#scg writes

Crawling back into bed, Beckett smiled to himself as he kept his movements silent with the aid of some quick air magick to mask any sounds. He looked down at Clarette with tenderness, his gaze roving over his sleeping girlfriend's figure that was burrowed under the blankets. Her dark, luscious hair was spread out in contrast to the pale blue of the pillow, her lips slightly parted in her deep slumber. As he slid under the covers, it was automatic for Clarette to turn towards the heat of his body, her arm wrapping around his torso while her head nestled onto his chest. He brushed her hair back and kissed the top of her head, his other arm holding her close, caressing the soft skin of her bare back with the lightest of touches.

He closed his eyes in an attempt to get a few more minutes of sleep, knowing full well that Clarette was going to wake up uncharacteristically early on this special day, even though they had both fallen asleep only a few hours prior. The corner of his mouth lifted with the memories they had created earlier that night, the specialness of sharing their first Solstice while living together under the same roof fresh in his mind.

The evening had started out innocent enough as they headed to the LeFleur household earlier that day. What he was going to wear to her family’s place never crossed his mind, assuming a blazer and tie would suffice. He was about to throw on a crisp button-down shirt when he saw Clarette walk out in one of the ugliest sweaters he had ever laid eyes on. The red sweater had a lone reindeer on the front, its antlers bedazzled with rhinestones, with a geometric design of white snowflakes covering the rest of the jumper. The only saving grace of her entire outfit was the pair of skintight leggings she paired them with.

Beckett’s jaw fell agape in horror. “What in the world are you wearing?”

“Beckett, your face!” His reaction brought her to tears of laughter, her almond eyes crinkling in amusement. “Did I forget to tell you? It’s my ugly Christmas sweater! And you might as well save the suit and tie for your parents’ dinner tomorrow. Tonight, we’re doing Christmas LeFleur style.”

Quirking an eyebrow in response, he removed his shirt, placing it back on the hanger. He stood shirtless in front of their closet, mulling over what to wear now that his original outfit had been dashed. “What, then, constitutes a ‘LeFleur style’ Christmas?”

“Well, for starters,” she sauntered over to him, placing her hands on his chest before sliding them up his muscular frame and around his neck. “There’s no need for a fancy schmancy blazer. I mean, we’re a family who wears onesies for Christmas, remember? A sweater’s fine,” she giggled. “Though I’ll tell you what. If it wasn’t the holidays, I’d suggest we just stay home because I’d much rather see you in this state of undress any day of the week.”

Going up on her tiptoes, she brushed her lips against his in a slow, seductive manner, smiling when he moaned into her mouth. She unwound her arms and pulled back with one final peck, watching his eyes open slowly, the hazel grey hues now tinged with desire. “Except that it is the holidays, so you need to finish getting ready. And as much as I appreciate your exquisite physique, I don’t think the rest of my family would appreciate you showing up without a shirt.”

Taking a quick look through the closet, her fingers rummaged through the hangers before landing on a charcoal, cashmere, V-neck sweater. She handed him the piece of clothing before she walked out of the room, tapping his toned ass with the back of her hand for good measure.

He shook his head with a grin on his face as he heard her laughing to herself down the hall. She was absolutely ridiculous, and he loved her for it.

A couple of hours later, Beckett and Clarette walked hand in hand up the driveway towards a modest, one-story, ranch style home in the middle of suburbia. The surrounding neighborhood houses all had simple lights and decorations strung up along their roofs, the neighborhood giving off a different and distinct feel compared to the affluent community he grew up in. While he knew they had different upbringings, this was the first real opportunity to experience her life before Penderghast and before him. He exhaled deeply, letting out a breath he didn't even know he was holding as they approached the front door.

Taking the keys out of her purse, Clarette stopped before ascending the front steps. He took the step up, only to notice she had paused in her gait, causing him to halt and rejoin her on the bottom rung.

“Is everything alright?” He held her gloved hand, clutching it for support.

“I was about to ask you the same thing. I heard that breath you let out, you know. And don't even try to deny it.” A crease of worry lined her forehead as she glanced up at him.

“I’m afraid I might be overthinking things again. How do you know me so well?” Wrapping his arms around her, he squeezed her in the ridiculous puffer coat that she wore over the ugly reindeer sweater.

“Because I always have. I just know you.” She hugged him back, breathing in his scent.

“I suppose I might be slightly nervous, this being the first Solstice that your family has invited me to,” he confessed.

“You have no reason to be. You've already met my entire family and they love you. Even Atlas does, although she'd never admit it.”

“I know you're right, but I can't help but seek your family's approval at all turns.”

She tilted her head up at him, cupping his jaw. “And you already have it. They want what's best for me and you're it.”

He beamed, her words relieving some of the pressure that he had placed on himself. Leaning down, he placed a gentle kiss on her lips. “How did I get so lucky with you?” He murmured before grazing his lips over hers once more.

She responded with fervor, her hand sliding from his jaw to the base of his head, the other gripping the soft cashmere of his sweater underneath his black pea coat. “How about we call it even and say we both got lucky.” 

Stepping back, she smoothed the fabric down his chest, straightening his sweater out while taking the opportunity to feel his hard body underneath her fingertips. “By the way, I really love this on you. It brings out your eyes and just so you know, I'm going to be imagining tearing it off of you all night long until we get home later.”

Laughing, his eyes lit up with desire before looking down at the mocking reindeer on the front of her sweater, its obnoxious, bejeweled eyes glittering back at him. “And I can't wait to tear that hideous thing off you either.”

As if on cue, the door opened, revealing a reindeer-onesie-wearing Atlas just in time to catch Beckett's words. Her smile turned upside down and her eyes darted between the happy couple, glaring at the pair. She stepped aside, letting them into the house.

“I was going to say I've missed having you around the place for the holidays, but Harrington just reminded me why I don't. I was going to ask what took you so long, but I think I already know the answer. And no, I don’t want any details.”

Clarette hung her and Beckett's coats up, glomping her sister with lightning quick speed before the fair-haired twin could dodge her advances. “I've missed you too, sister! And don’t worry, we weren’t late because we weren’t having sex, if that’s what you were implying!”

Beckett coughed, clearing his throat. “Clarette, must you verbalize that? What if your parents heard you?!”

Atlas squirmed out of her touch, scowling at them both. She shook her head before her mask broke and a hint of a smile appeared. “Sometimes I really hate you, you know that.”

“What did your sister do now?” An amused voice echoed from inside the house, the footsteps getting louder as they approached the entryway. Their biological mother came into view, donning an apron and looking like an advertisement for ‘Better Homes & Gardens’ instead of being the almighty Sun Source.

Theia hugged her Sun-Att daughter hard, rocking her back and forth in the embrace, keeping in line with actions of the affectionate mother she had become. “Clarette! It's like I never see you anymore once you moved out!”

Clarette rolled her eyes, grinning as she hugged her mother with the same gusto. “What are you talking about? I just saw you two days ago!”

“But it's different when I was used to seeing you every day for past Solstice breaks!” She let her go, turning to Beckett with a stern expression, the ancient Sun Source power radiating from her mortal form, “And you, Beckett Harrington, I hope you've been treating Clarette well.”

“Yes, yes of course, I have, I - ” he stammered, “- always! With the utmost respect!”

Theia broke out into laughter, gathering Beckett into a hug. “You should've seen your face! Clarette is right, you are fun to tease!”

Beckett sputtered, his ears turning pink as he returned the hug for a moment before taking his place back at Clarette's side. “Well, at least now I know the teasing is hereditary,” he joked, an easy smile coming to him.

She clasped her hands, an action she did to control herself when she could feel her Sun energy spiking with joy. “In all seriousness, I'm glad you were able to join us, Beckett. I do have one question for you, though, before we all go help with the cookies in the back.”

“Yes?”

Clarette jostled when she saw the shit eating grin creep onto her mother's face. “Mom…”

“So... when are you going to pop the question?”

“MOM. OH MY GOD!”

Beckett could feel the red color his cheeks and he never had the chance to reply as Clarette grabbed his arm, pulling him towards the kitchen.

The rest of the evening went swimmingly, with lots of love, laughs, and a frightening number of cookies and egg rolls being consumed. They arrived back at their townhouse a bit before midnight, where Clarette still had a warm buzz going after too many glasses of spiked eggnog.

The tree in the corner glowed under the sparkling lights that were draped on the branches, the dimmed room illuminated by the soft, silver sheen of the tinsel. Presents wrapped in foil, paper and tissue were piled under the greenery, the scent of fresh pine, cinnamon, and allspice filling the area.

They sat on the sofa, watching the flames of the fire dance and leap from across the room, the heat warming them up from the cold outside. The fireplace crackled in the comforting silence; the sound was a soothing melody as they reflected on their first holiday living together so far. This night and the morning to come was a nice respite from all their familial obligations through the Solstice season.

Beckett raised his arm, allowing Clarette to snuggle into his warmth and he rubbed her back as she nestled into his nook. She traced imaginary patterns on his sweater, only stopping when he laced his fingers with hers, kissing the back of her hand before stroking it with his thumb.

“Thanks for coming tonight. It really meant a lot to me and I am so sorry she put you on the spot like that, I had no idea she was going to go there.” She buried her face into the crook of his neck, still reeling from the embarrassment of earlier.

“The question that your mother asked me?” He kissed the top of her head, a low chuckle rumbling from him. “There's nothing to apologize for. It is something we have discussed in the past, is it not?”

Raising her head, she looked into the depths of his eyes. “Yeah, it is, but I don't want you to feel pressured into asking just because societal norms tell you to do it. I'm not going anywhere.”

He hummed in agreement, noticing the sincerity in which she spoke those words. “You're the only thing in the world that I don't feel pressure from. And when I do ask the question, I want it to be as perfect as possible because that's what you deserve.”

