#timeline: almost famous // ivy & landon

[tennesseewynter]

"I think I'm the luckiest bastard that ever lived." He breathed against Ivy's neck, seemingly exhausted from their city tour. Taking advantage of the comfort of his own bed there's something more with her being so close. In this apartment far away from LA? He hummed, arms coiled around her as it gave him that added connection he missed before she showed up. - 😏💅

'You sure you want to be a hot shot movie maker? You'd make a killing as a tour guide.' She teased him, shifting to roll over in his arms so she could face him. Fingers brushing against his cheek. Luck was a strange concept. Right now Ivy feels like the lucky one that Landon's even giving her this chance to make things right. That they are here right now after such a tumultuous few days. 'You've made me the luckiest girl in the world. You know that don't you?'

[bloodhxney]

tag drop: ivy marie bennett

[tennesseewynter]

'You and me.' Ivy echoed that sentiment back to him, smiling a bit because now things felt a little more back to normal. An underlying tension would remain for some time but at least for now? The pair of them could enjoy and evening out on the town. In a city she'd never been to before. 'No, no coat.' A look towards her bag again. She hadn't been thinking when she threw things into her bag. Far too used to the warmth of California to realize it's basically winter on the east coast. A bad oversight on her part, so it looked like she'd be getting a new one. Her only thoughts were finding him as soon as possible. To not let him slip through her fingers. Now that she's here, she's feeling a little jet lagged, tired from all the rushing but, also quite hungry. 'I won't say no to food. Plane only gave you those tiny bags of pretzels for six hours.' Moving to stand herself and head for the door while he grabbed his wallet. Present that he kept eyes one her. Unsure if that was because he just wanted to keep seeing her, or to see if she was a flight risk. She'd understand that. 'Doesn't have to be anything crazy either.' Giving him a knowing look before glancing down at her attire. 'As you can see I'm not properly dressed for anything fancy this time.' Memories of that very first time he took her to dinner stand out in that moment.

Somehow he can rest easy knowing it’s a mutual feeling between them. Who wants anyone else when she’s perfect in every way? Still, he can’t be caught up on what ifs. They’re here. Face to face despite how he left LA, he’s going to live for this moment. They built up a relationship already. Coming close to a hiccup doesn’t mean it’s broken. This is going to work. He hopes. Giving time is essential so he’ll do whatever it takes. “Hey, I’m definitely up for it. You and me.” Landon emphasized them together. Moving closer to Ivy, he kept his hands at his sides, fighting the feeling. Even if his eyes said otherwise with their intense hold onto her face he played it cool. “Do you have a coat in there at least? It’s a bit colder this way you know.” Yeah New York isn’t up to par with California’s warmth. If anything he wants her to be comfortable while heading out. Not only with being seen with him but physical comfort. He doesn’t want to think of current tabloids. Probably some shit he’s sure. Always is. She doesn’t need that when part of the problem was the overwhelming media attention. A curse to be with him no matter what happens . “If not that’s on our list,” the director added, smiling as he moved past Ivy. Despite where his body went, his head turned to look back at her. Keeping his girl in his sights speaks to how he missed her. “Let me grab my wallet. I’ll treat you to dinner too. And I won't take no for any answer.” @tennesseewynter // prev

[tennesseewynter]

tag drop: Ivy Marie Bennett

[bloodhxney]

A nose scrunching smile comes over her features. Truly feeling the weight of the fight, flight and talk they had early finally lift away. Imagining instead this is just a simple weekend getaway for the two of them to enjoy some cold weather instead of the stifling heat of LA. Landon has always known how to make Ivy smile, bring a blush to her cheeks with the simplest of compliments. One of the many reasons the nurse fell head of heels for him in the first place. He seemed to just get her. Attentive, thoughtful. And she truly had fucked it all up for a little while there. 'Thank you, green's always been my color,' A bit of a tease, playing off of her name. Green has been ingrained in every aspect of her life since she was born.

