Work Text:
Live to Ride
Baz
“Get in here, club meeting. And make sure you’re here before Snow!” - Dev
I curse loudly when I read Dev’s text. I can’t believe that bloke. Simon fucking Snow. What is so special about him? Curse him with his brown curls and his plain blue eyes. He doesn’t even have the decency to wear some proper clothes with his biker jacket, the most important sign to show everyone you are a proud member of the Watford Motorbike Club.
I remember the first time I got unofficially accepted as a member of the Watford Motorbike Club when I was fifteen. I actually told my father I wanted a bike, specifically a Harley Davidson (model tbd or artist can choose). I did not have much hope, but I asked him anyway. Malcolm was silent for a moment and just raised his right eyebrow and said with a cold voice to stop acting like I have my head in the clouds and get serious. A motorbike will not be a responsible means of transport when I take over the business from him. “It will not look good on you, Basilton.” That was the end of it.
I did not tell my father that I demanded that my aunt Fiona teach me how to drive a motorbike. She loves to ride her bike and I suppose I have that in common with her. She agreed to teach me once I turned fifteen, the same age she started riding. Riding a bike is my way of showing my father that he does not have all the power over my future. To make it official I joined the Watford Motorbike Club once it was legal to drive a bike at seventeen. Once my father found out, he was furious and demanded I put an end to this little charade and grow up. I told him simply no and turned and left him in his office. I got on my bike and left for a ride.
Riding a bike is not just simply riding for me. The ride is completely mine and my father will not take it from me. When the engine rumbles awake, I can feel the vibrations deep within my bones and soul. My mind closes off all thoughts of my father and how suffocated he makes me feel. Only the ride matters. Only the wind and the adrenaline rushing through my veins.
I sigh and rub my face. Thinking back to that moment makes my hand twitch to grab my keys and take off with no destination in mind. But I can’t do that. I’m the right hand of the new head of the Watford Motorbike Club: Mitali Bunce. The previous club president, known as the Mage, died. So since then Mitali has taken over. The Mage was one of the most selfish people I knew. He was not right for the club. Slowly the club is recovering from the selfish decisions the Mage made and little by little the community is beginning to trust the club again.
In fact I’m one of the right hands of the club. Simon Snow is the other right hand and most of the time I want to make his life a living hell. Just like he tortures me everyday, because I’m in love with the bloody fool. Crowley.
Today I want to torture Snow like he always does to me. I’ll show him what he’s missing. I want to be there before Snow arrives. I quickly walk towards my bedroom and change into leather pants and a red silk blouse. I put on my snakeskin cowboy boots and grab my biker jacket and sunglasses. One last glance in the mirror and I smirk to myself. I can’t wait to see Snow’s reaction. I grab my keys and leave to be on time for the club meeting.
Simon
I wake up to the sound of my phone ringing. I lazily stretch out my hand to locate my phone. Once I’ve finally found it I answer the call and immediately sit up in bed.
“Simon, get your ass over here!”
How late is it? Did I not set an alarm? “Penny, hold on.”
“Don’t tell me you’re still in bed?”
“Ehm...no,” I lie while I hurry out of bed towards the bathroom. I put Penny on speaker, so I can brush my teeth. Penny sighs loudly and I can just feel the look she is giving me. I roll my eyes towards the phone. She makes a sound as if she knows how I reacted.
“There is a club meeting in ten minutes. So hurry up. It won’t look good to the other members if you arrive late again.”
“Okay. Okay. I’m leaving in five minutes,” I mumble and end the call with Penny.
I put on the first jeans and shirt I can get my hands on and hurry out the door with only my keys in my hands. Why do I get the feeling like I’m missing something? And right on time my stomach grumbles. Right, I forgot to grab some breakfast, but then my eyes linger on my clothes. Fuck, my jacket. I quickly turn and open the door again.
“Penny, would have killed me if I showed up without my jacket,” I whisper to myself as I grab it and leave for real this time. While I put on my jacket, I walk towards my bike. It’s an old bike I got as a gift from the Mage when I first joined the club two years ago. It isn’t some fancy new bike, like the bike Baz Pitch has.
