#readerxconnor

[precursor-ao3]

Chapter 1 of Afterburn is live!

AO3, Wattpad

[too-attached-to-fiction]

Stepping In Time

Set: Post deviancy

Word count: ~ 1,600

Summary: Connor stops by fem!reader’s dance studio, and learns how to dance.

A/N: I can’t do angst so if you came here looking for that I guarantee you’re in the wrong place.

***

Music blasted through out your small studio, echoing off the wood paneled floors. You had a break in between teaching classes, and now you were alone, listening as the bass pumped.

The music was always unfamiliar to most, considering that you used songs from the turn of the century. It was more of your language, anyways. Still had comprehensible lyrics and feeling before electronica took over. Not that you had anything against electronica, but you preferred things with more feeling.

Feeling. Something your boyfriend still struggled to understand. None of the research databases could accurately describe the concept of truly being alive.

You’d met Connor and the rest of the Jericho crew at a protest months ago. While you yourself were human, you still came out to show support. The ex-deviant hunter seemed hopelessly smitten when you came up after the crowd dispersed. It took North tracking you down to set up a coffee date. It took all but ten minutes to find yourself falling for him. There was just something there that you couldn’t shake.

North was a frequent student when she and Markus weren’t pushing new laws. You’d originally introduced it to her when Connor mentioned the woman resorted to violence often more than not. The android was graceful and had perfect control of her body, a talent you often envied. She struggled with confidence, preferring to stay in the back of the class because of her history. It took months for you to convince her to move to the middle row. At this rate, she’d be the top student by the end of the year.

Sometimes Markus stopped by during or at the end of practice. Despite going out for months, they still acted in puppy love, exchanging shy smiles and pecks.

Connor, on the other hand, rarely stopped by. He ran around with Hank still, preferring to be a detective than a lawyer. He still did deviant cases, but North and Markus had talked the department into finding ways to de-escalate things during interrogations. Because of this, more androids survived the process.

You let the music flow. Where Connor was tense, you were flexible, always accommodating to those around you. Now that more deviants were revealing themselves, you’d opened the studio up to them. They all told you they felt a sense of relief when in class, and that overjoyed you. You knew their names, what they liked, where they came from. They seemed to be quite open after their first few lessons.

This month, you were going back twenty years, back to Justin Timberlake’s smooth voice. You kept Mirrors on repeat, improvising with every time.

You had about an hour. If you wanted to, you could take a break, or get something to eat, but you didn’t. The studio was your place, a space to think about when the world had gotten too complicated. You planned on teaching the routine in the next week, but it seemed as if it wouldn’t be ready in time.

The bell on the door rang out, but you ignored the interruption. ‘5, 6, 7, 8’. You counted in your head. You kept your movements robotic in the beginning, but they started to flow less rigidly, ebbing and flowing according to the music.

You tilted your head for a moment, listening to the lyrics. “And now I say goodbye to the old me, it’s already gone… And I can’t wait wait wait wait wait to get you home, just to let you know you are…” His voice switched to falsetto, and you found yourself closing your eyes, moving again.

The song ended two minutes later, and you snapped back to reality when it didn’t repeat. You turned to find Connor, his hand wrapped around the audio remote. He smirked a little, savoring the moment.

“You know, I think that’s the first time I’ve seen you dance.” His voice was low, enough to give you shivers up your spine. “Why?”


“Because you’ve never asked.” You walked toward him, stopping just centimeters away. “Now tell me, what brings you here?” You tilted your head to get a better view on him. You were sure you were sweaty and probably looked like a complete mess. Like always, Connor looked perfect, his synthetic skin practically invincible.

“Is it a crime to visit my partner?” He asked, and though his tone was innocent, you knew otherwise. He was smarter than he seemed around Hank, who was constantly making puns. You tugged on his tie. He still wore the uniform he came in, pulling it off the way he always had.

“You tell me, Detective.” You gave him a playful smile, swiping the remote from his hand before stepping away to grab a drink of water from the bottle in your little desk area.