'I wasn't planning on it but I certainly can for you.' High heels would be the death of her out on the streets but Ivy did need a nice pair for any sort of events they would go to. The fact that that is still a possibility sinks in. She nearly lost all that. something she actually enjoyed despite the flood of attention. What girl didn't like to play a little dress up with her boyfriend? Almost fiancé. Her eyes went to where the shoes sat on display along a wall he pointed at before he walked off. None the wiser to where he was off to.

A pair of heels standing out near instantly. Never a designer type of girl but you could never go wrong with a nice pair of red bottoms. Having another store attendant help her find her size she stood in front of the floor length mirror, gazing down at the pair of heels. They were perfect. 'They come in white as well,' The girl told her and while tempting, Ivy didn't want to go overboard. 'That's alright, maybe another time. Any suggestions on boots? Nothing fancy, just something everyday to walk around out there.' And the girl did just that. A nice pair that would go with just about everything. Help her trudge through snow and rain and such.

“I think you’ll look like a runway model in that coat,” the director gave an honest review of that style. Talk about film noir chic. God, imagine her doled up like a roaring twenties dame with a sultry red lip? He’d probably die and give a one way ticket to heaven. Landon smiled, reaching a hand out to touch the sleeve of the coat. “Nice material. Not as nice as your skin feels though.” Man is on point with his view on his woman. Be crazy to say she’s any other way but perfection. Hell, he still can’t wrap his head around the fact she’s here. Or letting him spoil her a bit. Try to be conservative with it but Lan hardly counts this as such. Glad he can use the cold weather here to his advantage. “Oh yeah, that sweater,” he agreed, watching the girl helping for a moment. Guess he can’t go anywhere without being recognized.

“I like that color. Will look beautiful against your skin tone.” He stepped closer to Ivy, keeping his voice low now. “You gonna try on some high heels? I don’t know that might be worth going shoe shopping with you.” After believing he wouldn’t get a chance to do things like this with her for a while he’s on board with anything she wants. He can buy a new pair of shoes too. Maybe something for an upcoming event. “This whole experience is for you. I’m the tour guide. Not leaving you alone in this big city.”

Landon insisted as he moved ahead, letting Ivy pick whatever she wanted. He smiled back to her before motioning to that girl who took Ivy’s items. She came over with a pleasant smile, remaining professional. “Bracelets,” he murmured quietly to the employee. “Something to match the sweater?” Giving him a nod, she stared heading in that direction. “I’ll be right there, Ivy. Just grabbing something for myself at this counter. I see boots right there.” He pointed at a section against the wall. @violentwxnter // prev

[bloodhxney]

Things felt good again, normal even as Ivy took Landon's hand and lead her to his car. Drove them a bit more into the city for this little impromptu shopping trip. Can't help but stare out the window at the sights. Busy streets mostly, filled with people and sounds. A cloudy sky that was now starting grow a little dark. Nearly forgetting the time difference over here. It was mid afternoon by now. The jet lag would hit soon enough she was sure but Ivy was adamant about making the most of this trip. The hardest part was over. Getting him to see her, talk to her. Forever grateful he gave her that chance to explain. Now they can just work on things. Be together away from LA and a decision that nearly cost her so much.

She had a focus at least. A warm coat, some warmer shoes and possibly a sweater. Easy enough to find all of those things in a store like this. Difficult to not notice prices when for most of her life she'd been a budget type of girl. Pushing that detail out of the equation Ivy instead concentrated on the item itself, whether or not it fit her style and if it was a practical thing to have in her closet. When she looked at it all that way she was able to narrow things down, trying on a few of the cold weather trench coats and picking one out. 'What do you think?' She asked him with a smile, genuinely wanting his opinion. Mini fashion show in the middle of a department store was tame. Normal. Couples did this all the time and he was right. This should be fun.

Letting the store worker, who did eye Landon once or twice with a flicker of recognition, help her a bit, take the coat off her hands and show her over to sweaters. The girl didn't say anything though, probably used to having high profile names come in and out of there all the time. Taking two of them from Ivy before she turned back to Landon. 'You sure you want to witness me shoe shopping?' Shoes for her, like most girls she assumed were her kryptonite. Even when most of what she owned were her work sneakers, all expensive brands since being on her feet all day was tiresome.

