not interested

She had taken up a part-time job at a hardware store just a short walk from her home. While it wasn’t an ideal way to spend her summer break, they needed the extra cash. Ava’s father had been nothing but encouraging about her attending college after graduation, something he had never had the chance to do after raising her alone. But college cost money that they simply didn’t have. He never brought it up, but Ava wasn’t an idiot. Rather than break her dad’s heart and admit that she wasn’t sure if college was the next step she wanted to take, Ava buckled down and decided to chip in. The idea of disappointing him always seemed to warm her cold feet. 

The job was relatively painless. Man the register, stock the shelves, and help with incoming deliveries when needed. It was quiet most days, and Ava certainly enjoyed the silence. However, that peace didn’t last for very long. Just as things were falling into place, a new face interrupted the flow.

“Hi there. Where can I set these down?”

The voice had caught Ava by surprise. She jumped and looked up from the book she had been reading behind the front desk, awkwardly attempting to regain her composure. A man stood before her, lugging wood planks over his shoulder.

“Oh uh- I’m sorry. I-I didn’t hear you come in” she stammered, rounding the desk and signaling for him to follow. 

Ava led him to the back of the store and tried not to stare as the man continued to carry in more lumber, but he was difficult to ignore. Twelve was small, and the store’s clientele was even smaller. Despite being new to the job, she was familiar with almost all of the customers and store partners that came and went. However, the handsome stranger was a very welcome surprise.

After the final batch had been dropped off, the man let out a sigh of relief and turned towards her. 

“Sorry, I haven’t introduced myself yet. My name’s Briar.” he said, extending his hand to her. “

“I’m Ava,” she responded, shaking his hand. “Nice to meet you.”

“The pleasure is mine,” Briar replied, shooting her a smirk that made her cheeks flush red. “I work at a sawmill out in Seven, and your boss just partnered with us. Seems like he’s got good taste in both supply and employees.” 

Was he...hitting on her? Normally, a line like that would make her cringe, but it was shockingly easy to overlook when it was coming from him. Ava shifted her gaze to the floor and chuckled, trying to play off how obviously flustered she had become. They made a bit more small talk before saying goodbye, but just as Briar was leaving, the words jumped out of her throat.

“Will you be the one making all of the deliveries..?”

“I certainly will now.”

Lumber shipments came in every two weeks. The more time Ava spent around him, the more she found herself counting down the days until he’d be back. In a way, she knew it was wrong. She was 17. He was 25. She was supposed to be working, not playing. But as they grew closer, the line between right and wrong seemed to slowly melt away. Ava worked most of her shifts alone, and with no one around to slow them down, that line eventually disappeared completely.

He had offered to stay longer and help her restock the store’s supply closet that day. Ava hardly needed the assistance, but she surely wasn’t about to refuse his company. They had been exchanging their usual share of lingering glances and flirtatious banter, but when she reached up to set something on one of the shelves, Briar pulled her in by the waist and kissed her. Ava quickly reacted and pushed him away, fully prepared to tear into him for violating what she had assumed was a silent agreement between the two of them. But when their eyes met, her words fell short and she closed the gap again.

This charade went on for months. Even when her senior year of high school began, Ava continued to work part-time just so she could keep stealing moments with Briar. If her direction and focus had been scattered before, it was nowhere to be found now. Work was no longer about the money, and school was an after thought. It wasn’t long until they started seeing one another outside of the store, too. After spending years on auto-pilot, Ava became addicted to the rush of sneaking around. She didn’t breathe a word to anyone. Even Aspen had been left out of the loop. The pair agreed that they didn’t want to spoil the fun they were having by involving others, but the truth was in plain sight. If anyone who truly cared about Ava were to find out about them, their relationship would be shut down immediately. That wasn’t an option.

So instead, Ava waited. Fall quickly turned into winter, and with the change in season also came a new year. They were experts in secrecy by now, and she knew if they could just hold on until her 18th birthday, things would be okay. When her father started receiving calls from the school about skipped classes and plummeting grades, Ava simply waved it off as a product of stress and promised to work harder. She intended to keep that promise, mostly to keep him from finding out the real reason behind her poor performance. But when Briar invited her to stay the weekend with him in Seven for the first time, that plan quickly flew out the window. 

