Fic: Ten Million Fireflies 2/3
May. 28th, 2012 02:07 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
cloversworldTen Million Fireflies 2/3 by ![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
clover71
Written for![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-community.gif)
timetraveler_bb 2012
Fandom: The Secret Circle (TV); Pairing: Jake Armstrong/ Adam Conant
Rating: NC-17; Warning:Death of a villain who is of lesser importance in the story, implied MPREG
Summary, Disclaimer, Author's Notes and other information: Please refer to the MASTER POST
previous: p1
It's been four days since that ill-fated dinner at Chuck's Pizza and Adam still refuses to talk to him.
Jake has tried every trick up his sleeves but none of them have worked. His phone calls have been rejected; text messages have been ignored; his attempts on getting Adam to stop long enough for Jake to utter a word have been deflected. He's close to giving up.
Sulking in a booth at The Boathouse has become part of Jake's daily routine. His gut twists whenever he sees Cade touch Adam. What makes it worse is Cade often meets Jake's gaze like Cade's taunting him, the corners of Cade's mouth curling up into a snide smirk that Jake has to stomp down the temptation to hurl his mug filled with hot coffee over to Cade.
Too distracted watching Adam and Cade interact, he barely notices Cassie and Diana arrive and he startles when they slip into his booth. Both girls follow his gaze but Cassie is the one who speaks up and says, "Looks like someone is stealing the show."
Diana whirls around to faces her. "You mean Cade?" When Cassie bops her head in affirmation, Diana adds, "I met him the other day. He's really nice. I like him."
A derisive sound scrapes against Jake's palate prior to muttering, "Let's see if you'll still find him nice if he turns out to be a witch hunter or a demon." Keeping an eye on Adam is starting to wear him out psychologically so he chooses to study the nonexistent patterns on the wooden table instead.
"Well demon or not, he's got his arm over Adam's shoulder." To rub salt to his wound, Diana tauntingly pronounces, "I think they look cute together."
Jake has had enough, heard enough. He throws more than enough money for his coffee on the table, says, "I have to go. See you girls around," and doesn't let his eyes wander on his way out. It takes five miserable minutes to sit in his Ford until he's calm and sane enough to drive home.
***
Hanging out with Cade may be a bad idea since past experiences have taught Adam not to trust people they randomly meet. But Adam shoves his qualms aside and replaces it with an obstinate determination to enjoy the rest of the day. With Cade.
Golf isn't exactly Adam's thing, hardly knows anything about the sport, but he accedes to Cade's wish so Cade brings him to the indoor eighteen-hole mini golf course.
Though Adam misses three holes in a row, he finds this game a lot of fun. The peculiar challenges throughout the course are just the distraction he needs. Any last remnant of Jake stuck in his mind leaves him and his attention falls on trying to get the damn golf ball out of the pond while balancing precariously on two slippery stones.
The laughter that reverberates from Cade breaks Adam's concentration so when Adam swings the club, he misses by an inch.
"Crap!" Adam sees the ball still sitting among the pebbles, half of it submerged in the water. The slightest move causes his foot to slip and Adam feels gravity pulling his whole body into the pond. Before he hits the water though, arms wound around his middle.
It takes a few seconds for Adam to realize that Cade is holding him, blue eyes gazing into his own hazel ones. Blue eyes. Jake's eyes, breezes through his befuddled mind.
"You okay?" Cade's breath caresses the side of Adam's face sending shivers up Adam's arms like tiny needles prickling his skin. Cade seems to take his sweet time in helping Adam regain his balance. "You should be careful. I can't guarantee my reflexes will work all the time."
"Um. Thanks." Heat emanating on Adam's cheeks compels him to turn his face away from Cade and following Cade's advice, he creeps out of the pond in slow, cautious strides.
"How 'bout we take a break? Want some ice cream?" The eagerness flowing off of Cade is so infectious that declining isn't even on Adam's list of options.
"Sure."
The walk to the ice cream booth doesn't take long, not much time for the awkwardness gnawing at the back of Adam's brain to fade. Cade is about to pull out his wallet but Adam's quick to lay a hand on Cade's and says, "It's on me. You did save me from an embarrassing fall."
Once they each have double scoops, they traipse down the path lined with gnome statues and Adam's running his tongue over his pistachio ice cream when he spots Diana and Grant approaching.
The ooh-do-tell-what-you're-doing-here-with-him grin Diana is sporting makes Adam wish for the proverbial crack on the floor to appear and swallow him whole.
"Hey Adam. Hey Cade," Diana says, a little high-pitched than normal. She introduces Grant to Cade, briefly explaining that Cade works at The Boathouse. "So Cade. What exactly did you do to get Adam to come to a place like this?"
Cade's eyebrows furrow in blatant confusion. "What do you mean?"
"Well, amusement places aren't exactly Adam's thing," Diana says, batting her eyelashes with a sideward glance at Adam for a starkly playful effect.
"Um," is all Adam's brain can achieve and he feels perpetually lucky that the odds lean on his favor when Grant comes to his rescue.
"We should be going, Diana." Grant offers Adam and Cade an apologetic smile and says, "Sorry, mates. Much as we love to stay and chat, we have to finish our game before our time is up," in his charming, thick Aussie accent.
With a final handshake, Grant bids them a cordial good night then steers Diana further down the footpath.
"You seem to be close." Cade gestures to where Diana and Grant have disappeared with his chin. "You and Diana, I mean."
Adam worries his lips, contemplating whether he should share his complicated and twisted history or preserve his reputation as an uptight individual who keeps things to himself. He favors the former. "We used to be together."
The revelation doesn't seem to spark an element of surprise. Cade just asks, "For how long?"
"Almost three years. Then I dated Cassie after we broke up." The memory is dim in Adam's head, cloaked with a haze that makes it seem nothing but a spatial dream.
"You mean the blonde girl that comes by The Boathouse once in a while?"
"Yeah. That's the one."
Cade's eyebrow rises in unbridled curiosity. "You said dated. What happened?"
Regret blooms swiftly in Adam's chest and he gives himself a mental kick for opening a can of worms. "It's complicated."
The look of satisfaction that forms on Cade's features leads Adam to think that's the end of the conversation but he makes a three-sixty turn and asks, "Are you seeing someone now?"
Adam is absolutely clueless where this interrogation will lead but decides that truth tastes better on his tongue. "No. I'm most definitely single."
