ivyheaven

[ivyheaven]

His smirk caused one of her own to form on her lips, "hm, good to know - I'll take notes. I must've done something right that night," she whispered, mentally taking notes on the events from that night. On the off-chance it ever happened again, she'd know what he liked. "It just feels good, to know you still like something about me." Though, hearing him say she was always everything to him made her heart somersault in her chest. Their last discussion had left them in a weird spot, one where they had said hurtful things and while, everything was not entirely cleared up, it was clear that they had loved each other intensely, despite what had occurred. She tilted her head to lean into his touch, eyes fluttering shut as she met his lips, his warm breath breathing life into her. It took her a minute to find her words, forgetting the two languages she knew, how dumb of her. "Si, ahora ya lo se," she mumbled in that small space between their lips.

Ivette stared at him, almost dumbfounded. He was right. She didn't want to hurt him again. Even if the last time hadn't been on them, they had still caused each other a lot of damage. Damage they still carried with each other now. "I don't want to hurt you anymore," she admitted. "I already did way too much of that," that was said in a low voice, ashamed to even say it out loud. "I never stopped loving you, you know. Even when we were away, miles away, I still loved you."

The heaviness of the conversation could be felt in her shoulders, but looking into his eyes and hearing the water fountain behind them had her at ease. A bit more. Like, they were in a better place to have this conversation. "Sure about what, about us?" She wanted to say yes, she felt it in her bones, but the thought of Nate popped into her head. The letters they had exchanged up until now. She was probably in her head, but there was a feeling there. One she couldn't shake off. He probably hadn't even thought of her that way, it was definitely Ivette reading things incorrectly (no pun intended). "I...want to do this right too, I think we have some more conversations to go." Catching each other up on their time away from each other perhaps? That might just help her shake Nate from her mind. "Let's take that scenic route?" Nudging him slightly to encourage him to walk along the path with her.

"Thoroughly," he replied with a smirk. "The good job sticker. Ivy, you never had to earn badges. You were just always everything to me." His voice was soft and whisper like. His hand caressed her face as he kissed her and sighed into her lips. He chuckled, finding her speaking Spanish sexy as hell. "Ya sabes lo loco que me haces."

Changing our course? That one Javi had to really think about. He didn't wanna let her down again. "Ivy. I would love to change course on our relationship, but I need you to know that I'm not setting to hurt you anymore. I want us to do it right. This time. I still love you so much that it has had me stuck for a long while"

"I just want you to be sure. I want us to do this right." Javi knew the severity of this and the implications it'd bring. "I haven't yet gotten over you." This fountain seemed to be more than magic since here it was making him spill his inner most guarded secrets.

[ivyheaven]

"And now you're a poet?" She was tickled by the rhyming words added to her now nickname. Gianna was so amused by all of this, that he teased her but it was not the cruel type of teasing. The complete opposite - the type that was meant to make her laugh and make her blush, even. It was something she was not used to, not in the slightest. "Hm, well I'm a fan of you, so I guess yes by extension...a fan of fancy bitches." Once again, reassuring that she was not a fan of everyone and everything. Gia was very particular and very certain what she was about, even if she didn't often pursue it. She could hear it in his words, how he challenged her at every turn, but Gia was enthralled by it. Ready to rise up to the challenge, no matter what it was.

In between laughter, she shrugged. "It's the good kind of laughter, I am intrigued by this duality. How unassuming you can be, it's a very good trait in our work. Hm, and who said I'm the type to bring people home to my parents?" In all her life, she did that a total of one time. High school boyfriend, and only because he kept insisting to do so. That was an experience that solidified why she didn't bring people home.

"What's wrong with that? It's fun to focus on the road, and when it's dead at night, even better. It's just relaxing and the breeze in the air sometimes too." Her smile grew wider, moving her hair away from her face. "Hm okay I'll give you that, you pick pretty good music. Sounds like I picked a pretty good passenger princess."

Gianna's laugh filtered through the air, head falling back slightly. They had to be the only people that looked alive and fully awake, everyone else around them fighting the urge to fall asleep. "Seven? Some might say you're taking advantage of me," she joked, leaning into him slightly. "Maybe I'll get you drunk first, and I'll be able to see fun Mikey." As they spoke, she overheard the gate attendant call out their flight number. It was time to board. "Ensenada, here we come." It was done without thinking, just instinct, but she reached for his hand and intertwined her fingers in his.

