celestialmuses

[celestialmuses]

someone let me play a cute young nanny working for a single dad who is just in over his head, and she loves the kids, and they love her, but she’s taking online classes to eventually become a teacher which means she’d have to leave them, and the kids hate that idea so they beg their dad to marry her, not fully understanding what that means. give me an age gap that makes them both think they can’t have the other, even though they both do. pleasseeee

[celestialmuses]

plot: i swear i only kissed you to make that obnoxious person leave me alone, but then your tongue brushes against mine, and suddenly i’m pulling you closer, forgetting we’re in the middle of a crowded room.

[celestialmuses]

They were sitting close to each other, practically in their own little bubble. The intimate lighting and soft jazzy music of the bar they were in definitely helped. "I never do. If I know what I want, why shouldn't I go for it?" She asked rhetorically, gently holding his hand. It was warm and soft, and the scent of his cologne lingered around them and mixed with her perfume well.

As he spoke, she kept the eye contact and nodded. It sounded like a nice weekend, though she didn't really enjoy hikes or getting up early. Or getting up early for a hike. Maybe she could lounge around in bed while he did that? Give him something to return to. "Ooh, see I like that. I'm not much of a morning person, sad to say. But with the right incentive I can be convinced. But earning the breakfast? Hmm, I'll have to think of some good jokes."

"Oh boy, wildest thing? I mean, I feel like people have different understandings of what wildest means, but I guess... I once went on a date with a guy who told me he planned a picnic. It was a surprise and a bad one, because I thought he was going to take me to a bar. So I was wearing 3 inch block heels. We proceeded to walk 10 blocks to the park for this picnic. A picnic with no blanket to sit on at that! So I had to sit down on my jacket on a scraggly patch of grass. I should've left right then, but I was young and I thought, 'oh if this works out, it'll be a funny story for the grandkids'. It did not work out and that was our first and last date." Stella said, her face a little red in embarrassment. Then she cleared her throat and shook her head. "Okay, question two: What's your favorite color and why?"

Vince’s lips quirked into a sly grin, his eyes glinting with a mix of amusement and heat as she laid out her game plan, her words a spark that set the air between them ablaze. Her laugh still echoed in his head—bright, unapologetic, pulling him in like a magnet. He leaned in closer, their faces so near he could feel the warmth of her breath, her nails grazing his fingers sending a jolt straight through him. She was bold, and damn if that didn’t make him want to meet her challenge head-on.

“Five questions, a kiss, and a hell of a night? You’re not playing small, are you?” he said, voice low and smooth, laced with a teasing edge. He turned his hand under hers, catching her fingers lightly, his thumb brushing the inside of her wrist as he held her gaze. “Alright, I’m game. Let’s see if you can keep up.”

He eased back just enough to let the moment breathe, his eyes never leaving hers. “A typical weekend for me? Depends on the vibe. Friday night’s usually a wind-down—maybe a bar like this, good whiskey, better company. Saturday, I’m up early, hitting the gym or a trail if the weather’s right. I cook a mean steak dinner, got a record player spinning some old jazz or rock. Sunday’s lazy—coffee, maybe a drive to clear my head. If you’re there?” He leaned in again, voice dropping. “Expect late mornings, tangled sheets, and me making you laugh till you can’t breathe. But you’d have to earn that breakfast first.”

He tilted his head, smirking. “My turn. What’s the wildest thing you’ve ever done on a dare? And don’t hold back—I want the real story.” His grip on her hand tightened just a fraction, daring her to dive as deep as she’d pushed him.

[celestialmuses]

Stella let out a half squeak when he came, the feeling of him coming inside her surprising her a little. The actual act wasn't shocking but it always felt like a little surprise to her. Before Brooks, she rarely slept with anyone without protection so it was something fun to get used to. But she kind of hoped she never did. With the way it felt for both of them, Stella knew she'd be lucky if they didn't end up with like, 10 kids.

Collapsing onto Brooks' chest, stella breathed in deeply and smiled. The smile turned into a grimace briefly as he pulled out and touched her sensitive clit. It might have been gross, but she kind of liked the way it felt to have his cum slowly ooze out of her. Stella liked sex, and that included the grosser parts too. "I really love fucking you too. Damn, it's always so good." She sighed, her heart thumping at his sweet addition that he loved her generally. She already knew. "Yes, could you? My thighs are burning from that and I know if I stand up, I'll wobble and fall. I have wipes in my nightstand, so I can clean myself up if you handle out here."

