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#and I told the oldest not very nicely to leave belle alone because her toes are broke
r0s3mm · 3 years
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… And they were roommates.
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A/N: This shit is dedicated to @bxileyclxne because i’ve been teasing her with this for weeks y’all and also she deserves the fucking world and all my love, this one’s for you IRL Tiny.
This is long AF and i’m not fucking sorry 
I MADE IT TO 10K wowowowowow 
These are not in chronological order, they’re just random moments from when they moved back in together when they got in Charleston & they make no sense whatsoever.
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Moving in
With a sigh Grace stepped off the plane, her luggages in one hand and her phone in the other composing the number she now knew by heart, a caged Looney at her feet, the dog happy to not be cramped in the plane anymore.
“It’s me. What entry are you at?” she asked.
“I’m at the main entrance, right in front of the doors so, please hurry up.” Elaine said and she rolled her eyes.
“On my way...” she sang quietly before taking quicker and larger steps.
Once she made it outside, she recognized the dark Toyota parked in front and smiled at the driver, shoving her stuff in the backseat she moved to the passenger side and sat inside the car.
“I’m back, Charleston.” She said and smiled as Elaine turned up the music.
Once they pulled in the parking lot of the building, she texted Rudy, letting him know that they would need help to bring her stuff upstairs.
“Ok, so before I boarded the plane, they called me saying that it would take at least two weeks before the paperwork gets through, they have to call someone over in Ottawa and then they’ll send everything here and we’ll be good, gonna be out of your hair.” She told him as soon as he stepped out of the building.
“It’s okay, ace. You know I don’t mind, been doing it for the past four months so...” he said, hugging her before grabbing one of her luggage, Grace picked up the other one and the cage containing her still small dog, she turned around making sure her other friend didn’t need any help with carrying the backpack that she had with her during the flight.
“So, Rudy, you ready to give up your bed for the next fourteen days?” the photographer asked, and Grace shook her head.
“He’s not. I’m taking the couch.” The blonde wanted to argue but gave up when he saw his friend’s serious expression.
“We’ll talk about this later.” He said, holding the door open so they could get in.
“Why did y’all get here so early?”
“Why did you?” the younger asked the other woman.
“To help Jonas.”
“Well, I was tired of LA.” Grace argued weakly, receiving a look from Rudy. “Ok, honestly it made me anxious to be in LA alone, ok?” she muttered following the blonde in the elevator, their masks making the air feel stuffy.
-
Looney & Milo
When Grace had moved in with Rudy for the start of shooting season two, he had quickly forgotten that she’d gotten a dog during the quarantine in the one week they were apart, even if he had seen the dog on a daily basis. What he hadn’t expected was the amount of attention the small dog needed because before she would be at the apartment daily, he had actually asked Grace if he could keep him once she moved out, to which she replied with a firm no, but that she would be next door and that he was invited any time he wanted to hang out with the four legged animal.
She’d come back one time from a meeting with the show’s producers, it had been past 3 and she hadn’t had any news from the blonde all day, which was surprising because her phone would usually blow up every ten minutes. When she walked in his apartment, key in hand she let out a loud and excited laugh when she saw all the toys he had bought for her dog.
“Dee?” she called out in the small apartment, she left her stuff on the counter by the door, taking off her shoes. “Rudy?” She walked in the hallway hearing music coming from his room, so she knocked, opening the door and seeing her friend and her dog sat on the carpeted floor, the blonde playing tug of war with the pup. “You boys having fun?” she asked with a warm smile and he nodded, the dog walking to his mother. “You should get a dog too, Rud. Can’t keep mine forever.” She said leaning against the door frame.
He scratched the carpet with his short and blunt nails, the dog’s attention moving from her to him, his tail wagging excitedly.
“Come here, little sausage.” He said, his voice going up a few octaves and his eyes lighting up with excitement. The girl laughed, her hand going over her heart subconsciously. “Meeting went well?”
“Huh? Yeah, just hope that things plan out like I want them too, it’d be a shame if it didn’t work.” He nodded, looking back at the dog. “When are they dropping him off?”
“After dinner.” He replied standing up. “I’m hungry.”
“It’s 3, Dee. Get a snack.” She rolled her eyes playfully. “We bought those cheese thingies the other day.”
“They are called Cheez-its. Say it with me, princess.” He teased.
“Those are disgusting, they are filled with chemicals and I will burn the fucking box if they are not gone in the next day.” She said her firm tone teasing.
“Damn, Russell, I love it when you take control like that, it makes me all tingly.” He said winking her way before he started jogging quickly to the kitchen when she started to hit his back. She walked behind him, towards the fridge before standing on her tip toes and getting close to his ear.
“I know you do.” She said, a giggle leaving her throat when he squirmed away from her, her laugh being louder.
The small dog running towards her excitedly, jumping on her legs. Grace picked him up easily, grabbing a juice box from the fridge before she fell down on the couch. After dinner which consisted of pastas and store-bought tomato and basil sauce, Grace was too lazy to cook, they sat down on the couch, in front of a movie that Grace had picked, waiting for Madelyn and Chase to show up. There was a knock on the door, half an hour later, Looney barking and Grace simply laughed while Rudy picked up the dog.
“It’s my baby!” Grace exclaimed when she saw the black puppy in Chase’s arms, extending her own and making grabby hands at Milo. “C’mere! C’mere! C’mere! C’mere!” she laughed, and Chase handed her the puppy, Madelyn laughing when the brunette received a few licks on the cheek. The couple waved at Rudy who was walking to the door, a tired expression on his face.
“Goodnight Mr. Stokes.” Rudy greeted the oldest of the four.
“Mr. Toot.” He replied. “You guys staying in?”
“Yup, yup. Gonna sleep with the babies in the living room, yes.” Grace cooed at the larger dog, scratching right under his mouth.
“Take me with you, please.” The blonde jokingly pleaded.
“Ok! Y’all have a good night and y’a don’t have to come and get him too early tomorrow morning. Can get him to you when we get to set at 10, ok bye!” she said before closing the door and letting out an excited squeal. “Look at the beautiful boy, oh you so pretty.” She walked back to the living room, cradling the dog to her chest.
“Loo’s gonna be jealous.”
“No, he won’t, will you baby?” they sat on the couch, both of them letting out a sigh as the two dogs ran away from them, excited little barks let out of their mouths. “Oh my god I want another dog!”
Later that night, after a long 45 minutes’ walk with both dogs and a quick trip to Starbuck for a shared puppuccino, the two actors found themselves under a pile of blankets, courtesy of Grace from her time living with Madelyn, a dog on each side, Grace’s head resting sleeping on Rudy’s shoulder as the rest of Order of the Phoenix played.
-
Grocery Shopping
Grace Parker Russell was a19 years old woman in the body of a 19 years old, Rudy Pankow was an 8 years old in the body of a 23 years old, you see where I’m going right? Both armed with their masks, one pink and the other one a very classy One Direction themed, their hand sanitizer and wipes they embarked on a journey that Grace already regretted.
“Ok, so, let’s go over it.”
“We get what’s on the list and leave.” Rudy said, his eyes leaving the road for half a second to see the girl pull up her hair in a ponytail.
“Exactly, no going; Grace look! The snacks are on sale. No.” she said, a smile trying to pierce through.
“But what IF the snacks are on sale? You’re always saying that you like a good bargain.”
“Dude, there are snacks in the apartment, there’s like a whole shelve of them. We don’t need more.”
Rudy drove and parked in the parking lot of the closest Whole Foods. Getting in they grabbed a cart and wheeled through the first section; produce.
“Ok, we need; tomatoes, apples, oh! peaches, take them! We also need carrots and celery because I’m making sauce later. We need peppers—”
“Bell peppers or like these guys?” he asked lifting a package of habanero and jalapeno peppers.
“All three.”
“Damn woman.” He said just as she crossed the items off the list and they kept walking, Rudy picking up whatever she needed.
“Oh my god, Jess! Is that Grace?” she heard from behind them and a smile appeared on her face. She turned around, seeing two girls that were about 14 and 17 years old.
“Hi y’all!” she waved; her smile hidden by her pink mask, but it could be seen in her eyes. “How are you guys?” she said, keeping a safe distance from them.
