#baze basil

LuLuBlake: You think you’re clever…Why didn’t you just ask Lia for my number?

Bazexx: Well, when you and Lia both hightailed it out of there. It was kind of hard to get your number.

LuLuBlake: So how’d you find me?

Bazexx: It helps when you’re all over Lia’s account…And she tags you. Cute handle, by the way, LuLu.

Netta’s cheeks heated and she chuckled softly, shaking her head as she tapped away.

LuLuBlake: Funny, Steven. Listen, people only call me that with special permission from me. Call me that again and it’s your ass. Yee?

Bazexx: Yee, ma’am.

Bazexx: Aren’t you kind of tired of this Instagram messaging? Now that I’ve got you here…Can I get your number?

LuLuBlake: Ooh. Smooth.

LuLuBlake: Didn’t you say this was just a ‘sneaky link’? Why do you need my number? You have me here. 

Bazexx: Ohhhh. Okay, it’s like that? I’m hurt. 

Bazexx: Alright. Well, since I ‘have you here’…Do you know where the house is? Or should I just come grab you for a backseat bang out? Ladies choice.

LuLuBlake: Such a gentleman, Stevie.

LuLuBlake: I remember where the house is. Are you all home? Cause sneaky link implies we’re able to not get caught. House full of homies doesn’t really help.

Bazexx: Damn, you’ve really got an arsenal on you, don’t you? I like that.

Bazexx: Come over. It’s fine. I’ll game everyone into going for food so we have some time. Deal?

LuLuBlake: Mmm…Food that I get to take part in as well, yes? I’ll gladly bring cash to pay you back.

Bazexx: Hmm…Sneaky link implies a bang and bail. Isn’t that what you wanted??

LuLuBlake: You compromised for me. I suppose…I can, say, bring my stash and we can smoke and talk. We can chill a little? That’s what you wanted right?

Netta smirked lightly as she watched the little ellipses floated and baubled along for several minutes until he sent a simple ‘Sure’. She chuckled softly and sent an ETA before setting her phone on the table to pack and smoke another bowl. As she let out the smoke, Lia walked out in her favorite pair of sweats, a crop sweater and with damp hair, brushing it out as she asked, “What are you smirking and giggling at? Started up the dating apps again?”

Netta gagged and turned to her, giving her a look. With a smirk, Netta said, “God, no. I’m so fucking done with those, Li.” She packed another bowl and handed the bong to her cousin who sat beside her once she shifted back into a sitting position. Taking the bong, Lia asked, “So, who were you talking to?”

“No one. I saw a funny post and sent it to a friend.” Netta said offhandedly. She started to pack away her things once Lia took her hit. “Did you want another? I’m gonna go for a walk.”

“Nah, I’m good. It’s nearly 10, I’m gonna turn in early, maybe binge a few episodes first.” Lia said, placing the bong in its place behind the couch. Eyeing her cousin, Lia delicately said, “If you’re really going for a drive…”

“Lia, I’ll be fine. I’m still kind of on edge. I just need to not think for a while.” Netta said as she slid her box under the couch and stood, grabbing her phone and drink from the table. “Oh, and Laudii sent me some new tracks, so I want to listen to those too.”

With a nod, Lia watched her and said, “Alright. Should I wait up? Or is this an all night drive?” Netta hung her head back with a sigh as she gave it some thought, then said, “I dunno. Don’t wait up for me, just in case. I’ll text you when I’m on my way home, okay?”

“Luna, please be safe, okay?” Lia said, with a worried look. Netta chuckled softly then waved a dismissive hand at her as she went inside and to her room. Quickly changing, stripping off her panties, but stuffing fresh ones into her small backpack, Netta put on a pair of black sweats and a crop top under a cream colored knit sweater. Grabbing an extra change of sweats, just in case, stuffing them into her bag, she grabbed her phone, keys, and wallet from her dresser and quickly slipped out the front door.

~

Baze was able to convince the house to go out for food, which he knew would take them at least an hour. Giving the excuse of wanting to sleep and to just bring back something for him, Baze was able to buy some time to clean his room just a little more before his phone lit up with an Insta DM. His lips tugged upward into a smirk as he read her message telling him she was parked down the street, waiting to get the go ahead to walk up. He went downstairs, making sure the proper cars were gone from the driveway before sending her a thumbs up and unlocking the door.

Netta took a breath as she eyed the thumbs up emoji, then locked her phone, getting out with her bag and locking her car as well. Slipping the strap of her bag over her shoulder, she quickly shuffled down the street and up the driveway. Pulling out her phone again, she sent him a message that she was at the door, and Baze sent one back saying it was open. As she pushed it open, she jumped, slightly, seeing Baze leaning against the wall by the door. Baze chuckled and Netta rolled her eyes with a chuckle and said, “Jesus. You can stand there but you couldn’t open the door?”

“Compromising, right? I left it unlocked for you.” Baze said with a cheeky smirk. Netta looked up at him as she closed the door after slipping inside. He smirked and took her hand, lightly, leading her upstairs and to his room. Letting her walk in first, Baze closed the door behind him, turning to her with his fingers ready to lock the door as he asked, “Do you mind? Just in case Rook decides to barge in.”

Netta turned as she set her bag down on his desk chair. With a small smile, she nodded as she unzipped her bag. Baze chuckled and turned the lock. When he went to her, sliding an arm lightly around her waist, his eyes widened slightly.

“Whoa. I mean, when you said stash, I didn’t think you meant a stash.” He said teasingly. Netta glanced up at him with a soft chuckle as she pulled out a packet of gummies, a pack of joints, and a quarter ounce, setting it on his desk. She chuckled again as she handed him the joints and said, “Well, I couldn’t bring my actual stash. Lia walked out on me as I was packing up. She would have been suspect if I took stuff and said I was going for a drive.”

Baze snickered softly and took the pack, opening it and pulling one out. Setting the pack back down on his desk, he held the joint at his side as he looked down at her and said, “So, how exactly are we doing this? Kissing, no kissing. Do you just want to bang it out now and smoke later?”

“Wow. Damn. Get right to it, I guess.” Netta said with a teasing laugh. Baze chuckled and slid his arm around her again, if only briefly, as his hand lifted to push back her curls from her cheek. Sucking her lower lip between her teeth briefly, she gazed up at him and said, softly, “If our thing is going to be compromising…I would have to say that I wouldn’t entirely be opposed to the girlfriend treatment…If that’s what you’re asking for?”

“I just want to know my boundaries, darlin’. If you want like a fling, every now and then kind of thing, sometimes girls aren’t into the whole making out, pillow talk, intimate shit. Just want to know where you stand, love.” Baze said, sliding a hand over her cheek. Netta tilted her head back as his other hand snaked over her hip and tugged her closer against him as his hand slid further into her hair. Closing her eyes for a moment and biting her lip, hard, she took a breath as she opened her eyes again and slid her hands over his chest, lightly.

“How about this; Do what you do. If I’m uncomfortable or what have you, you’ll be the first to know.” She said, in a rather sultry tone as he lips pulled into a sly smirk. Baze smirked and pushed his hand to the back of her head, gently but firmly guiding her head closer, and her lips to his. She tried not to kiss him back hungrily, though every fiber of her being wanted to, but she took his lead and pulled back when he did. Though she couldn’t hide the wide smile that spread across her face, she rolled the material of his shirt between her fingers lightly as she chuckled and said, “But, let’s get this going so we don’t end up having a chance of being caught.”

Plucking the joint from his fingers and grabbing the quarter ounce bag, she bounced over to his bed, turning in the air as she jumped to plop on the bed with a giggle. Baze chuckled softly, watching her as he slowly made his way over to her. She kept her gaze locked with his as she slowly lifted the hem of her sweater, lifting it up and not caring if her crop top rode up as she tugged it over her head and off. Licking his lips slowly, Baze smirked and let his eyes roam once contact was broken, peeking for a glimpse of, what he hoped was, a braless breast. However, her crop top didn’t ride up enough and he was left wanting as he came to stand in front of her, catching the material in his hand as she made to throw it. Tugging it from her hand, he tossed it over his shoulder before scooping her up and moving her over in one quick motion. 

Netta squealed out a laugh and wrapped her arms around his neck as he placed her in his lap once he was seated. Crossing her legs, she shifted in his lap and felt around for the joint as he kissed her again, but briefly. His lips curved into a smirk as he watched her, keeping her face close to his as a hand lifted to pick at his beard lightly, then gave it a soft tug. When her fingers found the joint, she lifted it to her lips as she sat back, waiting. With a chuckle, Baze never broke eye contact with her as he reached over to his nightstand, grabbing a lighter from a ceramic dish. Lifting it to her, he sparked it up, lighting the tip. Once it burned to a nice, cherry red, Netta leaned back, sliding her palm over his shoulder, then his back to keep herself steady, and held the smoke in as she smirked at him. She then closed her eyes and tilted her head back to let it out in a slow, smooth line.

With a soft groan, Baze’s gaze raked down her throat then her body as his hand slid over her hip. Placing soft kisses along her neck, he smirked against her skin as she said, “Ooh, am I so good you couldn’t wait for a hit first? Damn…Good to know.”

Looking down at him as she felt his lips pull away from her skin, she giggled and bit her lip briefly before taking another hit and offering him the joint. He took it with a smirk, then said, “Don’t let that ego get too inflated, now…” 

Netta wrinkled her nose at him and giggled, letting her fingers trail down his throat, lightly, as he took a large toke and turned to her. As her eyes lifted to meet his, she smirked, as did he, then he leaned closer to her, kissing her deep and slow while he blew the smoke into her mouth. She let out a soft moan into the kiss, her fingers threading through his beard briefly, before sliding her hand across his cheek and into his hair. She shifted in his lap quickly, straddling him, before he pulled away, breaking the kiss and turning his head slightly to blow out the remainder.

“Mmm…Well. We didn’t do that last time.” Netta said with a chuckle. Baze held her hip as he took another hit and mused at her lightly as she wrinkled her nose at him again. Chewing her lip, slightly, Netta pulled her hands from his hair and let them drift back under her shirt, fingering her bra clasp. Slipping the straps out from her sleeves and her arms through, she tugged the thin material out from under her shirt and tossed it away. Baze slid his hand from her hip, up her side and under her top, cupping her breast gently. Tousling her curls lightly first, she let her hand drop and slowly cover his hand beneath the material, watching him as he set the joint in an ashtray on the nightstand, then pull her closer to passionately slide his lips over hers, his tongue slipping through, demanding entrance into her mouth. With a light moan, she obeyed, her lips parting for him, and her hands sinking into his hair and tugging gently. Netta tilted her head back with a sigh as Baze’s lips traveled down her neck and his hands both pushing up her top, guiding her arms up so he could pull it over her head and off.

“Mm-God, I forgot how good you smell…” Baze murmured against her skin as he buried his face into her neck, then travelling down to her chest. Netta chuckled softly as she held his head while he laid soft, sweet kisses over the tops of her breasts. With a soft moan, she slid a hand into his hair and said, sweetly but teasingly, “Yeah? You missed me? Got addicted, huh?”

Baze chuckled softly, then gently bit at her breast before flipping her onto her back. Netta let out a soft squeak as she felt his teeth sink into her skin, then raised it to a light yelp as he flipped her. She giggled and clung to him, gazing up at him once she was beneath him. Her fingers found the collar of his shirt and gave it a tug, Baze quickly obliging and tearing it off before descending on her, smashing his lips against hers. Netta moaned into the kiss and hooked a leg around his hip as she kissed him back, sliding her hands over his back and shoulders, slowly drifting to his waistband. Breaking the kiss, Baze nipped at and sucked little marks into her neck, making Netta whimper and make other soft noises as he went. 

