waveofstars

[waveofstars]

It seems like memories flooded in just as they had for Silas. It was a combination of humor, heat, and relief when thinking of that fond, yet not-so-fond memory. Did she feel bad for the position Silas was put into at the time? Of course. Was it downright a little hilarious? Yes, also of course. But above all when she thought back at that time, she mostly felt relieved and surprised. Chey remembered what it was like back then when she second guessed how he felt for her, quick to assume they had some sort of passionate fling that would fizzle like the rest. Now here they were.

He was still here.

She smiled warmly at him and snickered as she rose to her feet. "Gage just doesn't know how to have a good time," she joked. She eyed the bedroom they were in and couldn't help but notice how delicate and antique all the furniture looked. Every little thing in there looked like it would shatter if you simply looked at it wrong. "Okay, yeah he might kill us." Reaching for her own coat, she shrugged it on along with the black gloves she had tucked in the pocket. "I've had about only one snowball fight in my life. It was with my brothers back in 2004 when South Texas got some snow. Let's just say it ended up being more of an ice fight." And her brother, Caleb, bore the black eye to show for it at the time. "I promise to go easy on you."

Leading the way outside and dodging the incessant questions of the front desk clerk, cold soon kissed her cheeks and the world was muffled by the white snow all around. It was beautiful. She walked out more just enjoying watching the flurries come down in a hurry. They collected in her eyelashes as she looked up at the sky - no disappointment lingering on her features from this detour on their trip.

His smile widened with the mention of breaking furniture, the memory of one of their first trips springing to mind in aid of his happiness. As soon as the resort manager found out a member of Bitter Silence had been a party to the damage he'd inflated the moneyary value of the damage inflicted. The band's manager had been forced to argue for weeks with them over the real value of the bedframe Silas and Chey had snapped during their stay. He almost chuckled aloud as he thought back to his promise not to repeat history when he announced his needed absence for this trip.

"Not crazy at all," he agreed with a small shake of his head, letting his smile fall to a purse of his lips. "Don't forget my family moved to Ohio after getting out of The Family. If we don't have a snowball fight and make at least one snowman I'll do my city shame," he reminded her, gently removing her from his lap and crossing back to his bag to grab a jacket out of it. "Plus Gage would never let me hear the end of it."

[waveofstars]

i have muse for only chey and sully at the moment. if someone wants anything from them while i remember how to write, lmk <3

[waveofstars]

helpppp i want to write again :( i miss it sm

[waveofstars]

Letting out a mostly dramatic grunt as she hoisted herself up from the sand with the help of his hand, she stood in front of him with a warm smile. His fingertips brushed against her cheek gently as he moved her hair, and she wished that little gesture didn’t have such an effect on her. “Me too,” she told him quietly. Giving his chest a small pat, she nodded away from the beach and did her best to reel back that flutter in her chest. “Let’s go. We’ve got a big day tomorrow.” 

-

When the next day came, she didn’t know why she was so excited to go view the place he had mentioned to her. Maybe it was just because of how rare it was lately that they got two whole days with one another. Sitting in the passenger seat, Chey slid her sunglasses to the top of her head as she did some sleuthing on her phone on the ride over. “You can totally talk them down on the price.” Of course she was already looking at the property before they even got there. “Or I will. I’m very persuasive.” She flashed a grin and put her phone away. With a small gasp, she patted her knees excitedly. “We can go shopping for house stuff after this. Well, once I give it the stamp of approval, of course.”

Before Weston even realizes they had run out of wood to keep the fire going. It was as good of a sign as any to let the night reluctantly draw to a close. Soon enough the tide would be lapping at their heels. Still, there was some kind of magic in the air tonight mixed into the sea breeze and while he didn't want to give up on it quite yet-- there was still the promise of tomorrow.

"Yeah, I guess you're right," he says throwing some water onto the simmering embers. As Weston stands he offers Chey his hand to help her back on her feet, and once they're standing face to face his gaze lingers on hers for a moment, hand coming to brush some of her breeze blown locks from her eyes. "I'm really glad we came out here tonight. It's been too long since I've done something like this."

[waveofstars]

He didn’t know what to do. Every muscle in his body screamed for him to move toward her and pull her into a long and overdue embrace, but he remained still as ever. The florist hugging the bride-to-be was likely inappropriate and he wanted no trouble. But it was really her. After all this time, she was right there in front of him like he had so often imagined. 