"What about Jake?"
That certainly came out of left field, throwing Adam off his guard and his eyes leap to Cade's. "No. Jake is a lot more complicated than Diana and Cassie."
Cade holds Adam's gaze then one corner of Cade's mouth lifts in a lopsided smile. "I guess that's your subliminal code for me to quit asking personal questions?"
"Not really." Adam appraises Cade closely, noticing the exquisite way Cade's wavy blonde hair frames the well-defined angles of his face, the alluring way his eyes narrow when amused and something clicks in Adam's head. He comes to a horrified awareness that Cade closely resembles Jake.
***
The worst thing when trying to avoid someone is running into them when least expected.
Jake is in desperate need of getting some caffeine into his system so he heads over to the coffee shop – not the one where Cassie works or the one where any member of the circle frequents, but the small place near office buildings that normally houses local executives.
To his surprise (and repressed chagrin), he spies Adam, Cade, Melissa and Faye in a corner table. Disappointment boils in his gut when Faye catches him before he can creep back outside.
With a fake smile, he lifts his hand in a casual wave, says, "Hey guys," and proceeds to the counter. He orders a regular cup of Espresso, plain without cream or sugar or syrup, thinking that consuming something strong may help kick out the unwelcome jealousy that's swelling in his chest.
His attempt to make a beeline out the door fails when Faye bellows, "Jake!" and beckons him over with a flourish wave of her hand. "Why don't you join us?"
Jake dons a sarcastic smile and says, "No thanks. I don't want to ruin your fun," though his eyes are fixed on Adam.
Cool breeze nips at his exposed skin when he steps out of the coffee shop and he's waiting by the curb while a dark blue beat-up sedan drives by when he hears Adam call out to him.
"What the fuck's your problem?" Adam spits out, his face a mask of fury.
Jake maintains a cool, collected stance. "I have no idea what you're talking about."
Anger visibly rises out of Adam in a steam, his nose flaring. "You know damn well what I'm talking about. Look, I don't give a damn if you hate me and if you don't like Cade. That's your problem. But don't take it out on Faye and Melissa. Just keep your acerbic attitude to yourself."
Jake scoffs. "Adam. I firmly believe that Faye and Melissa are quite used to my attitude. So I don't see why you're so worked up." A quick glance down the street ensures him that there are no vehicles passing so Jake crosses the street without another word to Adam.
The key to his truck weighs a ton in his hands and it takes a while for Jake to get the door open. Damn. A simple 'lock, unlock' spell would have been sufficient if only he can master using his individual magic despite being bound. Before he can shuffle into the driver's seat, he feels a painful sting at the back of his neck then the conscious part of him plunges straight into a vacuum turning everything around him into nothing but a black hole.
***
Adam has just gotten back inside the coffee shop when he surrenders to the urge of stealing a glimpse across the street. Every muscle and limb in his body freezes when he sees a hooded figure sneak up behind Jake, raises a metal-covered fist and presses the peculiar object behind Jake's head.
The sight of the stranger pushing Jake inside the truck heaves Adam out of his horrified stupor. His feet carry him outside the coffee shop in haste but the man has already claimed the driver's seat of Jake's Ford.
The initial thought that springs to mind is to call Faye and Melissa so they can use their powers to rescue Jake on the spot. But then he remembers they're in public and Cade's with them so using magic is out of the question.
It's too late. The man's driving off in Jake's truck with the unconscious Jake inside. Shit, shit, shit. He rushes back into the coffee shop. Faye probably senses his apprehension because she says, "Melissa, we have to go. We have a project in Chemistry we need to finish. You too, Adam."
Adam throws a disconcerted glance Cade's way. "Sorry I—"
The rest of Adam's words die in his throat when Cade holds up a hand and says, "It's okay. I understand. School work comes first. I'll see you at The Boathouse tomorrow."
Faye practically drags him out of the building, her fingernails digging fiercely into Adam's jacket-clad arm. As soon as they're out the door, she asks, "What happened? You look like you just saw a horde of witch hunters."
"Someone took Jake," falls out of Adam's mouth.
The two girls look thunderstruck and both exclaimed, "What?" in unison but Faye is the one with the right sense to whip out her phone. "We better call Cassie and Diana."
***
Faint yellow glow greets Jake's eyes when he cracks them open, the beam casting eerie shadows against the battered walls. The discordant screeching of rats echoes in his ears.
When the last layer of his cataleptic state falls away, Jake does a quick study of his surroundings. There are broken wooden crates scattered around him. The sole source of light happens to be a small lantern sitting on a wooden table at the far end of the rather spacious room.
A rough material bites into his wrists when he tries to move and only then did he realize he's bound to a chair with a rope. On the floor is some gray powdery substance spread around him in an almost precise shape of a circle.
Ugh! Iron sulfate.
Whoever brought him here knows who he is, knows what he is and, without a doubt, knows how to restrain his powers. What the idiot doesn't know is that the iron sulfate isn't necessary since Jake can't use magic on his own anyway.
"You're awake." A low, sinister voice vibrates through the still, vapid air.
Jake's tongue feels thick and heavy that he exerts unnecessary effort just to utter, "Who are you?".
"That's not important," the man bites back with acute animosity that can cause anyone to flinch in fear. Anyone but Jake.
The lack of luminosity prevents Jake from ID'ing the man but the outline of the man's profile reveals long, unkempt hair and a slim body.
"What do you want?" It comes out hoarse, a low rumble from Jake's throat.
"Cade," the villain-wannabe says and Jake's immediate thought is Cade who? "Cade Sawyer," his abductor presses on as if he heard Jake's wistful mind, the baleful glare he hurls at Jake despite the near darkness somehow instills fright in Jake's soul. "You know who he is, I know, so don't even try to deny it. I want you to bring him to the fishing shack by the east harbor three nights from today."
"And if I don't?"
"Then your hands will be stained with Adam Conant's blood." A shaft from the small lantern catches the man's eyes showing a sinister glint that sends a stream of dread down Jake's spine. "I know that you and your friends are witches. And Cade knows, too." The man slithers closer, allowing Jake to get a glimpse of the ugly scar that runs down the man's cheek. "Cade's dangerous. He's a power stealer and from the looks of it, he's after Adam Conant's magic. Once Cade's done with him, there's no doubt he'll be coming after the rest of your Circle."