“Oh my god.” One said and the other looked much calmer.
“We’re doing great, shopping for our gran’s birthday.”
“Oh, that’s so nice girls! Are you guys doing well with the situation?” They both nodded, the shortest girl’s eyes moving to the side, a small appearing in her eyes.
“Hi Rudy.” She waved, a million questions going through her head, she had seen the comments on the socials, but not wanting to tarnish their day she shut her mouth tightly. The blonde waving excitedly before walking to stand next to the brunette, her eyes falling on his figure once she noticed him beside her.
“What’s up?”
“Y’all going to school?’
“Yeah.”
“How did that go?” Grace asked, leaning against the cart, Rudy putting his foot in front of the small tire to stop Grace from “yeeting to the floor” like she did weeks ago, repeatedly.
“It was weird at first but now they’re putting up new rules and some schools will start again in person and others are gonna be on the internet.”
“Well, that’s just stupid.” Grace let slip before putting her hands over her mouth. “Sorry guys, wow Grace.” She apologized, pinching the bridge of her nose.
“No, it’s okay, we think it’s stupid too. I get that they’re trying to get us back to normal life as fast as possible but like I don’t want to risk my family and friends when I can easily continue my education online.” Grace nodded, happy to see that even the younger teenagers were concerned and were trying their best.
“Well, you guys, I’m proud of you for getting through it until now, leave me a dm on IG and I’ll try to find you and follow, okay? Keep each other updated on this shitshow.” She laughed and she could feel Rudy’s arm snaking around her waist. He had to pull her away or she could talk to fans for hours, he knew because she had done it before.
After their produce and dairy products run, they arrive in Grace’s favorite department, the bakery and baked goods.
“Ok, here we need a loaf of bread, those croutons you like, those gonna be here or later?” she asked turning around to look at Rudy that was resting against the cart’s handle, pushing it at the same time.
“In the alleys.”
“Ok, then loaf of bread, tortillas.”
“Flour or corn?”
“Whichever you prefer. Then we need croissants and—” she turned around when she didn’t hear the squealing of the little wheels. “What?”
“You just said croissant in a very Quebecois way. Pronounced the “R” and everything.”
“That’s where I’m from, want me to turn into Tom Holland or something?” she chuckled grabbing the pastries and crossing it off her list.
“No, no. Just your accent doesn’t come out that often anymore.”
“My accent?” he nodded.
“When you first got here like you had an accent and as time went on you lost it and just became southern like we all somehow turn into.”
“Oh.” She turned around, silently whispering the word “croissant” in her head to see if she could see any difference.
They walked past the meat section grabbing a few packets of beyond meat and chicken and pork as Grace tried to eat less meat, even if she truly enjoyed it. Once they made their way in front of the frozen and refrigerated section Grace gasped.
“What did you see?” he asked her.
“Shuga, would you mind if we got cinnamon rolls?” she joked and he rolled his eyes, trying to contain his chuckle.
“You’ll never let that go, will you?”
“Never sinamin shuga.” She said before stepping to the double doors and grabbing the cylinder. “And guess what? It’s actually on the list, wow! You have shown a great amount of self-control, bub, I’m proud of you.” She said teasingly pinching his face in her hand. “Ok, c’mon. Got snacks to get.” She said lowly hoping he wouldn’t hear her, but she obviously had her hopes too high because she saw him leave in the second to last alley quickly.
She let him be, turning to the first one which was everything breakfast; granola bars, cereals, spreads, syrups. She crouched down to get to the good kind of maple syrup, it wasn’t as good as the one her mom would usually send her, but it was a good substitute for the time being. She jumped, deep in thought, a few rows later when the blonde came back with two bags of crisps, popcorn and some organic gummies that she had fallen in love with the year before.
“It really took you twenty minutes to pick three snacks?”
“Well, I had to get the right ones.” He replied cheekily before taking back his role of pushing the cart.
Almost at check out, Grace turned towards the alcohol section, her eyes searching for something.
“Dee, would you mind doing something for me?”
“What?”
“Go get me a four pack of white claws please.” She sent him a grin, the blonde nodded. He left for a few seconds and came back. “Shit I forgot, Drew recommended the Tangerine ones...” he sent her a look before turning around. “Thank you! You’re the best!”
-
Cooking & dinner with friends
Grace and Rudy had been ordering take out or had been eating at their friends for the past few days, Grace was over it and wanted to actually cook. So that’s what she did, and she decided to make a whole meal; appetizer, main course and desert. She’d been in the kitchen for about two hours, the meal almost done when a pouting Rudy came in the kitchen sighing loudly.
“It’s almost done, bubs.” She said, her eyes never leaving the pan where the pancetta was frying up. “When are they getting here?”
“Ten minutes.” He said, his head falling in the crook of her neck. “Grace?”
“Mmmh?”
“How mad would you be if I ate a snack right now?”
“Very.” She turned her face to look at his profile, their faces inches apart. “I cut some veggies, they’re in the sink.”
“Yeah, but I want something filling.”
“Dee, it’s gonna be ready in fifteen minutes.” She grabbed the pan, emptying the cubed pancetta in a bowl. She felt his head leave her neck, before she heard the creaking of the pantry door. “Step away from the Cheez-It’s” she said once she heard the familiar crinkling of the plastic bag.
“Gracie.” He whined.
“You’re a fucking baby, Pankow.” She said and knocks resonated on the door. “Go open the door, go!” she pushed him out, kicking his behind once he teasingly moved in slow motion.
She heard him jog the short distance to the door before he opened it. Seconds later she felt arms wrap around her, being lifted off the ground a few inches.
“Hiiiiii!” she said looking up at Mo’, both of them wearing a grin on their faces.
“You’re back!” Mariah said towering slightly over the brunette.
“Yes, I am! They decided to bring me back, isn’t nice?” she joked, side hugging her.
Rudy and Madison came in the room both of them talking about something else.
“What are we eating?”
“Ok, so,” she started, gaining Maddie and Rudy’s attention. “I make fried calamari with a little garlic aioli, for our main course, I am finishing up the sauce for carbonara, nothing too fancy and then per a personal request from miss Bailey, we have lava cakes.” She smiled to her friends watching as Rudy fished a spoon out of the drawer, tasting the sauce.
“Damn.” He said. “Okay, let’s eat!” he said clapping his hands.
Grace and Madison laughed at the boy’s antics, before the brunette stopped and let out a gasp.
“What?”
“I got something for Mo’! Wait!” she said before jogging to Rudy’s bedroom to retrieve something she had stashed there a little while ago. Grabbing the medium sized box and skipping back to the group. “Here!” she handed her the box, Rudy and Grace starting to move around the kitchen like they had done hundreds of times before.
“Do I open it now?” she asked, and Grace nodded. Mariah opened the package, Grace watching her reaction as she pulled out the basketball jersey with the OBX2 logo on it.
“That’s actually really cute, baby.” Madison said, hugging her girlfriend to her as they both looked at the piece of clothing.
“I know y’all would’ve wanted for Mo’ to stay with us during most of the filming and with the restrictions she can’t so I thought she could leave with a little souvenir.” She smiled, seeing Rudy smile at her. They continued to plate up the food, getting what was in the oven out and putting the lava cakes in the oven. “Anyone want more parmesan?” she asked once everyone was seated, they all raised their heads towards her making her smile.
“Cheese, please.” The blonde said and she rolled her eyes at his childishness.
Making conversation while they ate, the four adults shared laughs and stories, most of them about Madison, Grace taking the opportunity to tease her a little bit while telling Mariah anecdotes.
“It’s really freakin’ great, Grace.” Mo’ praised, and the brunette’s cheeks turned a deep red at the compliment.
“Thank you, I wish I had time to cook more though.” She said mindlessly and Madison hid a snicker.
“Yeah, you and Rudy love playing house, huh.” She chuckled and they shook their head amused.
While there were rumors that Grace and Rudy were dating, they knew it wasn’t true, but Madison always teased them, “they have such chemistry and the looks, oh my goodness!” she had explained to her girlfriend before they arrived at the shared apartment. Not that they minded, they actually thought it was quite funny that even with knowing the truth, their friends and colleagues kept making comments about their off-screen chemistry and closeness, because they wouldn’t impose anything on them, they didn’t push them together. They let them take their time ...