Panting softly, Netta’s lips found his ear and whispered softly, “Touch me, Baze. Now.”

He groaned into her neck as his hand quickly flew to her waistband and slipped beneath it, then stopped. Netta’s lips curved into a smile along the shell of his ear before he pulled away from her, looking down at her with darkened eyes as his voice became rougher when he said, “You naughty girl…No panties?”

“This is a fuck and duck, right? Why not make the process a little quicker?” Netta mused with a soft shoulder shrug. She smirked up at him, wrapping her fingers around the XX diamond necklace that hung around his neck, tugging him closer until his ear was at her lips again. Whispering with a little more coyness to her tone, she said, “So, you can either finger me or fuck me. You can do both. Pick one and do it. Now.”

As a wicked smirk crossed his face, Baze pushed his hand further, sliding over her mound and swirling his finger around her clit. Netta’s eyes fluttered closed and her fingers gripped at his arms, letting him push her legs open more to gain better access, as his hand shifted. His thumb now swiped up and down slowly over her clit while he sank his middle finger inside her, slowly pumping.

“Oh? Nothing smart to say now?” Baze purred in her ear. Netta pressed her temple against his as he continued to whisper in her ear. Casting a look down, seeing his hand shoved into her sweats and working between his thighs, she whimpered softly and turned to face him as she felt her orgasm building. Baze smirked before sliding his lips over hers, kissing her deep and slow as he worked his fingers inside her, pumping and rubbing until she broke the kiss with a soft cry, then melted into a mound of moans as he rode her through her climax, writhing in pleasure beneath him. As she came down, panting hard, she tugged his hand from her sweats and pushed him onto his back. Baze chuckled and watched her, putting a hand behind his head as her fingers slid along his waistband. 

“Let me hear you say something smart, now.” She teased as she slid his sweats and boxers down, wrapping her hand around his cock, pumping slowly. Baze hissed through his teeth, then moaned softly. Netta giggled lightly. “That’s what I thought.”

Before he could say anything back, he was rendered speechless as her lips descended over his tip as she took him into her mouth. Pulling his hand from behind his head, his fingers quickly wrapped around her curled and soft strands, tugging lightly as her head bobbed over his cock, her tongue licking and swirling around his head and then down his shaft. His hand sunk deeper into her hair, until he had her by the roots, his fingers curled right as she brought him to the edge of his climax. She pulled her mouth from his cock with a soft moan, swallowing hard before licking her lips as she gazed up at him with a coy smirk.

Looking down at her with a half dazed, half upset look, he said, “He-Hey. At least I let you come.”

Netta giggled and crawled up to him, pressing her bare breasts against his chest. She mused at him lightly and said, “Oh-mmm…I just figured you’d want to come in me…”

He laughed softly and said, “In your mouth or your pussy, baby, it’s in you.” Netta let out a loud laugh, Baze chuckling along with her, then she took his hands, guiding them to her waist.

As she got in his face, her lips sliding along his lightly, she said, “Will you shut the fuck up and take my pants off so you can fuck me?” She pressed her lips to his, kissing him deeply with a soft moan as he obeyed, quickly lifting her to tug her sweats off and toss them off the bed. As he gripped her waist to flip her on her back, Netta pushed him back down and smirked, shifting to sit on his hips, then sliding a hand down her body to reach between them, guiding his now hard cock to her entrance. 

“So demanding and controlling tonight, aren’t we?” Baze chuckled, sliding his hands over her thighs, then to her waist. Netta smirked and said, “I let you have control last time. Don’t get me wrong-It was beyond hot. But in the spirit of our compromising relationship…I figured you wouldn’t mind relinquishing to me for a minute.”

“Oh, honey. I do not mind. At all.” He half growled out, his eyes drifting down to where she held his cock, her fingers lightly stroking him. She giggled and shifted her hips, slowly siding down on his shaft, tilting her head back with a moan. Baze closed his eyes and pushed back into his pillow, his own moan slipping out. He looked up at her, his hands sliding up from her waist to cup both her breasts, rolling her nipples between his fingers, lightly. Netta moaned and covered his hands. Reaching out with her other hand, she pointed a lazy finger at the joint that still clung to life with a sad, little smoke trail. Baze chuckled and handed it to her, his hand trailing down her arm as she lifted it to her lips, taking a long drag. Handing it back to him, she waited until he had set it down to lean closer to him, sealing her lips to his and blowing the smoke into his mouth as she kissed him deep and slow.

As she began to move her hips, she leaned back with a moan and Baze groaned as he watched her face. Her mouth was slightly dropped open in pleasure, with her brows drawn together in a similar fashion. Her eyes were closed and her curls were tossed across her face, haphazardly. He smirked and sat up, wrapping an arm around her as his lips enclosed over a pretty, pink and perky nipple, his tongue playing with it, lightly, before he dragged it through his teeth. Netta gasped then moaned, her hand flying to the back of his head, cradling him as he suckled, then sucked a mark into the side of her breast. She slid her hands down his arms then to his chest, pushing him back onto the bed. She giggled as his eyes grew dark while he watched her, sliding her hands over her breasts before shoving one into her curls, planting the other on his chest as she shifted again, leaning forward to give her a better angle to bounce in his lap.

“Ohh-Ho..Ly fuck, Luna. Ohh, God.” Baze moaned, holding her waist as he shifted as well, moving with her hips to thrust in and out of her. Netta paused for a half second, caught off guard by the name he used, but let it pass as his hands slid up her sides. Netta tilted her head back with a moan, dragging her nails along his chest, lightly, before finding his hands in the air and catching them, lacing their fingers together. As Netta desperately tried to move her hips faster, Baze caught on as she began to squeeze his hands a little harder. Pulling his hands from hers, he took her waist and rolled her onto her back, pinning her to his mattress as he readjusted himself then began to thrust in and out of her faster.

“Oh-B-Baze. Fuck, fuck, yes-Oh!-Yes, p-please-” Netta squeaked out as she rolled her head from side to side, her hands clawing at his arms as he kept her waist pinned down and a leg, bent and tucked under his arm. Baze released her leg, sliding his hand to her jaw and turning her face to him. Netta’s eyes snapped open in time to see him toss his hair back with a groan, then look back down at her with a lustful look. He saw her own eyes grow dark after seeing him towering over her as he tunneled his cock inside her.

“Yes? Please? Please, what, Luna? Use your words, dove.” Baze growled out softly at her, his hand lightly gripping her jaw as he slowed his pace, making her hips squirm and roll faster as she tried to build her orgasm back up again.

“Plea-Please, please, Daddy, let me come.” Netta purred at him, her breath hitching as she felt him slip a little deeper inside her for a brief moment. Baze raised an eyebrow and smirked at her, giving her a small nod to continue as his thumb slid over her lower lip, gently forcing her mouth open for him. She let her mouth drop open, letting her lips part slowly before allowing Baze to guide her chin lower. She gave him a sweet moan, his name tumbling from her lips softly as he sped up his thrusts again. “Oh!-Wait, please-” She tugged at his arm until he bent closer to her and she could whisper in his ear, “Baze, whatever the fuck you did before-Do it again. I want to come with your cock deep inside me. Please, Baze.”

Baze groaned and slid his hand from her jaw, closing it around her neck for a moment before bracing it beside her head. She felt his hand squeeze tighter on her hip as he began to grunt softly, trying to shift his cock deeper inside her. With each thrust, Netta let out a gasp or moan or some other sweet noise that she made in his ear, spurring him on until he finally sunk his teeth into her shoulder and thrust harder and faster until the pleasure that tingled so sweetly in his balls finally spilled out. Netta cried out his name softly as her own climax hit her. She clung to him, fingers buried deep in his hair, the other hand digging her nails into his shoulder. Her nails were sharper, so when she dug too far, he released her shoulder and turned to tug her hand away, pinning it above her as his thrusts slowed to a stop while he rode them both through their orgasms. Netta arched against him with a series of soft moans, whimpering as her waves of pleasure ebbed away. Finally she let out a soft gasp and went limp beneath him.

With a soft, breathy chuckle, Baze kissed along her neck before collapsing on the bed behind her, snaking an arm under her neck, leaving one draped across her waist. Netta giggled and sighed, biting her lip as she felt her clit still pulsing with lingering pleasure. As her hands slid over her body slowly, gathering her senses still, Baze slid his hands over her arms, catching her hands as he nuzzled her hair, lightly, with a small smirk. Netta sighed, contently, as she slowly opened her eyes and watched his fingers dance and play with hers before he curled both their arms around her, pulling her back against him. Netta giggled and turned her head toward Baze, meeting his lips with a slow kiss.

“We still have another 55 minutes…” Baze teased. They both broke into laughter and she rolled away from him, still laughing.

~

Taddie leaned her chin in her hand and had a content smile on her face as her eyes bounced around, taking in the scenery. She slid her fingers through her hair and her curls resettled. In doing so, she tucked more of her hair behind her ear and Baze caught a glimpse of silver at the tip of her ear. As his smirk grew a little more, he lowered the menu and said, “Is that a cartilage piercing?”

Taddie turned to him and her hand shot up to her ear. With a soft laugh, she nodded, twisting the jewelry around for a moment, and said, “Yeah. I’ve had it for a long time. Christmas 2011, I think?”

Baze let out a brief, low whistle, then chuckled. “Nothing else pierced?” He asked, letting his eyes casually roam her face. Taddie shook her head and said, with a shrug, “Nope. Just the cartilage and two on each lobe. I kind of want my nose pierced though? But I’m terrified that I’ll accidentally rip it out and just the thought of that hurts.”

Taddie smirked as Baze let out a short laugh. “Yeah, I’ve ripped out a few earrings. I can’t imagine ripping it out of my nose.” He chuckled. Taddie nodded and wrinkled her nose slightly, then smiled. Their waiter soon returned with the answers to one of Baze’s questions and took their drink and appetizer orders.

“Double whiskey on the rocks and...Just the garlic bread to start with.” Baze said, giving the waiter a polite smile before looking at Taddie. At the mention of garlic bread, Taddie couldn’t help it as her eyes shot up to him and she tried not to smirk too hard.

“And for you, miss?” The waiter asked, turning to Taddie. With a brief lick of her lips, she looked away from Baze, up to the waiter and smiled, sweetly.

“Um...A glass of Moscato, please? And a water. Thank you.” She said. The waiter jotted it down and smiled at them both.

“Perfect. I’ll be right back with your drinks and your bread. And if you need anything, be sure to use the sign!” He said, giving a little hop and pointing two finger guns at the ‘Run, Forest, Run’ license plate sign at the end of the table. Taddie chuckled as he walked away then closed her menu and sat back, looking over at Baze.

“So, did Thea tell you I am a low key bread whore or am I just that obvious?” Taddie asked with a giggle. Baze smirked, letting out a soft snicker and shook his head, saying, “Nah, actually I was ordering for me. Did you want some?”

His smirk grew as Taddie laughed and kicked out her foot at him, gently. “Rude. Just because I’m a girl doesn’t mean I don’t eat. I have the munchies just like any other stoner.” She shot back. Now Baze laughed, sitting back and shaking his head, lightly. Taddie smirked and nudged his foot before pulling her legs back and crossing them at the ankle. Baze watched her, cocking his head to the side, slightly, then said, “How long have you known Thea?”

Taddie puckered her lips then exhale through them as she sat back. “God...All our lives? She’s actually my cousin and we’re as close as sisters.” She said with a soft chuckle. Baze raised an eyebrow and leaned forward, resting his forearms on the edge of the table.