Jake isn't able to retort. The man touches the side of Jake's neck with the round-edged metal clinging on his hand and something pierces through Jake's skin. Before turbid mist can fully form over Jake's eyes, he spies a tattoo of some weird skull symbol inside the man's wrist.
***
"Are you sure that will work? It didn't work the last time." The words sound mordant when they tumble out of Adam's mouth and he's quick to regret his insensitivity when he chances upon the pained look on Diana. "Sorry, I'm just…"
"Will you relax?" Faye's hands clutch Adam's shoulders tightly and she manhandles him to the nearest chair, forcing him to take a seat. "We're all worried about Jake. And much as we want to go out looking for him, we wouldn't know where to start. Scrying is the next best thing we know how or whatever."
Diana resumes her task, raising her hand that holds the chain with the crystal pendant above the glass map of Chance Harbor. Tied to the chain is Jake's handkerchief. They've done the same thing several days ago hoping to find a trace of Adam's assailant but to no success.
Nothing happens for the next five minutes with Diana and Melissa switching places. Melissa complains having pinpricks crawling up her arms so Cassie offers to take the scrying crystal but a loud, encompassing gasp escapes Melissa.
"Omigosh! Oh my gosh!" The crystal pendant swings circularly over a small area of the map then dives straight down to a specific spot. "I think we found something."
Adam bolts out of the chair and leans over the map, his head nearly touching Diana's. "What the…?" The pointy end of the clear stone is resting over the road where Jake and Cassie's houses are situated.
***
A mild vertigo swoops down to give Jake's head quite a spin when he jerks awake. Though a thin fog still cloaks his eyes, he's quick to recognize his own bedroom. His clumsy attempt to shift to an upright position coaxes a groan out of his lips.
"Jake?" Adam's voice sounds like home – warm and soothing.
When Jake gazes up at Adam's affection-filled eyes, he asks, "H-how…?" but holds back any disjointed words until his mind is clear enough to form coherent phrases.
Adam seems to read his mind though because he says, "You've been out for nearly eight hours," then he perches on the edge of Jake's bed. "We found you passed out in your truck, which was parked right in front of your house."
Though Jake can see faint orange blending with the gray sky through his window, he still finds the need to ask, "Timezit?"
"Half past five in the morning."
The whirlpool in Jake's head simmers down so he deems it safe to sit up. His throat is dry and burning as though hot coals have been shoved down his pipes and he ends up coughing persistently.
Adam rubs Jake's back in a gentle circular motion that sends a wave of comfort throughout Jake's body. "You okay? What happened to you anyway?"
Jake tries to gather the small pieces of the puzzle in his head to create a mosaic of a dimly lit room, a menacing voice but the image that forms doesn't make sense. "I… I don't know," Jake says, struggling to recall exactly what had transpired.
"I saw someone approach you from behind then pushed you inside your truck." Adam's hand moves from Jake's back to his face. Jake can feel every nerve and muscle in his body relax when Adam's thumb starts stroking his cheek. "But the person was wearing a hood over his head so I didn't see his face."
"Honestly, I can't remember anything right now."
"Maybe it will come back to you once you get enough rest."
A sudden thought pokes at Jake's mind and his head snaps sideways to meet Adam's gaze. "Aren't you supposed to be preparing for school?"
Adam's shoulder rise and fall in a half shrug. "I'll call in sick. Faye says she'll talk to her mom, tell her what happened."
"Guess at times like this, we're lucky your school principal is one of us," Jake says in jest. "What about your dad? Won't he get pissed you're here?"
"Nah. Dad knows I'm here, don't worry. He thinks it's a good idea if I stay with you for a while." An unease pause follows. Adam's gaze travels around the room like he's searching for something before looking straight into Jake's eyes. "I uh… I was worried about you."
"Really?"
Sincerity radiates off of Adam when he says, "Yeah. Really." Then awkwardness decides to invade their space that Adam moves away and clears his throat. "How 'bout I fix you some breakfast? That is if you don't mind me raiding your kitchen."
"Not at all."
Adam takes a step away from the bed but Jake grabs his wrist and guides him back until their faces are an inch close. A wave of déjà vu washes over Jake. When Adam doesn't seem like he's going to put up a fight, Jake cups Adam's face and brushes his lips against Adam's. It feels like he's swept into a dream when Adam kisses back.
Before everything can go out of control though, Adam is the sensible one to pull away first then rests his forehead against Jake's. "I'll go fix breakfast. How does omelet sound?"
"Sounds perfect." Jake plants a quick kiss on the tip of Adam's nose then reluctantly removes his hands from Adam.
***
Adam startles and almost drops the plate he's rinsing when strong arms coiled around his waist and cold lips touch the back of his neck.
"Thanks for breakfast," Jake says, blowing warm breath against Adam's ear. "So what's for dessert?"
Adam snorts. "There's no dessert for breakfast, is there?"
"Well, I want one." Jake's tongue glides up the side of Adam's neck.
An arousing sensation bristles across Adam's skin when Jake nibbles on his earlobe. "Jake," Adam says with a hitch in his voice, his body betraying him, trembling in response to Jake's ministrations. He knows he shouldn't do this, thinks he shouldn't, but he's unable to come up with a reason why he should not just… whatever.
His mind (and body) is screaming take me, take me, take me so he puts the plate in the sink then turns in Jake's embrace. Their mouths fuse together in a searing kiss.
Jake's hand travels all over Adam's back, sliding into Adam's shirt, palm warm but his fingertips are cold against Adam's skin.
They tumble back into Jake's bedroom in a flurry of heated kisses and frantic touches and soon they've divested some of their clothes, both of them falling onto Jake's bed with Jake covering Adam's body.
A low moan ripples through Adam's throat when Jake's lips start to reverently map the contours of his neck and throat and chest and—oh… oh…
Adam's fingers card through Jake's blond locks, urging Jake to travel down where Adam needs more attention. Lust-filled excitement shoots through his veins when Jake slips his fingers in the waistband of Adam's boxers and pulls the underwear down in one swift.
Jake's warm mouth engulfs Adam's dick, sucking and tonguing and teasing, the stimulation causing hot white bursts of light to dance behind Adam's closed lids.
"Jake please," slides past Adam's lips and he's not even sure what he's begging for but Jake seems to get the idea.
Jake leaves him on the bed for a while and returns with a bottle of lubricant. "I can't find any condoms," he says but his eyes are clouded with lust that Adam knows Jake's not about to back out.