The flight to Ensenada felt long, but it wasn't as bad as she expected. It must've been the fatigue of the day or their earlier activity, but about half an hour after the plane took off, she dozed off - her head initially falling back on the seat before eventually leaning on his shoulder to rest.

"I'm all for that," he smirked. His eyes took her in almost as if drinking her in. The moment was real. They were used to being different people, but this between them, it was something more. "You're very right, ray of light." Mikey kept teasing her. He found her reaction was cute and so unlike her. Which only fueled him wanting to do it more. "Oh, you're a fan of fancy bitches?" he noted it as a clear smirk spread across his features. "Good to know." Came the words in a low whisper, almost like he was challenging her. Something he'd keep in his arsenal for later.

"See, that exact reaction is why I go by Mikey. It's not threatening at all. You even laugh. But, don't get it twisted, I'm not the one you bring home to your parents." He looked sweet and innocent, but Gia had a front row seat to see that he wasn't. If their nights together had been an indicator, he could be tender, but his normal dial was to make her scream in pleasure. Make it vibrate through the walls.

He rolled his eyes and scoffed. "You like to drive. It thrills you. I see you. Especially when we get in the freeway where there's no traffic, you turn into a real speed demon. Passenger princesses do not drive. They enjoy the view." Said view? GIa in the driver's seat while his hand rested on her thigh. "They pick the music."

Airport buzz was drowned out by his ear buds as he watched people mulling around trying to get to their gates. His legs had stretched out in front of him as he heard Gia's voice. His smile turned into a low laugh. "Five drinks in is not nearly enough to be nice and drunk. I'll be happy if you're walking around in just that little number. We'll make sure you get toes in the sand and are seven drinks in. That's usually when fun Gia comes out."

[ivyheaven]

He didn't think much on the fact that the other bodyguards poked fun at how long he'd been here, their bets on when he'd get sacked were running dry. Diego hadn't asked this out loud, but he wondered if that was due to her meeting him halfway - not the traditional, keeping him on his toes scenarios.

"That you do," he said casually, without much thought. Hey, Diego was quite literally paid to observe. "I suppose that's true, though he does have your wellbeing in mind. That's why I'm here. But yes, you're not wrong - my job's to follow you and secure all the areas you visit. I don't get to pick and choose which ones." Unless there was some immediate and obvious danger, then he could pull the small bit of command he had. "Are your friends joining us again?" That, he said with less enthusiasm. Thinking back to the first prank they pulled on him, he was still not a huge fan.

Kim didn't necessarily keep track of the amount of time each bodyguard she had lasted, she just knew it was never very long, and certainly none had stuck around as long as Diego. It was odd; she liked him - and she usually deeply disliked the bodyguards she had. But somehow he seemed to perfectly dance whatever fine line probably existed between working for her and ultimately for her father. Green hues rolled, though a playful smirk stayed on her lips at his comment. "I insist on going because I like it. And because I don't really care what he thinks about where I go. That's what you're there for anyway, right?" she teased.

[ivyheaven]

@ruinedsoulsrp

Working for Kim's family had been easier than he originally thought, but it also came with conflicts that he had never encountered on the job before. The pushback and assuring that they could take care of themselves, that he was ready for. Spending time with Kim as a friend and now finding her creep into his thoughts? Not so much. That one was new and frankly? Such a cliche. It irritated him, the thought that he had been weak enough. But, he kept that to himself. He wasn't planning to ever say anything, Diego figured it'd eventually subside or he'd push it down far enough for it to not matter. "You know your father has expressed his dislike for that place. Is that why you insist on going?"

[ivyheaven]

Seeing his blush made her oddly proud to evoke that reaction in him. Add that to the list of reactions she could still evoke in him, thoughts to last night quickly coming to her as well. "Hm, I'm glad to hear you were satisfied. I feel like I just got a job well done sticker." Her best, and favorite sticker, in fact. Though, she didn't mention that piece. It was so easy to fall back into this familiarity, how she loved to be in this space with him, and how unpredictable (and yet obvious) this all was. "Oh, I see you're making big money now."

And now, it was her turn to blush. Her face reddened entirely, not even giving her a shot to hide it. "Let me take notes so I can go buy something with some poofy shoulder blades." She was still surprised by the fact that he even remembered that, she barely did. "I eventually began liking the writing portion, I wrote the coolest roses are red, violets are blue poems." Silly poems and notes that she wrote for him. It was how they kept each other close when they couldn't see each other. Ivette's mouth was wide open in feigned shock before her chuckle interrupted her. "Nope, no hell - still here. Hm, that kiss saved my soul and everything else." Though, to some extent, Ivette sometimes felt it had also signed her fate - trouble with her parents, disgust from his mother, and a shit ton of heartbreak to go with it."

