Walking After Midnight @Liv
Chris smirked at Franky walking out the front door on the way to the event. He worried about her, but knew that she would do a good job. He mentioned for her to text him if anything went wrong. He’d try to fix it front the comfort of his own couch. He continued to rolled the spliff. “I know you. You’re the bloke that likes to party.” Chris was still looking at Liv as Franky walked out the door. He turned back to Liv with a slightly smirk on his lips. “And you’re the girl who likes to have a good fucking time.” Chris winked at her before he brought the spliff up to his lips to seal the little package shut.“I don’t know what she told you but it’s not true. She’s a fucking dipshit.” He looked over and pinched her on her arm, “Hey! That’s not nice at all. You shouldn’t talk about my roomie like that.” Chris laughed a little, but was serious at the same time. He finished rolling the spliff, picking up the lighter from the table and moving the long object between his lips. He lit the end of it taking a pull and leaning back on the couch to face Liv. “I haven’t seen you in awhile. Last I heard from you… you were in… Scotland. How’d you make your way back?” Chris moved his eyes along Liv’s face. It was slightly frail, but still had the same beautiful texture that he remembered from their day and night spend together in her backyard. He wanted to see her again. Badly. But he wasn’t sure why he wanted it as much, but now that she was on his couch he would make the most of the time spend with her. “Franky said you needed a place to crash. I’m not sure if she’s coming back tonight after work, but you can stay in my room if you like. Everything’s free as long as you don’t steal the fish.” He pointed to her with a narrow stare and a playful smile on his lips.
Last I heard from you… you were in… Scotland. How’d you make your way back?” Liv licked her lips trying the hide the fact Chris’ words hurt a little deeper than he intended. She went to Scotland on a whim, to get away from home and to find Alex. Neither of which worked in her favor. “I always find my way back,” she smiled and winked at him. Liv sighed, an attempt to knock down the defense wall she’d been building since she ran into Franky. “Thanks for letting me stay and whatever. I don’t plan on being long so you don’t have to…worry and shit.” She was embarrassed even though she wouldn’t admit it out loud. Liv wanted to be fun and carefree, she wanted to drag Chris up off of the couch and dance around the flat. She wanted to laugh and act like nothing was wrong. But she was exhausted, physically and mentally. Even still she kept a smile on her face and watched as Chris finished preparing the spliff. Liv refused to participate in anymore sappy shit. Not everyone needed to know her life story.
“What about you? Last I saw you you were leaving my backyard early in the morning.” She raised her eyebrows and giggled. Liv accepted the rolled spliff from Chris and placed it between her lips. She eyed Chris up and down then returned her attention on the drug that would momentarily make all of her troubles disappear. “So you and Franky huh? That’s…odd.” Her lungs filled with smoke and she exhaled feelings herself getting lightheaded already. “I mean it’s typical. Nice guy…hero complex and all that.” She handed the spliff back and raised her eyebrows. “So do you?” Liv paused and crossed her legs. “Do you have a hero complex Miles?”
The sadness in Liv’s voice immediately raised a red flag in Chris’ mind. Did he say something wrong? He didn’t want Liv to live so soon so when he heard what she said next. He couldn’t help match the smile she had on her face with his. “Thanks for letting me stay and whatever. I don’t plan on being long so you don’t have to…worry and shit.” Chris shook his head, looking at her with a wider smile. “Hey… Don’t worry about it. Stay as long as you like. Free roam of the house Miss Liv. Do whatever the fuck you feel.” He smirked at her putting the spliff between his lips and lighting it. He moved back to lay on the couch next to her and passed her the well rolled spliff. “What about you? Last I saw you you were leaving my backyard early in the morning.” Chris smirked, “Well… Had some shit go on in my head… Still… I did kiss you goodbye… I was a gentleman.” He laughed a little, moving his hand to the back of his head. “Do you have a hero complex Miles?” Chris shook his head at her, putting the spliff between her lips to take a long pull. “No… Far from it…” He let out the smoke, looking over at her and ashing on the long stick. “Franky and I aren’t doing anything… So completely clear your mind of all that and beyond your expectations.” He laughed a little biit thinking about Franky in the flat with him for long periods of time. How she taught him how to cook and their work scattered across the floor in the living room and falling asleep on each other when things were intense. Chris didn’t feel as along anymore with Franky around and hopefully with Liv now around too. He sighed, looking at her again, “I don’t have a hero complex… I just don’t like when people are alone… or upset… or have no place else to go… I want people to feel wanted.” He smirked at her, handing her back the spliff. “So… I have a question for your Freebird.” He shifted his position on the couch to look at her, “I don’t know if you like being in this flat all night, but I suggest later… We go for a walk… If you want.”
“So… I have a question for your Freebird.” Liv pressed her lips together, unsure if she was ready to answer any sort of questions. She was unsure as to what to expect from Chris. He always seemed happy and fun loving. But no one could really be that happy could they? She wouldn’t question it. His energy was exactly what she needed this time around. Especially after spending a whole day with Franky. “I don’t know if you like being in this flat all night, but I suggest later… We go for a walk… If you want.” A nap sounded great, better than great. But she didn’t want to cut her time with Chris short. Liv grinned and got up from the couch, pulling Chris up with her. “Why wait till later when we have now..” Her smile grew as she forced his arm over her shoulder. Chris was a good looking lad. There was no doubt about that. She would leave her jacket behind, just as an excuse to get closer to him. The two exited the flat and Liv was sure the temperature had dropped at least ten degrees. Not too late to grab that jacket, Malone. Chris closed the door behind them and Liv took the brief opportunity of him looking away to get a good look at him. The slight stubble on his jaw line showed he had a beard coming. Her eyes floated down his broad shoulders to his arms, then his middle. She bit down on the inside of her cheek and smirked to herself. He was damn attractive. There was no way Franky was living with this and not making a move. “So Chris…” Liv decided to speak first before he caught her staring. “Where are we off to?” She didn’t care. She was up for anything as long as she had a bed to come back to. Walking aimlessly around Bristol was fun for the first few days. After it became a reality, that’s when Liv started to feel the most alone. Only this time she wasn’t alone. As they walked, Liv tried to think back on their time together. It seemed so long ago that she ran into him and took her to one of her favorite places. She remembered feeling giddy playing with him in the fog and dragging him back to her house. “What do you remember about our night together?” She finally asked before she got caught checking him out again. Totally unfair, she thought. There was no way he was this good looking and so nice.
“Why wait till later when we have now..” Chris smirked up at her letting her pull him from the couch before he grabbed his hoodie, wallet and keys to lead them outside. It was colder than usual. Colder than imaginable and he was concerned when Liv didn’t come out with a jacket. He bit his lip, moving it around his face before he locked the doors. If she got way to cold he would share. “So Chris…” He locked the door turning back to her, “Where are we off to?” He tried to think, where could they walk to that wouldn’t be too near or too far from the flat. He put his finger on his lip before he thought about it. “We can go to the Pier for a bit. It’s really nice out tonight. The water has to be look beautiful.” He smiled wide at her before they started to walk. “What do you remember about our night together?” He looked back at her, smiling at the memory of them last seeing each other. He thought about it every so often. Not many people would fuck in a tent. Chris moved his hands into his pockets thinking about it. “Honestly. I don’t remember what we did that day, but I do remember the night very well.” He smiled at her starting to recount his memories. “I remember going back to your flat. You made us a sandwich that we shared which was very fucking sweet. I met your sister who took a bite from your sandwich and mine. I thought she was the best fucking person ever. We drank and beer and ate. You showed me to your backyard and we fucked under a tent and under the stars.” He laughed at the way he remembered the moments with Liv. He looked over at her as they locked eyes before they kept walking straight. “I remember your big bright fucking smile too. That is not a metaphor for your tits, okay? I actually like your smile.” Chris moved his hands from out of his pockets. They got to the pier in seconds before he looked over to Liv. “Cold?” He took off his hoodie, “Here… This will keep you warm… Sorry if it smells like me and paint.” He smiled at her finds them a place to lean on the other side of the pier. Chris stands at the place, leaning against the wooden stakes of it. “What do you remember about our night together?”