Life had a funny way of laughing in the face of Sully. Of course he finally got to truly meet her at her own engagement party. Even after all this time, those feelings for her still burned within him. “Hi,” he breathed with a happy laugh. “Yeah, I uh… I was just thinking of you the other day, actually.” He had missed her. When they fell out of touch, life had gotten too hectic for the poor man. Between the death of his father and cleaning up his act, he had a lot on his plate that he didn’t want to burden her with. It once again felt like everyone around him kept moving while he was standing still. “How have you been?” He immediately shook his head at himself and chuckled softly. “Stupid question. I guess things have been going well for you. Congratulations, by the way.”

The flicker of recognition in his blue hues caused relief to wash over her. Calliope hadn't realised she had been waiting for him to confirm that he was indeed, Sully - the very person she had a crush on for almost a lifetime. How does one even have feelings just through written words? But it did happen and now Calliope was rooted to the ground, heart hammering in her chest when her nickname rolled out of his tongue. Not many refer to her as that - not even her fiancé. "Yeah," she breathed, unable to control the wide grin plastered on her lips. "It's me."

Her smile faltered. The realisation of the situation they're in was slowly dawning on her. "I didn't know my aunt ordered flowers from you," Calliope said, wringing her hands. Her gaze fell to the flowers in his hands. They were beautiful but none of them were any of her favourites. She didn't expect anyone in her extended family to know with the exception of her twin... and Sully. If he even remembered that is. "I haven't... shit, I think the last time I read your letter was... almost a lifetime ago..."

[waveofstars]

Half convinced the chair would break under their weight, or fling them into some sort of demon parallel universe, Chey let out a small shriek before a fit of laughter spilled out from her lips. She wrapped her arms around his neck and draped her legs over him, partly clinging to him because she was afraid of tumbling down but also partly because she just wanted to. “It was an admirable try,” she teased him before leaning in to kiss him. 

Though the odds did not seem to be in their favor by any means, it didn’t seem to bother her. How strange… Normally, if it was anything else or had been with anyone else, she would’ve felt like this trip was already doomed. Not with Silas, though. She was just happy to be in the same room as him for once. God, she missed him… 

She smiled in the kiss, pressing her lips on his with subtle passion as her arms brought him into her. “I love you, too,” she told him. “There’s that lyric, to die by your side is such a heavenly way to die… That’s mostly how I feel about this moment. I can’t guarantee it’ll be heavenly, but you know… Pleasant.” She teased with a laugh. Her fingertips played with his hair some as she looked out the nearby window. Snow came down in a hurry and painted the world in white. “As much as I’d love to stay in here all night long with you and likely break some demonic furniture… Would it be crazy to go outside and play in the snow?”

"Then I guess we better do something about that, huh?" he asked just before tossing their bags on the bed and grabbing her up playfully. He carried her over to the rocking chair and dropped into it, landing her on his lap and nearly toppling them both over as that chair rocked backward with a groan. "Okay maybe not that romantic," he joked with a laugh, quickly forcing the chair back forward.

He didn't care how gaudy or ancient or under used the room may have been. He didn't care that the innkeeper was probably around when some of the antiques had been born. He didn't care if they got a wink of sleep. He only cared that they were together. And for once without the threat of separation because of their careers.

Silas pulled her closer to press a gentle and loving kiss to her lips. He tucked her hair behind her ear and cupped her cheek when they parted. God damn was she beautiful. "I love you," he told her before giving her one more kiss. "I just wanted to make sure you knew before we're both Chucky'd into our doll bodies," he went on with a soft chuckle.

[waveofstars]

“I find it hard to believe such a girl exists,” she grumbled and hissed slightly at the throbbing. Closing her eyes for a moment, she gave in to the fact that she needed, maybe even wanted, his help. The cold beer can provided some much needed relief, even if she didn’t want to admit it to him. She felt her heavy eyes lift to his own. “Does it look bad?” Truly it was the only thing that crossed her mind. Was it unsightly? That’s all that mattered. 

Graham's lips quirk into the briefest of smirks as she calls him a prick. "Ah, there she is," he says, standing close enough to keep the cool beer can pressed against her forehead. "Seriously? Of course I'd care," he says despite the fact that he's never given Reese much of a reason to think that. "Without you I'd have to start talking to girls who actually like me. Where's the fun in that?"