She sat up, running a hand through his hair before studying his face. The fire may have been reflecting in the gloss of his eyes, but it was an internal heat that she recognized as she cupped his warm cheeks between her palms. She brought his lips to hers, faintly tasting the gingerbread they had from earlier.

Tangling his hand into her dark mass of hair, he pulled her onto his lap and she straddled him, her knees on the outside of his hips as she pressed herself against his hard body. He groaned at the contact, his head falling back while she rubbed herself on him. Straightening up, he ran his hands down the curves of her body, this time making her sigh in pleasure as he attached his mouth to her neck, kissing and nibbling her skin before he captured her mouth once again.

With a smirk, he pulled off the atrocious sweater, the night air causing goosebumps to raise on her skin. “Finally,” he chuckled, his hands and mouth covering the newly exposed expanse of flesh. She undulated under his touch, ripping off his top as she had earlier promised, running her hands over his strong, taut frame.

They ended up making love on the couch, and twice more in bed, which brought him back to this exact moment, except he now felt Clarette stirring in his arms. He heard the deep, contented sigh that signaled him she was waking, and he closed his eyes feigning sleep.

She kissed his chest, right over his heart, before trailing her lips up with the softest of touches, culminating with a slow, lingering kiss. “Morning, sleepyhead.”

He responded after a moment, a moan originating from deep within his throat as he wrapped an arm around her, holding her tight. “Hmmm, you're up early.”

She propped herself above him, her arms on either side of his head, leaning down to give him a quick, smattering of pecks on his face. “It's our first Christmas together. Do you know what that means?”

“Tell me.” His hands rested on her waist as she hovered above him.

“It means presents!”

He gave her a lazy grin, his thumbs rubbing minute circles against the supple skin of her hips. “I don't know if anything could top the present you gave me last night.”

Giggling, she bent down, their mouths meeting. “I'd have to agree, that was a great gift, but I'm talking about things you unwrap and stuff!”

Pulling her close for more, he laughed in between kisses. “I don't want to get technical, but I'm relatively sure we both did some unwrapping last night.”

“You're ridiculous,” she tittered, before placing a final kiss on his lips. “And I love you for it.” Bounding off the bed, she threw her fluffy robe over her nude body, securing it closed with a knot around her waist. “I'll make some coffee while you get up?”

“Certainly. Give me a second.” He put the shirt and pajama pants that he had removed not even 20 minutes ago back on, proud of himself that Clarette had no clue what he had been up to that morning. Walking down the hallway, the smile on his face grew as he heard her exclamation from the breakfast nook. As he entered the dining area, he was greeted with her running towards him.

Clarette threw her arms around his neck and wrapped her legs around his waist as he hoisted her up with no effort. She peppered kisses all over him, the smile on her face worth its weight in gold.

“When did you have time to do all this? And how?” She gestured to the dining table, which was chock full of waffles with fresh strawberries and whipped cream, plates with sizzling bacon and eggs, and two steaming mugs of peppermint mocha. “Not only were you asleep, but you said you can't cook!”

He led her to the table, pulling her chair out before sitting next to her. Holding her hand, he ghosted his lips over her knuckles. “I was thinking, wouldn't it be nice to start our own traditions? So, I taught myself how to make your favorite breakfast. I hope everything turned out to your specifications.”

Clarette placed her free hand on his cheek, gleaming at him in wonder. Their eyes never left each other as he placed a sweet kiss to her palm.

“It's absolutely perfect,” she whispered, never taking her eyes off him.

Leaning in towards each other, their eyes fluttered shut as they shared a soft kiss full of hope, promise and love.

“Merry Christmas, Clarette.” Beckett rested his forehead against hers, both relishing the peace and serenity of this moment, as well as the deep connection they shared.

“Merry Christmas, Beckett. I love you.”

"You're such a nerd." She laughed softly, her eyelids closing. "But you're my cute, hot nerd." She listened to Beckett chuckling as he got up from the couch, followed by the sound of him walking away towards the kitchen, then to the faucet running... to fill a glass of water? "Are you seriously drinking water right now?" She heard him return to place the glass on the coffee table, but he didn't sit back next to her.

"Patience, Clarette. Patience."

Her eyes shot open when she recognized his voice was coming from a lower angle and she was greeted by the sight of him kneeling in front of her. A bolt of desire coursed through her and pooled in her belly after locking eyes with him, his pupils blown wide with the promise of the fun he had in store for her. Her knees fell slightly open, giving him a peek at her black, lace panties underneath her black miniskirt.

Beckett’s gaze flickered down between her legs and he licked his lips unconsciously while rubbing his hands together in a slow, methodical manner. This was going to take all his willpower to not immediately bury himself between her legs.

Taking a deep breath, he focused on his task as he held out one hand just millimeters from her calf while slowly moving upwards, making sure there was no contact with her skin. Glancing up, he gauged her reactions at the magick he was testing out, the combined Air and Water elements thrumming from his hand as he pulled water molecules from the air to manipulate at his discretion. The water he had drawn out quickly evaporated in puffs of steam against her skin and he smiled at his success of correctly estimating the perfect level of energy needed to make sure the steam did not burn.

Clarette bit her lip at the warm, tingling sensation that spread through her lower extremities, not sure whether it was her internal temperature rising or the external factor of the spell. It was a pleasant heat and the effect of Beckett's magick twining with her own made her lightheaded, the feeling almost giving her a high.

"Is this all part of your research?" She asked, her voice barely audible.

"It is. I take my research very seriously, as you know by now."  He then summoned enough water to make a small ice cube, tracing it up her inner thigh, observing her reactions keenly.

She gasped, her hand grabbing at her blouse. The ice cube melted quickly, resulting in a tiny amount of steam being released into the air.

"Fascinating," Beckett whispered, placing a gentle kiss where the water had evaporated. He ran his tongue up her thigh, his other hand ghosting over the area. This time, instead of heat, coolness settled over the surface where he had been, making her jump at the contrasting sensations. Placing his mouth once more on her inner leg, he sucked at the skin until any trace of frost was gone.

She squirmed under his touch, wanting him to continue. "I don't really know what you're doing, but please don't stop."

"I wasn't planning to." A low laugh rumbled from him as he stood up, leaning over to give her a long, leisurely kiss. Running a hand down her body, he unbuttoned her blouse and made quick work of her bra, carelessly tossing the garment somewhere behind him. He caressed the newly exposed skin and lightly palmed her breasts, goosebumps raising over her as he rolled her nipples under his thumb, the buds stiffening at his touch. He continued all the way down until his fingers found their way up her skirt and between her legs, the enticing, smooth flesh beckoning him further up until he arrived at his destination. He could feel his cock jump in excitement as he traced her through her underwear, the flimsy piece of lace already soaked from her arousal. She arched into his touch, wanting more than the lackadaisical stroking he was currently teasing her with.

"How are you so wet already?" He murmured against her lips.

"You should know, you're the one who does this to me," she replied, pressing her mouth to his as she gently sucked on his lower lip. Her own hands were busy with the unbuttoning of his shirt before she pressed a palm to his bare chest, wanting to feel the heat of his skin but was stopped short by his actions. She moaned as he pushed her underwear to the side, rubbing her pussy before he slipped his thick, middle finger into her dampened folds. Her head lolled back in gratification as his hand glided along her slit, her eyelids fluttering shut with the slow, intimate contact. An unsatisfactory groan left her when he removed his hand, her eyes hazy when she opened them once more.

He knelt back down, this time removing her skirt and slowly sliding her panties down the length of her legs, discarding them to the side. Placing one hand on her knee, he pushed her leg wide, giving him full access to all of her. The smell of her arousal was intoxicating.  

Looking down at him, she waited with bated breath for his next move. Her dark chocolate orbs locked with his molten grey eyes as he slowed his movements, dipping his head to her center with measured intent, his gaze focused on her face the entire time. He licked her with slow conviction, his broad tongue tasting her fully from back to front. Her hips bucked at the contact, her hands flying down to grip his hair.

"Oh God, Beckett..." she trailed off, her toes curling in anticipation of what was to come.

He kissed her center with a languid intention, lathering attention upon her as his tongue traced her outside lips before dipping into her sweet pot. Moving in an unhurried manner, he continued to make love to her with his mouth, his thumb circling around her pearl in a teasing fashion.

Clarette rolled her hips in rhythm against his face, her body writhing at his torture of not touching her most sensitive spot. She groaned in frustration as he once again distanced himself from her. Taking a deep breath, her eyebrows furrowed at him. "You're driving me absolutely crazy," she huffed out with great difficulty while her pulse throbbed in her ear.

"Now you know how you make me feel all the time," he retorted, a lazy grin crossing his face. "But I promise you, this will all be worth it." He took the glass of water and held a hand over it, forming a piece of ice in the shape of a pebble. “Let's see,” he mused, “I wonder what happens if I do this?” Taking the ice in his hand, he slid the smooth side on her flat stomach, making her muscles contract under the freezing cold. He trained his eyes on her, noting her reactions from the extreme temperature.

Clarette's mouth fell open as she watched him trail the pebble upward, over her midsection and through the valley of her breasts. She arched at the contact, her sharp intake of breath encouraging him to continue. He moved the ice over one breast, swirling it around her nipple before touching the quickly melting mass to her dusky tip. Conjuring another piece of ice, this time he started at her collarbone and guided it towards her other breast, his darkened eyes captivated on watching the small streaks of water stream down the curves of her body.

“Beckett, I need you to touch me,” Clarette begged. She gripped his free hand, steering it to her bosom, wanting him to touch her everywhere the ice had melted.

He swallowed, torn between giving into her and wanting to raise the bar for her pleasure. He allowed her to guide his hand to her chest and gently squeezed the soft masses, turning her on even more. She writhed under his touch, the heady scent of her sex making it almost impossible for him to concentrate.

