clear, but Morgan wasn’t sure if that made things better or worse.

“Any hints what is waiting for us beyond breakfast? Cuz you can’t throw that warning out there and then leave us in the dark.“

[morgan-a-w]

“You can take shotgun,“ was Morgan’s answer to the grunt and wondered if that was actually what Charlie had intended to say.

Since the door was open, she figured her words weren’t a bad throw in the dark. Still, before she actually got onto the truck, she put their things on the back because dammit, not even an injured shoulder would stop her from being a gentlegal or whatever. Once that little detail was done with, Morgan finally took a look at the truck itself and its decidedly horrendous color.

“Of fucking course,” she muttered to herself because even when she didn’t approve of Rowan’s choice, it somehow fitted the girl. Only Rowan could find a vehicle in that shade of green, or brown, or whatever. It was too early to think properly anyway.

Getting in the back seat meant having Ares for company, and in her mind, that wasn’t a bad deal. Not when he seemed to blink her way slowly before coming to life as he tried to leave his place in pursuit of some affection.

“Atta, boy! And where do you think you’re going?”

And yes, perhaps Morgan baby talked him, but who cared? It was her son and she kissed his tiny little face to be licked in return before he had enough. Then his paw was against her nose and Morgan chuckled. It was incredible how much she could love such a tiny being.

Then, as she finally settled in her own seat, she caught both Rowan and Charlie’s eye for a brief moment. And well, perhaps it was incredible but not surprising considering how much Morgan could actually love.

[morgan-a-w]

In just a matter of seconds everything happened and Morgan wasn’t quite sure she got all of it. Between Rowan knocking on their door, to her screaming about what Morgan was wearing, which the girl should know were thermal pants, they even went shopping together and Rowan’s lack of understanding was a curve ball for the jock.

Then, without answering any of Morgan’s concerned questions, Rowan walked into the room to simply tell them to get ready. She stormed at whatever time it was with no warning, and then gave them thirty minutes to pack. Morgan hadn’t even closed the door that Rowan so kindly left wide open behind her. Maybe because Morgan was still standing there with that confused puppy expression that could rival Ares’.

“I forgot to tell her to fuck off.“

Maybe if Morgan had been more alert by then, she would realize there was no way in hell she’d told her best friend to fuck off, much less when the girl was giving them an out from an otherwise crappy break. But still, as she picked Charlie’s phone from under Horny to check the time, Morgan groaned. Not even six in the morning.

The idea of getting back into the still warm bed and cuddle Charlie was very tempting. But then Rowan would either come back pissed as all hell or actually leave them behind. None of those options sounded appealing enough to make Morgan cave. Instead, she offered her hand to Charlie.

“Come on, Unicorn. Time to pack.“

***

Packing for Morgan had consisted on pretty much throwing as many warm items as she could into her bag. If she missed something in there, she would blame Rowan. For what she gathered, Charlie didn’t do much better, but they were in the parking lot with five minutes to spare. A bit more alert, and definitely better dressed for the morning chill, even if Morgan’s face was slightly redder than usual anyway.

“Morning,“ came her groggy greeting once she stood in front of Rowan.

Deciding that the taller girl looked warm enough, Morgan got close enough to simply rest her head on Rowan’s shoulder in an awkward half-hug. Sadly, the sling didn’t allow for much comfort, but Morgan would take it.

[rowan-yourboat]

'Sweetheart, I was waiting for your call! I told your father it was already late but he insisted you would call when you were ready and didn't let me call you.'

Leave it to Viola Anderson to think half-past five in the morning was 'late'.

"Hey, Ma. Sorry, had to take care of some things before leaving campus. Listen, could you prepare one of the guest rooms? I mi-"

'You're bringing someone over?! Bob. Bob, come here! Rowan is bringing someone over!'

There was some rustling and heavy footsteps coming closer, and Row immediately knew her dad was listening now too.

"Look, it's not a sure thing, okay? I have two... Friends, that aren't going home for the holiday and I kinda don't want them to be alone."

'Say no more, sweetheart, I'll have the room ready! I hope they can make it. The more around the table, the merrier.'

Rowan smiled.

"Thanks, Ma. I'll let you go now and I'll text you when I'm about to start driving, okay? Love you, guys. See you soon."

'Love you too, sweetie. And Bob says he loves you too. Be safe!'