More than his own orgasm Brooks wanted to give Stella as much pleasure as possible. "I love you so much," he groans holding onto her as he keeps thrusting himself up into her squeezing her ass while his mouth kisses whatever skin he can reach. Then hearing her voice again causes a familiar warm rush through his body straight between his legs causing him to come inside of her. A sharp moan bubbles up from the back of his throat as he buries his face in the crook of her neck. With his arms wrapped around her body now Brooks easily slams himself into her again and again riding out both their orgasms. If this was how they had sex all the time there would be no issues getting Stella pregnant.

With a sigh he relaxed back into the couch, grinning up at her with delight. "God I really love fucking you," he breathed pulling himself out of her cunt only to slide his tip against her clit. "And I do love you in general," he added biting on his lower lip as he groaned biting on his lower lip. "And it's very apparent you do too." Brooks teased leaning in to kiss her again. "You want me to carry you to bed? I'll clean up out here?"

[celestialmuses]

"I don't know! But we have to! We can't let it be found. You'll go to jail, or I'll go to jail, or we'll both go to jail!" Stella shouted in a whisper, not wanting to make a scene or upset Alex even more. She was starting to breathe a little fast. "Because I need to be. If I freak out and you freak out, we're never going to be able to crawl back. So we need to take care of this." Stella said, rubbing at Alex's arms soothingly before he pulled away. He cursed and hi whole body shook. Honestly that scared Stella more than the body.

Then Alex stopped shaking, and slowly stood up straight. He looked at Stella, and yes those were his eyes, but that wasn't her Alex. There was something foreign in him, in his posture and his speech. It was like he had changed right before her eyes. He spoke so coldly, laughing at her and making her stumble back. Her hips hit the table with a thump. "What the hell is going on?" She said quietly, her mind racing. Was this... was this one of Alex's alters? Did they do that to the body in the closet? She shivered, but didn't shrink from him anymore. "Alex isn't weak or stupid. I love him, all the parts of him. Even you, whoever you turn out to be. I just want him to be okay. I'll do what I have to, with you, to make things okay again. I won't lose you." It was strange talking to Xander, knowing it was Alex, but also not. But she hadn't been lying about her feelings. If Xander was going to be showing up, she'd learn to love him too.

"Get rid of... what?" Alex gulped, glancing back and forth from Stella and then back to the corpse. His chest was tightening, making it difficult to breathe. "How are we going to get rid of it?" His question came out as an urgent whisper, sharp and panic-riddled. His fingertips went cold. His face had crumpled, cold sweat blanketing his countenance. "How can you be so calm, Stella? What the fuck?!" his voice was shrill as panic coursed through his veins. His body shook. "Fuck! Not now, you fucking asshole! Not now!"

Fear            will only                           get  you                                            so far….

                                                          Fear...  is                       poison.                     

Alex wasn't talking to Stella. Those words he yelled were.... not meant for her... at all. Electricity began to crackle through his veins, making his fingertips buzz. His hands covered his ears as if to muffle the screaming alarms that had went off in his....

A pause.

Silence.

His frame stiffened with his hands dropping to his sides. His blue hues weren’t frightened anymore. Instead a cold, steely outlook had replaced it. A scoff. “Get rid of it, huh?" Xander repeated coldly, enunciating every word. "Then we can move on?" A languid smirk had hooked onto his thin lips and he laughed tauntingly, throwing his head back - enough to make the hairs on the back of the neck to stand. "You keep surprising me, Stella." Xander sobered slightly, sniffing as he paced at the door before he leaned on one outstretched hand against the doorframe. His demeanour was the complete opposite of the mess Alex was, just mere minutes ago. Xander glanced at the corpse and then back to the woman. "I've been wanting to meet you," he said, voice low and almost gravelly. "But weak, stupid Alex was always in the way." He shrugged as if this was just a usual occurrence. "I'm Xander..." Taking a step forward, his gaze was trained on the brunette. "I must say, you're proving to be worth the wait."

[celestialmuses]

Elio was too much of a city boy at heart, he loved the hustle and the noise and the culture. But walking quietly down the quaint little street with Avery, he could see why people came to places like this. This could be an annual or even seasonal thing they did. Go vacation somewhere quiet and slow and in nature. God, Elio couldn't wait to take Avery more places. He saw how the string lights caught in her eyes and he wanted to take her to Paris to dine by the Eiffel Tower. She stumbled for a moment on the cobblestone streets and he dreamed of walking with her in Rome.