After reading the clue out loud, she looked up at him, finding him smiling at her. Her head tilted slightly, slightly confused by the smile. What did she say? But then, the corners of her lips turned upward and she returned his smile, amusement all over her features. "Solo a veces, y aun asi, terminamos el trabajo." Everyone at the hacienda had a knack for waking up early, it was not something she understood until later. So, for many years, her parents always teased her for snoozing the alarms. "I understand the saying, but I just..." looking around their surroundings, she couldn't make sense of how it related. She followed his lead to the water fountain, her heart quickly skipping a bit. She recognized the place, the water fountain. Running from the hacienda and hanging out in the plaza, sharing their first kiss here before they laughed all the way back home. Ivette didn't try hiding how much she wanted this, how much she had thought of his soft, pink lips. It was soft and tender, her hand resting on his cheek. When Javi pulled away, it felt like too short a kiss, but she couldn't complain either way. "Sounds like the scenic route will be a two in one, good views and maybe changing our course?" Optimistic, perhaps? Optimism was not usually in her book, she was always more realistic, but feeling his lips against her had her believing anything was possible.

"Oh," he chuckled, a blush quickly forming on his cheeks. "I have no notes for you on flexibility. Especially after last night." This quick-witted banter was one of his dearly missed moments between them. As friends, this was normal. As lovers, this was what his grandma said would take them to old age together. A pang of hurt made his heart clench as he thought back to what the previous night meant to him. The sleepover quip made him laugh. "No, he pays rent." A joke since he wouldn't charge for his family sleeping over.

"No, don't think like that. The poofy shoulder blades were my favorite. You made it look goofy cute." He had once asked his mother what was that about, and she had told him it was nothing to concern himself about. "I bet a lot. I feel like the writing and school go hand in hand." His eyebrows lifted as the confession of kissing a boy was said. "And you didn't go to hell? Maybe the kiss saved your soul." It sure did his when he first kissed her.

He was about to say something else when she read the clue out loud and smiled. Spanish never seemed so beautiful than when it came from her. "A veces te quedas dormido." An inside joke from working on the hacienda when the sun rising didn't get his ass up in time. He frowned semi confused and then looked around. Without a second thought, he grabbed her hand and led her to a water fountain. Their first kiss. He turned and cupped her face before bringing his lips against hers. Slowly pulling away, he looked away. "Scenic because it's a picture op. Forged path, coin toss. You make your own luck sometimes. Change course without a push." At least that's where his mind led him, but he was sure he was way off.

[ivyheaven]

Isaac could only grin in response, hearing his wife detail the reasons she could pull off the Tinkerbell vibes. He had no doubts, to be honest, but hearing them listed out, was amusing. And, very real. The thought of cloudy days for him was no fun. "Sad times? Baby, those are absolute tragedies. The fun fruit snack is what gets me through the day." Half-true, but he had to admit that the surprises in his lunch and the thought and care that went into it was what made those days bearable. "I know sweets, and I appreciate that you love me this way, to see past those mistakes, but they are hefty ones. Ones that I can't afford to forget." He doubted that could ever happen, but if he did, he feared he'd end up on the same path of mistake as before. "Oh, the beard. I can't make any promises there, but with twins and our bun, I'm sure it's inevitable."

He listened to her find a compromise, and he offered a wide smile in return. "That's not for you to worry about. I will figure something out, if you want me at home." Now, Isaac knew that his new special agent had more knowledge than most of the newly promoted agents, but a close watch on the department really spoke to the pressure he was under. Another courtesy of his predecessor, Karina. "I'll see what I can do, at least half of the week at home?" He nodded in agreement, leaning in to press a kiss to her temple. "We rock the hell out of them. It's a lot of fun, or at least I think so, based on our twin's consistent laughter. Hm? Yeah, one hundred percent, I'm there. All the appointments, I'm there. When is it?" Then, another question came to mind. "How are we playing this one, in terms of family? All that power is yours, telling them or keeping it for ourselves babe."