“I’m not done with my research quite yet, my love,” he whispered, leaning up higher on his knees before placing a gentle kiss on her lower abdomen.

“Wait, you were being serious about doing research?” She swallowed, closing her eyes tightly before opening them to force herself to focus on him. He smirked in response, instead hovering his hand over her midsection, where traces of water were still present.  

A slight breeze passed between her skin and Beckett’s hand, frost developing where the water used to be. She took in a sharp breath, her whole body tensing with the chill of his magick before she released a low moan as his tongue quickly dispelled any frost that he had conjured. He made his way upwards once more, but instead of a piece of ice, he controlled the frigid air against her heated skin, licking away the brief freeze he made. His hand hovered over her breast as he focused on finding the perfect temperature, her body arching at the differing sensations, the seductive angle inviting his mouth to her.

Beckett could feel himself faltering, the strain in his trousers telling him to forget about his impromptu experiment. Taking a steadying breath, he concentrated once more on bringing the temperature down in the space between his palm and her soft flesh, solid ice forming on the small patch of her skin.

She hissed at the shocking feeling, the ice rapidly melting and turning into steam.

“Clarette!” He immediately stopped, his brow scrunching in despair. “I’m sorry! Did I hurt you?”

Locking eyes with him, she cupped his jaw, bringing him close for a lingering kiss. “I’m okay, I promise.” She bit her lip; her pupils were completely dilated from the mixture of pleasure and pain she had just experienced. “It hurt; but in a good way, if you know what I mean.”

Desire and another unidentifiable emotion flashed in Beckett’s eyes at her words and he captured her lips with hunger, her admission breaking his control. His hands wandered down her body, touching her everywhere he could. He squeezed her breasts hard, causing her to groan into his mouth before he trailed kisses down the hollow of her neck, nipping at sensitive skin.

Her fingers skimmed down his broad frame before finally arriving at the front of his pants. She gripped his bulge through his clothes, rubbing his hardness up and down with a tantalizing technique. This time it was Beckett who groaned, his face buried in the crook of her neck as she continued touching him while he rocked his hips against her hand. He knew if this persisted any longer, he was going to come quickly in his pants. Standing hastily, he kicked off the rest of his clothes, leaving him as naked as Clarette was.

Without skipping a beat, his body was again covering hers, this time with nothing in between them. He praised her with his mouth, his kisses leading a path down her petite figure. Light pecks peppered her abdomen as he made his way toward her treasure, kneeling in between her open legs. He massaged her inner thighs with a firm touch, his name a sigh leaving her as his thumbs grazed her wetness.

“You know, Clarette, you’re very distracting while I’m trying to carry out my experiment,” he scolded her in a lighthearted manner.

“Beckett, I swear, if you’re teasing me again - “ she was silenced with his mouth on her core, his fingers opening her up for his exploration as his tongue delved into her center. She bucked against his face, working with his tempo for her pleasure. Kissing her lower lips, he then moved to her clit, the tip of his tongue teasing her with the lightest of touches. He finally descended upon her swollen nub, licking her at a leisurely pace.

“God, Beckett, you feel so good…” she sighed with content, running her fingers through his hair.

He pulled away after a few more languid licks, his fingers replacing where his mouth had just been. “Clarette, my love, you taste even better.”

Biting her lip, she savored the feel of his fingers gliding against the length of her sopping pussy as she watched him work his magick on her. She was hypnotized with fascination and anticipation as he formed a small ice cube, her body tensing when he pressed the frozen object to her hot center.

With a slow, deliberate motion, he ran the cube over her slit, entranced by her reaction to the cold. Dizziness engulfed her and her vision went blurry with his pleasurable torment, her internal temperature rising and a stark contrast to the cold against her. Again and again, he brought the ice to her skin, watching it melt instantaneously. He placed the remaining small piece of ice in his mouth and wrapped his lips around her clit, the action making Clarette jolt up, her mouth agape as her body shuddered in delight.

The warmth of his mouth relaxed her and she laid back, panting with the heightened sensations the extreme conditions were bringing her. Her body glistened with sweat, his torturous teasing raising her body temperature. She tweaked her nipples, the duality of pleasure and pain shooting straight to her core.

Beckett rubbed his thick fingers across her slit, spreading her juices everywhere. Lowering his head once more, he knew she was close as he started a steady tempo with his tongue, her bundle of nerves engorged from his expertise. He wrapped his hand around his throbbing cock, stroking himself as he feasted on her. The only thing he wanted more than to slip into her was to make her come all over his face. The wanton sounds of her moans filled the air, spurring him on even further. He felt her body clench and he hummed in appreciation, releasing his dick and spreading her lips apart for his own enjoyment.

Sliding his middle finger into her, he elicited the sexiest sound from her perfect, pouty lips as he slowly worked her wet heat without haste. He drew small circles on her swollen button with his thumb, causing her head to fall back in ecstasy as her hips raised to meet his touch. Adding his ring finger, he stretched her out and slowly pumped her while she grinded into his rhythm. He continued to fuck her with his fingers, gradually picking up the pace and curling them inside her when he saw the telltale signs of her orgasm approaching. He kissed her clit before lavishing his complete attention on it with his tongue, licking her senseless.

“Fuck, Beckett, faster!” Clarette got out in between labored breaths, the feeling of him on her and in her producing stars in her eyes. Beckett sped his motions up and he could feel her start to contract around his fingers, her walls pulsing as he took her clit in between his lips, the added pressure making her fall apart.

“Beckett, oh God, yes! Don’t stop!” She yelled out, her hand entwining itself in his thick head of hair, holding him in place as she shuddered against him. Her skin glowed as her orgasm overtook her, her face contorting in absolute bliss. He kept going as she came hard, relishing the taste of her on his tongue and he kissed her tenderly as her convulsions came to a gradual stop.

Clarette struggled to take in deep breaths as she slowly came down from her high, her breasts heaving with each mouthful of air. She moaned in delight as Beckett kissed his way up her sensitive body, his fingers lacing with hers as he covered her body with his, his thick member pressing into her thigh.

“Clarette, I love you so much,” he murmured into her ear before kissing her deeply.

The combination of his words and tasting herself on him ignited the fire within her once again, and despite the earthshattering orgasm he had just given her, she was ready for more.

“I love you, too, Beckett,” she purred, her hand reaching down in between them to grab ahold of his hardened length. “And I need you in me.”

Beckett groaned and he jerked with her touch, steeling himself as he picked her up while he stood. She wrapped her legs around his waist while he led them to his bedroom, any and all studies for that afternoon long forgotten.

Beckett and Clarette laid comfortably in his bed hours later, their bodies entwined from their afternoon of lovemaking. With the lightest of touches, he traced nonsensical patterns on her back while looking down at his girlfriend, who was snuggled into his nook and had her arm wrapped around his torso.

She could feel his gaze and even with the steady beat of his heart lulling her to sleep, she tilted her head up to look at him. “I can feel the gears turning in your head right now,” she said, the amusement evident in her tone while a lazy smile played on her face. Her voice had come out raspier than she had anticipated; it was without a doubt an effect of all the sounds she made earlier.

His face reddened at her callout. “It’s nothing. You can go to sleep, if you want to,” he replied, trying to change the subject.

“You know you can tell me anything, right? But if you’re not ready, then that’s okay, too.” She placed a chaste kiss on his chest, closing her eyes once more. She was on the verge of falling asleep when she felt a spark come off him in excitement.

“It just is truly intriguing to see how your body reacts to the different elements now, knowing that you’re Attuned to them all,” he commented in a single breath.  

Beckett could feel her muffled laughter against his body as she buried her face on his chest.

“Out of all the things we just did and that’s what you focus on?” She was definitely awake now as she propped her head up, her eyes sparkling with mirth.

A pink tinge colored his cheeks, the corner of his mouth lifting into a crooked smile. His hand traveled down her back, squeezing her ass and bringing her even closer to him. “You know for a fact that’s not true.”

“I know, I remember quite vividly,” Clarette giggled, letting her hand traverse down his muscular form, brushing against his softened member before trailing her fingertips back up. “So, tell me about my body then.”

Hunger flared in his eyes for a moment before he suppressed it with a breath, the need to divulge his discovery winning out.

“I was curious to see the different factors that may influence certain reactions against your body, that’s all. It was a simple manipulation of the water molecules, the surrounding air, and seeing how much temperature fluctuation was needed to cause reactions against your skin.” He sighed with satisfaction, a wide smile on his face. “Isn’t science and magick amazing?”

Clarette looked at him with adoration, her eyes gleaming as he explained himself. “You’re absolutely ridiculous,” she giggled, getting up quickly to kiss him on the nose. “And I love you for it. Please, never change, Beckett.” Plopping back down into his arms, she nestled back into his nook and ran a hand over his taut frame, her eyes closing.

Clarette laughed on her way to the kitchenette, throwing a wadded-up paper towel at Atlas. “Well, if that’s the case, then Beckett will be my lucky customer later!”

Atlas groaned in repulsion, her face disappearing behind the page. “I really hate you sometimes, you know that?”

Shreya snorted in amusement at the siblings’ banter while she looked at her reflection in the mirror, touching up her black lipstick to complete her short and skintight sexy witch costume. “You two make me glad that my sister is younger than me. I could never imagine having any type of sex conversation with her,” she said, shaking her head in dismay. “I will say that this is fun to dress up for your Attuneless holiday, Clarette. Believe it or not, what I’m wearing is tame compared to what I’ve seen some sorceresses wear.” She looked over at her roommates’ outfit and busted out into a fit of laughter. “If Priya saw your outfit, I don’t know if she’d be flattered or embarrassed by your interpretation of what a vampire is.”

Clarette stopped in her tracks. “Whoa, wait. Priya LaCroix? As in the fashion designer? She’s a vampire? Vampires are real???”