“Aspen is going to Four for the weekend with her mom, and they asked me to join them. I guess they want an escape from the cold,” Ava explained, hoping her dad wouldn’t see through the lie. Before he could give a spiel about using the weekend to study, she sprinkled in some only-child charm. 

“I’ll understand if you say no, but this trip would really help me relax and refocus.” 

To Ava’s surprise, her dad had allowed it. She wasted no time packing her bag, and on Friday afternoon, she eagerly took the train to Seven. 

The weekend they spent together felt like a dream. She had never been given full access to Briar like this before, and it was difficult to keep herself from getting carried away. Ava had been with other boys her age before, but this felt so tangible, she could almost reach out and touch the future they were building for themselves. As if he could read her mind, Briar pulled her closer and whispered sweet nothings about sharing a home together one day. Before she spilled over with excitement and said three words she couldn’t take back, Ava smiled in agreement and climbed on top of him.

The next morning, she awoke to a missed call from Aspen. She shot her father a quick message to tell him they were on their way back from Four and decided to return Aspen’s call once she was in Twelve again. Ava’s only focus now was on spending their last few hours together completely uninterrupted. Saying goodbye wasn’t easy, but Briar reassured her this wouldn’t be the last weekend they would spend together. With that promise and a reminder that her 18th birthday was in just a little over a month, she travelled back to Twelve feeling more confident than ever.

“Where the hell have you been?”

The question stopped Ava dead in her tracks, and she froze in the front doorway. 

“I told you, we went to Fo-”

“Don’t lie to me, Ava!”

Ava’s father was a notoriously gentle man, so raising his voice was completely out of character. She swallowed hard and closed the door behind her. 

“I’ll give you one more chance to tell me the truth.”

“...I am telling the truth.”

 “Then why did I run into the Abernathys at the market this morning?”

Ava remembered the missed phone call from Aspen she had so carelessly ignored, and her stomach sank to her feet. She frantically searched for a new excuse to use, but knew it would only make things worse if she lied again. Instead, she glued her eyes to the floor and stayed silent.

“I went against my better judgement and let you go on that trip because you said you needed a break, Ava. You’ve always been honest with me, so what’s changed?” he asked. When he was met with silence again, her father reached out his hand.

“Give me your phone. You can have it back once you’re willing to talk. Until then, you won’t be going anywhere but school, home, and work.”

The right thing for her to do was come clean, but anger and frustration over being caught took control instead. Ava handed her phone over and brushed past him, making a beeline for her room. Once her body hit the bed, the tears that she had been holding back finally spilled over. She laid there for hours, contemplating all the things she could have done differently to avoid this outcome. She ignored the occasional knocks at her door until they finally stopped entirely. The only thing that could console her was replaying the weekend’s events over and over in her head. Nothing could take that experience away. But without her phone, the next opportunity they had to see one another was weeks away. After mulling over her options, she let impulse control take the backseat and started plotting.

Ava managed to slip out undetected and boarded the earliest train to Seven they had available the following morning. Overnight, she had ultimately decided that there was nothing left for her in Twelve. She would eventually explain everything to her father, but for now, she needed to see Briar and bring him up to speed. Upon arriving, she headed along the same route they had taken together just days ago and didn’t stop until she was at his front door.

Standing there alone, it dawned on Ava that he may not even be home. She hesitated at first, but knocked eagerly upon noticing that the lights were on inside. Her excitement was quickly put to bed when a woman opened the door.

“Hello...can I help you?”

Had she knocked on the wrong door? Ava had only visited once, but her memory wasn’t that bad. Perhaps she had been too caught up in her thoughts and made a wrong turn.

“I’m sorry. I must have the wrong house. I’m looking for Briar-”

“No, you’ve got the right place,” the woman interrupted. “Briar is my husband. Unfortunately, he just left for work. I can let him know you dropped by, though. What’s your name, sweetheart?”

Husband. 

The word made Ava’s ears ring. That couldn’t be right. She had just spent an entire weekend in that house, and there had been zero indication of another woman living there with him. She tried opening her mouth to answer, but no sound came out. Before she could dig herself an even deeper grave, the sound of a crying baby cut her off. 

