scarmuses

[scarmuses]

OLIVIA + TOMAS

“Ben,” he points discreetly with his glass to a well built man across the room, bulging in all the right places under his suit. “Is over there. In the black Armani with dark hair.” Tightly pressed lips find her ear to whisper. “Don’t be so obvious, Livy.” Nerves take hold of him. Which is odd since Tomas Avila doesn’t get nervous for anybody. A tell tale sign that maybe his best friend was right and he did care more than he let on. “By the way, we aren’t stalking. We’re assessing.”

“Where?” There were tons of men in black suits. How was Olivia supposed to know which ones were Armani without taking a peek at the labels first? Despite his previous warning about being discreet, Olivia flicked her eyes over the crowd with a more determined interest. One section of the bar was swarming with men all laughing and slapping each other’s backs. They were city boys. Olivia could just tell by how they carried themselves. Afterwards her eyes resumed their search and landed on a well built man in a black suit, with dark curly hair. He wasn’t usually Tomas’ type so Olivia was genuinely surprised. “He’s―” she tries to figure out the right word to use to describe her friend’s new partner. There’s colossal, giant, burly. But, she settled on “―large.”

[scarmuses]

OLIVIA + ROMEO

           An ocean of relief rushed over Romeo’s body. “Good because it took me like four hours. Who knew flowers were such a hassle? Should’ve just bought you a bouquet, stuck a light bulb on it, and called it a day.” He flashed her another rare smile. Truthfully, he would’ve gone through the struggle of setting it up all over again if it meant seeing her reaction once more. Her initial silence had admittedly left his heart pounding, but her obvious elation afterwards quelled the heart attack instantly. “Although,” he added, hazel eyes taking on a mischievious glint. “I do like this idea of some suggestions. I’m afraid my creative imagination has a limit. Maybe you could tell me over some wine. Speaking of which, there’s one last surprise.” Taking her hand, he led her in the direction of the table. This was perhaps the riskiest part. Romeo knew Olivia well-enough to anticipate her reaction over the necklace. It was an exorbitant gift and unlike the setup, its price couldn’t be camouflaged within its appearance. The damn thing looked precious. He suspected some pushback—- albeit he had some hope she would simply swallow her qualms and accept it no questions asked—- and he dreaded it. Convincing Olivia (or most people who hadn’t grown up with wealth for that matter) to accept something lavish was like pulling teeth. Of course, her hesitancy reassured him of her true intentions yet he would be lying if he said he didn’t sometimes wish she just fawned over it like the vapid rich girls he’d often surrounded himself with. They were grossly entitled, but at least they readily accepted the gift and he didn’t have to spend half the time encouraging them to take it. Then again, Romeo would prefer Olivia’s guilt-ridden expression over their smirky ones anyday. For all his faults and terrible behavior, Romeo differed from those of his social class by never finding the appeal of money. Sure, he liked being rich but material possessions, designer labels, and other wealth signifiers rarely did it for him. When he purchased such items, it was because of the work, quality, and detail behind them, not because he wanted something to show off. He credited such an attitude with the fact that his family had been wealthy for generations. They were old money and that meant affluence wasn’t a state of brandishment, it was a state of being. Pulling out her chair, he waited for her to take a seat before moving towards his own. “Don’t open the box yet,” he instructed. Reaching into the bag he’d brought along, he removed a bottle of Château Mouton Rothschild—- his mother’s namesake. He briefly set it atop the table before grabbing the crystalline Tiffany glasses, meticulously pouring the contents of the wine in each. Placing Olivia’s beside her mat, he motioned towards the box. “Okay,” he began. “Open it. Just don’t be mad.” Once again, he found himself watching her intently. They’d been on great terms lately—- the last thing he wanted was a fight. 

