mimi

It was a cool summer night in Clemens Point, you stared out at the dancing fire in front of you. Despite the late hour the camp buzzed with chatter and music, each emptied beer bottle that hit the dirt only adding to the atmosphere. 

You couldn't help but sigh to yourself. As much as you’d like to join in on the fun there was a weight on your shoulders that kept you pinned down to your seat around the fire. Ironically the weight on your shoulders was from the lightness on your back.

A simple supply run at the beginning of the week quickly turned into a scene when some Lemoyne Raider tried to intercept in. you can vaguely remember the day, the adrenaline taking over your mind. Ducking and shooting with the shoddy pistol you carried. You had always kept it around as more of a deterrent which you quickly remembered why as you spent more time fighting with the revolver then actually defending yourself. You gave a final slap to the chamber before taking aim, ready to shoot till a cold metal blade along your neck pulled you back. Your heart drummed against your chest as the man kept you pinned to his chest, too focused on the blade of the knife pressed against your neck. You don't know how long you stood there in shock, it wasn't till a gruff baritone voice pulled you back to reality. 

“Get Down!” Arthur barked from across the field. You stared straight into his gun, aimed only one slight tilt from your head. In a second your hands dropped the old pistol and grasped your head. A shot rang out as crouched as close to the ground you could get, curled up tightly as the Raider hit the ground behind you with a bullet clean between his brows.

By the time it was all over you were left with a shallow gash on the back of your left palm and a chunk of your hair the man managed to reach before hitting the ground.

It was almost humiliating sitting in the middle of the girls tent that night. A couple lanterns being held up as they circled you. It was all well intentioned, the once long hair that flowed down your back was cut at an awkward angle. Despite the many ideas that were thrown around, what was left of your length wasn't enough to disguise what was missing. Having no choice but to accept your faith as Abigail’s steady hands guided the scissors in a straight line. By the time morning came your once long hair now stopped just above the base of your neck.

The first day was definitely the hardest, mourning the loss of your hair. It was probably the most chorus you've done since joining the gang, finding everything and anything to forget about your new look. The others did their best to cheer you up, Tilly said it brought out your eyes as you washed clothes together, Mary-Beth saying it would be trendy with ladies from the city while you chopped vegetables for the stew, and Karen giving a playful whistle as you carried chicken past her on guard duty. A few of the men did their best too, Jack giving you a small flower he plucked (even though you could see his mother a few feet behind him), Hosea & Dutch telling you it was a refined look when you walked past their game of cards, Even Uncle said there are plenty of pretty ladies with short hair though you walked away pretty fast once he started slurring about some short haired lady he “wooed” back in his day.

You wanted to focus on the positives but couldn't help it. Remembering how you sat on a barrel behind your tent, looking into a propped up mirror as you tried to keep your hair out of your face after sweating all morning. Your hair is too short to tie in anyway that won’t make you look ridiculous as you get through the day. In a fit of frustration you threw the ribbon in your hand with a huff only for you to lock eyes with Arthur as he guided his horse out of camp. It’s completely unfair how a man as large as him manages to be so quiet.

He clears his throat as he tips his hat towards you. Only muttering out a soft “Pardon me.” before walking off, leaving you with your cheeks burning hotter than the sun and about ready to keel over any minute.

Now you're here, sitting quietly by yourself in the center of a happy camp, officially making it through one week of your new look. You reach for the single bottle of beer you've been sipping all night. You might give yourself a pat on the back, even with your hard week you've managed not to bring down the mood for anyone else. Was it a bit immature to be so hung up over a hair style? Maybe, but the answer didn't matter much since right or wrong you were still going to be upset.

Your thoughts distracted you too much to notice the late return another member made. Giving nods and short greetings as he made his way through camp, a near straight line as he made his way to you.

He lightly taps the log you're sitting on with the tip of his boot, hands slightly gripping his belt as the two of you locked eyes. “Watin’ for someone?” a light smile on his lips as he looks down at you. “Or, you wouldn't mind if i sit?”

 Asher was used to noise, especially his own. He knew how to keep the energy up even in the most awkward situations. It was probably the only skill he was fully confident in when he became his best friend’s beta. Ever since he was a kid he’s been filling up the room with noise. It’s not a good or bad thing, just the way he’s always been. 

He was a bit scared during those first few dates. They were almost exact opposites. They were so quiet. present, he could see the way their eyes followed him, how their face would react to his words, the occasional soft smile that made his head feel like he needed to pass out and run a marathon simultaneously. It was like they thought every word through, only speaking when they had the answers. They felt no need to fill the room as they thought. It was so foreign at first, to sit there in silence next to them. 