“Really? How did I never hear about you before tonight then?” He asked with a soft chuckle. Taddie shrugged and chuckled, softly.

“I mean, she doesn’t go blasting my shit around, but I’m sure she has mentioned me in a few stories about when she was younger. We were really wild back in the day.” Taddie said with a giggle. “But she might have called me Theo. My full name is Theodora.”

“Theodora? Really?” Baze asked with a chuckle. Taddie tilted her head and gave him a look with a tight smile on her face. She couldn’t help her giggle as she said, “Are you making fun of me? Theodora is a badass name.”

“No! No, it is. It is. I just wasn’t expecting that.” Baze said. Taddie narrowed her eyes at him briefly before the look faded away and she chuckled. 

“What did you think Taddie was short for?” She asked, shifting in her seat to sit forward. Baze shrugged and said, “Dunno. Only thing I could think of is some little kid called you ‘Taddie’ instead of ‘Addie’?” When Taddie shook her head, Baze added, “So what made the change from Theo to Taddie?”

“Well, everyone mixed us up all the time; Me and Thea. I wanted to start going by Thea, but I started living with her when we were 16, so that pretty much flew out the window.” Taddie said with a laugh. She gave a shrug and said, “I dunno, I was at school one day and some kid was tossing out nicknames and he came up with Thaddie, it stuck but people dropped the ‘H’ and started calling me Taddie.”

“I like Taddie. It’s different. It’s cool.” Baze said, his voice a little lower and softer. A soft blush formed on Taddie’s cheeks as she fought her smile from growing. Thankfully, the waiter returned with their drinks and set the basket of bread on the table. After giving their order, the waiter left and Baze grabbed his glass, lifting it for a toast. Taddie chuckled and picked up her glass, touching it to his.

“What are we toasting to?” She asked, leaving her hand there, waiting. Baze chuckled and gave a small shrug, saying, “Blind dates? Sneaky friends who may actually know what they’re doing?”

“Oh? So tonight is going well?” Taddie teased, pulling her glass from his and to her lips to take a sip. Baze nodded as he took a drink and set the glass down.

“I think so...What about you?” He asked, watching her. Taddie nodded and smiled as she set her glass down. “I think so too.”

She crossed her arms on the table and leaned closer. Baze smirked and met her halfway, gently planting a kiss on her lips. Taddie giggled and slid her tongue over her lower lip then sucking it between her teeth, slightly, as he leaned away a little from her. Baze chuckled and picked up his glass for another drink before grabbing a piece of bread and ripping off a bite and chewing for a moment. Taddie shifted and placed one on her plate as well, then said, “Okay, I want to hear one of your stories now. I mean, while I’m a fan of Colson’s, I’ve seen some of the KellyVisions...Through no will of my own…So, I haven’t really seen them.”

Baze snickered softly and looked up at her. “Thea make you watch them?” He asked. Taddie nodded as she took a bite of her bread, quickly chewing and swallowing before she answered, “She’s been in love with Rook since she first found you guys. It took me a while for me to come around on you guys because she wouldn’t shut the fuck up about y’all.” She gave a giggle before adding, “But I came around. Anything she found funny or if we were bored in our apartment one night; it didn’t matter. I would spend like 2-3 hours watching videos with her and smoking. It was just...A thing we did.”

Baze laughed almost choking as he took another drink. Taddie took a sip of her wine and smirked. “I’m serious,” She said, taking another before setting the glass down. “It was quite ridiculous, I’m actually relieved she’s dating him.”

“Honestly, so are we. I don’t know what kind of hold Thea has on him, but, my boy has calmed down a lot in the last several months.” Baze chuckled, finishing the last bite of his garlic bread. “Well, there’s a lot of shit that happens on tour. We’d be here for several days.”

“She showed me a few spots of a video when you guys got caught in a hurricane in Mexico?” Taddie posited, picking up a second slice of bread and eating it. Baze snickered and shook his head, scratching at his beard before stroking it gently.

“Ah, shit. That was a long time ago. Shit was wild. Thought about eating Rook at one point.” He snickered. Taddie rolled her eyes and said, with a chuckle, “That was one of the parts Thea showed me.”

With a smirk, Baze nodded and said, “We were on the beach when we got the notice there was a hurricane. We were dumb and didn’t leave so we got caught in it kinda.” Baze chuckled to himself, remembering, as he said, “Kells and Rook got way too heated about a game of pool.”

Taddie gave a shrug and said, “It didn’t surprise me honestly.” She laughed, softly, and added, “I mean from what I know and what Thea showed me, y’all are wild.”

“Oh, yeah. Anything goes, honestly. That’s why it was brought up to eat Rook.” Baze said, picking up his glass as he gave her a wide toothy grin that made her chuckle. After taking a sip, he smacked his lips lightly and said, “Nah, we lost power that morning though. Almost the entire night too. Came back on late.”

“And you conveniently left out the newscast?” Taddie asked, trying to hide her smirk in her glass as she took another sip. Baze smirked and said, “She showed you that?”

“Um, it was almost immediately after the ‘eating Rook’ bit.” Taddie said, in a mock defensive tone, then giggled. Baze shook his head.

“Some wild shit happens with us, honey. At least Thea knew what she was in for.” Baze said, sitting back. Taddie shrugged and said, “I’ve heard some stories, so I wouldn’t be surprised at the shit y’all get into.”

Baze chuckled and said, “What about you, then? What do you do for work?” His eyes were fixed on her. Watching her as she smiled and looked away, a soft pink tinting her cheeks. With his eyes on her, he reached for a piece of bread the same time she had looked away to reach for one. When their hands collided gently in the basket, their eyes shot over at their hands, then back to each other with a twin chuckle. 

“Well, I’m a photographer.” Taddie started, her fingers finding the edge of the bread and grabbing it. Baze’s hand slid over hers slowly before grabbing a piece and moving it to his plate quickly. Taddie blinked once, quickly glancing down at her plate as she set the bread down, then looked back up at him and said, “I actually work with Thea. Sometimes she has make-up gigs and her clients are okay with a quick photoshoot, both for them and for us. Or I’ll have a photoshoot and they request make-up and Thea tags along, I charge for Thea and we split what we get.”

“Effective.” Baze said with a chuckle. “You guys have your own business or just freelance?”

“Mainly freelance. But a few times a year one of us will be contracted for an event or a wedding or a shower or something. Just depending on the job, we’ll work it together.” She said with a smile. “It’s actually quite a relief I get to work with her. She knows me so well, it’s just easy for the most part. And that’s when we give our quality work.”

With an understanding nod as he set down his glass, Baze said, “It’s a hell of a lot easier working with someone who knows how you work. Takes the stress away.” Taddie let her head hang back as she let out a soft groan and said, “It’s the worst when you’re alone on a project and there’s some bitch who thinks she knows better because she has model experience.”

Baze laughed as she adopted an affected accent at the end. “That’s the worst, honestly. Like, bro, do you want to do my job or me? What are you paying me for? What are we doing here, my guy?” Baze said, acting out with his hands. A giggle fit descended over Taddie as she finished off the rest of her wine.

“It’s one of the reasons I refuse to go back to portrait studio work.” Taddie said, scrunching up her face at the thought. She shook her head and with a sigh, she said, “It’s basically retail and customer service. I broke down twice during my first Christmas season…Stressful as fuck. Especially when we were left there alone most of the time? I made sure I was out before the second. I was not going to endure that again, no Ma’am!”

Baze chuckled and shook his head, popping the last bite into his mouth and wiping off his hands. Before he could ask anymore questions, their waiter came back with their meals, placing the plates down and clearing the bread and small plates.

“Was there anything else I can get you? A refill on the wine, Miss?” He asked, gesturing to Taddie’s empty glass. Taddie shook her head and handed it to him.

“Oh. No, thank you. I think just the one glass is fine.” Taddie said with a polite smile. The waiter smiled and took the glass, also with a smile.

“Well, if there’s anything else, don’t forget the sign.” He said, gesturing to the sign again. With a chuckle, before he walked away, the waiter added, “Enjoy your meals.”

~

Hope you guys like it! Let me know if you would like to be added to the taglist!

“HA! I told you it would work. They’re going to go to dinner, I made sure the place had her favorite moscato. Plus she already likes Baze, so, she’s gonna be just fine.” She said, turning to Rook and planting her hands on her hips with a smirk. Rook closed the curtain and turned to her, smirking, slipping down to sit on the couch.

“I never doubted you, baby. It was Baze I wondered about.” He said. Thea stuck her tongue out at him and skipped over, sitting next to him on the couch. “So, she knows who Baze is and you’ve told her about him? Why didn’t you just tell her it was Baze?”

“Are you kidding? Then she definitely wouldn’t have come.” Thea scoffed. She smirked and shook her head, slightly. “Taddie is my sister, I love her. But she can be a bit fragile and sensitive sometimes. I wasn’t sure how she would go into it, if she would freak out or not.”

“And how are you sure she won’t freak out now? She’s alone with the kid.” Rook said with a chuckle, reaching a hand up to give one of her curls a soft tug. Thea chuckled and said, “Because she’s gonna be pissed with me and speed right past the freak out. I’ve seen it happen before.”

Rook shook his head and tugged Thea into his lap. As they giggled and whispered between themselves, Colson walked through, Megan not too far behind. He saw the pair and raised an eyebrow with a chuckle.

“I thought you and Baze had a double date tonight? Hey, Thea.” He said, tossing Thea a quick smile. Thea waved as Rook chuckled and said, “Uh, well, he had a blind date. That he is currently on right now with Thea’s friend.”

“You guys ditched them? On a blind date?!” Megan asked, unable to keep herself from chuckling. “Oh, my God. Thea, what is your friend gonna say?”

Thea shrugged and said, “ ‘Thank you’, cause I know she’s gonna have a good time…” Megan and Colson shook their heads and chuckled, exchanging glances. A wicked smirk crossed Thea’s face as she added, “Of course, if I end up seeing her tomorrow morning when we leave here, she probably won’t say a damn thing.”

Megan’s gasp was hardly audible over Rook’s loud laughter, but the shock and amusement on both Colson and Megan’s face said everything. Thea sat there wearing a shit-eating grin on her face as she chuckled.

~

Baze started the car and made the engine rumble. Taddie quickly crossed her legs and bit her lip as she felt the vibrations rumble through her as well. She glanced over at Baze and smiled as he looked back at her, phone in hand, with a smile.

“Do you have a place in mind on the pier?” Baze asked as he quickly scrolled through his music and set a playlist. Taddie shook her head, with a smile and said, “No. I’ve just never been. I wanna walk it.”

Baze chuckled and nodded, setting his phone down and putting the car in gear. “They’ve got a few good restaurants. Are you hungry yet?” He asked, turning to watch the street as he pulled out. Taddie tilted her head back to lean against the headrest as she chuckled.

“Hungry? With the amount of anxiety I have right now?” She giggled. Baze glanced at her and smirked as he turned forward to drive off. “Nah, not yet. I need to smoke first.”

Baze blinked and chuckled, taking another glance at her. “You smoke? I can roll a quick blunt if you want?” He offered. Taddie smirked and shook her head.

“No. I’d really like to not start off a blind date by throwing up. I dunno, something about the wraps. Doesn’t sit well with me.” Taddie laughed. Baze smirked and shrugged, resting his hand on the gear shift.

“All good. I know a few dispensaries if you want to get some joints?” Baze said. Taddie looked over at him and Baze did the same as they came to a red light. A small smile passed over Taddie’s face and she patted her purse and said, “I actually brought some with me...But I do need to restock.”

