A/N: Sorry for missing last week's upload. I wasn't feeling well, but WE'RE BACK! Lemon alert, by the way.
The day is cool and the leaves on the trees have begun to take on their autumnal hues. With October upon them, Aelita is busy planning the annual birthday camping trip for her best friend. It is a tradition they have upheld since their senior year in high school, and this year, Aelita is determined to make it even more memorable.
She sits on the couch in her living room, a notebook filled with lists and ideas spread before her on the coffee table. Aelita is meticulous in her planning, wanting every detail to be perfect. She's chosen a picturesque cabin in the woods for the trip, surrounded by nature and away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Aelita's fingers dance across the keyboard of her laptop as she researches camping recipes, ensuring that the menu will be a delightful blend of campfire classics. She can't help but smile as she thinks about Sissi's reaction to the delicious surprises she has in store.
Next on her list is organizing the activities for the weekend. She knows how much Sissi loves a good challenge, so she's lined up hiking trails and star-gazing sessions. As she works on this, Aelita's phone chimes with messages from their friends, confirming their attendance and expressing their excitement for the upcoming adventure.
Suddenly, a thought occurs to Aelita. She turns to William, who has been quietly looking over her shoulder while she plans. "Will, do you think Odd and Sissi will be okay with me inviting Bastien and Maeve?"
William considers the question for a moment, then smiles. "I think they'll be fine with it. After all, they are their friends, too."
Aelita returns his smile, relieved. "You're right. I'll text them and ask."
She quickly sends a text to both, and within minutes, they have both replied, giving their approval.
William wraps his arm around Aelita's shoulders and gives her a squeeze. "You're a good friend, Lita."
Aelita blushes and leans into his touch. "Thanks, Will. I just want this weekend to be perfect for her."
Aelita groans as she wakes up, her head pounding. She slowly opens her eyes, squinting at the bright headlights shining through the windshield.
"Well, good evening, Sleeping Beauty," William quips from the driver's seat with a smile.
Aelita rubs her eyes and sits up, taking in her surroundings. "Are we there yet?" she asks sleepily.
William chuckles. "Almost. We're just a few kilometers away."
Aelita stretches and yawns, trying to shake off the grogginess. "Sorry I fell asleep," she says sheepishly.
"It's okay. You were tired," William replies, reaching over to give her hand a reassuring squeeze.
As they pull up to the cabin right behind Odd—who has everyone else in his car—Aelita is surprised by the size of it. "Wow, this place is huge," she remarks, her eyes wide.
"It is," William agrees, parking the car. "And it's all ours for the weekend."
The group unloads their bags and gear from the cars, and Sissi unlocks the front door, revealing a spacious and cozy interior. "This place is amazing," she breathes, taking in the rustic decor.
They all pick their rooms and start to unpack.
When she's done unpacking, Aelita puts on pajamas and climbs into bed, already ready for sleep. She's exhausted from the long day—having indulged Sissi's early morning Pilates and sauna sessions—and the soft mattress and fluffy pillows are a welcome relief.
William climbs into bed next to her, wrapping his arms around her waist and pulling her close. "Goodnight, Princess," he murmurs, pressing a kiss to her temple.
Aelita snuggles closer, resting her head on his chest. "Goodnight, honey," she whispers, her eyes already closing. As she drifts off to sleep, she can't help but think how lucky she is to have William by her side.
The next morning, the gang wakes up and, after a quick breakfast, decides to go for a hike.
"Hey, Lita," Odd pipes up, "which trail were you thinking of?"
Aelita thinks for a moment. "Well, there's a nice one that follows the river," she replies.
Odd shrugs. "There's another one that goes through the woods," he offers.
"That sounds fun," Sissi says, smiling. "Let's do that one!"
"Alright, over the river and through the woods it is," Odd declares, leading the way.
The group follows Odd through the trees, admiring the scenery. The air is crisp and fresh, and the sun filters through the canopy of leaves above, casting dappled shadows on the forest floor. As they walk, they chat and laugh, enjoying each other's company.
After a while, Odd stops and looks around wordlessly. "Ummm..."
"What's wrong, Odd?" Sissi asks.