“Snow is good for the soul. Didn’t you know that?” Landon teased, taking her hand as he led Ivy out of his apartment. Their best bet is keeping things on the down low. Ivy might have said they didn’t have to unless something major but he doesn’t want to take a chance. First sign someone might recognize him he’ll get her out of there. No sense giving her more reasons to decide she never wants to marry him at all. A year is a good while but Landon has that negativity in the back of his mind. If it will all go wrong anyway. Instead of lingering on it, he drove them to the shopping district, the cold definitely noticeable once his car was parked and he stepped out. “Here we are my lady,” the director nodded his head towards the store. “Saks Fifth Avenue. Your destination for anything you want.” Oh yeah he’ll be in trouble if he keeps that up. Still, he smiled, stepping over towards her with hands in his coat pockets. “Let’s get you some warmer clothes. Anything you see that you like.” She didn’t have to worry about cost. He has it covered with his store credit. Landon knew she didn’t want him to go overboard. His excuse is simple. “First time in New York with me. Let’s make it fun, yeah?” His hand brushed her arm. @violentwxnter // prev

[bloodhxney]

In those brief moment's Ivy thinks about how her life changed meeting Landon. Taking care of him in the hospital, which turned into taking care of him in his home. Which lead to a date, and a beautiful relationship. Which now lead to her turning him down in a marriage proposal. How? How could she be this scared of something like fame when he was the one she would do it with? He had never given her a reason to doubt his love for her, and finding out all those terrible stories his ex told about him weren't true solidified her original feelings on him. He was a good person, and she felt so stupid for putting them and their relationship on a tight rope. Turning away from his diploma on the wall at the sound of his voice, Ivy's eyebrows go up. Jesus she really did just leave without a plan didn't she? Snow? 'Have I told you I've never been anywhere where it snowed? Ever?' She revealed. If it snowed it would be her first time seeing it in person. And with him at that would make it all the more special. Giving him a look that said a coat and shoes better be the only thing. She doesn't feel she deserves any sort of gifts or him getting her anything right now. Sure he'll disagree if she voices it but she doesn't want to bring any new tension into this new found common ground they have. 'No.. no we don't have to do that, not unless it gets to hectic.' She needed to start learning to handle this. She wanted him, a life with this man and it came with all of this. It's not really his fault either, and she cannot put it on him when people act the way they do around famous people. 'I just want to enjoy the time with you.' Nodding then, Ivy reached out her hand towards his, offering it up if he wanted to hold. 'Ready for the tour Mr. Wynter.'

Putting shoes on in the bedroom, Landon is attempting to play this cool. Things were hectic prior to this. One moment he’s on his knee, ring in hand and the next he’s flying off back to home. Getting away from another failed choice in his life at the time but Ivy being here is different. He knows he probably shouldn’t have forgiven so easily. But this isn’t like other instances in his life where he was left alone. This time he chose to leave. What counts is their discussion. What hopefully becomes a year worth being together. Just as it’s always been worth it. Landon emerged from there, moving to put on his coat. Catching her looking around his apartment is still unbelievable. Never thought he’d get to bring Ivy to New York. Glad she’s here now. “Some snow is expected. We might need to get you some boots.” Adding to his shopping list he’s sure to get an earful. “I’m not just saying that,” the director swore, picking keys out of a dish on a table with a few of his awards on display. Some of his musical theater stuff here. More of the big film trophies are in his LA home. A graduation certificate from NYU hung framed above there on the wall. “I promise we’ll duck out if anyone notices.” He needed to be careful. One of the major reasons she turned him down was due to all this paparazzi mess. His being famous never felt so detrimental before but – he won’t think of that. “Ready to go?” @violentwxnter // prev

[tennesseewynter]