What ticked her off though, was fans sending her either threats, or commenting inappropriate things on her Instagram pictures and most of them thought it was okay to do so.
Helping the brunette unload the table, all four of them moved around each other seamlessly, a few words shared here and there on where things went. Leaning back against the counter while she helped Mariah rinse off the dishes, Maddie stole a glance towards the on-screen lovers, they were moving around each other like a dance, a dance they’d been doing for months.
When they got to dessert, the lava cakes hot out of the oven, she added some berries and powdered sugar on them, wanting them to look cute if they turned out to not taste nice. Following after her on-screen best friend who was carrying the milk and glasses she walked behind the blonde, subconsciously scratching gently at his neck, a low hum of approval leaving his throat. They sat down once again, a movie playing as background noise as appreciative groans were heard around the table.
“You fucking angel.” The blonde said before shoving another bite in his mouth.
-
Laundry Day
Grace was sleeping on the couch, covers covering her head, warmth surrounding her, and her dog nestled behind her bent legs.  It was past 10 and the actress had a later filming time, along with her roommate who was trying to be as quiet as possible as he picked up the clothes that were laying around the apartment. She had complained the day before that she no longer had clean pants to wear so they had decided that the day after would be laundry day, something they both disliked very much.
“Watcha’ doing?” she groaned, her sleep filled eyes looking at him.
“Hi, laundry.” He said, pointing to the white basket under his arm.
“You look like my mom.���
“That’s something a guy always wants to hear.” She laughed, sitting up a bit more.
“No, I meant, tip toeing around me while I sleep to do laundry. I can do it, you know.”
“Wanted to let you sleep, you were up late last night.”
“Well, thank you.” She rubbed her eyes, watching him walk around the room. “Don’t pick up that bag.” She laughed and he looked at her with a raised eyebrow.
“What, why?”
“Underwear.” She said and his face snapped towards the cloth bag. “Rudy?”
“Yep?” he said in a teasing tone.
“Stop it. Your JJ is showing, and I don’t like it.” She chuckled standing up from the couch. Oversized sweatshirt landing almost at the end of her thighs.
“But will you like—” he said, lifting his shirt over his hips, parading around the living room, his hips swaying left and right, the brunette letting out a loud laugh.
She picked up the dirty clothes of hers that were laying on her luggage that still hadn’t moved from when she had arrived, plopping them in the basket he held. After cleaning a little bit in the apartment and getting ready they went downstairs to the laundry room. Not wanting to one, take too much time and two have 4 machines working at the same time, they put their darks together and their lights together, Grace throwing in the cloth bag last minute.
“Don’t you have to take them out?” he asked, legitimately curious.
“No, the fabric’s too fragile, technically I should be washing them by hand but they’re older, so I don’t mind all that much, still don’t want them to tear though.”
“How strong does a machine have to be to tear up cotton underwear?” he sat on a machine, the girl leaning to rest on her elbows.
“I don’t know, but those aren’t cotton.” She said picking at her short nails. She could feel his interrogating eyes on her, she rolled her eyes. “Lace, Rudy, those are lace underwear.” She said, picking up the now empty basket and leaving the laundry room.
-
Getting ready for JJ & Beth
A few days before they would officially start filming, the cast had to get back to their characters’ looks, blonde highlights for Rudy and Chase, a touch up for Madelyn and a quick cut for Grace. But, since Grace wasn’t there at that point during season one, she wasn’t aware of the prepping process.
“Hey, so I gotta go buy stuff at the pharmacy but I’ll meet y’all at the hair salon?” she asked Rudy one morning, seeing him play video games in the living room.
“Huh, yeah. Cool.”
“Alright, see you later.” She closed the door behind her, her door running to the man on the couch.
“Come on bud.” ____
It was an hour later that Grace was finally able to join her friends at the salon. She opened the door, expecting to see Chase with aluminum papers in his hair but she froze when Rudy was sitting instead.
“No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no.” she repeated, a shocked look on her face and she grabbed her phone.
“What?” Madelyn asked confused.
“His hair, it’s not real. When were you going to tell me? I thought it was natural...” she said looking at the papers.
“What does it change?” he asked, seeing Chase film the girl.
“It just makes me sad. I loved it.” She mumbled turning to see Chase sitting on the floor, his camera pointing towards them. “Y’all, the last year of my life was a lie.” She said to the camera, exaggerating her pout.
After about an hour, the now very blonde actor was done, hair dried and ready to leave but Grace still had to get a trim.
“Come here.” She asked him, her hand making a “come here” motion and he walked towards her. She reached up, her hand going through his soft locks. “How did I not notice before? I can, like, see the difference now.” She said, the blonde locks gliding easily between her hair as she absents mindedly scratched at the boy’s scalp. “He’s back.” She smiled; her voice soft as she let out a soft hum. She turned towards Chase who was still filming them. The video stopping right when Rudy pulled her in his arms, her head resting against the crook of his underarm.
-
Teaching Grace how to drive
It was the morning, the pair scheduled to be on set at 6, Grace woke up at 5 making sure that they had something to eat even if it was just toast. She sipped on her coffee, leaned back against the counter, looking out the window to see that it was still quite dark outside, the sun barely peaking out.
“Wanna drive?” Rudy asked her, taking her coffee mug and taking a sip, the girl letting her head fall forward on his chest as her eyes wanted to close from sleep.
“Bubs, it’s 5, it’s dark and we gotta take the highway.” She mumbled grabbing back the cup.
“You gotta practice, ain’t no way I’m driving you around again when we get back to L.A.”
“Don’t drive shame me, sir. But sure, I’ll drive.” She said grabbing the keys he had fished out of his pocket.
Walking to the dark car in the parking lot of the building she saw Madelyn walk to her car.
“Good morning, miss!”
“Morning, G. You driving this morning?” Madelyn asked once she saw Rudy walk to the passenger side.
“Seems like it. See you there?”
“In one piece hopefully!” Rudy chuckled before entering the car seeing the brunette put the keys in. “You checked the mirrors?”
“Yep, adjusted them, the seat too.” She rolled her eyes teasingly, putting the car on drive. “It’s not like I never drove the car before.” She backed away, listening to the quiet instructions he gave her. They drove through the streets, making their way towards the highway.
“Yeah, that’s good, roll in slowly.” He said, eyeing around them. “Checked your blind spots?”
“Yup.”
“When it’s clear you go.” He said sitting back in his seat.
“I know, Dee.” She chuckled, double checking before she pressed on the gas a little bit more and drove into the traffic. “I’m almost a functioning adult.”
“Almost.” She glanced at him in a second, seeing his eyes already on her and she shook her head, focusing back on the road in front of her.
Twenty minutes later, they arrived onto the closed space used by the production team, grabbing both of their passes and putting on their masks she showed them to the guard who waved, letting them through.
“Look at that, you didn’t kill us!” Rudy teased once he got out of the car, going to the backseat to retrieve their bags. He joined her, grabbing back his keys before wrapping his arm around her shoulders and leading them to their neighboring trailers, ready for another day of filming.
-
Teaching Rudy some French
Grace was sitting on the floor of the living room, her computer placed on the coffee table in front of her, so it’d be eye level for her Facetime with her mother.
“Comment ça se passe au travail? How’s it going at work?” her mother asked, the screen freezing for a few seconds, but it moved again, the pixilation was bad, but it’d have to do for now.
“Ça va bien, on fait ce qu’on peut dans en ce moment. On a des restrictions sévères, mais c’est ce qu’il faut, c’est un peu stressant. It’s going well, we do what we can with the situation. We’re under strict restrictions, but it’s needed, a bit stressful, though.”
“Je peux comprendre ça, c’est pas si pire ici, on entre dans la deuxième vague tranquillement et les gouvernements sont sous pression, mais ils font ce qu’ils peuvent. Comment va la colocation? I get that, it’s not too too bad here, we’re getting into the second wave and the governments are under pressure, but they do what they can to help. How’s the rooming going?”
“Ça se passe bien, Dee et moi on s’est fait une petite routine, différente de celle de L.A mais c’est l’fun d’avoir quelqu’un avec moi en tout temps. Going well, Dee and I got a little routine going on, different from the one in LA but it’s nice to have someone with me most of the time.” She smiled at her mother, the cup of steaming tea next to her computer was brought to her lips and she took a sip.