Odd chuckles nervously. "Nothing, nothing."
Bastien scoffs. "Bro, we've passed this same tree about five times."
"Have not," Odd retorts.
"Yeah, we definitely have," Maeve chimes in.
"Guys, relax," Aelita interjects. "I'm sure Odd knows where he's going."
"Yeah, I'm sure he does," Sissi agrees, shooting a pointed look at her boyfriend.
"I do," Odd insists. "We're just... taking the scenic route."
"Uh-huh," William deadpans.
"Look, I'm sure if we just keep walking, we'll eventually find our way back to the cabin," Aelita says, trying to reassure the group.
"Or we're just gonna get more lost," Sissi mutters.
They continue walking for what feels like hours. Most conversation has stopped and become groans of hunger, pain, or both.
"Odd. When are you going to admit that you got us lost, dude?" Bastien shouts up to their fearless leader.
"It's fine. I think I know where we are," Odd retorts. I have no idea where we are.
"Babe, just admit it. We're lost," Sissi pleads.
"We're not lost," he says.
"Odd, just stop," Maeve says exasperatedly.
"Guys, it's fine. I'm sure we'll find our way back soon," Aelita says, trying to keep the peace.
"Aelita, we've been walking in circles for the past hour," William says. "Does anyone have cell reception?" He pinches the bridge of his nose as he is met with a chorus of noes. "Great. Then everyone should keep checking every so often. If any of you get anything usable, start trying to locate us."
Everyone nods in response and keeps walking.
"I'm getting hungry," Sissi whines.
"We'll find our way back, babe," Odd reassures her.
"I'm going to kill you," Maeve grumbles, glaring daggers at Odd.
"Guys, let's not fight," Aelita interjects. "We'll find our way back. Let's just keep moving."
"I'm going to die out here," Bastien says dramatically.
William rolls his eyes. "You're not going to die."
"I'm going to die. This forest will be my final resting place," Bastien continues.
"Oh, shut up," William says, his patience wearing thin.
"Odd will be the first person I haunt," Bastien threatens.
Suddenly, the dire banter is cut off by Odd shouting. "I know where we are! I figured it out!"
"I swear to God if you're fucking with us..." Maeve grinds out.
"Yes! You see that tree over there?" He points to a large, distinctly hand-shaped oak tree. "It's almost directly west of the cabin!"
"Great job, Odd!" Aelita congratulates him.
"Yeah. But there's one problem," William interjects. "Where are we in relation to the tree? Are there any other landmarks around here?"
Odd studies the terrain intently. "I think... we're on its east side?" He darts his eyes around. "It looks like if we keep heading north, we should come across a stream. From there, we can follow it back to the cabin."
"Sounds like a plan," William says, nodding. "Which way are we heading, O Master of the Hike?" he says whimsically.
"Uhhhhh..." Odd checks the area one last time before pointing to the opposite side of the tree. "That way. I think."
"Let's go," Aelita urges, eager to get back to the safety and comfort of the cabin.
The group sets off, following Odd's lead. After a while, they come across a small stream, just as Odd had predicted.
"Is this it?" Aelita asks. "This must be it."
"Hopefully it leads us back," Odd prays.
"Finally," Maeve mutters, shaking her head.
They follow the stream for a while, the sound of the rushing water providing a soothing soundtrack to their journey.
"Hey, guys, look!" Aelita calls out, pointing to a clearing up ahead.
Sissi asks, "Is that the cabin?" Her voice is highly hopeful.
"I think so," William replies, a smile spreading across his face.
As they emerge from the trees, the familiar sight of the cabin greets them, and the group cheers in relief and triumph.
"Well, that was an adventure," Bastien says, laughing.
Maeve shakes her head. "Yeah, no kidding," she agrees.
Aelita adds, "I'm just glad we're back."
"Me, too," Sissi says, linking her arm with Odd's.
"I don't know about anyone else, but I'm exhausted. Let's get inside and warm up," William suggests, rubbing his hands together.
Bastien sighs. "I'm heading straight for the bed. I need a nap after that." He looks at his partner. "You coming, Maeve?"
"Is that really a question?" She asks flatly. "Of course I am."