The restaurant she pointed to didn't even have a menu out front. He had no idea what kind of food they served. The place looked really small, only a few tables. Maybe this was a chef owned kind of placed, where they cooked something different every night. That was the dream to Elio. "Yeah it looks great, let's try it." He agreed, greeting the host, a sweet looking teenage girl. Probably someone's granddaughter. As they were led to a table, Elio shot Avery a subtle thumbs up.

The moment he stepped out of the car, Avery caught his eye—her gaze soft, grateful, already reaching for the steady comfort of his hand. Their fingers met with a familiar ease, a silent confirmation that they were in this space together. As they strolled down the sidewalk, her attention flicked from one restaurant to the next, each with its own unique charm. Strings of lights danced overhead, casting a warm, flickering glow across the cobblestones. The evening air was gentle and inviting, the kind that made you want to linger a little longer under the stars. It had been ages since they’d eaten outdoors, and the thought of dining beneath an open sky felt quietly luxurious.

Just ahead, Avery spotted a quaint bistro tucked beside a garden wall, its patio framed by blooming jasmine and wrought-iron lanterns. It felt like a scene borrowed from a dream. She slowed her steps, eyes drawn to the intimate tables set beneath soft candlelight. Her fingers brushed his arm and pointed gently. “That one,” she murmured, a hopeful lilt in her voice. “What do you think?”

[celestialmuses]

Elio pulled at his shirt a little, getting the cooler breeze to his chest and arms. He usually ran a little hot, so the air felt great. It also gave him an excuse to keep Tilly close. He was just keeping her warm! She seemed to like the compliment, or at least she didn't roll her eyes or say it was cringey. He was doing good and he felt good, which was the goal for today. He did a little spin for her, feeling light. Obviously he didn't know if anything would come from this, but he liked Tilly. Things felt fun with her, and that was only partly the alcohol in his system. "I know, I shape up pretty good huh?"

Elio looked at the various trucks, eyes zeroing in on the taco one. They had beaten the rest of the crowd from the club, so hopefully they could get their food and snag a good place to sit. "When you're hungry time either passes like a snail, or so fast you blink and it's there. The second kind is obviously better. Sounds good, I think I want fish tacos myself. I might get four. Whatever I don't eat, I can take home for left overs tomorrow. How about you find places to sit, and I'll get the food." He said, starting to walk backwards towards the truck with a thumbs up. Three pastor tacos and a water.

Tilly kept in step with Elio as he led them out of the bar and onto the street, growing more and more eager not only over the prospects of food but also to be able to get to know him a bit better without having to nearly shout over the music and crowds of people. The fresh air hit her flushed skin instantaneously as she exited the building, and she hummed in relief as the cool breeze licked her exposed skin. Still she leaned closer to Elio, pressing her body into his side in an attempt to preserve some warmth. She met his gaze as she heard his comment and grinned, eyes sparkling at the compliment and knew if she wasn't a bit flushed already, she'd be blushing. He may not be a fighter as he seemed to claim but he was a charmer to boot, which in Tilly's book was an even more impressive skill.

She pushed some stray hair behind her ear, laughing softly as she spoke. "I could say the same." Crystal blue iris swept up and down his features and she really took in how handsome he was in this better lighting, even if a little disheveled looking from dancing and sweating. She continued to follow him as he headed in the direction of the food carts, vaguely recognizing the area and happy to realize that they were already very close. In fact, it felt like no time at all before said carts came into view and Tilly couldn't help but voice her praises."That was quick! Halle-freakin'-lujah." She scanned the menu as they reached the truck, everything sounded so good but it didn't take her very long to settle on her choices. "I think I want three pastor tacos. I feel like that's enough hit the spot—oh and a water of course—What are you getting?" | @celestialmuses

[celestialmuses]

Elio could feel his mouth get tight with anger. Yes, he remembered Iris' family and how little they seemed to actually care for her. At the time he found it weird and uncomfortable to be around them, when they seemed to like him more than her. Especially because he thought Iris was great! At one point, he was even sure he loved her! Yet, they couldn't. Or wouldn't. "Yeah I know. Doesn't mean I like it. I didn't like it then and I still don't like it now. You're just as valuable of a person as your sister and you being a girl, something unknowable and unavoidable, isn't reason to treat you like shit." He said, turning a little in his seat as they pulled up to a light and stopped. "I'm not pretending. Just because we're not together doesn't mean you aren't still worthy of consideration and love from your family. Just because we were bad together, doesn't mean I stop caring about you in general. If I really hated you, I wouldn't be here right now." Elio shot back, huffing a little as the light turned green again. "I'm glad you're stronger now. I'm glad you finally realized how little they mattered."