"I'm clean," Adam says and Jake assures Adam he is too.
Adam's head nearly explodes when he feels Jake's slick finger slides in, the friction nearly driving Adam crazy. The intrusion causes thick discomfort slicing through Adam's muscles and he sucks a breath through gritted teeth.
"Relax," Jake whispers, tone soft and soothing. "Relax. I got you."
"Just… just take it easy." Adam can still feel his muscles tense when Jake tries to slide his finger further inside him. "I… I haven't had anyone do this to me since… since you."
An ambiguous smile curves along Jake's lips. "I'll be gentle, I promise." Then Jake starts exploring Adam's body with his other hand and his mouth and tongue, effectively distracting Adam that Adam doesn't notice Jake's finger plunges deeper until they're buried to the hilt and Adam feels the swelling ache in his backside.
Jake's quick to counter though, his tongue traveling south, dipping in Adam's navel then finally taking Adam back into his mouth. Jake starts licking and sucking, slurping sounds echoing in Jake's bedroom. Adam snaps his hips up, meeting Jake's mouth in earnest.
Tension builds up right at the center of his abdomen when Jake adds another finger. But Jake's gentle coaxing works well to help Adam get used to the intrusion and ignore the rolling discomfort.
Jake releases Adam's cock but before Adam can protest, Jake's free hand replaces his mouth, sliding up and down the neglected shaft.
Adam's eyes fly open when Jake's fingers brush against his sensitive spot, sparks of pleasure surging through his body. Adam arches off the bed, toes curling against the sheet. His throat produces sounds he barely recognizes as his own.
The thrill still thrums in his body that he's barely aware of Jake adding another finger. Jake continues to pump his fingers in and out of Adam, preparing him until the words tumbling out of Adam's mouth sounds incoherent in his own ears. At least half of Adam's consciousness is still aware that he's pleading, begging Jake to take him now.
A deep, rumbling whine resonates from Adam's chest when Jake pulls his fingers out but Jake doesn't waste time placing himself between Adam's thighs and starts pushing his cock against Adam's entrance.
The ringing in Adam's ears grows louder as Jake's cock breaks through the ring of muscles slowly. Once he's halfway in, the pain decides to return full force, making Adam wince and clench his teeth.
"Are you okay?" Jake asks, his voice loving and comforting.
"Give me a moment," Adam whispers and as soon as the pain subsides a little, Adam prompts Jake to move. It doesn't take long for Adam to get used to the feeling of being filled. Jake starts to slide in and out and soon finds a comfortable rhythm. Adam lifts his hips to meet Jake's thrust and he's lost in the ecstasy, the friction, of having Jake inside him.
Adam's fingers dig into the flesh of Jake's arms and the pressure starts to swell beneath his belly. "Faster," he demands and Jake complies, increasing his pace. Jake's hand curls around Adam's erection and starts pumping in time with his thrusts.
The orgasm seizes Adam, making his vision cloud with the overwhelming sensation. His legs tighten around Jake's waist while he cries out, spilling his release on his stomach and on Jake's hand.
Jake's hips snap harder as he pounds against Adam. Then Jake's body stiffens and trembles. Adam can feel Jake's come filling him inside. Once Jake's climax seems to subside, he collapses on top of Adam, planting chaste kisses on Adam's jaw and neck and shoulders.
"Are you okay?" Jake asks, brushing Adam's short fringes off his forehead.
"Yeah." Adam's pretty sure the throbbing in his backside only means he'll be sore and limping when he reports at The Boathouse for his shift later. But whatever. "I feel great."
***
It all comes back to him in a rush of blurry images and hollow sounds but Jake remembers. He remembers exactly what happened last night. As soon as Adam leaves for his shift at the Boathouse, Jake rummages through his chest full of mostly junk then pulls out his Book of Shadows.
He leafs through the tattered, yellowing pages in search of the symbol that he saw etched on his abductor's wrist.
Nothing in his book comes close to the information he needs but Jake's certain that he's seen the symbol before, he just can't recall where. Desperate, he makes the long drive to his grandfather's place, hoping that Grandpa Royce's conspiracy wall will provide answers somehow.
Royce greets Jake with a worry frown and the first thing he asks is "something wrong?" Jake is not at all alienated with his grandfather's reaction. He only comes when he's in desperate need of his grandfather's assistance.
"Yeah Grandpa. I just… I need your help." Jake tries to explain what happened in the most concise way possible. He leaves his grandpa's house an hour later with a handful of information then sends Faye an enigmatic text message, asking her to meet him. Her response is quick, telling Jake she's at the abandoned house with Melissa.
"You look like hell," Faye says the moment Jake meanders into the old house.
"Well, I feel like I've been to hell." Jake plops down next to her on the couch with an exaggerated bounce, his Book of Shadows tucked in his hand.
"What are you up to?" Melissa gestures at the book with a flick of her eyes.
"Last night I…," Jake starts, leaning forward and propping himself up with his elbows resting on his knees.
"Adam told us you can't remember a thing," Melissa says with a slight inclination of her head to the side as if to confirm if she's correct.
"I couldn't then, but it all came back to me like an avalanche." Jake rests two fingers just beneath the heel of his palm when he says, "This guy who took me has a tattoo inside his wrist – a skull of an animal, a wolf's, covered in fire. I knew I saw that symbol before but I couldn't remember where. I couldn't find it in my book earlier so I went to Grandpa's."
"I wouldn't be surprised if you found something among those junk your grandfather collects," is Faye's caustic remark.
"I did." Jake pulls out a piece of paper from his book and lays it down the table. "This symbol is used by a group known as Redeemers. They're like witch hunters. But they're known to steal witches' powers like Eben did."
"Creepy," Melissa mutters lowly, probably more to herself.
"So witch hunters are back in town. How exciting," Faye says flatly in irony of the context of her last words.
"Not quite." Jake explains in the most comprehensible way he can that this group was last seen during the early seventies and has long been gone from existence. "What's more baffling is the man who abducted me knows I'm a witch, knows we're all witches but he's only after one person."
"Who?"
"Cade."
Melissa takes her turn to ask; clearly confounded if the way her forehead creases is any indication. "What does he want with Cade?"
"Or more importantly…," Faye interjects, the change in her posture reflecting her sublime interest on the situation. "Why Cade?"