The group splits off to their respective rooms to rest and clean up.
Some time later, William wakes up and pulls himself away from Aelita. He looks out the window and notices the sun has almost set. "Jesus. How long were we asleep?" he whispers to himself. He notices it's getting chillier with the sun going down, so he heads outside and begins lighting a fire.
He watches the fire as it gets going, so enthralled with how it moves and dances that he doesn't even realize Aelita has come outside to join him.
"Hey, honey. Whatcha doing?"
William jumps slightly. "Jesus Christ, Lita. You're gonna give me a heart attack."
She giggles as she watches the light play on his features. "Sorry, I thought you heard me."
"It's fine. I was watching the fire and got lost in thought," he admits.
"What were you thinking about?"
"Just... everything. Soccer. Our situation with getting lost in the woods earlier. What we're gonna have for dinner. You."
"That's a lot."
"Sure is. But, strangely enough, watching the fire helps calm my brain," he says as he stares into the flames. "Or, maybe I'm just a pyro."
She sits and leans into him, and he wraps his arm around her shoulders. "It's definitely got a calming effect to it," she says softly.
As William and Aelita share their moment alone, the front door of the cabin opens and shuts.
"I thought I smelled smoke," Bastien calls from behind the couple. He is followed closely by Odd, Maeve, and the birthday girl herself.
Sissi gasps at the roaring fire, "Let's play some drinking games around the fire! That'll be so much fun!"
Aelita narrows her eyes. "Sissi, no. Last time we played drinking games, you and Odd ended up naked in the pool."
"Yeah, and it was hilarious," Odd adds with a smirk.
"Come on, Lita. It'll be fun," Sissi pleads.
"Yeah, Lita. It'll be fun," William echoes, flashing her a mischievous grin.
Aelita sighs. "Fine. But no stripping this time."
"Deal," Sissi agrees.
"What should we play?" Maeve asks.
"How about Never Have I Ever?" Bastien suggests.
"Ooh, yes! I love that game," Sissi says, clapping her hands together. "I'll start. Never have I ever... kissed a girl."
Odd, William, Bastien and Maeve all take a drink.
Bastien does a double take, staring right at Maeve. "Wait, what?"
Maeve shrugs. "What?"
Bastien opens his mouth, but nothing comes out.
"I think you just short-circuited your boyfriend, Maeve," William quips.
"Shut up, Dunbar," Bastien shoots back. "Can't a man fantasize in peace?"
William just throws his head back in laughter.
Aelita rolls her eyes and nudges William. "Be nice," she scolds.
"I am being nice," William replies, feigning innocence.
"Anyway," Maeve interjects, "it's my turn. Never have I ever... had sex in public."
Odd and Sissi both take a drink.
"Really?" Aelita asks, raising an eyebrow.
"What can I say? I'm a risk-taker," Odd says with a shrug.
"Your turn, Lita," Sissi prompts, eager to change the subject.
Aelita thinks for a moment. "Never have I ever... gotten a tattoo."
Sissi and Bastien take a drink.
"That was a cheap shot, Aelita," Bastien says. "Never have I ever... had sex in a car."
William and Aelita take a drink.
"Oh?" Sissi asks playfully.
"I'm not as much of a prude as you think I am," Aelita replies with a shrug.
"Aelita, you naughty girl," Sissi says in a high-pitched voice.
"Ahem," William clears his throat. He looks around the circle, his gaze landing on his roommate. "Never have I ever... had a threesome."
Bastien takes a quick sip of his drink.
Maeve's eyebrows shoot up. "For real?"
Bastien shrugs. "College is a wild time."
"Fair enough," Maeve concedes. "Fair enough."
The game continues on until they run out of their drinks. For a while, the group engages in idle chatter, but eventually, Sissi wants to play another game. "Let's play Truth or Dare," she says.
"Oh no," Aelita mutters.
"Oh yes," Sissi retorts, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "Lita, truth or dare?"
Aelita sighs dramatically. "Truth."
"Spit or swallow?" Sissi asks, a wicked grin on her face.
Aelita's cheeks flush. "Swallow," she replies, her voice barely above a whisper.
