#ethical and aware compared to the person who didnt know

[butch-chastity]

the longer I exist online the more I feel like a lot of people think politics are like. awareness fairs. about awareness.

#im mostly talking about how like. 'how is no one talking about this' has become some kind of. badge of morality somehow #like this is really niche internet things and i dont think im explaining it very well but it is annoying #that some people approach bad news as if its some kind of underground band #and that if they are the first person to bring said unknown issue/event to other people's tls then theyre like. somehow inherently more #ethical and aware compared to the person who didnt know #idk. im not explaining this well. its just that it feels like people are shouting BE AWARE !!! at you about an issue you really cant help #with while trying to manage the thirty other trash fires happening around you #and like. all this to say that we should show up for each other as people especially when youre an american like me and ur government is #actively has a hand in most of the world issues rn #but idk... im really confused all the time and trying to keep the whole world in mind while also trying to help out the people in front of #me is hard. and its kinda fucked #im sure ill delete this later i just. needed to speak to the void

[fetabathwater]

so can i ask how you see amma and gortash's relationship prior to receiving a knife in the head? ive seen how other people write it and then i found your fics and im interested in how you came to liking the dark urge and gortash

honestly found it due to insanity. < joking.

on a serious note my kryptonite in games has always been some degree of connection between characters, because i have such a love/hate relationship with how it widens the world and interpersonal relationships but can also simultaneously seem to make everything seem relatively small. but with bg3 i kind of really like that balance there because like, anything is quite frankly possible with durge anyway - the only traits are like 1) spawn of bhaal 2) serial killer (?) 3) worked with the other dead three chosen within the last 2 years and 4) was knifed by another chosen of bhaal and tadpoled. you can make up anything and everything because the game is dnd and the rules are whatever, too. yeah you get context clues from other characters, like that ketheric fundamentally can't stand anyone, but the chosen(s) of bhaal more so, and he tolerated the durge bc at least they had a work ethic (LOL), and gortash like plans 500 steps ahead so made it his prime directive to touch base with the bhaalist leader and be like, hey man, wanna go break into some places with me? or wanna take over the world? raphael is also there. yknow.

also definitely the delivery of lines sold me too - not just gortash's VA, but the way orin kind of like looooaaattthhhheeesss how durge was seemingly wrapped up in other shit ( slash sarevok is even like. yeah you thought you were untouchable and didnt notice that orin was making her own move for the throne . idiot. stupidhead. worst chosen next 2 me). also all the other characters as well who have something to say, like kressa, helsik and naaber, never mind all of the moonrise tower and then the quests in act 3, but starting earlier with just partially revealed information.

i . okay yeah like i have seen some interesting sort of takes of durge / gortash and each to their own etc etc but i think that the durge has a lot more agency than ppl wanna give them credit for, and i think people also vastly underestimate that gortash also seemingly underestimated them as well - like just bc durge wrote some like note about forgive me father but i am being charmed by the chosen of bane (however u wanna interpret that ofc), they did still end it with oh well ! i'll probably feel a tiny smidgen of guilt when i backstab him but we're gonna end the world in ur name dad ! praise bhaal! LIKE. THE DURGE WAS DEFINITELY GONNA STILL KILL EVERYONE - EVEN THE NETHERBRAIN WAS LIKE. YEAH YOU HELD IT ALL TOGETHER AND YOU SCARED ME EVEN A LITTLE BIT. YOU WERE GONNA KILL EVERYONE.

honestly though ive barely actually posted anythign i have written for them teehee i checked. it was like 2 fics. 1 of them they were fucking. so i mean take that how you will ... but like i mean amma and gortash's "relationship" extends back longer than what the range of the game gives, at least in my mind and what ive like. got an idea of anyway for her pre-bg3 life / adventures were like. but as far as how they like interact it is barely above tolerable. towards the absolute sort of planning it is running a lot warmer, but theyre just. aware of each other. in some similar circles because of well. lower city activities etc. a general equal partnership with stepping on each others toes, seeing how far to push the other. amma probably does hold on some threatening level a bit more of a . position. just because like (okay hindsight compared to orin), it is literally her own person not having her run gortash through - and he knows that. with orin he makes her basically agree to a magical contract to not harm him, but amma's the only thing holding herself back from just like. killing him. and for the most part she probably would just be mildly inconvenienced and it would probably leave her bed running a bit cold but like. she would bounce back. it would just INCONVENIENCE the plan heavily because chosen of bane are few and far between.

and also she knows that gortash also primarily gives the targets that are convenient for him, and there definitely times when it was bordering on a bit too much pointing and doing - and in her mind not enough equal weight pulling definitely. very much a case of balancing the scales in terms of doing their part, especially with the like multiple heists they perform (at least 3 minimum), and not just being aware of the other especially prior to both being selected as the chosen of their respective god. but yeah. there is no real "love" between them, no love lost either. arguably amma doesnt really know what love is, or in her own roundabout way expresses it much in the way of loving something so much you have the urge to eat it. yeah, amma does have a slight attachment, one that kind of hits a higher speed immediately prior to being knifed and tadpoled, because that is when we get the heists and actual partnership and its not just the introduction of the steel watch and him clawing his way up the social ladder by encouraging favour by lords and ladies and their beds, and its not the bhaalists just kind of sitting by idle and waiting for something to kick them into gear because yeah people are dying but at the same time, its not striking the fear into people's hearts like it used to, just letting them fade into history, despite bhaal's return like 10yrs prior.

amma kind of hates that gortash actually gave her a way to bring them back into the fray, and that she also does have to hold off from not ending him before the plan would have worked completely. a lot of that feeling is in the few times that she does like, strike out at him, either with planned wounds or if she has violently lashed out in general and even when they fuck, honestly. when amma does wrangle herself back into that position of control, especially in a position where gortash is incredibly vulnerable, its messes with her hatred so bad. she doesnt know if he is willingly submitting to her, because yeah she loves a bit of fighting back, hair pulling, scratching, getting told off, what can she say. definitely does something to her. but amma kind of loves when she's almost literally got him underfoot.

she wouldve followed the plan through to the end as well, so it is a mixed blessing for a lot of people that orin took an opportunity to strike at her.

ultimately its not so much that whole like 'i can fix him / i can make him worse' stuff either, because like amma did have a chance at a "normal" life, but she still returned to the temple of bhaal (whether or not by her own choice is ofc . debatable lmao). gortash was sold to a warlock, beaten in the house of hope routinely, escaped only to wind up in street gangs, eventually made his way to being an arms dealer, worked up the social ladder with equal parts sex and money and blackmail, sold possibly his friend into slavery for technology (we just really dont know the full extent of what zariel promised yknow), was the one who reached out to the bhaalist leader and concocted the idea to raid a vault or two, both in faerun and the hells. like, they were choices that were made, to keep them both firmly though on the side of like... theyre not realistically good people, their childhoods definitely shaped them, but they didnt try to change then and there. they just stay the same, and there is no getting better or worse. there just is.

#replies #oc: amma #I RAMBLED SO HARD IM SOORRRYRYRYRY #anyway back to hw #technically #baldurs gate 3 spoilers #the dark urge spoilers

[dashimba]

THE 100 my thoughts of 6.07.

Well, me, finally, calmed down and rewatched the whole episode again.

The first thing is that this episode was splendid! I loved it all from first minute to the last once, basically was glued to the screen all the time.

I enjoyed the idea of space minds, because, firstly, it allows to see character deeper and feel their intention, fears and feelings through simple objects of reality, pictures, things. It also gave us a link to ‘Inception’ movie and pointed to Freudian concept of the unconscious. Besides, it also guides us to the Eric Burn theory that each person contains ‘child’, ‘adult’, ‘parent’ personality.

It was smart to use the rain as a metaphor of Clarke swings moods, chest with the code for her secret memory, also show us her dads video and Jasper glasses inside of it.

Her mind is constructed by series of locations. The reason behind is that Clarke really changed through all of her stages in life. Each one has its own meaning for her, as she grew from a young idealistic teenage girl to a grown woman, complicated and contradictory person. She became not only leader to her people, but also a parent figure. We could equate it to the thing of becoming a real mom to a child, who needs care and protection.

Clarke character this episode, her development was really thought through.

Lets try to analyze main locations.

First, we should compare how Clarkes personalities are connected with each stage of action. Second, we ll try to have a general concept of each mind space.

