Welcome to another chapter of Sipping On Something!

I wasn't sure if I was going to add more to this story or not since I wrote this before the new season started. However, I found some inspiration from some parts of the new season. Hopefully, others enjoy it as well! I do plan to have a least one more chapter or part of the story. I have that part already started, so maybe that will be up within a few weeks.

WARNINGS: Cheating, Dirty talk, Mentions of Unprotected Sex, etc.

NOTE: Obviously this story is not for everyone. However, this is something that wouldn't leave me alone. If you don't like anything mentioned in the warnings, please do not read it.

Please don't forget to leave some love. I did write this for myself initially, however, it seems others are missing Brallie just as much as I am.

The Taste of Illicit Words

By: TwistedWizards

"I can't help but love you,

Even though I try not to,

I can't help but want you,

I know I'd die without you…"

War of Hearts by Ruelle

Present

Their options were limited and heartbreaking.

Callie knew words can hit a little too close to home unexpectedly, they can burn and twist inside the chest. Almost as if they have the ability to constrict one's ability to breathe. They leave a sour taste of hurt on the tongue, even if it's unintentional. She knew the weight they held. Being around Lawyers and Judges, it's hard to forget the effect words can have.

She stood frozen, listening to Mariana explaining her troubles to Lena and Steph.

"I'm not like Callie. I can't ignore my feelings for my principles."

The second Callie heard her, she knew there wasn't any malice or hidden meaning. It wasn't like Mariana knew the events that had transpired over the past two weeks. In Callie's field of work, hiding emotions or facial expressions was crucial.

Yet, it didn't stop the guilt that gnawed and pulled at her chest. Its weight sat on her shoulders and pressed on the back of her throat. She couldn't even take a breath without a reminder of the line they'd crossed yet again. Even in a drunken haze that night, they knew the gravity of their choice. Even if Callie blamed it on the alcohol that night, it was no excuse for what happened in the elevator or the late-night phone call.

If Callie was being honest with herself, he was her weakness. He was her safety net keeping her afloat ever since Idyllwild, but she could never admit that. Not to him. Not after the adoption. Not after Grace passed away. Not when Callie found him in the field and she held him in her arms. Not when he brought home Eliza. Not at his dinner reception. Not by the pool.

Years of suppressed feelings and all it took was a bottle of alcohol followed by the word 'have'. Now everything was like walking on eggshells. The feeling of his lips against hers lingered. Yet he was still leaving for Amsterdam.

Eight Days Ago

The ache throbbed in her temples, greeting her as she shifted against the silky material draped across her body. With furrowed brows, she slowly dragged her fingers against what she assumed was a mattress. Licking her slightly dry lips, she swallowed the lingering aftertaste of alcohol.

This isn't my bed…

Bringing her legs up closer to her body, she opened her eyes. The room before her unfamiliar and barren in the dark.

A steady recognizable rise and fall of someone breathing beside her signaled she wasn't alone. Her stomach felt tight and her muscles twinged with a soreness. Blinking a few times, she exhaled softly and looked at the clock on the bedside table reading, 4:56 AM .

Slowly looking around, she saw his relaxed sleeping form. Realization slowly spilled over her as she scooted softly to the edge of the bed. The rush in her chest was a mixture of fear and dread.

" No, " the hushed word slipped from her lips as she propped herself up using her elbow.

The rustling sheets behind her made her freeze. Turning to see him adjusting in his sleep. Exhaling shakily, she noted the feeling of the cold hardwood floor under her feet, pausing when it creaked.

Her fight-or-flight response kicked in. With one last look at Brandon, she quietly tiptoed out the room.

She knew their heated decision was a bell that can't be unrung. Now to wait for the inevitable wave of guilt sure to follow.

The elevator gate groaned, and the lights flickered as she pulled it closed behind her. The Coterie was quiet and dim. Morning just spilled across the city as she made her way past the open loft and to the restrooms.

Callie huffed as she stopped in front of a sink. The first word that came to her mind was disheveled when she saw herself for the first time since yesterday evening. Her hair was in a messy bun. Her eyes were heavy and bloodshot, burning from exhaustion.