[waveofstars]

Lennon had a thick skin and could take the jokes he threw her way. Perhaps that was the inner chef in her who knew how to take any kind of grievance - joking or otherwise. In fact, it strangely made her feel better about the situation. He could’ve immediately threatened lawsuits at her or cussed her out, but they both chose a bit of wit and grace. “Well, attempting vehicular manslaughter happens to be my favorite pastime. But how can I possibly say no to pudding?” She smiled at him and adjusted herself in her seat to sit a bit closer. “Look, I know there isn’t a really great way to make up for the whole… y’know, almost killing you thing. But I could start by cooking you something way better than hospital food.” She gestured to his plate. “I own a restaurant. You could come by sometime.”

"Ah, my days of murder are behind me. Mostly. I am a writer so I just leave it to the page. That's more than I can say for you though, huh?" Emilio jokes, figuring he can get away with just a little bit of teasing at her expense given the circumstances. "Oh, so now we're blaming the guy in the neck brace? I see how it is," he says shaking his head as best as he could, but a smile quirked on his lips. "Maybe it's the morphine talking, but it's nice to meet you Lennon," he says with a crooked grin. "I'm Emilio." Seeing he has a guest Milo's nurse quietly slides a tray of food in front of him before leaving them alone again once again. "Want some pudding, or do you gotta rush off to your next victim?"

[waveofstars]

Maybe it was a little more complex than he intended. In typical Luke fashion, he did not think through the potential consequences- that was something he never did. Whenever she proposed a similar situation for himself, his eyes narrowed and he began to smirk ever so softly. “Oh, so when I ask you, I’m pathetic and I don’t have a life. What makes you any different than me, huh?” Before she could answer or likely chew him out some more, he spoke up again. “I’ll do it. Better yet, I’ll even do it without complaints. Can’t say the same for you, can we?”

"Do you? Could've fooled me." Ali pursed her lips in contemplation, scooting her chair closer to his. Her elbow moved to rest on the table, chin held up by her hand as she smiled at him. That wide smile that reached her eyes. "Luke. Sweetheart. Love of my life." She rolled her eyes at her own words, sarcastic or not. "I go home with you, pretend to be this long term girlfriend, and... then what? That's it? Unless you forget, my parents also live in that same town. I mean, sure, they don't know each other, but please imagine my next trip home. Picture it.." Her free hand raised up, wiggled her fingers as if setting the imaginary scene. "I'm at dinner with my mom and dad. In walk your dad and the new lady. They spot me, oh my goodness Ali hi!" She imitated his future step-mother, whom she hadn't even met. "They'll ask about you. My parents will look confused. Gig is up. So. What I'm saying is..." She leaned back in her seat. "If I do this, then the next time my parents have a party... you have to come with me. Same terms. Long term boyfriend, yada yada."

[waveofstars]

Jenn’s resolve was slipping as the woman closed in on her, that pout and those lips nearly breaking her. She was right - she could just text her sister and stay right there with her. But since when did that become their new normal? Things were casual between them, yet somehow, not casual at all. Jenn chased after her lips and gave her a proper kiss. Her hands rested on the other’s hips and she squeezed gently. As they parted, she sighed and shook her head. “You’ll be the death of me,” she mumbled with a mischievous little smile. “You know… you can always come with me. I need to change into some clean clothes, anyway.” And now she was just as attached, feeling tethered to her despite everything.

"You can text her." Sigyn rolled her eyes, though mostly at herself and her own clinginess as she sat up and on her long legs. Eyes watched the other woman move about, that natural pout forming on her lips as she gave no indication of actually staying. "I'm not making it hard enough, because your clothes are on and you're leaving." Long legs unfolded as she got up, crossing the room to eliminate the space between them. Slender fingers traced along Jenn's arms, up and down gently as she looked at the girl and pouted a little. Really selling the sadness. "Come back after...? I'll make it worth it, I promise.." One more step forward, her body brushing against hers as lips skimmed over the other's. This wasn't supposed to be like this. Their little arrangement was benefits only. Strictly the physical, and that's it. So why was it so hard for Sigyn to watch her leave, time and time again?

[waveofstars]

It all felt like one giant, colossal mistake... That is, it did until he moved closer to her. She tore her gaze away from the fire and looked at him, eyes captivated by the orange glow that illuminated his face. He was handsome even in the dark - this she had always known. Whether they were sprawled out on a couch watching a movie or out surfing and catching a wave, she had always known he was easy on the eyes. But seeing him like this now... shit, this beat everything.