1.Spaceship

This place is where all Clarke memories lies, her story. I guess its just a hard drive to the whole computer, shortly her brain. There she is represented as ‘the princess on the spaceship’ and also as Wanheda, also as The Clarke ‘Madis mother’ ( Read it that way ‘child’, ‘adult’, ‘parent’) . These three parts of her personality show us the two parts of Clark, the peaceful one, rebelious one, guilty one. It’s her three sides, which are struggling to fight each other to prevail in behavior. She still has her child hopes. She still tries to be rigidity and consistency in her solutions. She now is accepting her responsibility, drowning in a blame for her decisions.

The Clarke on the spaceship is the Clarke, who believes that there is so much more than survival and fighting for life. She appears to be the most vulnerable one. Wanheda has the power of being more dark for the purpose of the survival and life. She is the dark side of Clarke who was formed by conditions of her living. Clarke from season 5 and 6 is Clarke who is trying find a peace for herself as a human, suffering inside from two sides of her world.

The lights and the colors in this mind space are truly melancholic and blue. I feel her depression and longing for sadness through this location. Clarke at the moment does not feel right at all, she is feeling down and she is losing hope.

2. The forest

Its totally the most dark place, therefore dark lights and night forest as the symbol of loss and deprivation. Its kinda blurry here too. The ruined throne of Lexa is her pain, which hides under the layers of self-control. There she loses her hope after fake memories of Bellamy. He is still that person, who has that strength and hope for her which she seeks. He is her last pillar of energy to survive and live, as the leader of her people. Because of him shes still trying.

‘You still have hope?”

‘Were still breathing’

But after the fake memories, she doesnt see any benefit to live as someone who can look for her people. Shes already dead, why bother?

3. The fighting pits and the Mountain weather.

Sharp and bright light. The fighting pits is another symbol of her guilt, though Bellamy forgave her, she coudnt do it herself. She didnt win her war with her demons. The BloodRena represent rage, anger for herself, crawled inside Clark. The Maya is the sigh of her moral system confused, her inner guilt for what she thought she would never have done as a child on Spacekru ship.

4. The home

The place where Clark feels most safe, focused and calm. Warm,

light colors and drawings not from her memories, bur from her feelings. The most significant drawings are Ebby, Madi and Bellamy. Its her family now. There she meets Monthy, there she finds her dad alive.

Its her heart in this home.

Her last hope is to live for Madi, as Monty reminds her. To be a mother to a child she raised. I mean, obviously, Madi is the last reason, why Monty as her mind protection appears. Monty was her friend, who truly figured that sometimes good and evil are twisted, and having burden of blood hands doesnt mean ure a bad person, but still means that its the best way to live and find peace.

There she is a ‘parent’.

Anyway, this Clark destination is to forgive herself and to start create something new through the ashes, to find something beside Madi, her people and Bellamy to live for. To heal and become more balanced.

Whats about Josephine?

Her line is connected to Clarke one, as their minds are tangled.

Let me say one thing, she is really hell of sociopath. I do not hate her as a character, but I do see the motivation of her behavior.

The thing is that in Josephine minds her father is the really important figure, affecting her the most through all stages of life. His voice is everywhere, in the library(her voice from childhood memories, calling him. reading letters). Through the door. He is shouting ‘The Sanctum is mine’. This pair could be compared to Odin and Hela relationship. Same spirit there.

Her brain structure is the library, completely rationalized and sorted. She doesnt feel mercy or regret, pity or happiness, pain or pleasure. She doesnt understand human emotions, as she is not able to comprehend them fully. By all sort, she is freaking genius(knows various language, deep in biology and science, gifted for art) but by the cost of her mental disorder. In her memories she adored herself so much that she could stop drawing her first body. She doesnt know what moral is. Its a blurry concept for her.

Her moral is to provide herself the immortality on all costs. She doesnt find it right or wrong to murder, to betray, to tortue. She doesnt care about anything but about herself. Not life of a newborn baby, her friends lover, her father could prevent her from achieving the goal. Its truly frighting and dreadful. She shouldn't be in the lead at all.

Read this to insure yourself that Jo is in fact sociapath https://www.mcafee.cc/Bin/sb.html.

And she knows that. Her hidden thing is the awareness on that. She doesnt accept it at all. She is savoring it, not trying to control or to restrict herself. Its caused by the trauma of guy who kills himself , but still not completely.

I also liked the referral to the predator behavior( dialogue of J and R, when they are haunting Clark), as the main concept of Lightbourne views.Besides, they regard science as the God for them, it means the complete refusal to moral question and ethics.

Josephin: I studied all species, insects are almost fascinated me the most,...ruthless. People theyre so messy, theyre too emotional.

Josephin: You, nulls, are more than worthless, you all don have positive value. You are less the useless. U delude the bloodlines...

So on.

From Clarks side theres a lot of talking whats right or what wrong, even with ALLIE. What defines God.

Its not a coincidence that she tells Monty about the God question, overshadowing Lightbournes things. About connection of moral and real life.

‘I dont want to decide for everyone, Just for myself’

Its a good thrust that through her mind projection of Monty she still thinks:

The end does not justify the means

Murder is still murder, whatever it brings after, peace or war.

She doesnt devalues the human life. Thats why Clarke is the best leader from the start. Her moral compass is always there to remind her that leadership should be based on clean hands, true intentions to help and grow, not in dark night, but in the light of a new day.

Clark also says: ‘Theres no joy without pain’.

For me, it sums up all of her personality. Meaning - to have something good, first sacrifice. To earn happiness you should feel the real anguish. But even after the pain, you are capable of finding hope and peace. Thats why she agrees to go with Monty and fight J.

That what differs Clark from Lightbourne.

She is still in a process of defining what decisions shed like to make, what person she should be. She senses and appreciates.

Lightbournes are in stagnation there.

The last few senconds

Bellamy is just the ‘heart’ all over the place. He is back to his natural statue.

That means head and the heart in work, which, I remind you, always the best.

Thanks for reading.

All the love :)

#the 100 #the hundred #bellarke #bellamy blake #the hundred watch #bellamy x clarke #clarke griffin #spacekru #russel lightbourne #theorythe100 #josephine lightborne #primes lightbourne #series #the hundred season 6

[dkarchives-blog]

First Kisses | FTL

Alvey loved art, though he would admit that it was mostly when he went to some museums and other hibgs. Broadway and plays had never been his cup of tea, but Hamilton? That was a whole other story, completely different to anything that he had ever seen. Before coming that night, he had only knew that Cleo danced according to what Anna said, but now he knew that she was pretty damn amazing. This wasn't a date or anything, but he knew for a fact that whenever people went to see someone in specific at plays, you had to get them something. So he was now waiting while everyone left, a single rose in his hands as well as some chocolate for Cleo, looking around to try to find her.

Cleo couldn't remember the last time she had been so damn nervous. She'd been doing this show for quite some time now, it was second nature at this point. But tonight? No way. Cleo sang and danced her heart out knowing very well that Alvey was in the audience. She did feel some guilt over the fact that she had developed quite the crush on him, but honestly, she couldn't help it. Besides...there was nothing wrong with getting closer to him, right? Cleo certainly reassured herself of that much. After the show had closed, Cleo ran backstage to change into the clothes she'd arrived in the theater in, a sundress and some flats. The theater slowly but surely cleared out and she'd informed Alvey to stick behind and wait for her and she'd let him come on stage. Along with a few other family and friends that had come to support the rest of the cast. Emerging onto the stage, Cleo spotted Alvey immediately and proceeded o the edge of the stage. She couldn't even hide how big her smile was. "Alvey!" She called out with a grin to gain his attention. She sat on the edge of the stage, using her hand to wave him over.

Alvey lifted his head up as she called out to him, moving to stand and walking over to the stage easily, not even knowing how traditions here worked. Once he was close enough, he showed her the rose and the chocolates, smiling widely. "Hey. That was insane!"

Hopping off of the stage as he walked over to her, Cleo's smile only grew as she saw the Rose and the chocolates. She took them easily as she showed them to her before using her free arm to hook it around his neck to hug him quickly. "Oh my gosh, thank you. You didn't have to get me anything. You coming is enough," Cleo assured him as he pulled back. "Yeah? You enjoyed it?" She asked with hopeful eyes, definitely valuing his opinion.