“Captain Fowler let me off early. Well, North and Markus dragged me from the station and told me to come on your break.” You shook your head, a soft chuckle escaping your lips as you did so. Those two never ceased to impress you. “Once I got here, they suddenly remembered they had a meeting and left.” You let out a laugh this time, Connor’s confusion laced in his voice.

“Love, I think they were trying to set us up.” You smiled, going back to kiss his nose before going to change the song. “Hey, Con, you know how to dance?”

“Dancing is not in my programming, (Y/N).” He loved using that excuse. Kissing wasn’t in his program either, and yet he still loved giving you ones.

“And that’s why I’m going to teach you.” You said, plugging in the song and taking his hand. Gently, you guided him to the middle. You picked up his left hand and lifted it up, intertwining your fingers with his. His other hand settled on your waist.

“Okay, when I step forward with my right foot, you step back with your left. When I step back with my left, you step forward with your right.” You smiled up at him. “It’s okay if you stumble, or if you happen to step on my feet.”

Slowly, you guided him through the steps. “Step, together, back, together.”

The first time he tried it, he ended up stepping on your foot, his cheeks tinted blue. You smiled, but didn’t say anything. “Try again.” You encouraged. As you walked through again, he stumbled a little less.

After a couple of successful attempts, you moved your hand to lift up his chin. He’d been looking down at his feet since you started. His cheeks weren’t blue anymore.

“Music on.” You called out, and the song you chose started to play.

When the song ended, the two of you stared at each other, perfectly still.

“Picked that up quickly, did we?” You tilted your head with a grin. You leaned up to kiss the tip of his nose before gently removing yourself from his arms.

You had to remind yourself that the next class was starting in ten minutes, and students were bound to walk in any second. You walked over to the desk, unplugging your tablet so you could take attendance. With barely any noise, Connor crept up behind you, pulling you towards him and leaving a trail of soft kisses up your neck.

“Someone’s needy today.” You joked, moving to turn around and give him a proper kiss.

“Pardon my behavior, I couldn’t help myself.”

There were screams and laughs coming from outside, and you had to pull away before your next class walked in. Sure enough, a horde of adolescents banged the door open seconds after you had ended the kiss.

“Miss (Y/N)!” One of your favorites, Ella, skipped up to you and Connor with a wide grin. “I got the last routine done!”

You bent down to meet her eyes. “That’s wonderful, Ella!” You gave her a high five before her eyes shifted to Connor.

She stepped closer to your bent figure, whispering into your ear. “Miss (Y/N), who is he?”

Your eyes sparkled when you laughed, standing up straight. “Ella, this is Connor. He might be watching us today. Is that okay?”

She nodded shyly, running off to the others.

You turned to Connor. “You staying?”

“If you would like me to.” Like Ella, you nodded before going to the front of the room, checking off attendance.

Connor took a seat on the side line of chairs.

“Hi everybody!” You greeted. “As you can see, this is Connor, he’s going to be watching today.” You glanced over at Connor, who had that soft smile on his face that made butterflies flutter in your stomach. “Okay, let’s start with the warmup!”

An hour later, music was blasting as you led the class into the routine. You were still standing in the front, but you were facing the class as they moved. “5, 6, 7, 8!” You yelled, and right on time, they moved in sync.

“Music off.” You called out to the speakers. “Okay everyone, next time we’ll start on a new routine. Have a nice night, get home safe!”

Around Connor, a small group of parents had sat down, waiting to pick up their kids.

Once everyone had gone, you grabbed your things, Connor waiting for you by the door. As the two of you walked out, you said lowly, “I love you.”

“I love you too.”

[precursor-ao3]

Natural Selection [D:BH]

Chapter 29: Top of the Food Chain

[AO3] [WP]

“You’ve only been at this for a few months.” He smirked, “I know you’ve got it in you to be a great cop. I don’t want you to get in your own way of that. You did good today.”

“No, I didn’t. I thought with my emotions, not logic. That doesn’t earn me any marks.”

He ran a hand down his face, like he was struggling to find the right words. He crossed his arms, drumming his fingers on his bicep while he rocked on his heels. He eventually stopped, staring you dead in the eyes.