Maybe everything that happened had been a dream. Maybe things would be fine.

Hopefully…

Callie reached behind the mirror, staring at a small package of pills. The night was coming back to her in pieces. However, she vividly remembered telling Brandon she was on Birth Control after he panicked about forgetting to pull out.

One thing she was sure about was the fact that they hadn't been careful. If anything, they were the opposite of careful. She popped out her daily pill and put the package back before looking down at the sink.

Shaking her head, she turned the handle to the right and leaned forwards. The water was icy and mildly metallic on her tongue.

Normally she was extremely strict about remembering protection. However, last night she'd been the opposite. Last night, she couldn't seem to worry about any inevitable ramifications or potential complications. All that mattered was him and her.

She didn't know why, but Brandon was the only person she'd been intimate with who hadn't worn a condom. Maybe it was because when she was with him, she always got lost in the moment. As if she couldn't get to him fast enough.

With her eyes closed, she wiped her mouth using the back of her hand and stood up straight. Turning around, she instantly saw Kelly standing in the doorway.

Callie froze as the somewhat eccentric girl looked her over.

"Sorry didn't know anyone was awake," Callie's voice was heavy, probably because she was exhausted.

The girl narrowed her eyes and walked past her.

"Could say the same for you," She said, with furrowed brows as she started towards the showers.

"Oh, uh, I was just, you know... going to the restroom. Probably going back to sleep for a bit."

Kelly gave her a side look before shrugging. Callie mumbled an awkward okay before quickly leaving. Silently hoping Kelly wouldn't say anything to the rest of The Coterie.

Six Days Ago

Avoidance can be a petty short-term solution to a problem. However, it isn't a solution. It's just delaying the inevitable. And after a day, she finally felt the gravity of their fuck up.

She slept with Brandon even though she swore after that night in Idyllwild it would never happen again. Not because she didn't love him, but because legally her brother . The idea should repulse her, but it didn't. If anything, she was angry. At the situation, a little at him for crossing that line with her, but mostly herself.

Not to mention he's married. The fact that Eliza had been concerned about them back then made her feel guilty now.

Callie exhaled loudly from the thought as she picked up her now empty cup of coffee. Turning to her right, she noticed Davia giving her a confused look.

"Uh. You alright over there?" She asked.

"Oh, mhm," Callie nodded quickly, putting her cup in the sink, "Just thinking about work."

Davia lifted her brows with a nod as Callie started for the elevator. Just as she rounded the corner, she watched Alice opening the gate from the inside, standing with him.

Callie just about dropped her phone and had the inclination to hide. But it was too late. Looking forward, she found his gaze heavy with confusion.

"Oh good! Callie, just who we were lookin' for. Found your brother pacing downstairs lookin' a bit lost." Alice said.

Don't panic, she thought to herself as she pursed her lips. Callie refused to look away from his gaze.

"Ok-ay, I'll let you two catch up," Alice waved as Callie stepped inside next to him, looking away. "Nice to see you again. Brandon, right?"

"Oh, yeah. Brandon. Nice to uh, see you..."

"Alice."

"Right, Alice," he repeated, and even without looking at him, Callie knew he gave Alice a small lopsided half-smile.

"Oh, Callie. Before you go, I told the others yesterday, but you weren't feeling good so I didn't want to bother you."

"What's up?"

"The elevator's been a bit wonky, so I have someone coming to take a look later today." Alice chimed as Callie nodded, only partially listening. "They said it was still okay to use right now since it's just the lights flickering, but we'll have to use the stairs for a bit starting this afternoon."

"Right. I think I heard Mariana mention it last night. Thanks, Alice." She smiled, her attention focused on Brandon beside her without even looking at him.

Brandon then shut the gate and pushed the down button to the main floor. The air was tense and the only sound was that of the whirling mechanical engine.

"Congratulations on passing the bar," he broke the silence, and she looked at him, "I know how hard you worked for it."