Nettie smiled, letting him know she was just kidding. "I've got the hair color to pull it off. Also, I've got a flickered light whenever you don't give me enough attention. Those are very cloudy days for you. No lunch pack, no fun fruit snack surprises in your to go bag. Sad, sad times for you." When she was happy, it was noticeable how much that radiated. When she was in her head, everyone felt it. "It's not putting up with you. We all fuck up. I know I've done my fair share with you. What I care about is how you get back up and work through it. That's why I love you. That's why I will continue to fight for you because I see the potential. I'm betting on potentional. You strive for better every day. Not just work but in family life." One hand gently caressed his cheek and frowned. "So, seriously, when are you growing out that sexy little beard."

The caretaker in her husband was prominent and present. She couldn't help but smile at him. "Baby, I just don't want you to take on more than you can handle. But, I'll be lying if I said I wouldn't keep looking out the window, just wondering what you're up to. So, compromise. How about you work from home? Your new detective knows his shit. So, can you do it?" There was a hopeful part of her that wanted him to say yes. "I think we rock the terrible twos, that's why." she nodded. "I don't have any doubt. I know I got you. I do have something, though. There's an appointment I don't want to go alone to. It's the one with the pokey device."

[ivyheaven]

It was tricky territory, diving into this, but they weren't having the traditional conversation. Or, so she hoped, because while Gia (perhaps for the first time), wanted this, she couldn't promise being able to deliver anything close to traditional. Still, the desire to do it couldn't be shut down. She wanted the hand holding, the cuddles after their nights, the whacky dates and everything in between.

"Hm, is it? Sounds like I have no choice but to keep distracting you every chance I get." And, she meant it - it was her new goal. It'd be fun to think of new ways to do so. "Hm, it sounds like you'll be calling me that from now on." But, though her words spelled out complaint, the smile that crept on her lips approved of the way the nickname sounded coming from him. "That is very basic of me, that's on me for assuming though. I like a fancy bitch though, makes things more interesting."

That pulled a loud laugh from her, shaking her head at his reasoning. "That would be a hilarious thing, I'd hate to explain that some guy named Mikey is after me." Was it wrong to say out loud that she was getting turned on hearing the method to his madness? "Two seconds," she agreed, standing up and dropping her towel as she changed into a pair of jeans and a comfortable shirt she could throw a sweater over. "Uh huh, this is what I get for hanging around fancy bitches. But, yes I'm definitely driving." She did love being behind the wheel, occasionally addicted to speeding, and often times reaching for the keys first.

Arriving to the airport was quick. It was so late at night that the roads were empty and it gave Gia free space to just cruise through. After making it through security and they sat down waiting to board, Karina briefly came to mind once more. She really should tell her something, even a vague update. But, she couldn't bring herself to disrupt the moment they were enjoying. So, she slipped her phone back into her pocket. "By this time tomorrow, we better be five drinks in and so annoyed by sand we thought we got rid of earlier in the day."

"I like that. I'd like to keep it that way." Mikey knew she was talking about the cockiness but that wasn't what he was talking about. He wasn't much for relationships. He never had a thing for them. Long-term things never boded well for his lifestyle, but meeting Gia had him upside down. He wanted the dumb shit of dates and being the only one who could make her scream and curl her toes in bed. He didn't particularly like that she'd be with other guys. That part was eating at him.

He smiled and placed a kiss on her nose. "Good. I know you do. It's the sexiest thing ever." Everything she did was sexy but something about pushing him past his limits was damn near gold. "You should use it. Little Luz." Sounded good. He threw in the accent in there, knowing how to mimick languages. "Very basic. I'm so ashamed." Shaking his head, he grinned. "Most people think it's short for Michael. It's kind of is if you translate it but not meant as a Michael. I'm a fancy bitch."

"I like Mikey because people are disarmed by it. So, if I have to turn into a stone cold killer, Mikey won't be someone they see coming." There was a way to his madness. Killing wasn't something he opposed to. He wouldn't be in this business if he was turned off by the mere thought. Sometimes shit needed to get handled permanently. He stole a kiss from her and smirked. "I'll be ready in two seconds." As he said, he was already changed into jeans and a shirt and checkered sweater. "You're driving. We both know I'm the passenger princess."