Alvwy hugged her back tightly, amiling as widely as he could. "Oh, dont even worry. I know this is something people do when a friend acts and stuff." He said, waving it off as he oulled back from her gently before he immediately nodded his head a little. "Of course. It was amazing, seriously. I didnt know much about the play, but now I'm a fan."

Cleo nodded her head gently at his words since it was definitely considered theater etiquette. She smelled the rose before grinning up at him, nodding once more. "Well, I appreciate it very much. And very good choice, the rose matches my dress." She replied with a grin. Her face lit up even more, which was really nothing unusual. Cleo was smiling 99.99% of the time. "That makes me so happy, I'm glad we didn't disappoint." Cleo breathed out sincerely in relief. "I'm just glad you were able to come. Really."

"Hm. I didn't know your favorite flower, so I just went the romantic way." Alvey admitted shamelessly, licking his lips and smiling gently when she smelled the rose. He thought Ckeo was adorable and far too good to be true. He had yet to find something about her that made her not perfect, honestly. He let out a small laugh, shaking his head. "Told you I wouldn't miss it. They were actually happy I took a night off at work, because I never miss a shift."

"They are, as cliche as it is. Never a bad way to go, though. I'm a happy girl," Cleo replied with a nod, grinning widely up at him. Arching a brow at his words, she couldn't help but laugh softly. "Hey, you have great work ethic. Not many people can say that," she pointed out, opening her mouth to speak up before she heard someone call her name. Turning her head, she found one of the other dancers at the side of the stage waiting for her. "We're leaving now, you coming or what?" A blonde asked and Cleo nodded her head. "Give me a sec. I'll catch up," Cleo assured her friend before turning to Alvey. "A bunch of the ensemble are going out for drinks at this new club. I'm not really sure if that's your type of thing but if it is, you're more than welcome to come." Cleo offered, hating how generic it sounded. "I'm not offering to be polite or whatever. Just, um, I think you'd get along with everyone really well." It was a cop out, Cleo just couldn't bring herself to say that she really, /really/ wanted him to come along. Not that he wouldn't get along with everyone, he absolutely would. Besides, from what she understood Alvey could use a few new friends after the whole Anna ordeal.

Alvey grinned, keeping that in mind. He hadn't really planned his night, but he had in mind asking her out somewhere just because he figured it was the least that he could do. So when she offered him to tag along, Alvey nodded immediately and smiled. "Yeah, of course. That sounds good, actually. I have tonight off so I might as well make it count." He said playfully, shoving his hands in his pockets as he stood in front of her.

Cleo tried to hide how excited she was that he'd actually agreed to come along although there was no telling how well she hid it. "Perfect!" She replied eagerly before climbing back onto the stage, managing to do so gracefully. "I just need to grab my stuff from the side of the stage and we can go out the back door, yeah?" She asked rhetorically, motioning for him to come with her as she moved to grab her purse as she said she would. She put it over her shoulder, well aware that the others had left already but they would catch up to them soon enough.

Alvey followed her onto the stage, smiling at her excitement. He would never admit it before, but Anna had never been like that. She was always focused on soemthing else, work, and her own goals and what she wanted her life to be like. Cleo seemed to just live her life and enjoy what she had. Though, technically, she was the most successful person he had ever met. She had what he imagined was her dream job. "Sounds good. I also had no idea you could sing, you know? I thought you just danced." He added as he followed her out.

After grabbing her things, Cleo led Alvey over to the back door. Normally she'd leave through the side door, but right now there were likely fans waiting to have programs signed. Not that Cleo didn't appreciate the support, but she was already following behind and had Alvey with her. She pushed open the door and could very easily hear them singing songs from the show from around the corner. Turning to Alvey as he spoke up, Cleo flashed him a smile. "Yeah. I don't think I'm the best compared to everyone else when it comes to the whole singing thing. I'm not bad, otherwise I wouldn't be in the show, I'm just not as trained as others, you know?"

Alvey followed her to the back, curiously looking around. The last time he had been even close to a theater was in theater class in school so he would admit this was all pretty new and actually amazing. once they were outside, Alvey grinned a little. "I thought you were pretty good though. I liked it."

Cleo grinned widely at Alvey's words since his words definitely meant a lot. Especially since they were coming from his mouth. She began leading him towards the sidewalk, falling into step alongside him. "Thank you very much, I'm really glad to hear it." She replied appreciatively. "I love it, you know? I feel really honored to get to tell such an incredible story nearly every day."

Alvey smiled widely as he looked to the side to her, nodding eagerly. "It is a pretty interesting story. I had never really looked into it but now I get all the hype. People go crazy for you all." He said teasingly, knowing that je wasone of the few that hadn't been interested in it until he realized that it was a good way to hang out with her.

Cleo giggled softly at his words, nodding a little. "That means we're doing something right, then." She replied gently, looking ahead for a moment before looking over at him once again. "Are you from Chicago?" She asked gently. It was simple, but Cleo realized that she didn't even know minor details like that about him.

Alvey nodded easily, grinning. "Yeah, born and raised. And I have barely left Chicago, so it's basically the only place I really know." He explained easily, not really knowing why he had never had many chances to go on vacation. Growing up he just went to the pool and the beach or camping. Not on vacation to other states. "What about you?"

Cleo nodded her head gently as Alvey shared that he was born and raised her in Chicago, finding it interesting. "It's a great city to have grown up in, though, I'm sure." She replied gently before shaking her head a little. "I'm not, actually. Born and raised in Florida. By the beach."

"Yeah, at least I now this city like the back of my hand, honestly." Alvey admitted easily, walking next to her as he fixed his little man bun playfully. "Florida? That's awesome.  "I'vr bren planning a vacation there forever because of Disney."

"I would hope so," Cleo replied playfully, laughing softly as he fixed his man bun, finding him to be nothing short of precious. "Yeah? You should definitely go. Disney really is the happiest place on earth and anyone who says otherwise just isn't right in the head," Cleo replied, sounding sure as ever of herself.

Alvey laughed a little, nodding his head. "Yeah, I agree though. Like just that entire universe seems pretty damn good to begin with, honestly." He admitted shamelessly. He was a fun of Disney's work since they were the most successful company regarding that. "You guys always go out like this?"

"I agree. You know, if you feel that way you should totally try and work for Pixar." Cleo suggested sincerely, knowing very well that he could do it if he put his mind to it. She nodded a little, looking ahead again. "Yeah, actually. We're all pretty close. Do you go out a lot?"

"Yeah, of course. I would love that. I love their short movies like crazy." Alvey admitted eagerly, letting out a small laugh and then raising his eyebrows. "We work until real late most nights so what we usuaally do is get some beers at closing time and we gossip or play poker and stuff like that." Alvey admitted playfully.

"You should definitely look into it then, Alvey. You definitely have the passion for it," she replied gently, flashing him a smile as she did so before she nodded. "Ah. That sounds nice, too. I've found that work is much more enjoyable if you're able to do things like that with your co-workers, you know?" She mused, finally reaching the club and leading him in.

"It's in my mind, but I know I need experience for that and all so I'm just taking it easy." He didn't think that Cleo had even seen his work as a cartoonist but somehow she still believed in hin and that was sweet of her. "Yeah, totally. Its a good way to chilk after a long day of work."

"Okay, cool." Alvey said as she mentioned introducing him. He followed hrt to the back of the club, which was already packed considering it was a new club in town and waved at everyone. "Hey, guys. Good show,that was pretty rad!" He exclaimed with a small smile on his face.

Cleo grinned widely at Alvey's words and the cast thanked him, evidently appreciative. Taking a seat, Cleo patted the space next to her for him to sit as the bartender came around to take everyone's drink orders. Everyone began talking among themselves and Cleo grinned at the whole thing, a few people even turned the focus on Alvey to ask where he was from and what he was doing in Chicago. After that, the bartender came around with their drinks and Cleo took a small sip of hers before turning to Alvey. "Do you want to dance?" She asked over the music.

Alvey answered their questions easily, not really minding the attention and took sips from his drink now and then as he sat next to Cleo. He let out a small laugh at her words, remembering their conversation about clubs that night at her apartment and nodded a little. "Oh yeah, sure. Just like, try to go easy on me." He retorted playfully as he moved to stand up, setting the drink on the table and offering his hand to her.