Shreya nodded, gently patting her on the head. “I forget you didn’t grow up in this world, but yes, yes, and yes.”

The dark-haired twin stood in shock at her newfound knowledge. “I swear, I’m always learning new things around here.”

“Are you serious? Out of everything we’ve been through the last two years and it’s vampires existing that throws you for a loop?” Atlas chortled.

Clarette shrugged, a broad grin on her face. “I only know the bad vampire stereotypes, like this one!” She ran over to Atlas, and in a bad accent that sounded like the Count from Sesame Street, she yelled out “I want to suck your blood!” while tickling her.

Atlas screamed at the tickle attack. “You ass! You know I hate being tickled!” She cried out before shooing her sister away.

Cackling, Clarette got up and straightened her top out before she had a wardrobe malfunction. “I promise, no more tickling for the rest of the night. But seriously, are you sure you don’t want to come tonight? Please?” She affixed the puppy dog eyes on her sister with one last plea.

The light-haired twin rolled her eyes in response. “You know that face doesn’t work on me. Do I look like Beckett to you? And nah, thanks. I’m good. I’ve had my share of roughing it out in the woods, at night, with demons and crazy psychopaths after me to last me a lifetime. You guys have fun in the forest and whatever.”

The doorbell rang at that moment, signaling the arrival of the rest of Motley Crue. Clarette and Shreya made their way to the door, opening it to their group of friends.

“By the way, if it wasn’t obvious, you two look absolutely absurd,” Atlas continued, “at least the others had enough sense not to dress-“ she looked up and stopped midsentence, where she was greeted with the sight of Zeph dressed up in a skeleton costume complete with face paint while Aster donned a headpiece resembling a unicorn. “At least Griff and Harrington had enough sense not to dress up,” she rectified her statement.

Griffin stood in the doorway with a full bag of mixed elixir in hand, laughing at Atlas’ unimpressed expression. “I would’ve dressed up if I knew everyone else was going to!”

Beckett scoffed. “You couldn’t pay me to dress up.”

Clarette pranced over to her boyfriend, noticing Beckett’s eyes darken as he took in her entire costume. “I’m sure I could convince you otherwise,” she replied, a sly grin on her face. “Besides I know what you could dress up as. You could be the police!”

He raised an eyebrow at her suggestion. “And why, may I ask?”

“Because sometimes you’re the fun police!” A mixture of groans and laughter were heard at her bad joke while they all waved ‘bye’ to Atlas. Clarette giggled, bounding out the door and down the long corridor, leading Beckett by the hand while the others followed their path.

The evening sky was the deepest shade of midnight and the moon was hidden behind the cover of clouds as the six of them made their way through the Penderghast campus. They continued walking into the woods beyond the lake, the lights of the university dimming behind them with every foot before being swallowed by the foliage.

Clarette bounced excitedly with each step, wanting to savor her first real Halloween since being introduced into her current magickal world. The last two years had comprised of shadow monsters, maniacal Blood Atts, and power-hungry Sources, all of which diminished any desire to celebrate one of her favorite times of the year.

This year was different. With no threats on the horizon, she decided they would all be celebrating spooky season with her. She took solace in now knowing who she was and where she came from, which gave her the security to enjoy the festivities. The last time she felt so carefree was when she was a child, and Halloween had no pretense; it was only about how many treats she could fill in her goody bag.

Moving to a new area for high school had given her a different reason to enjoy Halloween, when she embraced the dressing up aspect the most. In a smaller city where she was one of the few minorities and the only Asian American girl in school, she relished the opportunity to be someone else for one day. She found she was comfortable dressing up in any manner she wanted, and that usually equated to a getup that conformed with her party girl label.

As Clarette thought about ideas for her costume this year, she knew it was going to be one of those stereotypical sexy outfits, but she felt assured about making her decision. The difference between dressing up in a sexy costume now and a few years prior? Her actions were now on her terms and she was finally comfortable in her own skin. She was dressing up for herself and not to fit in.

Over the last two years, she had regaled the group with stories about Halloween, from urban legends and folklore to the revelries in the Attuneless world such as haunted houses, mazes, and hayrides designed to scare people. Convincing Shreya was easy; she didn’t need to be asked twice to be her partner in crime in dressing up and looking good while doing it. Griffin, Zeph, and Aster were always down for some hijinks, and surprisingly Beckett didn’t try to make a logical argument to get out of it. Only Atlas rejected to partake in it, citing her very valid reasons of already living through enough nightmares.

Griffin led the way through the brush, smoothing out the path to make sure the girls of the group wouldn’t trip over any loose rocks. “So Clarette, what are we doing? You didn’t exactly lay out the plan.”

“I don’t really have one. I was thinking about lighting a bonfire, telling some scary stories while we drink, pretend to do a séance…. I don’t know, whatever comes to mind, I guess.”

“A séance? Are you sure this is a good idea?” Zeph asked with hesitation. “My abuela always said you don’t mess with these types of things, especially since the veil is the thinnest this time of year.”

Shreya scoffed while adjusting the sparkly witch hat she wore on her head. “It’s not like we’re actually summoning anything. Besides, Clarette already talked to a dead Dread last year and nothing else came from it.”

Clarette shivered at the mention of Raife, memories of her and Atlas destroying his corrupted essence doing little to soothe her mind.

Beckett wrapped his arm around her, noticing her shiver. “Are you alright?”

“Just a little draft, nothing more,” she fibbed, not wanting to worry him about the thoughts in her mind.

The evening had started innocently enough, with the bottles of elixir being poured and stories being told from the Attuned side of things. They all shared stories of how ‘The Dread’ was used as a bogeyman in their different upbringings, all of which were terrifying in their own right. Silence reigned after the last tale was told and they all took a sip of their drinks, the silence enhanced with the effects of their beverages.

Zeph turned his head to the right, on alert. “Did anyone else hear that?” His eyes flickered across the group.

“I didn’t hear anything,” Clarette answered. “Come on, Zeph, stop trying to scare us.”

A distant rustle echoed through the night.

“I heard that,” Griffin interjected as he stood up and dusted his pants off. “Zeph, come on, let’s check it out.”

Zeph grimaced, steeling himself. “Fine. But if I die out there, it’s on you.” He got up and joined Griffin past the shrubbery.

The other four looked at each other with uneasy glances as the minutes ticked by.

“Yeah, this isn’t creepy, at all,” Clarette commented, snuggling more so into Beckett’s side.

A moment later, the flames extinguished, leaving them in complete darkness.

“Very funny, Shreya,” Beckett remarked. “Would you please turn the fire back on?”

Shreya looked at him with her mouth agape at the accusation. “I didn’t do that, Beckett.” She snapped her fingers to reignite it, but nothing happened.

The branches where Griffin and Zeph walked into shook, the disturbance causing them to jump at the sound.

“And very funny, you two!” Clarette hollered towards the direction of the bushes. “You can stop with the cheap scare tactics already!”

Aster branched out, the shadow lingering on her face. “It is not them.”

“What do you mean it isn’t-“ Before Shreya could finish her sentence, the undergrowth parted, a giant shadow monster appearing before them.

“Holy shit!” Clarette jumped up and ripped off her gloves, blasting the apparition with her Sun magick. The beam that came from her hand went straight through and did not cause any damage, to her disbelief. “It didn’t do anything!”

“Clarette, go!” Beckett stepped in front of her, shielding her from the monster. “Aster, make sure she stays safe!”

Aster nodded, grabbing Clarette’s arm. “Come on, I know a safe place!”

“I’m not leaving you, Beckett! I can help!” She tried wriggling out of Aster’s unhuman, strong grip, to no avail.

Beckett took a few steps towards Clarette, never turning his back on the monster. “I told you before, I will do everything in my power to keep you safe, my love, and I never break my word.” He kissed her hard, channeling his feelings into the singular action. “Just remember, I love you.”

Before Clarette could respond, Aster dragged her further into the forest, the trees camouflaging their retreat.

Clarette ran through the trees, complete darkness engulfing her surroundings. She wasn’t sure if she could hear a faint laughter echo through the expanse of thicket, but she knew there was no way she would stay in one place to find out. Her pulse raced in her ear and her lungs burned as she weaved through the cover of the forest, her survival instincts kicking in.

"Don't turn around. Don't stop now. And whatever you do, don't turn around." The thought repeated itself in her mind. She had watched enough horror flicks in her days to know one of the rules of survival.

How could a shadow monster be chasing her? They had eliminated the different threats over the course of their Penderghast careers, including those using essences to create corrupt forms. She frowned at the memory of her attack going right through the monster’s center, its red eyes and sadistic grin smiling at her inability to vanquish it.

It turned out Atlas was the smart one that evening, opting to stay back on campus instead of joining the Crue in the woods. Their evening was supposed to be full of harmless fun and Halloween shenanigans.

Or they were supposed to be shenanigans, until that fire went out without explanation and the giant shadow monster appeared through the trees. It seemed to laugh at her with glowing, red eyes and the sinister smile on its warped mouth, its intent bent on destroying everything in their path.

The monster must have taken both Griff and Zeph down quickly, as the rest of them didn’t even hear anything from where they had disappeared. There was no scream to signal trouble, and the only shout she heard was from Shreya. Her shrill shriek rang through the woods until it was cut off with a stomach dropping abruptness.

Clarette’s mind raced with thoughts of what happened to her friends, her brows furrowing when she thought of Beckett. She should never have left him, despite his urging and insistence. She and Aster were nearly a Thief-field length away when she heard his voice ringing through the foliage, telling the monster to stay away from her. Clarette had stopped in her tracks, ready to turn back when she thought she heard him scream, only for the forest to stifle any identifiable sounds.