Alright, now she just had to convince said guest to become, well… guests.

She grabbed her jacket and shoved a beanie on her head, turning around before leaving the room.

"Ares?"

A slow blink and a slight tilt of a tiny head.

"...good boy. I'll be back for you in a few, imma go get your mom. Behave."

*****

On her way to the dorm shared by Morgan and Charlie, she tried calling them multiple times. She suspected that either their phones were on silent mode, or they were simply dead to the world. It was barely fifteen till six, so she couldn't completely blame them.

Still, she was a woman on a mission, and by the time she was firmly knocking on the door, she had made up her mind; she wasn't asking, she would drag them to the ranch with her, and that was that.

She didn't put her reputation on the line to get Abby suspended, only to give the redheaded bitch the satisfaction of seeing Charlie stay behind too.

@erickson-charlie @morgan-a-w

[morgan-a-w]

Meeting the 'rents

With classes done for the rest of the week, there was absolutely no pressure to wake up early. Or that’s what Morgan thought as Charlie and her played videogames far past midnight until they could no more. It was a nice change of pace, and with the injured shoulder preventing her from practice, Morgan took the chance to sleep in.

Her phone had died before they even made it to bed, and she didn’t really care about charging it if there was no need for an alarm. Charlie, probably forgot about turning off her own since her phone rang multiple times in the last hour. Not even that bothered Morgan enough to care and when she didn’t seem capable enough to turn it off from her place in bed, she simply sat their son on top to muffle the sound. Ignoring it after that was way easier.

Twenty minutes later, there was a knock on the door and the jock groaned.

So much for sleeping in.

“I got it,“ she mumbled to a barely awake Charlie before slipping out of bed.

The morning was stupidly chilly. Thank God Morgan decided to sleep in some of the thermal pants although that didn’t help to hide any of the morning problems. Of course, maybe staying warm would be easier if she had put a top on instead of just the sleeping bra she wore. But it didn’t really matter as she stumbled to put on her crocs, almost knocking everything down on her way to the door.

She made it without breaking any other bones or aggravating her shoulder. A second later, she finally opened the door.

“Row? What-“ the jock asked before being interrupted by a yawn. “What are you doing here? Is everything alright? You need help with something?“

Of course, because even when Morgan was tired as all hell and her brain refused to start properly, her concern for her best friend would overpower everything else

[morgan-a-w]

erickson-charlie​:

The world went grey around the edges as Morgan smashed their lips together once more, depriving her of the much needed gulps of oxygen she’d been taking in after her shattering climax.  Charlie didn’t fight, though, didn’t pull away.  She’d given over to this moment, to whatever the Jock needed, and if what she needed was to make her pass out then that was what Charlie would give.

Clothes disappeared in a way that didn’t seem to follow any laws of physics that Charlie knew - they were there, and then they were gone, and it didn’t seem like she even had to move her limbs to make that happen.  Morgan just created her nakedness like it was a magic trick.  She couldn’t turn when Morgan spoke those three words, but Charlie cranked her neck as far as she could to press her lips to anything she could reach.

Maybe, possibly, she was more turned on than she’d ever been in her life - but there was also fear in her.  There was something happening, something profound, and she’d yet to figure out what it might be.  What Morgan was searching for, what she needed, and how Charlie could give it to her.  That bothered her in a profound way, but there was no obvious path to fixing it except to let things play out.

***

At one point Charlie had opened her mouth to say something when it became obvious that her girl’s shoulder couldn’t hold up any longer, but she shut it again just as quickly.  This wasn’t her moment to speak, and Morgan needed to admit that herself or nothing was going to happen.

And so instead they ended up on the bed, with Charlie so close to cumming again that she swore she could feel her pulse behind her eyes.  Her body moved of its own accord, riding Morgan until she came, again, with a strangled cry and collapsed against her.  “More…please, I can’t…I can’t go any longer,” she gasped against a strong chest.  “Just let me breathe for a second.  I love you so much.”

Running from her feelings was something Morgan had done since forever. And right then, in the aftermath of what felt more like fucking than love making, she felt incredibly exposed. There was a need within her to run, to leave without looking back and offering no explanations. But then Charlie spoke; out of breath and still so lovingly, and it made Morgan shiver in a whole different way.