“I heard my name! Why are you talking about me?” Rudy asked, walking from the kitchen to sit behind her on the couch. “Hi, Jane!”
“Good morning, Rudy. How are you?”
“Good, your daughter hasn’t started to hate me yet, so that’s a plus, y’know for the food.” He snickered.
“Continue and I might.” Grace looked up at him with a teasing frown.
“You could never.” He said with a wink and her mother laughed.
“Guys, I’m gonna let you whatever that is, I have some groceries to get but take care of you, babies and I’ll talk to you later!” she waved before shutting the Facetime call.
“Teach me.” He said seriously.
“I swear to god, Rudy, if you start to undress, I’m gonna leave.” She said with a smile and he sent her a confused look. “Grey’s anatomy. God I really got to make you watch more stuff.”
“I wasn’t- Okay, I just wanted you to teach me French.”
“Oh, okay. Which one?”
“What? What do you mean which one?” “Well, there are different kind of French,” she started putting her cup on the table and going to sit next to him, their knees touching with hers being slightly on his. “From France, the international one in the movies, the one from Quebec... Different alterations of it. Also, there’s French kissing, that’s an interesting one.” She said leaning closer to him and his eyes went to her lips. “But we’re talking about language here, right?”
“huh-huh.” He hummed, drinking his drink.
“Okay, so we’ll start simple since I know you know the basics. Introduce yourself.”
“Ok, hum, bonjour, ma nom est Rudy Pankow. That good?”
“Huh, yeah, just make sure you don’t pronounce the “s” sound in est, and it’s not “ma”, because it’s feminine, it’s “mon”” she explained. “Ok, try again.”
“Bonjour, mon nom est Rudy Pankow. Je suis une acteur.”
“That was good, again your “une” is feminine so you want to use “un acteur”. Ok, ok, introduce me.” She instructed and she smiled when she saw his focused face.
“Ok, so, Bonjour, mon nom est Rudy Pankow. Je suis un acteur, c’est mon amie Gracie. Did I use to much feminine or was that good?”
“That was great, okay, now because I know that you had like a French class before so talk to me about the weather.” She smiled, leaning forward.
“Aujourd’hui?” he asked if he used the right word for today and she nodded, a smile on her lips. “Aujourd’hui, c’est rempli de nuages et de froid.” He said and Grace nodded.
“It is indeed cloudy and kind of cold. That was actually good. You got a thick accent though, it’s weird.”
“And you don’t have one? Gray, when you got here it was so thick.”
“What? No!”
“Meh.” He said. “Ok, teach me other things.”
“Like what?”
“The numbers, the alphabet, verbs, songs whatever.”
“Je pense que je vais juste te parler en français pendant le reste de la journée et on verra comment tu t’en sors. I think I’m gonna talk to you in French for the rest of the day and we’ll see how it goes.” She said standing up to go take a shower.
“What? Wait talk slower, I understood; French, day, think” he stopped trying to make sense of the words that came out of her mouth.
“Je vais aller prendre une douche, quand je vais sortir tu me diras si tu as compris ce que je t’ai dis. I’ll go take a shower and when I get out, let me know if you got anything of what I told you.”
When she got out of the shower, she opened the bathroom door, seeing the blonde sat down on the couch with a pout.
“Ça va? You good?”
“Oui, ça va. Yeah.” He answered proud that he understood.
“On mange quoi pour dîner? What are we eating for lunch?”
“Je fais une salade de pâtes? I made a pasta salad.” He said qui a questioning tone and she nodded, towel drying her hair.
“Ouais, ok. Laisse-moi deux secondes. Yeah, ok. Give me two seconds.” She said before walking to the bedroom where her clothes were stashed, the girl oblivious to the pair of cerulean eyes that followed her movements.
-
Grace & Rudy hosting dinners
She had been on Facetime with her mother for the past two hours, the woman sharing her recipes with her daughter.
“What else are you making baby?” her mother asked.
“I got nachos, beers, cocktails, chips, I’m making bruschetta rolls, oh and I made these huh, it’s peach quarters with a mint leaf and wrapped with prosciutto that Claire showed me.” She said and at the same time Rudy walked into the kitchen, moving her gently to grab something in a cupboard. He put his hands on her hips, moving her back to the spot she was in.
“Jane”
“Rudy” she replied on the same monotone voice, a smile on her face as Grace snorted and shook her head.
“I can’t with y’all, did you ever exchange numbers like you meant to?” she asked looking at the blonde.
“Yeah. Hey what was that about my mom?”
“Oh, she sent me a few appetizers ideas from the ones she did for Christmas.”
“You and my mom talk?” he asked his hand stealing a few veggies from the cutting board in front of her, her mother silently witnessing the conversation.
“I mean, yeah. She’s great.”
“Do you, do you guys talk often?”
“Once a week maybe? She sent me a ton of recipes that we ate during the holidays. Ok, so mom, you have to meet her you guys would get along SO well!” Grace turned her head towards her phone where Jane’s face could be seen. “You guys read the same kind of books, you use the same expressions, y’all both have amazingly talented kids, I’m just saying.”
“Very funny Grace Parker.” She said with a teasing smile.
“Oh shit, she went full name with you.”
“You have no room to talk, dude.” She said. “I’m not even gonna try to say what you mom told me.”
“Guys, I have to go, work calls... But I’ll try to catch you after dinner!”
“Bye ma!”
“Bye Jane!” Rudy said before Grace pressed the red button to close the conversation. “How close are you and my mom, really?”
“She might’ve sent me pictures...” she replied, adding the pinch of salt for the homemade dough for the bruschetta rolls. “You were so cute when you were a kid, what the fuck happened, Dee?”
“Very funny.” He said, his hand reaching to his left, practically out of her peripheral vision. “So, what time are they getting here?” He asked, trying to make as little sound as he possibly could.
“Around 5, Austin has his hair appointment before coming- NO! RUDY DON’T EVEN THINK AB—” she stopped screaming as the flour hit her face. Rudy letting out a loud laugh. “You fucking bitch.” She laughed, trying to spit out the flour that had made it into her mouth.
“Did you just call me a bitch?” he asked, backing away from her when he saw her reach for the paper bag containing the flour.
“Yes. Come here!” she said running after him.
She cornered him in the small hallway, him being stuck between his bedroom door and the linens closet.
“You know I wouldn’t hurt you, right?” he asked, she shook her head, laughter never stopping as she took a step forward.
Grace reached in the bag, grabbing a handful of flour, as much as her little hand could. She felt his hands high on her waist, pulling her to him before she could even comprehend what he was doing. One of his arms kept her against him, his other reaching for her two hands that he held with his right hand. He lifted his arm and her hand out of the flour bag, which fell to the floor. She turned her head to look at him, his blue eyes already on her. She smiled a nervous smile once she noticed his eyes on her. He quickly licked his lips, her eyes falling to the movement. Their linked limbs were raised in the air, her hand barely passing the top of his head.
“Leave the flour.” He whispered, his eyes never leaving her darkening green eyes.
She sucked in a little breath, the flour on her face and clothes feeling grainy on her skin, a small smirk appeared on her lips, his face mirroring hers as he glanced down. She let the handful of flour she held fall down on his head, a laughter passing her lips, but never did she make a move to get out of his hold. He closed his eyes for a few seconds, her eyes quickly going over his face. He opened them again, her mouth pulled in a relaxed smile.
“Shouldn’t have done that.” He whispered, his head falling to rest on hers.
“Why? Are you gonna like, send an official complaint or something?”
“Or something yeah.” He nodded, both of their voices barely above the sound of a whisper.
She cleared her throat, her head looking at the floor, her body moved, the girl wanting to clean up the small mess but his hold on her waist tightened, she twisted around in his hold, facing him.
“We should, huh, clean this up before they arrive.” Her eyes arrived at his chin, her hand moving up between them to trace the curve of it.
His blue eyes followed the movements of her mouth as she breathed in and out.
“Hey guys, we just wante- oops.” They heard from the kitchen, Rudy sighed while Grace cleared her throat once again to turn towards Chase, smiling at him. “Didn’t want to interrupt...”