She shook her head to clear her mind. The current circumstances gave her no time to think and instead, she concentrated on winding in and out of the hedges and trees. Now it was just her and Aster, thanks to Aster's abilities to navigate the forest where she grew up.

"Clarette!" Aster huffed through exertion, the flowers in her hair downcast and sodden. "The trees are telling me there should be a cabin 50 feet that way. You should go there while I go for help!"

Clarette stopped in her tracks, giving Aster an incredulous look. "You want me to go to a cabin, in the woods, in the middle of the night??? I am not going to die like some cliché, slasher movie!"

Aster frowned, the reference going over her head. "Movies can cut you in the Attuneless world? I have to remember this for later! But in the meantime, I'll go track down Atlas and the shadow monster won't get me because I know these woods like the back of my hand! The cabin should be over there!" She ran off in the opposite direction, leaving before Clarette could get a final word in. “I’ll be back!”

"Shit!" Clarette whispered to herself, knowing that anyone who ever says “I’ll be back” never returns according to the rules of horror films. Looking around after taking a steadying breath, there was no sign of the shadow monster and she quietly made her way through the trees. The 50 feet she crept through felt like a mile, but Aster was right; there stood an abandoned cabin in the middle of the woods.

"This is what I get for watching all those Freddy Krueger - Scream - Friday the 13th movies when I was in high school," she grimaced as she approached the solid oak door, trying to peek through the tinted window. "No, this isn't scary at all."

Opening the door, her eyes widened as a feeling of astonishment overtook her. The darkened interior of the cabin was illuminated softly by elegant, taper candles in metal, gothic candelabras while the glow of strategically placed jack-o-lanterns added to the ambience. The hazy flame from the fireplace cast a warm light over the entire room, highlighting the black, satin sheets that adorned the bed against the far wall.

In the middle of the room stood one Beckett Harrington, a proud smile on his face after having everything go according to plan for the evening. He held his arms out wide, showcasing the result. “Surprise! I know you love Halloween, so I wanted to give you one to remember.”

Her shock quickly dissolved into anger as she marched over to him, pushing his shoulder hard and backing him against the wall next to the bed. "You ass! I can't believe you made me think you were hurt and then you made me run through the woods thinking everyone else was hurt!"

Beckett rubbed the back of his neck as he watched his idea blow up spectacularly in his face. "I thought you would appreciate the Halloween scare since you've been so excited the entire month. Between you regaling us about your Tuneless traditions of going to haunted houses and watching scary movies with me, I just wanted to bring a little piece of that to you because you've missed it."

Her face softened at how much thought and planning he had undertaken to pull this off, though her arms remained crossed. "Well, the haunted houses I used to go to weren't real because they're played by actors and I love watching scary movies with you because I get to snuggle and bury my head into you when it gets too much. It's all make-believe!" Before she continued her tirade, a light bulb went off in her head. "Wait. Does this mean everyone was in on it?”

Beckett nodded. "Indeed. I asked for their help to execute everything. Shreya extinguished the fire with no effort after Griff and Zeph’s cue of disappearing.”

"What was Atlas' role in all this? Summoning the shadow monster?"

Beckett chuckled, his cheeks red. He remembered the day he went to Atlas for help in pulling this off and while she initially refused, she had relented in the end.

“Hey, Harrington,” Atlas paused after helping him with the illusion, “you really love my sister, don’t you.”

Beckett flushed. No one had asked him about their relationship point blank after he and Clarette had exchanged ‘I love yous.’ Looking at Atlas, he replied in a confident tone, “I do. I love her very much.”

A wry smile crossed her face. “I know. Just making sure.”

She made him swear to not tell a soul she helped him with this, knowing that her sister would never let her live it down.

"Griff and Zeph helped with the illusion of the shadow monster. Atlas had absolutely no part to play in this. When she heard the beginning of my plan, she held her hand up and said 'no' outright. She wanted no part of 'whatever freaky sex thing' I had in mind, even though it hadn't even crossed my mind."

“I don't know if I should punch you or kiss you," Clarette laughed, none the wiser to his masterplan.

“I definitely think I should be rewarded with the latter, but I may be slightly biased,” he beamed.

She closed the distance between them, placing her arms on his shoulders as she brought him down for a slow kiss. "Well, now that your plan has been executed, did any 'freaky sex thing' cross your mind?"

"I don't know if it would be considered freaky, but you already know I think about you quite frequently in that way."

Clarette gleamed at him, her eyes shining in the dim light as she comprehended in full how much preparation was needed for him to pull the entire evening off. “I can’t believe you really did this all for me.”

“You know I would do anything for you,” he replied as a tender look fell on his face.

“As twisted as your plan tonight was, I do know that.” Her fingers trailed down the lapel of his blazer as an idea of her own entered her mind. “Hmmm, you know, I don't think I ever told you what the best part of Halloween is."

He wrapped his arms around her waist, holding her close. "Oh, and what's that? I thought you said the best part was dressing up?"

She brought him down for a kiss, their mouths moving against each other in hypnotizing fashion. His tongue teased her bottom lip, asking for entrance and she moaned in acceptance, their tongues dancing with the deepened kiss. His hands roved down past her short skirt to her ass, squeezing it and bringing her closer to his frame. She gasped as she felt his erection pressing against her lower abdomen, his hardness causing desire to shoot through her veins. They broke apart after a few minutes, both feeling dizzy and lightheaded from their kisses.

"The best part of Halloween," she purred, while starting to unbutton his shirt, "is definitely the treat. After everything you put me through tonight, I deserve something tasty to put in my mouth, don't you think?” She planted kisses on his now bare chest, her fingers tracing down his torso before landing on the front of his pants, grasping his arousal through his trousers.

A strangled sound came from Beckett's throat, his voice shaky with each squeeze of her hand. "Yes, oh - you definitely deserve something tasty as a treat," he managed to get out with difficulty.

Clarette unbuckled his belt, undoing the button and sliding the zipper down with care, all the while kissing a path down his stomach. His muscles flexed involuntarily when she trailed the outline of his abs with her nails and flicked her tongue against the flat plane of his lower abdomen. His pants hit the floor and he groaned after she kissed him through his underwear, her face rubbing against his prominent bulge through the black fabric.

Standing up straight for a moment, she unfastened her cape, dropping it to the floor in between them. His gaze went down to her chest, her breasts inviting his touch. His hands roamed up the corset before caressing the swell above the garment with his thumbs, the soft skin smooth to his fingertips. He bent over to kiss her again as her hand cupped him through his underwear, and once again she placed kisses down his body.

Her knees came to rest on the soft fabric of the cape she had dropped, and she looked up at him through thick lashes, the glint in her eye causing him to bite his lip in anticipation. Seeing her in this position was one of his favorite things in the entire universe.

She lowered his boxer briefs in an unhurried manner, licking her lips as his glorious cock sprang free from its constraints. His hand found its way to the back of her head, tangling in her luscious, raven locks as he guided her mouth to him.

"My, someone's eager," Clarette chuckled as she wrapped one hand around his dick, licking the underside of his shaft from base to tip. His jaw hung agape as he let out a sharp breath with the sensation of her tongue on his taut flesh. Stroking his length, she wet her lips before placing a kiss on his velvet tip, their eyes locking as he was met with a seductive smile.

Beckett watched in awe as she twirled her tongue around his tip slowly, before taking him in and sucking on his head. She bobbed back and forth with a gradual pace, her hand working over his impressive length before releasing him with a pop from her mouth. Gripping his cock in her hand, she opened her mouth and slapped him against her flattened tongue, the move eliciting a groan from him as she then licked the precum off him.

Once again, he found himself past her lips, her fingers wrapping tightly around him while moving up and down in tandem over his hardness. He closed his eyes and leaned his head back against the wall, enjoying the attention his girlfriend was slathering upon him, his other senses heightened with pleasure at the sound and feel of her mouth around him. His eyes opened when he felt her warmth leave him, and he looked down to see the marvelous sight of her licking his tight balls. He groaned as she sucked on one, followed by the other, her hand never stopping the rhythm on his erection.

Beckett’s eyes were glazed with desire as she returned to sucking his cock, her tempo picking up with each twist of her hand. He couldn’t help himself as his other hand entangled itself in her hair, giving him a firm grip on her head. He started thrusting into her mouth, stretching her out with his thickness, filling her with more of him after each buck of his hips. Her hands left his cock, sliding around to grab his ass as he took total control. Fucking her pretty, little mouth, he came hard as he hit the back of her throat, a deep moan accompanying his release.

Clarette swallowed his entire load, gasping for air after he pulled out, her lips swollen and mouth raw. This was rougher than what she was used to with him, but the truth was that she loved it. Beckett was usually so in control and the knowledge that she could make him lose it excited her greatly, if the wetness between her legs was any indication.

He helped her to a standing position and held her against him, wrapping both arms around her while kissing the top of her head. “Clarette, you’re magnificent,” he whispered as he cupped her jaw and kissed her gently.

She returned the kiss with fire, whimpering into his mouth as his hands wandered up her skirt and rubbed her through her soaked panties. “God, Beckett, I want you so bad,” she murmured against his lips. Taking his hands in hers, she led them towards the bed, her pupils dilated with need. She looked up at him with a hazy look, her tongue darting out to wet her lips before asking her next question. “How do you want me?”

His nostrils flared at her implication and he swallowed before giving his answer. “Like this.” He kissed her hard before turning her around and bending her over the side of the bed, her ass facing him. Quickly shrugging out of his blazer and shirt, he knelt behind her and slid down her skirt and underwear slowly, revealing her glistening center to him.

Massaging her thighs, he moved his hands further up until he reached her apex, running his thumbs over her lips and spreading her juices over her mound. He traced the inside of her long legs with his fingertips, widening her stance by moving her feet apart, using his tongue to make his way back to her sex.