Baz Pitch. Baz’s bike is fancy, cool and amazing. Just like everything else about him. How is it even possible for a bloke to look fit, fabulous and amazing at the same time? He looks so free when he rides. And his hair . Merlin. When he removes his helmet, somehow his hair still looks perfect and soft. I’m so jealous. I mean my hair is a mess when I remove my helmet. It’s all sweaty and I don’t even try to fix it. I really want to touch his hair, it looks so soft and amazing. Unlike my bunch of curls. Sometimes it even looks like a hurricane went through my hair. I don’t get how Baz’s hair looks fabulous even after a ride.
Merlin. Why am I even thinking about him? He doesn’t even like me. Baz thinks I’m after his role in the club. He’s made it his job to make my life a living hell.
I sigh loudly and start my bike. The engine sputters and refuses to start. “Come on, please start.”
I try again and thank Merlin my bike starts. As I drive to the clubhouse, my mind wanders back to Baz. I don’t mind the banter. It’s exciting, but I also want more . I need to convince Baz that my interest in him is not for his role in the club, but for him as a person because I’m head over heels in love with Baz Pitch.
I arrive at the clubhouse in fifteen minutes and Baz Pitch is waiting for me with a bloody smirk on his face looking absolutely fucking perfect.
Baz
I triumphantly wait outside for Snow to arrive. I just want to see his face when he notices that he arrived later than me. My heart flutters a little when I spot his bike and I curse my heart for reacting that way. Snow parks his bike and removes his helmet. His eyes land immediately on mine and his lips curve up in a small gentle smile. Set me on fire. Simon bloody Snow has the nerve to smile at me like that .
While I’m having a mental breakdown I also notice Snow checking me out and my face turns bright red. Why the hell is he looking at me like that? Could it be...no, there is no chance in hell Snow would be remotely interested in me. Since the moment the Mage introduced that menace, I’ve done everything in my power to create some distance between us. Not because I immediately fell for him. Crowley. And I quite like our banter and the way he reacts to my insults.
I regain my senses when Simon is in my face saying, “Hey Baz,” and my heart melts.
It wouldn't surprise me if my knees started to buckle in front of him. Thank Crowley I regain my senses and say with as much disdain I can muster, “Snow, you’re late.”
Simon rolls his eyes at that. “I’m not that late,” he says, eyeing me again with those beautiful blue eyes. I would love to spend a whole day just gazing into his eyes. Fuck, can I sink any lower?
“What are you looking at, Snow?” I sneer and cross my arms. Simon turns bright red at that and my eyes follow the blush disappearing into his shirt. Pity.
“Nothing...it..it’s just..”
“Cat got your tongue? Spit it out, Snow.”
Simon juts his chin out a little and says, “You look amazing, Baz Pitch, and stop acting like a posh tosser,” and he walks past me inside the clubhouse.
I am so stunned at his declaration that I need a moment to collect myself. What was that? Was Simon Snow flirting with me? No, it can’t be. I straighten my jacket and walk inside.
The Watford Motorbike Clubhouse is nicely decorated. It has a cosy and welcoming atmosphere. There are a couple of big lounge chairs and seats. The space is dimly lit to contribute to the warm atmosphere. I always feel comfortable entering the clubhouse. I notice there are some members in the lounge area. In the back there is a separate room where we have our club meetings or important announcements. Those meetings are only for the most important members of the club.
When I enter the room I see that everyone is already sitting at the big table with Mitali Bunce at the head. On her left and right there are two empty seats and I glance at Simon, who is also looking at me. I raise my right eyebrow at him and Simon turns red. I snicker softly and walk towards my seat. It still makes me angry that the Mage made Simon one of his right hands. Me being the other one, obviously. When Mitali took over she just let Simon and me be.
