A/N[For the people who still haven't figured out that this Universe is an AU, I'll clarify it here: this is an AU. Meaning, I can butcher, and save any character I see fit. Currently on the guillotine is Nick]
I looked at her long and hard. I felt the words that came from the bottom of her heart, but I could not find it in me to say it back, yet I liked her, I liked looking at her, I liked her to be mine. Hearing no answer, she chuckled, "You're such an asshole, you know how much strength it took to say those words?" she looked away like she does when she cries.
"I love you, too," I said. She turned to me in a quick movement, doubt visible on her face, but hope as well.
"I know you do," she shook her head in frustration. "Like you love her, right?"
I couldn't find a fault in her statement, for it was the truth. Lilly had grown on me, and so had Carley, and I wouldn't settle for leaving even one.
My silence made her chuckle a breathless laugh. "Wow," she muttered. "You really are an asshole."
"I never claimed otherwise."
Carley stared at the flames, shaking her head. "Why?"
The only question she asked for which I could provide an answer., "Because I can," I said honestly. "Because I don't see love the way you do. I want to possess whatever I can."
She scoffed, but there was no real anger behind it. Just exhaustion. "And what? Do you think you can have both of us? That Lilly would ever go for that?"
I shrugged. "She very well might."
Carley exhaled through her nose, rubbing her temples. "What if I said no?"
"I simply wouldn't allow it." I made up my mind, I wanted her and her, I wanted them both.
'Harem in those shows I watched was much easier,' I chuckled internally. 'Maybe the time isn't right, It has been what? A week or two? She will be more than willing in the coming months.'
Her lips pressed into a thin line as she stared at the fire. "And if I stay?" She murmured her words, surprising me, "What then? I just have to accept that I'm not enough."
She shook her head, fingers gripping her knees, "Is that what love is to you? Just collecting people-like supplies? Like we're–what? Assets?" She laughed, but it was hollow and bitter. "You say you love me, but then in the same breath, you tell me I have to share you? Do you ever hear yourself?"
"What if I fucked someone other than you?"
I tilted my head, annoyed by the thought. "You wouldn't."
"And why is that?" She challenged. "Because I belong to you?"
"Yes," I replied with a new-found certainty.
She licked her lips as if trying to find the right words, "You really don't give a shit about what I want, do you?"
"If I didn't, we wouldn't be having this conversation."
We sat in silence, she glared at me with rage. "What's going on here?" Both of us turned to the familiar voice and saw Lilly standing outside the fire's glow, wearing a thigh-length T-shirt dress.
Carley stiffened immediately, her gaze darting between us.
I turned to Lilly, unfazed. "We were just talking."
Lilly scoffed. "Yeah? Sounded more than that." Her eyes flickered towards Carley, who wiped at her face quickly, standing up.
"You know what? I'm done with this conversation," Carley muttered, throwing her hands up, "Enjoy your 'fucking' options, Wesker." She shot a glare at Lilly before turning on her heel and walking off into the darkness.
Lilly watched her go, lowering an eyebrow. "I feel bad for her."
I leaned back in my seat as she walked towards me. "She'll get over it."
Lilly let out a dry chuckle. "You're unbelievable."
"I know."
She studied me for a moment before stepping forward, hesitating, then slowly lowering herself onto my lap, sideways at first. When I didn't protest, she adjusted, straddling me, her thighs pressing against mine. The back of her hand brushed against my cheek as she whispered, "So, it wasn't a lie when you said you wanted more than one—"
I kissed her, leaving no room for doubt.
She reciprocated the kiss, forgetting everything about the conversation as she focused on the task ahead. I placed my hand on her back. She shifted, pressing herself into me.
She pulled from the kiss to catch a breath. "It doesn't seem to bother you all that much?" I asked, her heaving chest pressed against mine.
Her hair fell over her face. I brushed it aside, my fingers grazing her cheek. For the first time tonight, I saw it clearly—hesitation. A flicker of doubt.
I chuckled, to her dismay.
I moved her from my lap, settling her where Carley had been. She blinked in surprise.
"Don't worry," I said, my tone light but firm. "I'll protect you."
She lowered her gaze, swallowing. "Was it that easy to see?"
"What? Your whole tone shifted when your father died. So, yeah, I knew from that moment." I turned away from her and climbed onto the RV.
A sigh escaped me. I'll have to pull an all-nighter. Carley's absence left a gap in the watch. I stretched my arms above my head.
I heard movement behind me. Lilly climbed up, her steps slower, more cautious. When she reached me, her eyes were tired, drooping slightly.
"I—I'm sorry," she murmured.
"Don't be," I said. "I would've done the same."
She hesitated again. Then, in a rare moment of vulnerability, she leaned in and wrapped her arms around me.
"Thank you," she whispered.
I let her stay there.
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