[ivyheaven]

She was too stunned to reply, it was muffled but the confusion in his features helped her piece it. Deciphering it also didn't take too much, considering that she was feeling the heaviness of not going. Her gaze cast down for a minute, trying to not internalize what he said. He didn't understand why, it felt odd, considering it was the same reason he had to go - family. "I wanted to go with you," was all she could mumble, trying to not get hung up on the comment from earlier. "I will visit, I promised, remember?" The conversation shifting, even slightly, was a relief. It was evident, the way her face relaxed and her lips curved upwards into a small smile. "Hm, I hadn't thought of it that way. Just know, you're encouraging this yapping behavior," she happily teased. Getting a view of his new school tugged at her heartstrings. He sounded content, excited even, for this place. Disturbing that feeling didn't seem right. "A small cafeteria, what a crime!" She laughed to herself before looking up at the screen once more. "I love you too, so so much," not the confession of the century. He knew, he'd known for some time. She told him every single chance she got. "I hate her,” was all she could say in response. Now, Laurel knew that it wasn’t solely her, who contributed to his decision to leave, but she had definitely contributed. And, that bothered her. “I mean, not…I just hate that she did this to you.” It was too frustrating to make sense of it.

Seeing Emma on the screen just made it more real, and it was brief, but her annoyance with this situation subsided when she saw her. Her smile was so wide, her eyes bright as she cheered and proceeded to lay her head on his chest. "Hi Emma! You got a bedtime story for me today?" Laurel shook her head and smiled. "No way, that's always been Emma's spot, she's just been great to share with me."

"I wanted you to come. I still don't understand why you couldn't. You'd still visit." Eli spoke into his pillow, but the confusion was evident. He didn't know why she refused to leave Texas. If she loved him as she claimed. Maybe it was the hurt of leaving that had him sore. "I like my chatterbox. It means I can listen to your voice. It's a win-win situation for me." It worked well that Laurel was the extroverted of the two. "Here's the Google map view. Look at their courtyard. It's huge. We got a fountain."

Showing her things was one of his favorite parts. Including her in things was why he showed her he wanted her in his life. "Cafeteria is pretty small all things considered." His laughter was hidden by the blanket and shook his head. "I love you." A whispered greeting was said. "Meant every word. Probably celebrating the fact that I left."

A small knock was heard as he shuffled and whispered a soft come in once he saw Emma. He couldn't deny his baby sister wanted snuggles. The phone slanted to the left as he got up and lifted Emma off the floor and set her beside him. She smiled and breathed heavily as she moved around and gasped when she realized the phone was on. Her head tilted and waved once she saw it was Laurel. "Hi!" she cheered and waited for Eli to lay back down to put her head on his chest. Eli fixed the phone and laughed. "Guess, you've been replaced."

[ivyheaven]

She licked her top lip trying to conceal a smile, but failing miserably. “Really? No luck needed, I am intrigued by this now.” If he didn’t need luck, what did that say about her? Inez didn't want to think of it, on account of her previous relationship and how that ended. "Well, not shitty family dynamics, per se. It was more so, my brothers had a rough patch. We all did, because my brother got involved in some stuff that kind of related to all of us. Point is, my brothers had a period where they didn't see eye to eye - it was weird, lots of grace being given from my younger brother. They didn't reach hate points, but got fairly close."

"Hm, fair enough. I'm telling you, I could just bring you to help me finish unpacking. It'd count as us jam packing everything," a mischievous smirk forming. "I'm kidding by the way, but agree that we should use up our free time while we have it. Hm, I'm not sure funny is a word they use for me often, but I'll take it, if you think so."

She stood there for a moment, stunned by the act. It was so simple, and yet he just did it without saying anything or making a huge deal out of it. He didn’t know this yet, just how much it meant to her, to be looked out for that way. “My hero,” she half-teased, returning to planet earth. “I appreciate it, I’m still getting used to this weather. Hm, how’d you know where I get all my fashion inspiration?” That, she could agree with. Her nieces and nephews were her entire world. “They are amazing! I personally love the new kid diet I’m on because of them. I’ve tried all types of Cheerios and baby food.” Inez turned to look at him, for a moment to not lose eyes on the sidewalk too long. With her luck, she’d trip over thin air. “Which one is the weird one - the chocolate sundaes of the raspberry sorbets? I loved banana splits as a kid to be honest.”

"I don't need luck," he smiled, feeling confident in himself. Inez seemed to smile when he was being goofy, so he took that as a good sign. He wasn't suave by any means, but he did have heart. He loved fiercely and was overly understanding at times, but good intentions were always there. "You had shitty family dynamics? How'd that work? Did anyone say they hated anyone?"

Rafa knew it was impossible to be with a person for twenty-four hours a day, but if he could, he would just to see her smile like that. "We need to jam pack everything in this week before business takes you away." he chuckled. Her reaction was funny. At least she could take a joke. 'I like funny."