That fear faded into comfort. They were like a safe haven away from the usual expectations of his persona. He loved his friends and family more than anything, but it was nice to have a place where he didn’t need to “perform” anything, he could just sit there and show another part of himself. Or he could be as noisy as he wanted to be for as long as he wanted. They didn’t seem to mind; their eyes were always on him, and they had the same comforting and exposing look. No matter what version of himself he was, they always looked at him the same.

The sound of their quiet breaths static on the phone was soon replaced. The two are overtaken by childish giggles. It was almost embarrassing the way they made him feel. Asher felt like some middle schooler who was talking to their first partner ever over the phone. Nervous and giddy by every moment between them. 

“So, what’s up with you?” It was so unfair how they made words sound. Like every syllable was made to naturally flow out their mouth. It sounds ridiculous but nothing else can explain the 

“Nothing now but, hopefully, you could change that!” Asher couldn’t hold in the excitement of his voice. His cheeks were a bit sore from smiling but he couldn’t bring himself to stop. “Are you free tonight?”   

They made a small hum. Dragging it out, almost teasing him by holding back the answer. 

“That depends, free to do what?”

“Restaurant, club, midnight movie, whatever. I’m trying to avoid my apartment tonight so I'm down to go anywhere!”

Asher felt their slight hesitation. The pause wasn’t their usual quiet. He heard a faint sigh of disappointment come from them. “I mean… we don’t have to do anything tonight if you don’t want to. Sorry, I know it’s like super short notice. It’s cool if you don’t wanna do any of that stuff or if you don’t wanna hang out at all, trust me I understand.”

“No, that’s not the problem. I like hanging out with you, I’d do it all the time if I could Asher-“ he could feel a warmth spreading through his chest. “But I can’t be out all night. I have an early meeting tomorrow and I gotta tell my boss about the progress of this stupid project I’ve been put on to. Is everything ok at your place? Don’t tell me David finally kicked you out.”

“I told you that softy would never, no matter how many kitchen fires I start. I’m actually doing him a favor. The big guy actually has a date tonight with this mystery person he’s been seeing. Apparently, they eat like shit so he’s gonna cook for them. Maybe they’ll even have a little desert if you know what I mean.” Asher couldn’t help but laugh at his own joke, good thing it was funny enough to make them laugh too.

“Well I’m sorry I can’t roam around with you tonight, but we can still hang out.” 

“…We can?”

“If you aren’t gonna stay at your place just come to mine. Sorry, it’s not as fun as an adventurous night on the town.” 

Asher has seen their place. Glimpses of it as they open the door to leave with him for a date of quick flashes behind them as they walk around their apartment on video call. But, This was something different. They’re asking him to stay. 

“Are you sure? I don’t wanna impose plus I don’t wanna keep you busy tonight if you have something import-“

“I want you to be here. I'm sure Asher.” 

“Oh-okay. Then yeah I-I’ll be there. See you soon Babe.”

***

After trying not to die of embarrassment when he ended the phone call Asher drove over to their apartment. He walked up to their place, constantly wiping his palms on his jeans to keep them dry. 

He made his way up to their place and knocked on their door. Barely a second after he knocked Asher was met with a smiling face. They were dressed casually with some loose-fitting pants and an old comfy shirt he had seen them wear a couple of times when they video-called each other. They leaned against the door frame, looking back at him with an unwavering smile. Asher could feel a similar one on his face.

They reach out their hand to hold his, gently pulling him through the door into their living room. Closing the door behind him, the two stood together in their living room. Only a few inches from each other, just standing there looking into each other’s eyes. With their hands still clasped together Asher was debating between holding their hand tighter or finding a discreet way to pull his hand away and wipe it dry again.

“Hi,” he said quieter this time. Barely above a whisper. “...again”

Their lips muffled the chuckle on his. His mind went blank instantly, focusing on the sensation of their soft lips pressed onto his. Asher wrapped his arms around their body, pulling them closer and deepening the kiss.

“Hey,” By the time Asher noticed they pulled away, their lips came right back. Feeling a bit bold, Asher let his hands trail down their sides till he got down to their hips, his thumb massaging small circles through their pants. Their hands made their way up his body to his head. They tangled their hands in his hair. 