“No, you didn’t just, huh, cleaning up the flour mess.” She said wiping down her face while Rudy just stayed silent, still holding her against him, his fingers digging into her flesh subconsciously. “What’s up?” she asked, freeing herself from the warm hold and grabbing the paper bag before following her friend.
“Y’all weren’t answering your phones, so Mads asked me to come down and check on y’all. We wanted to know if we had to bring something or if you had everything handled?” she nodded, her fists went to rest on her hips, her tank top rising up a little.
“Think we’re good, huh Dee?” she asked turning back around to face him and he simply nodded. “Yeah, I’m almost done so you guys can just come over anytime.” She nodded, a shy smile appearing on her face, she moved past the man going back to the balls of dough on the floured counter.
“I’ll go wash off, be back in a bit.” The blonde mumbled before closing the bedroom door behind him.
Grace avoided Chase’s stare, his hazel eyes watching her purposely ignore him. She pulled the dough balls in taunt balls, her hands working quickly, she got the bruschetta out adding it in the center before brushing it with egg wash.
“You okay?” Chase finally broke the silence, noticing Grace’s grip on the pastry brush tightened.
“Yeah, why wouldn’t I be?” she put the brush down, putting the tray in the oven.
“Grace c’mon, it’s me. Did y’all kiss?” Chase asked bluntly and she chuckled, her face not moving when he gently reached to wipe away some leftover flour in the corner of her eye.
“No, we didn’t, he’s just been acting weird since my birthday.” She mumbled shaking her head in exasperation of her own words. “He’d tell me, right, if something was wrong?”
“Probably, yeah. You’re moving out tomorrow so he might be trying to like separate himself from you?”
“I’m moving next door, C.”
“Just saying, you guys have been living together for over four months.” She looked up at him, seeing him look at the wall. “You like him?”
“Like him as a friend or like-like?”
“How old are you? Like-like, obviously!”
“I don’t think I do. I just—”
“If you say “he’s like my brother”” he said, and she chuckled.
“No, of course not. He’s much more than that and I know that! I just don’t know how to call how I feel yet.” She whispered; her eyes went to the bedroom door that had just opened.
“I’ll get it.” He said already halfway to the door.
“Fuck, ok, hostess smile on.” She said to Chase who sent a wink her way.
She heard Madelyn’s voice first, follow by Milo’s happy bark and when she walked to stand next to Rudy, the pup was already handed to her, Mads had her arms extended.
“Welcome, welcome! Come in, come in.” She rushed, walking to the living room with the young dog in her arms. “Loo, it’s your friend!” she said in a baby voice to her own dog. Letting them play together she walked to Mads with a smile, standing between Chase and Rudy.
Madelyn looked at her boyfriend with a smile before getting a glass bottle out of her purse.
“You know the way to my heart, Cline.” She smiled grabbing the bottle of Tanqueray and grabbing Mads to pull her to the kitchen.
-
Everyone; Mads & Chase, Maddie, Jonathan, Austin & Drew and Elaine had arrived almost an hour ago, drinks had been served and laughter could be heard from the kitchen where the brunette started to place the appetizers on a serving tray. She heard loud and heavy steps that she recognized immediately, her head turning towards the entryway where her green eyes met his blue ones.
“You need help?” he asked softly, smiling at a joke Drew said, Madison’s laugh resonating through the one-bedroom apartment.
“Yeah, Austin said he wanted a refill for his beer, so I say we just refill all their drinks, everything’s in the fridge.” She pointed to the stainless door. “Thank you, Dee.” She turned around; his lean body bent halfway in the fridge.
“What for?”
“Letting me stay, since May. You didn’t have to do that.” She said, watching his form as he took a step to stand next to her.
“I would’ve never let you not have a place to stay, Gray.” He said, beers in one hand, the other one of her shoulder.
“Well, thank you anyway, for y’know, being there.”
“For sure. Always, you know that.” He said, his chin resting atop of her head once she pressed herself against him. He kissed the top of her head, lips lingering for a few seconds before he pulled away, lifting the four beer bottles in his hand. She nodded with a small smile.
She walked out of the room, serving trays in hand, one with the many bruschetta rolls and the other with the recipe Claire had sent her.
“Ok, party people.” She said, “we have food. Per miss. Cline’s request we have bruschetta rolls and per Mrs. Pankow—”
“Oh, so y’all got married and didn’t invite us?” Maddie said and Grace kicked a pillow her way.
“So as I was saying, Rudy’s mom shared recipes with me during the holidays and that was one of them. Nachos are almost out and there’s like a shit ton so, pig out y’all.” She handed the trays to Chase and JD.
“Those are so good, baby.” Madelyn said, taking a bite of the food.
“Why, thank you!” she said, sitting down on the couch, between Drew and Rudy.
“Do y’all want to play truth or dare?” Drew asked and he grimaced when about seven pairs of eyes turned towards him.
“What?” Austin asked confused.
“Y’all wanna play truth or dare?” They shared looks, having silent conversations.
“Sure. Wanna start?” Chase asked his friend.
“Why not, I’ll go with dare.” He said, leaning forward, his hands hitting each other.
“Let someone shave your calves.” He said and Grace and Mads started cheering immediately.
“Oh, my freaking god, yes!” the brunette said excited and that’s what they did.
The actor was laying on his front on the couch, pants on the floor, briefs on full display.
“Wait, don’t cut me.” Drew said to Grace who smiled wickedly.
“Sweetheart, I can’t cut you with wax.” She said and he acted quickly, jumping off the couch making everyone laugh.
“You said shave.” He laughed, impossible to not when laughters were so loud.
“I don’t use razors and I don’t think you want Rudy’s on your legs.” She said, the blonde shaking his head.
“What? Why- oh ew, no. Ok.” He shook the nerves out, laying back down on the couch. “Don’t you have to heat it up?”
“No, they’re bands.” She said, separating the two wax filled papers. She put one on his calf, pressing down. “Got something to hold onto?” she asked, wheezes leaving her mouth when she saw he had one pillow between his teeth and Madison’s hand in his.
“Count to it.” He said, giggles leaving his mouth.
“Did you gi—” Rudy started, his shoulders shaking at the loud yell that followed.
“3.” Grace smiled holding up the band.
“STOP, it’s enough. Ok, thank you.”
After cleaning the leftover wax and after putting his pants back one Drew joined his friends back in the living room.
“Ok,” Drew started, his eyes trained on Grace. “Truth of dare?”
“Truth.”
“Who was the first person you kissed when you arrived in the states?” he asked, everyone expecting her to say Rudy’s name.
“Mads.” She said, two giggles slipping past the girls’ lips.
“I’m sorry, what?” Madison said shocked.
“What? Guys? It’s 2020, she wasn’t dating Chase, we had a little bit to drink and like—”
“Shit happened.” Madelyn said, her shoulder moving up for a quick second with a pout on her mouth.
“No, shit don’t happen! When, where, why and what?” Madison said, her eyes looking between her two best friends.
“Was it like- like a peck or was there—” Chase finished, his tongue coming out of his mouth, flicking the air.
“Yeah, no we made out.”
“Full on make out.” Grace said bluntly at the same time as Mads and Rudy choked on the sip of beer he had taken.
“Sorry I—” the blonde said once Grace sent him a look. “Y’all fucking made out?”
“Oh my god! Yes, Madelyn Cline and Grace Russell made out.”
“Next question!” Madelyn said, seeing Grace trying to contain her laughter.
Grace looked at the people around her, her eyes squinting a little bit.
“Chasey.”
“Tiny.”
“Truth or dare?”
“I’ll go with dare.”
“Belly dance to a One Direction song.” She said.
And he did, videos were captured for either future birthday posts or just to keep as memories.
“Rudy.” Madison said after she had her own turn, she had chosen truth; tell her friends what was the weirdest thing she had done with a significant other. Let’s just say that Chase jokingly put his hands over Grace’s ears, claiming that her innocent ears shouldn’t be tinted with sins. “When are you gonna take Grace on a real date?” she asked and the blonde laughed, one of his eyebrows lifting up, sparing a glance towards the brunette.
“What makes you think I haven’t taken her on a date, already?” he said.
“Grace stop hiding things from us.”
“Are you guys announcing that y’all are dating?”