Sissi's grin widens. "I knew it," she says, clearly pleased with herself.
Aelita rolls her eyes. "Whatever," she mutters, her blush deepening. "My turn. Maeve, truth or dare?"
"Dare."
Aelita's lips curl upward. "Sit in Bastien's lap. For the rest of the game."
Maeve raises an eyebrow. "Seriously?"
"Yep," Aelita replies, popping the 'p'.
"Not really a dare, but fine," Maeve says, rolling her eyes. She stands up and sits down in Bastien's lap, draping her arms around his neck. "Happy now?" she asks, looking at Aelita.
"Very," Bastien interjects, a satisfied smile on his face.
"My turn," Maeve says. "William, truth or dare?"
"Truth."
"Who was your first kiss?"
William thinks for a moment. "It was Emily LeDuc."
Aelita purses her lips, but says nothing.
William shifts his gaze away from his girlfriend and onto Odd. "Truth or dare, Odd?"
"Dare."
William thinks for a moment. "I dare you to switch clothes with Sissi."
Sissi's head snaps up. "What?!"
"You heard me," William says with a smirk.
Sissi rolls her eyes. "Fine," she mutters, standing up and heading inside.
Odd shrugs and follows suit, and the two disappear into the cabin.
After a few minutes, the two emerge, clad in each other's clothing.
"This is ridiculous," Sissi mutters, tugging at the hem of Odd's shirt.
"I think you look cute," Odd says with a wink.
"Whatever," Sissi says, rolling her eyes.
"Anyway," Odd starts, "Bastien, truth or dare?"
"Dare."
"I dare you to let Maeve give you a hickey."
"Odd!" Sissi scolds.
"What? It's a dare," Odd replies, a mischievous glint in his eyes.
Bastien just rolls his eyes and tilts his head to the side, exposing his neck to Maeve.
Maeve leans in and places a soft kiss on his neck before sucking gently on the skin. "There."
Bastien shudders slightly. "Thanks," he murmurs. "Alright, my turn," he says, regaining his composure. "Sissi, truth or dare?"
"Dare."
"You sit in Odd's lap now."
Sissi rolls her eyes. "Might as well since Maeve's already sitting in yours." She stands up and sits down in Odd's lap, draping her arms around his neck. "Lita, truth or dare?"
"Why me again?"
"I have reasons. Truth or dare?"
"Dare."
"I dare you to kiss William. With tongue."
"What? No way. Not in front of everyone like this."
"You chose dare, Lita. You have to do it."
"Ugh, fine." Aelita turns to William and cups his cheek. She leans in and kisses him deeply, slipping her tongue into his mouth.
Sissi wolf whistles. "Get it, Lita!"
Aelita breaks the kiss and rolls her eyes. "You're fucking ridiculous."
"Yeah, yeah," Sissi says, waving her hand dismissively. "Your turn."
The game continues on for another fifteen minutes, getting progressively more risque with each round.
"Alright, I'm gonna call it quits before Sissi ends up daring me to publicly blow Will or something," Aelita announces, standing up. "I'm going to bed."
Sissi whines. "Aw, come on, Lita. Don't be a party pooper."
"Nah. I agree with Aelita. Time for bed," William says, a mischievous glint in his eyes.
Aelita catches his look and blushes. "Yeah, I'm tired. Goodnight, guys."
"Goodnight," the group says in unison.
William and Aelita head inside and up to their room.
Once the couple is out of earshot, Sissi turns to Maeve, who is still sitting on Bastien's lap. "Hey, Maeve fifty Euros says they left just to go fuck."
"Did you see that look he gave her? You're on," Maeve responds as she gets off of her partner.
"Bad decision, there, Maeve. Sissi knows. She literally always wins these bets," Odd warns.
Inside, as soon as the door to their bedroom shuts, William pins Aelita to the wall and kisses her passionately.
"Someone's eager," Aelita teases after breaking the kiss.
"You have no idea," William growls, his eyes dark with desire. He leads her to the small table in the corner of the room, bending her over it.
Aelita moans as William grinds his hips against her ass.
"Shh, Princess. You don't want the others to hear, do you?" William whispers, his breath hot against her ear.