She enjoyed the way Chris talked about Maude. Liv missed everything about her blunt little sister. She realized she never did take Maude out to see a play like she promised months ago. And now she wasn’t even allowed to go near him. Agnes couldn’t keep her away from her little sister, no matter how hard she tried. Liv was lost in her thoughts but was able to catch on to Chris’ last words. “What do you remember about our night together?” Liv wrapped herself up inside the hoodie. It did smell like Chris, but mostly paint. She smiled and shrugged her shoulders. “Dunno? I remember thinking…this guy is totally fit. But by the morning when I had my head straight I realized you weren’t all that.” She giggled and shook her head. Liv looked away from Chris and at the water. “I’m kidding. I do remember having fun. A lot of fun. You’re easy to get along with I guess…” Liv avoided his eyes and continued to stare down at the water. Chris was the first and only person she talked to about the accident, after only knowing him for a few hours. They shared a bunch of stories, not to mention great sex afterwards. She ran her thumb across the scar on her hand and looked back up to Chris as if she were to speak again. Would she take the chance and tell him how alone she felt all the time? No. It wasn’t his problem. She didn’t want anyone to know the party girl had been fueled out for awhile now. As far as she was concerned she was still herself, just on a small mental break. A break that was slowly driving her crazy. “Do you still go out a lot. Y’know even with your big boy job and all of that.” In college when everyone wrote about where they saw themselves in ten years, Liv took the whole thing as a joke and said she would either still be doing the same thing, partying every night and drinking everyday or she’d be dead. But now since everything changed so fast…she really didn’t know what she wanted to do. Liv looked over the pier that she’d jumped off so many times before. Her gaze reached Chris and she tilted her head. “Why here?”
“I’m kidding. I do remember having fun. A lot of fun. You’re easy to get along with I guess…” Chris gave a wide smile to Liv’s words laughing a little as he moving his fingers along the wooden railing. “You guess….” He stuck his tongue out, smiling at the water and remembering what Liv had talked to him about. Her friend, her life and her family. It was the first time someone so determined to be closed opened up so wide for a stranger. Then had said stranger on his back for the most fantastic sex ever under the stars in a fucking tent. He smiled wider at the memory thinking his face would break off. “Do you still go out a lot. Y’know even with your big boy job and all of that.” Chris shrugged his shoulders thinking about it. He didn’t really feel the need to go out that much anymore. Even when he did. It never felt the same. “It’s weird… I love fucking partying. I still take pills to keep shit sharp and to fucking have a good time. I meet people… interesting people. Smoke a couple of spliffs, fuck shit up, run around in a fucking space, but… everything just seems so different. Like everyones growin’ up…” Chris looked down, putting his hands inside of his pocket, looking around the pier. “I miss my fucking good time, but I love the times I have now. It’s like going into the future… but sticking to your fucking self. I still act like I’m a fucking 16 year old and I fucking LOVE it.” He nudged Liv with his hips to hers smiling. She turned her eyes to him, looking into the brown ones and almost losing his breath. She was stunning. “Why here?” Chris moved his gaze back over to the water and sand lining the pier. It seemed to stretch out for days in his eyes. He loved it. “When I was a kid my brother took me here. I came again when I was a bit older. I had a blast. Felt less alone since everyone left me. After my mum, I started coming here a lot. Seemed like the right thing to do. So… I stayed… And stayed… Finally getting the courage to go back to the flat. It was nice, but fucking lonely… too fucking lonely.” He watched her move her finger over the scar on her hand. That’s right… She did have it. “Here… Give me your hand…” He held it out to hers, before he just pushed his fingers between them. “There… Less lonely now,” Chris smirked at the brown eye’d girl, holding onto her hand as they watched the water together. He decided to gain the courage to ask her something that had been on his mind since they were in the flat, “How are you really doing Liv?”
It was amazing watching Chris talk when he was excited about something. His whole face lit up and Liv couldn’t help but smile with him. Then his face changed. She watched as it clouded over as he began to talk. ”I had a blast. Felt less alone since everyone left me. After my mum, I started coming here a lot. Seemed like the right thing to do. So… I stayed… And stayed… Finally getting the courage to go back to the flat…” Liv swallowed hard. She didn’t have the courage to go back home. She didn’t have the courage to face anyone. She felt connected to Chris through his story. But she didn’t like being conjoined with someone through sadness. It was depressing. But still she couldn’t look away as he spoke. “…It was nice, but fucking lonely… too fucking lonely.” Liv looked away from him. Her immediate response was to get defensive and walk away. To go find another place to stay. Maybe even break into her own house. “Here… Give me your hand…” She resisted at first. Liv kept her scarred hand to herself and side eyed Chris. He held his out towards her but she didn’t budge. Liv then dropped her gaze from him and gave him her hand. “There… Less lonely now..” His hand was warm in hers. Liv bit down on her tongue and brought herself to make eye contact with Chris again. “How are you really doing Liv?” “It doesn’t matter.” The words left her mouth almost immediately. She was getting defensive but wouldn’t pull away just yet. Liv stood on the pier quiet. She figured if she took long enough to answer maybe he’d forget he asked her anything in the first place. The slight squeeze on her hand from him determined otherwise. Liv tugged on his hand, pulling herself into Chris so that she was in his arms. She rested her chin on his shoulder. “It’s pure shit…” her voice was just above a whisper.His whole body was warm despite the fact he didn’t have a coat on. She stayed in his embrace feeling herself calming down. It felt better not being so tight and on edge for once. It wasn’t necessary to go into details.After a moment she broke the silence again, pulling back slightly but still resting in his arms. “You smell like body wash, after shave and outside.” Liv giggled. “Comforting yet irresistible..” She paused and took a deep breath. “Thanks.”