She doesn't feel like she quite deserves such a declaration from him. That he's only ever going to want her. What if she messes this up again. Will he still feel the same way? Will he still want her? Ivy pushes the thoughts away. Focus on right now. She hadn't made any sort of plan past this part. Hadn't been sure she'd even get this far. 'I'm never going to want anyone else either.' Turning to look at her bag when he mentioned it, Ivy nodded again. 'I just-- tried to get here as fast as I could.' Quite frankly she's not entirely sure what is even in that bag. She had grabbed everything so quickly, tossed what ever was in reach in there. So the offer to go shopping is actually a really good idea. Not that Ivy enjoys people spoiling her in any way, but for him she'd allow it this once. Finally though, she's smiling. Able to see that he's settled some. That he believes her. That she just needs a little bit more time to be ready. She WANTS to be ready. 'Okay, so long as you're up for it. I probably forgot something so it's worth a look around.' She doesn't want to make him go out into public, risk being pounced upon by photographers if he isn't quite ready. They hound him enough in LA. Hound him worse when she's with him. Eyes flicker from his, down to his lips then back up again. Not knowing that he's holding back just as much as she is. Ivy's always been a very touchy person, so not reaching out for a kiss, or even just to embrace him is difficult for her right now.

Partially satisfied with ‘wanting it all with you’ does alleviate some lingering doubts. Sure he listened, explained himself even but Ivy is more important than throwing it all away. Misunderstandings could kill a relationship. As someone famous he could only understand how it made her feel. She’s worth much more than awards, red carpets and all this fame he’s swimming in. “Ivy,” the man’s voice is low, eyes flickering from her kiss to his hand back up to her face. “I’m never going to want anyone else. I hope you know that.” Landon had to put it out there into their universe. An oath he’d rather be saying in vows but it’ll come later. Hopeful to their deal, he’s going to look ahead to a future worth building up to. “See you packed light.” He made mention of her sparse luggage which makes a lot of sense if she just ran out here. Another thing he’d never expect any woman to do: rush off to him. Honestly he’s grateful she did despite how this conversation might have gone. Only glad it went in this direction, Landon is fighting the urge to kiss her. Figure it’s best to let her settle and not push for more than what’s justifiable in the moment. “How about we hit the shops? I have a pretty good store credit with Saks Fifth Avenue. Or we could do Bloomingdale’s. I’m in need of something new myself.” Tacking it on to make a good excuse, he realizes just how luxury driven those places are but that’s not what he cares about. He wants to treat her the way she should be treated. @tennesseewynter // prev

[tennesseewynter]

Even more weight comes off of her shoulders when Landon repeats it back. That he still loves her despite such a terrible set of events. Enough that the woman finally cracks a smile at him, wanting nothing more than to slip into the city lights with him and have Landon show her around. Show her every little thing he loves about this even faster paced sister to LA. 'I want to see it all.' because just like for him, it would mean more to her to have him by her side when viewing it all. Even if some of it was touristy, Ivy didn't care, so long as they were together. 'They know I'm gone for a few days.' Was the simple answer. Ivy had confided in her boss on the downfall of the proposal, and the woman told her to go and take all the time she needed to sort things out. Ivy had never been more grateful to anyone before. She'd rushed off to throw whatever she could in a bag and be on the next plane to New York. Now she just needed a little bit more time. That much Ivy knew was certain. maybe go and speak to someone and get her thoughts and worries out there. Find ways to cope with different things. She'd figure it out one way or another. For his sake. For THEIR sake. 'You know my sweet tooth rivals your own Landon,' Still smiling, bringing one of his held hands up to her lips to kiss softly. 'I want to see it all. With you.'

Ivy’s words don’t come as a shock but their soft affirming tone does give him some peace. He realizes things are going to teeter on this edge for a while. Part of him even believes she’ll back out on their deal. Maybe she’ll never be ready and his lifestyle will just end it all forever. Pessimistic of the director but what else does he know? Nothing ever goes right for him so he has to swallow those negative feelings down. When she speaks and squeezes his hands in return Landon believes her. He believes she loves him. It’s a matter if it’ll be enough in the end. He hopes it is. “I love you too,” Landon breathes those three significant words back too easily. “Love you enough to give you the grand tour of New York. Statue of Liberty. One World Trade. Times Square and Broadway.” Listing off every special tourist attraction gave him something to focus on. With HER it means more. That she’d want to stay here for a bit. Even so he’s wondering if she can considering her job. “Are you sure it’s okay for you to be here? We’re opposite coast, sweetheart. I’d understand if you had to get back for the hospital.” Proving he can suck it up if that’s the case he still wanted them to spend time together here. If anything he can take her to a great restaurant. Order up anything she wants to this apartment. Having her close and in his sights just as she belongs. “Though I would say my favorite bakery on 37th street  might be too tempting for you to go anywhere.” @tennesseewynter // prev