Clarette’s eyes fluttered shut as she felt him rub her slit, his name leaving her lips as he opened her up before he delved in with a long lick. He wrapped his arms around her legs, his fingers drawing circles on her clit as he ate her out from behind. She grinded back into him, her orgasm building quickly from how aroused she had been earlier. Her eyes snapped open when he stopped, only to close again when she felt him stand behind her, his big, thick cock pressing into her entrance.

Beckett leaned over her back, nipping at her ear, while rubbing his head against her sopping pussy. “Trick or treat, my love.” Straightening up, he pushed into her in one fluid motion, shuddering at her tightness. He started out with long, powerful strokes, burying himself deep inside her with each thrust, a feeling of intoxication coming over him as she enveloped him in her wet heat.

She screamed his name in pleasure as he stretched her out, filling her to the brim with his slow pace. Her hands pulled at the satin sheets as she breathed heavy, lying face down into the bed as he pounded her from behind. The familiar electric buzz coursed through her body, ready to give in to him.

Beckett gripped her hips, his fingers leaving imprints from the pressure he was holding onto her with. He groaned in pleasure as he alternated his strokes, speeding up then slowing down when he felt her getting too close to the edge. Looking down, he got a thrill at seeing her bent over for him as he fucked her in this position, her body still clad in the corset from her costume and her long legs still accentuated by her black heels.

Clarette started pushing back against him, and he stood still, watching his swollen cock disappear into her with her movements. He could feel the tightness in his balls building once more, and he bent over her back, his broad frame pinning her petite body against the bed. Grabbing her arms, he held them to either side of her head as he drove into her throbbing pussy.

“Tell me what you want, Clarette,” he growled in her ear, his voice low and animalistic.

“Fuck me harder and make me come, my love,” she moaned, her sweat laden body writhing under him.

Groaning, he reached a hand between her legs, gliding his fingers over her clit as she grinded against him. He rubbed her nub back and forth, sliding her bundle of nerves in between his middle and ring finger, the action making her body tense under his touch.

“God, Beckett, that feels so good,” she scrunched her eyes shut, concentrating on his rigid dick pounding into her and his hand working her pearl. She could feel her orgasm coming, her body buzzing, ready to explode.

He closed his eyes as pumped her faster with his thick shaft, her pussy gripping him like a vice, her walls pulsating around him. He sped his fingers up against her clit, urging her to come around him. Slamming his hips into hers, his dick hit her perfect spot repeatedly and she clenched around his hard cock, her scream muffled by the bunched-up sheets under her.

Her body glowed as she reached her high, and Beckett continued to fuck her through her orgasm, his own rapidly approaching. He held her down as he buried himself in her over and over, before exploding in her after one final thrust. He collapsed over her, his chest to her back, closing his eyes as he peppered kisses on the curve of her neck.

After staying in her for a few moments, he pulled out and climbed on the bed, pulling her up to his chest. She gave him a small smile, kissing his chest with a sigh of content. “That was fun.”

“It wasn’t too much?” He asked with trepidation, knowing that this was the first time they had made love in this frenzied manner.

“Not at all. I like it when you’re in control.” She trailed a finger over his heart, sitting up as she started unhooking the corset. “Though maybe you could’ve taken this thing off me before we started to, you know.”

A tinge of red dusted his cheeks, although it was barely visible in the darkened room. “Ah, yes, about that…” With a swipe of his hand, the hooks undid themselves as the garment fell away. He pulled her back down onto him, wrapping his arms around his faux vampire vixen. “You may have played to one of my fantasies, and you’re right, I do see the validity of Halloween, after all,” he admitted. “But I have been wondering about something all night.”

“Fantasies, hmm? We’re going to have to revisit that sometime. And by the way, that’s one more tick in the ‘I’m right’ column,” she smirked, moving her head to look up at him. “But what were you thinking about?”

“I loved looking at you in your costume, but what made your outfit a vampire? You didn’t have fangs and you weren’t sucking on blood or anything-”

“I seem to recall that I was definitely sucking on something earlier,” she interjected, a playful smile crossing her face.

He held her close, the reverberations from his low laughter rumbling through him. “You’re ridiculous, you know that?”

“I do, and you love me for it.”

He couldn’t deny her as they laced their fingers together, engaging in pillow talk until they both fell asleep in each other’s arms.

  Barely breathing, he gasped as she descended upon him, running her hands over his muscular abs.

Encapsulating him in her mouth, she looked up at him, a glimmer in her eye with each inch she took in.

Calling out her name, he threw his head back while his eyes shut in ecstasy, the sensation of her surrounding him was absolutely ethereal.

Kissing his bulbous tip after attempting to take him all in, she smiled at him before licking his entire length.

Enchantment danced in his eyes as they reopened and their gazes locked, his molten grey orbs blown wide while watching her work her magick.

Tangling his fingers in her dark, luscious hair, he guided her up and down his thickness, enjoying the view of him filling her mouth.

Tasting his precum on her tongue, she pulled back, sucking on his head while her hands worked his shaft, his hips jerking upward.

  He was so ridiculously hard and it took everything in his power not to fuck her mouth raw.

All he could hear was his heartbeat pulsing in his ear and he knew he had to have her immediately.

Reaching down, he pulled her up before kissing her deeply, their bodies fully flush and his erection rigid against her stomach.

Roaming hands were all over her body, his strong embrace pressing her soft curves into the hard planes of his.

Into her slick folds his fingers went, causing her to clutch his shoulders tightly, her petite frame shuddering with pleasure in his arms.

Not even making it to the bed, they found themselves on the floor, his back leaning on the edge as she hovered over him without urgency.

Gripping her with a firm touch, he pulled her onto his lap, his need insistently pressing into her heat.

They moaned in unison as he entered her with a swift thrust, fully sheathing himself in her tight core, together relishing the extreme closeness of each other.

Only they existed in that moment as they became one, their eyes focusing solely on one another as they moved slowly in rhythm.

Nuzzling her breast before taking her nipple into his mouth, Beckett slowly kissed his way up to her mouth; “Clarette,” the words spilled out as he looked deeply into her eyes, “I love you.”

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Beckett's brow furrowed, not liking her plan one bit. "I suppose there is no way I'll be able to dissuade you from this, is there? I’m afraid that you’re playing with fire."

"Shouldn’t you technically say ‘playing with air?’” She joked, trying to lighten the mood.

The poignant look that he gave in response took the smile off her face instantaneously.

Clarette walked over to the couch, stopping in front of him as she gently picked his hands up in hers, giving his fingers a small squeeze. “I promise I'll be safe. Besides, you and the rest of the Crue are going to be there to back me up, right?"

"Well yes, but – “ he angled his face up at her, apprehension etched over his handsome features. "I can't help but worry about you, especially with what you've been through." Beckett brought her hand to his mouth, brushing his lips over her knuckles. "I know I'm not good at sharing my emotions, but Clarette, you mean the world to me."

A tender smile crossed her face as she bent over and kissed him softly, relishing the feeling of his lips against her own. He responded with intensity, his hands finding themselves on her hips, bringing her closer. Their kisses grew in passion with each passing moment, the fire between them burning brightly.

Beckett pulled Clarette onto his lap, her knees on both sides of him as she straddled him. She ran her fingers through his hair, the affectionate gesture sending shivers through him. He groaned into her mouth, his grip tightening as his hands wandered to her ample bottom. Rolling her hips forward, she gasped, feeling his excitement under her, their eyes trained on each other before falling into another passionate embrace.

Minutes later, they broke apart, breathless. Her eyes remained closed while she rested her forehead against his, relishing the intimacy in between them. Her lids opened languidly and she found Beckett’s hazel grey eyes staring back at her, full of intense emotion. She took his face in her hands, cupping his jaw before kissing him once more.

"Beckett, you mean the world to me, too. I can't imagine my life without you in it. You’re the best thing that’s ever happened to me."

Beckett's gaze softened with her admission, the corners of his eyes crinkling as he gazed at her adoringly.  “Hmmm, I believe you mean that you’re the best thing that’s ever happened to me,” he murmured, his hand coming up to her face and caressing her cheek. “What did I do to deserve you?”

Clarette felt the warmth of the sun spread through her body with the smile he was giving her, the unadulterated joy radiating throughout her core. She brought her lips to his once more, their kisses slow and lingering, opposite of earlier yet both savoring the taste of each other.

Her lips curved upward and she couldn’t help but pull back with a little snicker, burying her face in the crook of his neck. “All you had to do was be yourself, a.k.a., you know, be hot.”

Reclining back on the sofa, he rolled his eyes as a blush dusted his cheeks. “You’re impossible, you know that?” He replied, a teasing, exasperated tone accompanying the smile on his face.

“Uh huh, and that‘s why you’re with me,” she laughed, getting off his lap. Offering her hands to pull him up, she sighed. “Come on, I guess we have to go and meet the rest of the gang now.”

“Do we have to? We were so comfortable.”

“I know, I’d rather be straddling you the rest of the night, but we need to prep for Kane.”

“Why are you always right about everything?” He reached for her hand as he stood, his mouth quirking as she helped straighten out his shirt and blazer without a second thought.

“I don’t know about everything, but if we were keeping tally, I’d definitely be lightyears ahead of you,” she ribbed, smoothing out the lapels on his jacket before running her hands down the front of his torso.

“I’m pretty sure if we started keeping track, I’d be able to match your score and obviously overtake it.” Beckett chuckled, a soft smile on his face as he bent over, planting a soft kiss on her forehead.

“You wish, Harrington.” Giggling, she slipped her hand into his as they walked out of the room to hatch a game plan to take on Kane later that day.

The Penderghast consortium stood alert in the now barren space that had been a teahouse not even ten minutes ago. The entire setup was just an elaborate illusion concocted by Kane to lure Clarette into joining him that afternoon for a supposed friendly chat, even though the destruction surrounding them told a different story.