Cleo couldn't help but laugh as he did since it was if he read her mind. She giggled even more as she heard his words, taking one more sip from her drink before standing up. Her features softened as he offered him her hand, taking it easily. "/You/ go easy on /me/!" She replied playfully, moving close to his ear so he could hear her over the music.

"Says the dancer." Alvey said with a small smirk, pulling on her hand to the dance floor. He wasn't sure of how dancing would work when there was some tension between them, in a goodway, buthe staryed by simply swaying from side to side in front of her playfully sinceit was club music.

"You literally told me you can dance, Alvey!" She replied teasingly, giving his hand a gentle squeeze as she did so. Once they reached the dance floor, Cleo tried to disregard just how big her crush on him really was and focused on dancing to the music. The entire time, though, she kept a smile on her face. Given how crowded the club was, Cleo gradually ended up closer and closer to Alvey. Which really, she wasn't complaining about.

Alvey didn't mind the closeness, if anything it was reassuring since they were just dancing and having fun. At some point, their bodies ended up pressed together and all he did was set his hand on her lower back as they danced. It would be a lie to say that he didn't know he liked Cleo. He wasn't stupid. But he also didn't think it was a bad thing. They were friends and he thoght that there was potential there for something else too. He didn't pull back and instead just danced with her with no worry in his mind about this being wrong or right at all.

Cleo could definitely feel her heartbeat pick up in her chest as he placed his hand on her lower back. It was something about that contact. It was what Cleo craved more of. She wanted to be close to Alvey. A little voice in the back of her head was telling her she should pull back because she was friends with Anna, but right now? Anna was far from her mind. She liked Alvey and she had,technically, broken up with him. Besides, Anna had someone else. So was this really so bad after all? Cleo's hands moved onto Alvey's shoulders as she moved her hips along with the music, her eyes moving to his as she grinned widely.

The thing about Cleo was that she so carefree. She just lived her life and enjoyed it like she was supposed to. And Alvey enjoyed that a lot. He pulled her even closer as he felt her hands on his shoulders, smiling at her as he moved to the beat of the music agaisnt her body, his head touching hers a little. It had been a while since he had been out dancing, and with a girl, but he found himself actually very comfortable with her, even relaxed under her hands, his other hand moving to her hip.

Cleo happily obliged and moved closer to him as he pulled her closer, one hand moving to hook around his neck as the other moved to his chest. Her head moved against his and she closed her eyes, focusing on the music and the closeness between herself and Alvey and she forced herself his to let go entirely. She evidently relaxed, sighing softly in content as she found herself pulling Alvey even closer than she already was.

Alvey actually stared at her as she closed her eyes, knowing fairly well that this was going into some very dangerous territory. But he didn't care. He waa actually quite happy where this was going, he just hoped that Cleo realozed it too. Leaning into her some more to whisper into her ear. "See, you do know how to dance at a club." He whispered playfully.

Cleo had been lost entirely dancing along with the music and focusing on how close she was to him, that she was almost a bit startled when he spoke up. She didn't let it show, though, and instead, laughed softly at his words. "It's easy with you," she assured him which was true, everything came naturally when it came to herself and Alvey.

Alvey let out a small laugh at her reply, arching an eyebrow. "That was so smooth." He said teasingly, though he really believed that, she had surprised him with that. So Alvey just leaned his head against hers one more and opened his eyes to look at her. "It's pretty nice though."

Cleo couldn't help but giggle at his words, shaking her head a little as she did so. "I do try my best." She replied modestly, resting her head against his as he leaned in to do the same. Cleo would be lying if she said his gaze on her didn't have an effect on her. God, she would be such a liar. Her eyes found his and she nodded, just barely. "I meant that, though. That's what everything with you is. Easy. At least I feel that way." Cleo admitted.

"Ah, you're trying to seduce me or something?" Alvey asked with a small smirk, it turning into a smile as soon as she locked her eyes on his, not being to stop himself from feeling something. Definitely something. "Hm. This right here with us...is turning into something, isn't it? And I'm not complaining at all."

Cleo threw her head back and laughed at Alvey's question before looking back at him, arching a brow as a playful expression came across her face. "Is it working?" She asked playfully, unable to help herself. Cleo couldn't help the smile that came across her lips as she saw him smile, although it softened as she heard his words. Did he like her back? Was that really like, a thing? Cleo thought maybe r was a long shot, but then again nothing had proved her wrong. "I'm not complaining either," she breathed out gently, sincerely.

Alvey took in a deep breath and the nodding a little. "Look at where you got me. I think that answers your question." He said gently, not really seeing a point in lying to her as he locked his eyes on hers once again and looked down at her lips as he got closer, then back to her eyes. "No?"

Cleo smiled at Alvey's response, definitely glad to hear it. He was right, it did. Cleo's stomach filled with butterflies as she saw his gaze shift from her eyes, down to her lips, then back up to her eyes. She swallowed hard, the anticipation of it all almost too much for her. She shook her head slightly, her eyes remaining on his. "I never would." She breathed out, trying not to get too flustered.

By this point, Alvey was still barely swaying to the music, his focus conpeltely on Cleo and their closeness. He smiled a little when she replied, oulling her closer and nudging his nose against hers playfully, eyes closed. "Would you complain about me kissing you?"

Cleo was also barely moving to the music because Alvey had her complete attention. She pulled him even closer by using the arm wrapped around his neck, eyes remaining on him even as he closed his eyes. She shook her head a little, finally letting her eyes fall shut as well. "There's nothing I want more, Alvey."

Alvey let her pull him closer, taking a deep breath as he leaned in closer and pressed hislips to hers as carefully as he ever could, one of his hands moving to the back of her neck gently as he did so.

Cleo hadn't realized just how much she wanted this or even how long until she finally felt his lips on hers. God, she liked him so much. She didn't realize how much, either, because she'd kept her feelings for him repressed for so long. Cleo closed the gap between them completely as she returned the gentle kiss, which was more than she ever could have asked for. And that was when she relaxed entirely.

Alvey had been with Anna for many years and he couldn't remember a time when he had felt so at east while being with her. He would lie if he said tgat he wasn't surprised by what was happening but it downed on him that it made sense. They had always had this sort of connection between them. It was crazy, but as soon as heir lips met, Alvey pulled her closer and moved his lips against hers softly, not wanting it to end any time soon.

Everything aside from Alvey became a blur. The music, the people surrounding them. Because none of it mattered. In that moment, nothing but Alvey mattered. Not even Anna. She kissed him back gently, her lips moving slow and in perfect sync with his. In that moment, being with him couldn't have felt more right. The hand that wasn't hooked around him moved to the side of his face gently, doing her best to cherish every second.

Alvey smiled softly into the kiss as he leaned into her touch, not even knowing what was happening around them or anything. He felt good and it had been a while since he had felt like that. So he just focused on Cleo and the kiss, hoping that feeling wouldn't go away."

Cleo kissed him back, slowly but surely trying to make up for where words failed her. She finally pulled back after a moment, needing to come up for air. She rested her forehead against his, not being able to help but grin seemingly ear to ear. Her arms wrapped out his neck, fingers playing with the hairs on the name of his neck gently. "You have no idea how long I've wanted that," she breathed out breathlessly.

Alvey licked his lips as they pulled back for air, taking a deep breath and opening his eyes to look at her as he heard her words. "Oh?" He was surprised to hear that, considering that she had never really said anything or even seemed like it. He had always liked her. It was just now that he was realizing it though. "Did it live up to expectations?"

"Yeah," Cleo confirmed, deciding just to put it all out in the open. She had nothing to hide. She liked Alvey and she refused to keep those feelings repressed any longer. She laughed softly at his question, opening her eyes and moving a hand to rest it on the side of his neck. "Everything I could have hoped for and more," she assured him with a grin, her eyes locking on his.

Alvey was genuinely surprised by her words, but smiling widely as she replied to his question. He had no idea of what to say, because he had never thought it would end up like this for them. At this moment, he wasn't thinking about their story and how everyone else would look at them. He just wanted to make sure everything eith them worked. Leaning in again, he pecked her lips softly and grinned. "I had no idea you liked me like that."