“It doesn’t matter.” Chris looked at her with a frown on his face. He wanted Liv to tell him what was the matter, but wasn’t going to pressure her into doing it. That wasn’t what he did. He sat by hoping people would open themselves. Try to make a bad day somewhat better. He squeezed her hand a little bit reassuring her in someway that he was there with her. She hugged her body into his and he moved his other hand around her pushing it up and down her back. “It’s pure shit…” He frowned more, keeping his hand moving to comfort her. She pulled back in a matter of minutes and he smiled down at her. “You smell like body wash, after shave and outside.” He laughed a little as she heard her giggle. Thank you higher power for that giggle. “Comforting yet irresistible..” He laughed some more, thinking about it. Then watched her as she took a deep breath, his hand still in hers. She let out a “Thanks.” Chris kept the smile on his face and leaned in to kiss her on the head. “No problem Livvy.” He was thinking about something to do that the both of them would happily enjoy. Chris didn’t want her to talk about sad things right now. There would be time for that later, but right now there needed to be something else there. He looked out into the water with a wide smile, “Now… We need to have some fucking fun. And! Since the weather is actually getting a wee bit not chilly… I say… WATER FIGHT!” He grabbed a hold of her hand dragging her down to the sand. He took off his shoes and socks, rolling up his pants legs even if there was really no point to the activity he knew that there would be water riding up his legs anyway. He didn’t care. Right now, he wanted to see the smile run across Liv’s face again and the giggle escape between her lips. He looked over to her, bringing a leg up and undoing her shoes. “I think you and I need a bit of carefree fun.” He took out his phone putting it in his shoe as he lifted himself up. “Don’t get swept away! I will fucking swim this ocean after you.” He narrowed his eyes, smiling at her playfully. He ran down to the water with her behind him, waiting until the water came to his feet. He splashed her with some of the water and laughed looking at her as his feet and pants started to get soaked in the water.
Liv undid the button on her jeans and tossed her phone down in the sand. Chris was almost to the water before she caught up with him. He splashed her and Liv squealed. The water was a little colder than she expected but it wasn’t too horrible. She splashed him back, dunking Chris under the water. Liv felt her leg being grabbed and exploded in a fit of giggles. “Let go!” She swam off deeper into the body of water before he could get to her. She turned around and looked back at the bloke standing in the knee deep water with soaked pant legs. “Scared I’ll get ya?” Liv grinned. She continued to back up deeper into the water, keeping her eyes on him. It reached just above her belly button. When Chris started to come closer, Liv dunked herself disappearing beneath the surface. It was hard to see under the water but by the ripples around her, she could tell he was close. Liv popped back up almost running into Chris. She took a deep breath and smiled. She could feel the goosebumps forming on her skin. Her shirt was soaked but Liv was glad she decided to take off her jeans first. “It’s…f-f-fucking freezing.” She ran her finger down the indents of the muscles in his arms. Her hand shook slightly from the shivering. Liv smiled up at Chris wanting to thank him again. And ask how he managed to make everything not feel so miserable even if it was just for awhile. Instead she splashed water in his face and tittered again. Liv paused after laughing and combed Chris’ wet hair back with her fingertips. His eyes looked as if they were glowing. it was impossible to keep eye contact for a long period of time. Liv closed her eyes and pressed her forehead against his. Despite the dropping temperature of the water, Chris’ body still felt warm against hers. His soaked shirt was sticking to him, outlining his pecs. “It’s so quiet out here…a little creepy. Right?” Liv hiccuped a small laugh.
Chris laughed as they played inside the cold water together. He liked to see the smile on Liv’s face as she dunked him again under the water and again pulling him down under. “You’re such a horrible person to go swimming with!” He pushed his hands into his hair, coming closer to her and smirking. “It’s…f-f-fucking freezing.” Her hands to his arms as he smiled down at her and laughed a little bit. She splashed him with more water and he wrapped his arms around her dunking her back into the water again with a smile plastered along his face. He was having a good time with Liv. Just like before. He loved it. Moving himself along the waves with her as she saw her finger move inside his hair. He watched her for a bit before she closed her eyes pressing her forehead against his. The waves crashed against them, but they managed to stay in the water. Very still. Very calming. Chris smiled into it wrapping his arms around Liv and closing his eyes like she was. It felt good being there with her. He opened his eyes, looking back around the shorter girls face. “It’s so quiet out here…a little creepy. Right?” Chris lifted up his head looking around the pier. He really didn’t know what time it was. Franky was gonna be at the event for awhile and Chris liked being with Liv right now so he didn’t mind it. He looked onto the other side and laughed a bit, “It is kinda spooky… But it’s fucking cool as well.” He wrinkled his nose at her, taking her by the hand and pulling her from the water. They moved along the sand, going back to their discarded things left on the side and Chris checked the time. He smirked, not too late and not too early. “You hungry at all? There’s this really fucking amazing place like not too far from here. It’s on the pier so we can walk like this. Just… hoodie cause.. it’s cold.” He laughed a little picking up the hoodie and putting it around Liv’s shoulders for her to stay warm. Chris picked up his shoes in one hand and reached out for hers with the another. “Come on Livvypool.”
There was no way Liv was going to turn down another opportunity to eat. She followed Chris with her hand in his. He was big on this hand holding thing. Liv didn’t mind, she enjoyed feeling wanted for once. She didn’t even think about what they’d look like walking into a place to eat soaking wet. They got inside, thankfully it was a lot warmer than the outside. She found a table and sat down, momentarily letting go of Chris’ hand to pull the hoodie tighter around her. “You come here a lot?” Liv yawned and rested her head on her hand. She avoided looking directly at Chris because she knew how flushed her face looked from the cold water. He’d be able to see her blush, but she couldn’t help but check him out whenever he looked away. Liv chewed on the inside of her cheek, trying to stay away. “Chris?” She called his name to get his attention and fought to keep herself from looking away like a bashful school girl when he looked at her. “I know you said you aren’t fucking Franks but…” Liv tittered and looked away. She cursed herself under her breath for acting so shy. A waiter came by to take their order before Liv could continue her thought. She ordered a burger and a side of chips and sipped on the water placed in front of her.
“Don’t worry about giving up your bed by the way. It’s yours…you have it.” She leaned forward with a smile. “Besides I’m a shit host. I invited you over and had you sleep on the ground…outside.” Her grin grew. Liv could feel her face getting hot. She never realized how bad she was at flirting when she wasn’t drunk of buzzed. Everything showed on her face. Liv looked away again seeing their food heading over to the table. “After we eat we should probably head back to yours. So I can stop embarrassing myself…” She giggled and threw a chip into her mouth. She looked up at Chris again not caring if he saw her this time. She wanted him to catch her.
“You come here a lot?” Chris looked around, shaking his head, “I haven’t been here since I was still in Roundview…” He smiled at Liv, moving his hands on the table and laughing down at his wet clothes. He was happy that night playing in the water with Liv to take both ot their minds off things at least for the moment. He looked through the things to eat and the drink menu as well and moved his mouth around. “Chris?” He looked up at her and smiled wide at her, “What’s up Livvypool?” He smiled up at her and waited for her to say something.“Besides I’m a shit host. I invited you over and had you sleep on the ground…outside.” Chris laughed a little bit thinking about that night again before he watched the waiter bring over their food. He took a fry, biting off a little piece of it before he looked back up at Liv. “After we eat we should probably head back to yours. So I can stop embarrassing myself…” Chris laughed a little bit before he picked up another fry to eat it and then looked up at Liv. He saw the small smirk on her face and then the cute blush running through from cheek to cheek. She was really stunning. He moved so that he could move a piece of Liv’s hair from in front of her face. “Sorry… It was gonna be in the way.” He bit at his bottom lip, moving the soda that he ordered up to his lips to drink. “Also… I’m not fucking Franklin… She’s just a really great and proper flatmate and mate to me. But…” He took another sip of his drink before looking at her, “Did you mean to cut yourself off after that… or did you just want to jump to the sleeping arrangements?” Chris gave her a wide smile, biting a piece of his chicken before looking back to her. “Although… I’d rather you sleep in my bed though… More comfortable, plus… I have AWESOME sheets.”