She giggled and Baze smirked, with a laugh as he turned and continued to drive. With a brief nod, he veered onto the highway and sped off, saying, “Done.”

Taddie giggled again as he turned up the volume and put the top down. Taddie quickly dug out a hair tie from her purse and shoved her hair back into a loose bun at the base of her neck. “You can warn a bitch next time!” She called over the winds. Baze smirked and Taddie sat back, listening to the music and starting to sing along.

As they drove, Baze started tapping along to the songs and humming every now and then while Taddie’s singing got louder. They rode down the highway for a few miles before Baze finally turned off and pulled up to the dispensary. It was one Taddie had been to before so their trip was quick then they were back on the road. Taddie was quick to light a fresh joint and sat back with a sigh as the smoke escaped her lips. She took a few more hits before she offered it to Baze, who took it and puffed on it for a while.

“So...You sing?” He asked, passing it back. Taddie’s hand froze over his when she reached to take the joint back. Her eyes shot up to him and Baze chuckled, pulling his hand back. “I heard you before. It’s okay, babe.”

Taddie let out a soft sigh and a light smile pass over her lips as she stuck the joint between them. “I like to sing, yes. Am I any good? Hardly.” She said after a quick hit. She added a light scoff and took another hit, watching Baze’s hand as he reached for his phone. “I’m not singing on request.”

Taddie laughed, softly, seeing Baze’s hand freeze. She looked at him and he laughed, pulling his hand away and letting it sit on the shift again. “Alright. Alright. Fair enough.” Baze said, stealing a glance at her as Taddie tilted her head back again and took a few more hits. Resting a casual hand on the wheel, Baze shifted and placed his other hand on hers, that rested on the center console. Taddie’s head lolled over to him and she smiled, lightly. As she took another hit, she laced their fingers together lightly and began to bob along to the music for the rest of the trip.

When Baze pulled off on the last exit and stopped at the light, he turned to Taddie as she took the last hit of her joint. Baze was quick, reaching his hand up to cup her chin lightly and turn her to face him. Taddie didn’t have long to react as he slid his lips over hers and she blew the smoke into his mouth, kissing him back. He pulled away as the light turned green and drove off, blowing the remaining smoke out slowly. Taddie let out a soft giggle and stamped out the butt in the ashtray.

“What was that for?” She asked, a light dusting of pink blooming on her cheeks. Baze shrugged as he linked their fingers together.

“Felt right.” He said, glancing at her as he drove through the streets. Taddie bit her lip and chuckled nodding, lightly, then looking out the window, watching the coast pass as they got closer and closer to the pier. Baze paid for parking and they quickly found a spot close to the entrance. When Taddie got out, Baze shuffled quickly around the car and to her, smiling at her as she giggled and slid her arm around his. When they reached the entrance, Taddie pulled her hand from his and tugged the hair tie out of her hair, letting her curls fall down again. She shifted her fingers through her hair before reaching for Baze’s hand again, turning to him with a sweet smile. Baze chuckled and tugged her a little closer.

As they walked down the pier, Taddie was quickly able to decide on what she was hungry for after seeing the Bubba Gump’s, but still wanted to walk the pier first. They weaved in and out of shops, hand in hand with Taddie sticking close to him. They talked about any random thing they could think of but, surprisingly, they both kept family and personal talk for later. When they walked past the arcade, Baze took a sharp right turn and led her inside. Taddie giggled softly as she followed him.

“What’s special about the arcade?” She asked, glancing around as they walked through. Baze chuckled softly and said, “You can’t come to the pier and leave without a prize.”

He looked down at her as he dug for his wallet and winked at her. Taddie bit her lip and smiled, watching him as he put a few dollars in the machine for tokens. Once he had a good handful, he turned to her and tossed them in his hand lightly. “What do you want to play first?” He asked. Taddie giggled and took his hand, opening it and taking a few tokens out before skipping off to find a game. Baze followed with a chuckle and watched her do a few rounds of Skee-Ball before he joined in as well. 

“Ooh. Who’s a show off?” Taddie said, folding up her meager winnings and stuffing them in her jacket pocket. Baze glanced at her and chuckled as he rolled another ball.

“I forgot how fun Skee-Ball is. We usually do air hockey or the hoops.” He said throwing his last two balls.  He looked at her and smirked before bending down to scoop up the abundance of tickets he’d won. Taddie chuckled and watched him, shaking her head slightly. He looped them around and held onto them then looked at her. “Ready to pick a prize?”

Taddie gave a soft shrug and nodded, her smile growing into a laugh as Baze smirked and slid his arm around her neck, leading her to the prize stand. Taddie chuckled and lifted a hand and gently curled her fingers around his from the hand that hung off her shoulder.

“Mmm...so many to choose from…” Taddie mused, glancing around at the prizes and what they were worth. She handed Baze her tickets which he then handed to the attendant behind the counter. Taddie felt Baze’s arm move from around her neck and felt his hand close over her hip as she peered into the glass case below them.

“Okay, you guys have...100 tickets. What would you like?” The attendant said, punching in a number on the calculator and looking up at the pair. Giving her hip a soft squeeze, Baze said, “What are you gonna get?”

“Well, I only had like 25 tickets…So I’m thinking candy.” Taddie said with a smirk, still looking through the prizes. Baze chuckled and said, “Nah, use em all. You can get the little stuffed keychain?”

Taddie’s focus turned to the row of chubby looking, stuffed, colorful characters. She smiled and pointed to an otter looking one, saying, “That one is super cute. I’ll take that one, please.” Taddie looked at the attendant and smiled as he pulled out a drawer and rooted around for one.

“And it’s only 80 tickets.” Baze teased in her ear. Taddie smirked and glanced at him.

“I know. They have they special Tootsie Roll Pop flavors for five each. I’m getting some.” She giggled. Baze laughed as Taddie asked for her suckers, then they left, making their way back up to the rides and the restaurant.

“We don’t have to do rides, you know?” Baze said, looking down at her, watching her for a moment. Once they left the arcade, Baze caught Taddie’s hand and laced their fingers. As they walked, they drifted away and came back again, all the while never letting go. Once or twice, Baze smirked and spun her around, making Taddie giggle each time.

Taddie tilted her head back and slightly to the side, pretending to think as a small smirk spread across her face. Looking up at Baze, she chuckled and nodded, saying, “Well, it’s better to do it on a slightly empty stomach than after dinner, right?”

With a soft laugh, he nodded and said, “True. True. So...What should we start with?” He couldn’t hide his smirk as he eyed the Sea Dragon ride in the distance. Taddie let out a soft whimper and said, “Is that like the Pirate Ship ride? It goes upside down?”

Baze chuckled and said, “Nah, but I sit at the end, so it goes up pretty high.”

She let out a sigh of relief and said, “Okay, we can do that one first. Some rides like that give me anxiety.” Adding a soft giggle, she pulled him along to the ticket booth and dug through her purse as she said, “Can I get 25 tickets please?”

“Of course. Would you like to add 10 more for 5 dollars?” The woman asked. Taddie shook her head and said, “No, thanks. Just the 25 this time.”

“Okay, that’s $20.” Before Taddie could dig her card from her wallet, Baze slid a 20 and a 5 under the window, saying, “Actually, we’ll take the extra 10. Thank you.”

Taddie gave him a look, half a smile still on her face, and said, “I could have got the tickets. I’ve spent more than that before.” She giggled and shoved her wallet back into her purse, zipping it up as the woman slid a receipt and the tickets back to him. Baze took the tickets and led her to the side as he folded the receipt in half and slid it in his pocket. Taddie laid a hand on his arm and lifted on her toes to kiss his cheek, then said, “Thank you.”

Baze smiled down at her. “No problem.” He said, taking her hand again. His smile slid into a smirk as he gave her hand a squeeze and said, “Come on, let’s go.”

Taddie giggled and kept up with his shuffled pace as they hurried through the crowd and to the rides.

~

“So invite them over to the house and we can hang? She sounds like just a friend, not a date.” Baze said with a smirk, shifting on his back to find the most comfortable spot.

“Can you just give it a shot? The’s been bugging to set her friend up. Look, me and Thea will double date with you. Is that better? You know Thea.” Rook said, trying to reason with the big oaf. After a number of other tactics trying to entice Baze, he finally gave in.

“Alright! Alright! Damn...I’ll go on the blind date. Don’t break your drumsticks.” Baze said with a small smirk at his own comment. “When is this blind date? It’s not tonight, is it?”

“Nah, man. Nah. We scheduled it for this Friday. You’ve got two days to prepare, my guy!” Rook snickered with a smirk. Baze rolled his eyes and chuckled. Waving a hand at the short stack, Baze said, “Alright. Now, will you go away so I can sleep?”

Rook pointed at him and smirked. “Get your beauty sleep, Beast. Your girl is waiting for you on Friday!” Rook laughed and closed the door on his way out, leaving Baze to settle himself and drift off to sleep.

~

“A blind date?! Do you remember what happened on my last blind date you set up, Thea?!” Thea followed her friend around the house as she tried to convince her of the same.

“Tads, come on. It’s a friend of Rook’s! I think you’ll really hit it off with him.” Thea said, rather excited, but whether it was for her or Taddie, Taddie wasn’t sure.

“And the last blind date was a friend of the guy you were dating then,” Taddie said, tossing a look over her shoulder at Thea. Thea rolled her eyes and made a face, not fond of the memory.

“Okay, that one was on me. That’s my bad. But this time, I promise you, Taddie! What if me and Rook double date with you? Will that make you more comfortable?” Thea asked, perching herself on the counter beside her as Taddie did laundry. Taddie switched the loads in the machines but when Thea brought up the idea of a double date, her actions slowed as Taddie considered it. Thea’s lips curved up, slightly, in a smirk, knowing what was going through her friend’s head.

Finally, Taddie acknowledged her, turning to glance at her. Thea was practically hanging off the counter in anticipation. “If you and Rook will make it a double date...I suppose I’ll give it a shot.” Taddie said. With a great squeal, Thea threw her hands up in the air then rounded the counter to give Taddie a squeeze and another squeal. “Okay, okay! Jesus, Thea.” Taddie said as she pushed her friend off her and chuckled, amused at her.

“Tads, it’s going to be great. I promise you. You don’t even have to pick anything out! I’ll dress you up and make you look amazing!” Thea said, gripping Taddie’s shoulders with an excited giggle.

“Okay, easy. It’s a blind date and a first date at that. I don’t need to go all out for this, Thea.” Taddie said, stepping out of her grasp and going back to her task. Shooting her a final look, Taddie added, “And by ‘I’, I mean you-You don’t need to go all out for this.”

“I make no promises,” Thea said, moving past her and making her way to the kitchen. “But I do promise you’ll look amazing!”

Taddie shook her head and chuckled as she closed the machine doors and started both machines before walking away, wandering to her room then out to the patio to light up.

~

“Baze! Get your big ass down here! The girls are almost here!” Rook called from the stairs. Baze shook his head and sighed, finally deciding to abandon the hat idea and took a step back from his mirror. He was nervous and he wasn’t sure why. It could have been the blind date? It could have just been going on the date in general. He wasn’t quite sure, but he knew he was a little nervous. “BAZE!”

“I’m coming! Goddamn!” Baze said, swiping his keys and wallet off the dresser. Shoving his phone in his back pocket, Baze shuffled out of his room and down the stairs as Rook smiled at his phone, then locked it and put it away, looking up.

“Took you long enough,” Rook said with a smirk. “They’re here.”

