#laylcsaxena

[nikhilxkohli]

closed for @laylcsaxena

When Nikhil had first mentioned bringing Layla out for a practice match he’d forgotten that it was outside of the city and so they’d had a bit of a drive to get to the stadium but now that they were in the midst of the game, and just about to start the second innings, he was hopeful that it was a good idea. “So—what do you think so far? Do you have questions? I can tell you that the other team—scored a fair total of 143/6, so that means this team that's coming up to bat has to score more than the 143 in the 20 overs they have left. Does that make sense?” He grinned down at the tiny woman who was seated next to him while he sipped on his water before looking back out on the field. It. was a good practice game he’d brought her to; India vs. Afghanistan—two definite powerhouses in T20 cricket. And while he hadn’t told her yet—he planned on taking her to the empty field he practiced in as well after the game ended to see if she could apply what she’d learnt. “I’m glad you agreed to attend this practice match, it’ll let me see how much you actually understand about the game before we sign anything.”

[shivanixrao]

“Yeah I mean…I feel like change is really the one constant in life,” Shivani mentioned before shrugging, "I think you’re pretty great the way you are Layla, so no need to change unless you really wnat to," she chuckled softly before nodding at Layla’s words. “I mean—I’ve undergone so many different rounds of physio to try and make my ankle stronger but I don’t know what else to do at this point. It's just a hazard of the job," she said sotly before taking a sip of her drink before looking back a tLayla when she spoke on sports medicine specialists because that hadn't been an avenue she'd thought of exploring. "I would love that if you could.” Her phone rang then and she found herself wincing apologetically at Layla before pulling it up and seeing the studio’s number flashing. “Speaking of work—I've got to get back unfortunately. But text me those specialist’s info if you can and let’s make a plan to hang out again soon, okay?” 

FIN.

Layla nodded, listening to Shivani's explanation. "That makes sense. We change as people, you know? Maybe I'll be the same way in the future." For now though, she was more worried about making her first million. She didn't voice that thought aloud, not wanting to come across as too materialistic. Instead, she focused on her friend's concerns. "I get that. The risk of injury is always there, especially in a physical profession like yours." She paused, her brow furrowing slightly. "Have you thought about ways to protect yourself better? Maybe some kind of specialized training or equipment?" I could probably put you in touch with some sports medicine specialists if you're interested. They might have some insights on injury prevention for dancers."

[nazliuzun]

starter for @laylcsaxena

"I'm late." As if it wasn't obvious with a glance at the clock on the wall that she was twenty minutes later than the time they'd agreed on the night before. "I slept in and the only reason that I'm here is because the guilt was eating me alive." More or less the truth. It was easier to just get it over with than hear about it. "Since it's already this late, we should just not run and say we did and go get coffee."

[jaydenlucas]

TO: @laylcsaxena

"As my agent, I got a question." Jayden stood before Layla, his nerves shot at the direction this conversation was about to go. Leave it to Jayden to find himself in some nonsense like this. "How bad would it look, professionally speaking, if some fan came out talking about she had my kid." He held up his hand, "I'm pretty fucking sure this is not my kid, considering I'm not a complete idiot. And I suited the fuck up. Plus -- this wasn't exactly a... duo experience." Damn if this woman didn't think he was dirt before, she's about to. "It was over a year ago, things got a little out of hand. Everything was consensual, but I guess I'm being dragged up for a DNA test." Because of course he was. "There were two other dudes, but I am the only one who's technically a brand name, if you will. So, I'm assuming that equals payday in her mind."

[amosdeleon]

closed starter for @laylcsaxena

location: london, en. after wimbledon

Amos' sniffled as he finally separated himself from his family and their words of reassurance and he made his way to Layla, rubbing at his eyes but with a sad smile on his face. "Sorry I lost, boss." He joked lightly as he leaned in for a tight hug. "At least, that'll be the last time I lose, you know?"

[chiaramazzochetti]

location: tasty treats @laylcsaxena

Chiara walked into Tasty Treats, the familiar aroma of freshly baked pastries and coffee enveloping her senses. She had a sweet tooth and this place never failed to satisfy. As she approached the counter to place her order, she caught sight of a familiar face—Layla. Her heart skipped a beat, a mix of emotions flooding her. "Layla," Chiara's lips spoke before she could prevent them, her voice tentative. It had been a while since they last spoke, and the memory of their brief but intense connection still lingered in the air around them. "Long time no see... How have you been?"

[milesbellingham]

WHO. @laylcsaxena WHERE. fright fest

Not that he was the biggest fan of Halloween, but when something included a funny name, drinks, and entertainment; why would he refuse? It was how he found himself at Hell’s Bar, two drinks in his hands to make his way back to Layla. “You would not believe the kinds of drinks that they came up with here. One of them was made to look like brains. Even had an eyeball as a garnish.” There would be no hiding the sound of his overly dramatic gag, as if he had actually tasted the drink. No bet, no money, no bribe in the world would grant him to stomach one of those. “So i got us these. Apparently they're called zombie's revival. Whatever that means.”