Before she could respond, his lips found hers and a warmth spread through her that wasn't from the fire. Chey's lips moved with his and she gently raised her hand to rest against his jaw, fingertips brushed against his stubble there. The kiss was a long time coming, and even if it tasted faintly of beer on both of their parts, it was nice. No, it was perfect. Chey parted slowly and looked at him through her lashes with a smile. "That was definitely okay. More than okay," she chuckled.

Honestly Carson was glad that it did come out. Clearly it had been a weight and hopefully they could figure this out together. That was what mattered. As long as they stayed together. Even if it was just as friend. But truthfully he wanted more than just friends. They both deserved this whatever it could become. So yeah, he was ready if she was.

It was true, Carson had thought about making a movie multiple times. "Don't be sorry, Chey." He told her, looking over at her once again. "I'm glad that you brought it up actually." And he was. He truly was. There was a small chuckle that left his lips at her last words before getting up and moving closer to her. Maybe it was the fact that they both had been drinking that made things easier or maybe it was just about damn time. "Well if you aren't opposed to it and I'm not opposed to it. Hopefully this is okay then.." Reaching over, he tucked some hair behind her ear and then leaned in and pressed his lips against hers gently.

[waveofstars]

Why the hell did she say that? There were more times in her life than she'd like to admit where her words got away from her and instant regret followed short. Whatever ounce of liquid courage she had was dwindling by the second. Did she mean what she said? Of course she did, but that was something that was likely best kept as an inside thought.

Even though he somewhat admitted to wanting to make a move, she couldn't help but feel as if she had forced him to say something like that. She washed that thought away with another swig of her drink. She looked at him and smiled somewhat sheepishly. "Sorry," she mumbled with a chuckle. "I shouldn't have... I don't know. Brought it up. It was just on my mind." She shrugged and looked at the fire, a somewhat playful smile pulling on her lips as she avoided his gaze. "With that being said, I've never been opposed to it... y'know, you making a move."

It was nice to have a bonfire on the beach despite it being cold out. Honestly the cold has never really bothered him anyways. A lot of that had to due to him being a professional surfer. Listening to the fire crackle as he took a drink of his beer, he was feeling warm. But he wasn't sure if that was because of their drinks or the blankets. Or maybe it was even the fire. But at this point, he didn't care either way because he was enjoying this.

Her words caught him off guard. He hadn't been expecting her to say that at all. Naturally he noticed the flicker of sadness and honestly he hated that it was even on her face right now and knowing that he caused that well that was the worse feeling. Looking over at her still as he watched her take a drink. "Honestly, I wasn't sure if you wanted me to make a move. And last thing I wanted to do was lose our friendship or make things awkward or something. But.." He took a moment. "But that doesn't mean that I haven't wanted to make a move."

[waveofstars]

Chey watches the fire crackle, the flames licking at the sky like they’re trying to escape. She gets it. The need to burn hot and bright, to prove something. To be something. But maybe she’s spent enough time chasing that feeling. Maybe it’s time to let the fire simmer instead of burn everything in its path.

“You’re right,” she told him and gave a half smile his way. “Change for me, though… I don’t know. It’s always been scary. For once in my life, I’m actually willing to admit that maybe I need it, though.” The fire began to dwindle down as the cool breeze came seeping in. “I guess it’s probably time to start heading back.” Though there wasn’t a single ounce of her that actually wanted to. She would’ve stayed right there all night with him if she could.

Weston just takes in a moment to soak in Chey's words. He could entirely relate. Weston had spent so much of his life focusing on his career, tying so much of his self worth to it that he had lost sight of the little things. He had nephews and nieces who knew him more for him being on tv and sending extravagent gifs home around the holidays than just an actual part of their lives. The friends that were left Weston could count on one hand. Now that playing football was in the rearview mirror it felt like he was picking up the pieces of a perfectly good life he was neglecting.

"I understand that," he sighs. "It doesn't have to be all or nothing though." Maybe he was saying those words just as much to himself as he was to Chey. "Take some time for yourself and wait for that next perfect project to find you... or maybe it'll hit ya when you least expect it."

[waveofstars]

Shame washed over him and he had a feeling that it wouldn’t be leaving anytime soon. Maybe it was all just one big lie to help him sleep at night - that he was leaving for her, for them. Devin didn’t want to come to terms with it, but he knew deep down he was only going to leave because it hurt too goddamn much to be near her and can’t fully have her. He wondered if that feeling of shame would last him a lifetime. It likely would, given all they had been through.