Baze let out a soft sigh and rubbed his hands together for a moment, then rubbed them on his jeans as well, as Rook went to the door and opened it. His smile widened as Thea rushed at him and threw her arms around his neck, kissing him softly.

“Hey, baby. Took you girls enough time to get here.” He teased, touching his nose to Thea’s. Thea giggled and tugged, gently, one of the braids that hung in his face.

“We had to get all pampered and pretty for you, Rookie.” Thea giggled. Behind her, Taddie watched the lovesick pair and rolled her eyes, resisting the urge to gag at the over-saturation of sweetness that was surely giving her a cavity at that exact moment. But she ignored them and looked past them, into the house. She blinked and her smile lifted a little when she caught sight of Baze; 6 foot whatever, hands shoved in his pockets and hunched over slightly as he also watched the couple. He wore a pair of black jeans with a white shirt under his open white button-up and Taddie drank in the sight.

Finally, Baze’s gaze drifted from the pair and he looked over Taddie with a small smile. Thea listened to Taddie’s plea and didn’t go too all out with her outfit. A simple black, mid-thigh dress with a jean jacket over her. Taddie managed to talk Thea out of the black boots she wanted her to wear, instead, Taddie wore her favorite pair of black strappy heels. As his eyes traveled up, Taddie watched him and her cheeks heated. As he traveled higher, Taddie pushed a hand through her hair as she looked at the ground for a moment, before raising her eyes and meeting his. They both smiled as Rook and Thea finally pulled away from each other long enough to introduce their friends.

“Oh. Rook, you remember Taddie.” Thea said, keeping her arm around Rook, but turning toward her. “Taddie, this is Rook. Rook, Taddie.”

Rook smiled and gave her a small nod. “Nice to see you again, Taddie.” He said. Jutting a thumb back toward Baze, Rook said, “This is my boy, Baze. Baze, this is your girl.”

Rook turned and smirked at his friend, who made a face at him before stepping up to the door and extending his hand to Taddie. Taddie smiled and did the same, taking the hand he offered. Stepping into the handshake, Taddie took a few more steps inside as Baze moved closer to kiss her cheek lightly. They exchanged hello’s and a little small talk, all the while Thea and Rook looked on-Thea perched on Rook’s shoulder with his arm around her, both of them smirking.

“See? I told you…” Thea whispered in his ear with a giddy giggle. A corner of Rook’s mouth shot up in a half-amused smirk for a moment before he leaned closer to her ear and said, “I thought she was gonna wear the boots? Baze woulda gone crazy for that.”

Thea rolled her eyes and said, “She refused...But Tad still looks good.” Her smile rested happily on her lips as she watched them. Finally, Taddie glanced over at them then did a double-take, turning to them fully.

“So...We’re going to dinner?” Taddie said, giving Thea a look to break her daydreaming gaze. When Rook snickered, Thea gave him a soft shove away before she stepped forward and clasped her hands together.

“Well...Yes...And also no.” Thea said, taking Taddie’s arm and guiding her back to the door. Taddie raised an eyebrow as she let her friend lead her outside the door and back onto the porch.

“How is it yes and no, Thea? It’s yes or no…” Taddie said, finally having the sense to take a step away. Thea bit her lip to keep her smile from growing too much then glanced back at the door as Rook stepped closer to Baze and clapped a hand on his shoulder.

“So, me and Thea are gonna chill here and you guys are gonna go to dinner.” He said. Baze turned to him, but Rook planted both hands on his back and shoved, then grabbed Thea’s arm and pulled her back inside, making her squeal out a giggle.

“What?!” Taddie called, taking a step forward. Unfortunately, both Baze and Taddie were caught off-guard and Baze stumbled into her, making them both take several steps back before they regained their footing. Baze caught her waist with one hand and tried to brace the wall with the other, but missed. Grabbing her waist with both hands, Baze swung her around and held her a little closer as he stepped back and found his balance.

With a soft sigh, Baze looked down at Taddie and asked, “Are you okay?”

Taddie huffed, planting a hand on his chest to turn and glare at Thea before she looked up at him. “Yeah. I’m fine.” She said. There was still a slight huff in her voice, but it was more directed at Thea than him. Baze and Taddie both turned to their supposed ‘friends’ as Thea giggled and Rook smirked at them, the doorknob in his hand.

“You have reservations at The Palm in 20 minutes. Have fun!” Thea giggled. Rook wiggled his eyebrows and said, “Bye.”

When the door swung shut, Taddie sighed and took a step away from Baze and crossed her arms. Baze rubbed his hands over his face and gave a soft sigh before he asked, “Thea told you it was a double date too?”

Taddie glanced at him and nodded. “Yeah. She said she would because she knows I get uncomfortable on blind dates and in these kind of situations!” Taddie shouted at the door before turning her back to it. A small smirk tugged at Baze’s lips and he chuckled softly.

“I don’t do blind dates all that well either,” Baze said, slipping his hands into his pockets. Taddie turned to him and her anger slowly melted and she gave him a soft smile.

“Sorry...I just hate when she tricks me like this.” Taddie said. She uncrossed her arms and turned to him. “But I wouldn’t mind still going to dinner?”

“Yeah? Let’s go.” Baze said, his smile widening with a chuckle. He pulled his keys from his pocket and held out his other hand to her. Taddie smiled with a soft giggle and took his hand as he led her down the driveway to the black Camero sitting at the end. When they reached the passenger side, Baze turned to her and said, “But fuck their reservations. Where do you want to go?”

He chuckled and leaned against the car, letting her hand go as she spun slowly toward him on the balls of her feet. Taddie skewed her lips in thought, before chuckling and replying, “Well, I told Thea whatever happened tonight, after dinner I wanted to go to Santa Monica Pier. I’ve never been and I made her promise.”

A wide smile spread across his face as Baze nodded and pushed himself off the car and unlocked the doors, saying, “Santa Monica Pier it is.” He swung the door open and Taddie couldn’t help but chuckle and shake her head as she moved around him and got into the car. Baze shut the door and rounded the car, smiling to himself before he got in.

~

For the first few days, she stayed with Papa Cap and family; Rosie driving out to meet her when she landed and spend a few days with her--And nights with Rook. The day after they got back, Baze texted her, asking her out for that night. Feeling giddy and excited that she and Baze would finally be able to have genuine alone time, she was so relieved to have Rosie there to help her; Not only quell her anxiety but help her figure out what to wear. He asked her out to dinner, so she didn’t want to dress up, but finding a good spot in between, for a date, was difficult for her. 

She wanted to keep Baze’s interest, not assuming it ever faded since he continued to sneak kisses whenever he had the chance, but feelings on tour could be lost once it’s over. Both of them had given in to the shared attraction near the end of tour and only risked these stolen moments, brief as could be. Baze didn’t bother with any more women, not romantically at least and instead made friendly conversation since most of them were fans. Jersey had stopped going out to clubs with the boys, not only to eliminate her getting constantly hit on, or be around Colson, but so she could indulge in a few bucket list items she’d realized she could do. All the while, they texted throughout the tour as a means of more personal conversations so they could maintain their distance from each other so they wouldn’t be caught.

With all the thoughts running through her mind, Rosie finally managed to convince her to wear a maroon, semi-sheer tank top under her leather jacket with black jeggings. They fought for almost an hour more before Jersey was convinced to wear Rosie’s black heels. Jersey didn’t do much with her hair other than pin it back, half-up, and only did a light face of makeup. Checking herself over in the mirror, she then quickly grabbed her phone and wallet, stuffing both into her clutch, and grabbed her keys, hurrying out the door and down to her car. Once Jersey had left, Rosie and Rook snuck away as well for the night.

~

Jersey sat at the bar, sipping her drink to calm her nerves. She didn’t understand why she was so nervous. Around the same time she and Colson started meeting up outside the shows or family gatherings so did she and Baze. Not near as often, but more frequently than before. Jersey and Baze both knew they were attracted to the other, it was just a matter of time before those feelings could be let out and now that the time had come, Jersey felt a strong wave of anxiety come over her, no matter how brief. It scared her at first, but knowing it was Baze made it subside for the moment.

She watched him walk through the door and smiled, waiting for him to see her before she waved him over. He made his way through the restaurant and smiled at her, kissing her cheek when he got to her.

“Hey.” He said, looking her over. “You look great.”

“Thanks. So do you.” She said, giving his black jean jacket a slight tug as she slipped out of her chair and grabbed her clutch. Baze smirked and took her hand, leading her back to the front of the restaurant to get a table. Jersey was extremely thankful he had the forethought to have her meet him in Sheffield Lake, half an hour outside Cleveland. Neither of them wanted to end up running into any of the guys, much less Rook. Without the worry that they’d run into anyone, both of them were able to relax and truly spend the night together, dinner turning into drinks at a nearby bar before they left, heading back to Jersey’s family house. 

Her parents were gone on a cruise and she always had a key to the house. Since she was staying with Rook, she didn’t want to bring him back to the house before she told him anything. Her younger brother, James, was still at his internship in California and wouldn’t be home until Christmas. During the drive, Jersey’s anxiety came back; Silly fears that either her parents or James would come home early without letting the rest of the family know, but her parents were in the middle of the Pacific Ocean and James always texted or called when he was on his way home. Neither of those scenarios were bad, per se, she still had her own room at the house where they would be. The worst fear was the uncertainty of Rook showing up. 

He knew she was going out that night, but that was the extent of his knowledge. If she didn’t come back to the house that night, Rook would naturally assume she’d be at her parents and he would possibly come looking for her. But after a few calls to Rosie to make sure she had him occupied, once Jersey pulled into the driveway, Baze right behind her, the fears melted away as they got out of their cars and walked up to the front door.

“This is your parent's house?” Baze asked, taking in the sight. The house wasn’t huge, but it was decent enough for Kamm’s Corner. Jersey glanced back at him as she stuck the key in the lock, then chuckled. Baze smirked and walked the rest of the way up the porch.

“Yeah. They got this when me and James moved out. They keep rooms for us if we end up staying the night. Plus I housesit when they go on vacations sometimes.” Jersey said with a chuckle. Baze chuckled and laid a hand on her hip as she turned the key. She glanced up at him again and Baze smiled, leaning closer to kiss her softly. Jersey giggled and kissed him back, turning to him to slide her hands up his chest. Baze tugged her hips closer and wrapped an arm around her waist while his other hand trailed up her back, under her jacket. Jersey tilted her head back with a soft moan then leaned back from him slightly. 

“M-Maybe we should bring this inside?” She teased. Baze chuckled and nodded, kissing her briefly before she turned back to the door, turning the knob and opening it. They walked in, Jersey flipping on the lights before she shut the door and locked it, then turned to set her keys down on the side table, slipping out of her shoes and jacket. Baze did the same, shrugging off his jacket and laying it on the armchair. 

He smiled at her as she came closer, lifting up to kiss him. Baze slid his arms around her waist and kissed her back. He dragged her up against him, deepening the kiss which caused Jersey to moan softly. She broke away from him, biting her lip in a smile and gave a soft chuckle. Baze smirked at her as she said,  “Um, did-do you, uh, want some wine? Or a beer or something? I-”

They both chuckled and Jersey covered her face, shaking her head slightly. Baze laughed and kissed her cheek as she dropped her hands, placing them on his chest and saying, “Sorry. I think all the alcohol is, um, hitting me at once.” 

Baze chuckled and said, “Don’t worry about it, baby. Don’t force anything. Just let me know what you wanna do.” He slid his lips over hers again with a soft kiss. Jersey sighed into it and broke it with a small smile. She tried again, saying, “Wine?”