He genuinely tried to keep his voice down, but Asher wasn't used to being quiet. A breathy whimper came out of his mouth when he felt them slightly tug on his hair. With his head tilted back Asher could see the knowing smile on their face. “…Again.”

They leaned back into his space. Their lips grazed against his. He was about to lean back in when a loud sound made him pause. 

Asher’s face burned from embarrassment as the loud rumbling of his stomach reached his ears. Their hand moved from Asher’s hair to his shoulder, giving a comforting rub as they tried to hold in their obvious laughter. 

“Get comfortable and I’ll be right back.” Asher felt a small kiss press against his cheek before watching them walk away. He could still see that foxy grin on their face that they tried to hide from him.

Asher lugged his body over to their couch and threw himself on it. The one day he skips lunch just cause he was too lazy to cook just had to be today? Fuck, why didn’t he just ask David, or grab a cheap snack, or eat one of those nasty healthy granola bars David’s always carrying around?

Staring up at the ceiling, he let out a long sigh and mumbled to himself. “Great job Ash, way to kill the mood.”

***

“Lucky you, I ordered some food earlier. Just enough left for two.” They walked back into their living room with two paper plates. 

They sat down next to him, their thighs grazing against each other. Asher sat up on the couch, he pressed a quick kiss on their cheek while taking the plate from their hand. “Thank you, Babe.”

The night came before Asher could even think. They ate, laughed, and rolled around on the couch for hours. Asher was laying down with his head propped up with a pillow, they were on top of him. Their head was resting on his shoulder as had a movie playing in the background that he basically tuned out as he looked at them in such a relaxed state. The sun had set a while ago, the natural light left the room leaving the two in the dark with only the tv screen in the dim room.

Asher’s arms were loosely around their torso, mindlessly stroking their back. With their chest against his he could feel the subtle beating of their heart, his own matched the rhythm. It’s almost scary how addicting this is, how addicting they are. Ever since they met Asher has felt like he’s just been living on some weird high, he doesn’t want to admit it but he’s almost been waiting to crash. It’s not because of them, they're great, really great, but there’s no way this could last forever like statistically, right? It’s almost too good to be true. It’s getting to the point where he just wants to see them everyday; Texting every day, calling each other all the time, David had a small grin their whole gig the night after they fell asleep on the phone together like some puppy love teenagers. he could’ve crashed at Milo’s, or maybe bug Christian for a few hours if he wanted a good laugh, but he barely even considered it. He just called them.

Is this too fast? Maybe he’s too pushy, did they feel like they had to say yes to him coming over today? 

But they invited him. He didn’t mention staying the night, they’re the one who insist that they wanted him here. They're in his arms right now so he can’t be that bad.

This is a good thing, just focus on the good thing.

Why can he never just focus on a good thing? Nothing bad is going to happen. This is good, they are good, everything is good. 

Am I good?

The silence is starting to get to him. His foot rapidly tapped against the opposite arm of the couch. He feels like there's cotton shoved down his throat, every time he swallows the feeling only gets worse.

Maybe he can slip away, just lock himself in their bathroom for a few minutes and slap some sense into himself. 

He can’t slip away; they're literally on top of him.

This is so stupid. Everything was good, everything was great. He literally just ruined it for himself, nothing was wrong but just couldn’t let himself relax. His stupid brain just had to fill the quiet in his mind, now he’s spiraling like an idiot as they just cuddle with him.

“-Ash?”

He blinked and pulled his eyes from the ceiling to them. The static in his mind quiets down to hear their voice.

“Hmm, what was that babe?”

“The movie’s over, you wanna go to sleep yet?” They mumbled, a hint of drowsiness in their voice.

Asher didn’t even realize how dark the room was, the tv showing the faint white text of names as the music faded out. He could only see the faintest outline of their features as they shifted on his chest to look at him. 

“…yeah,” he said slowly as he sat up with them still in his arms, setting them down on his lap. “Sounds good to me.” 

They leaned in for a kiss, he had a brief moment of bliss as their soft lips touched his. The two pulled apart, looking at each other, it was mostly pointless in the dark but it still felt nice to do.

“You good, Ash?” Their hand reached up, pushing back his messy hair out of his face. He could hear the slight concern in their voice, even in the dark they could see him.

Good thing you’re not a telepath, I don’t think I could handle it. I can barely handle you now.

“I'm good babe, just tired.” It wasn’t a lie, probably. 

They held their position for a few more moments before planting a small kiss on his bare forehead. They stood up and grasped his hand, leading him from the dark apartment into the lowlights of their bedroom.