The only response Jake can provide is an inconsequential shrug. "I don’t know. But I'm gonna do some digging, find out if Cade really is who he claims to be."
p3
clover71Written for
timetraveler_bb 2012Fandom: The Secret Circle (TV); Pairing: Jake Armstrong/ Adam Conant
Rating: NC-17; Warning:
Summary, Disclaimer, Author's Notes and other information: Please refer to the MASTER POST
previous: p1
It's been four days since that ill-fated dinner at Chuck's Pizza and Adam still refuses to talk to him.
Jake has tried every trick up his sleeves but none of them have worked. His phone calls have been rejected; text messages have been ignored; his attempts on getting Adam to stop long enough for Jake to utter a word have been deflected. He's close to giving up.
Sulking in a booth at The Boathouse has become part of Jake's daily routine. His gut twists whenever he sees Cade touch Adam. What makes it worse is Cade often meets Jake's gaze like Cade's taunting him, the corners of Cade's mouth curling up into a snide smirk that Jake has to stomp down the temptation to hurl his mug filled with hot coffee over to Cade.
Too distracted watching Adam and Cade interact, he barely notices Cassie and Diana arrive and he startles when they slip into his booth. Both girls follow his gaze but Cassie is the one who speaks up and says, "Looks like someone is stealing the show."
Diana whirls around to faces her. "You mean Cade?" When Cassie bops her head in affirmation, Diana adds, "I met him the other day. He's really nice. I like him."
A derisive sound scrapes against Jake's palate prior to muttering, "Let's see if you'll still find him nice if he turns out to be a witch hunter or a demon." Keeping an eye on Adam is starting to wear him out psychologically so he chooses to study the nonexistent patterns on the wooden table instead.
"Well demon or not, he's got his arm over Adam's shoulder." To rub salt to his wound, Diana tauntingly pronounces, "I think they look cute together."
Jake has had enough, heard enough. He throws more than enough money for his coffee on the table, says, "I have to go. See you girls around," and doesn't let his eyes wander on his way out. It takes five miserable minutes to sit in his Ford until he's calm and sane enough to drive home.
***
Hanging out with Cade may be a bad idea since past experiences have taught Adam not to trust people they randomly meet. But Adam shoves his qualms aside and replaces it with an obstinate determination to enjoy the rest of the day. With Cade.
Golf isn't exactly Adam's thing, hardly knows anything about the sport, but he accedes to Cade's wish so Cade brings him to the indoor eighteen-hole mini golf course.
Though Adam misses three holes in a row, he finds this game a lot of fun. The peculiar challenges throughout the course are just the distraction he needs. Any last remnant of Jake stuck in his mind leaves him and his attention falls on trying to get the damn golf ball out of the pond while balancing precariously on two slippery stones.
The laughter that reverberates from Cade breaks Adam's concentration so when Adam swings the club, he misses by an inch.
"Crap!" Adam sees the ball still sitting among the pebbles, half of it submerged in the water. The slightest move causes his foot to slip and Adam feels gravity pulling his whole body into the pond. Before he hits the water though, arms wound around his middle.
It takes a few seconds for Adam to realize that Cade is holding him, blue eyes gazing into his own hazel ones. Blue eyes. Jake's eyes, breezes through his befuddled mind.
"You okay?" Cade's breath caresses the side of Adam's face sending shivers up Adam's arms like tiny needles prickling his skin. Cade seems to take his sweet time in helping Adam regain his balance. "You should be careful. I can't guarantee my reflexes will work all the time."
"Um. Thanks." Heat emanating on Adam's cheeks compels him to turn his face away from Cade and following Cade's advice, he creeps out of the pond in slow, cautious strides.
"How 'bout we take a break? Want some ice cream?" The eagerness flowing off of Cade is so infectious that declining isn't even on Adam's list of options.
"Sure."
The walk to the ice cream booth doesn't take long, not much time for the awkwardness gnawing at the back of Adam's brain to fade. Cade is about to pull out his wallet but Adam's quick to lay a hand on Cade's and says, "It's on me. You did save me from an embarrassing fall."
Once they each have double scoops, they traipse down the path lined with gnome statues and Adam's running his tongue over his pistachio ice cream when he spots Diana and Grant approaching.
The ooh-do-tell-what-you're-doing-here-with-him grin Diana is sporting makes Adam wish for the proverbial crack on the floor to appear and swallow him whole.
"Hey Adam. Hey Cade," Diana says, a little high-pitched than normal. She introduces Grant to Cade, briefly explaining that Cade works at The Boathouse. "So Cade. What exactly did you do to get Adam to come to a place like this?"
Cade's eyebrows furrow in blatant confusion. "What do you mean?"
"Well, amusement places aren't exactly Adam's thing," Diana says, batting her eyelashes with a sideward glance at Adam for a starkly playful effect.
"Um," is all Adam's brain can achieve and he feels perpetually lucky that the odds lean on his favor when Grant comes to his rescue.
"We should be going, Diana." Grant offers Adam and Cade an apologetic smile and says, "Sorry, mates. Much as we love to stay and chat, we have to finish our game before our time is up," in his charming, thick Aussie accent.
With a final handshake, Grant bids them a cordial good night then steers Diana further down the footpath.
"You seem to be close." Cade gestures to where Diana and Grant have disappeared with his chin. "You and Diana, I mean."
Adam worries his lips, contemplating whether he should share his complicated and twisted history or preserve his reputation as an uptight individual who keeps things to himself. He favors the former. "We used to be together."
The revelation doesn't seem to spark an element of surprise. Cade just asks, "For how long?"
"Almost three years. Then I dated Cassie after we broke up." The memory is dim in Adam's head, cloaked with a haze that makes it seem nothing but a spatial dream.
"You mean the blonde girl that comes by The Boathouse once in a while?"
"Yeah. That's the one."
Cade's eyebrow rises in unbridled curiosity. "You said dated. What happened?"
Regret blooms swiftly in Adam's chest and he gives himself a mental kick for opening a can of worms. "It's complicated."
The look of satisfaction that forms on Cade's features leads Adam to think that's the end of the conversation but he makes a three-sixty turn and asks, "Are you seeing someone now?"
Adam is absolutely clueless where this interrogation will lead but decides that truth tastes better on his tongue. "No. I'm most definitely single."
"What about Jake?"
That certainly came out of left field, throwing Adam off his guard and his eyes leap to Cade's. "No. Jake is a lot more complicated than Diana and Cassie."