*

“Should’ve,” she agreed. “But, it probably wouldn’t have carried the same desirable effect.” Olivia was simple by nature. She knew of designer labels but, had never worn or been around any until college. It was only then, she realized she actually had to care about such things in order to blend in. Yet even then, it only ever reached a certain extent. Taking in yet another full glimpse of his heart stopping smile ( yes -- Olivia was counting them ), she did him the favor of not commenting on it again. She feared that if she started to make too big of a fuss, he’d stop doing it altogether and therefore deprive her of the sight. “Really?” Letting him guide her to the table and hand her off to the romantically lit spread, Olivia raised a brow at him. “I don’t know. I’ve always thought you had a very vivid imagination. Very decorative. So much so, it scares me sometimes.” She’s only teasing him of course, as can be discerned through her award winning-smile. At least to Olivia, it felt like she was on the verge of winning something. Even if she had no idea what that was yet. She let herself mull it over but then, was quickly taken by Romeo’s instructions regarding the box. She recalled seeing it when they first arrived but, had paid very little attention to it until now. Needless to say, Romeo’s dread could be felt from a mile away and his warnings afterwards did very little to quell her nerves. This meant Olivia could feel Romeo’s eyes burning holes into her skull as she peered down at the exquisitely wrapped box waiting for her. She doesn’t have to open it to know it’s going to take her breath away. Romeo’s always had excellent taste. It was just that sometimes, it ran steep. As expected though, when Olivia finally chanced a peek inside, her breath instantly hitched. The diamond and sapphire encrusted necklace was beautiful. Costly, but still beautiful. And it’s worth made it feel increasingly ten times heavier than it was after opening it. Because she's aware she’s being watched, Olivia controls her reaction as best as she can. She doesn’t bother to take it out of it’s encasing, mostly because, she’s too scared of touching it and breaking it, it’s that precious. Then, after closing the box back up, Olivia reaches for her wine glass instead, downing most of it as she stalls. But even the wine tastes exquisite and she knows for a fact, it is. She’d expect nothing less from a Rothschild. With the silence expanding, the stillness soon becomes deafening. Olivia could feel Romeo’s tension permeating the crisp, cold air around them from every corner. It’s practically wrapped around him like a vise. The only way to loosen it’s strain is to speak her thoughts and yet, Olivia doesn’t even know what to say. Thank you? She never was good at receiving lavish gifts. In fact, most of the time, she genuinely recoiled from them. Weird, she knows. What girl doesn’t love diamonds? Olivia, apparently. But, it wasn’t like she had any real practice with them either. The most expensive gift she ever got, ( before she met Romeo ) was a pair of diamond earrings for her high school graduation. Which, let it be known -- definitely cost less than a grand. But, it was never the earrings themselves or the price that mattered much to her. It was the meaning behind them. It was a testament to how hard she worked. Unlike the trust fund babies of the world who often surrounded her, Olivia never had the financial backing that most of her peers did. Her parents were both lawyers but, they weren’t making giant six figures. They had student debts of their own, loans, a mortgage to pay. Olivia was lucky if she got new uniforms for school, let alone a car to get around in. Even now, she was busting her own ass to make something of herself. She’d finally moved out of her dad’s house and into her own apartment. It was probably a quarter of the size of Romeo’s and the rent was asinine but the beauty of it all was that, Olivia earned it. She didn’t have any help. So, while she wanted to accept his gift with no questions asked, she knew she couldn’t. It simply wasn’t in her nature and he was well aware of that. “It’s beautiful,” she said at last. The twinkle in her eyes, glowed several times their natural size behind the flame of the candles. “I’m not mad.” However, her mind was spinning. Spiraling with thoughts, feelings, and questions. “But, you know I can’t accept it.” She suspected he’d wonder why, even if a part of him already knew. Thus, Olivia saved him the trouble of asking by simply unloading it herself. Better to be upfront and honest with him now than to beat around the bush. Which, she swore to herself she wasn’t going to do. Not when it came to him. They’ve been through so much. There was no point in dancing around each other now. “I want to,” she confessed. “Mostly, because I know all the trouble you must’ve gone through to get it. I mean, I’d like to think it means something. I’m just having trouble figuring out what that is.” Was it a bribe? A peace offering? Something else? Only he could tell her. After all, his reasons for choosing it were likely the same reasons as him bringing her here. “So, what is it? Is this a -- Olivia, I’m sorry, I want you back gift? Or is it a -- Olivia, I saw this and thought of you, so I want you to have it, no strings attached?” As they’ve already established, buying her back wasn’t an achievable goal, because it wasn’t even in the cards. And should Olivia force herself to suck it up and just accept the gift to make him happy, she wanted to at least know what she was silently agreeing to. “I’m not trying to be difficult, I promise. I just want to make sure I understand what it’s for.”