[tennesseewynter]

Very quickly the atmosphere in the apartment switched from tense to calm. Ivy too felt the way it was easier to breathe, weight coming off her shoulders. Not all of it unfortunately, but the situation was becoming a bit easier to handle. They seemingly had a plan, and a better understanding. But the young woman can't help but still feel like things could shatter at any moment. Eyes follow as Landon moves to sit beside her, unknowingly taking a shaky intake of breath. But none of it matters anymore when Landon takes both of her hands tightly in his own. In fact, that singular movement is the ONLY thing that matters. 'I love you..' She emphasized that by squeezing his hands. Too relieved to have physical contact with him once more. 'I couldn't just let things... possibly end like that. You deserved an explanation.' Leaning her cheek into his touch was more of an answer than words but she still offered them with the slight nod of her head. 'Of course.' She'd have left if he asked her too, but this was better than she could have hoped for. Ivy didn't want to be alone. Didn't want HIM to be alone after all of this. 'Do you think...I'd love to see some of the city if you want to show me?' Seeing only little bits from her cab ride over here. 'I've never been to the east coast before.'

Landon breathed easier at her agreement on their deal. Something he never thought he’d have to make but it says a lot. How devoted he is to making this work for one. He didn’t lie to Ivy. He loves her. Part of him wonders if he still ruined things. She hasn’t moved a muscle since she came into his apartment. Gazing over her now, looking pointedly down where she sat, the director felt it was only right he fix it further. Wasn’t it he who couldn’t handle losing her to the point he made it seem like he was done? Flying out here is a safety net but Ivy probably thought he was over them. Landon made the move of stepping over to sit down. Shifting to face Ivy, scooping her hands inside of his connected them for the first time physically. Everything felt right still. Nothing changed with that and it hardly will. Having her in New York makes all the difference. “Hey, I never want to make you feel you did something. Even if I came here I know that doesn’t say so but this is my home. Where I’m really from. It felt safe for me but you came. The fact you did?” He took a moment to release one of her hands and slide fingers up against Ivy’s cheek. Hoping she truly wants to be with him, “Will you stay here with me?” @tennesseewynter // prev

[tennesseewynter]

Ivy tried not to seem taken aback that he still wanted to be with her. Jumping on a plane to get as far as he could from her, their home, LA-- is what made her feel that way. It would probably make anyone feel that way but deep down she knew him, knew he processed things a bit differently than most people. He'd been hurt before, his fight or flight was mostly flight. But Landon loves her, he's just said it and it seals over some broken piece of her heart that had been her own doing. She should never have stayed so quiet over this. She should have told him how she was feeling. But Ivy hears him now too. How serious he is, how he's still willing to try, and give her a chance to fix it and she's not going to let him down again. What Landon is asking of her is a no brainer really. It's a deal she's willing to take. Just a bit more time to get used to it all. And when she says yes, when that time comes? She'll be ready too. A whirlwind that will be when the time comes but she doubts she'll care much. It's not like she doesn't want to get married at some point. Just right now wasn't the right time. 'I think that's more than fair, Landon.' Even if he's finally stepped closer to her, Ivy remains seated. Fiddling with her fingers. Worry still lingering in her abdomen, overshadowing her urge to reach out for him, pull him close and not let go. Scary to think how she almost lost him. 'I'll-- do better communicating my feelings.'