Cleo returned the gentle kiss, more than happy to do so. God, she'd wanted this so bad. More than he could ever realize. She kept him close, nodding her head easily at his words. It felt so nice for Cleo to finally talk to someone about this. About him. Rather than swallowing her feelings for everyone else. She refused to let anyone stand in between her and her happiness again. No way. Her thumb moved along the skin of his neck and she nodded gently. "I kept trying to hide it and repress my feelings for you for everyone else's sake but...Alvey, you have no idea how much I like you. Or how incredible you are, for that matter." She admitted honestly, looking at him intently.

"You dont have to hide it anymore." Alvey said gently, nodding his head and tilting his head to the side as he looked at her intently. He had no words for what was going, hinking that something like this could come out of all of this was surreal, honestly. He leaned his head against hers and swayed from side to side gently, grinning. "Ever since you came into the burger joint, like the first time we saw each other in months, I knew I wanted more. I just didn't know if that was okay with you..."

Hearing those words come from Alvey's mouth couldn't have been anymore reassuring. Because it meant that he liked her too. He wanted to be with her. Cleo began loving as he did, sharing a smile similar to his on her lips. "I'd have to be insane not to. That's why I thought Anna was so crazy. Because you deserve so much better than her, Alvey. I'm not even saying that's necessarily me, you just deserve the world. Really. I'd have to be out of my mind not to fall head over heels for you."

Alvey's eyes softened at her words, shaking his head a little and pulling back to tug on her hand carefully. "Why don't we get out of here? Let's drive somewhere and talk, it's too noisy here." He said gently, since they were basiclaly yelling over the music instead of talking.

For a moment, Cleo feared she had said the wrong thing when Alvey pulled back but was reassured when he grabbed her hand. "Yeah, of course." She replied, knowing that he was right and nodding quickly. She adjusted the purse on her shoulder as she laced their fingers together, letting him lead her out.

Alvey walked over to the table where they had been at, to say goodnye to everyone and to leave some cash as payment for their drinks before he began leading her out of the club and onto the streets. "You want some food and then going somewhere nice?" He offered as he tried to remember where his car was at.

Cleo followed him back to their table, picking up her Rose and saying goodbye to everyone. After that, she thanked Alvey for paying for their drinks before following him out. "Oh, yeah. Food sounds great, last time I ate was before the show," she replied gently, pulling him towards the theater since she assumed his car was back towards there.

Alvey grinned a little, opening the door of the car for her and then moving to climb into the drivers side. He began driving and gasped. "That's insane. It's really long. So, should we find a drive thru or somewhere else? I got this really nice place where we can see the city lights and eat, we just need to pick up the food." He explained easily.

Cleo thanked him as he opened the door for her, laughing softly as he gasped after her words. "I know! Drive thru is perfect if you have somewhere for us to eat, actually. I'm not very hard to please when it comes to food." Cleo replied easily before looking over at him. "How do you feel about Chick-Fil-A?"

Alvey nodded easily, not really minding it. "Sounds good. I like their milkshakes a lot." He said excitedly as he began driving to the nearest one he could find. Making a transition from friends to kissing was supposed to be awkward but somehow, he actually felt really good about all of it so far. Cleo didnt look different either, it just felt good.

Cleo grinned widely, nodding eagerly. "Oh my gosh, they're the best. Especially the vanilla ones." She replied eagerly, leaning over the middle console as he pulled into the drive thru. She asked for some of the nuggets and a vanilla milkshake, holding true to her word before reaching for her purse. "Let me pay, okay?"

"Well, I like cookies and cream way better, honstly." Alvey admitted playfully, letting her place her order and then ordering a milkshake and a salad. He worked at a burger joint, so he skipped burgers mostly anywhere he could. "Hm, I paid for the drinks so okay. All for the equality and stuff." He said with a small laugh.

"What? No way. Cookies and cream ice cream is where it's at. Not milkshakes." She replied adamantly before grabbing her wallet and taking out her card. "Good. I was ready to fight you on that one," Cleo replied in all seriousness before handing her card over to him.

"You know its the same thing, except for wating it with a straw instead of a spoon, right?" Alvey asked playfully, taking her card and paid for their food, thanking the cashier and then handing it back to her easily. "Hey, I like girl power, I have no problem with that."

"Not at all! The consistency is completely different," she replied adamantly, taking her card back and putting it up easily. She couldn't help but laugh at his words, shaking her head a little in disbelief. "Do you have any flaws, Alvey?"

Alvey laugged a little, arching an eyebrow. "What? I just said that but it's still the same. It tastes good no matter what. Milkshakes are just ice creams." He retorted since it was obvious that he knew about making them because of where he worked. "Oh, I have many flaws. Being that dumb isn't really one of them."

Cleo laughed softly, shaking her head a little. "Well then, I do stand corrected." She replied playfully, relaxing back into her seat. She laughed once again, nodding a little. "That one is way more common than you'd think, unfortunately. I'm happy to know that you're an exception."

Alvey alughed a little, taking the food and handing the bags over to her as well as their drinks before he began driving once again. He wanted them to have a nice view so he would find just the place. "Yeah. Me too. No moment to argue that anyway."

Cleo took the bags from him easily and set them next to her, then leaning back in the seat again. "Exactly," she replied in agreement. She looked out of the window for a moment, trying to wrap her mind around how they'd even found themselves here. However it had happened, Cleo was thankful it did. "Do you mind if I turn on the radio?" She asked after a moment, finding it difficult to go too long without listening to music.

"Please do. You can play anything you want, of course." Alvey said easily, his eyes on the road ahead as he drove to their destination. He thought it would be nice to just have a moment just the two of them. "So, the show...you perform everyday?"

"Thank you," Cleo replied appreciatively, leaning over to turn on the radio. She searched for a station playing some pop music, settling for that before leaning back into her seat again. She looked over at him as he spoke up, nodding a little. "Yep. Every single day. The only difference is some shows are two show days. We're free to take and vacations and stuff, though. So it's not near as strenuous as it sounds."

Alvey smiled. He loved how passionate Cleo was for her job. She made it sound likw it was way more than just her job. Which was amazing in his opinion. "That does sound nice. But yeah, tiring as well. You guys really do a great job though, which is what matters and you know, being happy."

Cleo grinned widely at his words, relieved that he felt that way. "Thank you very much. That means so much," Cleo replied appreciatively, nodding a little as she did so. "So tell me, what exactly is the first step in becoming a cartoon artist? Aside from the talent, of course."

Alvey laughed a little, shrugging. "No idea. I just draw, haven't really sold any of my cartoons yet." He admitted easily since he was in no way making profits off that yet. Alvey finally parked the car up on a hill where Chicago could be seen with all the street lights. "So I wouldn't know much about it."

Cleo grinned at his modesty, nodding gently in understanding as she did so. "Ah, okay." She replied gently. "I'm sure you'll figure it out, though. You'll have to show me what you've come up with, though. I'm very curious," Cleo urged him, grabbing the bags of food from her side before she climbed out of the car.

"Yeah. I actuallt have one of my notebooks here. Come on." He grabbed their milkshakes and then the notebook he kept in his car before climbing out and opening the trunk of his suv to sit there so they could be comfortable. "I think the first step is showing your art which I haven't done much about since I had stopped drawing for a little while when I was with Anna."

"Yeah? Awesome," Cleo replied eagerly, definitely looking forward to seeing a whole new part of him. She was happy that he was actually willing to share such a huge part of his life with her. She walked to the back of the car and hopped into the trunk area, pulling her legs up to sit Indian styled. "Right, yeah. Well, you're back at it now which is what's important." Cleo assured him before adverting her gaze ahead. "This view is incredible, Alvey."

Alvey handed over her milkshake carefully and then smiled widely. "Yeah, it feels good to be back at it. And I'm really glad that you like it. Fifured we could use a place like this to just...talk and stuff." He said softly.

"I bet." Cleo replied gently. She couldn't imagine giving up dance, especially for someone else. A perfect relationship is someone who supports you when it comes to what you love most. Cleo then nodded her head gently, taking a sip from her milkshake gently. "Hm, yeah. It's perfect. I didn't realize I was screaming at you until you pointed it out."

Alvey smirked a little, shrugging. "I am pretty sure everyone heard us back at the club, despite the loud music." He said teasingly as he began to eat his salad and then picked up his notebook to hand it over to her. "Here's some of the stuff I have been working on."

Cleo giggled at the thought of everyone hearing then, shaking her head a little. She began eating her food slowly, humming softly and swallowing as he handed her the notebook. She placed her nuggets aside and took it, handling it carefully before setting it on her lap. She opened it up, her eyes lighting up as she took her time looking at each drawing closely. "Alvey. This is incredible." She breathed out with a grin. "Are you kidding? You should be working for Pixar already."