“Sorry… It was gonna be in the way.” He bit down on his lip and Liv watched, parting her lips slightly. Was he doing this on purpose? Tease. Her face felt hot fromw here his touch grazed it. Liv scoffed openly at the mention of Franky being a proper mate. She sure didn’t see it in the time she knew her. She wondered how obvious her and Franky’s ‘friendship’ was to Chris. It didn’t matter. Here she was sitting in a empty cafe with a handsome bloke. Don’t ruin it Malone. She took another sip of water and continued finishing off her food. “Although… I’d rather you sleep in my bed though… More comfortable, plus… I have AWESOME sheets.” Liv giggled almost spewing out water. She covered her mouth and continued to laugh harder. She loved Chris’ enthusiasm about everything. “I rather sleep in your bed too.” She winked at him and grabbed at her straw with her tongue, keeping her eye on Chris. “We should go.”
The two walked down the moonlit pavement. The same stride Liv had done everyday that week only this time, Chris was right, she didn’t feel so lonely. Liv intertwined her hand with his. Lightly rubbing her thumb along his wrist. She smiled at him. Chris wasn’t the only one that could be a tease. Except Liv was trying, everything he did seemed effortless. The walk back to the house seemed shorter than she wanted it to be. They got inside and she was thankful for the warmth. Liv walked over to her bag grabbing clothes to sleep in. She glanced up to see Chris walking towards his room, probably doing the same thing. Liv walked passed the bathroom and into the room Chris entered and tapped his shoulder. She smiled when he turned around and pulled him closer by his hand kissing him on the lips briefly. “Thanks again..” she matched his eyes and bit down on her bottom lip. “Um…I’m gonna go shower now..” Liv grinned and pointed towards the bathroom before turning on her heels and leaving the room. Once in the bathroom Liv peeled off her wet clothes and turned on the hot water. She thought about asking Chris to join her, but figured it’d be too forward if she wanted to keep playing. She rinsed off and stepped out of the shower. Liv dried off and placed her over sized shirt around her curves. Thank god it was only her and Chris in the flat, she couldn’t imagine feeling this good with Franky still walking around. She exited the bathroom peeking around the corner looking for Chris. She spied him on the couch and crossed her arms. “What are you doing?” Liv smiled and walked over to him. “You should sleep in your bed…with me.”
Chris pushed open the door to the flat as he looked around. Franky’s bag was still missing. Still at the event. He gave a sigh before he looked back at Liv, both of them completely soaked still from the events from before. He smiled wide at her before he went in the back to his room. He needed to get his shirt off at least. It was sticking to him like a second skin. He laughed a bit at himself, peeling the shirt off before He heard footsteps behind him, Liv travel up behind him and lay a kiss on his lips. “Thanks again..” They looked at each other, the slight blush on Liv’s cheeks as she bit her lower lip were adorable to miss. “Um…I’m gonna go shower now..” Chris nodded his head and smiled at her as she left the room. Chris looked down at the wet shirt in his hand and threw it into the corner. Making sure that he did the laundry tomorrow since he needed some clothes for work. Chris pushed on some long sleeping pants and grabbed a made spliff already from on top of the nightstand. He yawned a little as he went out into the living room to sit. He thought about texting Franky to see if she would be coming home that night, but decided against it. Elizabeth had everything under control and Morgan would look after Franks if she needed it. He put his phone on the coffee table, lighting the spliff between his lips and letting the smoke flow from his lips. He didn’t turn on the TV, the distraction would be welcomed, but he decided against it. “What are you doing?” He looked up to see Liv in a t-shirt and smiled at her a little bit. “You should sleep in your bed…with me.” Chris smirked at her, ashing out the spliff, “You think that would be a good idea?” His smirk grew a bit wider before he yawned a little. “I guess I could do that. Only until you go to sleep! We can’t have any shenanigans about.” He laughed a little, standing up and going over to Liv to kiss her on the head. “Come on you… Let’s get you into bed.” He winked at her, handing her over the spliff and taking her hand into his gently to pull her into his bedroom. Chris undid the tangled blanket and moved under it, waiting for Liv to climb under as well. Chris laid down on the pillow, looking to Liv as she faced him. He slowly moved a finger against her cheek, moving the wet hair from her face so he could observe her. “Not so lonely?”
Anonymous
Walking After Midnight @Liv
Chris smirked at Franky walking out the front door on the way to the event. He worried about her, but knew that she would do a good job. He mentioned for her to text him if anything went wrong. He’d try to fix it front the comfort of his own couch. He continued to rolled the spliff. “I know you. You’re the bloke that likes to party.” Chris was still looking at Liv as Franky walked out the door. He turned back to Liv with a slightly smirk on his lips. “And you’re the girl who likes to have a good fucking time.” Chris winked at her before he brought the spliff up to his lips to seal the little package shut.“I don’t know what she told you but it’s not true. She’s a fucking dipshit.” He looked over and pinched her on her arm, “Hey! That’s not nice at all. You shouldn’t talk about my roomie like that.” Chris laughed a little, but was serious at the same time. He finished rolling the spliff, picking up the lighter from the table and moving the long object between his lips. He lit the end of it taking a pull and leaning back on the couch to face Liv. “I haven’t seen you in awhile. Last I heard from you… you were in… Scotland. How’d you make your way back?” Chris moved his eyes along Liv’s face. It was slightly frail, but still had the same beautiful texture that he remembered from their day and night spend together in her backyard. He wanted to see her again. Badly. But he wasn’t sure why he wanted it as much, but now that she was on his couch he would make the most of the time spend with her. “Franky said you needed a place to crash. I’m not sure if she’s coming back tonight after work, but you can stay in my room if you like. Everything’s free as long as you don’t steal the fish.” He pointed to her with a narrow stare and a playful smile on his lips.
Last I heard from you… you were in… Scotland. How’d you make your way back?” Liv licked her lips trying the hide the fact Chris’ words hurt a little deeper than he intended. She went to Scotland on a whim, to get away from home and to find Alex. Neither of which worked in her favor. “I always find my way back,” she smiled and winked at him. Liv sighed, an attempt to knock down the defense wall she’d been building since she ran into Franky. “Thanks for letting me stay and whatever. I don’t plan on being long so you don’t have to…worry and shit.” She was embarrassed even though she wouldn’t admit it out loud. Liv wanted to be fun and carefree, she wanted to drag Chris up off of the couch and dance around the flat. She wanted to laugh and act like nothing was wrong. But she was exhausted, physically and mentally. Even still she kept a smile on her face and watched as Chris finished preparing the spliff. Liv refused to participate in anymore sappy shit. Not everyone needed to know her life story.
“What about you? Last I saw you you were leaving my backyard early in the morning.” She raised her eyebrows and giggled. Liv accepted the rolled spliff from Chris and placed it between her lips. She eyed Chris up and down then returned her attention on the drug that would momentarily make all of her troubles disappear. “So you and Franky huh? That’s…odd.” Her lungs filled with smoke and she exhaled feelings herself getting lightheaded already. “I mean it’s typical. Nice guy…hero complex and all that.” She handed the spliff back and raised her eyebrows. “So do you?” Liv paused and crossed her legs. “Do you have a hero complex Miles?”