“I got some stuff lying around that should be able to fit you decently unless you rather sleep in your usual pajamas?” Asher could hear the small teasing in their voice.

He’s been sleeping in nothing but his boxers since he was a teenager, maybe throwing on some sweatpants on a cold night. 

It would probably be really nice, almost too nice. To just hold them against his chest in their bed, his senses just filled with them. Obviously the scent of them was strong in their own place but it was even better in their room. If he could shift right now he’d probably do it in a heartbeat just to commit it to memory, the rest of the pack could already smell traces of it when they shifted. He couldn’t wait to enjoy it himself straight from the source.

That sounds so creepy. 

It’s not creepy, it’s a wolf thing. They all do it so it’s not weird.

I should probably tell them I'm a wolf...

“Just toss me a shirt, I’ll be good.” 

Later.

He hands them a shirt. An old one that’s probably been tucked in their closet for a while.

“I’m gonna run to the bathroom. I’ll be right back, go ahead and get comfortable.” 

His eyes lingered on them as they walked out, finally pulling away once they closed the door behind them. He took off his shirt and pants. Good thing they could see him look around their room in his underwear as he looked for somewhere normal to put his clothes instead of just throwing it on the floor like he would. He placed his somewhat folded clothes on a chair nearby. He picked up the shirt, their shirt, and slipped it on. He let out a soft sigh as he felt the fabric against his skin.

He made his way to the bed and lifted their blanket.

Shit! Which side of the bed do they sleep on?

He was saved from another spiral by their small yawn. They walked back into the room. They turned off the lights and walked up to him.

Asher pulled them into his side to give them a sweet kiss. Luckily they were drowsy enough to not notice him gently nudging them into bed first.

He climbed in after them. They pulled him in closer to them, he wrapped his arms around them and nuzzled into their side. They fit together well, holding onto each other naturally like it was second nature. It was hard for Asher to imagine how he ever slept without them, maybe one day he could do it every night.

“…Babe?” He mumbled against their skin.

“…Asher.”

“Thanks for letting me come over, I had a great time just relaxing all afternoon with you.” 

They let out a breathy chuckle as he felt their hold on him get a bit tighter.

“Anytime Asher.” They whispered back to him, any tension left from his mind as their light giggle reached his ears. The two lay together for the rest of the night, trading small laughs and whispers before falling asleep together.

(extra)

“Why,” he dragged out his whine as he laid on their bed. Enjoying the view of them getting dressed but still a bit upset to have to watch them leave. “You can’t just take the day off? Just this once, for me?” he continued to whine, borderline begging.

“I told you yesterday Ash, I gotta go.” they leaned down and pressed a kiss on his pouty lips before reaching past them to grab the shirt they laid out on the bed. “It’s just for the meeting and probably some busy work after. I'll be back before you notice.”

Asher followed them into the living room and leaned against the door frame, his sleep heavy eyes still following them as they went through the last few steps of their routine.

Everything felt so right. Talking, sleeping, doing nothing, doing everything, with them it was just so right.

Is this a spark or am i just weird? I haven't been this weird with my other partners. I just want to do everything with them. I wanna tell them everything… I should tell them everything. 

“Bye Asher, promise I'll come back as fast as i can.” He hummed in acknowledgment, leaning in to place one quick kiss before they left. Hopefully it can hold him over while they're gone. 

They grabbed their stuff and walked to the door.

“Babe,” they turned back in the doorway to look at him. His face felt hot as the words left his mouth but his heart was too far gone to stop himself. 

“I wanna talk when you get back… got a little surprise for you.” He gave them a small smile, not wanting to stress them out while they were at work.

They smiled back at him, nodding their heads before closing the door. Asher left in their apartment, in their shirt, with only a few hours to make a decent plan before they got home. 

He sighed to himself, his hands brushing through his hair. It’s a tough spot he put himself in, he had enough time to think of a way out but that would make him a quitter and if years of doing stupid (and borderline dangerous) dares from his pack mates proved he was anything like that.

He couldn't help himself. Desperate to just rip his heart open and let everything about him spill out on the floor. And, to do that he’d have to explain the entire secret world under their noise and completely change their entire view on their life. No big deal.

“...shit.”

  (extra extra)

Text message from: ShortStack

>don’t know what you did but you’re fucked. U want roses or daisies at the funeral?

Text message from: Sherlock

>you can barely get through secret santa but you thought you could keep this a secret??? 💀

You have one new voice mail from: Davey