[joxdrayton]

closed starter for @laylcsaxena location: carriage falls country club

Given how the last time they'd had the chance to catch up with it was Layla who organized everything, it only seemed fair this time it was Jo to take her best friend on a little treat during the weekend. Pulling on her ties at the country club, she assured there was a lovely table for two set on the terrace, waiting for them when they arrived. Besides, with everything that's been happening around town lately, aside from her own internal and emotional rollercoaster, it felt nice doing something as simple as having lunch with a friend. "So, are we getting ready for the new season? It must feel weird having one less of a client."

[esrademir]

Who: @laylcsaxena

Where: Homestead Bounty Farmer's Market

"––Yeah, well, he's not stupid enough to leave his ring behind. Credit where credit's due." Esra twisted a newly ripe tomato in her hand as they paused in front of yet another stall. Her husband had been away for the last two days on campaign business, which was code for schmooze donors and sleep with barflies in Raleigh. Or maybe her intuition was spot on and he already had somebody lined up with open arms. "I think there's a new one. I can feel it." Like a predictable shift in the weather.

[ruhixmarathe]

WITH: @laylcsaxena LOCATION: Bella & Jenny's

With her business booming at the moment, Ruhi could feel her dark circles growing and the knots in her shoulders forming. Her phone had a million messages from various vendors that she had to get back to and after working through each of them one by one, she just needed a moment to unwind. A moment to take a breath and not take on the stress of a million things for her brides. Which was why, hoping that the sugar would give her the rush of endorphins needed to finish her day, she found herself in line at Bella & Jenny's. Only problem came when the person in front of her ended up ordering the last bit of the flavor that she’d been eyeing. Letting out a soft groan of frustration, her eyes widened in embarrassment when the other turned around. “Oh god, I’m so sorry. That was not directed at you.” She lied, hoping they would buy it seeing as her exasperation most definitely had been caused by the person in front of her.

[wilmingtoncrp]

@laylcsaxena

[nikhilxkohli]

closed for @laylcsaxena

When the blackout first occurred, his first thought had been to check on Layla and that's when he mentally smacked himself for thinking about someone other than his friend and his legal wife. But with a quick sweep of the ballroom, he’d spotted Ruhika who was standing with some people which filled him with a sense of relief. She was alright and he could absolve himself of some of the guilt as well for thinking about someone other than her. So then he’d pulled out his phone to text her but nothing—the lines were dead. And while the man couldn’t vocalize his worry, he was absolutely worried about her especially with the way things had gone down with Kimberly. 

That in itself was another stressful situation because his closest friend was missing and he was absolutely helpless. He'd gone to the law enforcement offices, asking for updates often enough that he was sure they were all annoyed with him but he'd only managed to relax once he'd seen Kimberly for his own eyes and made sure she was relatively okay—even if that was a bit of a stretch. He'd of course checked in with Layla during those few days as well, even if he couldn’t bring himself to see her physically due to his worry but as soon as he was able to try to move past the whole kidnapping with Kimberly and Benji—he’d asked Layla to meet him for a quick coffee.

As soon as he’d spotted her, he'd been about to slide into the seat across her but his instinct took over as he leaned in to hug her first, almost needing to make sure she was actually okay before he pulled back. "Sorry- that was…inappropriate, I just—was really worried about you. You know--with everything else going on.”

[nikhilxkohli]

Nikhil listened to her words and her admitting her own track record which had him sighing. He could understand that but all he wanted to remind her was that she wasn’t in this alone. If she allowed him, he’d hold onto enough faith for the both of them. “Just try Layla, please…” he pleaded with her softly, his hands holding hers close as he smiled at her words. Hearing that she trusted him allowed Nikhil to have a little more confidence because he had been incredibly patient with her but he’d also been sure that if Layla truly wanted nothing to do with him—she’d have cut him off completely. Not because she was ruthless but because she was a woman who knew her mind and knew to protect her own mental peace. It was one of the things he admired so much about her. 

When she opened her eyes and said that one sentence, his heart was soaring. Nikhil didn’t even have a moment to process what it meant when she pulled him close, his shirt fisted in her hand as she kissed him. It was a kiss he’d waited for quite a bit and so instantly his hands were around her waist, holding her close as if he was scared this was nothing but a dream he’d wake up from quickly. He kissed her back, ensuring she knew the extent of his feelings for her and he promised her with that kiss that he’d always have her back, no matter what. As they parted for air Nikhil leaned his forehead against hers with a smile. “That was unexpected…but in a very good way,” he admitted with a grin before hearing his phone beeping. He was due for a shift at the drunk tank. “Come with me—I’m volunteering remember and uh—well now you have more reasons to get me dunked…I can show off a little for you.” Was he rushing to tease her like this—yes, but because Nikhil hoped this action of hers brought them back to that level of friendship they’d established previously. And if anything—he wanted to build on that comfort level they’d built with one another prior to his lies coming out. 