Iris wasn't that horrible of a person where she would drag Elio to another state and be stuck with her longer as the wedding happened. Plus, she didn't even think that she could pull off them 'dating' again for that long. She knew she was going to have trouble just with this weekend. "You've met my family, right?" Iris forced a laugh. "You know that I'm the least favorite. My sister is the golden child, they wanted a son, but got me instead, which is why they love you so much. You're like the son they wished they had, but got another daughter." Iris knew how her parents felt about her, but she stopped caring a long time ago. She went to events because she had to. Besides that? Well, she kept her distance for as long as she could. "You don't have to say that. We're not around anyone right now. You don't have to pretend or throw those words at me. I'm a big girl. I've dealt with this my whole life. I don't care what they think anymore."

[celestialmuses]

His shirt was gone, he almost didn't notice it had happened. He sucked in a shaky breath when her long fingers danced up and down his chest. "Damn yeah, okay. I will." He said, with a cut off moan. Her hand felt so warm against his dick, even through his pants and underwear. So Elio focused on touching her like she asked. He brought his hands down to slid over the fabric again, going up her stomach to flick at her nipples, before leaning down to suck on them gently, wetting the fabric for a moment before getting a little frustrated and pulling her nightgown down with his hands so her frankly beautiful tits were fully out and he could lick and bite and suck at them all he wanted. "Do you like this? Does it feel good for you?" He asked, knowing it wasn't for everyone, and that some people were more sensitive there than others.

Even if he was her neighbour, if this was going to be just a one time thing, she couldn't deny the magnetizing pull that was dragging her toward him. The desire of how hot her skin was to be touched by him as she pulled his shirt up over his head, letting her nimble fingers slide down his chest to feel every inch of his body. A low hum came from her lips at the feel of his hands on her skin, causing her hips to grind more to create a friction between them. ❝ Good, I plan to do everything I want. ❞ Her words flicked off of her tongue as she arched her back to make her breasts pop more. ❝ Touch me. Touch everywhere. ❞ She stated as her lips leaned down to kiss his neck over and over, nipping his skin while her hand slide down between both of their legs, palming his growing erection.

[celestialmuses]

"Yours, fuck, always yours." He whispered before she kissed him again. He smirked at her question, his hands following up her stomach with each inch she revealed, playing along with her show. Then she was almost naked before him, and Lysander was a weird guy sure, but he was also a guy. So when she took his hands up to her breasts, he certainly wasn't going to complain.

"Oh absolutely. You're stunning, my love. And your skin is so soft." He said, squeezing them and using his thumbs to gently rub and flick at her nipples. "Well I'm glad I can help with that. We can nap afterwards, when we're really worn out." Lysander agreed, sitting up a little to kiss her again. The movement cause Flora to slide down a little on his stomach, right over his hardening dick and he groaned out loud. His head lowered to kiss and bite at her neck once or twice more, before he nosed down past her collarbones. Lysander could multi-task, so he got to it. He started to suck at her nipple, leaving one hand on the other. He could taste the slight sweat on her skin and it was like ambrosia to him. The only thing that tasted better was the sweet juice he'd lick directly from her core. His other hand rested on her ass, holding her steady. He wanted to pull her into a grind, but this was Flora's show to run.

it was in these moments that she understood the passion that lysander had for her. of course she loved him, would do anything for him, wanted to spend the rest of her life and then some with him, but she had a limit that he always surpassed. maybe she needed passion or lust or some combination of the two, but as she pressed open-mouthed kisses to his very warm skin, she found she wanted to do that. consume him, take him whole, burrow herself in him for the rest of her days. in the beginning, that passion scared her, but once she knew that it only matched him, she embraced it. "mine," she repeated, her teeth dragging along his skin before she soothed the eventual markings with her tongue. "always mine, my moon." her hands come up to cradle his face as her lips made their way upwards until she was kissing him. soft, sweet, and completely ignoring his question in favor of what she wanted.