Alvey grinned widely as she giggled, continuing to eat and looking ahead as she checked out his sketch book. He was nervous but he didnt really show it, hoping she would just be honest about it. He let out a small, almost nervous laugh at her words, obviously trying to hide it. "You're sweet. But I wish. I wanna make that happen, I just know I have to work very, very hard."

Cleo extended her hand a placed it on his leg gently as she continued looking through the sketch book, shaking her head a little. "To make it happen, Alvey. Because all the talent is right here," she assured him, lifting her head only to lean over to kiss his cheek gently before she went back to looking through the book. "I would ask you to draw me but I'm sure it would end up being a curly mess, huh?"

Alvey grinned as she kissed his cheek and placed her hand on his leg, leaning towards her some more to see what she was looking at. "I think it's funny that you think I haven't done that yet, are you kidding? I already have. I don't know if I have you on this one sketch book though." He admitted gently, taking a sip of his milkshake.

Cleo's eyes widened at his words, still surprised by how much he seemed to have thought of her even when they weren't together. "What? Seriously?" She asked gently, evidently surprised but also flattered. She shook her head a little, laughing softly. "I'm...I'm flattered. This is all just kinda surreal to me. I never would have guessed you even give me a second thought when we're not together."

"Of course. Several times." Alvey admitted easily since he had done a few cartoons of her even before he and Anna were over. "It involves a lot of curls, I will give you that but its also very, very cute." He admitted playfully, leaning over to peck her lips gently. "Just like you."

"Alvey!" Cleo exclaimed in surprise as he shared that he had done it not just once, but several times. She giggled at his words since Cleo's hair was perhaps her most distinguishing feature. She grinned widely at his words, leaning into him to peck his lips back easily. That felt right. It felt good. "I can't believe I'm just finding this out. I'll have to see these ASAP." She replied with a pointed look before laughing softly. "I feel like I need to serenade you or something now."

"Cleo! I should be mad that you didnt think yourself worthy of getting a cartoon from me." He said teasingly, letting out a small laugh and then taking the notebook from her to keep looking until he found one of hers. It was just her, with her hair dancing at what seemed to be a club. "I made this one when you introduced me to Caesar. Funnily enough I saw you at a club tonight. When you were seducing me. You also dont have to serenade me unless you want to though. You only have to do things that you want to do."

"Because I'm not," Cleo let out a soft laugh, shaking her head a little as she did so. Setting her food aside, she moved closer to Alvey until she was sitting right next to him to get a better look at the drawing. Her face lit up as she saw the picture, a soft gasp leaving her lips. "Alvey. Oh my god. I love it," she replied breathlessly, leaning over to his his cheek before moving her arm to slip it around his middle. "Noted. Wow, I'm not over that. I won't be for awhile. You really have a talent for this, you know that? And this is my totally not biased opinion."

"I hope you are joking, Cleo." Alvey murmured teasingly, turning his head to look at her better in order to see her reaction and then grinning as she kissed his cheek. "You do? That means a lot." He admitted softly, leaning into her and wrapping his arm around her shoulders carefully as he locked his eyes on hers gently. "A very, very biased opinion. But thank you. That means a lot. No matter how biased. I care about what you think, you know?"

"I'm absolutely serious. I'm not worthy of this masterpiece here, but I am grateful for it nonetheless." She assured him, leaning into him even more as he slipped his arm around her shoulder. "I really do." She assured him, reaching over to grab her phone. She took a picture of the drawing, wanting to keep it forever, really. She then set her phone aside before looking at him intently. "I'm glad. I didn't know. But if that's the case you should know I think the world of you."

Alvey shook his head. "Oh, please. Don't be silly. You are basically the best person I know and you are famous, you are probably used to being drawn all the time." He murmured playfully, letting out a small laugh and then watching as she took a picture of it with her phone, grinning widely. That was cute. He looked down at her when she dropped her phone, reaching up with his free hand to push some of her hair off her face with a smile. "Thats an amazing coincidence considering how highly I think of you then. And you know, considering we like each other and all of that." He whispered playfully.

Cleo was unable to constrain her smile at his words and laughed softly, shaking her head a little. "You think a bit /too/ highly of me, Alvey." She replied playfully. Cleo closed her eyes for a moment as he pushed a few of her curly tresses off of her face before opening them to look up at him. The smile quickly returned to her lips upon hearing his words since it was still surreal to her, but she nodded. "How long, though? Have you felt this way about me, I mean. If you don't mind me asking I just...I can't help but wonder since I've felt this way about you for so long."

"Are you sure? Cause look at you. Still very young, alreasy with a dream job, successful, hard working. I think I see you as the person that you are. Like most importantly, you are the best person that I know." Alvey said easily, not really minding the fact that he was being really honest. He figured that they needed to be completely truthful to each other because he didnt think their friends would be very thoughtful with them. "Hm, I am not sure. I think I have liked you since we met. I was just...you know, with someone else, so I never let myself think too much into it. I just...I guess I always felt this sort of pull to you. That night at the burger joint made me feel like there was more to us, you know? Like I understood it."

Cleo's features softened entirely at Alvey's words. They meant more to Cleo than he could have possibly imagined. She stared at him after he finished speaking before leaning forward to press a gentle kiss to his lips, almost as a thank you of sorts, before pulling away. "Alvey," she breathed out breathlessly, shaking her head slightly in disbelief. "You're the best person /I/ know. Truly." She whispered before listening intently to what he said next. She grinned widely, taking his hand and resting her head on his shoulder. "You have no idea how happy I am to hear that. All of this, really."

Alvey smiled softly and kissed her gently, glad that she liked what he had to say about her. She was a great girl and it good that she was aware of that. Lacing their fingers today, he laughed a little. "Thank you, you do think highky of me, honestly." He admitted playfully before he leaned his head on top of hers. "Yeah? I am very happy that you are happy, honestly."

Cleo held his hand tightly, just thankful that she was able to even do so. "Because you deserve it. More than anyone I know." She assured him, grinning as he rested his head on hers while her eyes fixated ahead. "I'm the happiest girl right now, really. All because of you." She breathed out.

Alvey looked ahead at the city lights, playing with her fingers a little and a smile showing up on his face when she spoke up once again. "All me? I giess that meams we really like each other because I feel the same way."

Cleo nodded her head as much as she could in confirmation to his words, exhaling softly in content. "You have no idea." She replied gently before her gaze shifted down to his tattoos. She ran her thumb over the bird on his hand, not being able to help but smile. "You have a lot of tattoos," she observed gently before laughing. "Sorry, that was lame. They're interesting to me, is all."

Alvey looked down at their hands as she talked about his tattoos, grinning a little. "They probably look more interesting than they are. I have some in hidden places too." He said playfully, letting out a small laugh and then pecking her lips.

Cleo's dark eyes remained fixated on his arm as she looked at the tattoos that were exposed to her, laughing softly at his admission. "Yeah? You'll have to show me sometime," she murmured gently before looking up at him just as he leaned into her to peck her lips. She returned the kiss easily, more than happy to do so. "I have a pretty deathly fear of needles so tattoos are out of the question for me."

"I will show you any time you'd like." Alvey said easily, smiling softly and then staying close as they pulled back from the soft kiss. He let out a small laugh at her admission, leaning his head againat hers. "It's okay, I can get some in my own body for you." He said teasingly.

Cleo nodded gently at his words, definitely intending on taking him up on that offer. She gave his hand a gentle squeeze as she leaned her head against his, exhaling softly in content. She giggled at his offer, shaking her head a little. "That's a very serious offer to make for little me."

"Well, I was only joking. That seems like a way too serious offer for a first night out and all, dont wanna scare you away or anything." Alvey admitted with a small grin, giving her hand a gentle squeeze and then taking another sip of his milkshake. "I assume we will be like, dating and going out and stuff? I mean would you like that?"

Cleo laughed softly as he clarified, nodding her head gently at his words. "No worries. You'd have to try way harder than that to scare me off." She assured him, running her thumb along the back of his hand before she looked at him intently. She bit down on her bottom lip at his words, nodding slowly. "I would like that a lot, if I'm honest," she breathed out gently. "This is something I never thought would happen, you know?"

