#mighty ducks

A cool autumn breeze approaches you as you make your way off campus, touching your nose first and spreading all over your face. Then it makes its way around your neck, tickling you and sending a shiver down your spine. It plays with your hair, twirling and lifting it before throwing it across your face, and leaves to find its next victim.

With a frown, you pull the hair away and tuck some pieces behind your ears. You’re starting to regret not doing your hair in an updo.

The edge of campus gets closer and the familiar frat house comes into view. Halloween decorations cover the whole exterior. Posed skeletons, fake gravestones, and cobwebs litter the yard. Some of the windows have the white curtains drawn with a black silhouette in the middle. Fake spiderwebs cover the top corners of the porch. A jack-o-lantern sits by the door and next to it sits a life size Jason from the horror movie.

A chill goes down your spin and this time, it isn’t because of the wind. You stare at the dummy, eyeing it like it could at any moment attack you. You hated it the moment the boys had set it up and when your brother noticed your reaction, he cackled with glee. Even in the middle of the day, the life size killer still looks scary with its realistic eyes behind the goalie mask.

“You better not jump me.” You warn it, not caring if you look crazy to anyone that is walking by. You keep your eyes on it, watching those realistic eyes for any movement, but your attention is snatched away when the front door swings open and two giants walk out, almost crushing you if you hadn’t moved out of the way in time.

“We’re going! Damn.” Dean Portman rolls his eyes and mumbles something under his breath as he storms past you.

Fulton Reed is right behind but unlike his friend, he notices you. He shakes his head and lets out a small chuckle. “Don’t tell me Charlie dragged you into this mess too.”

“It’s that bad, huh? No wonder he had to call the calvary.” You joke with a smile.

“Or he just wanted someone else to boss around.”

“That too.” You laugh. “So where are you guys headed?”

“Gonna get more drinks for the party.” The shine in your eyes flickers and the corners of your smile quirk downward. Fulton notices and his own smile falters. “You’re coming, right?”

And miss the party of the year? The most talked and awaited party everyone on campus is buzzing about months before it’s around the corner. The one that got so packed last year that not even the cool autumn night coming through every open window and door could chill the steaming body heat. The one the famous hockey team– your brother and friends– host. Right?

Luckily a series of honks interrupt the conversation.

“Come on, Fulton!” Dean yells from the driver's side of his truck, face scrunched up in an annoyed expression. “Before he gets on our asses again!”

“Alright, I’m going!” Fulton gives you an apologetic look before joining his friend and you can hear him berating Dean for being pushy like Charlie. Dean didn’t care though.

“Ey, Lady Conway.” Dean calls out to you. “Run while you still got a chance. Charlie’s gone all godzilla on us.”

You laugh softly, thinking he’s exaggerating since he has a tendency to do so. “I think I can handle my brother, Portman, but thank you for the heads up.”

“Alright. Suit yourself.” He shrugs and changes gears, pressing down on the gas and making the engine rev. A small smoke cloud forms as the tires screech before the truck drives off.

You smile to yourself and against Dean’s warning, enter the frat house.

It’s chaotic inside. There’s yelling, lots of it, overlapping and blending into each other, all frustrated. Some of the boys are reorganizing the furniture and look a second from crashing out, others are running around with decorations in hand, and there’s an argument coming from the other side of the house, likely from the kitchen. But over the whole chaos is your brother’s voice fading in and out as he walks around, barking orders like he was on the ice playing.

You cringe and for a second, you consider taking Dean’s advice but your heart doesn’t let you. Your brother paged you for a reason and while you had joked to Fulton about the reason, you see now it was true. You don’t venture into the chaos though. You stay by the door, afraid to make things worse by jumping in the middle of the mess, but you don’t stay there long because your name is called over the chaos.

At top of the staircase, by the entrance, stands Charlie but your eyes wander towards the person he’s with, standing slightly behind him.

Depending on who you ask, they’ll refer to him either as Rich Boy, Cute Blond #1, or the Best Player on the hockey team because that’s all he’s known for on campus; his skills, his money, and his good looks.

To you, however, he was just Adam Banks.

When your eyes lock, it’s like a switch turned on. His whole face lights up, his eyes twinkle and a warm smile spreads on his lips, one he has to fight back from growing too big.

“Finally.” Your brother huffs, drawing your attention away from his friend. “Took you long enough. Were you taking the snail train?”

You huff, not grumpy like his but amused. “I don’t think that’s how you greet someone here to help.” You meet him halfway. “And I got here as fast as I could, I was at the library and–”

“Okay, Nerd.” Charlie bites down on his lip but as soon as he glances at Adam, he bursts out laughing like he said the funniest thing. Adam just rolls his eyes.

You look at your brother unamused. “Wow, funny. I haven’t heard that one before.” Adam chuckles. Your lips twitch, eyes darting towards him before quickly going back to your brother. “Are you going to tell me what you need me for or did you nine-one-one me just to tease me?”

Charlie grins and wraps his arm around your shoulders, hugging and leading you down the stairs. “I’m just messing with you. You know I love you, Sis.”

Your face scrunches up at the nickname. He knows you hate it. Charlie notices and laughs.

You reach the front door and he lets go to pull out a folded paper from his back pocket and hands it to you. “I need you to do some last minute shopping.”

You look at him puzzled. This was the emergency? The one he had to page the ‘urgent, trouble, need you asap’ number? For a mundane task. “And why couldn’t you have Dean and Fulton do it? They’re already going for drinks.”

“And they didn’t buy enough the first time.” Charlie then pouts when he sees you losing interest in helping. “Come on, please. I’m hauling ass here trying to get everything ready for tomorrow and right now you’re the only person I trust in getting things done. Just do this for me and I promise I won’t bother you for — until Thanksgiving.”

You stare at him, eyes darting all over his face from his pleading eyes to his pouting lips, a genuine and rare look you see. Charlie’s older and up until Mom got married again, he was the man of the house so for most of your life, he would take care of things, of you and her— he still does. Rarely would he go asking for help so seeing him asking– pleading even for something insignificant as this– it pulls on your heartstrings.