“There’s a time to be smart, and there’s a time to be brave. Neither are wrong. Neither are right.” He watched you intently, “Both are required to do the job.”

[rosa-reverie]

ConnorXReader (Part 2: An Autumn's Day)

     At last, the carriage had pulled into the bustling city of Boston. How exciting it was to hear the people buzzing about the farmer’s stands and little paper boys blurting out the latest news to the crowded streets. You stared wide-eyed through the carriage window. You’ve grown more accustomed to the peaceful atmosphere of the homestead from being away from the city for so long. You hear a “whoa” from the coachman as the horses grunt and bring the carriage to a stop in front of a tall brick building. Connor exits the coach and comes around to your side. Opening the door, he extends his hand towards you and helps you out the coach. He still holds your hand as you both head into the Inn.

     “We would like a room, please.” Connor was talking to the owner who was cleaning mugs behind the bar counter. You stood by taking in the surroundings. People were playing chess by the window, drinking beer at the bar, or having a nice meal with friends at the back table. There wasn’t near as much rucus as there had been outside but it still felt crowded. And for some reason, you had the feeling all eyes were on the two of you, then again, it wasn't everyday that a dame like yourself waltzes in with an imposing figure such as Connor.

“There’s one upstairs that should do you just fine.” The owner looked up from his work, his eyes scanning Connor and landing on you with an inquisitive look, “Is this for you and the lady?” 

“Y-yes.” Connor nodded and you could tell he was blushing under his hood. He never did have to answer a question like that before.

“Well, there’s two beds in each room. But I guess you could push them together, if you fancy.” The owner smirked and continued cleaning beer mugs. If Connor wasn’t blushing before, he certainly was now as he quickly slipped the man the money and took your small parcel up to the room. You smiled to yourself at the very idea suggested by the inn keeper.

“After we retrieve the package,” Connor began as you entered the room, “We can go wherever you would like in town.”

"Well now I haven’t a clue…" you shrugged your shoulders and sat on the bed. Looking up at him, you raised your eyebrows with a little smirk pulling at your lips.

"Hm…" he looked to the floor in concentration, his hands enclosed in one another as he often does, "I will think of something. Let us first do what we came here for."

----

     After the mundane chore, you both emerge from the inn late in the afternoon. Connor had insisted that you change when you both came back with the package. You didn’t quite get what he was getting at but luckily, you brought the outfit you’d wear when hunting. But surely that couldn’t be the activity he had planned. 

"So, exactly what are we doing?"

"You will soon see." and with that, he signaled you to follow him as he made his way through the throngs of people. You tailed behind as you were led past the crowds and through alley ways. It was only a couple minutes until you saw him stop in front of a wooden ladder precariously leaned up against a building leading all the way to the roof. A smile spreads across your face as you realize the activity ahead.

"Roof running, are we?"

"I figured you would want to try it. You have been training for a while, after all." He stepped onto the first rung of the ladder, looking to you, "Just follow my lead." You nod, the grin still pinching your rosy cheeks. As you ascended the ladder, the chilled autumn air seemed to intensify but so did your excitement. Once your feet were firmly planted on the shingles, only then did you dare to look down. Peering over the edge of the roof, you felt a tinge of vertigo and quickly pulled back with a sharp gasp.

"Do not look down," Connor guided you away from the edge, "it is best that you keep your eyes on where you are headed." You nodded gingerly, second guessing this little endeavor. Connor patted your back, "I am sure you have the ability to do this. Do as I do." With that, you two went on running along the roof tops of Boston. The bitter breezes were nothing, you kept pace and tagged behind Connor with great ease. Your limbs were aflame with excitement and no obstacle seemed too be able to hinder your stride. Even the threatening leap across buildings was nothing but a rabbit’s hop, however, Connor made it appear ten times as easy to clear. 

     It wasn’t until you were led to a roof with a tower continuing from its center that Connor paused. He turned to you and let you catch your breath. Skidding to a stop, you heaved deeply, not realizing how much energy you used over that last stretch of roofs. Connor didn’t appear to be winded at all as he then gestured to the top of the building.