The sadness in Liv’s voice immediately raised a red flag in Chris’ mind. Did he say something wrong? He didn’t want Liv to live so soon so when he heard what she said next. He couldn’t help match the smile she had on her face with his. “Thanks for letting me stay and whatever. I don’t plan on being long so you don’t have to…worry and shit.” Chris shook his head, looking at her with a wider smile. “Hey… Don’t worry about it. Stay as long as you like. Free roam of the house Miss Liv. Do whatever the fuck you feel.” He smirked at her putting the spliff between his lips and lighting it. He moved back to lay on the couch next to her and passed her the well rolled spliff. “What about you? Last I saw you you were leaving my backyard early in the morning.” Chris smirked, “Well… Had some shit go on in my head… Still… I did kiss you goodbye… I was a gentleman.” He laughed a little, moving his hand to the back of his head. “Do you have a hero complex Miles?” Chris shook his head at her, putting the spliff between her lips to take a long pull. “No… Far from it…” He let out the smoke, looking over at her and ashing on the long stick. “Franky and I aren’t doing anything… So completely clear your mind of all that and beyond your expectations.” He laughed a little biit thinking about Franky in the flat with him for long periods of time. How she taught him how to cook and their work scattered across the floor in the living room and falling asleep on each other when things were intense. Chris didn’t feel as along anymore with Franky around and hopefully with Liv now around too. He sighed, looking at her again, “I don’t have a hero complex… I just don’t like when people are alone… or upset… or have no place else to go… I want people to feel wanted.” He smirked at her, handing her back the spliff. “So… I have a question for your Freebird.” He shifted his position on the couch to look at her, “I don’t know if you like being in this flat all night, but I suggest later… We go for a walk… If you want.”
“So… I have a question for your Freebird.” Liv pressed her lips together, unsure if she was ready to answer any sort of questions. She was unsure as to what to expect from Chris. He always seemed happy and fun loving. But no one could really be that happy could they? She wouldn’t question it. His energy was exactly what she needed this time around. Especially after spending a whole day with Franky. “I don’t know if you like being in this flat all night, but I suggest later… We go for a walk… If you want.” A nap sounded great, better than great. But she didn’t want to cut her time with Chris short. Liv grinned and got up from the couch, pulling Chris up with her. “Why wait till later when we have now..” Her smile grew as she forced his arm over her shoulder. Chris was a good looking lad. There was no doubt about that. She would leave her jacket behind, just as an excuse to get closer to him. The two exited the flat and Liv was sure the temperature had dropped at least ten degrees. Not too late to grab that jacket, Malone. Chris closed the door behind them and Liv took the brief opportunity of him looking away to get a good look at him. The slight stubble on his jaw line showed he had a beard coming. Her eyes floated down his broad shoulders to his arms, then his middle. She bit down on the inside of her cheek and smirked to herself. He was damn attractive. There was no way Franky was living with this and not making a move. “So Chris…” Liv decided to speak first before he caught her staring. “Where are we off to?” She didn’t care. She was up for anything as long as she had a bed to come back to. Walking aimlessly around Bristol was fun for the first few days. After it became a reality, that’s when Liv started to feel the most alone. Only this time she wasn’t alone. As they walked, Liv tried to think back on their time together. It seemed so long ago that she ran into him and took her to one of her favorite places. She remembered feeling giddy playing with him in the fog and dragging him back to her house. “What do you remember about our night together?” She finally asked before she got caught checking him out again. Totally unfair, she thought. There was no way he was this good looking and so nice.
“Why wait till later when we have now..” Chris smirked up at her letting her pull him from the couch before he grabbed his hoodie, wallet and keys to lead them outside. It was colder than usual. Colder than imaginable and he was concerned when Liv didn’t come out with a jacket. He bit his lip, moving it around his face before he locked the doors. If she got way to cold he would share. “So Chris…” He locked the door turning back to her, “Where are we off to?” He tried to think, where could they walk to that wouldn’t be too near or too far from the flat. He put his finger on his lip before he thought about it. “We can go to the Pier for a bit. It’s really nice out tonight. The water has to be look beautiful.” He smiled wide at her before they started to walk. “What do you remember about our night together?” He looked back at her, smiling at the memory of them last seeing each other. He thought about it every so often. Not many people would fuck in a tent. Chris moved his hands into his pockets thinking about it. “Honestly. I don’t remember what we did that day, but I do remember the night very well.” He smiled at her starting to recount his memories. “I remember going back to your flat. You made us a sandwich that we shared which was very fucking sweet. I met your sister who took a bite from your sandwich and mine. I thought she was the best fucking person ever. We drank and beer and ate. You showed me to your backyard and we fucked under a tent and under the stars.” He laughed at the way he remembered the moments with Liv. He looked over at her as they locked eyes before they kept walking straight. “I remember your big bright fucking smile too. That is not a metaphor for your tits, okay? I actually like your smile.” Chris moved his hands from out of his pockets. They got to the pier in seconds before he looked over to Liv. “Cold?” He took off his hoodie, “Here… This will keep you warm… Sorry if it smells like me and paint.” He smiled at her finds them a place to lean on the other side of the pier. Chris stands at the place, leaning against the wooden stakes of it. “What do you remember about our night together?”
She enjoyed the way Chris talked about Maude. Liv missed everything about her blunt little sister. She realized she never did take Maude out to see a play like she promised months ago. And now she wasn’t even allowed to go near him. Agnes couldn’t keep her away from her little sister, no matter how hard she tried. Liv was lost in her thoughts but was able to catch on to Chris’ last words. “What do you remember about our night together?” Liv wrapped herself up inside the hoodie. It did smell like Chris, but mostly paint. She smiled and shrugged her shoulders. “Dunno? I remember thinking…this guy is totally fit. But by the morning when I had my head straight I realized you weren’t all that.” She giggled and shook her head. Liv looked away from Chris and at the water. “I’m kidding. I do remember having fun. A lot of fun. You’re easy to get along with I guess…” Liv avoided his eyes and continued to stare down at the water. Chris was the first and only person she talked to about the accident, after only knowing him for a few hours. They shared a bunch of stories, not to mention great sex afterwards. She ran her thumb across the scar on her hand and looked back up to Chris as if she were to speak again. Would she take the chance and tell him how alone she felt all the time? No. It wasn’t his problem. She didn’t want anyone to know the party girl had been fueled out for awhile now. As far as she was concerned she was still herself, just on a small mental break. A break that was slowly driving her crazy. “Do you still go out a lot. Y’know even with your big boy job and all of that.” In college when everyone wrote about where they saw themselves in ten years, Liv took the whole thing as a joke and said she would either still be doing the same thing, partying every night and drinking everyday or she’d be dead. But now since everything changed so fast…she really didn’t know what she wanted to do. Liv looked over the pier that she’d jumped off so many times before. Her gaze reached Chris and she tilted her head. “Why here?”