"Thank you," she mumbled awkwardly with a small smile.

The look he gave her made her face feel warm. They'd known each other for about a decade, but the way he'd always complimented her made her stomach do flips.

Not that the small interaction changed their current predicament. Callie hated not knowing where she stood. She knew why he was here. Yet, she couldn't stop herself from asking, "So uh, why are you here, Brandon?"

"Why am I- "he abruptly cut himself off, his jaw tensed, "Seriously, Callie? Is that what we're doing? Pretending?"

"Not pretending, no." She mumbled with a shrug as she glanced at her watch.

"Then what?" He looked at her, lips parted in what looked to be a mix of confusion and frustration.

"I don't know, okay ?"

He sighed, rubbing his face, "Well, we need to talk about this."

"I can't right now. I have to be in court in an hour." She huffed, and he shook his head.

"Right." He breathed, finally meeting her gaze as the elevator stumbled to an unexpected halt.

Callie met his gaze in the dim lighting as the lights flickered from above. The quiet whirring of the elevator stopped, and the silence was deafening.

"Crap," he said, taking a step into her space.

The dim lighting sure as hell didn't help their situation. If anything, it only made her realize just how close he was. The smell of clean laundry and spearmint toothpaste flooded her senses. All she had to do was reach up to touch-

"Here. Let's try pushing the button," he spoke quietly, pointing his flashlight from his phone at the elevator panel. The warmth of his body ghosted against her right side, pulling her from her thoughts.

"Thanks," she mumbled, cheeks hot from where she allowed her mind to wonder. She hit the button a few more times with no response.

"Maybe we should try calling someone." He suggested, and she exhaled forcefully.

"I'll call Alice."

Bending over, she set down her briefcase before looking at her phone. Instantly seeing no service bars. Lifting her phone above her head, she moved her hand around.

"By your reaction, I'm guessing you can't get a signal." He asked, and she lowered her phone.

"No, nothing," she said, biting down on her bottom lip leaning against the wall, "You?"

"Same."

Even in the dim flickering lighting, she could see his pools of dusty green looking at his phone. Flashes from the other night danced in her mind. Ones of him pressed against her, skin on skin. Him kissing her, fucking her slowly against the piano. Him desperately holding her as close as he could.

The idea that he still had feelings for her after all this time made it hard to concentrate. Yet, she knew her feelings about their situation wasn't a simple answer. There were too many factors to consider. Most of which had to do with their family.

Whatever this was between them was going to end up hurting people. She knew this for a fact. It was a line they shouldn't have crossed but did anyway.

"I messaged Mariana. Hopefully, she'll get it if I'm able to find some service." He sighed, looking up to find her gaze.

Quickly she looked away, not wanting him to think she was staring. Though it was probably too late.

"Callie…" he said her name in a way that made it hard to breathe.

Inhaling slowly, she turned towards him and shrugged, "What do you want me to say?"

"Something," he took a step closer and examined her features, "Anything. I - I don't know what I'm supposed to do here."

"And you think I do?"

"No. I don't expect you to have the answers. I just- how am I supposed to leave the country with Eliza now?"

Hearing her name made bile burn in her throat.

"I know you, Brandon. We can't allow ourselves to fall back into old patterns. It's probably best we both forget-"

"-Forget ?" He repeated harshly, "You expect us to pretend nothing happened?"

"Yes . That's exactly what we need to do." She said bluntly, hoping by some miracle that she could take her own suggestion.

"That's bullshit , Callie. We're not teenagers, anymore."

"You're right. We're adults and we need to act like it. We cannot just disregard what this would do to our family."

The desperation twisted into his features made her pause. It was the one thing she hated most. Seeing people hurt because of something she did.

"As much as we wanted to, we shouldn't have done it." She added while he stared as she noticed the dim light reflecting in his eyes.

He nodded slowly as if taking in her words carefully. She watched the way he rubbed his mouth before looking towards her again.

"We haven't done anything wrong. It's legal in the state of California." He quipped, and she furrowed her brows.