Having Ivy be receptive is what made it easier for him right now. He felt an urge to step over where she is and sit next to her. Somehow he couldn’t find the will to move even if he wanted it. First he has to get through this. Just this once he has to swallow his pride, fight this feeling and be serious. About all of this because if he isn’t he’ll fall back to his initial reaction. Coming all the way here to New York is definitely dramatic he’ll say that but it felt safe. This is his real home. He was born here. It was better to get through this heartache away from LA. Something seemed to burn bright in him despite that. Guess it made sense how she feels. He can’t let her down then. “We can take our time. I can – be conscious of how you feel about all this. Now that you told me,” the director started off by letting Ivy know he HEARS her. That he is taking her word on why this happened and he’ll be as accommodating as he can. It’s not easy. He knows it’s never easy for people. “And my offer is… we continue things. Just as they are. Nothing changes because I love you, Ivy. Let’s see what happens within a year. Max. I’ll wait. Hold off on everything about this proposal and – if you still feel the same as you do now I’ll let it go. Won’t ask or push it. But if you say yes when the time comes, I want to marry you right away. Only if you’re ready then.” Landon stepped closer, expression visibly anxious. A type of nervous energy he hasn’t held onto since his trouble with Emeline but this isn’t the same kind at all. He’s only dying on the inside about what she’s going to say to this. @tennesseewynter // prev

[tennesseewynter]

It stings even her to hear him say it like that. Rejected. A harsh word but it is the harsh truth. No was just that. A stop, a rejection to an advance when in reality, she hadn't really wanted to stop it. Didn't everyone dream of the day their significant other got down on one knee and asked them to spend the rest of their lives together? She had only meant no to right now. Not something permanent. Hopefully he can see that now. At last Ivy moved to sit, still wringing her hands together, trying to keep them occupied so she didn't reach for him. Listens to him, offering an almost pained smile. 'I want us to work too. Truly.' And despite it all Landon still thinks she's important. Understands exactly where he's coming from. Ivy sees death near daily. Very quickly she's learned the same. Life is too short to waste it on not taking chances. 'I'm listening.' Grateful that he even still wants her around, let alone trying to figure out a way to change the direction of this whole incident. Before he's even giving her the terms of this deal, Ivy knows she'll do whatever it took to make sure they stayed afloat. She'd meant what she'd said. The young woman can't see her life without the director in it anymore. So if that meant she had to adjust her lifestyle, her way of doing things in some way she was going to have to get used to it.

While it’s obvious they both need to speak their peace, Landon’s sure he’s done enough. He still doesn’t understand why it matters what media thinks. Then he’s not in her shoes. Once upon a time he had been prior to becoming anything to match his name now. A time he wasn’t in the lime light. Spotlights are meant to shine over a person’s talents but this time it almost cost him everything he ever wanted. More than any awards could bring him. Joy isn’t in a statue. Happiness comes from a person. His person; she is the one and he’ll fight for that. “Ivy, listen. It – doesn’t matter at this point whose fault or what could be said. You told me why. I suppose I needed to hear that. Why you rejected my proposal.” Harsh realities are factual in his case. Landon didn’t want to push her away. Giving her any reason to doubt or believe those stories is something to avoid. Even when his heart feels like it’s been pummeled straight out of his chest. “But I want you here. I want us to work through this. Because if I’ve learned anything dealing with Emeline or nearly dying in Costa Rica? It’s that I have only one life. And the older I get the more I see what a waste it’d be to – let something so important go so easily.” Call the director bat shit insane for the shoots he does. Jungles. War zones. All the past but today? Blood. Guts. Romantic Slasher Bait. He’s the man of a thousand of body parts on screen and yet this might be his craziest idea. “Let me make a deal with you Ivy Bennett.” @tennesseewynter // prev

[tennesseewynter]