I look around the table and everyone is talking or messing around. I see Penelope talk softly with Simon and he yanks at his curls. He only does that when something bothers him or when he’s nervous. Not that I watch every move Snow makes. Okay, fine. I do, because I’m disturbed, ask anyone.
I startle when I hear Mitali bang her gavel a few times to silence everyone. “Okay, everyone is here. Let’s start the meeting.”
Everyone immediately went silent, when Mitali speaks.
What is this meeting about? I look across the table and blush. Simon is looking straight at me. Why does he keep looking at me? I cross my arms and look away.
“I hear that the community wants a new children’s playground, but the mayor won’t fund it.”
Immediately everyone starts talking with each other and I sigh. Mitali bangs her gavel on the table to get everyone’s attention.
“Everyone be quiet! Last week there was a town meeting with loads of people from the community. They sent a letter to the mayor to ask if it was possible to renovate the children’s playground. The current playground is unsafe and dangerous to use. The mayor refused to renovate the playground, because of budget constraints. Everyone there was stunned.”
“What does this have to do with the club?” someone asks.
Mitali crosses her arms and says, “If someone interrupts me one more time, that person will clean up the clubhouse for a month.”
Everyone freezes.
“Now, here is where the club comes in. We are going to organize a fundraiser for the children's playground. Next month we are organizing a community barbeque. So it’s informal and everyone can enjoy a good meal and donate money. We are going to do our very best for this community. We owe it to them, especially because of the Mage. Thoughts?”
Everyone gives their opinion and I think it’s a great opportunity to show the community that we have good intentions.
“Baz and Simon?” I look up at Mitali and see a mischievous glint in her eyes. Oh no. What is she up to?
“This is a very important event for the club. That means I need my two right hands on their best behaviour and what better way is there than to learn to work together. I have the perfect job for the two of you. You two will be in charge of the food.”
Set me on fire. Working together with Simon Snow? This will be a disaster.
“No arguing. You two are both accepting this job and making sure everything is perfect. Penny will help with the menu, so talk to her.”
Mitali turns her attention to everyone and says, “Meeting adjourned.” She bangs her gavel and leaves the room.
Simon
My eyes widen when I hear Mitali’s wishes. Is this for real? Merlin. This is perfect! I’m going to use this to soften Baz’s heart. Penny elbows me to get my attention.
“I’m going to help my mom. Text me when you two are done fighting and want to brainstorm about the menu. Who am I kidding? You two will never stop fighting. I wonder when you two will finally know what’s actually going on.”
“Penny, don't leave me! What? What do you mean?”
Penny waves at me and winks, “Good luck with him.”
I look over at Baz and he is actually scowling at me. I choke and cough loudly.
Baz just rolls his eyes. “I don’t think I’m so lucky you would actually choke on your own spit.”
“Sod off, Baz.”
“Well, I don’t think so. Didn’t you get the memo? We are stuck with each other for this event.”
“I know, I was there!”
“Really? I thought you weren’t paying attention.”
“How would you know? You weren’t paying attention. Since you were so busy looking at me.” Ha, take that Basilton Grimm-Pitch. I can see Baz getting redder by the minute and I grin at him.
“Stop being a pain in my arse, Snow. Let’s focus. I already came up with a plan.”
“What? How do you already have a plan? We just heard about it!”
Baz just smirks. “Because I’m amazing,” he says with a wink.
Now it’s my turn to flush. “That...that is not...who made you the leader? This is a team effort. We need to work together!”
“Why? I’m not going to listen to your ridiculous ideas.”
“I don’t have ridiculous ideas! You didn’t even hear me out.”
“Are you serious? Do you remember that time you thought you could get everyone coffee and balance it on your steering wheel? No surprise you dropped every single coffee.”
“Okay, that wasn’t one of my brightest ideas,” I mutter, pulling at my curls. “I just think we need to listen to Mitali. We need to learn to work together.”
“And that's why I am in charge. Besides, I’ve been a member of the club longer than you. So it's only fair if you listen to my orders.”
“That isn't even a valid argument, Baz. No, we need to work together. No fights. Well, at least we should try to fight less?”