“We’re not.” Grace ended the conversation, her gaze subtlety going to her roommate, she shook her head in exasperation.
“But y’all went on an actual date?” Madelyn asked.
“Yes, we did.” Grace nodded and Mads brought her hand to her forehead, letting her upper body fall on Chase.
“Babe, catch me I’m gonna faint.”
-
Roommates
Grace had been laughing for the past ten minutes, alone in the living room. She had her EarPods in, leaving Rudy very confused as to what she was watching.
“I swear to god if you’re watching my old stuff again.” He said, sitting next to her.
“No, I’m watching OBX’ bloopers.” She chuckled.
“Oh, the unreleased ones?” he asked once he saw the scene playing out on the screen.
“Yes, yes. It’s the x rated ones.” She chuckled, watching herself and the blonde on the screen.
They were in the Chateau set, Grace straddling Rudy’s lap as they tried to film a new angle for the sex scene. Rudy’s mouth was on the brunette’s neck, as he fake sucked and bit on her clavicle.
“JJ...” the girl moaned loud enough for the cameras and microphones, suddenly the cameras could pick up Rudy’s shoulder shaking as a loud laugh echoed in the dark room. “What the fuck, Dee.” Grace groaned leaning back, his hands falling to hold her thighs.
“I’m sorry,” he laughed, his head thrown back. “JJ..” he imitated the girl, the video cut.
Grace shook her head, a chuckle leaving her throat she looked to the side, seeing blue eyes trained on her and she stopped all sounds from leaving her mouth.
“Dee...?” she asked, and he made a noise. “Stop looking at me like that.” She mumbled, her eyes searching for his.
“Like what?”
“Like JJ looks at Beth most of the time...” she finished, her eyes going down before Looney barked.
-
“I want a baby.” She said to Rudy one day.
“What?” he asked utterly confused. He looked at the time on his phone, six am. They were due on set in an hour and a half.
“I want a baby, just to hold, y’know.” She said, cradling her own dog in her arms.
“Jesus, woman.” He groaned flipping back on his stomach. He felt the end of the bed slightly dip before she felt her lay down beside him.
A few hours later, on set, Grace walked into the hair and make-up trailer to see one of the hairdressers with a baby on her hip.
“Whose baby is that?” she asked, her eyes shining.
“Mine.”
“But, but, when?” she asked, her body yearning to cradle the little bundle. She put some antibacterial gel on her hands.
“Had her a few weeks before we started filming.”
“Josiiiiieeee? Can I hold her?” she asked, her arms extended. The hairdresser hesitated before walking towards a grinning Grace.
“Hold her head, careful.” She said, taking a step back once Grace had settled the baby comfortably in her arms.
“Hi, precious.” She said, her eyes brimming with tears. “Oh, she’s so beautiful, look at her, her tiny fingers, tiny mouth, little, little, minuscule nose.” She said and looked up when the door opened, a head of blonde hair walking in.
“Hey, have you guy—” he looked up, his eyes going up and down the girl. “When did that happen? Because when you left home this morning—”
“Shut up, it’s Josie’s. Look at her, she so small.”
“Do you want kids, Grace?” the woman asked, and Grace nodded.
“Yeah, but when I’m older, like in seven to ten years.” She mumbled; her gaze fixed on the baby. “She seems so easy.” She said, looking at the baby’s mother as she nodded.
Rudy moved to stand behind the girl, to see the baby’s face.
“Her name is Noelle.” The mother said and the baby’s eyes opened slightly.
“Oh my god, she has blue eyes. Dee, look at her she’s so pretty.” Grace almost whined, rocking the baby slightly.
“What the fuck did I just walk into and what year is it?” Madelyn asked when she walked in, seeing Grace and Rudy with the baby. “Look at the little family. Josie is that baby Noelle?” the blonde actress asked.
“Yep.” Josie said, leaning against a chair.
Madelyn quickly got her phone out, opening the camera app and pointing it towards Grace and Rudy.
“Ok guys now say “Hi, we’re the Pankows!” she said, and Grace looked up while Madelyn snapped the picture.
“Wait what makes you think that I’ll take his name?”
-
The day Grace barged in Rudy’s room at 10 at night with the three DVD’s of the High School Musical trilogies, the blonde knew he was in for a long night. He got out of bed, following the girl after making himself a coffee.
“Ok, now, you have to know that I will tolerate no negative criticism for those movies. They have shaped me into the woman I am today, have introduced me to boys and music.”
“Boys and music huh?” he asked, a small smirk making its way to his lips.
“Yes, oh my god I heard that Kenny Ortega has a new show coming out, so we’ll be watching that too.” She indicated and he simply nodded, knowing he had no control over it whatsoever.
So that’s what they did that night, watching all three High School musical movies with Grace’s explanations and commentary in the background. Halfway through the third one, Grace had snuggled up against the blonde, his arm moving around her, resting comfortably on her thigh. Knowing the movie by heart she started getting antsy, waiting for the last one to finish, she started tracing patterns on his side.
“It’s almost over.” She said once the seniors appeared on stage alongside Mrs. Darbus. “it’s so sad.” She said, her eyes glossing over.
“Are you crying?” he asked, tightening his hold on her.
“I’m not, I just really like that scene. Like Kelsi gets her scholarship and damn she deserves it, Jason finally graduates, queen Taylor goes to Yale, Ryan goes to Julliard and look at him, he’s so happy.” She said, gesturing to the tv, while Rudy looked down at her chuckling. “Sharpay just wins life- oh my god we have to watch her movie next, there’s like a whole asse movie about what she does after high school.” She turned back towards the tv, a gasp leaving her lips as she tugged on his hand. “Watch! Watch!”
“And now a senior who I believe has a decision to make” Mrs. Darbus said and Grace bit down on her lip. “Mr. Troy Bolton. Troy”
“I’ve chosen basketball. But I’ve also chosen theatre. The University of California, Berkeley, offers me both. That’s where I’m going to be attending next fall. But most of all, I choose the person who inspires my heart. Which is why I picked a school that’s exactly 32.7 miles from you.” The senior on the screen said, Grace wiped a tear from her cheek. “Miss Gabriella Montez Stanford University, Pre-Law.” Troy said, the crowd erupting in cheers as he twirled her.
Grace sniffled a little bit, touched. She feels the blonde bring her closer to him, pressing a kiss to her temple.
“I want something like that.” She muttered. “I mean the guy just changed his whole life plans, everything that had been planned to be closer to her, he said earlier you know, that East High changed when she got there and changed again when she left... That’s the cutest thing ever. Zac Efron, making me have unattainable expectations for men since 2006... That’s just great.” She muttered, sitting up, leaving both of them a little bit colder.
-
When August 12th, 2020 rang, they were both still in L.A knowing they were to take a plane later that night. Grace woke up at 8, knowing the birthday boy would decide to sleep in as a birthday treat. She padded out of her room, the shirt she had stolen from set a few months prior way to big on her frame, she walked to the kitchen, starting the coffee. She bid goodbyes to her two other roommates who had work and things planned that day, telling her that they would both be back for dinner and to see them off that night.
Once her coffee had been drunk and that she had time to calmly cook the breakfast, she plated it up, adding a cup of coffee just how he liked it. She knocked on the door, just in case he was awake but once she heard pure silent and light snores she walked in, leaving the tray on the dresser near the door.
“Dee,” she whispered in the dark room. She couldn’t see anything, not wanting to open the blinds or the lights she moved around the room by memory. She felt the end of the double bed with the tip of her fingers.
Putting a knee on the mattress she crawled up the bed, laying down next to her, the warmth and darkness of the room inviting her into a deep sleep. She flipped herself, touching around for the boy until she felt his head. Twirling locks of hair between her fingers, she started to hum the melody of the birthday song.
“Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you, happy birthday dear Rudy, happy birthday to you.” She sung, her voice clear and light, the soft song hitting the boy’s ears, making him groan. “Well good morning to you too.” She chuckled, once his head hit her stomach.
“Sleep.” He mumbled sleepily.
“Dee. Gotta wake up, gotta pack for tonight, gotta do a lot of things.” She said, her own eyes feeling heavy as her hand pet the soft head of hair. “It is you birthday too, happy birthday, lovie.” She mumbled, hearing him chuckle before he put his full body weight on her.