Rafa was quick to place a sunhat over her head as sunglasses laid over his nose. "Hawaii Heat is no joke." He began to walk a little ahead and looked back at her. "You look cute. Like Judy Hopps. "Aren't little kids the best? Your calorie intake sky rockets each time. Ice cream or nephews? Because yes to both answers." The place was just a little way aways but he led her anyway. "I have a huge love for chocolate sundaes. I like Raspberry Sorbet. That one is weird and I don't know why."

[ivyheaven]

"Okay, now you're really calling me old," she said with a feigned gasp. "But, back pain could mean so many things, including lack of flexibility." Something brought on by an unexpected night perhaps, though she didn't say it out loud. After all, her back didn't actually hurt. Zeke, yeah the name seemed familiar. "I think I remember meeting him when I got there. He mentioned crashing for a while, asked if I was permanent or just passing through - funny guy. So, you're just hosting everyone at your place now? Big sleepover."

Was she staring? Just a little bit. Hey, she had never denied that he was attractive. "God, you do? That's kind of embarrassing.” Not necessarily the sacrament portion, but it was a mortifying time. Outfit included. “Pink! They were so red when I did the confession thing.” Her big confessions? “You can imagine, I mean what crazy confessions does a kid have at that age? I told the priest about how much I hated my writing class,” then she paused, this was still a bit embarrassing. “And, that I had shared a kiss with the boy from the hacienda.” The writing piece had surprisingly subsided, now finding comfort in it. The second confession, well that one was a bit more complicated. Walking down the streets with him was so odd, something they hadn’t really done since they were teenagers. They were both taller, him more than her, but still a small noticeable difference. In the distance, the church grew larger. Still standing, just a bit older. As they approached, the potted plants near the steps caught her eye. One of them seemed to glisten, then she tilted her head to ensure she was not imagining things. “Do you see that? There’s something in that pot. The clue, maybe?” Reaching for the glossy envelope, she opened it and read out loud. “El que madruga, dios lo ayuda,” fitting considering the place. “Congratulations on finding the first clue! The forged path is harsh, but quick. The scenic route is slow, but sweet. Just like our next place. Follow the bird’s song and you’ll stumble right in.” Kids were too smart or Ivette was not super quick to understand clues. All she got was the familiar saying about waking up early and being ready for the day, her dad’s favorite saying. “I can only think of the fruit stands, the birds are always chirping there. But the forged path and the scenic one? What does that even mean?”

"If your back hurts, that means welcome to your cripply era." Javi smirked but wasn't truly serious. If anything, Ivette looked just as youthful as he remembered her. "My best friend, Zeke. He is a weirdo. You've met him in passing. He is spending time in la hacienda for a bit." Best friend didn't even cut it. That was his brother.

Javi smirked and hummed as he took another bite and licked his spoon. A little inside look to how he ate her out last night. Which he didn't do intentionally but still laughed inwardly. "I remember that. Vaguely, but I remember that." Javi would never be front and center like that. His parents wouldn't dare put up like that. It worked out, but he felt for Ivette. "I bet those pink cheeks were super cute." He opened the door for her and smiled as he let her go first.

[ivyheaven]

have spent my entire weekend singing along to this song/soundtrack....I need to stop

[ivyheaven]

"You're the only one," she teased, though it was a very true statement. No one really cared for her cockiness. It was irritating to others at the bureau, not that Gia cared. In fact, it amused her. There was more to her, of course, but no one ever bothered to take the time. Why should she indulge them?

Being held by her chin didn't leave much space for her to wiggle away or look elsewhere. Looking into his green eyes and hearing the certainty he spoke with, Gia lowered her guard just a bit more. "I believe you." Promise. Then, just as quickly, her mischievous smile appeared. "That was the point, distracting you is my favorite."

Gianna did well with superficial compliments, but these? The ones that spoke about who she was? That, she had a bit more difficulty with. Only family had complimented her this way, no one else. "I'll have to tell my parents sometime, that my colleague's a fan of my name." Little light? Oh god, was this going to be her nickname? "I'm glad you like it though, even if I never use it. "How basic is it of me to say that I thought it stood for Michael?" Which was funny, considering she had been given his file before meeting him. But, Gia never focused on names, just read the important parts and moved on to the next partner. "Ah, I see. That's really amazing, I'd say you definitely make it better. Childish? Really? I thought it was pretty good, huh. But, clearly you don't mind if you still use it as your nickname." Turning to face him, she pressed a quick, playful kiss to his nose. "Okay we need to get to packing. I got that last flight leaving tonight, so we're kind of pressed for time."