Alvey grinned widely, looking at her intently as she spoke and then shaking his head a little. "Nothing is impossible in this world, Cleo. And I would like that a lot too, honestly." He admitted carefully, lifting her hand up to his lips. "But...we do need to talk about, you know, the friends and Anna and all of it...like how we're gonna deal with that."

Cleo couldn't help but smile as she saw the one on his face, it was contagious. She squeezed his hand gently as he lifted hers to her lips, but of course the happy feeling fleeted as she heard Anna's name escape his lips. She let a soft sigh emit from her lips as she looked ahead at the city, shaking her head a little. "I don't want her to ruin this too.."

"She won't." Alvey said immediately, leaning in to kiss her cheek a few times and pulling her closer. "This doesnt have anything to do with her even. I just meant that you are friends, she will have things to say. I dont wanna make things hard for you and stuff."

Cleo couldn't help but feel reassured by how quickly he responded and she nodded gently, slipping her hand from his to wrap her arm around his middle as he pulled her closer. She nuzzled her face into the crook of his neck, exhaling slowly as she did so before nodding once again. "Right, yeah. Of course. I mean, it's not really any of her business, you know? I don't wanna hide our relationship from our mutual friends, though. I think that's just silly."

Alvey sighed a little as she hid her face into his neck, that meant he couldn't try and figure out what she was feeling about his words. "Yeah, agreed. I don't wanna hide it either. I mean, we arent doing anything wrong, you know?" He said carefully, looking ahead at the city as he thought about it. "I just figired talking about it between us would be good."

Cleo closed her eyes for a moment at his words, considering their portions. She wished they didn't have to worry about this. More than anything. That it could just be them and they wouldn't have to worry about anything else. But it wasn't that easy. Cleo lifted her head, her eyes fixating on the city ahead of them. "Yeah. No, I mean, you're right. We gotta figure all of this out before anything else." She replied gently, huffing gently. "I..I don't know what to do about Anna. She's a good friend, believe it or not. Not the best, but still good." Cleo breathed out gently. "But if it came down to you or her... my mind is made up."

Alvey thought about it for a second, trying to figure out what to say or do to make it easier for her. Alvey was mostly thinking about her. He had already distanced himself from their friends and liked it better. "Hm. Just wish you didn't feel like you had to pick." He admitted gently, sending her a small smile as he looked at her intently. "Okay...how about this? We just go out and do our thing. Whoever finds out, finds out. Until we feel ready enough to just tell anyone that we want like whatever feels right." He offered gently, not wanting her to worry too much about Anna.

Cleo wished she didn't have to pick either. And while it wasn't ideal, it wasn't exactly a difficult decision to make. She placed her hands on either side of his body, looking over at him as she heard his suggestion. It sounded perfect, really. They would tackle it as they went. "That...That's a really good approach to this whole thing," Cleo replied gently, a smile coming across her lips. "That way we can tackle it together, you know?"

"Yeah," Cleo replied gently, leaning over to press a kiss to his lips after he kissed her forehead. She exhaled softly in relief, happy that they had addressed it and that it was behind them not. Cleo was willing to sacrifice a lot of things to be with him, he was worth it. Cleo grinned at his offer and nodded gently. "I would love that. Can Caesar come?"

Alvey smiled as she kissed him, letting out a small laugh at the mention of Caesar. "Alien puppy is definitely allowed to come. He will love running around that place." He said excitedly, slipping one of his arms around her shoulders and leaning back a little.

Cleo giggled at Alvey's words, nodding a little. "He'll enjoy it. I don't get to take him out near as much as I'd like to, so you may become his new favorite person." Cleo mused, slipping both of her arms around his middle so as to hug him as she leaned into him.

Alvey laughed gently, wrapping his arms around her shoulders carefully and kissing her temple gently, grinning as she pushed her hair away carefully. "Hm, thats so sad. I usually work nights so I could take him out for walks during the day if you want?" He offered easily.

Cleo's smile only grew as he kissed her temple and she sighed softly in content, tilting her head up to look up at him. "Yeah? You wouldn't mind?" She asked gently. Cleo's eyes scanned over his face slowly, seemingly in complete adoration as she waited patiently for his answer.

"I would love to." Alvey said easily, tilting his head to the side as he looked at her and then closed his eyes when he realized how she was looking at him, blushing and laughing a little. "You're making me feel shy with that look."

"You're the best. Caesar will think so too," Cleo replied gently. Alvey really seemed to be as perfect as they came. Did the man have any flaws at all? Cleo was starting to doubt it. Cleo's eyes widened a little at his words since she had been completely oblivious as to how she'd been looking at her. She lifted her head, shaking her head a little. "What look?"

"I don't know, just looking at me that way." Alvey explained since he didnt really know what that look meant but feeling as if it had meant something. Looking into her eyes, Alvey leaned in and kissed her softly, his hands cupping the side of her neck as he did so.

Cleo laughed softly at his admission, nodding a little as she did so. As Alvey leaned in to her, Cleo let her eyes fall shut as his lips moved to hers. She couldn't help but let a soft hum of content escape her lips onto his as she moved her lips slowly against his, taking her time with it and enjoying every second. She'd waited for this way too long not to.

Alvey moved his lips carefully against hers, almost melting into her. It had been so long since he had felt at ease with someone. And it had been long since he had kissed someone like this, like it was way more than just a kiss. He ran his thumb along the skin of her neck as he tilted his head to the side to deepen the kiss, eyes closed as he pulled her even closer.

Cleo closed the gap between them entirely as Alvey pulled her even closer, wanting to be as close to him as possible, then letting her head fall to the opposite to reciprocate the kiss as he deepened it. Her hands moved to rest on his sides gently, her thumbs running over his rib cages slowly. Cleo wasn't exactly certain about a lot of things in life, but Alvey was one sure thing she had always been certain of. How much he meant to her. How much she wanted to be with him. How long she'd waited for /this/. Cleo's tongue ran along his bottom lip to ask for entrance as she moved even closer to him to hook an arm around his neck to pull him closer.

Alvey leaned into her and opened his mouth when she ran her tongue along his lip, cupping the back of her neck with his hand carefully to keep her close as his tongue touched hers gently, his other hand slipping down to her hip.

Cleo couldn't have been any more at ease. She'd wanted this for so long and now that she had it she couldn't be happier. Alvey truly made her feel like the happiest girl in the world. She hoped that feeling never fleeted. She exhaled softly in relief as she felt his tongue move against hers, pulling him that much closer. Not like that much was really possible, at this point, they were practically skin to skin.

Alvey hummed a little as they continued kissing, pulling back just a lottle to get his breath back as he pulled her even closer. "I don't think I will ever get tired of kissing you." He whispered gently, kissing her again and shifting a little to get more comfortable.

Cleo kept her eyes closed as he broke the kiss momentarily, not being able to help but grin as she heard his words. How had she gotten so lucky? "This is quickly becoming my favorite hobby," she breathed out against his lips, joking but also entirely serious. She loved to drape her legs over his lap before their lips connected once again.

Alvey let out a soft laugh against her mouth before they kissed again, his hand on her hip moving to her leg, moving it up and down while he moved his lips slowly against hers easily and then kissed down to her neck, pushing her hair back carefully.

Cleo couldn't help but smile into the kiss as she heard his laugh, there was nothing that sounded sweeter to her. As his lips moved down to her neck, she let her head fall to the side to allow him more access, silently hoping that her hair wasn't too much of an obstruction. She probably should have pulled it up, anyway. As she was facing him completely, Cleo leaned against him and let a soft hum of content emit from her lips.

Alvey kissed her neck gently for a moment, breathing her in and then finally pecking her lips again. "Hm. I like you so much, you know? If I ever forget to say it, just know it's a thing." He said playfully.

Cleo relished in the feeling of not only Alvey's lips against the most sensitive spots of her neck, but also the closeness between them. Pecking his lips back gently, happy to do so, she opened up her eyes as she heard him speak up. She grinned widely, not being able to believe that this was happening. "Noted," she breathed out almost breathlessly. "You have no idea how badly I've wanted to hear you say that; you know that?"

Alvey bit down on his bottom lip at her words, taking a deep breath. "I didnt even know I was on your radar like that, you know? Like until we kissed tonight, I had no idea what was going on." He said gently, letting out a small laugh and kissing her quickly again.