"Cl…climbing?" You gasped after your breath caught up to you.

"Trust me." Connor grinned a little and began ascending the structure. So, mustering up all your strength, you began to climb in pursuit. You dared not to look down or stop and by sheer determination, you reached the point at which you saw Connor stop and climb over the edge of a railing. Reaching for the rail’s edge you felt your hands losing their grip and with that, your arm muscles threatening to slack. A wave of panic overcame you but in that split second you felt the firm grip of Connor’s mighty hands pulling you up and over the railing. He rubbed your back as you caught your breath again and looked around. You appeared to be in what looked like the interior of a gazebo and would serve nicely as a watch tower but clearly it was just for the building’s decor. 

"Come over here," he said as he took your hand and gently led you to the rails at the other end of the space, "Just…look around." 

     Scanning over the view before you, you realized why he brought you here. This gazebo loomed over the entire city of Boston like a crow's nest; the view was endless and breathtaking. All the dusty roof tops of Boston were visible and peppered with leaves of scarlet and auburn. But when you turned around, you were met with the brilliant view of the distant wood all painted in the firey hues of the season which perfectly fit with the early evening sun. The scene was so serene yet enticing. "It's so beautiful..."  you say in an amazed whisper. 

"I know," says Connor as he wraps his arms around your waist. He leans his head in close to yours and whispers, "just like you..." into your ear. 

Heat surges through you at his soft words. You pull back a little to see that he had a crimson glow to his cheeks he was trying to hide beneath the shade of his hood. You smile affectionately at him and caress his cheek in your hand before pulling back the hood with the other. Your eyes concentrate on each other as you both unite your lips for a sweet kiss that begins to intensify after only a few seconds. He seems to be relishing in these few moments he has with you alone, out of the prying eyes of people in the city or the curious homesteaders. He loses some of his restraint as he begins to kiss you more passionately, his hands unable to resist latching onto you. Of course, you reciprocate his enthusiasm with equal vigor, making sure the moment lasts as long as it possibly can. So between ravenous kisses, hushed giggles, and words of endearment, you both gradually lose sense of time and the brisk winds of the evening only cause you both to cling to each other more. It wasn't until you both noticed your heavy breaths were visible in the cold air that you both decided it was time to return to the inn. 

---------------------------------------------------

[rosa-reverie]

ReaderXConnor (An Autumn's Evening)

     Your feet crunch on freshly fallen, fire hued leaves on your way to Warren and Prudence’s farm. You knot the ends of your shawl together, bracing yourself for the occasional brisk breeze. Strands of hair that escaped your bonnet tickle your face as they get blown about by the wind and you think about how fast the seasons had changed. It seemed as if just yesterday you and Connor were rendezvousing on the shores of the lake, heat on your backs and heat building between the two of you until, at last, came the kiss you’ve anticipated for what seemed like a lifetime. Of course, it was well worth the wait and you couldn’t have asked for a more perfect way to remember this summer. As the tender memory replays in your mind, the handle of the bucket of food scraps you brought with you begins to dig into your finger tips. Fortunately, you were already at the farm so you made a beeline for the pig pen to dump the heavy bucket of slop. You didn’t mind helping around the homestead, even if it was a task as unappealing as delivering breakfast to pigs. The swine started to crowd around the feeding trough as you made your way out. Closing the gate, you feel a tap on your shoulder from behind. Thinking it’s Warren or Prudence, you about face, ready to ask if they needed anything else, but upon turning around you realize neither stands before you.

“Connor!” Flashing a smile you cast the empty pail aside, “what brings you here?”