[scarmuses]

LOCATION: Some Nightclub WITH: Tomas Avila @blurlines

Looking up at the tall, swanky building, blue lights climbed the glass front while a red carpet lined the side. Dozens and dozens of people were waiting to be granted access into Society X. Thanks to Tomas though, both he and Olivia weren’t among the many, impatient, young faces awaiting to get in. Their names were already on the list. Thus, after giving them over at the door, the two joined arms and skipped past the growing queue. Olivia personally felt as though Tomas was leading her to her funeral. What was even more ironic was, he’d actually somehow convinced her to slip into the black number she’d had hidden her closet. She hasn’t touched it in two years. It didn’t really hold fond memories. Olivia was soon realizing too, that she hated it even now, because it was incredibly too short and not at all as functional as she remembered. Granted, a part of her was also grateful she held onto it because, it was the only designer item she had and it helped her to blend in. Well dressed people were littered everywhere. The further they ventured, with Olivia following Tomas’ lead, the more Liv was realizing the place looked less like a nightclub and more like some secret, elite society. It was definitely not her style but then, she wasn’t all that unfamiliar with the beau monde way of life. She wasn’t a part of it, no. But, she certainly knew of it. Yet, she refused to get into any of that tonight. Preferring to keep the attention far off of herself and more so on her close friend and his obvious connection to the host. All Olivia knew walking in, was that Tomas had grown very cozy with the guy arranging the whole event. They were either dating or hooking up. These days, it was hard to remember which was which. “So,” Olivia mused, after they made it to the champagne bar and Tomas ordered them both a flute. “This Ben guy. The one you’re pretending not to like as much as you do and I know you only dragged me out here to stalk now, ― where is he anyway?”

[scarmuses]

OLIVIA + ROMEO

           Romeo did his best to ignore her jab, though he felt the heat rise in his cheeks. A few months ago he may have felt inclined to quickly camouflage the smile with a scowl. Today he was only sheepish, allowing her to take full advantage of any slips in character. Sucking up her teasing was the least he could do after his past behavior. Besides, he was mildly amused by her huffing. Funny—- he often forgot how small she was. At 5′3��� she barely reached his shoulder and yet Olivia seemed larger than life. He credited it to her personality. The blonde was perhaps the only person in the world who could put Romeo in his place without fear of retaliation. As kindhearted as she was, he knew better than anyone that she had a nasty bite when her fangs were bared. Frankly, he liked their height difference. Romeo was all too aware of his imposing presence yet around Olivia, he felt less like a threat and more like a protector. There’d been moments in the years they’d been apart when he’d worried over her safety. Who she was with, whether someone was looking out for her, and if there was ever a time she wished he’d been there. It wasn’t like he had a savior complex, of course. He knew Olivia was capable of defending herself. But the world was a cruel place, prowling with dangerous strangers. Only when she was with him was he absolutely sure no harm would come to her. If there was one thing in the world Romeo would strive to protect at all costs, it was Olivia. She was all he had and all he loved. The squeeze she gave his hand, large and rough compared to the petite smoothness of her own, gave him all the reassurance he needed. Moving her forward, he took a moment to observe the scene for himself, heart in his throat. It’d cost a pretty penny to purchase the flowers, lights, candles, and rent out the area of the water, and he only hoped it’d been worth it. It was much more over the top than anything Romeo would’ve regularly done, but it was the signal of a new era. An apology and a promise, thus he’d gone all out. Blue hydrangeas broken up by skillfully placed white lilies encircled a black metal frame where soft gold lanterns lit up the small table directly beneath. The water of the lake was close enough to catch the reflection and sparkled the rosy, orange pigments of the sunset. Beside their chairs were a series of forget me nots and white roses, candles burning carefully around them. Atop the table was a single flame candle and in front of Olivia’s placement was a black nondescript box containing perhaps the most lavish part of the night: a 718 marble marquetr necklace by Harry Winston. His intention was hardly to buy her back—- Olivia had long proven she couldn’t be bought and his wealth was of no interest to her. Rather, it was a late birthday present: for the one he’d missed this year and the years before. “Open your eyes,” he said quietly before nerves got the best of him. “It’s a lot, I know, I just—- I don’t know. I thought I’d try something different for once. You know make an effort. It took me a while and I don’t think I set up a lot of things right, but hopefully it’ll last an hour. If you don���t like it, we can leave it and go somewhere else. It’s up to you, no pressure.” He was rambling and Romeo forced himself to shut up, instead nervously watching Olivia’s face for any flickers of emotion or disgust. He wanted her happy, not overwhelmed. 