a selfish partner she was not, so when she pulled back, she decided to give her boyfriend a little treat. "you want to see me without a shirt?" she asked, her hands gripping the fabric at the hem as she teased him. she lifted it just enough, exposing her lower stomach, raising it up an inch each time. finally, she pulled it up and over her head, tossing it behind her as she now sat on him in a plain sports bra. the fort was quickly heating up, so she removed that too, naked now from her waist up. "that's fair, isn't it?" she grabbed his hands that were perched on her hips and brought them up her torso until he was cupping her breasts, his large hands covering her skin. "i love it when you touch me," she said, moving their hands together before she dropped her own in favor of touching him. "you know, i'm suddenly not tired at all anymore," she grinned down at him, her finger touching his cheek. "you somehow give me so much energy, baby. i love it."

[celestialmuses]

It seemed like her presence out him in a good mood, that was an ego boost. She didn't know what had made him come back, his sister hadn't told her. But hopefully some time in their quiet, sleepy hometown would help. It didn't always, that's why he left, why Leia herself went to college an hour and a half away too. It could be stifling here, but she never felt that way around him. Maybe it was pathetic, a few friends from college had said so, that she was still hung up on her best friend's brother. Like a cliched plot from a YA novel. But the heart wants what it wants, and her wanted this ginger stringbean genius. But would he even like her now? Leia had changed since he'd last seen her. She'd grown up and learned so much. Would he want her as she was now?

"So would he. So maybe to save all of us the embarrassment, we'll have you two meet up somewhere in public where he can't rush you." She teased, leaning on the circulation desk. "Low? Offering you delicious sweet treats is low? I'm just being hospitable. I was taught to always have something for guests to eat, and here you are, accusing me of bribery! Honestly Julian, that's terrible. It's true, but terrible." She groaned, like he'd mortally offended her. Then she smiled and stuck her tongue out at him. Her computer pinged, nothing urgent, just a email about upcoming events. Just a little longer and she'd be free. "Of course I did." That was plainly said; honest and true and sincere.

It was good that she didn’t ask. Of course she noticed — Julian knew better than to believe Leia, always observant and tuned in, wouldn’t catch every single glance, every subtle shift in him. But the fact that she didn’t bring it up, that she cared enough to leave it unspoken, was comforting. Because the truth was: he was absolutely exhausted from talking about things that hadn’t worked out.

It meant something to know someone out there could tell something was off but chose instead to offer quiet reassurance. That comfort was gentle — but more than that, it was good to hear her being talkative again, rambling about something as simple and familiar as hair. And he couldn’t help but chuckle softly at the idea that she’d even consider changing her hair just because he liked it. “Oh, I’m flattered,” was all he managed to say. Of course he wanted to say more, to compliment her properly, to make sure she knew he found her beautiful. But the words faltered. Still, the way he looked at her said enough. His gaze made sure she felt what he couldn’t say aloud.

And of course, he made a mental note to buy her the Hair soundtrack on CD. Did people even do that anymore? Or would that just make him seem ancient? Either way, all that mattered was that she felt seen. It was also good to hear she still lived with her mom and Kirk. Their family had always felt different from the Everett-Knox clan — warmer, more grounded. It had always been a comfort to be part of it, even just as a friend. He laughed when she mentioned Kirk bursting through the door — because he knew it was true. “I’d actually love that,” he said, his smile widening at the mention of her mom’s babka. “Alright, that was low. Even for you,” he chuckled, crossing his arms in front of his chest in a big-brother sort of move. “I told you I was coming already… so what was that about, huh? You just wanted to be sure?” His voice was playful, teasing—but there was something beneath it, too. A real question. “Do you miss me that much?” He was grinning, but deep down, he wanted to hear the answer.

[celestialmuses]

He was being so perfect, Leia couldn't have written it better herself. He was so hot, standing there in his suit. He was posing with her and smiling and doing cute little things. The fans wouldn't be able to handle it. She was barely able to handle it. Eventually after most of their pictures were taken, they stopped at a reporter for a entertainment news show. Leia had met them briefly once before but it was flattering to be begged for an interview.