“I was going to head for Boston. There’s a delivery for Lance I must retrieve so…” his words seem to fade as you begin to observe how Connor stands with a strong posture, shoulders square, his feet set firmly apart, and one hand cupping his other fist in front of him as he speaks. When he catches whiff of the pigs, he scratches his nose a bit with a slight cringe in his brow. You find yourself paying closer attention to these movements rather than what he’s saying…

“Oh, hmm, Lance? Of course he must have such important…things to do…” you say, still reminiscing about when those big strong hands stroked up and down your wet back on that steamy summer day,

“Um…yes…which is why I should depart to Boston now. I shall see you again when I return.” He nods and turns to leave the farm. You stand there, stiffened by the brevity of the conversation that just took place. You didn’t want him to go just yet, you didn’t him to go at all. Everytime he left the homestead, trouble seemed to find him and he would return with a couple to many bruises, if not, wounds. He’d never say much about what happened and when he did, his accounts were brief and sometimes vague. Well, this time would be different. This time, you were going with him whether he wanted you to or not. Before his foot hit the main path you hiked your skirt and tailed after him.

“Connor, wait!” He looks at you in confusion but let’s you catch up to continue, “what would you say to me accompanying you on this trip?”

“I would say no.”

     You knew he’d be difficult but you continue anyway, “You’re just picking up a package for Lance, that can’t be too demanding a task. And it seems like forever since I’ve been beyond the Frontier. Besides…” coming closer you’re able to run your fingertips down his arm and slip your hand into his, “We can spend some time together outside the homestead.” He doesn’t look at you but he appeared to be considering the idea. After a moment or two, his face softens and he answers,

“Very well. But promise me you won’t go anywhere alone.”

“I have no intention of straying from you.” You cross your heart and wink at him to put his worries to rest.

“Then we leave on the Old man’s carriage this evening. Seven o’clock.” He grins, giving your hand a little squeeze before letting go and heading down the path towards the manor. You head back home with a little spring in your step to prepare for the long road trip.

-      His mighty hands firmly grasp both sides of your waist as he helps to hoist you into the carriage and you’re grateful the evening shadows hide the growing pink in your cheeks. You feel the blush burning more as Connor climbs in and takes the seat across from you. You sit ridged on the carriage cushions, unable to relax. You hold tightly to your seat as you feel the carriage lurch at the pull of the horses. Connor sits hunched over, elbows on either knee and his hands folded. Streaks of faint orange rays from the evening sun are barely able to peek into the windows. The trot-trot of the horses cover the silence you cannot find the words to fill but to your surprise, you see Connor reach over and pat your knee, “Why do you not sit on this side?”

“W-with you?”

He nods, “Yes, it is getting late, so it will get colder…” he trails off and looks at his feet, slightly embarrassed, “…of course, if you are fine sitting there-” before he could say more, you swing over and plop yourself down next to him.

“It’s much better next to you, Connor.” You move close to his side and rest your head on his shoulder. From here you can pick up that subtle pine scent from his clothes and just the support of his shoulder gives you a strong sense of security. Closing your eyes, you expel a small sigh and let yourself rest against him, “Connor?”

“Hm?”

Your hearts skips a beat, “You know I love every minute I’m with you.”

“As do I.” You still keep your eyes shut but you know he is looking at you now. You feel him shift a little, his head was leaning in close, “You know I…..I love you, (insert name).” He whispers. Your eyes snap open as your heart summersaults at his words. Immediately, you remember telling him the same thing this summer, in a fleeting moment, amidst the ebbing tide of the lake, the steamy closeness of him against you, and your lips interlocked in fierce combat. He had also said it back, breathlessly and softly. And now Connor, Connor, now unaffected by the haze of summer or the dizzying spell of passion, was telling you that he loves you, looking at you with soulful eyes, awaiting your response. So with a gentle grin, you say, “I love you too, Connor.” And even in the dim evening glow, you can see his face turn a shade of cherry as he bashfully grins to one side. You giggle girlishly and bury your face in his chest, you couldn't get enough of him when he was being so sweet.

“It’s getting late and colder as you said. And we have a long ride ahead of us.” You lift your feet and tuck them beneath you, “Why do we not get more comfortable?”

“Oh, alright.” He relaxes a little and then takes his mighty hand behind your back, coaxing you to come in close and recline your head against his chest. With his other hand, he gently strokes your (color) hair as he rests his chin atop your head.