You couldn’t say no.

“Okay.” You nod, accepting the paper.

Instantly, that puppy-eye look vanishes. Charlie hugs you. “You’re the best.” He walks away, not too far though before yelling over his shoulder. “Oh and Banskie’s going with you since it was his idea to involve you. Okay, bye.”

“What?”

The radio faintly plays in the car, mixing with the muffled sounds of Minneapolis. The host is talking about the latest celebrity gossip before introducing the next song. The soft melody of what happens to be a love song begins to play, the singer’s soft yet passionate voice enters your ears and goes straight to your heart. You look away from the window then and at Adam.

The wind had returned when you two headed to his car, messing up his blonde hair, ends sticking in all directions despite him brushing them back with his hand. His cheeks and nose are rosy pink for the same reason; a nice contrast to the wool denim jacket he wears that makes his blue eyes more vibrant.

Though, the thing that grabs your attention is the smile that hasn’t left his lips since you left the frat house. It's a close lipped one, no teeth showing, but it reaches his eyes. It’s interesting because Adam wasn’t the ‘smiling for no reason’ type and there seems to be no reason for it; for everyone else perhaps but you aren’t so oblivious.

“Not that I mind but, you’re staring.” Adam says, stealing a quick glance at you, one corner of his smile lifting higher at your wide eyes, before looking back at the road. “Am I that handsome?”

“Your cockiness astounds me.” You joke, laughing softly but it fades seconds later as your expression softens. “You don’t need me to answer that.”

Like you said the most offensive thing, his head snaps back and forth between you and the road, brows pulled together and mouth agape. It’s playful though. The twinkle is still in his eyes and the smile is still on his lips, now showing his pearly whites. “From my girlfriend? I absolutely do.”

There it is. The reason for his smile and now yours. You rarely get to hear him say the g-word and when you do, it never fails to fill your stomach with butterflies or have your cheeks heating up. He makes you feel so giddy like a school girl experiencing her first romance with the boy she’s been head over heels for which was true for the most part.

From the moment you laid eyes on Adam that day in the alleyway, you thought he was cute but his nasty attitude and even nastier friends stopped you from thinking more. But then he joined your brother’s hockey team, lost the nasty attitude, became a nice human being and friend. It’s then you thought more of him and soon, developed feelings.

You kept it a secret though, not Mom or your friends knew, a good thing because you wouldn’t be able to handle the teasing. Mainly because Adam was your brother’s friend– best friend at that– and his friends were off limits. However, even if it wasn’t a reason, there was no chance. You two were from different worlds and it was made more obvious when you went to college.

You focused more on studying and working hard to get the degree in the field you love. You kept a low profile, sticking to your own small bubble, and avoided any trouble, big or small. You rarely went out and when you did, it was because your girl friends– who also happen to be on the hockey team– dragged you out. Not to mention the lack of a love life. There had been boys here and there but nothing further than a first date and a not-so-sorry ‘sorry but I’m not digging you.’

Adam, though, focused more on his hockey career, leaving just enough to get by with his studies. He was popular— everyone on the team was— and with a team like his, it’s hard not to draw attention whether because of the dozens of games won or the trouble they cause, which he acts like he doesn’t like despite the grin on his face. Then his reputation with the ladies that skyrocketed the moment he got to college. A long line of girls waited for him, some wanting a piece of him while others hoped to be the one to capture his heart. And while he’d entertain some of them, they never lasted more than a week or two.

So you didn’t take it to heart when during last year's Halloween party, after everyone left and most of the boys were passed out drunk around the frat house, Adam flirted with you as you helped him to his room. You didn’t entertain it no matter how much your heart wanted to live the fantasy for a moment. Not even when he confessed ‘his feelings’ for you while you tucked him in bed. You just responded with a forced smile and a ‘sure, Adam’, knowing he didn’t mean a word and wouldn’t remember any of it the next morning.

He did though and when you came over with drinks to help the boys with their hangover, Adam pulled you aside to talk. It was awkward and the first time you’ve seen him ‘red cheeks’ flustered. He couldn’t look you in the eye as he confessed all over again, confirming what he said was true. And this time, you let yourself live in the fantasy, only it wasn’t one. It was real.

After a couple of dates, you two made it official. Except no one knew it. The attention you would draw if the whole campus finds out you’re dating the Adam Banks made you queasy but your brother finding out his best friend is dating his little sister is what made you actually sick. So you asked Adam to keep the relationship a secret and he respected your wishes even though you could see it in his eyes he didn’t want to.

Despite that, he didn’t hide the fact he was no longer a single man. He stopped entertaining girls any time they tried to flirt, politely turning them down and mentioning his heart was already taken. It didn’t take the team long after to notice and ask about his girl but the only thing they got was that she’s amazing.

You lean against the head rest, smile turning bashful. “The most handsome boy I’ve ever seen.”

Adam beams, loving the simple compliment, and with the hand not on the steering wheel, he reaches for yours laying on your lap, squeezing it gently. “Only because I’m so head over heels for you.”

Your heart flutters, skipping a beat. The corners of your mouth twitch before the smile grows and your cheeks burn.

Your fingers curl around the front of the cart, lightly steering it rather than pulling, as you lead the way through the grocery aisles. Adam follows, hands softly pushing the cart, while his eyes are on you, half studying, half in trance. He watches every detail. The twitch of your nose and the wrinkles at the ends of your eyes when you read your brother’s handwriting, the line between your pinched brows as you look for an item, the crooked frown as you mumble under your breath, the flow of your hair when you turn to look back at him with those beautiful eyes.

He can’t remember the last time he was able to admire you so freely without fear of anyone catching and questioning him. School, hockey and other things have kept the two of you busy leaving no time to be alone together. He only got a glimpse of you when he was leaving the same building you were entering for your next class which happened almost a month ago.