She couldn’t just leave. So, she held onto Charlie’s waist and then her back with a desperation she couldn’t admit. It was almost the same as when the girl confessed to loving Rowan, charged with the same amount of hurt and fear, but born from a totally different place. For the longest moment, that was all Morgan needed; to not feel alone when the world seemed to be crashing over her.

“I...“ She tried to start, to offer some reassurance or give an explanation, but it was hard when emotions clogged her throat. “I love you,“ she offered instead.

Even in her haze during sex, Morgan could feel the way Charlie looked at her; full of worry and a bit of fear that honestly didn’t look good on the girl. Not when she was looking at Morgan, and definitely not when the jock had promised to protect her.

“My parents are leaving the country for the break.” It wasn’t a complete lie, she knew so since the school year started, but that wasn’t the reason she was so...broken. “They came around to say goodbye and let’s say things didn’t go as planned.“

It was barely the tip of the iceberg but that was as much as Morgan could push herself to share at the moment. She needed time to process, to accept they weren’t a part of her life in any way or form. She had to work through the pain, the deep hurt of knowing that any chance she had at a family, was gone.

“I just didn’t want to let them win, you know?“ She asked in a whisper. “To not feel like a failure. And if I can make you feel good, I don’t feel like that.“

As hard as Morgan had been during their encounter, she wasn’t able to reach her peak because it wasn’t about her pleasure. It was all about Charlie and her needs. And after all, not all about her parents’ visit was bad.

“Besides, there’s someone I want you to meet.“

[morgan-a-w]

rowan-yourboat​:

Barely catching the item thrown at her without dropping the apparently - she was still a little skeptic - living creature in her hands, she shrugged it on after setting Ares gently on her bed. Somehow, the hoodie still smelled of Morgan.

Lifting her arms, she allowed her friend to do… Whatever it was she was doing. In the end, she had a tiny ball of fluff sitting in her pocket, looking as happy as could be as it tried to lick whatever part of Rowan within reach. It was pretty cute, she had to admit, and she smiled down at the little creature.

“Well… It’s still a weird name for this tiny of a dog, but I suppose weirder things have happened in the world.” Wagging her fingers at the dog, she chuckled when it nibbled at them playfully.

“Maybe it’s strange for me to see such a tiny thing. My mom’s cat is about… Ten times bigger, I would say? And you might think I’m joking, but I’m really not. You’ll see for yourself one day. Soon, I hope.” And with that, a tiny thread of an idea started coming together in the back of her head, but she could revisit that later.

“So, does this make me like, the foster parent of the god of war?”

“Yes,“ was Morgan’s deadpan answer.

Looking at Rowan wearing her hoodie, with Ares in a pocket, something felt just right. Every single time, every single day they spend time together, things felt more and more like that. Like they were meant to share little things, moments that Morgan cherished more and more.

“Row?“

Being patient wasn’t really one of Morgan’s virtues, and by the time her best friend had looked up at her, Morgan had already crossed the distance between them to place a soft kiss on Rowan’s cheek.

“Thank you.“ The smile on the jock’s face was a bit wider than before, and the tension in her shoulders had eased the tiniest bit. “I know he doesn’t look like much, but Ares means a lot to me. We’ve been through a lot, right, buddy?“

Small Ares only stuck out his tongue and blinked at her. It was enough of an answer for the jock, and she chuckled before patting his little head.

“I...probably need to talk with Charlie. Let her know what’s going on in case someone asks her. But, wanna go to the petstore later? He doesn’t need much, but needs more than just his backpack, that’s for sure.“

Right then Morgan looked more like herself, like the dorky jock in love with soccer and willing to give her all for those she cared about.

[morgan-a-w]

erickson-charlie​:

Charlie wanted to focus on the smirk.  Wanted to focus on Morgan  But Jesus Christ she was only human, and her brain was only capable of so much when her body was under assault.  As if to put paid to that though, the next touch she felt was a gentle nuzzle.

There was a question in the air, but before she could even breathe in to answer it, Morgan was inside of her.  There was a strangled gasp, one Charlie didn’t recognize as her own, and she pressed her head more firmly against the wall as she tried to keep from flying apart.  Any real hope of that, though, went out the window the minute a second finger joined the first.  Charlie was dying, exploding outward like a supernova, and Morgan didn’t seem the least bit interested in containing the damage.