* 

Open your eyes. His quiet command sent a shiver darting down her backside. Olivia didn’t have to see him to know he was likely craning to meet her at eye level. It definitely took her longer than necessary to finally oblige and peel her eyes open. One at a time. But, when she did, no sound came out. The sight before her had left her brain in a tizzy and her voice, utterly breathless. Which, she knew wouldn’t aid her in her efforts to quell Romeo’s nervous ramblings and apparent edginess. She found both to be cute, even if she did him the favor of not commenting on it this time. Her mind was otherwise too preoccupied anyway, on trying to measure the depths of what she was currently witnessing. Romeo wasn’t kidding when he said he drew inspiration from the movies. The location, the set up, and everything else in between, looked exactly like the backdrop of a Hollywood film set. Only it was better because it was real and not at all make believe. Right down to the very, natural orange glow of their October sunset. Which was a brilliant contrast to everything else. Particularly all the blues. Beautiful, soft, delicate, mesmerizing blues. He'd told her once, ( at the hospital, actually ) that blue was her color. Even now, it still rang true. “Wait,” she motioned with her hand for him to slow down. She was still trying to process. “You mean to tell me, you did all of this―” she paused to motion to their surroundings, “Yourself? How long did it take you?” Her guess? would’ve been hours, maybe even all day. On top of that, it must’ve cost him a fortune. And while normally, that would’ve sent Olivia caving, ready to repel any and all overwhelmingly expensive gestures from his bank account, this time it didn’t. Something told her they couldn’t put a price tag on this moment. And to be honest, it wasn’t even about that for her. The details ( no matter how intricate they were, or seemed to be ) were merely just a display of his efforts. It was the meaning behind it all that Olivia cared the most about. Although, both mattered, truly. The fact that Romeo was so nervous when unveiling it to her too, told her he was stressed about it. And his stress confirmed that he cared. That above all, he just wanted to see her happy. Therefore, upon turning on her heel to face him, Olivia tugged sweetly on the hand still holding hers. “Look at me,” she instructed, her eyes willing him to hold her gaze until she was finished speaking. “It’s perfect, I love it.” Almost as much as I love you, she added on as an afterthought. “Although I hope you know, you really outdid yourself this time. It’s going to be pretty hard to top in the future. Not impossible but, definitely difficult. Then again, I could always come up a few ideas on how I could help you out with that.” Her bright blue eyes twinkled with subdued mischief. Olivia was not always as innocent as she looked. He knew this probably better than anyone. Although, others might’ve known it now too. “But let’s pace ourselves, shall we? Besides, this is your date. I’m not going to tell you how to run it. And you’re already off to a great start so, you don’t really need my help or my approval. Yet if you want it, you have it.” That much she solidified by drawing closer and running her fingers over the mix of blue and white petals, as if to claim them. “This means I want to stay and enjoy it, by the way. So, you can finally relax now because you nailed it.” 