'I'm just saying I -- I never want to be the reason they have anything to say about your character. I don't want to be the reason your reputation get's questioned. You know I don't always have the best filter.' As he steps closer Ivy stays rooted to the spot. Like sudden movements would spook him away again. She wants this fixed and yet she feels like she's done nothing to fix it so far. Even after he tells her his feelings as still there. That nothing could change it but something still felt broken. She'd told him no- to quite possibly one of the most important questions of both of their lives and she's still struggling to correct that mistake. because that's what it was. A mistake. Ivy loved him, deeply. She wanted to be with him, whether people thought it was right or not. 'I don't think that. None of those woman deserve you anyway.' A soft laugh, looking down for a moment. An attempt to further ease the tension in the room. 'You handled it the way you needed to.' Ivy was the type to need some space when she got too angry as well. Perhaps not fly across the country space but still. She can't fault Landon entirely. Hell she can't be mad at him for it either. 'I hurt you. Can't really expect you to just shove it down and act like nothing happened now can I? That would be selfish.' And unfair. He's allowed to have feelings. He's allowed to be angry and upset over this. Fiddling with her hands, still unsure how to proceed with all of this. her eyes match his, that same warm brown and her expression softens from the desperation to have him understand, to that loving way she usually looks at him. Like he's the best thing in her life because he is. 'Yes you are. If I didn't think you were worth it... if we were worth it I wouldn't have come.' If he wanted honesty and the truth it's there now. Laid out in front of him. Cold, nervous feet got the better of her for a moment but it didn't mean she wanted any of this to end. 'I can't see my life without you in it anymore Landon. If you still want time I'll go. I just wanted the chance to explain myself.'

“What does it matter what people think of you? If you tell me it doesn’t matter what they say of me? Why should I care about anything said because we’re together?” Landon chose a diplomatic manner of discussion despite his disappointment. The anger when he left hit a peak. He knows he appeared devastated when she said no. He’s fully aware of what he said on the way out. That he was a damn fool for thinking this love would take him far. Its words he regrets. Just as much as he regrets assuming Ivy had no interest in continuing things whatsoever. He wants to believe. God, help him. He wants to wipe it away and go back to stop himself from asking. Maybe if he waited this whole chase down to New York wouldn’t have happened. “Ivy, you are perfect the way you are. You don’t have to be in my business. A nurse is everything good in the world. You help people. You’ve helped me. Nothing you could say would ever diminish my feelings. Even telling me no.” Landon confessed it all right there. Moving closer, idling towards the archway of his door; he knows if anybody is around on this upper floor they’ll catch wind of their conversation. Maybe someone will even recognize his voice. Hell, they can run straight to tabloids right now and he wouldn’t give a shit. All he cares about is pulling the truth out. “Never listened to what they say about me before. Why listen when I’m with you? I know it’s not easy. But if you think I want to be with someone who is famous or whatever… that’s not me.” People like him fall in love with ‘normal’ people all the time. Normal is an insult. What is he? He’s no god. He’s just a guy. Who works in films? He’s nothing special. Can’t she see how special SHE is though? “I know I didn’t handle this well. I was a dick. Leaving like I did. I  made you come out here and I’m not even worth that.” @tennesseewynter // prev

[tennesseewynter]

She hated this, that she was the cause of all of his current anger and pain. That she'd essentially ripped his heart out and stomped on it. When she had never wanted that for him. She never wanted to hurt him. Her head started to shake back and forth the moment he started talking. No, no that's not what this was about. She was a big girl, she could make her own decisions and Ivy knew for a fact than Landon was a good man. 'No,' Voicing her thoughts quickly. 'No I don't care about what they say about you. At all. I know you. That's what matters to me.' Eyebrows furrow, concern and confusion written there as Ivy is still hovering in that doorway. When he asks if she's afraid of him. Her first thought is that he would cause fear. 'No Landon, I'm not... I'm not scared of what yes means... and I'm most certainly not scared of you. I'm-' A huff, finally taking a step into the apartment and closing the door behind her. She knows her fear is stupid. But she can't lose him. 'I'm scared of what people will think of me. That I'm not-- enough for you.' It hurt her to even admit that. I Hurt because deep down somewhere she knows it's not true. That what any tabloid or any other person had to say about her shouldn't matter one bit. He wouldn't be with her, clearly, if he didn't think the world of her. 'I'm just...me. I'm just a nurse.' A job she too loves. Stupid insecurity that she would have with just about anyone. Not thinking she's enough. 'My hair's a mess ninety nine percent of the time. I practically live in scrubs.' Looking down at her current attire. Whatever she threw on as she practically ran out the door. 'What if I say something wrong? And they say even more terrible things about you because of it? That's when I'll care what they say about you.' She didn't always have the best brain to mouth filter. That would wreck her, Landon getting even more shit because someone took what she said out of context. Not a completely unfathomable idea in Hollywood given that the tabloids wrote Emeline's words as pure fact when they were anything but. 'Just... my brain. Shot all those things at me at once. I said no- half to try and stop them and half to you because I want.... I wanted to be in a better mindset about it. I didn't want to be scared when you asked me I wanted to be happy.' Rambling, wondering if she's making any sense at all. 'I want to be past all this stuff in my head because if I was? I would have said yes before you even finished asking me.'