There it was, another question.  Another that lacked an answer, her arms tightening roughly around Morgan’s neck as a harsh cry escaped her lips.  She wasn’t so much being driven toward her orgasm as she was being catapulted toward it, and there was nothing for her to do but hold on and hope that she landed safely on the other side.  Her moans rose in pitch and frequency until a scream burst from her, something meant to be Morgan’s name but more a mess of syllables that meant nothing.

As the pleasure receded Charlie slumped against the wall as much as her lover’s grip would allow, chest rising and falling with alarming speed.  “Fuck,” she whimpered.  “Holy shit.”

Something broke within Morgan once Charlie finally reached her peak. The shadow in blue eyes became complete darkness, but she didn’t give the girl a chance to even catch her breath before Morgan claimed her lips once again.

The softness Morgan had thrown here and there was replaced by sharp edges and a desperation that couldn’t be contained as she stripped Charlie from her clothes. It was a miracle nothing ended up in stripes in her need, but then again, she didn’t give Charlie enough time to process, to see through the haze of pleasure and desire. Whatever else Charlie was feeling, she was doing so for the both of them.

The only things Morgan had to protect herself were sex and barriers, but it was hard to keep up with both. Soon enough something was bound to give, even when she pressed herself against Charlie’s back, getting another taste of her preferred poison from perfect skin.

Her own clothes got in the way, but it was too late to stop; too late to pause when everything else was overflowing. A movement or two and Morgan was free; hard and ready and still desperate.

“I love you,“ she whispered against Charlie’s shoulder.

The words, however, sounded more like a plea to be loved back. They were broken in the same way Morgan was: teetering on the edge of tears and lust, unable to tip to either side, unable to fall into pleasure or pain. And that, that was so much worse.

****

Bracing herself against the wall while she thrust into Charlie could only work for so long when her left shoulder was screaming at her since she discarded the sling. Morgan was stubborn and pushed through the pain until she couldn’t do it anymore.

Stopping wasn’t an option in her mind. Not when they had spiraled way too far down the rabbit hole. Not when she could tell - feel really-, how close Charlie was to her next orgasm. And so they ended on the bed, Morgan sitting on the edge while Charlie rode her.

It was then; with Charlie looking directly at her albeit still lost in pleasure, that Morgan held onto her, face buried against her girlfriend’s chest while she held her close; closer than ever.

Holding onto her control was exhausting, but Morgan would do anything and everything for Charlie. Even if she only got a fraction of that beautiful heart in return. It was okay. It was enough.

It had to be.

[erickson-charlie]

The intoxication of Morgan’s body against hers didn’t erase Charlie’s worry, her concern that something more was at the heart of this encounter than just sex.  But by her own selfish admission it wasn’t at the top of her list just then.  She had promised surrender, promised that her lover could take what she needed, and so Charlie tried to force that concern into a small part of her brain where it could be accessed when there was time to process and deal with it.  Selfishly, she didn’t hate the idea of just giving in.

“Fuck,” was the gasp that escaped her when Morgan’s hand brushed a stiffened nipple, but her voice was silenced by intimidation as the jock pressed her even harder against the wall.  There was nothing between them now, literally if not metaphorically, and her breath was coming in heaving gasps.  “Patient,” she repeated, the word without meaning as her brain scrambled to keep up with the sensations of her body.  Truly, the only reason arms hadn’t moved from around More’s neck was that Charlie was incapable of sending the signals from her brain to her limbs.

Nerves danced and electrons fired under Morgan’s touch, and Charlie could only squirm in pleasure as she was touched everywhere that she wanted but not where she was needed.  Morgan, then, surprised her by turning that same hand down to rub her through her shorts.  It was like the glorious fumblings of a couple too young to know better touching each other through clothes with the knowledge that they could be discovered - but it wasn’t like that at all.  Because Morgan was no sloppy teenager, hesitant and fumbling - her fingers were dextrous and fine, touching Charlie in a perfect pattern that sent need spiralling through her body.

And then those fingers weren’t outside but in, and Charlie’s head snapped back with a wanton moan.  “Fuck, fuck, More, please,” her hands stayed locked by some sort of miracle, but she knew that she couldn’t do this for long.  “Babe, I need…I want…fuck, just let me…”

[morgan-a-w]

Watching pleasure color Charlie’s face was fascinating, and there was absolutely no way Morgan could get enough of that sight. Then, there was the way Charlie had trouble with words. It brought the smirk back to Morgan’s lips as she gently nuzzled the girl’s cheek in a gesture that contradicted the pace of her fingers.