"You know I love when you're cocky," he smirked. It wouldn't be on him to deny her that. Especially when she made it obvious she wanted to satisfy him in any way possible. There was something incredibly hot when an independent and take no shit from anyone crumbled like a pie crust when she felt taken care of. "Oh? I will."

She made it seem like the belief wasn't quite there yet. Mikey smiled softly and tucked her chin under his finger. "I promise you I will take you to Greece." With all the conviction he had, he was going to make it happen. Maybe once they were on vacation, he'd take her to Greece and have their getaway. "Don't tell me that. I won't be able to focus now. Wondering what kinds of dresses you'd try on."

"You bring the light to every room you walk into. Your parents made a good decision with your name. Little light." he nodded his head. "What, did you think it stood for Michael? You'd have been so wrong." The laugh trickled out of him at the mere thought. "Nope. Just mine. Actually, it was mom's maiden name. She thought, why not let her first child take her maiden name and make it better. Mikey is the family nickname. They aren't fans of Mickey, though. Sounds too childish."

[ivyheaven]

His words reverberated in her head, hard to get out of his head. If only he knew how true that was, just how impossible it was to get him out of her mind (and heart). Still, the words hit her like a ton of bricks, a soft breath escaping her. "Way to call us old," she only teased, an amused smile on her lips. "But ditto on that head thing." Seeing a hint of a smirk only amused her further, difficult to hide how well they knew each other. Even now. "Duh! Has anyone disputed that being the superior flavor? Because they're already wrong."

Ivette thought about it for a moment before nodding in agreement. "Okay true. That's so true actually! Kids these days always rushing to grow up, then we get called kids as if it's such a bad thing." Wincing at the thought, yuck. Taking his pinky, she squeezed it gently. "We'll make it work," talking about this challenge or about them? Both, maybe. Standing up from her chair, she playfully nudged him. "Hey! You can't steal from mine, and not give me some of yours." She followed after him as he talked about the clue. "Of course I remember it! Had to do my first communion there, very mortifying," she said, shaking her head. "If it's not a good prize, me vas a deber otro prize."

"Kinda hard to get you out of my head. We've got a shit ton of years under our belts." Something resembling a smirk crossed his features. He loved that he still knew her like the back of his hand. "It's also the superior flavor." Many fights had been had with Zeke over which flavor was better. Suffice to say that boy had no sophisticated taste.

"No," They were supposed to be kids anyway. Same playing field. "Just don't think too much. You know kids nowadays act like they're forty. We're the ones that look younger than they do." Thank being a millennial for his youthful face. "I mean, we kinda proved that again." he stuck out his pinky for her and stole a bite of her own flavor before pushing his own toward her. "Eat it on the way. I think I know where clue one might be. Remember the steps of that old church?" He had no idea what the prize but smiled anyway. "I don't know let's find out."

[ivyheaven]

Inez did her best to wipe the smile off her face, crossing her arms over her chest. "You got it then. Good luck woo'ing me then." She didn't consider herself a difficult person, but she had to admit, she was intrigued by his words. What entailed, being woo'ed by him? "Fair enough. Well, maybe faith. I've seen my share of family dynamics being repaired."

She smiled at his direct responses, it was honestly a breath of fresh air. No beating around the bush or playing games. A triple feature? This had to be part of these woo'ing efforts he had mentioned. Newly moved here, her work still setting up, Inez had nothing but time. "I'll take you up on it, I really need to take advantage of having this free time. And that you're free all week." It was brief, but she stood there dumbfounded. She had never been called an enchantress, woah. Her dazed smile definitely gave that away. "Funniest thing I've been told is my fault, I guess I'll accept the blame."

She walked through the door, now standing in the sidewalk, the sun warm on her skin. "I could be. Nieces and nephews, I'm a new expert in the field." Ice cream outings with the kids was always a popular one. "How about you, you have any favorites?"

❛❛I just don't want you falling in love with me so quickly. Let me at least woo you first.❜❜ was it too soon for him to try to woo her? Maybe. But, he'd be crazy not to. ❛❛I don't know if it's up to me. But I like your confidence or faith. Maybe damages won't be irreparable. That was the best he could do. He didn't know where his brother landed. For all he knew, he was in a ditch somewhere.