Baze smiled and nodded. “Sure, love.” He said softly. Jersey smiled and broke away from his arms, taking his hand and leading him to the kitchen. She poured two glasses of wine, handing Baze his, and they took the bottle as they made their way from the kitchen to the living room, then back to Jersey’s bedroom. 

She set her glass down on her nightstand, taking Baze’s from him as he handed it to her. She turned back to him and giggled as Baze pulled her closer. Their lips met and her eyes fluttered closed as her hands flew up, one cupping his cheek, the other in his hair. Baze wasted no time in pushing her shirt up, already working on her bra clasp. Jersey giggled as she felt him fumble with it a few times before he finally undid the clasp. She pulled away from him and quickly pulled off her shirt and bra, tossing both over the edge of the bed. Baze also tore off his shirt, spreading a hand across her stomach after he dropped it over the edge. Jersey looked up at him, biting her lip. Her fingers hooked into the waistband of his pants and tugged him a little closer. Baze reached a hand up to tug his hair free as he leaned down to her.

“Baze,” Jersey said softly, just as his lips swept over hers. Their lips locked and both their hands worked on the other’s bottoms, fumbling with buttons and zippers and buckles. They had both gotten so worked up, they broke their kiss, both of them giving a small whine or whimper of sorts, as they tugged at each other's waistbands. Baze moved his hands to kick off his jeans and his boxers before he latched onto Jersey, trailing soft kisses down her neck, across her chest, stopping to suckle at each breast, then down and around her stomach, all while slowly pulling her leggings and lace panties down her legs and off.

He sat up, dragging his eyes down her body as he let her bottoms drop, kicking them off the bed. A brief flash of wickedness and lust shone in his eyes. He hooked her by the backs of her knees and yanked her closer, making her yelp and bit her lip before wrapping her legs around his waist. All at once, the lust faded and he swore under his breath. “Fuck. Condoms.” He sighed. Jersey sat up and said, “I’ve been on the pill since freshman year of college.”

Baze looked at her and smirked. “Yeah? You sure? I’m definitely not trying to get my dick and balls chopped off cause I got you pregnant.” He teased. Jersey chuckled and nodded.

“Believe me...I’m on it for the same reason.” She said, with a laugh. Baze laughed and he wrapped an arm around her waist, laying her back on the bed, his lust returning. With a passionate kiss, Baze inserted himself between her thighs and gazed down at her. Biting her lip, Jersey let out a soft whimper as he pushed inside her.

~

During the rest of the week, once Jersey went home to Toms River, Baze drummed up some business there to have an excuse to fly out to see her a few more times before the next tour started. Each night ended with drinks and sex, though Jersey was able to fully enjoy it more since she was home in New Jersey and no chance of Rook or the guys finding out.

Jersey was wrapped up in her sheet and sat on the patio to smoke. She heard Baze rumbling around in the kitchen, but her mind was far from him. Him physically being there at least. The last few days played over and over in her head. The sex was great. Baze knew what he was doing, but once it was done she was left with a feeling she couldn’t seem to shake. She chalked it up to guilt for having done all this behind Rook’s back, but Baze had made things official three days prior so they weren’t doing anything wrong aside from not telling him. The feeling stuck around, but she pushed it aside when Baze came back with drinks and they cuddled up on the couch for a while to smoke before going back inside to get some sleep.

On the last morning, Baze left fairly early, though Jersey was up and about as well. He had to head back to Ohio to meet the rest of the gang for the next tour. Jersey, unfortunately, couldn’t make the Toronto show due to a shoot she was already booked for before she signed the contract, officially making her Colson’s new tour photographer and just in time for the Justin Bieber Big tour. After Toronto, they had a few days to spare and went back to Ohio to scoop up Jersey. She was booked by another friend who lived in Ohio that just got engaged and wanted pictures before the first snow. After picking Jersey up, they celebrated Slim’s birthday before heading up to Binghamton, the next day, for the next show.

In the aftermath of the party, everyone crashed pretty hard resulting in a somewhat peaceful ride in the wee hours of the morning when they all piled onto the buses and took off. While Jersey hung out in her bunk for most of the trip, Baze was still sober enough and eventually wandered back to the bunks, when he saw it was clear. When he closed the divider between the bunks and the front of the bus and turned, he saw Jersey climb out of her bunk. With a smirk, he went to her saying, “Talk about timing.”

Jersey turned and smiled. “Hi.” She said with a soft giggle as he slid a hand over her hip. “What’s up? Everyone partying?”

“Yeah. Subdued though. More stoned than drunk by now, I think.” Baze said, crowding her against the wall, slightly. Jersey giggled and laid her hands on his arms, as Baze now had both hands on her hips. She glanced at the door, chewing her lip, slightly. Baze saw it and chuckled, saying, “Don’t worry. No one will catch us.”

Jersey looked up at him and smiled, giving a small chuckle. “I’m just worried about Rook catching us.” She said, gently sliding her hands over his arms. Baze chuckled and said, “Nah. Rook and Kells are doing their lame fights and shit.”

She shook her head and chuckled as Baze said, “I’ll be quick.” He ducked his head down and kissed her slowly. Jersey giggled and kissed him back, snaking her hands up his chest to wind around his neck. Baze’s fingers slipped under her shirt, running along her skin, up her back, and to her bra clasp. Jersey pulled back and said, between kisses, “Wait. Baze. Not here. We can’t.”

He chuckled and said, “Your bunk is big enough. We’ll fit.” Jersey gave him a look and smirked, leaning back against the wall. Baze straightened as she said, “No, I mean we can’t have sex on the bus. At any time one of them can come back here. I don’t think we need JP trying to kill you mid-thrust, okay? That would be awkward.”

Baze snickered and shook his head. “Alright. So...Save it for hotels?” He asked. Jersey gave a small shrug and nod.

“It would be easier to sneak away for it.” She said with a giggle. Baze nodded and kissed her again. He moved, making for his bunk, but Jersey grabbed his arm, making him turn back to her. “Wait. Baze. Can we keep this between us for now? Just until I can tell JP.” She asked. 

“You didn’t tell him yet?” Baze asked. She gave him a look and said, “Did you want him knowingly to go on this tour knowing his bandmate was fucking his cousin? At the beginning, no less?”

Baze snickered and said, “I get it, babe. Alright. I’ll keep it low key until you tell him. Promise.” His smile faltered for a moment as he asked, “What about Kells? He’s been kind of weird about us hanging out.”

Jersey nodded and said, “Let’s tell JP first. Then we’ll make our rounds.” With a giggle, she kissed him again, before breaking away to go out to the front of the bus. When Jersey got to the divider, it opened before she could reach for it to reveal Colson. Both of them jumped, startled by each other, and chuckled before switching places. Jersey made her way out to the couch and sat next to Rook, while Colson turned to Baze and said, “Hold up. Baze. Can I talk to you real quick, dog?”

Baze blinked then nodded, following Colson back to his room. Colson sighed and sat on the bed as Baze closed the door and took a seat on the half couch. He watched the young rapper for a moment, then said, “Yo, is everything okay?”

Colson sighed and looked up at him. “Look, man. I  don’t know what's going on with you and Jersey. If you like her or what...But-”

“Kells, um-”

“Nah, bro, let me get this out, man. This has been gnawing at me since Reading.” Colson said. He gave another sigh and said, “I think I like her. I-I mean, I know I do, I think I have for a long tie. But since Reading? Fuck, man, I’m going insane. I see her flirt and, like...Act like she’s suddenly shy around you? Sav’s never shy...And then she still cuddles with me? I-Man, I’m just trying to let you know, in case you do like her...Bro, I’m going for it.”

Baze couldn’t hold back the look of complete defeat, giving a deep sigh and putting his head in his hands. Colson raised an eyebrow, not sure what this reaction meant. Finally, Baze took a breath and said, “Bro, why didn’t you say anything before?” He rubbed his face before looking at Colson, adding, “I’m already with her, man. I asked her out just before tour.”

Colson blinked and said, “She said yes?” Baze nodded and said, with a sigh, “Yeah, bro...I‘m sorry. I didn’t know you liked her. Neither of us did.”

Colson nodded and stood, starting to pace. His head was swirling with emotions; He wanted to scream at him, he wanted to throw something, he wanted to just get a good cry out. Baze stood as he saw Colson’s face changing.

“Colson. Are-Are we gonna be okay, man?” Baze asked, cautiously, slowly lifting a hand to brace himself in case Colson rushed at him. Colson glanced at him as he continued to pace and said, “Yeah, yeah, yeah…” Baze wasn’t convinced but was going to let it go for the time being. But before he could leave and give him some space, Colson turned on him and said, “Nah. Fuck this.”

Baze quickly jumped aside, but Colson wasn’t after him. He burst out of his room, storming through the hallway, with Baze chasing him. Bursting through the divider and startling everyone into silence, Colson called to their driver, “Yo! Pull this fucking bus over now!”

“Kells, what’s going on?” Slim asked. As the closest person to the door, Slim stood and blocked his path, putting a hand to his chest to stop him from just walking out at 70 miles an hour. The bus slowed to a stop as the driver pulled over. Slim repeated his question, but Colson ignored it and walked off as soon as the doors opened. “Colson!”

Slim followed him to try and figure out what happened and calm him down. Once they left the bus, Rook and AJ shot over to the other couch to look out the windows. Jersey quickly went to Baze while the boys were distracted.

“What the fuck just happened?” Jersey asked, quietly. Baze sighed, putting an arm around her waist, and said, “Well...He likes you...And I had to tell him we’re together.”

“What?!” She whispered. “Why?! I thought-”

“He wanted to talk to me about you, Jers. He said he was going to ask you out. Wanted to give me a heads up, cause he didn’t know if we had a thing or not.”

Jersey rubbed her temples and internalized a groan. “Oh, fuck. Now we have to tell Rook. Fuck...Damnit…” Jersey turned and strode off the bus before Baze or anyone could stop her.

“Ey! Sav!” AJ turned to Baze as he sat down. “Where the fuck is she going?” To which Baze’s only response was a shake of his head.

~

“Colson! Hey!” Slim caught up to him and grabbed his arm as Colson walked into the empty field and started pacing. “What the fuck just happened, bro?!”

“I fucking waited too long! That’s fucking what!” Colson shouted at him. Slim stopped as Colson turned on him, holding up his hands and taking a step back. Colson huffed and turned to pace. “I should have said something to her that fucking night! Not waited two fucking months!”

Slim sighed and said, “This is about Jersey and Baze.” Colson’s only response was a brief glare. Slim rubbed a hand over his chin and said, “So...What? He does like her?”

“He already asked her out! Before the fucking tour! I just went back to talk to him about her and—Argh!” Colson shouted. He suddenly stopped, mid-pace, staring past Slim. He seemed to be eerily calm once more as he said, “Go back on the bus, bro.”

Confused, Slim turned as Jersey stepped off the bus, heading for them. “Bro, are you sure? He asked, turning back to Colson.

“Yeah, man. Go.” He said, just before Jersey reached them. Looking from Colson to Slim, she gave the man a soft smile and said, “Slim, can you give us a minute?”

Slim smiled at her and nodded, shooting Colson a warning look once he was behind Jersey. Colson didn’t pay him any mind as he looked at Jersey.

“Jersey-” She held up a hand to stop him. He snapped his mouth shut and watched as Jersey said, “Why didn’t you tell me, Colson? We’ve known each other for 6 years. How long have you had feelings for me?”