Moments prior, the Air Source had cupped Clarette’s face, his mouth at her ear, whispering words that were meant for her alone before he disappeared in a flurry. The intimate nature of his actions led to an awkward silence around the room, despite the number of people present.

“I need some air,” Beckett broke the silence with his sharp outburst, frowning in displeasure. Turning on his heel, he stormed out the door before Clarette even knew what was happening.

Katrina watched her younger brother stomp out of the decrepit bar, her shoulders slumping in defeat. “I should make sure he’s okay,” she mentioned to no one in particular, although she made no move to follow him out.

Clarette put her hand on Katrina’s forearm, her brow knitted in concern. “I’ll go. It’s because of me we got in today’s mess, even though Beckett warned me not to.” She gave a hasty wave to everyone else in the room, running out to find Beckett.

Crossing the threshold of Penn Square and arriving back on the Penderghast campus, she ran down the main corridor, sprinting the last few meters when she saw his solitary figure marching towards the dormitories.

“Beckett, wait!” Clarette tapped her foot twice, enabling the Super Speed Spell she learned the year prior to catch up with his long strides.

He slowed his gait enough for her to draw near, but did not stop as the atmosphere grew tense between them on their silent walk back to his suite. Glancing up at him, she saw the contempt written all over his face.

‘Good job, Clarette. Way to fuck up the best thing you’ve ever had,’ she thought, her brow puckering in disappointment at herself. She followed him into his room, locking the door behind her as she braced herself for the inevitable breakup before they were ever officially together.

After a few strained seconds, she Spoke up, the prolonged silence making her anxious. “Please don’t be mad at me.” Her voice was unnaturally quiet, the opposite of her usual, self-assured nature.

“Mad at you? Why would I be mad at you?!” He exclaimed, turning around to face her. “I am angry, but it is definitely not at you.”

The glint in his eyes was almost feral and his face was red from the exertion of the battle earlier, yet Clarette knew there was something else with the way he was looking at her. Without warning, he crossed the space between them, wrapping his hand around the back of her head before bringing her in for a searing kiss that left her weak in the knees.

“Clarette, I could never be angry with you,” he murmured, pulling back as his eyes bore into hers.

“Oh.” That was the only word she could get out, her head spinning before he laid his mouth on hers once more.

Beckett nipped at her lower lip, lightly sucking on it while his other hand found its way to her ass, pulling her closer to him. She moaned as she felt his length press against her and he took full advantage, sweeping his tongue into her mouth and deepening the kiss. Feeling her legs going weak, she grasped his shoulder for support; her reaction was seemingly the only thing keeping her standing.

Breaking the contact, he turned his attentions elsewhere, trailing kisses along her jaw, up to her ear, and then down to her neck, biting hard enough to undoubtedly leave a mark the next day. He captured her lips again before backing her up against the wall, his strong thigh in between hers, pinning her in place.

"Beckett, what are you doing?" The question barely passed her lips before her head lolled back with his continued affections. His lips attached to her neck, his tongue lightly licking her heated skin.

“You’re wearing too many clothes for what I want to do to you,” he breathed in her ear, his voice low with desire.

Beckett hurriedly hiked the skirt of her steampunk dress up, snaking his hand up her thigh, the smooth skin driving him wild. Holding her gaze, he lifted her leg by his hip, giving him access to grind into her.

Clarette met his every move, cursing the fabric that hindered the close contact they both craved. She felt the heat pooling in her belly, and she knew he could feel her excitement rolling off of her. Never had she seen Beckett in such a primal, primitive, and possessive state and it was turning her on to no end.

Making his way back to her mouth, he gave her a bruising kiss before pulling back, a wild look in his eyes. He stared at her, his steel grey orbs molten with desire and the fire within him blazing.

"Clarette, it drove me insane watching you flirt with him," he frowned. "When he touched your arm, it took every fiber of my being to not instinctively wrap my hands around his throat, Air Source or not. The insinuation that he had something special set up for you and him, only to then whisk you away to God knows where? All I could see was him caressing your arm and wanting more... and I couldn't do a damn thing about it. The next thing I knew, he had taken you from sight and you disappeared.”

"But you said you were fine with it and look, we're all okay-"

"I never said I was fine with it. Willingly let you flirt with another man? It doesn't matter that he's the Air Source; it was obvious from the beginning that he held a strange fascination with you. You always captivated him. Given the chance, he would bed you in an instant," he seethed.

Clarette's jaw dropped. "Beckett..."

He looked at her, his pupils wide as his nostrils flared.

"You're jealous."

Beckett's eyes narrowed. "You're damn right I am."

Her gaze roved his face before she kissed him hard, her tongue brushing against his. "You have no reason to be. It's only you, you know that.” She stared deeply into his eyes, their breaths intermingling. “No one makes me feel like you do. I'm all yours."

The air surrounding them was electric as they stared at each other with intensity. She found herself short of breath; his fingers started trailing a path up her inner thigh before rubbing her through the soaked satin of her panties. Pushing the flimsy fabric to the side, he pressed a thick finger through her slick folds, the act making her buck against his hand.

"Is this all mine?" He growled lowly into her ear, sending shivers down her spine.

A gasp escaped her while her arms wrapped tightly over his broad shoulders and around his neck. "Yes," she whispered, her voice husky. "It's all for you."

Beckett smirked triumphantly as he watched Clarette's eyes close in ecstasy, his fingers moving unhurriedly in and out of her most private area. She leaned her head forward, resting her forehead against his shoulder as he continued his ministrations. Her hips rocked against the rhythm of his hand, his thumb glazing her clit, nearly undoing her.

"Please don’t stop, Beckett," she whimpered, his actions taking her to the edge.

Beckett removed his hand much to her dismay, her lids opening with effort only to see him licking her juices off his digits.

"Ah, ah, ah... not yet," he teased, bringing his fingers to her lips. Slowly inserting them into her mouth, his jaw fell slightly as their eyes locked and she sucked on his fingers, tasting the remnants of her honey. He groaned as her tongue swirled over his fingertips, the feeling of her hot mouth shooting straight to his member. Removing his hand, he held her against the wall once more, his lips descending and capturing hers in a scorching kiss.

He ran his hand down her outfit, a guttural sound emanating from his throat in dissatisfaction at the amount of clothes she was wearing. Setting her leg back on the floor, he took a step back, missing the heat of her body instantly. His eyebrow arched in disapproval as he calculated how many buttons and hooks held her outfit together until a smug smile appeared on his face. With a flick of his hand, he summoned his Air Magick and unfastened all the contraptions simultaneously, her outfit falling away at the seams.

Clarette bit her bottom lip as the cool air hit her heated skin, her nipples stiff from both her arousal and the instant exposure. She felt herself flush from her sudden bareness, his traveling gaze accompanied by a lick of his lips.

Beckett leaned over and kissed her with abandon, one hand tangling in her hair. "Much better," he whispered, in between kisses as his fingers slid down from the curve of her neck to her breasts. He kneaded the soft mounds, his thumb running over her darkened buds, taking gratification of her body’s reaction to his touch. Breaking their kiss, he trailed an invisible path from her jaw to her neck with his lips, pausing momentarily to suck on her pulse point. He followed the tender act with a gentle bite, eliciting a gasp from her mouth. Continuing further, he traced his tongue down to the valley between her breasts, squeezing them together as he peppered her bosom with feathery kisses.

Clarette leaned back against the wall for support, her hands gently scratching the back of his neck as he slathered his attentions on her breasts. She gulped in pleasure at his attentiveness, writhing underneath his touch as the caresses of his touch turned greedy.

Beckett grazed her nipple with his teeth, causing her to yelp in surprise at the different sensation. He took the sensitive peak into his mouth, swirling his tongue around the dusky tip before gently sucking any pleasurable pain away. Squeezing one breast roughly, he flattened his tongue against her bud, his eyes looking up to gauge her reaction.

"Was that okay?" His smooth voice ghosted over her skin; his eyes focused on hers.

She met his gaze, nodding in silence. Her heartbeat pounded in her ears and her chest heaved as she watched him continue his southern route, her stomach flexing under his featherlight touch.

Clarette's breath caught as she watched Beckett kneel in front of her, looking up with an enticing glimmer in his eye and a devilish grin crossing his face. He slowly slid her panties down, exposing her mound to him. Lifting her right foot up, his lips lightly brushed the inside of her ankle before making the journey up her long leg. He kissed the hollow of her knee tenderly, knowing it was one of her sensitive spots that drove her wild. Inhaling deeply, he let out an appreciative moan while he traced the inside of her thigh with his tongue, lightly biting the expanse of silky skin before soothing it once again with his mouth. His other hand gently ran up and down the backside of her other leg, gently squeezing her ass in a nonsensical sequence before his long fingers grazed the inside of her thigh.

She swallowed thickly as he rested her leg over his broad shoulder, her center completely open to him alone. The anticipation of his mouth on her was making her so wet.  

His eyes shot up once more, locking with hers before he delved in, giving her pussy a long, languid lick.

"Oh my God, Beckett!" she exclaimed, nearly losing her balance as he proceeded to bury his head between her legs, kissing her fully on her lips.

His strong hands held her steady as his arm wrapped over the leg on his shoulder, the other gripping her ass as he brought her even closer to his mouth. Her hands flew down to help her maintain her position, one clinging to his shoulder and the other landing on the hand on her leg, squeezing his fingers to let him know that she was thoroughly enjoying his attentions.

Clarette swore she could feel him smile as he squeezed back, encouraging her to ride his face as he explored her core with his mouth. She rolled her hips forward rhythmically, her breath leaving her in short, little huffs as she fucked Beckett's face. She nearly toppled over once more after he angled his head higher, his tongue now directly running over the hood of her clit. Pulling back briefly, he glossed two fingers up and down over her glistening slit, easily sliding into her tightness.