“What do you want, baby?“

Her voice dropped another octave, husky, low and oh so needy on its own right. But her question wasn’t meant to be answered as a finger slipped in, thrusting slowly into Charlie before Morgan added a second one. Despite the limited space and mobility due clothes still being on, Morgan knew exactly what she was doing. And she gave Charlie everything her body craved in exactly the way that would make her come undone.

“What do you need? Tell me...“

But her movements were meant to overwhelm Charlie with the first wave of pleasure before her brain could even process her words. If the girl managed to answer, to say anything at all, Morgan would be thoroughly disappointed as her thrusts became harder and deeper; enough to push Charlie over the edge, she was sure of it.

[morgan-a-w]

Some people believed Morgan was an open book; eager to share, and with a direct look through the soul through her gaze. Maybe that was true to some extent, but she had learned to hide the parts of her life that truly mattered. Even if some of the turmoil was visible, she would deflect the feeling into something else; something smaller that would suffice as a believable answer.

But keeping things to herself when Row was there, that was much harder. And despite the need to protect herself, Morgan couldn’t escape the guilt. One day she would be able to be more open, to share the things that burdened her without feeling like she was abusing Rowan’s willingness to help.

One day when things with Charlie were better, when the pain of the Fabrays leaving didn’t sting so harshly. One day when they were less worried and tired and in all honesty, less angry. Because even when Morgan was hurt, she couldn’t bear it if her friends, her first real friends in a long time, looked at her differently. If they looked at her as if she were a helpless girl.

And yes, there was a possibility that the day she opened up to Rowan was the day the dam broke and everything came pouring down as she tried to survive another storm. But right then, Morgan was okay. She had to be, for Charlie’s sake and for her own.

“It’s a funny story, really,“ Morgan said with a chuckle and the first open smile of the day. “I always wanted a big dog. Since I was a kid I dreamed about having a German Shep, or a Husky with eyes as blue as mine, but a Great Dane was my goal, one I would name Ares. Of course, my parents would never allow it.“

Taking the liberty to roam through Rowan’s room and dresser, Morgan found a particularly familiar hoodie that she threw at her best friend with a quick muttered “put that on” as the only interruption to her tale.

“Maybe for the greater good since there was no way on Earth I could’ve handled such a majestic beast. Anyway, one of our servers had a dog, and said dog had little puppies. One day she sneaked Ares into the house and convincing my father of letting me keep a dog the size of a tea cup was so much easier. The name stuck, and dear Ares here used to cause havoc when he was young. A vicious ankle bitter, so you better watch your fingers.“

Once Rowan had put on the hoodie, Morgan carefully slipped Ares into one of the pockets where his little head was all that could be seen. Tongue hanging out and tail wagging against the inside of the pocket, Ares resumed his licks on Rowan’s arm...or whatever it was he reached.

[morgan-a-w]

Looking into Row’s eyes was too much for Morgan, but she managed to nod in acknowledge before taking a step back. Maybe that act itself was telling, but what it said exactly, she wasn’t sure.

The kindness in Rowan’s voice made Morgan shrug again, more as a way to fill the silence while she found her words than anything else. Then, she sat on Rowan’s desk, playing with the zipper on the neon orange bag where she carried Ares.

“It’s not too big of a stretch,“ she offered after clearing her throat. “They weren’t happy about me being here, and this...“ she signaled to the sling. “Suffice to say they’re mad at me. I jeopardized the future they wanted for me, and my mother calls it recklessness. If they can’t make me leave on their own, I wouldn’t put it pass them to find other ways, you know?“

Blue eyes focused back on the tiny dog as he yawned; as if barely waking up, and was ready for the most exhausting hour of activity as he licked Rowan’s hand and nosed at her fingers insistently. When he didn’t receive immediate attention, he barked. Except that he didn’t know how to and instead sneezed.

“Mighty Ares demands your attention, Princess.“

He continued squirming as a sign he was very much a living creature. It wouldn’t take long for him to return to the unblinking state, but it was nice seeing him be playful for a little bit. He was okay after spending months in her parents’ house, and really, that was all Morgan could ask for.

[morgan-a-w]

Watching Charlie react to her touch was addictive, it made already darkened eyes grow darker. Her fingers played around, teasing the swell of Charlie’s breasts without touching, without paying attention to the girl’s demands in any way or form for another second as she brushed the back of her hand against a hardened nipple almost by accident.