"Leia, you look beautiful, and who do you have with you?" The reporter asked, her eyes bright. Leia smiled at Leo, his arm around her waist. "This is Leo Wilson, one of the best hockey players in the current NFL season, and my personal favorite player. But I'm a little biased." She replied, gently touching her heart. The reporter asked a few questions about Leia's role in the film, and who designed her gown, when her gaze went sharp again. "You two have been all over the internet lately, fans speculating some romance between you. Is that true? Is this your first official night out as a couple?" The tiny microphone was placed in front of their faces, swinging between Leo and Leia.

Leo wasn't expecting himself to fall so quick, so easy for Leia but she made it so easy. She made it so you look at her, saw her smile and you were in love. She made is so that when she walked into the room the whole world stopped and looked at her, this radiating energy coming from her.

Now he was walking hand in hand with her with the flashing cameras. All eyes on them, or more so.. all eyes on her. He couldn't complain, his eyes were on her as well and saying I love you, it was such a spur of the moment before they were walking. He confessed how he felt with pure love and adoration for the woman. He slide his arm around her waist, getting the photos taken as he smiled, looking over at her every so often as well kissing her temple. Fans would love that kind of stuff and really.. it all just felt natural for him to do. They would need to talk. Really talk privately after all of this. Going down the line, they stopped at a reporter who was asking them questions.

[celestialmuses]

Fuck, okay, that did something for her. That "good girl" was something to examine at a later date. She could feel the marks he was leaving on her, delighted that there would be proof that this happened. That someone loved her and thought she was sexy. "Please please, you can come. I want to feel it." She said, her body still shaking a little from her orgasm, tears drying on her face. "You feel so good baby, that was amazing Travis. Love you so much, you're so good to me." Leia encouraged him, moving her hips a little to help him finish. She kept her legs tight around him, not wanting him to pull out. She was on birth control, so that part was fine, but she was curious. She wanted to know what it felt like to have someone come inside her. She needed to know how that felt with Travis.

From how her body was responding Travis could infer what was happening for Leia. Unlike other women he felt a sense of pride and accomplishment that he was able to make her feel this good. The way she clung to him and called out his name made Travis buzz with delight. "Good girl," he whispered into her neck lightly sucking at her skin not caring if he left any marks. He wanted people to know how much he enjoyed making her feel good. For her to feel him even after they were done. "I love you so much angel," he sighed as he kept thrusting his hips knowing his own orgasm was coming soon. A strong groan left his lips at how he suddenly felt himself sink deeper into her making it barely manageable for him to stop himself from climaxing. "Fuck baby I'm gonna come," he breathed unsure of how he wanted her to finish. With how good things were going he didn't want it to end poorly.

[celestialmuses]

"What? It's your house, that's not fair. I can take the couch. You should get the bed!" Leia shot back, placing her bag on the floor by a dresser. It was a cute room, a little childish, but all bedrooms in parent's houses had that feel. Leia's old bedroom in her mom's house was still that bright teal color every girl had in the 2000s. "But what do we do know? If we go downstairs, they're gonna question us. But we can't stay up here all day, right?" Leia asked, her tone just a bit pleading.

Millie couldn't even begin to explain to Leia that there was absolutely nothing the girl could do that would warrant her parents begging her for them to break up. They absolutely adored Leia, especially once the shock of her bringing home a girlfriend had worn off, and even the simple action of her bringing a bottle of wine would surely brighten her mother's day at the thoughtfulness. When they were finally alone upstairs, Millie gestured to the large bed. "You take the bed, I'll take the couch." She murmured, eyes averted to the side.

[celestialmuses]

"I think she's about a year. But I don't know. I like babies, but I get nervous around them sometimes. Like they're so vulnerable. I have babysat, but usually only for an hour or two while she napped so her mom could run errands. So it was kind of easy, she just slept the whole time." Leia admitted. Kids were a weird subject with her. Sometimes she felt like she wanted them, wanted to be a mom, and other times the idea made her feel uneasy. Maybe it all came down to who she had kids with. But that was an idea to breach much much later. She wondered how Damon felt about them. "Yeah, it happens. If I get too busy with something or I get hooked on a show, I can be alone for days without realizing it. That's why my cat helps. She gives me someone to talk to and take care of. Even if she doesn't return the favor in the same way. But she purrs at night when she sleeps next to me, and that's good." She said with a rueful smile. "You are helpful. You're a great guy Damon, and I really like working with and getting to know you. I'm honored to be your best friend. My best friend is going to be so jealous when I introduce you at our show. I'll tease her about replacing her." She laughed, feeling warm and giddy at the idea of Damon calling her. The small crush she had on him definitely increased those feelings.