Cleo was definitely interested to hear his perspective of it all since she hadn't been able to talk to anyone about this for so long. She laughed softly at his words, nodding a little and netting him halfway to reciprocate the brief kiss. Her hand then moved to the side of his face, thumb running along his facial hair carefully. "Hm, I don't know. Kinda figured you were out of my league? Especially with all the stuff that happened. I figured you didn't see me as anything more than Anna's friend."

Alvey smiled softly as she caressed his face, the hand on the back of her neck drawing small circles and then kissing her nose. "Oh, I saw you alright." He said playfully, thougg he meant it, shehad always been beautifuk to him, even if from afar.

Cleo giggled at his response, scrunching her nose up playfully after he kissed her nose. She leaned forward to press a kiss to his cheek, then pulling back at him intently. "I wouldn't dream of hurting you, you know that?" She breathed out gently.

Alvey frowned a little at her words, realizing what she meant. That brcause of his past with Anna, she wanted to reassure him. "Don't say that..." He whispered softly, looking at her intently and then sighing softly. "I don't want you to think that I think like that. I hadn't even thought about that."

Cleo's features softened at his words as her hand moved down to his shoulder, although her eyes never moved from his. She nodded her head gently. "I just thought you should hear it," she replied softly. "Like, I understand if you don't want to rush into anything because of what happened."

Alvey nodded a little, leaning into her touch and giving her knee a gentle squeeze. "Yeah, but I don't think everyone is out tere waiting to hurt me. I just think, like, you and Anna are different and that is all that matters. I trust you." He whispered, locking his eyes on hers.

Cleo nodded her head gently at Alvey's words. This man was too good to be true. Definitely too good for Anna. Maybe even too good for Cleo. She didn't think about that though, and smiled at his last words. "I trust you too," she whispered sincerely, moving forward to nuzzle her face into the crook of his neck where she peppered small kisses against his skin.

Alvey groaned playfully as she kissed all over his neck, leaning back as if she were oushing him back onto the floor of the car. "You better. Cause I could be a serial killer and just dragged you all the way here." He said playfully.

Cleo giggled softly against his skin as he groaned playfully, leaning back into him since she was as close to him as it got. She pulled back, though, as she heard his words, laughing once again.  "Alvey, oh my gosh," she breathed out playfully before pecking his lips quickly. "You're too pretty to be a serial killer." Cleo mused before pulling back a bit more to lay down completely.

Alvey laughed lightly as she did so too, pecking her lips and then rolled onto his side to look at her better. "There are several handsome serial killers, Cleo. Like Dahmer." He said easily, obviously messing around with her as he leaned his head on his hand.

Cleo pecked his lips back quickly, arching an eyebrow at his words as she looked over at him. "Who?" She asked gently. Cleo knew nothing of the subject, honestly. Cleo turned on her side as well to look up at him intently, resting her arm under her head. "You're still too pretty for that stuff, though."

"What? Jeffrey Dahmer, Cleo. He was a serial killer known for killing and abducting young males." Alvey explained gently, archinan eyebrow at her. He was not an expert but he knew a lot. Alvey poked her stomach and then smirked. "Hm? Well, thank you."

Cleo's eyebrows knitted together in confusion at Alvey's response and she shook her head a little. "Never heard of 'em," she replied gently before giggling as he poked her stomach, shying away from him a bit after he did so. "Of course."

"Of him, you mean." Alvey said easily, letting out a small laugh and then leaning over to kiss her gently. "I try to be pretty and all, it kinda just happens."

"Of him, you mean." Alvey said easily, letting out a small laugh and then leaning over to kiss her gently. "I try to be pretty and all, it kinda just happens."

"Mhm," Cleo hummed gently, leaning into him to kiss him back gently, her hand moving to take his gently. She laughed softly at his modesty, nodding a little. "Well, it's working very well. So whatever you're doing you should definitely keep it up."

Alvey gave her hand a soft squeeze and kissed her again, sighing in content. "We should get going before we fall asleep out here, huh?" He offered gently, keeping his face close to hers as he did so and smiling widely.

Cleo returned the kiss, more than happy to do so before figuring that he was right. Her hands moved above her head and she arched her back as she stretched, then pushing herself up and pushing her hair from her face. "Hm, yeah." She replied gently, not being able to help but smile as she looked at him. "I'll get to see you tomorrow though, right?"

Alvey nodded easily, moving to sit up and then picking up their trash to put in a bag. "Of course. Hiking with alien puppy, remember?" He said gently, climbing out of the car and then iffering his hand to her.

Cleo took one more sip from her drink before putting it in the bag, nodding eagerly at his words. "Of course," she replied, immediately remembering before she took his hand to climb out of the car. "I can't wait."

Alvey shut the trunk and then moved to the front. "Same. It'll be fun." He said excitedly as hw opened the dooe for her and then climbing onto the drivers seat to buckle up. "I can pick you up after breakfast tomorrow?"

Cleo nodded gently at his words, thanking him for opening the door for her before she climbed in. "Yeah, that sounds perfect. I normally wake up pretty early anyways." She assured him, reaching for his hand once he was seated.

"Hm, sounds like a plan." Alvey said easily, takingher hand as he began driving with his other one, smiling. "You are in charge of the radio, by the way. All yours." He offered teasingly.

Cleo laced their fingers together as he took her hand, humming softly in content as he began driving. She laughed softly at his words, nodding easily before moving to turn it on. "What an honor," she replied playfully, searching for an oldies station and settling for that. She lifted his hand to her lips, taking her time to kiss each of his knuckles gently.

Alvey smiled softly as she kissed each one of his knuckles, letting out a small, almost giggle. "That tickles a little." He said playfully, giving her hand a gentle squeeze. "How many shows do you have tomorrow?"

Cleo giggled at Alvey's words since she found him nothing short of adorable, pressing a kiss to the back of his hand before dropping their hands into her lap. "Hm, sorry." She replied apologetically. "Just one tomorrow night."

Alvey grinned a little, taking a deep breath. "Nice." He said gently, since he knew that she was definitely a hard worker completely.

"Which means more time for you and alien puppy," Cleo replied playfully, his terminology rubbing off on her. She turned and looked over at him, flashing him a grin.

"Oh for sure. I will work tomorrow night too, so it works really well." Alvey admitted gently, smiling and glad that she was already thinking about spending a smuch time with him as possible.

"That's perfect." Cleo responded easily, not being able to contain her smile as she gave him a gentle squeeze. "I get time with my two favorite boys and then I get to dance my little heart out, sounds like a good day."

"You're cute." Alvey said gently, letting out a small laugh and then looking over at her when he parked the car in front of her building. "I will walk you to your door."

"Thank you very much," Cleo replied appreciatively with a grin, then nodding at his offer. "Okay," she murmured before grabbing her purse and the rose, then climbing out of the car. She met Alvey around the front and extended her hand to him as she flashed him a smile.

Alvey took her hand, leading her to the front door before kissing her cheek as they stepped inside. "I will pick you up tomorrow then?"

Cleo leaned into him as he kissed her cheek, stepping inside and setting her purse down easily. She then moved to wrap her arms around his neck to hug him, humming in affirmative. "Mhm. Bright and early."

Alvey slipped his arms around her waist, grinning. "Yes, of course." He grinned at her, kissing her cheek and then her lips softly as he hummed. "Can't wait, actually."

Cleo hugged Alvey tightly before pulling back as he kissed her cheeks, kissing him once more after he did so. "Me neither." She replied gently before kissing him once again. "Drive safe, okay?"

Alvey smiled as she kissed him. "Mhm." He mumbled against her lips, kissing her once again and then pulling back to smirk. "I gotta go or we wont stop."

Cleo giggled as she heard his words, knowing that he was absolutely right. "Okay. A few more," she breathed out gently before pecking his lips a few times until she finally pulled back. It took her only a second to lean in and kiss him one last time, grinning widely. "And one for the road."

Alvey chuckled, kissing her back every single time and giving her sides soft squeeze when they kissed one last time. "Hm, good. See you tomorrow, okay. Say hello to alien puppy for me!"

Cleo jumped as Alvey squeezed her sides, giggling nonetheless before searching for her keys. "Will do. See you tomorrow, Alvey." She replied, flashing him a grin before unlocking her door and stepping inside, feeling as f she were on cloud nine after the nights events.

#para: ftl