Adam blame it for the way he couldn’t function that month but it certainly didn’t help. His mind was always fuzzy during practice and he felt more tired after as he laid in bed. He couldn’t sleep well and wasn’t as energetic or happy as usual when with his friends.

It wasn’t like he was a desperate whiny puppy with separation issues. You two were able to do your own thing away from each other but the ‘away’ has never been for this long. Adam just wanted to spend time with his girlfriend like any boyfriend would.

So when Charlie was one second away from exploding because there wasn’t enough time to finish prepping, Adam jumped at the chance. He was casual when he volunteered the both of you to shop and Charlie, too caught up with his stuff, didn’t notice or think much of it. But the moment Adam saw you, his calm facade wavered as he couldn’t contain the bliss.

“Hey, Adam.”

He hums, eyes meeting yours, barely acknowledging the different snacks in your hands which he recognizes were both his favorites.

“Which one should we take? Charlie didn’t put a specific one.” You glance at the bags with a look he often sees when you’re working on the subject you dislike. “Or should we take that one?” You point to another favorite of his.

A chuckle leaves Adam before he can stop it making you turn to him, looking lost. “I’m paying so take them all.”

You furiously shake your head and put one snack back. “No. I’ll just take… this one.”

A chuckle leaves him again, amused by your reaction like always. You didn’t care about his money, didn’t see it as part of him like others did. Sometimes you forget he has that much money until he gets you things or makes comments like this. You always try declining or waving him off like now and every time, Adam manages to convince you.

“Get them and some of yours too.” He says softly but leaves no room for argument. And when you try to ignore him, moving to set the random snack in the cart, he moves it.

You pout, shoulders slumping, as you look at him. “Adam.”

He says your name, soft yet stern, staring right back, not backing down. After a few seconds, he smiles victorious when you sigh and grab your and his favorite snacks.

“I’m paying you back, okay.” You state firmly like always.

“I take kisses as payment. I'll take one now.” Adam smiles innocently.

You try keeping a serious face but lose as a smile forms on your lips, growing when Adam patiently waits with his cheek facing you. “You’re cute.”

“I thought I was handsome?”

You laugh and Adam swears it’s like candy, sweet, colorful and addicting. And it’s better when he’s the reason behind it; for the big toothy grin that causes your eyes to squint from so much joy, the blush on your cheeks, and that sound he could never get tired of. He first got a taste of it back when you two were becoming friends and he’s been chasing it ever since.

But when you turn back around, continuing shopping, Adam’s smile falters. He might have been joking but deep down he wasn’t. Truth be told, he didn’t volunteer for this domestic task just to see you. For it being the first time you’re finally alone together, he was expecting more affection– more touching. So far, all he got is an accidental hand touching when you two went to grab a cart.

He’s not asking for much but for you, he is.

It had nothing to do with him or the secret relationship. You were never one for physical affection, not to your friends and rarely to your brother and mother– which surprised Adam the first time he found out because Charlie was the opposite. It didn’t change when the relationship started. Any time there was physical affections it was Adam who initiated it, not that he minds and neither do you; you welcome it with open arms and rarely reject it.

But he knows it makes you nervous. He knows you try to enjoy it but there’s always that thought in the back of your mind stopping you.

He looks at you. Your side profile in view as you focus on the different Halloween costumes and decorations that were surprisingly still in stock, less trying to find whatever Charlie had written down and more interested in browsing. You’re relaxed and a lot calmer than he’s seen you this past month. But more importantly, you look so beautiful.

Adam takes a step, feet moving in your direction, but pauses.

Any other day he wouldn’t hesitate showing physical affection but doing it behind doors is different from doing it in public. You two have been careful not to show any signs when in close proximity, no words that could be taken the wrong way or lingering looks or touches that the team can see — he failed a few times himself but luckily it’s been when no one was looking.

But here Adam is, wanting to break the rules because his body aches for yours.

A laugh catches his attention, a tone like yours. It’s a couple on the other side of the aisle, years older than him and clearly together for more with how comfortable they are with each other. They were unapologetically themselves, not afraid to be loud with their presence or dim their light when people glance their way. They didn’t hide the fact they were happy or in love, sharing a sweet, affectionate kiss that had both their eyes closing, savoring it like it’s the first time, before parting and continuing their shopping.

It’s enough to push Adam’s second thoughts away. With a small breath, he looks back at you but instead of seeing you, a killer clown launches at him making a low guttural sound. He jumps and instinctively puts his hands up, whether to protect or defend himself, he doesn’t know, but not before a short startled noise, one that sounds close to a little girl’s scream, leaves him.

Muffled giggles sound underneath the mask and he recognizes them as yours before you take the mask off, revealing the teasing and amused look. “What’s wrong? Looks like you saw a ghost. Or should I say clown.” You laugh harder.

Adam stares at you wide eyed, heart racing fast and arms still up, though soon a smile breaks on his lips and a chuckle slips pass. “Okay, laugh it up.” He shakes his head, watching you too busy laughing to notice the mischief slowly joining, pulling one end of his mouth higher. “You won’t be laughing when I get you back. Or should I say when Jason gets you back.”

The way your laughter stops and your expression drops in a millisecond is like something out of a cartoon. It’s too funny not to laugh. Adam bursts out laughing, failing to hide it behind his hand when you look at him seriously which makes him laugh harder.

“Funny.” You force a chuckle. “But please don’t. That thing already gives me the creeps and I don’t need it to give me nightmares too.”

“You started it.”

You open your mouth but fall short to defend yourself and quickly shut it. Adam got you, you both know it. With a huff of defeat, you walk away and put the mask back on the shelf. Your shoulders are slumped, hand lazily touching another mask, but what really sells the defeat is the pout on your lips.

His laughter dies but his smile lingers. Adam doesn’t hesitate this time. He approaches you and wraps his arms around your waist, laying his chin on your shoulder, and chuckles softly when you jump at the contact with a small gasp. Your hands hover over his forearms, barely weighing down on them, unsure.

“If it means I get to protect you– hold you until you doze off then maybe I will.” You glance at him, eyes still panicked. “But you’re already paranoid enough so… I guess I’ll have to get you back another way or not at all.”