Cade holds Adam's gaze then one corner of Cade's mouth lifts in a lopsided smile. "I guess that's your subliminal code for me to quit asking personal questions?"
"Not really." Adam appraises Cade closely, noticing the exquisite way Cade's wavy blonde hair frames the well-defined angles of his face, the alluring way his eyes narrow when amused and something clicks in Adam's head. He comes to a horrified awareness that Cade closely resembles Jake.
***
The worst thing when trying to avoid someone is running into them when least expected.
Jake is in desperate need of getting some caffeine into his system so he heads over to the coffee shop – not the one where Cassie works or the one where any member of the circle frequents, but the small place near office buildings that normally houses local executives.
To his surprise (and repressed chagrin), he spies Adam, Cade, Melissa and Faye in a corner table. Disappointment boils in his gut when Faye catches him before he can creep back outside.
With a fake smile, he lifts his hand in a casual wave, says, "Hey guys," and proceeds to the counter. He orders a regular cup of Espresso, plain without cream or sugar or syrup, thinking that consuming something strong may help kick out the unwelcome jealousy that's swelling in his chest.
His attempt to make a beeline out the door fails when Faye bellows, "Jake!" and beckons him over with a flourish wave of her hand. "Why don't you join us?"
Jake dons a sarcastic smile and says, "No thanks. I don't want to ruin your fun," though his eyes are fixed on Adam.
Cool breeze nips at his exposed skin when he steps out of the coffee shop and he's waiting by the curb while a dark blue beat-up sedan drives by when he hears Adam call out to him.
"What the fuck's your problem?" Adam spits out, his face a mask of fury.
Jake maintains a cool, collected stance. "I have no idea what you're talking about."
Anger visibly rises out of Adam in a steam, his nose flaring. "You know damn well what I'm talking about. Look, I don't give a damn if you hate me and if you don't like Cade. That's your problem. But don't take it out on Faye and Melissa. Just keep your acerbic attitude to yourself."
Jake scoffs. "Adam. I firmly believe that Faye and Melissa are quite used to my attitude. So I don't see why you're so worked up." A quick glance down the street ensures him that there are no vehicles passing so Jake crosses the street without another word to Adam.
The key to his truck weighs a ton in his hands and it takes a while for Jake to get the door open. Damn. A simple 'lock, unlock' spell would have been sufficient if only he can master using his individual magic despite being bound. Before he can shuffle into the driver's seat, he feels a painful sting at the back of his neck then the conscious part of him plunges straight into a vacuum turning everything around him into nothing but a black hole.
***
Adam has just gotten back inside the coffee shop when he surrenders to the urge of stealing a glimpse across the street. Every muscle and limb in his body freezes when he sees a hooded figure sneak up behind Jake, raises a metal-covered fist and presses the peculiar object behind Jake's head.
The sight of the stranger pushing Jake inside the truck heaves Adam out of his horrified stupor. His feet carry him outside the coffee shop in haste but the man has already claimed the driver's seat of Jake's Ford.
The initial thought that springs to mind is to call Faye and Melissa so they can use their powers to rescue Jake on the spot. But then he remembers they're in public and Cade's with them so using magic is out of the question.
It's too late. The man's driving off in Jake's truck with the unconscious Jake inside. Shit, shit, shit. He rushes back into the coffee shop. Faye probably senses his apprehension because she says, "Melissa, we have to go. We have a project in Chemistry we need to finish. You too, Adam."
Adam throws a disconcerted glance Cade's way. "Sorry I—"
The rest of Adam's words die in his throat when Cade holds up a hand and says, "It's okay. I understand. School work comes first. I'll see you at The Boathouse tomorrow."
Faye practically drags him out of the building, her fingernails digging fiercely into Adam's jacket-clad arm. As soon as they're out the door, she asks, "What happened? You look like you just saw a horde of witch hunters."
"Someone took Jake," falls out of Adam's mouth.
The two girls look thunderstruck and both exclaimed, "What?" in unison but Faye is the one with the right sense to whip out her phone. "We better call Cassie and Diana."
***
Faint yellow glow greets Jake's eyes when he cracks them open, the beam casting eerie shadows against the battered walls. The discordant screeching of rats echoes in his ears.
When the last layer of his cataleptic state falls away, Jake does a quick study of his surroundings. There are broken wooden crates scattered around him. The sole source of light happens to be a small lantern sitting on a wooden table at the far end of the rather spacious room.
A rough material bites into his wrists when he tries to move and only then did he realize he's bound to a chair with a rope. On the floor is some gray powdery substance spread around him in an almost precise shape of a circle.
Ugh! Iron sulfate.
Whoever brought him here knows who he is, knows what he is and, without a doubt, knows how to restrain his powers. What the idiot doesn't know is that the iron sulfate isn't necessary since Jake can't use magic on his own anyway.
"You're awake." A low, sinister voice vibrates through the still, vapid air.
Jake's tongue feels thick and heavy that he exerts unnecessary effort just to utter, "Who are you?".
"That's not important," the man bites back with acute animosity that can cause anyone to flinch in fear. Anyone but Jake.
The lack of luminosity prevents Jake from ID'ing the man but the outline of the man's profile reveals long, unkempt hair and a slim body.
"What do you want?" It comes out hoarse, a low rumble from Jake's throat.
"Cade," the villain-wannabe says and Jake's immediate thought is Cade who? "Cade Sawyer," his abductor presses on as if he heard Jake's wistful mind, the baleful glare he hurls at Jake despite the near darkness somehow instills fright in Jake's soul. "You know who he is, I know, so don't even try to deny it. I want you to bring him to the fishing shack by the east harbor three nights from today."
"And if I don't?"
"Then your hands will be stained with Adam Conant's blood." A shaft from the small lantern catches the man's eyes showing a sinister glint that sends a stream of dread down Jake's spine. "I know that you and your friends are witches. And Cade knows, too." The man slithers closer, allowing Jake to get a glimpse of the ugly scar that runs down the man's cheek. "Cade's dangerous. He's a power stealer and from the looks of it, he's after Adam Conant's magic. Once Cade's done with him, there's no doubt he'll be coming after the rest of your Circle."
Jake isn't able to retort. The man touches the side of Jake's neck with the round-edged metal clinging on his hand and something pierces through Jake's skin. Before turbid mist can fully form over Jake's eyes, he spies a tattoo of some weird skull symbol inside the man's wrist.