“I know,” he barely spoke above a whisper. “Just seemed like the only thing I’m good for.” Leaving, letting her live her life Devin-free. He was too preoccupied beating himself up over and over to truly realize just how it would’ve made her feel. That, among many reasons, was why he didn’t deserve her. 

He looked at her then with a promise in his eyes and an intensity that showed he meant it. “I promise.” Those two words meant so much more than him not leaving. He promised to be better for her, promised to stay for as long as she had him, promised to not let the past dictate their future. “I promise,” he said it again with a small nod.

"You should be." She whispered despite being aware of her own wrongdoings and the torturous way she'd allowed him to be entangled in a situation that she wouldn't have put up with. At least, she felt she wouldn't, though often times she wondered just how far she'd go for him. She loved him. Even after his prison stint, despite having promised herself to wash her hands of him, she was still here.

But she was angry that he'd opted on leaving rather than speaking to her. They'd gone through so much and she deserved more than an half ass explanation about him leaving town because it was the best for them. "I won't ever stop you from leaving, Devin but don't make decisions about what's best for me. It's not okay."

Her shoulders fell because their love often felt like the best, or worse, thing about them. It just depended on the day and situation. "I love you, too." She could feel the lump forming in her throat as she glanced down. "You don't leave the people you love." Her gaze finally peered up at him, glassy with frustrated tears. "Promise me you won't leave me again."

[waveofstars]

Leave it to Paxton to find something real about her breaking goat story. She smiled at him and appreciated his support. Though it was indeed frustrating, Penny kept striding forward. “Thank you,” she told him and let out a soft sigh. “I don’t know. Maybe one day.” She was just happy to have a job in a place that felt like home to her. At least the bogus stories gave her more time to work on personal projects. “Anyway, what’s new with you? Please tell me something more exciting than goats and museums.”

Few things got Paxton more heated than hearing about Penny's boss holding her back and trying to undercut her skills. Yes, he loved the local museums were getting some love, but Penny had long since proven her skills as a writer. She deserved more than glorified ad space. "That's such bullshit," he says taking a sip from his drink. "Don't get me wrong you took that goat story and managed to shake something real out of it. That alone should show 'em that you need to be chasing bigger stories."

[waveofstars]

It felt surreal. After all these years, this… No, this couldn’t be him. Perhaps it was his mind playing tricks on him. The sudden closeness had him holding his breath as he helped Sully get his grip back on the flowers. “Yeah,” he said with a shake of his head and a kind smile. “Sorry. You, uh, just reminded me of someone, I guess.” He took the flowers and moved them to a nearby table to set up around where the engagement gifts would likely go. “Is this your party?” he inquired as he moved the arrangement around. Sully glanced at him again and was hit once more with that wave of recognition. Was he imagining this? He finally gave in to the feeling and scratched at the nape of his neck. “Your name wouldn’t happen to be Cole, would it?”

"uhh... that's a really good question." cole wasn't really involved in the planning of his own wedding. in all fairness, his fiancee wasn't super involved, either. most of the details were hammered out by his public relations team. he and miranda had chosen a date (which had to occur during nba off-season,) a location, and approved a final guest list. everything was curated for them and presented as time allowed. his hand rubbed the back of his head as he glanced around the venue, looking for someone who would know. after coming up short, cole turned to try and give the man a better answer. "you good?" he quickly reached forward and helped the stranger grip the flowers that started to slip. it was then, closer, that cole realized how familiar he looked. he stared at him, puzzled, trying to piece things together. there was so much on his mind this week. it wasn't computing.

[waveofstars]

There was a pang of embarrassment as Sloane realized she was the one invading the space. Still, the woman liked to keep people at an arm length’s distance and that applied heavily to old rivals. “Oh,” she replied simply. No apology for being as cold as the ice. She swallowed and brushed some hair out of her face before standing a little taller. “Well, you can skate, too. I don’t own the place.” Not to mention Peri clearly had more authority here. “So you’re an instructor now?”

The bite to Sloane's retort took Peri aback. She knew they had been rivals a few years ago, but she never thought they hated each other. The hostility the blonde is met with now would beg to differ. 'I work here..?' Peri replied, confusion written all over her face. 'I teach the beginner class that starts when the rink opens?' This wasn't the first time she'd bumped into Sloane here at the rink but supposed the other skater didn't know that little bit of information. She cleared her throat, adjusting her bag over her shoulder. 'I like to come skate here too before anyone gets in. Fresh ice is nice. and so is the quiet. I'll leave you to it.'