Colson sighed and pushed his hands into his hair. “Fuck. I don’t know? I-Maybe for a few years? But I didn’t realize that’s what it was until Reading!” Colson said, pushing his hands through his hair again and making another quick pace. He turned to her and said, “You’re really with Baze?”

Jersey shifted, closing the cardigan over herself and crossing her arms, then said, “Well, I mean, we haven’t been together...He asked me last week...” She studied Colson’s face, furrowing her brow with slight concern for him. “Colson, why didn’t you just come to me when you realized it then? What could have kept you from telling me? Even if I didn’t feel the same way, it wouldn’t have affected how I am with you. You should know that by now.”

“Yeah. If that were the case and not a third person involved. Baze is my brother! Now, I have to watch him with the girl I-” Colson stopped himself, choking on the next few words. Though he quickly recovered, that didn’t stop Jersey from hearing them anyway and her eyes going wide. “-You...It-If I knew there was a chance, Jersey, I would have taken it. But you seemed more interested in Baze, so I just decided not to say anything.”

‘Well, what made you now?!” Jersey all but shouted at him, her own frustration rising in her from somewhere unknown. “Reading was less than two months ago! You had all that time, Colson, why did you decide to do this shit now?!”

“It felt right! I don’t know! Fuck! I mean…” Colson groaned and covered his face, trying to collect his thoughts. Jersey shook her head and said, “Colson, you know, you’ve had all this time to say something to me. You can’t get mad that you wasted your chance. If you can’t let that go-”

She stopped suddenly, her face changing from irritation to a certain clarity. Colson blinked at her, waiting for her to finish. Finally, she took a breath and said, “I’m going to call Rosie and have her pick me up once we get to New York. I’m not going to let this ruin your friendship or the band. I won’t let myself be the cause of that.”

Colson’s eyes went wide and he took a step forward. “Whoa, wait. Hang on. No, Jers, I’m not gonna do that to you. You signed the contract, I won’t let-”

“No. It’s going to cause issues down the road. We’re going to be on the road for another two months. Solid. You’re telling me that these feelings you’ve been subconsciously harboring for me for years are just going to go away while you watch me date one of your best friends?” He didn’t have a single argument because she knew him far too well. While he originally thought those feelings he realized in Reading would just go away, it was like tapping into a well and over the past two months, his feelings had grown, showing little to no signs of stopping. When he didn’t answer her, Jersey pressed her lips together and nodded before she said, “Right...Um...I’m going back onto the bus...I’ll be the one to talk to Rook, cause I really don’t know where this is going to go, but more likely than not, I can talk him out of killing you both.”

She gave him a final stare before she turned and went back onto the bus.

~

While the boys didn’t want to eavesdrop, neither Rook nor AJ could help trying to figure out what was going on, since Baze wasn’t offering any help. Once Slim came back onto the bus, he didn’t say anything either. All of them were distracted from Jersey and Colson’s fight, trying to pry information out of Baze and Slim, so when Jersey practically stormed back onto the bus and angrily said, “Rook, we need to talk.” All four men watched her storm past them in a stunned silence. Jersey turned, staring at Rook.

“Oh. That’s me. Okay, um…” Rook scrambled to his feet and followed Jersey back to the bunks, closing the divider behind them, “What the fuck is going on, Jersey?”

Jersey went to her bunk and began stuffing her shit into her bags. Once Rook got over to her and saw her packing, he stopped her, grabbing her hands, gently. “Whoa, yo, hey. Jersey! Hey. What’s going on?”

Jersey pushed his hands away and let out a teary sigh, blinking her eyes. She looked away from Rook and sighed again, a little more evenly now. Rook watched her and tried not to curl his fists. “What did Colson say? What did he do? Fuck, if he made you cry, Jersey…” Rook said, dropping his words to an angry mumble. Jersey gave a small sniff and shook her head.

“No. Rook. I’m just...Fucking frustrated.” She said, her lips pricking in a sad smile and a tear trickling down her face. Rook sighed and went to her, pulling her into a tight hug. Jersey buried her face in his neck and sighed.

“Rose…Talk to me.” Rook said, softly, using her real name this time. Jersey broke a smile and let out a soft giggle, pulling away from him. She wiped her eyes and sighed, sitting down on the edge of her bunk. She took another breath and looked up at him.

“John, you need to promise me you won’t flip out and listen to everything first,” Jersey said. Rook raised an eyebrow, shocked that she first-named him back. When he nodded, Jersey shook her head. “No, JP, promise me. I don’t want to cause more rifts between you guys, so please…”

“Jersey, I promise, okay? I promise. What happened? You’re freaking me out now.” Rook said, taking her hand gently. Jersey cleared her throat and said, “Baze asked me to be his girlfriend...and I said yes.”

She winced slightly as Rook’s hand tensed for a second. He opened his mouth to talk, no doubt to mention killing Baze but also how it concerned Colson, but Jersey held up a finger and added, “Colson likes me too...Has for, as he tells it, ‘a few years’. And...Back in Germany...When we were in Cologne?”

“On the 5th. Yeah. It was your birthday. We just partied at the club and on the bus.” Rook said, though she could hear his temper rising in his voice. Jersey nodded and said, “Me and Colson got a little too drunk...Once you passed out, then everyone else did, we went back to the room and…”

“If you’re gonna tell me my best friend fucked you, I’m gonna smash his face in.” Rook said, pulling his hand from Jersey’s and causing her to quickly stand. She grabbed his arm and said, “No, no, no, hang on. Rookie. Listen to me. It’s not his fault. We were both drunk, we both wanted to do it. We’re both consenting adults, JP.”

“You came back in here crying after talking to him, then you tell me you’re with Baze? And then you say you and Colson had sex. What do you want me to do with that information, Rosalie?! I want to punch them both out! Flirting is one thing, but don’t touch my cousin! I made that clear! I didn’t want to see you hurt by one of them!” Rook shouted. Jersey groaned, sitting back down in her bunk, and covered her face. Rook sighed and turned away, rubbing a hand over his face, trying to relax a little.

“Rook,” Jersey said, finally looking up at him, both hands gripping the edge of her bunk. “I’m a grown-ass woman. I can make my own choices. This isn’t like I’m sleeping around. I didn’t touch the kid on tour. We’ve kissed and then he asked me out. You should be so glad that’s all it was.”

Rook scoffed out a laugh and turned to her. “Yeah? What about Kells? What? He-He-He slept with you, knowing he had feelings for you? And then just fucked off? Now, you’re in here crying and packing? Why the fuck are you packing?!” Rook shouted. Jersey chuckled and shook her head, standing and continuing to do just that.

“For this exact reason, Rook. I shouldn’t have even fucking signed that goddamn contract knowing this shit was going on. It’s causing us problems now. We’ve never fought like this before, Rook.” Jersey said, turning to him, true tears in her eyes now. Rook shook his head and sighed, going over to her and wrapping his arms around her neck in a hug.

“Nah, nah, nah. No, Jers...Fuck.” Rook sighed and pulled away from the hug, wiping her tears. “I’m not mad at you, Jersey, I’m-I’m not sure what I am. But I told those fuckers not to mess with you if they didn’t mean it cause I didn’t want my boys to hurt you.”

“They didn’t, Rook. Not-Not really. I’m just frustrated with Colson because this got blown out of proportion, Colson is upset with Baze, you’re upset with them both...I shouldn’t have fucking been on that tour to begin with!” Jersey sighed and tossed her clothes into her bunk, covering her face with her hands as she tried to keep herself composed. Rook sat next to her and put a comforting arm around her.

“Rose, we’ll get through this.” Rook said softly. Jersey sniffed and put her hands down, looking at him through the shine of tears in her eyes.

“Yeah? Well, I’m not worried about me. I can handle myself with this...But I’ve just fucked up this whole goddamn tour before it even really started! Now you have to do this knowing everything.” Jersey said. She sniffled and wiped her face, shaking her head as she looked away, staring at her hands. “I don’t want to be the reason why people left tour or left the band.”

Rook sighed and pressed her forehead to her temple, Jersey leaning into the touch. “Jers, I’ll be fine. Yeah, I’m pissed, but I’ll talk to Baze. If you really like him that much? I mean shit, you’re already with the kid. I kind of have to accept it now.” Rook said with a smirk. The corner’s of Jersey’s mouth lifted for a moment. She tossed her hair out of her face and looked at him.

“What about Colson?” She asked. Rook sighed, heavily, and said, “I’ll...Get over it. I don’t think I can really talk to him about it right now, but I’ll just leave it alone until after tour.”

Jersey nodded and looked away. Rook cupped her cheek and turned her back to him. “Hey. I’ll be okay. No one’s leaving tour, no one’s leaving the band. This isn’t your fault, Jersey. Shit just happens sometimes.” He said. Jersey nodded and leaned into him more as he gave her a tight hug. They sat there for a moment before Jersey pulled away and said, “Um, I-I need to call Rosie. I need her to meet us in New York so she can take me home.”

“Alright. I’ll come get you when we pull in, yeah?” Rook asked, wiping a stray tear off her cheek and pushing her hair out of her face. Jersey nodded and sighed as they both stood, Rook giving her one more hug before walking back out to the front of the bus.

~

Hope you guys liked it. If you want to be added to my taglist for this and/or future MGK/Colson stories, let me know! If you have any comments, feel free!

“So, if you were worried about the Sea Dragon going upside down...This one will take us up high. Hardly any protection…” Baze teased as they approached the ticket booth. Taddie gave him a look.

“Are you trying to talk me out of it?” She shot back. Baze chuckled and shook his head.

“Nah, nah, baby. I’ll protect you, don’t worry.” He said, continuing to tease her, giving her side a playful squeeze. Taddie shot him a playful glare and gave him a soft shove, though kept her fingers intertwined with his.

“Just don’t rock the fuckin’ thing and I won’t need protection...You will.” She teased back. Baze smirked and snickered as he pulled her closer and lifted their conjoined arms so he could put his arm around her, their fingers still laced. Once she was tucked into his side, he gave her a small squeeze as he planted a soft kiss on her lips. Taddie giggled and leaned against him as they stood in line. They got the tickets and quickly made their way to the wheel. Since they were one of the only other people in line, Baze ushered Taddie ahead, then whispered to the attendant to stop it at the top. The man chuckled and winked at Baze before he smirked and went to sit next to Taddie, putting an arm around her.

Taddie leaned against him and smiled up at him as she crossed her legs once the bar across their laps was locked in. With one hand, she gripped the bar in her lap and the other she laced her fingers with Baze’s as the ride started moving them backwards. Baze gently squeezed little fistfuls of her side as they rode to the top and back around. Taddie squeaked and pinched his leg until he stopped. Baze chuckled and glanced at the ride attendant as they came down and back around to go up again. He gave Baze a wink and watched their cab until it got closer to the top, and slowly brought them to a stop when they were there. Their cab gave a little sway as they came to a stop, causing Taddie to squeak and grip Baze’s arm. He chuckled and tightened the arm around her waist as she glanced out.

With a soft sigh, Taddie relaxed and looked around, her smile growing. “It’s so pretty at night. I wish I brought my camera.” Taddie said, resting her head on his chest as her eyes flitted about. Baze chuckled and nuzzled her hair, lightly.

“Well, this is a good picture spot. You’ve got an iPhone--Hey!” Taddie pinched his leg again, but lightly, before she dug through her purse for her phone. When she opened her camera, she handed it to Baze, who held it out a little more, trying to get a good background for her. Taddie smiled and leaned into him as his strong hand slid up from her hip and rested on her shoulder. He quickly took the picture as the ride started moving again. Taddie let out a small screech, immediately clamping her hand over her mouth as Baze laughed and handed her phone back. Her cheeks turned red as she giggled softly, embarrassed, and shoved her phone back in her bag.