Then it came the growl and the demand made Morgan chuckle. It wasn’t a happy sound, but amused and dark. Instead of following through, instead of doing what was asked of her, Morgan pressed her harder against the wall until there was no space between their bodies. Until Charlie couldn’t escape even if she tried.

“Not yet, baby,“ Morgan said against Charlie’s skin, hot breathe against Charlie’s cheek as the jock pressed a kiss there, tender and yet oh so close to a warning. “Not yet.“

Their clothes were perhaps a metaphor for Morgan’s feelings. They acted as a barrier, a wall that hid how Morgan truly felt. They hid the hurt as they did their bodies. It was easier that way; without the vulnerability that came with being nude. By then, Morgan couldn’t bare her heart without everything spilling down, and even when she knew - on the back of her mind -, that it wasn’t healthy, she pushed through.

“You have to be patient.“

Easier said than done, Morgan was aware of that. But that was the fun of their little game. Charlie’s arms didn’t move from where they were yet, but Morgan wondered how long that would last.

Her fingers moved again under the fabric of a shirt, without touching Charlie like they both craved yet. The brunette would bypass that step for now, although there was a limited amount of time she could ignore Charlie’s perfect body. Then again, that’s why her hand moved down, flat against Charlie’s abdomen and lower to the point where her leg brushed against the girl.

It was a slow, deliberate movement. Morgan had traced that same path a hundred times before in their love making, but doing so over the clothes felt...dirtier. She didn’t think too hard about it as she went up to the short’s waistband; fingertips sneaking under to brush directly against heat.

Now it was her time to groan in need, but she couldn’t stop. Her lips claimed her girlfriend’s once again in the same kind of hungry kiss that was almost painful. And her fingers started the maddening motion, the cadence of lust and need that she knew by heart. She knew what to do, how to move to drive Charlie over the edge, and her body followed her commands with ease.

The first earth shattering wave of pleasure wouldn’t take long, but it was only the beginning of what Morgan had in mind.

[rowan-yourboat]

“O…kay?”

From the get-go, Rowan could tell something was off with her friend. For as good as an actress Morgan thought herself to be,her facade always crumbled like paper around Row, and never failed to earn the soccer player a funny look.

The girl was learning, though, and it didn’t take much longer for her to compose herself, which made Rowan nod appreciatively. Patting her head and calling her a ‘good girl’ was oh so tempting.

“Uhm, sure, come in.” Taking the backpack with some degree of mistrust, she eyed it and held it away from her body as she closed the door. Walking over to the desk, she placed the bag on top carefully, still a little skeptical.

“I’m not going to find drugs or like, body parts in there, am I?” She was only half-joking, and after slowly opening the zipper, she finally open it and peeked inside. All she saw was fluff, and deeming it safe enough, she scooped the contents and put them on the desk.

She blinked. It didn’t blink back.

A tumbleweed rolled down the hallway.

“…is this one of those realistic toy dogs?”

[morgan-a-w]

The question made Morgan laugh, but it was that kind of sound that hid more emotion than just joy. Her eyes said as much, but her gaze was fixated on her little friend rather than Rowan. Sure, she opened the bag before just to confirm her suspicions, but seeing Ares there was a bit overwhelming.

“His name is Ares,“ she told Rowan while scooping up the tiny dog and cradling it against her chest; kissing and nuzzling a tiny head with adoration and receiving the smallest tail-wag in return.

That should have been proof enough that he was an actual dog and not a toy. He was an old buddy, and wasn’t as energetic as he used to be. But he was still loving on his own way, even if sometimes he forgot how to be a dog.

After another minute of cooing at the little thing, and getting a couple licks in return, Morgan offered him to Rowan. More like put Ares on Row’s hands so she could hold him and see for herself that it was, indeed, an actual dog.

“My parents are leaving, and decided to bring him here since he’s my dog. But can’t say I trust their intentions.“

Morgan shrugged, not knowing how to explain more than that but too caught in the awe of her little friend to care. She closed the distance towards Row, to make sure Ares didn’t go finger nibbling like he did to entertain himself sometimes.

“Hey, little buddy,“ Morgan greeted once again. “I missed you.“

Ares just looked up at her, without blinking but tail going haywire again.