Baz sighs and relents. “Fine, but no scones.”
“What! Why not? I love scones…”
“You don’t eat scones at a barbeque, Snow. Stop being a big dolt.”
“I’m sure Penny will agree with me. Scones are a must.”
“We’ll see.” Baz makes a move to leave the room.
“Baz, wait!”
Baz stops and turns. “What is it now, Snow? I have better things to do than listen to you make a fool of yourself.”
“Stop acting like that, Baz. I know you don’t mean it.”
“You’re seeing things.”
“Are you free tomorrow to brainstorm? I’ll let Penny know so we can come up with a menu together?”
“Sure why not.”
“Great! How about lunchtime? I know a great bakery near my house where we can eat and brainstorm? It’s called Ebb’s Bakery. I love the owner. Do you know the place?”
“I know the place.”
“Amazing, see you tomorrow Baz.”
He rolls his eyes at me. “See you tomorrow Snow.”
That went well. Baz has a secret sweet tooth. So suggesting Ebb’s Bakery was a great idea. See, not all my ideas are wrong. Baz always drinks his coffee with loads of sugar and when I bring pastries to the clubhouse, Baz always lingers at the back so he can get something when no one is looking. One day everything I brought was gone in seconds and Baz was clearly disappointed when there was nothing left for him. He turned and almost collided with me, but stopped in time, with wide eyes.
“Did you manage to get some of the pastries I brought?”
Baz flushed and said, “No, but that’s okay. I don't like pastries anyway,” and walked away from me. I grabbed his sleeve and he stopped.
“Here, I got this especially for you.” I handed him the bag.
Baz looked at me with wide eyes. “What is this?”
“A white chocolate donut with a strawberry filling. I hope you like it,” I said with a smile and left him with the donut to enjoy.
Baz
I can’t believe that menace made me come here . Ebb’s Bakery. When I noticed Snow bringing pastries to the clubhouse, I had to know where he got them. They were delicious. Not that I’m ever going to tell him that. One day I just decided to follow Snow and find out the shop where he got the pastries. The owner, Ebb, is just as horrible as Snow. She is so bloody sweet and has an unhealthy love for goats.
I sigh and enter the bakery. My mouth starts to water when the smell of freshly baked pastry enters my nose. I swallow and look around for Snow and Bunce. Then I spot them in the corner of the bakery. Not that it took long for me to find them. Simon bloody Snow was waving at me like a man possessed. Set me on fire. I walk over to them and nod at Penelope Bunce and raise my eyebrow at Snow.
“Snow.”
“Hi Baz, you’re finally here.”
“You sound as if I’m late. I’m perfectly on time.”
Penny rolls her eyes at that and Simon just shrugs his shoulders and moves to make space for me. He gestures to the empty space for me to sit down. How the hell am I going to survive this? Sitting next to Simon Snow. Will our knees touch? Should I casually rest my hand besides his? Snap out of it, Basilton Pitch! I’m not going to make a fool of myself. I swallow and take a seat beside Snow.
“So, should we start?”
“Yes, perfect,” Penny says and retrieves a stack of papers from her purse.
“I already ordered us something,” Simon says excitedly. “Ebb is making something special for us.”
“You already ordered? What did you order for me?”
“Oh something sweet,” he says with a grin. “You’ll love it. Should we get started?” and then he nudges Penny lightly.
“Okay, let’s begin. I already wrote a menu down, but I would like to hear what you both think.”
“As far as the theme goes, I was thinking we should keep it rustic and fun for the children. So no five star dishes, but good home cooked meals. My mum has some great family recipes I would love to try.”
“Sounds perfect.” I say.
Penny looks surprised. “I haven’t told you the menu yet.”
“Well get to it.” At that, Simon elbows me. I look at him and I roll my eyes.
“I mean, it already sounds good,” Simon agrees with me and nods his head at my comment.