They made one more go around before they got off and headed back toward the car. As Taddie walked beside him, she couldn’t stop glancing out at the shore. She chewed her lip as she eyed the stairs to the sand that got closer and closer. When they were a few steps away, she turned to Baze and said, “Is there possibly time for one more shenanigan before you deliver me to my sister?”

Baze chuckled as he looked down at her, asking back, “What kind of shenanigan?”

With a smile and a mischievous giggle, Taddie gripped his hand and pulled him to the stairs then stopped. Shifting her weight and starting to take off her heel, she looked up at Baze and said, “I’m going in the water. I don’t know about you, but I’m going.”

A mad little giggle escaped her as Baze smirked at her, giving her a once over with a raised eyebrow. “In the water? Now? Girl, do you know how cold it is in there?”

Taddie managed to get one shoe off and teetered off the other. Still gripping Baze’s hand for leverage, she planted the other hand, shoe and all, on her hip and sassed at him, “What’s wrong? You can’t handle a little cold water?”

Baze smirked and quickly pulled his hand from hers as he knelt down. Taddie called out at him, flailing slightly and leaning forward to grip his shoulder instead. Giggling, Taddie tossed her hair over her shoulder and looked down at him, watching him unstrap her other heel before untying his own shoes. He stood and took her hand again, quickly kicking off his own shoes and picking them up. Taddie planted her shoeless foot on the wood of the pier and bent down, swiping up the other heel as she kicked it off, then gave Baze a cursory glance before starting down the stairs, lifting her hand as Baze tried to catch up to her and make sure she didn’t trip. Once her feet hit the sand, she stepped to the side, waiting for Baze, then laughed as he tossed her a smirk and continued pulling her along, down toward the water.

Their laughter echoed through the dull noise of the pier. Once or twice, Baze caught her when she stumbled in the sand before they finally got to the tide where the sand was firmer. Taddie drifted from him, slightly, as they slowed their pace just before they met the water. Taddie came back to him and bit her lip, watching the tide fall in and sweep back out. Baze let go of her hand as he turned and tossed his shoes a little further up, then bent to roll up his jeans. Taddie tore her gaze from the waves and moved her hair out of her face, watching him. She quickly copied him, though stepping back to place her shoes next to his. She took off her purse and set it down inside her jacket that she also had shrugged off on the way down. She gathered her hair and stuffed it back into the hair tie as she turned to Baze who was now standing up and glancing around for her. She giggled and ran at him, placing her hands firmly on his shoulders to let him know she was there, before finding her footing and jumping onto his back.

Baze tossed his head back and laughed as he stumbled back sightly, one hand firmly wrapped around her thigh, the other flailing to find balance. Taddie giggled and dipped her other foot down to help him, then kicked off when he stabilized and gripped her calf to pull her back. She slid her arms around his neck and giggled as he chuckled and trudged back toward the water.

“You better watch it!” Baze said between laughs. “Girl, I’ll dump your ass into this cold ass water, I swear.”

“No! No. Don’t! Baze, please!” Taddie laughed, peppering his cheek and neck with kisses, lightly nipping at his lips. Baze chuckled and turned his head to hers as she came back for another cheek peck, and met her lips as his feet met the water. Baze quickly pulled away from the kiss as he called, “Holy shit! That’s fucking cold!”

Taddie laughed and wiggled around until he set her down, one leg at a time to make sure she didn’t fall. When she trotted out in front of him, still holding his hand, and not even a whisper of a flinch, his jaw dropped and Taddie giggled. “What? It’s cold, but I’ve stood in colder.” She said. “I slid into the fucking frozen ass water in Tahoe...During Christmas...On a sled. This is nothing.”

Baze shivered and shook his head. “I’m about to take you to Cleveland in the winter and throw your ass in Lake Erie. Then we can talk about cold, okay?” Baze said. He couldn’t help but smirk at her and just watch her. She giggled at the teasing threat and let go of his hands to turn and venture a few more steps further.

Holding her hands out for more balance, she waded into the water up to her knees before she turned back to look at him and chuckle, waving him over. Baze smirked and waded in after her. When she saw him heading toward her, she turned back around to watch the horizon, watching the boats in the distance and listening to the waves. As Baze reached her and slid his hands over her hips, she jumped, slightly, turning her head as he came up behind her. She smiled and looked up at him as he slid his arms around her.

“I...Cannot feel my legs.” He said. Taddie rolled her eyes and bumped him away with a giggle.

“Men are such babies.” She said, wrinkling her nose at him. Taddie made her way back to their shoes and glanced back to see Baze close on her tails at a slightly quicker pace. She squealed and picked up her speed, dashing out of the water and up to their things. Baze caught up to her quickly once they got out of the water and held her waist as he swung her around. She cried out a laugh and turned to him once her feet hit the ground again. He pulled her closer and held her, staring down with his green gaze. Taddie bit her lip as she curled her fingers around the edges of his shirt and tugged him closer, lifting on her tip toes to crush her lips against his. Baze bent his knees slightly, rewrapping his arms across her cheeks and stood straight, lifting her up to better match his height. Taddie squealed into the kiss, then pulled away, kicking up a foot.

“Are you ready to head back now? No more of your shenanigans?” he teased, gently, touching his nose to hers. Taddie giggled and nodded, wrapping her arms around his neck to pull him in for another kiss. Baze stood there for a moment, shifting on his feet and turning in place slowly, just holding her as they kissed. Making sure he had a firm hold around her, he let an arm slid up her back and cradled the back of her head. Taddie sighed softly and let him guide her head as he swiveled from side to side. All she wanted was to thread her fingers through his hair. She twisted and curled her fingers around his soft locks, playing with them, until she gave a small whine when he pulled away. Her hands slid down his arms as he set her back down. Taddie smiled and followed him as he trudged up to their shoes. They gathered their things and slowly made their way back up to the stairs and to the car in silence.

~

Baze closed the door as she got out and Taddie took a step closer to him as he leaned against the car. He smirked and rested his hands on her hips, Taddie leaning on him slightly. Taddie rested her hands on his chest, sliding them up to his shoulders. A low chuckle rumbled through him as she moved her face closer to his, tracing her nose along with his gently. Taddie giggled.

“I had fun tonight.” She said softly, lifting a hand to drag her fingers through his beard, lightly, before brushing her fingertips against his cheek. “Thanks for not ditching me like our friends did.”

She added a sassy head tilt that made Baze chuckle and say, “No. I’d never. Especially not to someone as gorgeous as you...That’s downright disrespectful.” Taddie rolled her eyes and giggled, toying with him as he inched for a kiss, but Taddie kept him just beyond his goal.

“Oh?” She giggled. “Really? Now, do you say that to all the girls or is that a line to get them up to your room?”

Baze chuckled. “Oh, come on, now. You think I’m that bad?” He asked, sliding his hands up her back, trying to keep her close. Finally, Taddie gave in, with a giggle, and kissed him. Baze kissed her deep and slow, one arm wrapped around her waist, the other hand snaked through her hair, holding the back of her head, gently. With a soft whimper, Taddie broke the kiss and smiled at him. She brushed her nose against his as she shook her head and said, “Nah...You’re alright…”

With a soft giggle, Taddie kissed him again then glanced at the house. With a soft, sharp inhale and she said, “Think they’re watching us?”

Baze snorted softly, casting a cursory glance back at the house before running his nose along her jaw and down her neck. “Rook is probably...If he’s not passed out by now.” He said with a soft chuckle. Taddie chuckled and pushed at his face as she turned to him.

“Well, if he’s not, Thea will be.” She said, shifting on her feet as she pushed away from him and took a step back. Her hand trailed down his arm and caught his hand as it slipped from her waist. She gave his hand a soft tug and Baze pushed himself off the car.

“You won’t stay?” He asked, gently, pulling her closer. Taddie bit her lip as she gazed up to him, her eyes burning. Color bloomed deeply in her cheeks as she stuttered to say, “Baze, I-I...I’d really like to but...I don’t think...I really want to, but I-”

“Hey, hey,” Baze said gently, cupping her face. He gave her a soft smile and said, “It’s okay. No pressure, baby. It seems like you’re anxious about something...I thought I’d ask.”

Taddie smiled softly and nodded, lifting to press a kiss to his lips again. “I’m sorry. If I had been better prepared, I’d love to stay.” she said. She wrapped her hands around his wrists and smiled up at him. “Don’t get me wrong, I’ve thought about asking Thea if I could tag along. You guys look like a blast to hang out with.”

“Well, maybe next time it can be a group date?” Baze asked, dropping his hands to her waist. Taddie slid her hands over his arms and chuckled.

“I think that might still be a tad too anxiety inducing…” she said. She sucked her bottom lip between her teeth for a moment as her smile widened and she added, “Why don’t you choose where we go next time since I chose this time?”

Baze chuckled and nodded, ducking down for another kiss as he said, “Sounds fair.” Taddie chuckled as he kissed her slowly this time. Just as they broke apart, they turned as the doorknob jiggled then the door swung open.

“Oh, goodie. You’re back.” Thea chirped with a smile. Taddie gave her a look as Baze moved behind her, sliding his hand across her lower back. She glanced up at him and smiled, but the smile soon dropped as she looked back toward Thea who was walking out to them.

“Rookie passed out. Be careful when you walk in.” Thea said, adding a smirk. “Did you take advantage of my sister, Baze? I’ll have your balls on my desk if you did.”

Baze snickered and held up his hands, taking a step back from Taddie as he said, “I was a perfect gentleman. I swear.” Taddie shook her head and said, “Can I just meet you at the car please?”

Thea shrugged and skipped past her saying, “Fine. But don’t take long...I will come looking for you.”

Baze chuckled as he turned to watch Thea skip down the driveway and to her car. Taddie waited until she got in before grabbing Baze’s hand and tugging him behind the Jeep in front of Baze’s car. After a distant ‘Rude!’ pierced the neighborhood, Baze chuckled and shook his head, turning to Taddie. She pulled him closer and smiled up at him.

“So...I’ll see you next time?” She asked. Baze nodded and said, “Next time.”

He ducked his head down and pulled her flush against him as their lips slid together, mashing against the other in a distant hunger. Before it could get any more involved, Taddie pulled herself from his lips and sighed. She slid her finger over his lips and chuckled softly.

“She’s serious. She’ll come after me.” Taddie said. Baze smirked against her finger and kissed it gently before pulling away. “I have to go.”

Taddie perked up for one last soft kiss before slipping from his arms and hurrying down the driveway and getting into the car. Baze followed her to the front of the Jeep and watched her, smiling then giving her a wave as Thea pulled out. Taddie sat back and sighed, a slow, content smile crossing her face.

“So...You didn’t stay.” Thea said as she drove down the street. Taddie’s smile dropped and she looked at Thea. Her smile quickly returned as Thea’s ridiculously excited face made her laugh.

“No, you psycho! I didn’t stay. It was a blind date. I’m not gonna give it up on a blind date of all dates.” Taddie said.

“So, it went well, then? You’re seeing him again?” Thea asked as she turned onto the highway. Taddie smiled and looked out her window. As she propped an elbow up, she chewed her nail as she replayed the night in her head. “Tads.”

“Huh?” Taddie turned to her cousin, pulled out of her trance. Thea chuckled and glanced from her to the road.

“Are you seeing him again?” Thea asked. Taddie chuckled and tilted her head back on the rest, not saying a word. Only a pleasant smile crossing her face.

~

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