A strangled sob originated from her throat, her head falling back to rest against the wood paneling of the wall as he pumped his fingers in and out of her. He studied her face intently, loving how her eyes scrunched shut and her mouth fell open as he fingered her just the way he knew she liked it. Bringing his mouth to her again, he teased her mercilessly, tracing his tongue around her pearl in a slow, deliberate pattern, wanting to hear her beg for him.

“Beckett, stop teasing me,” she pleaded, grinding harder against him.

“Then tell me what you want,” removing his mouth, he replied with a whisper against her.

“You know what I want.”

“I want to hear you say it.”

Her fist flew to her mouth, biting down on her knuckle after he ducked his head once more, tormenting her with a clever twist of his tongue.

“I want you to make me come,” she barely managed out, her head feeling like it was on the verge of exploding with desire.

With her magic words, he brushed her clit with his tongue, her center clenching around his fingers with his divine course of action. Starting slowly, he lapped at her nub without haste, fully tasting and savoring her essence. He gradually increased his tempo, flicking his tongue back and forth against her button, making her quiver as her legs trembled around his head, his name repeatedly leaving her lips.

“Please, I’m so close,” Clarette begged, so close to her release.

Beckett applied more pressure as he sped up his actions, licking her relentlessly and giving her no mercy in his quest to bring her to pure bliss. He wrapped his lips around her clit, sucking and swirling his tongue around her bundle of nerves, willing her to come as he continued to fuck her with his fingers.

“Oh God, Beckett, I’m coming!” She cried out, her walls pulsing around his fingers as she screamed his name out in ecstasy.

He kept his mouth on her through her orgasm, not stopping his movements until she finished riding out her crest. Carefully, he withdrew and set her leg down, holding her upright as he kissed his way upwards, his firm hands holding her securely in case her knees buckled under her.

Breathing hard, she leaned into his body, unsure of her own ability to stand by herself. She was on a complete high; her mind was dizzy with her overpowering climax and she could feel her wetness dripping down her leg.

Beckett pressed his body to hers as he nuzzled her ear, his straining bulge rock hard against her abdomen. “I hope you realize I’m not even close to being done with you.”

Clarette groaned into his mouth as he kissed her hard, tasting herself on his lips, his tongue tangling with hers. He shrugged the blazer from his shoulders, her hands pulling his shirt out of his pants before trailing down and squeezing his thick arousal, making him shudder under her touch. Her fingers deftly undid his belt buckle as he tore his shirt off, their gazes never leaving each other once. She pushed his trousers and underwear down, freeing him from his constraints as he stepped out of them, his body now naked as hers. Wrapping her hands around his erection, she stroked him up and down, squeezing him before running her thumb over his tip.

Beckett shut his eyes and his brow crinkled in delicious agony as he rested his forehead against hers. Eating her out had turned him extremely on and the feeling of her touch almost unraveled him at that moment.

“You’re so hard,” she breathed, her hand rubbing his taut flesh.

In response, his lids opened as he grabbed her hands in one svelte move, pinning them above her head with one hand while pressing his body against hers.

“This is what you do to me, Clarette. I can barely control myself when I’m around you.” Leaning forward, he kissed her deeply, hooking his other hand under her thigh. “I need to fuck you right now.” Their eyes locked as he claimed her with one rough thrust, a deep groan escaping him as he buried his big, thick cock completely in her sopping heat.

“Beckett!!” Clarette screamed in pleasure as he stretched her out, filling her completely with each of his slow, deliberate, yet powerful strokes.  Every jerk of his hips sent tremors throughout her entire body, the blood in her veins sparking with electricity. She wrapped her arms around his neck for leverage as he picked her other leg up, lifting her entirely off the ground, her body completely at his will.

Holding her against the wall, he increased his pace and fucked her senseless; the only thought going through his mind was how wet and tight she was and how damn good she felt surrounding him. He pumped upwards into her, the sounds of their bodies coming together combined with their moans to fill the room with a lustful symphony.

Clarette dug her nails into his back, leaving an array of red scratch marks as she held on to him, her body bouncing as he pounded her without inhibition. There was an air of recklessness about him and this was the most animalistic he had ever been with her. One thing was certain: She wanted more.

“Harder, Beckett. Fuck me harder,” she pleaded, a desperate tinge lacing her voice.

Beckett pushed her flush against the wall, her legs wrapping around his waist as his engorged length slammed into her sex repeatedly.

“You like that?” His voice was hoarse as he plunged into her, fully sheathing himself with each surge forward.

He elicited a stifled cry from her in response, her mouth by his ear. The sounds she was making was like a drug to him, urging him to drive even deeper into her. He could feel her pussy start to throb around his swollen dick, each clench threatening to undo the last of his control. Turning his head, he seized her lips with his as he pumped harder, the glow on her skin emerging once more.

Clarette felt like a coiled spring ready to snap, the tension within her nearly at a crescendo. Beckett slid his hand in between their sweat sheened bodies as he glided over her clit, pushing her towards another climax.

“Yes, just like that,” she panted, getting lost in the sensations he was giving her.

She clung onto him tightly as he rubbed her pearl with his thumb, going faster as he filled her over and over again with his thick shaft. He could feel his own release nearing as her walls started to pulsate around his throbbing cock, his entire universe revolving around him being in her and both their pleasure.

A strangled moan left her mouth as he hit her spot, her body tensing as waves of ecstasy washed over her. She came apart in his arms and the sensation of her pussy gripping his member was absolute heaven. Her body banged against the wall as he hammered into her, his thrusts becoming sloppy as he pinned her in place for his own indulgence. The ache was almost too much to bear. He could feel the tightness in his balls building, his orgasm quickly approaching as he fucked her at an even faster pace than before.

“Clarette, I’m coming!“ Beckett groaned, kissing her deeply as he finished.

With one final thrust, he came hard, his seed exploding in her. He stilled and his entire body was pressed against hers, his muscles tight as he panted for air. His head rolled forward, heavy, and rested on her shoulder as they both caught their breaths, not wanting to relinquish the high they were on.

Everything that happened earlier that day was now a distant memory. The only thing encompassing their thoughts and the only thing that mattered at that moment were each other.

Hours later in his bed, Clarette rested her head on Beckett's chest, her fingertips lightly tracing over his skin. She took a deep breath while listening to his steady heartbeat, the cadence relaxing her. Beckett ran his hand up and down her back, sending light shivers down her spine, a comfortable silence between them.

After a few moments, she exhaled, a crease on her eyebrow appearing as she propped herself up to look at him. "For what it's worth, Beckett, I'm really sorry."

Beckett furrowed his brow, bringing his thumb to her forehead to smooth out the worry line that was currently present. "Hey, sorry for what? You have nothing to apologize for."

"But that's the thing. There is. Earlier when we were talking about my stupid plan, I heard the words that you said, but I wasn't listening to what you were saying." She laid back down, wrapping her arm over him and snuggling closer.

"Mmmm," He expressed wordlessly as he drew her closer, kissing the top of her head, letting her continue.

"I know I act first and think later, which is totally opposite of what you do, and the plan in my head - "

"- Sounded good, I know."

“So yeah, I’m sorry for not listening to you.”

Beckett tilted her face up to look at him, giving her a peck on the temple. “I still stand by my opinion that you have nothing to be sorry for, but I do wish you would consider plans that do not constantly put you in danger.”

"I just want to get to the bottom of everything, you know?" She sighed, laying her head back down on him.

"I know, and I just want you to be safe. You have people who care about you.” He paused. “I really care deeply about you.”

Clarette stayed quiet, mulling over his words. She had heard these words before in what seemed like a lifetime ago; before Magick, before Penderghast, and before Beckett. The words and the boys attached to them were always full of false promises. But this time? She truly believed him.

“Clarette? I was about to ask you something, but I felt a tear…“ he trailed off, slightly alarmed.

She sat up and wiping the corner of her eye. Sure enough, there was a bead of moisture on her face and its remnants his chest.

Sitting up to join her, her cupped her cheek, wiping the tear away with his thumb while looking at her intently. “Is everything alright?” he asked, concerned.

Clarette gazed into his eyes, his feelings for her unmistakable. She smiled, placing her hand over the hand on her cheek. “Yeah, it actually is. I just zoned out thinking about the past and how sometimes all of this is overwhelming. But I’m so lucky that I have you by my side through it all.”

He exhaled; relief apparent on his face. “And you will always have me by your side, whenever you need me. Even if you don’t need me, I’ll be there, too. In fact,” his ears started to turn red as he cleared his throat, “I would like to officially be there, by your side. That is, if you would like that, as well,”

She looked at him, a stunned expression on her face before it turned into a smile that rivaled the sun itself. "Beckett Harrington, are you asking me to go steady? To be official?"

“Well, when you put it that way, yes.”

“To be your girlfriend?” She pressed, a glimmer in her eye.

“Yes, I’m asking you to be my girlfriend.” Beckett’s face was beet red. "Please, Clarette. Don't make me regret asking this," he teased, a grin creeping onto his face.

She bolted forward, planting her lips on his as they fell back onto his bed. Their nude bodies molded against each other, limbs intertwining as they made out.

Beckett rolled them over until he was on top, pulling back as he brushed the hair off her face. “You still haven’t answered my question,” he smirked.

Clarette cupped his jaw, trailing her hand down to his neck before resting it at his nape. “Yes. As if it ever was a question,” she beamed before bringing him in for a kiss. “Though honestly, it’s taken you long enough!”

Beckett laughed, his eyes twinkling with mirth. “Well then, I suppose I should make it up to you.”

“And how are you going to do that?”

“I’m sure I can think of a few ways,” he replied, placing kisses down her body.

She writhed under his touch, her body temperature rising as he spread her legs in an unhurried fashion.