“I’m kidding. I do remember having fun. A lot of fun. You’re easy to get along with I guess…” Chris gave a wide smile to Liv’s words laughing a little as he moving his fingers along the wooden railing. “You guess….” He stuck his tongue out, smiling at the water and remembering what Liv had talked to him about. Her friend, her life and her family. It was the first time someone so determined to be closed opened up so wide for a stranger. Then had said stranger on his back for the most fantastic sex ever under the stars in a fucking tent. He smiled wider at the memory thinking his face would break off. “Do you still go out a lot. Y’know even with your big boy job and all of that.” Chris shrugged his shoulders thinking about it. He didn’t really feel the need to go out that much anymore. Even when he did. It never felt the same. “It’s weird… I love fucking partying. I still take pills to keep shit sharp and to fucking have a good time. I meet people… interesting people. Smoke a couple of spliffs, fuck shit up, run around in a fucking space, but… everything just seems so different. Like everyones growin’ up…” Chris looked down, putting his hands inside of his pocket, looking around the pier. “I miss my fucking good time, but I love the times I have now. It’s like going into the future… but sticking to your fucking self. I still act like I’m a fucking 16 year old and I fucking LOVE it.” He nudged Liv with his hips to hers smiling. She turned her eyes to him, looking into the brown ones and almost losing his breath. She was stunning. “Why here?” Chris moved his gaze back over to the water and sand lining the pier. It seemed to stretch out for days in his eyes. He loved it. “When I was a kid my brother took me here. I came again when I was a bit older. I had a blast. Felt less alone since everyone left me. After my mum, I started coming here a lot. Seemed like the right thing to do. So… I stayed… And stayed… Finally getting the courage to go back to the flat. It was nice, but fucking lonely… too fucking lonely.” He watched her move her finger over the scar on her hand. That’s right… She did have it. “Here… Give me your hand…” He held it out to hers, before he just pushed his fingers between them. “There… Less lonely now,” Chris smirked at the brown eye’d girl, holding onto her hand as they watched the water together. He decided to gain the courage to ask her something that had been on his mind since they were in the flat, “How are you really doing Liv?”
It was amazing watching Chris talk when he was excited about something. His whole face lit up and Liv couldn’t help but smile with him. Then his face changed. She watched as it clouded over as he began to talk. ”I had a blast. Felt less alone since everyone left me. After my mum, I started coming here a lot. Seemed like the right thing to do. So… I stayed… And stayed… Finally getting the courage to go back to the flat…” Liv swallowed hard. She didn’t have the courage to go back home. She didn’t have the courage to face anyone. She felt connected to Chris through his story. But she didn’t like being conjoined with someone through sadness. It was depressing. But still she couldn’t look away as he spoke. “…It was nice, but fucking lonely… too fucking lonely.” Liv looked away from him. Her immediate response was to get defensive and walk away. To go find another place to stay. Maybe even break into her own house. “Here… Give me your hand…” She resisted at first. Liv kept her scarred hand to herself and side eyed Chris. He held his out towards her but she didn’t budge. Liv then dropped her gaze from him and gave him her hand. “There… Less lonely now..” His hand was warm in hers. Liv bit down on her tongue and brought herself to make eye contact with Chris again. “How are you really doing Liv?” “It doesn’t matter.” The words left her mouth almost immediately. She was getting defensive but wouldn’t pull away just yet. Liv stood on the pier quiet. She figured if she took long enough to answer maybe he’d forget he asked her anything in the first place. The slight squeeze on her hand from him determined otherwise. Liv tugged on his hand, pulling herself into Chris so that she was in his arms. She rested her chin on his shoulder. “It’s pure shit…” her voice was just above a whisper.His whole body was warm despite the fact he didn’t have a coat on. She stayed in his embrace feeling herself calming down. It felt better not being so tight and on edge for once. It wasn’t necessary to go into details.After a moment she broke the silence again, pulling back slightly but still resting in his arms. “You smell like body wash, after shave and outside.” Liv giggled. “Comforting yet irresistible..” She paused and took a deep breath. “Thanks.”
“It doesn’t matter.” Chris looked at her with a frown on his face. He wanted Liv to tell him what was the matter, but wasn’t going to pressure her into doing it. That wasn’t what he did. He sat by hoping people would open themselves. Try to make a bad day somewhat better. He squeezed her hand a little bit reassuring her in someway that he was there with her. She hugged her body into his and he moved his other hand around her pushing it up and down her back. “It’s pure shit…” He frowned more, keeping his hand moving to comfort her. She pulled back in a matter of minutes and he smiled down at her. “You smell like body wash, after shave and outside.” He laughed a little as she heard her giggle. Thank you higher power for that giggle. “Comforting yet irresistible..” He laughed some more, thinking about it. Then watched her as she took a deep breath, his hand still in hers. She let out a “Thanks.” Chris kept the smile on his face and leaned in to kiss her on the head. “No problem Livvy.” He was thinking about something to do that the both of them would happily enjoy. Chris didn’t want her to talk about sad things right now. There would be time for that later, but right now there needed to be something else there. He looked out into the water with a wide smile, “Now… We need to have some fucking fun. And! Since the weather is actually getting a wee bit not chilly… I say… WATER FIGHT!” He grabbed a hold of her hand dragging her down to the sand. He took off his shoes and socks, rolling up his pants legs even if there was really no point to the activity he knew that there would be water riding up his legs anyway. He didn’t care. Right now, he wanted to see the smile run across Liv’s face again and the giggle escape between her lips. He looked over to her, bringing a leg up and undoing her shoes. “I think you and I need a bit of carefree fun.” He took out his phone putting it in his shoe as he lifted himself up. “Don’t get swept away! I will fucking swim this ocean after you.” He narrowed his eyes, smiling at her playfully. He ran down to the water with her behind him, waiting until the water came to his feet. He splashed her with some of the water and laughed looking at her as his feet and pants started to get soaked in the water.
Liv undid the button on her jeans and tossed her phone down in the sand. Chris was almost to the water before she caught up with him. He splashed her and Liv squealed. The water was a little colder than she expected but it wasn’t too horrible. She splashed him back, dunking Chris under the water. Liv felt her leg being grabbed and exploded in a fit of giggles. “Let go!” She swam off deeper into the body of water before he could get to her. She turned around and looked back at the bloke standing in the knee deep water with soaked pant legs. “Scared I’ll get ya?” Liv grinned. She continued to back up deeper into the water, keeping her eyes on him. It reached just above her belly button. When Chris started to come closer, Liv dunked herself disappearing beneath the surface. It was hard to see under the water but by the ripples around her, she could tell he was close. Liv popped back up almost running into Chris. She took a deep breath and smiled. She could feel the goosebumps forming on her skin. Her shirt was soaked but Liv was glad she decided to take off her jeans first. “It’s…f-f-fucking freezing.” She ran her finger down the indents of the muscles in his arms. Her hand shook slightly from the shivering. Liv smiled up at Chris wanting to thank him again. And ask how he managed to make everything not feel so miserable even if it was just for awhile. Instead she splashed water in his face and tittered again. Liv paused after laughing and combed Chris’ wet hair back with her fingertips. His eyes looked as if they were glowing. it was impossible to keep eye contact for a long period of time. Liv closed her eyes and pressed her forehead against his. Despite the dropping temperature of the water, Chris’ body still felt warm against hers. His soaked shirt was sticking to him, outlining his pecs. “It’s so quiet out here…a little creepy. Right?” Liv hiccuped a small laugh.