[scarmuses]

OLIVIA + ROMEO

closed starter ———————› @scarmuses​

            Romeo wasn’t good. He wasn’t fine. And he most certainly wasn’t okay. His conversation with Olivia had been eye-opening, to say the least. The start of Autumn had brought on new beginnings and like the auburn leaves which crunched beneath his feet, Romeo was both crumbling and hoping for a metamorphosis. He wanted to change and yet the day felt doomed at best. It’d been eight months since he’d last taken her on a date. The time between had been a period he’d rather forget, each memory weighing heavy on his heart. He was, for all intents and purposes, sad. Yet like a beacon of light in the darkest hour, Olivia shined through. She was his sole silver lining—- the one propeller that kept him moving forward. His green light. Thus, he’d elected to try. Really try. So many months, years even, had been wasted and for what? He loved her. He was sure of it. Even if he didn’t understand how or why, he could feel the way her very presence moved his leaden soul. Choked him up and sent him spinning with indescribable emotion. Olivia Porter had always been the beginning and the end of Romeo Saint James. She was the cosmos—- a universe he couldn’t hope to comprehend but he’d spend his whole life admiring. Through all the pain, wickedness, and suffering, there’d been her. Eternal and beautiful. So as he walked alongside the park, her hand in his, Romeo’s chest swelled with love. It’d been a long time since he’d felt the demons hush. The tranquility of being by her side was a feeling he could spend the rest of his life experiencing. “I need you to promise you won’t laugh,” Romeo told her, boyish smile shyly displaying on his features. “It’s been a while since I’ve done this, so I’m working off the movies here.” His fingers clutched the bag in his hand tightly. “If you don’t like it, we can do something else. Just don’t tell me it sucks. My pride can’t handle that sort of honesty.” He was nervous. Romeo wanted so badly to make it work and he feared that he’d done too much. What he had planned was nothing short of a scene from a romcom—- romantic, cheesy, and highly uncomfortable for a man of his nature—- but it was for Olivia. A woman who deserved that and so much more. Gripping her hand, he stopped a few feet before the intended destination. “Close your eyes,” he told her. “And trust me.”

Love had a funny way of working itself out. It seemed the more Olivia tried to mend things between them, the more bent out of shape they had gotten. It was only when she stopped trying, did she see any real improvement. Thus with the new season, came new beginnings. And a fresh, new chapter for them both. One that, she surprisingly was looking forward to. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d honestly said that. It’s been years, truly. The long, dark road they’ve been on for months has finally come to an end, and now all there was, was nothing but blinding light. Olivia had no clue how long any of it would last. But, she was willing to remain optimistic moving forward. For the better part of five years, she’s loved and hated Romeo for all he was worth. Then loved him again. And she still loved him now. But, what was even more shocking was, she actually trusted him. Not fully, of course. It would take a hell of a lot more than one, romantic date to restore her full faith in him. But the good news is, Romeo was trying. Genuinely, trying to fix that. She could see it in his eyes, feel it through their joined hands as he steered them towards their destination. He seemed nervous. Which, for a man of his nature was very uncommon. She had no idea where he was taking her, it was meant to be a surprise. He could either be leading her to her death or to a heart-stopping gesture. Olivia was hoping for the latter, looking forward to the latter, as she directed eyes of sparkling sapphire in his direction, noting the boyish grin overtaking his features there. Olivia couldn’t resist commenting on it, and quite frankly, he walked right into it. “Is that―” She paused briefly to gasp and, playfully point a finger at his lips. “―A smile on your face? Oh my god, Romeo Saint James, it is! You do still smile.” She was only teasing him of course, as she looked away, returning her gaze back to the path up ahead, while still grinning from ear to ear in her own amusement. Olivia was by no means out of shape (never has been), but even she was struggling to keep up with his tall strides as she finally pushed out a winded, “I promise.” Whether or not, she’d keep that promise however ―she had no idea. His anxieties were beginning to rub off on her. And so, when they finally stopped, his grip on her hand was the only thing halting her from taking another step. “But, if I close my eyes then I can’t see where we’re going anymore.” Duh Olivia, that’s the idea. Now, pay attention. She shot him a wary look, then sighed, and ultimately gave in. Trust me. Several months ago, she wouldn’t have been able to. But for whatever reason, she did now. More than she even cared to admit. “Okay, okay. I’m closing them.” Olivia was taking a giant leap of faith as her eyelids fluttered to a close and her fingers tightened around his, silently conveying with a gentle squeeze that she was ready for whatever he had in store.