"So because it's not illegal, that makes it okay?" She roughly ran her fingers through her hair.

"No. No, it doesn't." He shook his head, and she rolled her eyes.

"Then why bring it up?"

"Because Callie-" he threw his hands up momentarily, "-the situation's already messed up and I needed to know."

"Why would-"

"I don't know," he cut her off sharply, "Okay?"

The situation was completely messed up, and there was no going back. Not this time.

Callie held her breath as he met her gaze. It was the look he gave her that night. The one where he told her that things weren't fair. She noticed the flicker in his gaze as he looked down at her lips. Reminding herself to breathe when she saw him shake his head. He quickly entered into her space as she felt his warmth in front of her.

She noticed him placing his hands against the wall beside her head. There was a slight edge to his movements. She felt his fingers pulling at her chin and tilting her head to look at him.

"I feel like shit," he took a step closer, trapping her against the wall with his body, "But I can't just forget, Callie. I can't change the way I feel, even though I've tried. It shouldn't have hurt when I woke up and you were gone, but it did."

A cold wash of guilt surfaced, and she responded in a hushed tone, "Can you blame me?"

The words tasted bitter and heavy in the air. Her mind screamed what they did was wrong, but her heart and her body told her to stay.

"No," he sighed, "I can't."

Callie held her breath as she watched him lean closer. The lights flickered slightly while her heart raced, the feeling of his lips ghosting against hers. Until that moment, she hadn't realized just how much she wanted him to kiss her. Shakily, she exhaled and reached for the bar beside her on the wall to steady herself.

"We shouldn't…" she whispered against his lips, her eyes half-lidded.

"Then tell me to stop, Callie," he murmured, intentionally brushing his lips against hers again.

The way his hand trailed down the side of her body made her shiver. With both of his hands, he pulled her by her hips towards him, causing her to gasp.

"Tell me that this doesn't feel right." He breathed, his fingers digging into her hip.

Callie pressed her palm against his chest before twisting the fabric into her fist. He was right. His touch was addictive. She realized couldn't even stop herself from yanking him towards her by his t-shirt, closing the gap between them.

At first, the kiss was biting and uncoordinated. She could tell her sudden reaction startled him, but then quickly matched her pace. The way he suckled her bottom lip between his teeth made her lightheaded. Mentally noting that he tasted like sweet mint when his tongue brushed against hers.

Brandon tightened his grip on her hip with one hand while slipping the other under her white button-down shirt. He trailed his fingers against her ribs before cupping her breast in one swift motion. She instantly remembered a moment from that night. One where he suckled on her hardened nipple, teeth slightly scraping.

Callie audibly moaned into the kiss as he yanked her flush against him. In need of air, she pulled away as they both attempted to catch their breath. He rested his forehead against hers, clearly hoping to lean forwards and capture her lips. She opened her eyes and met his pools of hazy green. She knew he felt it too. The pull.

Before anything could escalate any further, the elevator whirled back to life. The white noise of the engine pulled her from the haze as the lights returned to a solid, a soft shade of golden. Clearing his throat, he removed his hand from under her shirt and took a step back.

Callie adjusted her slightly disheveled clothing, looking at him slightly as he rubbed his face again and quickly pressed the ground floor button. The air was thick with the ramifications of their actions.

He was right, though. How could being together be wrong when it felt right?

"I didn't mean to-" He pulled her from her thoughts as he stood on the other side of the elevator.

Callie bent down to grab her briefcase with a nod as she cleared her throat. Before he could finish his statement, she mumbled, "Me either."

Four Days Ago

Callie closed her eyes and lowered her head into her hands. Pressing the heel of her palms into her eyes, she shakily exhaled. There was no doubt in her mind things were different, changed. If anyone found out what happened between them, it would destroytheir family.

Therefore, the solution in her mind was to avoid and pretend it didn't happen. Even if she meant every damn word, she said to him that night, he couldn't know that. After kissing him in the elevator, putting distance between them was key.