Layla tried to process his words about simplicity, her mind racing with a thousand what-ifs. After Matthew, trusting someone's promises felt like jumping off a cliff. "Simple sounds nice," she admitted, "but my track record with simple isn't great." She squeezed her eyes shut, blocking out everything except the sound of his breathing and her own chaotic thoughts. "I want to trust that," she murmured, finding courage in the darkness behind her closed lids. "And maybe that's what scares me most, that I already do trust you." Nik's patience challenged everything she'd convinced herself about men and relationships. The way he gave her space to process, to decide, to choose—it went against all her cynical expectations. She'd built her walls brick by brick after her engagement ended, yet here she was, ready to tear them down for someone who made her question every rule she'd set for herself.

Her mind drifted to all those nights she'd sworn off romance, declared herself done with relationships, convinced herself she was better off alone. But reality had other plans. Opening her eyes, she found his gaze waiting. Those brown eyes held questions she finally wanted to answer. "You know what? Life's too short for maybes." The decision crystallized in an instant. She grabbed his shirt, yanking him close, and pressed her lips to his. The kiss shattered every careful boundary she'd constructed. It tasted like possibility and promise and everything she'd denied wanting. For once, she ignored the voice in her head listing all the reasons this was a bad idea. Instead, she poured years of guarded emotions into that kiss, letting go of doubt and embracing whatever came next.

[jaydenlucas]

TO: @laylcsaxena

Mami Layla, just so I'm 100% clear -- if another sports agent ever tried to scout one of your clients; you'd skin both of them alive, right? Asking for a friend. --- Also, have I mentioned, you look so pretty today... did you do something different with your hair? It looks great.

[amosdeleon]

closed starter for @laylcsaxena

Alright, boss. My bad for missing our meeting last week, life's been a little crazy. By the way, if I hypothetically was the father of a long-lost four-year-old daughter, how bad would it be? Just...out of curiosity.

[nikhilxkohli]

He would’ve stepped away from her to go after the man who’d spilt the wine but it had been an honest mistake and he’d be better of staying close to her anyways. “Of course,” he told her softly. He could not even begin to imagine how she was feeling but he couldn’t see it in a good light of course. Not only had the wine been cold but it was just…embarrassing in the worst way. “I just—sure,” he said softly when she told him she was fine. Maybe he was the idiot for caring about someone who was making it very obvious that she wanted absolutely nothing to do with him. He did heard her words and the trembling tone in which she spoke but didn’t call her out on it, instead he just listened before sighing as he tried to lead her outside of the event.

“I get that,” he nodded and spoke again. “I know you won’t—but I can handle the dry cleaning for you, you shouldn’t have to pay for it when an asshole caused it,” he told her before nodding at her words of gratitude which certainly surprised him. A smile was on his face as he nodded before shaking his head, “I’m always here for you,” he said with a softer tone before she handed him the coat back as he draped it over his hand and made sure she was in her car before he gave her another wave and smiled. “Can you just—text me when you get home? Please…I just want to make sure you’re safe after the night you’ve had and with everything going on right now.” Would he have preferred to drop her himself? Yes but he knew Layla wouldn’t let him.

FIN.

She stared at the spreading crimson stain, mortification burning through her. The wine had completely ruined her favorite dress, and now Nik was being so attentive it made her head spin. His jacket draped over her shoulders, enveloping her in his scent. “Thanks,” she murmured, clutching the soft fabric closer. The wine had soaked straight through to her skin, making her shive. His concern only made everything worse—she didn’t need his kindness when she was trying so hard to maintain some distance between them. “I’m fine,” she said, though she wasn’t. Her voice trembled slightly as she added, “Just another fun night out ruined by someone who can’t hold their liquor.” She attempted a laugh but it came out strained. 

She stepped outside, and the cool night air felt good on her face, making her forget about being embarrassed for a minute. She kept thinking about how his hands had brushed against her shoulders when he’d given her his jacket, how naturally protective he’d been. It wasn’t fair that he could be so... perfect. “I should probably head home,” she said finally, unable to meet his eyes. “This dress is completely ruined and I’m basically soaked through.” She paused, then added softly, “But thank you. For the jacket and for getting me out of there.” Her fingers traced the edge of his jacket lapel absently. She needed to give it back, and step away from him and the dangerous feelings he stirred up. But she held onto it and that feeling for a little while longer, pretending everything was perfect. When she realized she was stalling, she said, “thank you for this,” and handed his coat back. “I’ll see you around.”