Aelita bites her lip, stifling her moans.
William reaches to pull her leggings off, sliding them down her legs. "Fuck, Lita. You're so wet," he whispers, feeling her arousal through her panties.
"Please, Will. I need you," Aelita whimpers.
William smiles and unties his joggers, pushing them and his boxers down just enough to free himself. He lines himself up with her entrance and slowly pushes in, groaning at the feeling of her tight heat enveloping him.
Aelita gasps and moans, gripping the edge of the table.
"Shh, Princess. You have to be quiet," William reminds her, his voice low and husky.
"I-I'll try," Aelita stammers, her breath hitching as he begins to move inside her.
William thrusts his hips, setting a steady pace. "God, Lita. You feel so good," he murmurs, leaning down to press a kiss to the back of her neck.
Aelita bites her lip, doing her best to stay quiet. She grips the edge of the table harder, her knuckles turning white.
William reaches around to cup her breast, squeezing it gently. "You're so beautiful, Lita," he whispers.
"Will, please," Aelita whimpers.
"Please what, Princess?"
"Faster. Harder," she begs, her voice strained.
William obliges, picking up the pace and thrusting harder.
Aelita's breath hitches and she lets out a muffled moan, burying her face in her arm.
"That's it, Princess. Let go," William encourages, his voice low and rough.
Aelita's orgasm crashes over her, her body trembling as she rides out the waves of pleasure.
William continues to thrust, chasing his own release.
"Come inside me, Will," Aelita whispers, turning her head to make eye contact with him as much as possible.
William groans quietly, his hips stuttering as he spills inside her. He rests his forehead on her back, his breathing ragged. "I needed that," he murmurs, pressing a soft kiss to her shoulder blade.
Aelita hums in agreement, her eyelids heavy.
"Let's get cleaned up and get some sleep," William suggests, pulling out of her and tucking himself back into his pants.
"Sounds good," Aelita replies, her voice barely above a whisper.
They clean themselves up and get ready for bed and snuggle under the covers, unaware of the two women hiding silently out in the hallway.
"Holy shit. Aelita wasn't kidding when she said he was a different person behind closed doors," Sissi whispers to a shocked Maeve. "I believe that's fifty."
Aelita and Yvonne chat idly while the warmup playlist blares through the speakers.
"So, how are things?" Yvonne asks her son's girlfriend sweetly.
"Things are great," Aelita replies, a smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. "Therapy is going well and I'm feeling better than I have in a long time."
"That's wonderful, dear," Yvonne says, her eyes twinkling with pride. "You know, I meant to text you this the other day but I got distracted: a friend of mine from church said she'd be happy to get coffee or lunch with you sometime and talk about things. She went through something similar in her youth and knows how easy it is to feel alone in the midst of it all."
Aelita's eyes widen. "Really?"
"Yes, really," Yvonne replies, a warm smile spreading across her face. "She's a lovely woman and she's a very good listener. I think you'd really benefit from talking with her."
"I'll definitely consider it," Aelita says, her mind racing slightly. "Thank you, Yvonne."
"Of course, dear. I'm always here to help," Yvonne says sincerely.
The two women continue to chat, discussing everything from William's academics to Aelita's upcoming musical audition and how much press and how many scouts there are at the game.
"You know, I'm really proud of you, Aelita," Yvonne says, her eyes shining with admiration.
"Proud of me? For what?" Aelita asks, her brow furrowing in confusion.
"For everything," Yvonne replies, a warm smile spreading across her face. "You've been through so much and you've come out stronger on the other side. You're a fighter and a survivor, and I'm so honored to have you as part of our family."
Aelita's cheeks flush and she ducks her head, a shy smile playing on her lips. "Thank you, Yvonne. That means a lot."
"It's the truth, dear," Yvonne says, her expression serious. "You're an incredible young woman and I'm so glad William has you in his life."
The warmup playlist fades out and William walks out onto the field towards the referee, along with the Bellevue captain.
"This is the team that they lost against last year," Aelita muses aloud.
"Yes, it is," Yvonne confirms. "If I recall correctly, they went into it overconfident because Bellevue has never been a good team, but they ended up getting wiped."