“Very considerate of you” You mutter, fighting the smile wanting to break on your lips.

Adam chuckles. “You’re welcome, M’lady.”

You smile then, his words causing a small laugh to pass through your lips, and your hands finally lay on his forearms, relaxed.

Adam takes it as a sign. So he stays holding you close as you two pretend to look at the costumes and it would’ve stayed like that if the image of the couple didn’t pop in his head, their affection. The need was already in him and the thought only makes it grow so before he can second guess himself, Adam makes a second move.

He presses a kiss to the skin between your neck and shoulder blade where your clothes don’t cover. It’s soft and sweet like the many times he’s done before but it becomes more as everything about you consumes his senses. The scent of your perfume mixed with the smell of books, your body pressing against his front, the small gasp that leaves you at his kiss, and the way you tilt your head to the side, giving him more room.

You’re driving him crazy but oh, how much he missed this.

His body moves on its own the next second and Adam barely registers his face burying further into your neck, nose rubbing against the skin, and breathing in your scent like he had been suffocating and is gasping for air. It isn’t until he feels the small jerk your body makes when a shiver runs down your spine and goosebumps form under his touch that he realizes what he’s doing and the fact sends his ego or pride straight to the roof.

“Adam.” you whisper with a small tremble.

He hums against your neck, this time causing a shaky exhale to leave you followed by a small gulp. Adam doesn’t stop the grin slowly spreading across his lips.

“We’re in public.” You try prying his hands away but the action only makes his hold grow firmer.

“And?” Adam mumbles before laying his chin on your shoulder, looking at you through hooded eyes. “No one’s going to see us.”

He made sure of it. There’s a reason why he chose the store furthest from campus, one he knew none of the team or classmates would go. Because despite the amount of second thinking he went through, Adam knew he wasn’t going to hold back from giving his girlfriend affection.

You hesitate to answer but the look in your eyes answers for you. You’re craving the affection just like he is, dying to finally feel him, and you don’t want to let this opportunity go to waste. But Adam also sees that thought flickering across your eyes and the way it subtly makes your expression drop.

He hates it.

“No but… people don’t like pda.” You simply say, like it’s obvious and not an excuse.

You pry his hands away again and this time, Adam lets you but his hold doesn’t go away. Instead, it moves to your hands, keeping you close when you turn to face him.

He looks at you, not admiring or studying you but seeing you. You’re not his girlfriend or the girl he’s been crushing for longer than he would admit. Right now, you’re the girl who has too much of a big, soft heart for her own good.

“You should stop caring what others think.” Adam advises softly, giving your hands a reassuring squeeze. “It’ll make life better— make you happier. Trust me.”

“I know.” You respond just as soft, smiling but it doesn’t reach your eyes like it usually would.

It’s not a secret. You’re the most caring and selfless person Adam knows — more than Charlie who probably is where you got it from. You go above and beyond for your friends and family, it doesn't matter if it’s something small or if you’re busy. It’s one of the things Adam likes about you, admires even, but there’s times where you care for the wrong things, things that shouldn’t matter to you, and it’s then he dislikes it.

The topic ends there so Adam changes subject. “So, you got your costume ready for tomorrow?”

Your smile falters. You don’t like this subject either. You simply nod, letting go of his hands and going back to look at the costumes.

He knows you do. Adam took it upon himself to buy the costume for you since you’ve been too busy studying to even think about it.

“Do you like it?”

You pause. “It’s pretty.”

“You don’t like it.” Adam says, recognizing the tone you have when you don’t want to offend someone.

“What? No.” You shake your head, looking back at him. “I said it was pretty because it is. The color, the ruffles, the skirt–”

“But it’s not you, right. It’s not really something you’d choose.” He states, a small smile on his lips. Teasing almost.

Your brows furrow. “Then why did you get it?”

Adam pretends to think, glancing at the ground before looking at you, his smile sort of bashful. “Because it reminded me of you. Soft, warm, beautiful. I- I don’t know. That probably doesn’t make sense.” He chuckles awkwardly. “I just thought it was perfect for you… and you'll look good in it.”

He can see the fluster grow on your face as he speaks, cheeks flushing and eyes rounding, like he hasn’t complimented you before. It’s adorable.

You snap out of your state but the effect lingers, the smile spreading on your lips couldn’t hide it even as you shook your head. “Is this your way of convincing me?” You tease.

Adam grins. “Depends. Is it working?”

“Maybe.” You laugh and as it fades, there’s a look in your eye like you’re silently thinking. “But,” you say, expression turning serious, “if my boyfriend thinks I should then who am I to argue.”

His grin shifts at your words. “No. I didn’t mean – not like that. I’m not forcing you. If you don’t like it, you can choose something else. You still have options.” Adam points to the stocked shelves. “You won’t be hurting my feelings. It was an option, not the final decision.”

His words hit something in you, something that has your expression softening and a bashful yet endearing smile appearing on your lips. You look at him like he hung the stars, like he was the best thing in the world. It was enough to have Adam’s cheeks warming up.

You step closer to him, fingers uncurling towards him and Adam is quick to meet them halfway. “I want to.” You confirm. “I just needed… a little push. Some reassurance. Plus, it’s Halloween. The only time I can dress like that without anyone batting an eye.”

Adam smiles, half because of your words and half because of your touch. “It would’ve been a shame to let the costume go to waste.”

You giggle with a shake of your head. “For you or for me?”

“Both.” He chuckles. “But for you mainly. You would’ve missed how beautiful you’ll look in it.”

“Charmer.” You tease.

“I’m only telling the truth.”

The world around becomes a blur as Adam focuses on you. Your hand gently squeezing his, your eyes interested in only him, and the pretty smile on your lips his focus lingers on. It’s crazy how something so simple, something you’re not even aware of, can do things to him. His heart is beating like crazy, body buzzing which he swears you can feel.