***
"Are you sure that will work? It didn't work the last time." The words sound mordant when they tumble out of Adam's mouth and he's quick to regret his insensitivity when he chances upon the pained look on Diana. "Sorry, I'm just…"
"Will you relax?" Faye's hands clutch Adam's shoulders tightly and she manhandles him to the nearest chair, forcing him to take a seat. "We're all worried about Jake. And much as we want to go out looking for him, we wouldn't know where to start. Scrying is the next best thing we know how or whatever."
Diana resumes her task, raising her hand that holds the chain with the crystal pendant above the glass map of Chance Harbor. Tied to the chain is Jake's handkerchief. They've done the same thing several days ago hoping to find a trace of Adam's assailant but to no success.
Nothing happens for the next five minutes with Diana and Melissa switching places. Melissa complains having pinpricks crawling up her arms so Cassie offers to take the scrying crystal but a loud, encompassing gasp escapes Melissa.
"Omigosh! Oh my gosh!" The crystal pendant swings circularly over a small area of the map then dives straight down to a specific spot. "I think we found something."
Adam bolts out of the chair and leans over the map, his head nearly touching Diana's. "What the…?" The pointy end of the clear stone is resting over the road where Jake and Cassie's houses are situated.
***
A mild vertigo swoops down to give Jake's head quite a spin when he jerks awake. Though a thin fog still cloaks his eyes, he's quick to recognize his own bedroom. His clumsy attempt to shift to an upright position coaxes a groan out of his lips.
"Jake?" Adam's voice sounds like home – warm and soothing.
When Jake gazes up at Adam's affection-filled eyes, he asks, "H-how…?" but holds back any disjointed words until his mind is clear enough to form coherent phrases.
Adam seems to read his mind though because he says, "You've been out for nearly eight hours," then he perches on the edge of Jake's bed. "We found you passed out in your truck, which was parked right in front of your house."
Though Jake can see faint orange blending with the gray sky through his window, he still finds the need to ask, "Timezit?"
"Half past five in the morning."
The whirlpool in Jake's head simmers down so he deems it safe to sit up. His throat is dry and burning as though hot coals have been shoved down his pipes and he ends up coughing persistently.
Adam rubs Jake's back in a gentle circular motion that sends a wave of comfort throughout Jake's body. "You okay? What happened to you anyway?"
Jake tries to gather the small pieces of the puzzle in his head to create a mosaic of a dimly lit room, a menacing voice but the image that forms doesn't make sense. "I… I don't know," Jake says, struggling to recall exactly what had transpired.
"I saw someone approach you from behind then pushed you inside your truck." Adam's hand moves from Jake's back to his face. Jake can feel every nerve and muscle in his body relax when Adam's thumb starts stroking his cheek. "But the person was wearing a hood over his head so I didn't see his face."
"Honestly, I can't remember anything right now."
"Maybe it will come back to you once you get enough rest."
A sudden thought pokes at Jake's mind and his head snaps sideways to meet Adam's gaze. "Aren't you supposed to be preparing for school?"
Adam's shoulder rise and fall in a half shrug. "I'll call in sick. Faye says she'll talk to her mom, tell her what happened."
"Guess at times like this, we're lucky your school principal is one of us," Jake says in jest. "What about your dad? Won't he get pissed you're here?"
"Nah. Dad knows I'm here, don't worry. He thinks it's a good idea if I stay with you for a while." An unease pause follows. Adam's gaze travels around the room like he's searching for something before looking straight into Jake's eyes. "I uh… I was worried about you."
"Really?"
Sincerity radiates off of Adam when he says, "Yeah. Really." Then awkwardness decides to invade their space that Adam moves away and clears his throat. "How 'bout I fix you some breakfast? That is if you don't mind me raiding your kitchen."
"Not at all."
Adam takes a step away from the bed but Jake grabs his wrist and guides him back until their faces are an inch close. A wave of déjà vu washes over Jake. When Adam doesn't seem like he's going to put up a fight, Jake cups Adam's face and brushes his lips against Adam's. It feels like he's swept into a dream when Adam kisses back.
Before everything can go out of control though, Adam is the sensible one to pull away first then rests his forehead against Jake's. "I'll go fix breakfast. How does omelet sound?"
"Sounds perfect." Jake plants a quick kiss on the tip of Adam's nose then reluctantly removes his hands from Adam.
***
Adam startles and almost drops the plate he's rinsing when strong arms coiled around his waist and cold lips touch the back of his neck.
"Thanks for breakfast," Jake says, blowing warm breath against Adam's ear. "So what's for dessert?"
Adam snorts. "There's no dessert for breakfast, is there?"
"Well, I want one." Jake's tongue glides up the side of Adam's neck.
An arousing sensation bristles across Adam's skin when Jake nibbles on his earlobe. "Jake," Adam says with a hitch in his voice, his body betraying him, trembling in response to Jake's ministrations. He knows he shouldn't do this, thinks he shouldn't, but he's unable to come up with a reason why he should not just… whatever.
His mind (and body) is screaming take me, take me, take me so he puts the plate in the sink then turns in Jake's embrace. Their mouths fuse together in a searing kiss.
Jake's hand travels all over Adam's back, sliding into Adam's shirt, palm warm but his fingertips are cold against Adam's skin.
They tumble back into Jake's bedroom in a flurry of heated kisses and frantic touches and soon they've divested some of their clothes, both of them falling onto Jake's bed with Jake covering Adam's body.
A low moan ripples through Adam's throat when Jake's lips start to reverently map the contours of his neck and throat and chest and—oh… oh…
Adam's fingers card through Jake's blond locks, urging Jake to travel down where Adam needs more attention. Lust-filled excitement shoots through his veins when Jake slips his fingers in the waistband of Adam's boxers and pulls the underwear down in one swift.
Jake's warm mouth engulfs Adam's dick, sucking and tonguing and teasing, the stimulation causing hot white bursts of light to dance behind Adam's closed lids.
"Jake please," slides past Adam's lips and he's not even sure what he's begging for but Jake seems to get the idea.
Jake leaves him on the bed for a while and returns with a bottle of lubricant. "I can't find any condoms," he says but his eyes are clouded with lust that Adam knows Jake's not about to back out.
"I'm clean," Adam says and Jake assures Adam he is too.