     The trot-trot of horse hooves continues into the chilly night air and the chorus of crickets and nightlife intensifies as darkness begins to blanket the skies overhead. The carriage gently rocks along the beaten dirt path cutting through the frontier. Past woods of pumpkin tinted leaves, past dimly lit cabins and glowing amber campfires, the carriage rides on. You flick your eyes upwards to see Connor trying to fight back sleep with a drowsy look in his puppy-brown eyes. You knew that he wasn’t going to let himself relax so, slowly, you raise your hand up to his face, and lightly graze your fingertips over his heavy eyelids. He gently strokes your back once in response as you hear him softly exhale an “I love you.” Taking the chance, you lift yourself up a bit to give him a sweet little peck on the lips. “I love you,” you return to your position and whisper, “Goodnight.” as the two of you let your heads sway to the soothing ambiance of autumn, lulling you both into a slumber. 

—————————————————— (Continued in part 2: An Autumn's Day in Boston)

[rosa-reverie]

ReaderXConnor (A Summer's Day)

      The day started as it always did this time of year, with the sun rising slowly spreading its rays through the trees of the forests surrounding Davenport homestead like fingers combing through strands of dark hair. Sunlight began peaking through your window, coaxing you awake. The warmth of the sun rays cradled you, making you want to stay in a few more minutes but a thud from the other room made you spring from your bed in alarm. Peeking from your bedroom door, you see a large shadow stretching across the wooden floor of the hall. By the sound of it, the intruder was probably in the kitchen area, fumbling with something on the stove. “Hello?” You say between a shakey yawn. Perhaps it was Myriam dropping off some extra game, or maybe Godfrey, even Terry, dropping off some firewood. Without answer your unexpected guest begins heading down the hall, their shadow shrinking the closer they become, and from the heavy footsteps and sound of clanking metal, you realize it can only be one person,

“Good morning, (insert name)” says Conor as he turns the corner to face you. The sunlight pours in from the window behind him shedding a heavenly outline about his fearsome frame. Taken aback for only a moment you manage to stammer out a “Good morning,” as well. You furiously try to smooth down your bed head and nightgown…and then you realize you’re in nothing but your nightgown and hide halfway behind the bedroom door. Connor points his gaze at the floor, ashamed that he caused you some sort of indecency.

“Sorry I came uninvited but I was out early hunting so I thought you… may…want some game.” You giggle a little. You’ve told him that he could stop by any time, but he always asks anyway. You didn’t mind his intrusion at all but you could tell he was getting a little bashful. He probably didn’t count on you waking up and was going to leave some of his bounty in your supply as a surprise; a really sweet gesture in your book.

“Thank you, Connor. I’ll be sure to repay you,” you wink at him in a flirtatious manner, smiling to yourself as you see a little blush rise to his cheeks, “so where else were you heading off to today?”

“Um…after I help Warren with something I was hoping you’d be available. Did you have anything in mind?” You ponder his inquiry for a moment and your heart leaps at the thought of another outing with him.

“Well…with it being summer and all, you know how unbearably hot the weather gets at midday?”

“Yes…”

“And doesn’t just make you want to take a nice refreshing swim now and then.”

“Now and then…”

“Sooo, how about we go off a little ways from the manor and take a swim?”

Connor raised his eyebrows a little as blush returned to his face and you knew he liked the idea.

      The sun was high in the sky and blazing down on the manor. Before you even approached the steps of the grand house, Connor emerged from the doorway and joined you on the dirt path. He greeted you with a nod and one of his rare side smiles. As you two began to stroll down the road, you’re eyes flicked downward to see that he was trying to reach for your hand. Letting loose a small chuckle, you take hold of his and hand in hand you two made your way to the lake’s shore. When your boots touch the moist, gravely soil, you release his mighty paw and fling off your bonnet.

“Finally,” you sigh as you unpin your hair, letting your locks flow like the waters before you, “I really don’t like that thing.”

“Your bonnet?” You nod at him as you bend over to unlace your boots, your hair falling around your face as you do so. Looking up through the strands of your (hair type) (color) hair, you notice him staring at you as you proceed. He clears his throat, “your hair is very nice.”