“Oh, I’m so sorry. That’s my daughter,” the woman apologized, turning away from the door to head back inside. “Let me just take care of her, and I’ll be right back.” 

But Ava was gone before the woman could return. She sat in frozen horror the entire ride back to Twelve. The only thing that brought her back to reality was the feeling of her father’s arms around her as she entered their home. 

“I thought I had lost you, too.”

It only dawned on Ava then just how selfish her decisions had been. All this time, she had sworn up and down that she was simply protecting herself by lying, but instead, she had done to her father the very thing her own mother had years ago. The realization was enough to break through her shock, and she sank into her father’s embrace. 

They spent the rest of the morning together as Ava tearfully explained the events of the last year to him. Before long, he was crying, too. Piecing everything together was almost too humiliating to bear. She hated herself for being so stupid and missing the obvious signs, but she hated Briar more. Her father echoed the sentiment and reminded her that she had nothing to be ashamed of. The casanova facade had completely washed away, leaving the ugly truth in its wake. He was nothing more than a liar and a predator.

Ava received dozens of messages and calls following her failed visit to Seven, but every one of them went unanswered. Instead, she decided to spend the final few months of her senior year solely focused on graduating. With her father’s support, Ava quit her job and worked tirelessly to get back on track at school. The only time she took a break was to pen an anonymous letter to the woman she had met in Seven, finally detailing all of the things Ava wished she had been able to say on that horrible day. Her 18th birthday, a day that had once held so much weight, passed by quietly. The experience had left her more closed off than ever, but in a strange twist, had also brought her much closer to her father. Close enough, in fact, for Ava to finally admit that she didn’t think university was the right choice for her. She wasn’t exactly sure what the alternative would be, but figured it wouldn’t hurt to spend some time alone getting to know herself better.

Love:

Who fell in love first?

Jeremy. Ava was far more guarded and tried to push her feelings away, but that didn’t last very long. 

Who asked who out?

After several failed pursuits by Jeremy, Ava finally threw him a bone.

Who said ‘I love you’ first?

Jeremy. 

Who kissed who first?

Ava. Alcohol and suppressed attraction can do that to a bitch. 

How was their first kiss according to your muse?

Satisfying, but she would have never said that out loud. It always feels good when you stop denying yourself of what you want. 

Are their kisses more sweet or passionate?

Passionate. 

Who touches (non-sexual) the other more?

Jeremy. He often puts his arm around her or keeps his hand on the small of her back. It’s actually quite comforting for Ava. 

Dating:

How was their first date?

The first date that she refused to believe was a date was eye-opening for her. Not just because it was the first time they were physical, but because she actually saw a side to Jeremy she didn’t know even existed.  

Who pays on dates?

It’s pretty even. Jeremy more often, but Ava likes to take care of him, too.

Who picks where they go on dates?

Both. Twelve is small, and they’ve found places through the years they both like to go to so it’s pretty easy to choose. 

Who drives? Who holds the door?

We been through this whole driving thing three times now. Does anyone do it?? Jeremy holds the door. 

How often do they go out on dates?

Whenever they find the time between working and looking after the cubs. Sometimes just staying in with each other is nice. 

Wedding:

Who proposed?

Jeremy. It was hardly traditional, but Ava liked it better that way. 

Who did most of the wedding planning?

They both had general ideas, but Embry stepped in and helped a lot. 

Where did they get married?

In a clearing/the woods in Twelve. 

Who did your muse pick as best man/maid of honor?

Aspen.

Did your muse cry at the wedding?

She swore up and down to herself that she wouldn’t, but that promise was immediately broken during their vows.  

Did your muse get drunk at the reception?

Just a little, but it was all in good fun. 

Aside from being married to their love, what would your muse say was the best part of the wedding?

Having her father there to walk her down the aisle and dance with her. 

Sex:

What does your muse fantasize about?

Having sex at his store. She knows better than to try it because avoiding Embry and/or customers would be nearly impossible, but she’s thought about surprising him around closing time on more than one occasion. 

Who is more dominant in bed?

Jeremy. Sometimes there’s a power struggle, but he usually wins. 

Who initiates sex?

Both, but Jeremy has the bigger track record. 