Lifting her head, she grabbed her glass of wine and took a sip. The lulling comfort and hazy filter alcohol provided was enough to cope. What else was she supposed to do? Especially while her distorted memories of them together continued to replay in her mind. Switching between the elevator and that night.

Flashes of his eyes or the brush of his sweaty skin against hers. The way she gasped for air with her teeth ghosting against his shoulder as she pulled him closer. Drinking in his touch and hushed whispers of love. Even feeling the cracking desperation in his voice against her skin. Hell, she couldn't hide her own broken confession when they made love, repeatedly-

" -Callie , are you even listening?"

Blinking back to the moment, Callie looked up to Mariana, staring at her with a pinched expression and her arms crossed.

"No, Mariana. It's been a long day." She sighed, setting down her glass.

"Someone's cranky."

Callie huffed, rubbing her temple, "I will be if you don't just say what you were going to say."

"I said , my life is a disaster . Isabell is refusing to leave and breaking up with Raj was just… you know. It's been a lot-."

"It has," Callie added.

"Then there's Evan and I have no idea what to do about him."

"I wouldn't exactly call your life a disaster, Mariana. That's a bit melodramatic, don't ya think?" Callie asked as she slipped off her boots from the day.

"You're supposed to be on my side," she retorted, and Callie narrowed her eyes.

"I am on your side, but signing a lease is a contractual agreement. We have no valid reasoning to kick her out-" Mariana opened her mouth to interject something, but Callie shook her head, "-And no, sleeping with your boyfriend isn't reason enough."

"But, "Mariana paused, before shaking her head, "You know what? No. I don't have time for her. Mind you, I still don't know what to do about Evan."

Callie ruffled her fingers through her hair as she walked over to her suitcase for pajamas. Desperately in need of a shower as she wrinkled her nose when glancing down at her Arraignment day suit.

"Well, maybe weigh the pros and cons of dating him. And don't forget to add his reaction when it came to your app," she said, grabbing shorts and a black tank top.

"We've been over this. It's because of the board members, Callie."

"I'm just throwing it out there. People's actions or lack thereof tell you a lot about their character."

"Well, we all can't just toss our feelings aside when they don't fit neatly beside our morals."

Mariana sighed as she slumped backward onto Callie's current sleeping arrangement, aka the living room couch at The Coterie.

The words made Callie pause for a moment. She wished she could toss her feelings aside for her morals. There was only one person who made her give in to her feelings, and it just had to be him .

"I'm going to ignore that," Callie pursed her lips as she closed her briefcase, "Though I wouldn't wait too long to tell your friends about him. They are going to be upset when they find out."

Mariana groaned while Callie stood up to grab her toiletry bag.

"Okay. Fine. But, you need to spill already. I will not dance around this weird 'thing', you've been secretive about anymore."

Looking at Mariana with furrowed brows, she tilted her head and tucked a section of hair behind her ear.

"What thing?" She stated, suddenly feeling her stomach drop and her heart race. "I haven't been hiding anything."

She doesn't know… there's no way.

"Come on. We both know you didn't exactly tell the truth, Callie."

"What are you even talking about, Mariana?"

"Uh, hello -" She huffed and pulled herself off of the couch, "-earlier when we learned about you passing the bar."

"I'm tired and it's been a long day. Can you just say it so I can go shower?" Callie said, resting her chin in her palm.

"I'm referring to when I asked what you meant about running back into the arms of someone you love and you lied." Callie held her breath while Mariana shrugged.

" Mariana ."

"It's called building suspense, but fine. I know you totally slept with Geal that night."

Instantly relieved, Callie sighed. Then realized who the accusation was actually about, "I'm sorry. What?"

"You can stop pretending, okay? Kelly saw you in the bathroom at like five or six in the morning after disappearing that night."

"I didn't-"

"You did. I went looking for you. When you weren't on the couch, I went up to the roof and heard you guys hooking up."

"I can assure you, I wasn't with Gael that night."

" Okay , Callie. Don't admit it," Mariana rolled her eyes and shrugged, "Oh, before I forget. I've been meaning to ask what's up with you and Brandon. I haven't seen him this fidgety around you in a long time."