-
On September 16th, 2020, Grace Russell turned 20. She turned 20 and she was hit with a heavy weight as soon as her alarm rang.
“HAPPY BIRTHDAY, GRAY!” the blonde yelled in the living room, his feet planted on either side of her hips.
“Get off.” She groaned, her fists rubbing her eyes.
“But it’s your birthday.” He pouted once she had opened her eyes. She opened her eyes completely, her arms extending to her side as much as she could and the blonde let himself fall on her, a loud grunt pass through her lips.
“Jesus, Dee!” she yelled. He pressed kisses on her head, hugging her and wishing her a happy birthday.
“I made coffee.” He smiled. “It’s a latté, from the fancy machine you got the other day.” He grabbed a cup of brown, milky liquid from the coffee table, handing it to her. “It’s good.”
“Why do you get a soft, loving and quiet good morning on your birthday and I get you squishing me to death.” She asked, crossing her legs, the blonde sitting in front of her.
“Because we show affection different ways, Gracie.” He winked and she shook her head, kissing his cheek. She walked to the bathroom just as her name was called.
“Gray?” Rudy said and she turned around to face him, a soft smile on her face. “Happy birthday, Greens, I hope it’s the best one yet.”
“Thank baby blues.” She said before closing the door behind her.
-
Moving Out
“Yeah mom, I finished packing last night after they left, I mean, I didn’t have much stuff left anyway.” She said into the phone, Rudy following her with the last of her boxes.
They walked the few feet separating their front doors.
“No, no! We did everything just fine; we’re finishing up the last few boxes right now.” She smiled into the phone, pointing to the pile of boxes where he could put the one that he was holding. “Yes, I’ll facetime you as soon as I’m all set up.” She rolled her eyes at the blonde, making him chuckle and pass his hand through his hair. “No, ma’, I’m not rolling my eyes.” She rested against the wall, while he went to get the last box, Looney attached by his leash close behind.
She bid her goodbyes to her mother, sighing she stretched and turned around seeing Rudy’s blue eyes already looking at her.
“What?”
“It’s been four months.”
“I don’t understand, Dee.” She shook her head, fists resting on her hips.
“It’ll be weird, we’ve been spending every day together for the past few months.” He chuckled.
“Don’t get emotional on me now, Pankow. It’s not the time.” She said walking to him, her hands resting on his biceps.
Looney started to bark playfully, discovering the new place that was a copy and paste of Rudy’s apartment.
“You got everything?” she nodded, a fond smile on her face. “I’m right next door if ever.”
“I know, you’re probably gonna come back here in like two hours. Not that I mind.”
“S’just the first time you’ll be living alone.”
“Dude, have you been talking to my mom?” her eyebrow raised.
“Nah,” he shook his head, a smile pulling at his face. “You just told me a few months ago that being alone stressed you out.”
“Oh.” She said, her eyes staring right in front of her. “You’re like my favorite person on earth, you know that, right?” she asked, and he nodded, pulling her to him.
She buried her nose in his shirt, inhaling the oh so familiar scent that she had soaked herself in for the last four months.
“Uno reverse card, Gray.” He mumbled, his eyes closing once her lips quickly touched his cheek.
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bubmyg · 3 years
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i hate my step sister <3
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getalittlecountry · 7 years
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Happiness Ain’t Prison
Nesta hasn't unpacked her suitcase since the day she turned 18. She's been a drifter, a voyager for longer than she would consider herself an adult. She's been to so many places she has more than one passport and her suitcase tells the stories she's learned. But she likes it that way, she prefers the road, it's always changing, to a boring life settled in one place.
Her sisters tell her she's weird, there's something wrong with someone who craves a new place everyday. But she always has, it's an itch she can't scratch. She packs up her bags and puts on a new town like a leather jacket. Once it's broken in she finds another place to stay.
It's been that way for the past two years. She can't imagine it changing anytime soon.
So you can only imagine her annoyance when her car breaks down in a tiny little town right outside of the big bright lights of New York.
Nesta pulled open the door of the all night diner. She was exhausted which wasn't anything new, she was always tired. Running on little sleep and big dreams. But they wouldn't even look at her car until noon tomorrow. So she had nowhere to go. Her stomach growled and she figured she might as well feed one of her desires.
The diner smelled like home. A home she hadn't seen in a very long time. Her sisters called her whenever they could, but Nesta never gave into them. She never went home to visit no matter how much they begged. She had picked up and moved the day she turned eighteen, they day after they lost their mother. It was the day they lost everything good the past had to offer. So she left.
And she never looked back.
Sometimes she felt guilty. She felt guilty when Feyre called and told her about her terrible boyfriend. Whom Nesta insisted she break up with the moment he started hitting her. She felt guilty when Elain called crying because she found an old baby blanket that still smelled like their mother's perfume. But Nesta knew life was meant to be lived, not just survived. Her mother had taught her that.
She might feel guilty, but she started to remind herself that she deserved a life too. She shouldn't have to look after her sisters. They were old enough to take care of themselves. Even if she was the oldest, even if their mother was gone. They weren't children anymore. Nesta didn't need to care for them or their father.
She sat down in a corner booth and someone slid a glass of water in front of her, "what can I get you sweetheart?"
He smelled like leather and coffee. Something stirred in her soul. Something tugged at her memory. She looked up and found honey brown eyes staring down at her. His hair was a little too long, it was fighting to fall into his eyes as he waited for her to answer. He was all muscle, pure man. His skin looked warm, even in the nighttime, as if he carried the sun in his pocket. There was a swirl of ink that peaked out of the top of his shirt. Nesta felt her heart stall for a second as she took in this stranger.
But it wasn't the way he looked at her that scared her. It was the smile he wore. The smile that told her he didn't call everyone sweetheart.
"Coffee," she sighed, "black. And um. A cheeseburger."
He didn't write down her order. But he nodded and then walked away. Nesta let out a breath and rubbed her hands together. She wasn't sure why she suddenly felt out of place. She had no actual place ever since she left home. She always loved the animosity that came with being a vagabound.
But now she wasn't sure.
She pulled her book out of her bag and tried to stop wondering where she was going to sleep. She was exhausted but she hadn't gotten a job in a while and had nowhere to lay down until her car was fixed. She sighed, her stomach still grumbling as she waited for her food.
Half a chapter later someone set her coffee cup down loudly. She jumped slightly as she looked up and found her waiter sitting across from her. She raised an eyebrow at him.
"I hope you don't mind if I join you. I normally take my break at this booth," he gave her that smile again.
Nesta shrugged, "as long as you don't drink my coffee or try to talk to me."
He stuck his lips out and ran his hand through his hair, "I'm Cassian."
She forced a smile, "I'm not interested."
Nesta looked back down at her book. She tried to focus on the description of the characters, to ignore him staring at her as she read. She tried to ignore the headache that was forming behind her eyes from her exhaustion. What she really wanted was her gods damned food. She was starving.
She finished her chapter and Cassian nudged her foot, "why is a pretty girl like you out at this hour? Shouldn't you be with whoever it is you call yours?"
Nesta put her bookmark in the crease of her book, "first I don't have anyone and I belong only to myself. Second I don't have to really give you a reason as to why I'm here as long as I pay. Third I told you the rule was not to talk to me."
Cassian nodded, "well sweetheart I don't like to follow rules. So since you know my name, shouldn't I get yours?"
"Will it make you shut up?"
He shook his head. The corner of his lip pulled up, making his smile crooked. And damn something about that made her rethink everything she had ever felt about anyone else in this world. Because no one had been as annoying as him. No one had tried as hard to get her name. They usually got through one wall only to hit another.
She rolled her eyes, trying, but failing, to ignore her pounding heart, "fine. I'm Nesta. Now either bring me my food or leave me alone."
Cassian laughed, "bossy are we," he said standing up and grabbing the burger Nesta saw them out under the heat lamp on the counter. Her mouth watered as he sat it down and then resumed his seat.
He grabbed a fry and then she glared at him, "don't you have customers to help?"
He held his hands out and she looked around. There was no one else in the diner, "unless you can see ghosts, you're the only one here."
Nesta sighed, "fine. Whatever you can sit there. Just because you do doesn't mean I have to answer you."