[scarmuses]

LOLA + SAVANNAH

her eyebrows raise the minute lola stalks toward her, waiting for what she’ll do— the temper tantrum sure to come— but it’s not the one she’s expecting. “i have a job, lola. like most adults do. hopefully you’re familiar with the concept.” with a pair of lips coming to crash against hers, savannah’s stunned into silence, mouth hanging open for a solid ten seconds after lola’s kissed her. then? she backs down. “i’m going. jesus, you have control issues.”

she’s antagonizing her, and very soon she’s going to regret that. “it’s your job to help people. and right now i need help.” granted, what lola needed help with would also be rewarding for savannah, too. “good girl.” lola’s filled with deep satisfaction watching sav saunter her way back to bed. before she can do the honors of slipping in herself, lola pounces. has the other blonde pinned to her back atop the ruffled sheets, her hands secured rather dominantly around sav’s wrists. “why must you always be so difficult when you just end up back here anyway?”

[scarmuses]

OLIVIA + TOMAS

“Fine, fine.” He relents but only because he sees a window of opportunity. “If I shut up, does that mean you’ll come?”

She makes a face, like she’s torn between growling at him or laughing. He won’t quit and while, she appreciates the effort he often commits into dragging her out of her shell, Olivia’s all too happy to stay in it. Where it was safer. “Yes.” She’s straining in her agreement. But, that’s only because she really doesn’t want to go. She knows Tomas and she knows what games he’ll try to play. It’s been his life’s mission ever since they were in high school to find her a man and Olivia has always refused his help. She wasn’t hopeless just not interested. “But then, I don’t want to hear anything more about my love life. Ever. That includes my sex life, too. And, I’m only going to show my support and because it’s your birthday. So the second you try to pawn me off on someone, I’m out.”

[scarmuses]

LOLA + SAVANNAH

clearly, lola paz is not used to not getting her way. “look who’s acting tough now.”

Damn her for making her get up and walk the short distance over to Sav. They’re standing toe to toe, Lola refusing to back down. Sleeping beauty? No. Sleeping Dragon and she’s just been woke. “Are you suggesting you have somewhere better to be? We both know that’s not true.” She wants to laugh, she does. "Get.” She grabs her wrist and tugs, roughly. “Back.” Leans in. “In.” Pushes her mouth against Sav’s. “Bed.”

[scarmuses]

LOLA + SAVANNAH

she opens her mouth to reply, thinks better of it, and closes her mouth. “i’ll help you get dressed, but that’s about as far as my charity goes.”

Charity???? Oh boy, she’s done it now. She huffs, wraps the sheet around herself, and finally sits up. Hair a mess, brows wrinkled, lips taut. It’s too early to throw a tantrum but, Lola. can’t. resist. “I didn’t say I couldn’t.” She huffs again. “Besides, I’m not done with you. I’m done when I say I’m done. And did I? No.”

[scarmuses]

LOLA + SAVANNAH

“have you tried putting on clothes?” savannah. 

"Too much work.”

[scarmuses]

LOLA + SAVANNAH

“i basked in my victory when you came six times last night.” she shifts to slide off the bed when lola’s words abruptly freeze her into place, her fight or flight reflexes kicking in faster than lola can blink. stay. “why? that’s not exactly our m.o.”

Why? Why???? Because she wants to cuddle that’s why. No, she doesn’t. Yes, she does. “Because.” It’s not a reason and she’s well aware of this. “I’m cold.” Duh. “And you were keeping me warm.”