There it was. The question Callie had been dreading.

"Uh, nothing. He's fine. Just nervous about leaving is all." Callie cleared her throat, refusing to look at Mariana.

"Is that why he was here?" She wondered.

"Uh, mhm." Callie nodded quickly, hoping the answer would be enough. "And since Eliza is out of town, he just wanted to talk about things."

"Hmm," she nodded, "Well, did he say anything about his going away party this Saturday?"

With furrowed brows, Callie looked down at her phone for today's date.

"Wait," Mariana pulled her attention, "If Jamie goes, are you going to?"

Callie felt that familiar weight pulling at her chest. The guilt.

Was it even a good idea to go?

Seeing Jamie after everything that's happened. Betraying him, him pressing charges against poor Jerred, Eliza being there, their entire family being there, and then there was Brandon. She would have to act normal around him and pretend.

"I don't know yet." She said with a shrug.

"Because of Jamie?"

"Well, no. Not only because of Jamie," Callie sighed, "I'm pretty sure the entire family probably hates me."

"Well, you don't know that for sure." Mariana offered.

"It's highly likely they do, and I'm sure Eliza has since her and Brandon's wedding." Callie countered, still holding her pajamas.

"Well, that was because she thought you were still in love with him." Mariana said looking away in thought, "Although, you have to admit, you and Brandon were acting pretty weird that night."

"We were only weird that night because Eliza made things weird." Callie huffed, but the drawn-out silence pulled her attention towards Mariana.

"Wait. Did you go to Jamie's room that night to prove you didn't have feelings for Brandon?" Mariana wondered.

Fear in the form of pressure pushed into Callie's throat.

"What ? No. I was there because I was interested and he'd offered a drink." She stated the half-truth. "Why would you say that?"

" Okay ! Sorry, I just-" Mariana tucked a section of hair behind her ear, "-think that you and Brandon will always have unresolved tension. No matter what you both do, it'll never be a simple adoptive sibling relationship."

"There's no unresolved tension between Brandon and me, Mariana." Callie lied through her teeth firmly.

The change in subject was too close for comfort.

" Jeez . Someone's defensive tonight." Mariana said, rolling her eyes.

"Is there a point in bringing up my history with Brandon, or were you just arguing to argue because you can't control your own problems?" Callie snapped and pursed her lips, but instantly regretted saying it when she watched Mariana's face fall.

"You know what? Don't go, Callie. It's probably a bad idea, anyway."

Mariana walked away towards her room and Callie found herself alone, holding her pajamas, somewhat confused.

Two Days Ago

Isabelle had moved out and Callie had her bed back. Not that she could sleep even though. It didn't help that Mariana stayed with Evan for the night. Avoiding her because of what they'd both said.

The air was mildly humid, and her bed was more stiff than usual. Too hot to have an actual blanket, she had her thin sheet draped across her bare skin. It was a tank top and underwear kind of night.

Huffing as she adjusted her pillow, she reached for her phone. It was well past two in the morning and The Coterie was quiet.

She went to the red notification showing and a voicemail from him. It has been two days of the voicemail just sitting unread. Her thumb hesitated for a second before she tapped the screen and brought her phone to her ear.

"Callie. We still need to talk. I - I know you and that you're trying to avoid me, hoping it fixes things. But it won't. We can't just-" he sighed, "Please call me."

The call dropped, and she felt that familiar guilt pushing on her throat. She could almost physically feel the worry in his voice on her skin. All because she couldn't let go.

Without overthinking it, she inhaled sharply as she pressed the phone button. The trilling ring echoed in the quiet of her room. Just when she was about to hang up, she heard a slight shuffling sound before it went quiet again.

"Callie…"

She closed her eyes and held her breath. The second she heard his voice, the bubbling feeling in her stomach returned.

"You there?" his voice was groggy, telling her he'd been sleeping.

"I'm here." She whispered.

His sigh made her skin prickly as if she could actually feel it on her skin. She listened to the faint sound of his breathing.