Chris laughed as they played inside the cold water together. He liked to see the smile on Liv’s face as she dunked him again under the water and again pulling him down under. “You’re such a horrible person to go swimming with!” He pushed his hands into his hair, coming closer to her and smirking. “It’s…f-f-fucking freezing.” Her hands to his arms as he smiled down at her and laughed a little bit. She splashed him with more water and he wrapped his arms around her dunking her back into the water again with a smile plastered along his face. He was having a good time with Liv. Just like before. He loved it. Moving himself along the waves with her as she saw her finger move inside his hair. He watched her for a bit before she closed her eyes pressing her forehead against his. The waves crashed against them, but they managed to stay in the water. Very still. Very calming. Chris smiled into it wrapping his arms around Liv and closing his eyes like she was. It felt good being there with her. He opened his eyes, looking back around the shorter girls face. “It’s so quiet out here…a little creepy. Right?” Chris lifted up his head looking around the pier. He really didn’t know what time it was. Franky was gonna be at the event for awhile and Chris liked being with Liv right now so he didn’t mind it. He looked onto the other side and laughed a bit, “It is kinda spooky… But it’s fucking cool as well.” He wrinkled his nose at her, taking her by the hand and pulling her from the water. They moved along the sand, going back to their discarded things left on the side and Chris checked the time. He smirked, not too late and not too early. “You hungry at all? There’s this really fucking amazing place like not too far from here. It’s on the pier so we can walk like this. Just… hoodie cause.. it’s cold.” He laughed a little picking up the hoodie and putting it around Liv’s shoulders for her to stay warm. Chris picked up his shoes in one hand and reached out for hers with the another. “Come on Livvypool.”
There was no way Liv was going to turn down another opportunity to eat. She followed Chris with her hand in his. He was big on this hand holding thing. Liv didn’t mind, she enjoyed feeling wanted for once. She didn’t even think about what they’d look like walking into a place to eat soaking wet. They got inside, thankfully it was a lot warmer than the outside. She found a table and sat down, momentarily letting go of Chris’ hand to pull the hoodie tighter around her. “You come here a lot?” Liv yawned and rested her head on her hand. She avoided looking directly at Chris because she knew how flushed her face looked from the cold water. He’d be able to see her blush, but she couldn’t help but check him out whenever he looked away. Liv chewed on the inside of her cheek, trying to stay away. “Chris?” She called his name to get his attention and fought to keep herself from looking away like a bashful school girl when he looked at her. “I know you said you aren’t fucking Franks but…” Liv tittered and looked away. She cursed herself under her breath for acting so shy. A waiter came by to take their order before Liv could continue her thought. She ordered a burger and a side of chips and sipped on the water placed in front of her.
“Don’t worry about giving up your bed by the way. It’s yours…you have it.” She leaned forward with a smile. “Besides I’m a shit host. I invited you over and had you sleep on the ground…outside.” Her grin grew. Liv could feel her face getting hot. She never realized how bad she was at flirting when she wasn’t drunk of buzzed. Everything showed on her face. Liv looked away again seeing their food heading over to the table. “After we eat we should probably head back to yours. So I can stop embarrassing myself…” She giggled and threw a chip into her mouth. She looked up at Chris again not caring if he saw her this time. She wanted him to catch her.
“You come here a lot?” Chris looked around, shaking his head, “I haven’t been here since I was still in Roundview…” He smiled at Liv, moving his hands on the table and laughing down at his wet clothes. He was happy that night playing in the water with Liv to take both ot their minds off things at least for the moment. He looked through the things to eat and the drink menu as well and moved his mouth around. “Chris?” He looked up at her and smiled wide at her, “What’s up Livvypool?” He smiled up at her and waited for her to say something.“Besides I’m a shit host. I invited you over and had you sleep on the ground…outside.” Chris laughed a little bit thinking about that night again before he watched the waiter bring over their food. He took a fry, biting off a little piece of it before he looked back up at Liv. “After we eat we should probably head back to yours. So I can stop embarrassing myself…” Chris laughed a little bit before he picked up another fry to eat it and then looked up at Liv. He saw the small smirk on her face and then the cute blush running through from cheek to cheek. She was really stunning. He moved so that he could move a piece of Liv’s hair from in front of her face. “Sorry… It was gonna be in the way.” He bit at his bottom lip, moving the soda that he ordered up to his lips to drink. “Also… I’m not fucking Franklin… She’s just a really great and proper flatmate and mate to me. But…” He took another sip of his drink before looking at her, “Did you mean to cut yourself off after that… or did you just want to jump to the sleeping arrangements?” Chris gave her a wide smile, biting a piece of his chicken before looking back to her. “Although… I’d rather you sleep in my bed though… More comfortable, plus… I have AWESOME sheets.”
AnonymousShe’s staying with us for as long as she wants. I’m not sure what’s gonna happen, but I don’t mind at all.
Walking After Midnight @Liv
Chris smirked at Franky walking out the front door on the way to the event. He worried about her, but knew that she would do a good job. He mentioned for her to text him if anything went wrong. He’d try to fix it front the comfort of his own couch. He continued to rolled the spliff. “I know you. You’re the bloke that likes to party.” Chris was still looking at Liv as Franky walked out the door. He turned back to Liv with a slightly smirk on his lips. “And you’re the girl who likes to have a good fucking time.” Chris winked at her before he brought the spliff up to his lips to seal the little package shut.“I don’t know what she told you but it’s not true. She’s a fucking dipshit.” He looked over and pinched her on her arm, “Hey! That’s not nice at all. You shouldn’t talk about my roomie like that.” Chris laughed a little, but was serious at the same time. He finished rolling the spliff, picking up the lighter from the table and moving the long object between his lips. He lit the end of it taking a pull and leaning back on the couch to face Liv. “I haven’t seen you in awhile. Last I heard from you… you were in… Scotland. How’d you make your way back?” Chris moved his eyes along Liv’s face. It was slightly frail, but still had the same beautiful texture that he remembered from their day and night spend together in her backyard. He wanted to see her again. Badly. But he wasn’t sure why he wanted it as much, but now that she was on his couch he would make the most of the time spend with her. “Franky said you needed a place to crash. I’m not sure if she’s coming back tonight after work, but you can stay in my room if you like. Everything’s free as long as you don’t steal the fish.” He pointed to her with a narrow stare and a playful smile on his lips.
Last I heard from you… you were in… Scotland. How’d you make your way back?” Liv licked her lips trying the hide the fact Chris’ words hurt a little deeper than he intended. She went to Scotland on a whim, to get away from home and to find Alex. Neither of which worked in her favor. “I always find my way back,” she smiled and winked at him. Liv sighed, an attempt to knock down the defense wall she’d been building since she ran into Franky. “Thanks for letting me stay and whatever. I don’t plan on being long so you don’t have to…worry and shit.” She was embarrassed even though she wouldn’t admit it out loud. Liv wanted to be fun and carefree, she wanted to drag Chris up off of the couch and dance around the flat. She wanted to laugh and act like nothing was wrong. But she was exhausted, physically and mentally. Even still she kept a smile on her face and watched as Chris finished preparing the spliff. Liv refused to participate in anymore sappy shit. Not everyone needed to know her life story.