How often are they having sex? (1 as never touching themselves or others and 10 being humping on the couch right now)

Let’s be real.....9 or 10. 

How kinky are they? (1 being vanilla with the lights off and 10 meaning they have a sex dungeon in their basement)

7 or 8. They’re usually open to trying new things. 

Do they fuck, have sex, or make love?

A lot of the first two, but there’s plenty of gentle moments, too. 

Is it important that both people orgasm?

It’s not the most important part of sex to Ava, but both of them almost always get off regardless. 

Which time was the best according to your muse?

Every time is great, but their first time was the best. She wasn’t aware sex could be that good. 

Which time was the worst according to your muse?

The time they accidentally left their door unlocked and one of the cubs came looking for them. 

What’s something your muse wants but is too afraid/embarrassed to ask for?

Ava likes it when he talks dirty to her a little more than she’d maybe like to admit. Thankfully, she doesn’t have to ask for it.

Marriage:

How often do they cuddle?

Pretty often. Being close and touching is so normal for them that they don’t always realize they’re doing it. 

Who does the most housework?

Ava. 

Who cooks?

Ava. She’d rather not have the house burn down. 

Who does the grocery shopping?

Also Ava. She learned her lesson after Jeremy came back with only junk food and food with bears on the packaging. 

Who cleans?

Ava, but Jeremy does his part, too. 

Do they own any pets?

Other than Theia, no, but Jeremy frequently asks about getting a bear. 

Have often do they have date nights together?

Whenever they find the time, but it doesn’t always mean going out. Sometimes staying in with a movie is all they need. 

Who is better with the money?

Jeremy. Ava’s not so bad at it, but after running a business and being the head of a household for so long, it’s almost second nature to Jeremy. 

Who decorates the house for the holidays?

They both typically relied on Embry for holiday spirit, but once he moves out, it’s a team effort. 

Who invites guests over?

Both, but they really only ever have Reid and Aspen over. 

Who is more likely to do the handiwork (fixing the sink, mowing the lawn)?

Jeremy. 

Children:

Who wants children first?

Neither. The idea hardly crosses their minds until Ava winds up pregnant. 

How does the idea of babies come up?

It doesn’t. Their first pregnancy was entirely a surprise, but they’re both on board for the second cub. 

Do they have children naturally or use IVF/adopt?

Naturally. 

How does your muse react to the pregnancy/being pregnant?

She’s absolutely terrified. Being raised without a mother instilled the idea that she would never be a good one herself, but they figure it out together.

How many children do they have?

Two cubs!

Who gets stuck on diaper duty?

Both, but Jeremy is much less squeamish about doing it after raising Embry. 

Who is the stricter parent?

Ava. She has to keep both of the cubs AND Jeremy in line or else it’ll be chaos. 

Who is the fun parent?

Jeremy. 

Who spends the most time with the kid(s)?

Ava, but only because she has the option to stay home. Jeremy spends as much time as he can with them when he’s not working. Sometimes during the summer or weekends, the cubs will elect to go with him to work. 

Who remembers to pack lunches, sign permission slips, and go to conferences at school?

Ava does lunches and permission slips, but they both go to conferences. 

Who helps with homework?

Ava. Jeremy tries, but he ends up just as confused as the kids. 

Misc:

Who takes longer showers/baths?

Ava, but only because she has more to do. Their longer showers stem from their ‘let’s save water and shower together’ moments. 

Who is most likely to sleep until noon?

Jeremy. 

Who plays the pranks?

Both. Jeremy is the worst offender, but Ava always makes sure to get him back.

Who surprises who with flowers/gifts/cards etc.?

Ava likes to bring him home the occasional gift, but Jeremy is just as thoughtful, if not more, and makes her wood carvings. 

Who remembers all of the important dates and who is rushing out last minute to by a present?

They don’t go crazy over dates, but the more important ones like birthdays and their anniversary are celebrated. Ava’s usually better at remembering than he is, though. 

Who works?

They both do until the cubs are born. Ava chooses to stay home for the most part, but Reid also gives her the freedom to come in and work whenever she wants. 

Who stays home?

Ava, but she works again on slower days and when the cubs get older. 

Is your muse happy with their partner?

Very. 

If they could change one thing about their relationship or partner, what would it be?