"What made you call?" He spoke softly and Callie inhaled deeply.

"I needed to hear your voice."

There was a slight pause and she could almost see his crumpled expression. Jaw clenched and lips pursed. She knew his features would be heavy with exhaustion.

"What are you doing, Callie?" He asked after a moment, and she sighed, chewing on the inside of her cheek.

"Trying to do the right thing and failing," She mumbled, adjusting, so she was laying flat on her back with her palm resting on her stomach. "Morally speaking."

"So talking to me is a bad thing?" He wondered.

"Well, no," she said, and he half chuckled.

"Good."

"Good?" She repeated with her eyes still closed.

"Mhm."

"Why's that?" She wondered, her voice slightly more breathy.

There was a slightly longer pause. Callie almost looked at her phone to see if she'd lost the call before he exhaled softly.

"Because if you couldn't stay away, then it means you couldn't forget any more than I could." His voice was husky, making her shiver as she slipped her hand under her shirt, trailing her fingertips against her skin and along the band of her panties.

"You're right. I can't forget what happened." She whispered.

She cleared her throat, feeling rather warm as she imagined he was probably in his bed wearing boxers and no shirt. Ignoring the nagging pull in the back of her mind that calling him was wrong.

"But just because we're physically attracted to each other, doesn't mean we have to act on it." She breathed, still tracing the soft skin of her lower abdomen.

He exhaled slowly, and somehow she could feel a slight shift in the air.

"A bit late for that, don't ya think?" The gravelly sound of his words made her pause while she absentmindedly traced the band of her panties.

"I don't. I think we need to set boundaries." She retorted, "Starting with how things like what happened in the elevator and how they can't happen again."

"I see we've made our way past denial," she could imagine him rolling his eyes, "I get you're frustrated, Callie, but you came to my apartment and you kissed me in the elevator. I'd moved on and accepted we couldn't be together."

The guilt was thick and syrupy because he was right in a way. His feelings never really changed.

"I know that."

"Then why are you really calling?" He asked, shuffling in his bed.

"Because even if I hate myself for feeling this way, you're right. I can't forget us either." She closed her eyes, "I can't forget the way it feels being with you."

The anticipation bubbled in her stomach as she trailed her fingers up and under her shirt. Slowly but surely she met with her hardened nipple and tentatively rolled it between her thumb and pointer finger. It was her gasp, followed by his forced exhale that made her realize what was happening.

"Callie," he murmured her name hotly into the phone and she lowered her hand back to the outside of her panties, "The things I would do to you if you were here."

Rubbing the outside of the slightly damp material, she allowed her legs to open and whimpered softly.

"What things?" She wondered, curious if he too was toeing the line right beside her.

"Well, I would be on top of you, kissing you," He described, and she felt bold dipping her fingers under the fabric.

"Would you fuck me?" She asked, realizing just how wet she was and in return he cursed. Probably because of how rarely she cursed like that.

Faintly she listened to the shuffling fabric on his end along with heavy breathing. They were absolutely doing this.

"Yes," he spoke roughly, "Before we could even get our clothes off, I would pull my boxers down just enough and move your panties to the side, pushing my cock inside you."

Callie dipped her fingers inside as if it were him and moaned loudly.

"Brandon," his name slipped from her lips as she arched her back.

"Callie," he groaned her name into the phone, making her shiver. "Are you?"

His question was open-ended, but she knew. At this point, it was hard not to.

"I am," she breathed, rocking her hips slightly against the heel of her hand, "You?"

"Yeah. Me too."

The warmth pooled in her abdomen with his confirmation. It was one thing to be secretly acting upon thoughts, but another entirely to be openly participating. Callie listened closely to his breathing. She imaging him stroking himself and continued to rub her clit in time with the rhythmic rustling sounds.

"Fuck," he growled, the sounds from his end of the phone increasing, "If only you could feel how hard I am right now."

She hummed, turning her head to the side to trap the phone between her and the pillow.

"Callie. Imagine that I am inside you, fucking you," His voice was husky with a need she felt.

"Mm," she nodded her head desperately as if he could see her.