Heat rises all over his face and through his fuzzy mind there’s one thing that’s clear. He really wants to kiss you. So with the hand in yours, he gently pulls you closer until you’re flush against him, and with the other, cups your cheek. You don’t object and it’s enough for him to lean in, lowering his head enough…

You snap back, pulling your hand away like he burned you, and step away. It’s a snap shot to Adam’s heart and he can’t hide the hurt. But he understands when he hears two familiar voices behind him.

“Banskie?” Connie Moreau says, unsure if it’s her friend.

Adam shuts his eyes, pushing back the annoyance, before putting on a smile and turning to her and Julie Gaffney. “Hey, girls. What are you doing here?”

“Last minute shopping.” Julie answers then her eyes dart behind Adam and back, eyebrow slightly raising. “And you two?”

Connie leans to the side, glancing behind Adam, now noticing you hiding behind her friend’s tall frame. She says your name and when you turn around, it’s like you’re also now realizing they’re there.

“Hey.” The smile on your lips is big, too big, as you stand in front of the girls, “funny running into you girls.”

“We’re doing some last minute shopping too – for Charlie.” Adam answers Julie’s question.

“He was going all crazy getting everything ready for the party, he had to call the calvary.” You add, laughing softly at your joke.

The girls nod but knowing them for most of his life, Adam recognizes the look on their faces. They don’t believe it, not all of it, and when they glance at him, he can see the suspicion in their eyes.

“So it’s just you two?” Julie asks, eyeing both of you but mainly Adam. “Alone?”

Adam frowns, not offended but annoyed.

Julie and Connie never had a problem with his many ‘girlfriends’— though they would make sly comments about it but never make a big deal out of it— but when he announced he had settled, they weren’t patting his back, congratulating him like the guys. Instead, they warned him not to mess with the girl and if he did, if they saw him messing with another girl, they didn’t need to say what they would do.

“Everyone else was too busy at the house, she was free and I have the money.”

Julie hums.

“Yeah,” Connie joins in, a soft frown on her lips. “Guy was telling me how crazy it is. We barely seen each other these past couple of days because Charlie is working them like dogs. Good thing we’re not part of that mess.” She says the last part to you and Julie.

“Well, I sort of am.” You say.

“But not as bad as Guy.”

“No.” You smile sheepishly. “But hey, once Halloween goes, the boys will catch a break. You’ll finally have your boyfriend back.”

Connie nods. “Speaking of Halloween, do you have your costume ready?”

You hesitate for a second before nodding. “I do.”

“What are you going to be?”

“You’ll have to wait for tomorrow.”

This quips Connie’s interest and she smirks like she knows the truth lying underneath your words. “Okay.” She teases.

“And you?” Julie asks Adam, not really curious but wanting to hear.

“Vampire.”

She laughs. “Very basic.”

It’s not an insult and unlike Connie, Adam knows the truth underneath her words. He might be rich and popular but he’s just like every normal kid in college.

“Yeah. But you can’t go wrong with the originals.”

Julie shakes her head then smirks. “Well careful, Original. I heard a vampire slayer is going to the party. Don’t want you to get a stake to the heart.”

“Is that a threat?”

“You’re not messing around?”

Adam’s expression hardens. “I’m not.”

“Then you have nothing to worry about.” Her smirk turns into a smile, less threatening but the warning is still there.

They stare at each other, tensions rising. Adam couldn’t look away, not without losing. But from the corner of his eye, he can see you looking at Connie confused which she responds with an awkward smile, waving it off as if saying ‘they’re just being them’.

“And you. You’re not messing around either?” She asks you, tone and smile teasing, trying to ease the tension. It’s a joke but it catches both you and Adam off guard.

You grow flustered, tumbling over your words. “What? No, no. I’m too busy with school to even think about that. Plus, I gave up on boys a long time ago.”

“So you’re going for the other team?” Julie grins, making your cheeks warm.

Adam scoffs with a small smirk, eyes slightly narrowing at her. “Are you trying to get her?”

“Is it a problem if I am?”

Your laugh draws their attention, expression more flustered than before. “I’m flattered but my heart is not ready for anything… serious.”

The rest of the conversation is lost to Adam. His ears are static, his eyes are out of focus, and his brain is short circuiting. He doesn’t know when the girls bid goodbye or if he returned it. He doesn’t know when you two finish shopping and end up in the car, driving back to the frat house.

It was a joke. He thinks. A cover. You didn’t really mean what you told Julie. Did you?

“Adam.”

He comes to and glances at you, quick enough to see your confused expression, before a series of annoyed honks sound from behind him, making him focus back on driving. But he can still feel your eyes on him, the sight of the small pout and the furrow brows clear from his peripheral.

It’s making him nervous, his heart is racing and his grip on the steering wheel tightens. You’re going to ask, of course you are, but he wishes you won’t. He wishes he didn’t feel like an insecure boyfriend or whatever it is you see him as, overthinking about a stupid comment that probably meant nothing.

Adam winces.

This must be karma for the many girls he stringed along. He’s finally in their shoes, feeling what he must have made them felt. But they knew he wasn’t going to settle, they knew his heart was never even within their reach. He made it clear.

“Are you okay?” Your voice is soft, laced with worry.

You genuinely don’t know and Adam doesn’t know if it makes things better or worse. He can lie and make you more worried or he can say the truth and look pathetic. He ends up choosing the third option; silence.

Your expression falls, panic mixing with the worry. You look away and stare at your lap, the soft sounds of your hands rubbing against your thighs sounding loud in the quiet car. If his mind wasn’t so clouded, Adam would’ve quickly comforted you, apologizing for ever making you feel this way.

“Did I do something?” The worry is higher now.

His silence answers for him.

Adam can hear the gears turning in your head as you’re trying to figure out what you could have possibly done to deserve the silent treatment. It was childish of him, deep down he knows it but it’s blocked by the nasty feeling growing when your comment echoes in his mind. He couldn’t have possibly…

“I said something, to the girls. Didn’t I?”

Adam tenses but with how fast you had figured it out — and against his will — the corners of his lips quirk upward. “You’re smart.”