It seemed Gaelic was gonna be his best friend. Something he hated learning as a child and didn't think he'd ever get to use was now the thing that could literally get him a date with his dream girl. He always knew funny was going to be the thing that'd get him to bend the knee to relationships. ❛❛I'm free all week. We can make it a triple feature. Living on a prayer is what I'm doing.❜❜ he opened the door for her and waited for her to pass. ❛❛so are you an ice cream, gremlin?❜❜

He nodded slowly against her lips and smiled. ❛❛Mhmm, all your fault. You're kind of an enchantress.❜❜ there was no question he had fallen prematurely, but Inez was one of those people who'd he willingly surrender his heart to. ❛❛Only thing on the schedule is wooing you.❜❜

[ivyheaven]

"Don't tempt me," she replied softly, the inevitable sadness washing over her, knowing that she couldn't follow right now, even if she wanted to. She did miss his scent, and while the bedding and the clothes she kept still had the lingering cologne, it didn't beat having him right next to her. For her to snuggle up to and breathe in.

His smirk made her grin widely, god she missed him. "Good, no hanging up. We can stay here all night, just talking about everything and anything. I've wanted to talk to you all day. Only you let me be a full-time chatterbox." And, where better to start than with school and their plans for the week. "You will? Oh that's fun, send me pictures of the school, yes? And, your cool, new apartment too." She smiled in response, "of course, I'll be waiting for your video call." The quip about the heater pulled a laugh from her, "now you'll actually need to use all the blankets to stay warm. Until I can see you again."

Laurel unfolded the note with her name, feeling a pang of guilt followed by the wave of love she felt upon seeing the familiar handwriting. "Are you sure? I'm counting nineteen million, you might've missed the last part," she half-teased as she read along. Each word, she could picture him saying to her. "I love it," she whispered, "and I love you. I said it before, but I will be waiting to see you again. I'll be patient, promise." She nodded to confirm his assumption, a mischievous grin following. "Hm, might've been the quickest shower of my life." The mention of Jenny had her joy falter, her grin fading and brows furrowing in slight confusion. "I...not really. I don't really want to see her either. I did hear from someone in the building that she's planning some kind of party. So, she's back to normal, I guess."

Eli smirked against his pillow and fluttered his eyelids at her. ❛❛Then come here and it'll smell like me.❜❜ he said it mostly to his pillow even though his heart and soul ached for her to come and be there with him. He knew it wasn't possible, but still, he could dream.

He smirked and opened one eye at her. ❛❛That's not so different than when I'm there. The note I left you....❜❜ he was about to lift himself up and prop himself on his elbow but then she had found it. He dropped his head back down and shook his head. ❛❛I wouldn't dream of hanging up. Phone will go down to two percent before I hang up. It's all I have wanted the entire day. No classes tomorrow? Score. I'll be at school to see if I can get into one of the classes but after that I'll just move into the apartment with my brother. We can video call after that? ❜❜ a sleepy chuckle was had as he smiled and sighed.❛❛I do but you're not here so I can't warm up my feet without my heater.❜❜ eli ran cold so he enjoyed that Laurel brought heat.

❛❛Gonna read the note? I pretty much said I love you about twenty million times.❜❜ Though his eyes were closed and he had rearranged himself into a laying down position, he was awake for her. He had settled down enough to not feel so desperate. ❛❛Bet the shower was so lonely and you finished quicker unlike our last time. Have you seen Jenny?❜❜ he was morbidly curious.

[ivyheaven]

"Only maybe? Ouch," he teased in response, the pinch of her fingers was a pretty close tie, but he didn't falter. He knew he could win, even if it was barely. Tinker bell, now that she mentioned it, it did sound like her a lot. With the twins at home and Rosebud, he had been on a Disney binge. "That is one hundred percent you, tinker bell. But, good to know you won't tire of it, because I won't stop telling you. Ever." He chuckled slightly, shaking his head. "Some might disagree and say I still have them working for it, but thank you for putting up with me."

He smiled softly, knowing that her mind was already running with all different kind of thoughts. It was part of their process, really. "I know you'll be fine, and definitely not alone. The family loves spending time with you, but I'm not sure about leaving you." Still, she made a good point. With the new position and having a unit to look after now, he had more responsibilities than ever. "He's new to the promotion, but he's been handling himself for a while. I'm sure I can figure something out with him." He wanted to be here for her. Sure, work was important to Isaac, he loved what he did, but his family would always come first. "The terrible twos don't want to leave us, it seems. It is a bit scary," he admitted with her. "But, we're together and I'm with you every step of the way. Whatever comes our way, we'll figure it out."