Damon listened intently as Leia spoke. It was nice, he thought, that she knew so much about the people who lived around her. “Wasting away?” He asked, laughing. He could imagine. He knew that grandparent types could be that way, especially if they deemed someone too thin. He’d been accosted by his own grandparents the few times that he’d been home since moving to New York. “Ah, a baby! That’s lovely. How old is she? Do you ever babysit?” He thought kids were pretty cool, but he had never really been alone with them before, the thought of it mildly terrified him. He shrugged his shoulders, wishing he could take it all back, but something about Leia made him want to be wholly honest with her, to lay himself bare. He felt like she would accept and understand him, and he needed that. Needed someone. “You get like that, too, huh? I hope I can help you in any capacity, if I’m even half as helpful to you as you are to me, then that’s a win in my book.” He exclaimed, taking another bite of pizza and swallowing it down with a gulp of soda. “I truly enjoy your company, you’re the best friend I’ve had in a while.” He hoped he wasn’t being too bold in saying that or coming off as pathetic. He beamed broadly when she suggested he could call if he was ever feeling lonely, and he offered her an approving nod of his head. “I like that idea! And you should do the same, you know, if you find yourself cooped up for a few days and in need of some cheering up. I hear I can be good at that.”

[celestialmuses]

The hug was nice and very very appreciated. She was crying again, quiet tears streaming down her face. "It's okay, It's okay. I'm okay, I'm okay." she whispered back like a mantra. She sniffed and wiped her face with her arm, hand still wrapped tight around the gun. She took slow deep breaths, not wanting to panic while Hal figured out what to do. It's not like she had any ideas. Leia was smart, but this was so far out of her scope of knowledge, it was in outer space.

She nodded and watched him, took note of his breathing and any movements he made that suggested pain. "Okay, just tell me what to do, I'll do it. Please don't make me shoot this though. I really don't want to kill anyone." She said, a lyric from Hamilton of all things rushing through her head. To take someone's life, that's something you can't shake. Leia followed him out the door and down the hallway. She just wanted to go home, back to their ugly little house, and go to bed with Hal.

His gangly arms wrapped around Leia tightly and Hal buried his face against her mane. His breathing was erratic now, heartbeat wildly drumming against his ribcage. "I'm sorry... I'm sorry," he breathed, leaning back to cup Leia's face in his hands. "Fuck, I'm sorry," he repeated, hastily wiping her now blood-stained face with his shirt. Hastily pressing a hard kiss on her forehead, Hal let out a sigh despite all of his senses are in overdrive. “All this adrenaline is definitely not good for my heart.” It was a small joke of course but Hal’s tone did not bear any light-heartedness. Bending down slightly to pick up his daggers, Hal wiped the blood on one of the henchmen and returned them back into the harness around his leg. Hal straightened and squinted around. His ears strained.

"I think I have an idea where we are,” he whispered, nearing a heavy iron door. He had noticed a couple of noises he could place quite well, most prominent the amusement park he knew was residing just at the edge of town — the opposite end of the barbecue at the lake. “If I´m right, we need transportation back to town. It´s too far to walk.” On the other hand, no one would assume they´d be on foot, so maybe staying in the area for a night wasn´t such a stupid idea, after all. Slowly, he opened the door and held his breath, wanting to gauge a reaction outside. None came. They were lucky, it seemed. Hal peeked around the corner and when he found the hallway empty, he motioned Leia to follow.

[celestialmuses]

"That's so true. Why get a dog, when you had a mutt like him around?" Selene agreed, raising her glass. It was a cliche, she thought, to get a pet after a divorce, but it was a cliche for a reason. People needed companionship, especially after something like that. "It makes sense to think about it. You lived with that man for years and now all the space he took up was empty. Having something to help take up some of that space and energy might be good." Selene drained her drink and stood up. "Okay, no more pouting and commiserating. Let's pick a fun song and dance it out! Scream the lyrics at the top of our lungs!" She said, pulling Rowan up from the floor.

"I never needed a pet, I had him," Rowan pointed out with a snort, "I might have to think about one if you do leave. I'll need the company probably," she continued in a more serious tone. She shrugged, "I'm slightly buzzed so maybe I'm not completely okay but I'm okay enough now. I know I'll be okay anyway... whatever. I don't want to talk about being okay. I just want to have fun."