Cassian wiggled his eyebrows, "so you won't tell me why you're here? It's almost two a.m."
Nesta took a bite and felt her anger dissolve slowly, "my car broke down. They won't take it until morning so I had nowhere else to go and I saw the twenty four hour sign. Plus I'm starving."
Cassian watched her eat and didn't say anything. He kept knocking his knuckles against the table. Nesta would've scolded him if she hadn't been so intent on finishing her entire plate. She hasn't had anything to eat since morning.
Once her burger was finished she looked up to find Cassian staring at her. He was wearing a smirk, not the smile he gave her when she first sat down. She wiped off her hands and swallowed the last bite.
"What?" She asked taking a sip of water.
He shrugged, "I've never seen a girl eat like that before. Usually she's too obsessed with her weight."
Nesta shrugged, "I've never cared about those things. Plus I don't know you so I really don't care what you think."
He laid his hands flat, "wow. Just when I thought you couldn't get more interesting, you do. So you broke down here in Velaris. It's not a terrible place to end up. You think you might stay?"
"It's two in the morning and I'm seriously thinking about taking a nap in this booth because I have nowhere to go. I'll be staying for as long as it takes to fix my car."
"Well I have a couch," he glanced at it watch, "and my shift ends soon. I promise I don't bite."
Nesta's face fell, "why would you offer me somewhere to stay?"
He shrugged, "my friend Azriel says I shouldn't be so open, so trusting. For all I know you'll rob me blind and leave without a second thought. But Mor, she knows I've got the softest heart of them all. And she wouldn't want you to sleep in this booth," he stood up and then stopped, his fingers grazed hers, "and I really don't know what it is, but ever since you sat down there, I wanted to find a reason to take you home."
Nesta's cheeks flushed as he walked away and she looked at her plate. She wasn't used to people being nice, she wasn't used to this. But she couldn't deny the attraction she felt towards him. She couldn't deny the appeal of a warm place to lay down, and possibly someone else there with her.
She had always pushed men away. She found herself in a new bed every morning and left before her partner woke up. She never overstayed her welcome, she never wanted to face the consequences of what she said in the moments they shared.
But when she looked at Cassian, when he talked to her, she felt a spark. She felt as if he had been the counterpart to fire that she was born into. As if he was the other half of whatever had been missing in her life. What she had been searching for ever since she moved away from home.
For the first time the idea of staying, the idea of finding somewhere to belong, it didn't scare her.
Nesta finished her fries and took a drink of coffee. Then she stood up and walked towards the counter where Cassian stood. She walked around and grabbed his hand. She didn't think about it, she pulled him in and brought his face towards her.
Nesta kissed the way she did everything else, with her entire body and soul. Cassian wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her in, his lips moving with hers. Nesta smiled, feeling his heart beneath his shirt. He tasted like coffee and smoke.
His hands on her waist felt like home.
She pulled back and looked at him. Her face was flushed and so was his. She smiled slightly, "I might not have a soft heart, but I won't rob you blind."
Cassian looked like he was in a daze. His thumb grazed her bottom lip, pulling at her smile, "so that's a yes?"
She stood on her tip toes, he was a few inches taller than her, and kissed him again as the door opened and the bell chimed loudly. She pulled away, both of them ignoring the blonde who stood there with her mouth hanging open.
"Yeah," she answered breathless, "that's a yes."
"Cassian," the blonde squealed his name as he looked away from Nesta and at her. She was pretty, far prettier than Nesta could ever imagine herself to be, "what the fuck! Amren says no kissing the customers!"
Nesta blushed as she stepped around the counter and walked back to her booth. Their voices got quieter, she could hear her name being said a few times. The girl glanced her way a few more times and then Cassian went into the back.
She finished her coffee, not even interested in the book she had pulled out now. She watched as the doors to the kitchen opened again and Cassian came out and walked back over. He had the bill in his hand, "damn I thought kissing you would forgo the bill."
He laughed, "actually this is my number. In cause you do decide to run out on me before I wake up tomorrow. Your food's on me tonight," he gave her the paper and then she took his hand, "let's go."
The blonde watched them, "good luck," she was smiling. Which Nesta knew meant she was kidding, "he snores in his sleep."
"You would know," he laughed at her blush and then pulled Nesta into his side.
Once they were outside he stepped away, "I just want you to know I don't actually do this. I mean, like you aren't my first, but sleepovers aren't ever as spontaneous as this."
Nesta laughed, pulling him to a stop at the side of his truck. She put her hand on his cheek and kissed him, "Cassian. I've been living out of a suitcase for the last two years. I've gone home with my fair share of people too."
He nodded slowly, "yeah? But I'm special right sweetheart?"
Nesta couldn't hide the truth, "yeah, I don't know why. I don't even know you, but you're my favorite."
Cassian pulled her in and kissed her hard. His fingers dug into her waist and Nesta knew she was fucked. Because it took one hour, one short hour for her to find a reason to stay in this tiny little town.
"This is crazy," Cassian laughed as he pulled away, "I've never believed in love at first sight. But my heart wouldn't let me walk away without you tonight."
"I don't believe in love at first sight either. But maybe friends at first sight? Maybe the world knew two broken people needed each other. Maybe I was meant to break down here," she ran her fingers through his hair and leaned into his chest, "take me home now, brute. Or I'm going to fall asleep right here."
Cassian drove cautiously. One hand on Nesta's knee, the other holding the wheel. Nesta couldn't stop smiling, she couldn't stop imagining his arms around her, his hands touching her. That first kiss had started it all, started something she never knew she wanted. He was a stranger and yet, there was something that told her he was everything she never knew she wanted.
Once they were at his house, he didn't let her go to the couch. He took her hand and led her into his bedroom. There were clothes on the floor and the bed was already unmade. But it was cleaner than other rooms Nesta had found herself in before.
She wrapped her around around his neck and leaned into him. Cassian kissed her harder than before, his hand slipping up her shirt. She shook her head and pulled it away, breaking the kiss.
"Slow down there cowboy," She whispered softly in the dark room, "l really like you. And I don't want to mess that up. Which means, we just sleep."
Cassian pulled away slightly, his brown eyes still held a sparkle in them, "my friends would kill me if they could hear this, but I don't want to mess this up either."
Nesta kissed his jaw and then he pulled away. He grabbed a clean shirt from his drawer and offered it to her, "to sleep in."
It smelled like him. Like leather and smoke. Nesta changed quickly as Cassian went to the bathroom. She crawled into his bed and felt warm even before she pulled the covers up to her chin. It had been a long time since she had fallen asleep on a soft mattress. She took in a deep breath, reminding herself to call Feyre in the morning.
Because she needed to tell her sister that she had finally found what she was looking for.
Cassian climbed into the bed after turning off the light. He didn't even think about it he crawled towards her and pulled her in. His thumb ran across her cheek, "is this real? These things don't happen in real life."
Nesta laughed, "if my mom was alive she would tell me that this was the reason why I left home in the first place. To find what my heart was looking for."
"And I'm so devilishly handsome you couldn't resist."
Nesta giggled. She wasn't a girl who giggled and it sounded foreign in her ears. She let out a slow breath and leaned into him. He pressed a kiss to her neck and she shivered.
"I wouldn't say that. Maybe it's the lack of sleep. But for some reason you aren't as annoying as the rest."
"I'll take that as a win," he whispered before closing his eyes, "tomorrow I'm taking you on a date. A real date and I'll convince you to stay."
Nesta hummed, "okay. Whatever you say."
Nesta laid beside Cassian, his eyes already closed. She smiled slightly as she ran her fingers down his cheek, watching him sleep. This hadn't been the plan, then again she prided herself on never having a plan. Cassian's nose twitched and she leaned in to kiss him once more. Nesta wasn't sure what was different this time. She has been practically everywhere. She's been to beautiful cities in Europe, she's stood on untouched soil in foreign countries. And yet nothing was as beautiful as the smile he offered her the moment she took his hand.
Nothing was as exhilarating as laying there beside him, the warmth from his arms seeping into her body. This, everything about this moment, she could get used to.
Maybe she hadn't been looking for a reason to leave. Maybe for the first time in her life, she had been looking for a reason to finally stay.
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