When she speaks it tears him up inside. Knowing that he could have been spending all this time he decided to travel from LA to his NY apartment with her? It hurts. It does. Did he make the wrong decision to leave like he did? He needed to. Clearing his head would prevail and  help with this entire situation. OR so he thought. Instead it only made him feel lost from Ivy. As if he truly made things worse because he’s famous for that. Isn’t he? The man swallowed back against a lump in his throat. Threatening to choke him. Everything seemed to fall into place. All the planning he did for this moment went immediately down the drain. As well as the color in his face when she said no. “I get it, Ivy. I get that things are always gonna be said about me. That I’m probably not the best guy out there. I just thought –“ She would say yes and throw arms around him? They’d have this fairy tale romantic Disney ending? If so he’s the goddamn beast. “If you want to be with me why…” he stalled, shaking his head, clenching his jaw. “Are you scared of what it means if you say yes? Or are you scared of me?” Never in the sense he would cause fear but of who he is. Famous. Even he can’t say it aloud without sounding like a dickhead. He doesn’t want to call himself that. He just does a job he loves. Not as much as he loves the woman standing in front of him but she told him the one thing he feared. @tennesseewynter // prev

[bloodhxney]

'You asked me out on a date didn't you?' Something he'd called himself crazy for way back when. Still trying to keep the mood light. Nervous that one wrong step would send this back into rocky territory. Crazy enough to be in the deep jungles of Costa Rica and show up in her hospital on deaths door. That's how all of this started wasn't it. Her taking care of him. Just being herself and now here she is after telling him no. God damnit why did she say no? He shouldn't already be forgiving her. Part of her can't get over that. He should hate her, want nothing to do with her and he's giving her a full year to come around. 'A coat and that's it, Landon,' She called after him softly. Not really believing that going out right now was just to get her something warm to wear. She knows him too well now. He spoils her to the nth degree most of the time. Nothing wrong with that, just another thing she has to truly get used to and in all honesty, get over. Ivy takes a moment to gaze around the apartment when Landon's out of sight. He'd mentioned this place to her in passing. Somewhere to go when he needed away from Hollywood. It made sense LA, Hollywood was a mess. Hectic and fast moving. And while New York felt the same upon touch down, Ivy could feel the difference. Plus this was where he'd grown up, gone to school, where everything all started.

“Crazy? When would I ever do crazy?” Oh how obvious of a brush off from the truth that is. He does crazy all the time and not to flaunt the fact he can. He just loves to do things for her. That won’t change. As much as Ivy’s protesting now he’ll make sure to slide something special into the equation. When the director’s a one track mind on things like this it’s hard to persuade him otherwise. Besides she took a long flight from west to east coast. No telling how cramped, uncomfortable and hungry she had been through the whole trip. All to find him here at his home away from home which is still making him feel a mix of emotions. Ivy is probably the only woman he’s known to go so far. Usually he gets short end of the stick and her whole proposal refusal led him to believe the same… but they hashed it out. No sense dwelling on it right now when he wants to show her around his city. “Don’t worry store it is first. I’m worried about you being warm enough… nothing crazy about that.” Landon used it to lessen the suspicion. He smiled, picking up his phone and checking for any messages. He told Maya to keep studio stuff out of the picture while he’s on vacation. She understood so they should be good for the time spent alone. “Let me grab my coat. We’ll take my car… kick the heat up for you while we get to the store. Rest assured you’ll have something warm from there.” Clearly not taking no for an answer, Lan already went to grab his shoes. @tennesseewynter // prev