The sound of his breathing in her ear made her shiver. It was as if he were actually there in her bed beside her. The only things that were missing were the heat of his breath and the way his body pressed against hers.

"Brandon… T-Tell me you wouldn't pull out, even if I told you to." She whispered.

He grit the word fuck through his teeth and she knew the thought turned him on just as much as it did her. The idea that he wouldn't stop fucking her until he finished pushed her closer towards the edge. Him keeping a set pace, only stuttering from the pleasure, holding her still by her hips as he pushed his seed deeper inside her. The feeling of his cum spilling out around his cock as she orgasmed.

Maybe after, he would continue to lazily thrust inside her as he whispered I love you followed by her name in her ear.

Callie had never been turned on by the thought of being unsafe before. She always used protection in addition to her birth control. Yet, when she was with Brandon, all she wanted was to be with him, nothing separating them.

She could still remember the feeling of him cuming inside her as he pinned her against the piano.

"I wouldn't pull out. I would whisper in your ear that I was going to cum inside you," He said and she focused on the distinct sound of him stroking himself, "Making sure you knew I wouldn't stop until I finished."

And his words pushed her to the edge.

"I'm gonna-" she gasped, unable to finish the statement as she faintly heard him coaxing her along.

"That's it, Callie. Let go."

Callie pressed the heel of her palm against her clit as she arched her back. She moaned his name and felt the fluttering around her fingers. Faintly in the background, she could hear him gasp her name as she grabbed a fist full of her sheet.

How could doing something wrong feel like unaltered bliss?

Was this what dancing with the devil felt like?

Callie soaked in the intoxicating high. Remaining still for a few moments, she focused on her breathing and the buzzing in her lips. She opened her eyes to the dimly lit room, hearing the slowing of his breathing on the phone.

The more the high faded, the more she realized what they just did. A rush of guilt slowly building in her gut. They crossed the line again and there was no haze of alcohol to hide behind.

"You there?" He wondered, pulling her from her racing thoughts.

"Yep. I'm here," The words fell from her lips as she wiped her hand onto her sweaty tank top.

"Are you-" he started talking, but she instantly shushed him as she heard a shuffling sound outside her door.

The second she saw the doorknob turning, she froze.

"Gotta go... Mariana," Callie said quickly, barely hearing okay before she hit the end call button.

Turning off the screen of her phone, she closed her eyes as the door clicked shut, listening to the padding footsteps. She heard the shuffling sound of Mariana pulling at her blanket.

How long had she been outside their door?

Could she have heard her say Brandon's name?

Mariana sighed into her blankets, and the room was once again quiet. In the quiet, she allowed her thoughts to wander. What was Brandon feeling right now? Did he feel as guilty as she did?

If she were being honest, having phone sex with him was probably the hottest thing she'd ever done with another person. Of course, she had masturbated before, but never with another person. When she thought about it, Brandon had been all of her first's that she'd chosen.

First kiss, the first time a boy had put her feelings first, the first time she'd chosen to have sex, the first time she'd orgasmed, first love… And now she could add the first time having phone sex.

Callie sighed, adjusting in her bed as she felt a subtle vibration from her phone. She peered across the room to see Mariana fast asleep before she pulled the blanket over her head. Clicking the side button, she instantly saw that he'd texted her.

I hope you know tonight meant something to me…

The text was simple, yet told her all she needed to know. Every moment with him felt real. She felt happy and loved. She felt like her opinions and thoughts mattered. That no matter if he agreed with her or not, he listened. He respected her voice and allowed her to be herself without trying to change her into something she wasn't.

She quickly typed back and hit send without allowing herself to overthink things. Putting her phone under her pillow on the other side of the bed, she closed her eyes, her words the last thing on her mind before drifting to sleep.

It meant something for me, too.

Notes:

Wish The Fosters and Good Trouble hadn't ruined Brallie. They could've been best friends and soulmate until the end. There could've been angst and a wait, but legally making them related AFTER sleeping together... *smh* try again.

Kudos and comment!