Your expression softens. “Adam, you know I didn’t mean it.”

He frowns, almost scowls at that. “But it came out very easy.”

“Because if I hesitated they would’ve been suspicious. They already were.”

“And?”

“And?” You look at him like he grew a second head. “What do you mean ‘and’? Did you forget that this— us is a secret. They can’t find out because then Charlie finds out and if he—”

There’s honking and the faint sound of something cussing Adam out as he suddenly makes a sharp turn making the tires screech. It’s bumpy and dizzying how fast the car moves into an empty lot before coming to a stop, the motion having you and Adam going forward and almost hitting the dashboard.

“So what?” Adam huffs annoyed, finally looking at you since the store. “What if he finds out? Why would it matter? He’s not your dad. He’s not the one in the relationship. He has no fucking say in this.”

“It matters because he is my brother and your best friend so whether you like it or not, he’s involved in this.” You cry out exasperated. “How do you think he’s going to react when he finds out? Do you think he’s going to be over the moon that his best friend is messing with his sister?”

His heart sinks at your choice of word and it’s the final nail on the coffin he wished wasn’t real. “That’s what you think is happening? You think I’m messing with you.”

Your eyes widen like you just realized what you said. “What? No. No, I didn’t mean— I don’t think that, Adam.”

“You just said it.”

“I meant — Charlie is going to think that because of… He thinks you’re just going to use me and break my heart like you’ve done to half the girls on campus. That I’m just a pawn in your game.”

Adam can’t believe what he’s hearing. This is your excuse? He shakes his head, scowling harshly, as he turns in his seat and puts the car in gear. “You sure this is about Charlie and not you?”

The argument hasn’t left your head since yesterday, since Adam took all the bags inside the frat house without a word or glance at you and you got to hint and left. The way his expression dropped and his voice sounded so small, so broken. You only seen it once before, when he was told he couldn’t play hockey for a while which was basically like telling him not to breath or eat.

You broke his heart, something Charlie thought he would do to you. What you thought he would do to you because Adam was right about what he said. It wasn’t really about Charlie, at least not all of it.

There was always this doubt in you, even before you two got together and that stayed after. A doubt that you two would stay together for long; with you two being so different fueling it. It didn’t matter if Adam showed how much he adored you, showering you with kisses, cuddles, compliments and every other affection he could think of, or being there for you after an exhausting night of studying, waking up in his arms and him teasing you about your snoring which you deny every time. There was always the lingering thought that one day he will realize you aren’t what he’s looking for and leave you.

Like your father did.

You were still too little to understand, to feel the pain Charlie had when Mom broke the news after your father didn’t come home for days. You never saw him again but his absence left a hole in you, one that’s still there even after all these years. It was then where your abandonment issues started, where you started to care what people thought and tried to please them in hopes they wouldn’t leave you. Your friends, Coach Bombay, Charlie, Mom, your step-dad, and now Adam.

And now, because of it, you’re going to lose the boy you love.

You arrive at the frat house later than Charlie had said, two hours later. Your head kept holding you back, the nerves making you second guess the plan you formed this morning, but your heart finally won over. So with the costume Adam bought on you and the fake blood on your neck covered by your curled hair, you left your dorm before your head can get you back.

Groups of people hang out on the front lawn and porch with drinks in their hands and already causing a mess, matching their costumes. The music filters though the doors and windows, sounding clear but not loud enough reach the ends of the street, as well as the different colored lights and the shadows of people walking by.

All of that grows the second you walk through the door just like the body heat that smacks you, burning slightly against the coolness of your exposed skin the night air touched. It’s crowded and you have to make yourself smaller to not accidentally bump into someone. You walk around, checking the boys’ work— which for how chaotic is was yesterday, it all came out good— and also looking for a specific boy.

You’re finishing checking one of the rooms, one with a soft yellow glow and calm air where people laid back and talked, when you hear your name being called. You turn around, hoping to find who you’re looking for, but instead see Connie in a She-Ra costume and Julie in a Buffy the Vampire Slayer one.

“Oh, hey girls.” You don’t try to hide your disappointment and whether they noticed or not, both girls are too busy gawking at you to comment on it.

“Now I understand why it was a secret. You look… I’m speechless.” Connie raves as she circles you. “This isn’t a costume. This is something out of a movie.”

You smile bashfully. You thought the same when you first unpacked the costume, eyes bulging at the sight of dress; the flowy laced skirt, sheer long sleeves, and a built-in corset with a square neckline covered in ruffles. It hugs your body just right, showing of your figure and some of the stockings you wear underneath.

“Thank you. And you two look amazing.”

“Not as amazing as you.” Julie comments. “You have everyone looking– basically falling for you.”

It’s then you notice the eyes on you, the attention that’s been on you since you arrived. But none of them belong to the one you want so you ignore them.

“Have you seen my brother?” You ask.

“I think I saw him DJ-ing with Fulton and Dean.” Connie answers.

You nod and go to walk away but Julie stops you.

“You’re not going to see him?” You look at her confused so she rephrases. “You look amazing to us because we’re friends but if Charlie sees you, he’s going to go nuts.”

She’s right.

“Too bad.” You simply say, walking away and missing the way the girls’ mouth drop, surprised.

On the other side of the house, in the biggest room, is exactly where Connie said Charlie would be. He and Dean are hyping Fulton up before he drops the beat and makes the whole dance floor go crazy. It makes you smile and it grows when you finally find the familiar mop of blonde hair in the crowd but it falters when you see the pretty girl next to him.

She’s tall and fit, arms and legs define and shining under the lights like she put on body glitter. The short red dress fits like a glove, her makeup and hair is styled just perfect for her, and the red horns makes her look cute instead of ‘evil’. You can tell she carries herself well. How she doesn’t let anyone make her feel small not even the famous Adam Banks. How she’s not afraid to put herself out there. How she’s confident and determine to get what she wants and by the looks of her flirty expression and soft touch on Adam’s arm, it’s him.