Aelita nods. "Yeah. If there's one thing I know about Will though, it's that he doesn't make the same mistake twice. This game is going to be interesting. Poor Bellevue."
"Indeed," Yvonne chuckles, her eyes sparkling with anticipation.
The game kicks off and William is determined to redeem last year's mistakes. He's cautious and calculated, but still manages to keep the ball away from the Bellevue players with the help of his teammates.
"That's some really impressive ball control," Aelita observes. "Bellevue can't even touch it."
"It is," Yvonne agrees. "Will's playing especially well today. I hope the scouts notice."
"Me too."
As the game progresses, Bellevue scores a single goal, but William and the rest of the Kadic team are able to keep the score margin wide. At one point, William fouls a player and gets his first yellow card of the season, but luckily the ref doesn't call a penalty. After the yellow card, William adjusts his style of play, opting for a more defensive approach.
"Smart," Aelita comments, her eyes tracking William's movements on the field.
"He's always been a quick learner," Yvonne says, a fond smile playing on her lips.
As the game draws to a close, Bellevue makes a desperate attempt to score another goal, but the Kadic defenders are able to keep the ball away from the net. The final whistle blows and the Kadic team celebrates their victory.
"They did it," Aelita breathes, a smile spreading across her face. "They won!"
"I knew they would," Yvonne says.
William and the rest of the team celebrate their win, high-fiving and hugging each other. As the celebrations die down, the Kadic team makes their way off the field and into the locker room. On his way, William spots Aelita and his mother in the stands and gives them a wave.
Both women smile and wave back at William enthusiastically as he disappears underneath the bleachers.
"You don't normally take me out for dates as casual as this, Will," she teases her boyfriend as she looks around the small cafe they're sitting in, waiting for their brunch orders to come out.
"A nice little change of pace, yeah?" he says with a smile. "Even I get tired of getting all done up and frankly, I just wanted to take you out for a nice, quiet brunch."
"Well, I appreciate it," she says, reaching over the table to hold his hand. "It's been a while since it's just been the two of us."
"Yeah, it has," he says, his expression growing a little more serious. "I'm sorry, Lita. I've been so busy with soccer and school and everything."
"It's okay, Will. I understand," Aelita reassures him, giving his hand a gentle squeeze. "I'm just glad we're able to spend some time together right now."
"Me too," William says, a warm smile spreading across his face.
Their food arrives and the two enjoy their meal, chatting about everything and nothing. Suddenly, William's phone rings, vibrating loudly on the table. "Hello?" he answers cautiously.
"Is this William Dunbar?" a deep, masculine voice asks.
"Yes, this is he," William replies, his brow furrowing in confusion.
Aelita crosses her arms and pouts, frustrated that he would answer a phone call on a date.
"My name is Samuel, and I'm a scout for Paris Saint-Germain. I watched you play against Bellevue a couple days ago and I was impressed by your skill, determination, and adaptability. I'd like to formally invite you to come train with the team to see if you'd be a good fit."
William's eyes widen and his jaw drops. "I-I'd be honored," he stammers, his heart pounding in his chest.
"Wonderful. I'll email you the details. Have a good day, William," Samuel says.
"Y-you too," William replies.
He hangs up the phone and turns to Aelita, his eyes shining with excitement. "Lita, you'll never guess who that was."
"Who?" Aelita asks, her brow furrowing in confusion and anger that their meal was interrupted.
"That was a scout for Paris Saint-Germain. He just invited me to train with them," William says, his voice barely above a whisper.
"Oh my God, Will! That's amazing!" Aelita exclaims, her eyes widening.
"I know," William says, his expression a mixture of shock and disbelief. "I just... I can't believe this is actually happening to me."
"Well, you better believe it," Aelita says. "You deserve every bit of this."
"Thanks, Lita," William says, a warm smile spreading across his face.
"So, when will this training thing happen?" Aelita asks, her curiosity piqued.
"I don't know yet," William replies. "Gotta wait to see what the email says."
"Well, whatever happens, I'm proud of you, Will," Aelita says, her eyes shining with admiration.