Fandom: Rockapella

Rating: Teen

Length: 847

Prompt: Leaf

Content notes: Part of my Street Gang AU; Liorah is a self-insert OC of mine. Some fantasy/mildly witchy elements in here if you squint. No beta, apologies for any typos and errors -- I wrote this while tired.

Summary: On an autumn night, the gang stumble on something interesting, hidden in plain sight.

The crisp autumn air blew through the narrow, graffiti-covered alleyways of New York City, swirling fallen leaves into a chaotic dance. The guys huddled together on a dimly lit street corner, their black jackets emblazoned with their logo setting them apart from the crowd. Among them stood Liorah, the fiery young woman who had become an integral part of their ragtag family.

Sean glanced at Liorah, his heart swelling with pride. She had proven herself time and time again, showcasing her resourcefulness and tenacity. With her agile moves and sharp instincts, she had become their secret weapon. Her and Sean hadn’t been together long, but their love had blossomed like the very leaves that danced around them.

As they walked through the deserted streets, the gang stumbled upon an abandoned warehouse. Its towering walls were covered in vines and overgrown foliage, a stark contrast to the concrete jungle surrounding it. Curiosity piqued, they cautiously entered, their footsteps echoing in the hollow space.

Inside, they discovered a hidden sanctuary, bathed in dappled moonlight, filtering through the cracks in the roof. The floor was carpeted with fallen leaves, creating a soft, cushioned path for their every step. Their eyes widened in wonder as they took in the breathtaking sight before them.

Liorah’s eyes sparkled with excitement, and she led the way deeper into the warehouse. She ran her fingers along the exposed bricks, tracking the intricate patterns nature had painted with time. The gang followed, their footsteps light, as if they were trespassing in a sacred space.

Suddenly, Liorah paused in front of a large, ornate door, her hand hovering over the handle. She turned to face the guys, a sly smile playing across her lips.

“Looks like we’ve stumbled upon something pretty interesting, guys,” she said, gesturing towards the door. “Shall we see what’s behind it?”

Without hesitation, Sean stepped forward, his hand gripping the handle. With a firm tug, he pulled the door open, revealing a staircase leading down into darkness. Like the rest of the warehouse, the staircase was enveloped in leaves.

“Looks like we’re going deeper, boys,” he said, his voice full of cautious excitement.

The gang descended the stairs, noticing what seemed to be ivy creeping up the walls. As they reached the bottom, there was a sense of seclusion.

A patch of moonlight shone through to a corner, illuminating a small table and chairs. A forgotten tea set rested upon it, as if inviting them to partake in a long-forgotten tradition. Liorah’s gaze met Sean’s, and they exchanged a knowing smile.

“Let’s have a moment of peace,” Sean said, his voice carrying a sense of reverence. The gang gathered around the table, their tired bodies finding solace in the comforting embrace of the leaves beneath them.

Liorah poured steaming tea into delicate porcelain cups, the fragrant aroma filling the air. They raised their cups, the clinking sound blending with the soft rustling of leaves. In that moment, time stood still as they sipped the warm elixir, its comforting presence soothing their weary souls.

As they sat there, basking in the serenity of the hidden sanctuary, they shared stories and dreams. Their laughter and chatter echoed through the cavernous space, a stark contrast to the abandoned warehouse’s eerie silence. As the night wore on, Liorah’s eyes met Sean’s, and they knew that it was time to go.

As they made their way back up the staircase, they couldn’t shake the feeling that they had stumbled upon something truly special. They vowed to come back and explore the hidden sanctuary again soon.

Emerging from the warehouse, they were greeted by the crisp autumn air once again. The moon had risen higher in the sky, casting an ethereal glow over the city. Liorah and Sean walked in silence, their hands intertwined, their hearts full of the memories they had just made, carrying the leafy sanctuary’s peace within their hearts.

When they finally returned to their hideout, Sean turned to Liorah, his eyes burning with a fierce passion.

“I don’t want to ever let you go,” he whispered, pulling her closer. “You’re my sanctuary, my safe haven in this chaotic world.”

Liorah’s eyes widened in surprise at Sean’s words, her heart racing with excitement. She had never felt so loved, so cherished, as she did in that moment.

“Sean, you have no idea how much those words mean to me,” she whispered back, her fingers running through his hair.

As they stood there, lost in each other’s embrace, the world around them faded away. The only thing that mattered was the love they shared, and the sanctuary they had discovered together. From that day on, the gang made it a tradition to visit the hidden sanctuary whenever they could. It became their escape from the chaos of the city, a place where they could find peace and solace in each other’s company.

And as long as they had each other, they knew that they could weather any storm that life threw their way. For they had found their own sanctuary, hidden in the most unlikely of places.