The thought pops in your head and the fear of losing the him becomes real but when your eyes drift to Adam, it diminishes. He’s not interested, his body is turned away from her and eyes not even looking at her— they’re wandering all over the room before landing on you.

Adam’s expression softens, the stiffness he had in his shoulders relaxes, and his attention is only on you. You smile at him. The corners of his lips quirk up but then his eyes dart towards Charlie then back to you, sadness creeps in them, the argument you had yesterday popping in his head. He turns to the girl, finally paying attention to her, entertaining her a bit.

It sends a pang to your heart but also an ugly jealousy.

You had to fix this before it gets broken beyond repair.

You head towards the DJ booth in the corner where Charlie is now poorly singing into the microphone with Dean. The crowd made it difficult but you finally manage to get on the small stage. Fulton is the first to see you and a smile spreads on his lips as he brings you into a side hug.

“You made it!” He yells and you barely hear it over the music and vibrations going through your body since now you’re right next to the speakers. He gives you a once-over and softly smirks. “Nice costume! You look… great!”

You laugh and motion to his old western costume, emphasizing on the bandana wrapped around his neck. “You too, Bandit!”

Fulton chuckles with a shake of his head and makes room for you to get to your brother. Dean sees you next since his body is facing you and grins so wide when he sees your costume. He all but pushes Charlie, almost sending him flying off the booth, and marches to you.

“I always knew there was a babe hiding in you, Lady Conway!” Your cheeks burn at the complement and he hugs you just like Fulton, wearing the same bandit costume too. “You’re lucky Charlie’s here or I would’ve stolen you away!”

You giggle and shake your head. “Who cares if he’s here! Your only problem is that I’m already taken!”

“Really? Congrats!” Dean hugs you again. “Lucky guy but if he breaks your heart or hurts you, tell me so we can jump his ass!” He says serious.

“I will!”

He grins one last time at you before leaving to get a drink. You finally reach your brother, hand on his shoulder, and with the song fading, you can talk to him without needing to scream. But before you can get a word out, Charlie’s eyes bulge out when he notices your outfit.

“What the hell are you wearing?”

You cringe at the smell of alcohol on his breath. “It’s call a costume, dumb dumb.”

“Nuh uh. Looks more like—”

“Okay, whatever. I need to talk to you about something important.” You pull on his arm but Charlie doesn’t move.

“Later. I’m helping Fulton right now.”

“With what?” You give him a ludicrous look.

Instead of answering, Charlie changes subject. “How ‘bout you look for the girls or something else to wear.” Another song begins to play and Charlie brings the microphone up to his mouth.

You pull his arm down though, bringing the microphone along. “No! It’s important, Charlie!”

“Oh my–” He groans impatiently, making you wonder if he’s actually the oldest. “It’s Halloween! We’re at a party! You’re suppose to have fun, not be a party pooper, Nerd!”

You roll your eyes making Charlie huff.

“Did you just roll your eyes at me?”

“Yes! So what?”

He looks at you like you just offended him. “Yeah, you need to change ‘cause that costume got to your head!”

“No, I just stopped being a people’s pleaser!”

“Well do it to someone else! Not me!” Charlie tries to go back to singing but you stop him again and this time, you try taking the microphone away. “Are you serious?”

“We! Need! To! Talk!” You grumble as you two fight for the microphone like a game of tug-a-war.

“And! I! Said! Later!” Charlie groans, looking at you dumfounded. By now, he would’ve won. “What’s so damn important that it can’t wait?”

“It’s private!”

“Just tell me!”

“No!”

“Tell me!”

“Charlie!”

“Sis!”

“I’m in love with your best friend!”

Your voice echos through the room and most likely the rest of the frat house. Everything stops, metaphorically and literally; the music, the dancing, the conversations, your heart. All eyes turn to you and Charlie, confused, interested, entertained. You drop the microphone, the thud sounding through the speakers, and stare at your brother, wearing the same stunned look.

“You’re… what?”

People are whispering now and the girl next to Adam doesn’t look as interested any more. Julie, Connie and the rest of the Ducks appear by the opening of the room, all trying to get a good view of Charlie’s out burst waiting to happen. Fulton tries to distract everyone by playing another song but it doesn’t work. You and Charlie are the new entertainment.

So much for it being private.

You open your mouth but nothing comes out. The nerves are coming over you hard and for a second, you regret doing this. But then your eyes wander to the crowd, to Adam. He’s focused on you, a hopeful look on his face and a smile threatening to break on his lips. It’s the push you need.

You look at Charlie, now confident and determine. “I. Said. I’m in love with your best friend… I’m in love with Adam Banks.”

Charlie’s eyes widen even more, mouth gaping open like a fish out of water. He looks at Adam who has a not-so-guilty look. “You—”

“Okay,” Fulton interrupts, grabbing Charlie by the back of his costume like you would grab a cat by the scruff. He motions to Dean to grab Adam and follow him. You’re right on their tail as Fulton leads the way upstairs, leaving Luis Mendoza and Russ Tyler in charge of DJ-ing.

You end up in the room farthest from the party, where the sounds of it resuming can’t reach. Charlie sits on the bed, head in his hands, while you and Adam stand on the other side of the room, a good distance between you two, and Fulton and Dean between you three, having stayed as backup.

“You serious?” Fulton speaks up after a minute of silence, glaring at you and Charlie. “You were ready to talk out there but now, ya got nothing to say?”

“What’s to say?” Charlie scoffs, looking up and glaring at Adam. “My best friend is messing with my little sister.”

“I’m not messing with her!” Adam quickly corrects and for a second you can see the flicker in his eyes as he thinks back to what you had said yesterday. He pauses, takes a breath, and continues much calmer. “I’m not messing with her. I’m not using her to pass time or anything. Charlie… I don’t know how to describe it but she makes me feel things I never felt before, not with anyone else. I’m head over heels for her. I’m — I’m in love.”

Your heart skips a beat. It’s the first time Adam says the L word and while it wasn’t really the best time or way to say it, one look at him confirms he means it.

