Part one: It's my party, and I'll cry if I want to
Of course, it was Laurie's idea. After all, there are those who enjoy their birthdays, and then there is Lawrence. I felt like he already celebrated his existence every moment of every day, so how could today be any different? We had some delicious cake and drinks, which in our circumstances, was pretty extravagant... But to be honest, I had a feeling that Laurie indulged himself in such earthly pleasures almost on a daily basis, although you couldn't tell by his flawless, slender figure. Hell, if I had a body like this, I would probably toast myself in the mirror every morning with a glass of champagne! No, desserts and some alcohol weren't gonna cut it. Our little gifts, ranging from the practical to the... practical, were appreciated, but quickly set aside. He wanted more, and I knew it. He needed to squeeze out every last bit of power and advantage from the remaining hours of his birthday. That's why he sat us all down on the library floor and announced we'll be playing a game.
- A game, Laurie? Seriously? How old are you?
Levi groaned reluctantly, but his deep, husky voice was quickly followed by a sigh of resignation as he sat down on the floor. In fact, it seemed like everyone was either looking around for cushions, or already settled below my eyeline. I looked over at Charlie, my last bastion of hope. She was still standing! Do I smell some defiance? Then I remembered the fit she threw a few days ago, when Lawrence demanded we all wear white on his birthday. We were both unprepared for such a whimsical request. I hated white clothes on principle - they reminded me of school ceremonies and the embarrassment I felt when I, inevitably, got them dirty during a meal. Charlie also never wore white, and hated the thought of having to shop for a whole new outfit for this one occasion - especially since we rarely got to go to the city. And yet, there she was - my stubborn, hard-headed friend, standing across from me in a lovely white jumpsuit.
She finally met my gaze, but instead of saying anything, she sharply exhaled through her nose and motioned for me to sit down. I knew she was right - the sooner we comply, the sooner we'll move on to the next event. Besides, we really didn't have a reason not to humor Laurie - he was a good friend and a big help to both of us. I ran my hands over the back of my dress, smoothing it out before sitting. Ugh, even this little gesture reminded me of formal dinners! I sat down on a cushion with my legs crossed and my back straight, while Charlie propped herself on one arm and laid down on her side. As I made myself reasonably comfortable, my knee grazed the upper thigh of the person sitting next to me. A big, strong thigh, wrapped tightly in jeans, which were apparently bleached out into oblivion. Harvey!
- Wow, I'm so glad you took my advice. I mean, bleach does ruin the fabric...
- ...and it stinks like crazy, thank you very much! My whole apartment reeked of bleach and vinegar for, like, two days! - he interrupted me, laughing.
- But you have to admit they look good on you. You should wear them with a red shirt or something, or maybe like a colorful print... - I said, returning his broad smile. - I mean, just enjoy them while you can, because oh boy, are they gonna rip!
- You think? - he said, wriggling his butt and subjecting the fabric to even more tension. I gulped, thinking about the poor jeans so close to their limits, and the majestic muscles underneath.
- Umm, did they shrink in the process, or...
- So, what is this game going to be?
I froze for a second. I expected to hear this voice - it's not like I haven't been subjected to it all night thus far. But not this close. Did he sit down next to me? I turned my head as casually as I could.
Fuck.
Lu-, I mean, Dylan, was inches away from me. He fixed his gaze on Lawrence, and clearly demanded an answer, but his mouth was softened by a smile. His mouth... I bet that's where his tongue is... Just behind those lips...
Laurie's voice brought me back to reality.
- I want to play "truth or dare", like in the movies! Although I hope you all choose truth, because all I really want is your secrets...
A collective groan came over the library. Charlie rolled her eyes, pretending to collapse on the floor all limp, and Harvey leaned back chuckling. Before I could check any other reactions, Lawrence caught my gaze and slightly narrowed his eyes. I knew what it meant. It might have been too subtle of a message for someone else to read, but it was meant for me. "I'm in charge tonight", his eyes said. He pursed his upper lip ever so slightly, as if trying to suppress a smirk.
Yeah, I'm going down. I mean, my composure could (and did!) fool almost anyone, but Lawrence knew exactly how I felt, and what I thought about when I looked at Dylan's lips. He knew that not only I love listening to his smooth voice, and admire his effortless eloquence, but that I'd also love to see that smart mouth of his descend between my thighs. Even Charlie wasn't really aware of the extent of my feelings for Dylan. She knew I had a crush on him, but to her, that's all it was - a silly, fleeting feeling towards your typical, unattainable guy. And, well, she wasn't wrong. I attracted my fair share of attention, but ever since we all started working together, I couldn't really think of anyone else but him. He really reduced me to a bumbling schoolgirl sometimes, especially when he politely complimented my work or surprised me with a bit of small talk. It would be fine if it was just an innocent crush, but... Months went by, and we all grew much more comfortable with each other, to the point where I knew that either Harvey or Lawrence would gladly relieve me of some sexual frustration if I let them. But for some reason, I didn't. Not yet anyway. A part of me was still clinging on to that fantasy of Dylan's cool, calm exterior, slowly melting away in my arms...
A roar of laughter interrupted my daydream. Did it start already? Suddenly, a nudge made me turn to my right.
- Let's bear this together - Harvey said, lighting a thick joint.
- Jeez, I wished you asked me to roll! - I said, looking at the monster in his hand.
- Oh, what? - he scoffed, just before taking a huge inhale and consequently setting the tip ablaze. I guess swimming so often does come with increased lung capacity.
- Harvey, I mean it. That thing is so thick it's gonna trigger my gag reflex.
I loved teasing him when he was smoking, mostly because he comically held his breath after each inhale, like a teenager learning to smoke between classes. He burst out laughing and coughing, sending a thick cloud of smoke in my face. I took the joint from his extended hand with a victorious smile and inhaled.
- It's my birthday, and as a scholar, and I want to taste some forbidden knowledge. I'm not letting you go before I get to question every single one of you - Lawrence continued, unfazed by the group's collective chuckling.
- That's not how the game works! - Levi said, simultaneously looking for something around the floor.
- I know, but it's how it works today - Laurie responded, handing him a bottle opener. - There's so much I want to know about all of you. Please?
Yep, there really was no denying him. Even Val was smiling at him warmly. A woman of few words, that Val. While her lips were silent, her whole body said that she's ready to stay on this floor for as long as it takes for Laurie to get his fill of excitement. Even though we were both sitting cross-legged, she seemed much more comfortable. Was it because she grabbed a better cushion, or, more likely, because she wasn't the subject of Lawrence's evil plans? I wondered, taking another deep inhale of tasty, citrusy smoke. Actually, make it two puffs. Or four. If Laurie wants to see me all blushing and red, at least my eyes will match.
- Lucy.
Speak of the devil. Laurie was looking straight at me.
- Yes, birthday boy?