Adam's head nearly explodes when he feels Jake's slick finger slides in, the friction nearly driving Adam crazy. The intrusion causes thick discomfort slicing through Adam's muscles and he sucks a breath through gritted teeth.
"Relax," Jake whispers, tone soft and soothing. "Relax. I got you."
"Just… just take it easy." Adam can still feel his muscles tense when Jake tries to slide his finger further inside him. "I… I haven't had anyone do this to me since… since you."
An ambiguous smile curves along Jake's lips. "I'll be gentle, I promise." Then Jake starts exploring Adam's body with his other hand and his mouth and tongue, effectively distracting Adam that Adam doesn't notice Jake's finger plunges deeper until they're buried to the hilt and Adam feels the swelling ache in his backside.
Jake's quick to counter though, his tongue traveling south, dipping in Adam's navel then finally taking Adam back into his mouth. Jake starts licking and sucking, slurping sounds echoing in Jake's bedroom. Adam snaps his hips up, meeting Jake's mouth in earnest.
Tension builds up right at the center of his abdomen when Jake adds another finger. But Jake's gentle coaxing works well to help Adam get used to the intrusion and ignore the rolling discomfort.
Jake releases Adam's cock but before Adam can protest, Jake's free hand replaces his mouth, sliding up and down the neglected shaft.
Adam's eyes fly open when Jake's fingers brush against his sensitive spot, sparks of pleasure surging through his body. Adam arches off the bed, toes curling against the sheet. His throat produces sounds he barely recognizes as his own.
The thrill still thrums in his body that he's barely aware of Jake adding another finger. Jake continues to pump his fingers in and out of Adam, preparing him until the words tumbling out of Adam's mouth sounds incoherent in his own ears. At least half of Adam's consciousness is still aware that he's pleading, begging Jake to take him now.
A deep, rumbling whine resonates from Adam's chest when Jake pulls his fingers out but Jake doesn't waste time placing himself between Adam's thighs and starts pushing his cock against Adam's entrance.
The ringing in Adam's ears grows louder as Jake's cock breaks through the ring of muscles slowly. Once he's halfway in, the pain decides to return full force, making Adam wince and clench his teeth.
"Are you okay?" Jake asks, his voice loving and comforting.
"Give me a moment," Adam whispers and as soon as the pain subsides a little, Adam prompts Jake to move. It doesn't take long for Adam to get used to the feeling of being filled. Jake starts to slide in and out and soon finds a comfortable rhythm. Adam lifts his hips to meet Jake's thrust and he's lost in the ecstasy, the friction, of having Jake inside him.
Adam's fingers dig into the flesh of Jake's arms and the pressure starts to swell beneath his belly. "Faster," he demands and Jake complies, increasing his pace. Jake's hand curls around Adam's erection and starts pumping in time with his thrusts.
The orgasm seizes Adam, making his vision cloud with the overwhelming sensation. His legs tighten around Jake's waist while he cries out, spilling his release on his stomach and on Jake's hand.
Jake's hips snap harder as he pounds against Adam. Then Jake's body stiffens and trembles. Adam can feel Jake's come filling him inside. Once Jake's climax seems to subside, he collapses on top of Adam, planting chaste kisses on Adam's jaw and neck and shoulders.
"Are you okay?" Jake asks, brushing Adam's short fringes off his forehead.
"Yeah." Adam's pretty sure the throbbing in his backside only means he'll be sore and limping when he reports at The Boathouse for his shift later. But whatever. "I feel great."
***
It all comes back to him in a rush of blurry images and hollow sounds but Jake remembers. He remembers exactly what happened last night. As soon as Adam leaves for his shift at the Boathouse, Jake rummages through his chest full of mostly junk then pulls out his Book of Shadows.
He leafs through the tattered, yellowing pages in search of the symbol that he saw etched on his abductor's wrist.
Nothing in his book comes close to the information he needs but Jake's certain that he's seen the symbol before, he just can't recall where. Desperate, he makes the long drive to his grandfather's place, hoping that Grandpa Royce's conspiracy wall will provide answers somehow.
Royce greets Jake with a worry frown and the first thing he asks is "something wrong?" Jake is not at all alienated with his grandfather's reaction. He only comes when he's in desperate need of his grandfather's assistance.
"Yeah Grandpa. I just… I need your help." Jake tries to explain what happened in the most concise way possible. He leaves his grandpa's house an hour later with a handful of information then sends Faye an enigmatic text message, asking her to meet him. Her response is quick, telling Jake she's at the abandoned house with Melissa.
"You look like hell," Faye says the moment Jake meanders into the old house.
"Well, I feel like I've been to hell." Jake plops down next to her on the couch with an exaggerated bounce, his Book of Shadows tucked in his hand.
"What are you up to?" Melissa gestures at the book with a flick of her eyes.
"Last night I…," Jake starts, leaning forward and propping himself up with his elbows resting on his knees.
"Adam told us you can't remember a thing," Melissa says with a slight inclination of her head to the side as if to confirm if she's correct.
"I couldn't then, but it all came back to me like an avalanche." Jake rests two fingers just beneath the heel of his palm when he says, "This guy who took me has a tattoo inside his wrist – a skull of an animal, a wolf's, covered in fire. I knew I saw that symbol before but I couldn't remember where. I couldn't find it in my book earlier so I went to Grandpa's."
"I wouldn't be surprised if you found something among those junk your grandfather collects," is Faye's caustic remark.
"I did." Jake pulls out a piece of paper from his book and lays it down the table. "This symbol is used by a group known as Redeemers. They're like witch hunters. But they're known to steal witches' powers like Eben did."
"Creepy," Melissa mutters lowly, probably more to herself.
"So witch hunters are back in town. How exciting," Faye says flatly in irony of the context of her last words.
"Not quite." Jake explains in the most comprehensible way he can that this group was last seen during the early seventies and has long been gone from existence. "What's more baffling is the man who abducted me knows I'm a witch, knows we're all witches but he's only after one person."
"Who?"
"Cade."
Melissa takes her turn to ask; clearly confounded if the way her forehead creases is any indication. "What does he want with Cade?"
"Or more importantly…," Faye interjects, the change in her posture reflecting her sublime interest on the situation. "Why Cade?"
The only response Jake can provide is an inconsequential shrug. "I don’t know. But I'm gonna do some digging, find out if Cade really is who he claims to be."
p3