Charlie blinks, stunned frozen of what his best friend just said. “What about your girlfriend?” Adam avoids his gaze and his eyes dart towards you. Charlie looks at you, an awkward smile on your lips, and grumbles. “No, no, no. She’s…” He struggles to say, holding back a gag.

“Surprise?”

Dean chuckles and while Fulton keeps it together, the smile on his lips says everything. This is very entertaining.

Charlie sighs into his hands. “I think I need a drink.”

“Really?” You tilt your head at him. “That’s all you have to say?”

He looks at you, defeated and wanting to have this whole conversation over with. “I have a lot to say, lot of not-so nice things, but doesn’t matter right? You already made up your mind. You’re… dating.” His expression changes, no longer angry or shocked as he looks at you and Adam, it’s softer yet firm. “So this is really happening? My best friend and my little sister… in… in love.”

“Alright, you’re pushing it Charlie.” Fulton says, referring to his gagging.

You smile at Adam, both of you relaxed and relief, and reach for his hand as you finally close the gap between you two. “Yes but don’t worry. We’ll keep the pda a minimum.”

“Well…” Adam hums.

“Minimum, Banskie.” Charlie grumbles, not appreciating his joke. He ignores your laughter and stands, looking at his best friend with a serious look. “Okay, I’m… not really okay with this but I will allow it. You better take care of her and treat her like the princess she is. And you better not break her heart or else—”

You cut him off. “I already promised Portman I’ll tell him so he and whoever wants to can jump him.”

“Wait, what?” Adam looks at you wide eyed.

“Hell yeah!” Dean laughs. “I call first dibs.”

“Nuh uh. I’m her brother so I get the first hit.” Charlie says.

Fulton shrugs. “I’m basically her second brother so I get second hit.”

They end up leaving you and Adam, discussing further their jumping strategy and most likely recruiting the others. You laugh softly, shaking your head at their stupid antics, and turn to Adam who looks like he saw a ghost. Or a clown.

“They’re kidding right? They’re not really going to jump me.”

“Don’t break my heart and you’ll never find out.”

He smiles then and fully turns to you. “I’m not planning to. You’re stuck with me now.”

You giggle and without hesitation, wrap your arms around his shoulders, bringing him closer causing his smile to beam.

“I’m sorry about yesterday.” You say seriously. “Even if I didn’t mean it, it was stupid of me to say something like that. Especially when my heart does want something serious. With you.”

“You’re forgiven. And I’m sorry too. For the way I acted— reasonable or not, it was childish of me.” You both agree on that. “Besides, is it really a relationship if you don’t have an argument?”

“Debatable.” You joke. “But I am glad we had it or else we would’ve still been a secret.”

“I agree ‘cause I can finally do this,” Adam leans in, finally capturing your lips and giving you the kiss he’s been craving. It’s soft and slow, becoming desperate and deep when he holds you flush against him. You’re both gasping when you part, a breathless smile on both your faces. “Without having to worry.”

You join the party a minute later, hand intertwine with Adam’s, and your cheeks heat up when you see half the team waiting for you with teasing looks.

“So this is why you gave up on boys? ‘Cause you found ‘the one’.” Julie comments with a small laugh.

“Sorry to disappoint.” Adam whispers a small ‘wow’ making you laugh.

Jesse Hall swings his arm around Adam, smirking at his friend. “And this is the ‘amazing girl’?”

“Yeah, she is.” He says while looking at you.

“Congra—-“

You turn around and let out a scream when you see Jason standing so close, his realistic eyes staring at you. You jump into Adam’s arms, like a monkey climbing a tree, pushing your body against his or trying to run away, you don’t know. It startles everyone, even Jason.

“Wow, I didn’t know I was that scary.”

“Dave Lester Averman!”

you paused for a second, just like the rest of the ducks with their towels and goggles with their snacks and sunscreen stuffed in their beach bags and slung over their shoulders, staring up in what seemed to be the sun. 

you almost gasped, slinging your sunglasses off your face once you came to realization of what all of you were staring at from a far: adam banks sitting on the tall lifeguards chair with a whistle strung around his neck. 

it seemed all of you were quite dumbfounded with the sight of the pale teenage boy you all called a friend, and in your case: a boyfriend. 

“well, I'll be darned,” charlie squinted, making his way to the blonde boy who hadn’t even taken notice to the rest of you. charlie had the biggest smirk on his face as he stared up to adam, his hat covering the line of sight to his eyes. “never took you one for a swimmer, banksy!” 

the boy almost looked stunned as he connected eye contact with the rest of you. he tipped his head lowly, his black generic sunglasses sliding down to the tip of his nose.

“what’re you guys doing here?”

“we could ask you the same thing, hot shot.”

“i’m working…” he looked confused, like he had been knocked up the head and couldn’t figure what was going on.

"adam!" your voice comes out as a yell, mixed with confusion and pure amusement. "since when are you a lifeguard?"

he continues to match your confusion in tone, as if it were strange that all of you found this strange, "this summer?"

"yeah but when?"

"don't you have to like... train for this?" julie tips her head to the side, her hand shading her eyes from the bright sun beating down on all of you. "and pass tests?"

"yes," he says it in a 'duh' tone. "what's the problem?"

"nothing, sweetheart, we're just kind of confused on why you didn't tell any of us... let alone how you found the time to become one," you. try to suppress a giggle as you press out a voice that sounded like you were babying him.

"yeah, sweetheart," luis mocks you for a moment, "obviously you're not here for the hot chicks, so what's the deal?"

"I was just bored," he shrugs simply, "and I guess I forgot to tell you guys."

a damn lie. you knew he was probably just too embarrassed to tell you all.

"hey, I'm cool with it," charlie's hands go up in defense, seeming to also catch on to this fact. "as long as you let us in on the free snack bar snacks."

"yeah, whatever," he waves you all off. "you guys get out of here, go swim or something."

you smile, kissing your hand before slapping in on his leg before moving on with everyone else.