“Fine. For the side dishes I was thinking we could do some deviled eggs, coleslaw, grilled vegetables with a chickpea salad and corn on the cob. As for the main, I was thinking ginger & honey chicken wings, lamb and chicken kebabs, a vegan burger and fish. Then for dessert, grilled pineapple with coconut, apple crumble, and bananas with chocolate.”
“Penny, stop describing all the deliciousness. I’m so hungry right now,” Simon says.
And right on cue the waiter comes with our order. The waiter gives me a caramel latte macchiato with whipped cream topped with extra caramel, and a white chocolate donut with strawberry filling. I look up with wide eyes at Simon, because I did not see this drink on the menu. He just grins at me. I remember Simon giving me this exact donut the other day. Just for me and he nailed it. I loved every bit of that delicious donut.
I grab the coffee and take a sip and can’t stop the moan coming from my mouth. “Wow, this is the best coffee I’ve had in a while.”
“Really? You like it?” Simon’s face is a little flushed. He looks at me expectantly.
“I love it,” I say and give him a little smile. He looks away with a red face and takes a sip of his tea. Of course he ordered a scone with it and my smile widens. Only a bit.
Penny clears her throat. “When you two are done smiling like idiots, I would love to hear your thoughts on the menu.”
I choke on my bite of the donut and cough loudly. Simon gently taps me on the back and I take a sip of my coffee to clear my throat.
“Bunce, you outdid yourself. The menu sounds perfect. It’s diverse and the children will love the dishes. I can’t wait to taste it myself. The flavour combinations sound perfect.”
“Thank you Baz,” Penny says, beaming. Then she looks at Simon. “What do you think, Simon?”
“Er...yeah. What Baz said and I can’t wait to eat it.”
My eyes lock with Penny and we both burst out in laughter.
“What? What did I say?”
“Nothing, Simon. Now, you two need to figure out where you’re going to buy the stuff I need. I expected you both would love the menu.” She hands us a piece of paper with ingredients.
I glance at the list and groan. “Do you really need all of this?”
“Yes.”
“Snow, I know a great place where we can buy quality meat and produce.”
“I don’t think that’s a good idea, Baz. We don’t need to go to some fancy posh place to buy the stuff we need.”
“Then what do you suggest?”
“Erm...we can buy it at the supermarket?”
“Are you serious?”
“Okay, this is my cue to leave,” Penny cuts in. “Good luck figuring it out. I’ll talk to you later Simon.” She nods at me before she leaves the bakery.
“I can’t believe she just left us here.”
“Why not? She did her job. We are in charge of the food. Let’s get back to when you suggested that ridiculous idea of yours.”
“There is nothing wrong with a supermarket!”
“You are barbaric, Snow. We need some quality produce.”
“We are not all posh and fancy as you, Baz. We have a strict budget.”
I sigh, “What do you suggest?”
“Maybe we can buy the produce at some local stores? So we can support our community. Isn’t that what the event is all about? Bringing people together and supporting the community?”
I look at Simon for a long time. “Look at you, with not at all a terrible idea.”
“See! You said it! Not all my ideas are terrible!”
“Don’t make a big deal of it.”
We finish our drinks and pastries, then arranged to meet tomorrow for shopping.
Simon
Today Baz and I will place orders at the local shops, to be picked up closer to the event. When I arrive at the address I see Baz leaning against his bike.
He looks so fit in his leather jacket and jeans. Merlin. Baz Pitch wearing jeans should be illegal. Where does he find jeans that hug his arse like that? Probably at some fancy store. I most definitely don’t look like that when I’m wearing jeans, right?
I park my bike beside Baz’s bike and remove my helmet. I swallow and blurt out, “You’re wearing jeans!”
Baz removes his glasses and raises his infernal eyebrow at me. “How very observant of you, Snow.” I can feel my cheeks heat from embarrassment.
“Right, let’s get inside.”
Everyone is so nice and helpful, it all goes smoothly. We manage to place orders at every shop we go to. Of course we also invite the employees to the event. We walk to our bikes and I try to start my bike. I groan loudly. Of course my bike starts to act up.