[scarmuses]

LOLA + SAVANNAH

fuck. there goes her swift escape. as a rule, savannah doesn’t sleep over after a one-night stand— which is now more like the sixth-night stand— and she’s only made it to sitting up in the bed before lola’s voice cuts through the silence, jolting her. “jesus. you scared me. — i’m gonna leave you alone to recover from last night. i recommend epson salts.”

“Good.” She doesn’t have the energy to feel bad, not that she would even if she did. Moving on -- Sav’s words come out jumbled. Leave you alone. Recover. Epsom salts. Rewind back to the first part, please. -- “What happened to basking in your victory? Stay.” It’s not a beg even if it sounds like one.

[scarmuses]

LOLA + SAVANNAH

… so she fell asleep in lola’s bed. a miscalculation. a huge miscalculation. worse still is the way her body is wrapped around the other’s from behind. call it a long surgery the day before or the amount of wine they’d consumed; either way, she takes care trying not to wake lola while trying to get the hell out of there, which is easier said than done.

@scarmuses​​ // lola paz.

Unfortunately for Sav, Lola’s a light sleeper. The slightest thud, or faintest footfall could send her jolting. Which is exactly what Sav’s planned escape does. “Where do you think you’re going?” She’s groggy, sleepy, and now annoyed that Savannah took away her warmth in the form of the other blonde’s body.

[scarmuses]

OLIVIA + TOMAS

“That long, huh?”

“Oh my god, Tomas. Shut up!” She’s five seconds away from slapping the smirk right off his face. Truthfully, Olivia didn’t want to admit how long it’s been because she knew Tomas would only gloat at her sexual dry spell. “Or I really won’t say yes to going at all and I won’t feel bad about it either.”

[scarmuses]

OLIVIA + TOMAS

Huh. “Really? When’s the last time you got laid then?”

“None of your business.”

[scarmuses]

OLIVIA + TOMAS

He glares. Brown spheres darkening at her refusal. But he’s honestly not surprised. “Come on, Livy. Don’t make me beg. I’ll help you get laid and then you’ll thank me just watch. Betchu’ll realize what you’ve been missing all these years.”

“I don’t need to get laid.” She puts heavy emphasis on the need part. She loves Tomas, she really does but when it comes to the topic of her sex life (or truly lack thereof) she wants nothing to do with it and would much rather he left it the hell alone. “I can do that on my own, thank you.”

[scarmuses]

OLIVIA + TOMAS

A hand falls to his heart, feigning injure. “Way to rob me of my chance to gossip, Livy. But no. The good news is, I just scored us VIP access into one of the hottest clubs in the city and before you say no,” he knows her and she will say no “let me remind you it’s my birthday tomorrow. I don’t require gifts just your presence. But in a sweaty atmosphere where hot men hit on us. Don’t deprive me of my only birthday wish.” 

“No.” A part of her is only saying no so she can bask in her special brand of sass. The only kind of sass that flares up in the presence of Tomas. And maybe, a select few others. Olivia’s known Tomas since she was 8. He was the popular, handsome kid in school who dated every girl in their grade up until his senior year when someone outed him for being gay. Although, as far as Olivia can recall, Tomas only claims to being 80%. Whatever the hell that means. He doesn’t shy away from or shudder at the thought of having sex with women. Which, he usually does after a bad break up with a guy. Olivia knows this because she’s seen it and she’s learned not to question it. Like her, he had a lot of love to give and so Tomas wore his heart on his sleeve. Which is why, following her immediate answer -- she actually felt guilty. He’d recently gone through a bad relationship and Olivia knew he was just trying to self medicate by boning the hottest person he could find. “Okay, I admit that no was pre-planned. But, you really did lose me at sweaty and men.” Olivia couldn’t think of anything worse than being hit on by creepy, sleazy perverts. She avoided them for good reason. “And besides, I make a terrible wingwoman. I’ll hurt your game more than I’ll help it.”