“Really?” you whip some locks back, grinning ear to ear.

“Yes,” gingerly he begins to remove his hooded jacket. You wonder how he could stand wearing that thing in this heat. With that layer gone, he started on his shirt buttons but then his fingers pause in hesitation, perhaps embarrassed at the thought of showing too much skin to you. Your face began to burn as well at the thought of seeing his exposed torso so you avert your eyes from him and finish unlacing your boots. You’re unsure about what else you should remove. Sure you and Connor have been in a relationship for a while but this would be the first time you’re doing anything like this and it made you nervous. You began to feel sweat began to bead on your forehead from the sun and the heat you feel building within you. Perhaps just removing your outer skirt would be enough for now, leaving you with your white underskirt and (favorite color) button down shirt. Upon turning to face Connor, your gaze catches on his tan bare chest. His muscles were more pronounced than you imagined and when he stretched you’d swear you could see the power that courses through his veins. How could this intimidating man have caressed your hand so gently just moments ago? Snapping yourself out of the trance, you head to the water. Taking in a sharp breath, you head knee deep in the cold yet refreshing water.

“Ahaha, come along Connor! You don’t want to stand there roasting in the sun, do you?” You call back at him. He nods at you and begins bounding towards you, his muscular legs splashing into the water with each step and when he’s close enough, you swing your arms up through the waves and splash him playfully. Then, as if awakened by the cooling water, his look changes to one full of mischief as he retaliates with a splash of his own. You both go on like this for a bit. Each bringing up their own walls of refreshing lake water and drenching the other. Then, in the midst of sprinkling, laughing, and splashing, Connor pulls you playfully by the arm making you giggle as he locks his arms around you and takes a side dive into the water. You let out a squeel of delight as you both descend into the shallow waves.

     The laughter doesn’t cease when you both come back up. You quiet your own however when the sweet and low tones of Connor’s laughter reach your ears. Its a rare occasion for him to smile widely so much, let alone laugh. Out loud. It was pleasant and had a sort of soothing effect, not a snort or chortle to be heard. His face was full of genuine delight and shone with a child-like radiance that warmed your heart to the core. It was as if he hadn’t felt this kind of joy for a long time. You smiled softly at him as he took in a long breath, beads of water dripping from his hair and nose, little streams rolling off his heaving chest and down his back as he flexed. He noticed you looking at him and adverted his eyes, looking bashfully down at the water. Taking a step forward, you reach for his hand and he encloses his callused fingers around your palm. In his strong grip, your hand seems so small, like he could snap it off if he wanted to but instead he softly massages the backside of your hand with his thumb. He also does the same with your other one before slowly bringing his buff arms around you and sending you straight into his wet chest. His sudden embrace shocks you for only a second before you too wrapped your arms around him, clinging to him as tight as your soaked clothes clung to your body. You then felt his hands making their way down along the curve of your back and up the soggy cloth of your shirt. At this, you lift your head to meet his eyes.

“Connor…” beyond him, you see the skies have become a peachy pink and orange tint as the day eases into evening, “I had a nice time with you today.”

“As have I, (insert name).” He was now staring back at you, studying your face with those fierce amber eyes. Under his gaze you felt like melting away into the lake. He spoke again, “We’re…really wet, huh?”

“Ahaha, I suppose so. But I don’t really mind.”

 “Neither do I.” the corner of his mouth pulls into his signature side smile as his eyes now seem to shine in the evening sun. He leans his face in closer but pauses only centimeters away with a longing in his eyes. Biting his bottom lip, he pulls back and knits his eyebrows in frustration. Your heart was racing with anticipation but seeing him retreat like this made it drop. He seemed to be just as nervous as you were and wasn’t sure whether or not to follow through with his desires. Putting your hand to his cheek, you say, “Connor…kiss me.” at which he raised is eyebrows as the mischievous glint in his eyes returned and your heart began to beat faster than ever.

     Before you could say any more, he hungrily swooped in and took your breath away.

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By: Selina Davis (kawaiiassassinrosa)