“Did you get your bike fixed like I suggested? You told me your bike isn’t starting properly?” Baz asked.
“Erm...yeah sometimes it won’t start.” I say avoiding his eyes and scratching at the back of my head. Of course I did not forget. I just did not have enough money for the bike this month.
“I think you should make sure the fuel control valve is not clogged with rust.”
“Right. Thanks. I think I’ll call Penny, maybe she can pick me up.”
“Don’t be ridiculous. I can give you a ride. Fiona has a lorry. She can pick up your bike and have it fixed.”
“You don’t have to do that, Baz.”
He puts on his gloves and helmet and gets behind his bike. He turns to look at me. “Are you coming?”
“Fine, but tell your aunt I can pay whatever it costs to fix my bike.” I get behind Baz and put on my helmet. I can’t believe I’m sitting behind Baz. It’s a tight fit, but I don’t mind. This is my chance to snuggle up to him.
Baz turns his head towards me and asks, “Ready?” and I give him a thumbs up. He starts the engine and I can feel the vibration in my bones.
The motion of the bike forces me to grab onto something. And that something is Baz’s waist. I can feel him stiffen, but he doesn’t make me remove my arms. I can feel Baz’s muscles move. I wonder what they feel like without his clothes. On instinct I move closer to him and a wave of his posh shampoo enters my nose. A smell of cedar and bergamot. I like it. Of course the posh tosser smells devine.
Before I know it, we arrive at my flat.
We remove our helmets and I say “Thank you Baz, for the ride. I know you didn’t have to do that.” I smile shyly at him.
“Not a problem at all,” he says with a blush on his cheeks.
Before I can change my mind I lean into him and kiss him. It’s a quick kiss, but before I can step back, I feel Baz’s hand in my hair. He tugs me closer, an invitation to kiss him again. This time the kiss is slower and deeper. My heart is ready to burst. This feels so good and right. I can’t believe we didn’t do this sooner. I like this better than fighting.
I move my hand to his hair and grab a soft handful. Baz makes quiet gasping sounds against my lips and I take this opportunity to slide my tongue into his mouth. We both groan as our tongues fight for dominance and I cling tighter to Baz’s body. We break apart gasping for air. I look down at Baz and his pupils are blown wide, his lips red and swollen. Baz slowly smiles gently at me and I smile back at him.
“Hi,” I say with a soft voice.
“Hey.” Baz’s voice sounds breathy and hoarse.
“So, I finally found a way to shut you up,” I say with a chuckle and Baz also laughs softly. “I actually wanted to do that for a long time.” I can see the shock on his face.
He swallows heavily. “You’re just saying that.”
“You know I always tell the truth. Baz, I don’t want to fight anymore.”
“But I like fighting with you, Snow,” he says softly.
I smile at that. “I like you Baz and I want to kiss you again.”
“You’re a menace Simon Snow.”
I grin and say, “So that’s a yes?”
“Of course that’s a yes. Now get over here and kiss me again.”
My eyes widen and I surge forward, crashing my lips again with his. This time the kiss is heated and we both kiss like we are starved.
When we break apart Baz says with a hoarse voice, “I like you too, Simon. I’ve actually liked you for a while now.”
“Really?”
He nods and my heart melts.
“Now you’re not so mad that Mitali made us work together,” I say jokingly.
Baz rolls his eyes. “You’re horrible.”
“No, you like me,” I tease.
Baz clears his throat. “That I do. Are you doing anything tomorrow?”
“No, what do you have in mind?”
“Do you want to go for a drive?”
“I would love to, but I don’t think my bike will be fixed by tomorrow.”
Baz rolls his eyes at that. “I mean driving like we did today.”
Oh. “For sure! I mean, yes I would love to.”
“Great, I’ll pick you up tomorrow.” He winks at me. Baz grabs his helmet and starts his bike.
My heart flutters when I see him disappear. I’m determined to follow this new path and I know I won’t be letting Baz Pitch go anytime soon.