“What about you? Last I saw you you were leaving my backyard early in the morning.” She raised her eyebrows and giggled. Liv accepted the rolled spliff from Chris and placed it between her lips. She eyed Chris up and down then returned her attention on the drug that would momentarily make all of her troubles disappear. “So you and Franky huh? That’s…odd.” Her lungs filled with smoke and she exhaled feelings herself getting lightheaded already. “I mean it’s typical. Nice guy…hero complex and all that.” She handed the spliff back and raised her eyebrows. “So do you?” Liv paused and crossed her legs. “Do you have a hero complex Miles?”
The sadness in Liv’s voice immediately raised a red flag in Chris’ mind. Did he say something wrong? He didn’t want Liv to live so soon so when he heard what she said next. He couldn’t help match the smile she had on her face with his. “Thanks for letting me stay and whatever. I don’t plan on being long so you don’t have to…worry and shit.” Chris shook his head, looking at her with a wider smile. “Hey… Don’t worry about it. Stay as long as you like. Free roam of the house Miss Liv. Do whatever the fuck you feel.” He smirked at her putting the spliff between his lips and lighting it. He moved back to lay on the couch next to her and passed her the well rolled spliff. “What about you? Last I saw you you were leaving my backyard early in the morning.” Chris smirked, “Well… Had some shit go on in my head… Still… I did kiss you goodbye… I was a gentleman.” He laughed a little, moving his hand to the back of his head. “Do you have a hero complex Miles?” Chris shook his head at her, putting the spliff between her lips to take a long pull. “No… Far from it…” He let out the smoke, looking over at her and ashing on the long stick. “Franky and I aren’t doing anything… So completely clear your mind of all that and beyond your expectations.” He laughed a little biit thinking about Franky in the flat with him for long periods of time. How she taught him how to cook and their work scattered across the floor in the living room and falling asleep on each other when things were intense. Chris didn’t feel as along anymore with Franky around and hopefully with Liv now around too. He sighed, looking at her again, “I don’t have a hero complex… I just don’t like when people are alone… or upset… or have no place else to go… I want people to feel wanted.” He smirked at her, handing her back the spliff. “So… I have a question for your Freebird.” He shifted his position on the couch to look at her, “I don’t know if you like being in this flat all night, but I suggest later… We go for a walk… If you want.”
“So… I have a question for your Freebird.” Liv pressed her lips together, unsure if she was ready to answer any sort of questions. She was unsure as to what to expect from Chris. He always seemed happy and fun loving. But no one could really be that happy could they? She wouldn’t question it. His energy was exactly what she needed this time around. Especially after spending a whole day with Franky. “I don’t know if you like being in this flat all night, but I suggest later… We go for a walk… If you want.” A nap sounded great, better than great. But she didn’t want to cut her time with Chris short. Liv grinned and got up from the couch, pulling Chris up with her. “Why wait till later when we have now..” Her smile grew as she forced his arm over her shoulder. Chris was a good looking lad. There was no doubt about that. She would leave her jacket behind, just as an excuse to get closer to him. The two exited the flat and Liv was sure the temperature had dropped at least ten degrees. Not too late to grab that jacket, Malone. Chris closed the door behind them and Liv took the brief opportunity of him looking away to get a good look at him. The slight stubble on his jaw line showed he had a beard coming. Her eyes floated down his broad shoulders to his arms, then his middle. She bit down on the inside of her cheek and smirked to herself. He was damn attractive. There was no way Franky was living with this and not making a move. “So Chris…” Liv decided to speak first before he caught her staring. “Where are we off to?” She didn’t care. She was up for anything as long as she had a bed to come back to. Walking aimlessly around Bristol was fun for the first few days. After it became a reality, that’s when Liv started to feel the most alone. Only this time she wasn’t alone. As they walked, Liv tried to think back on their time together. It seemed so long ago that she ran into him and took her to one of her favorite places. She remembered feeling giddy playing with him in the fog and dragging him back to her house. “What do you remember about our night together?” She finally asked before she got caught checking him out again. Totally unfair, she thought. There was no way he was this good looking and so nice.
“Why wait till later when we have now..” Chris smirked up at her letting her pull him from the couch before he grabbed his hoodie, wallet and keys to lead them outside. It was colder than usual. Colder than imaginable and he was concerned when Liv didn’t come out with a jacket. He bit his lip, moving it around his face before he locked the doors. If she got way to cold he would share. “So Chris…” He locked the door turning back to her, “Where are we off to?” He tried to think, where could they walk to that wouldn’t be too near or too far from the flat. He put his finger on his lip before he thought about it. “We can go to the Pier for a bit. It’s really nice out tonight. The water has to be look beautiful.” He smiled wide at her before they started to walk. “What do you remember about our night together?” He looked back at her, smiling at the memory of them last seeing each other. He thought about it every so often. Not many people would fuck in a tent. Chris moved his hands into his pockets thinking about it. “Honestly. I don’t remember what we did that day, but I do remember the night very well.” He smiled at her starting to recount his memories. “I remember going back to your flat. You made us a sandwich that we shared which was very fucking sweet. I met your sister who took a bite from your sandwich and mine. I thought she was the best fucking person ever. We drank and beer and ate. You showed me to your backyard and we fucked under a tent and under the stars.” He laughed at the way he remembered the moments with Liv. He looked over at her as they locked eyes before they kept walking straight. “I remember your big bright fucking smile too. That is not a metaphor for your tits, okay? I actually like your smile.” Chris moved his hands from out of his pockets. They got to the pier in seconds before he looked over to Liv. “Cold?” He took off his hoodie, “Here… This will keep you warm… Sorry if it smells like me and paint.” He smiled at her finds them a place to lean on the other side of the pier. Chris stands at the place, leaning against the wooden stakes of it. “What do you remember about our night together?”
She enjoyed the way Chris talked about Maude. Liv missed everything about her blunt little sister. She realized she never did take Maude out to see a play like she promised months ago. And now she wasn’t even allowed to go near him. Agnes couldn’t keep her away from her little sister, no matter how hard she tried. Liv was lost in her thoughts but was able to catch on to Chris’ last words. “What do you remember about our night together?” Liv wrapped herself up inside the hoodie. It did smell like Chris, but mostly paint. She smiled and shrugged her shoulders. “Dunno? I remember thinking…this guy is totally fit. But by the morning when I had my head straight I realized you weren’t all that.” She giggled and shook her head. Liv looked away from Chris and at the water. “I’m kidding. I do remember having fun. A lot of fun. You’re easy to get along with I guess…” Liv avoided his eyes and continued to stare down at the water. Chris was the first and only person she talked to about the accident, after only knowing him for a few hours. They shared a bunch of stories, not to mention great sex afterwards. She ran her thumb across the scar on her hand and looked back up to Chris as if she were to speak again. Would she take the chance and tell him how alone she felt all the time? No. It wasn’t his problem. She didn’t want anyone to know the party girl had been fueled out for awhile now. As far as she was concerned she was still herself, just on a small mental break. A break that was slowly driving her crazy. “Do you still go out a lot. Y’know even with your big boy job and all of that.” In college when everyone wrote about where they saw themselves in ten years, Liv took the whole thing as a joke and said she would either still be doing the same thing, partying every night and drinking everyday or she’d be dead. But now since everything changed so fast…she really didn’t know what she wanted to do. Liv looked over the pier that she’d jumped off so many times before. Her gaze reached Chris and she tilted her head. “Why here?”
“I’m kidding. I do remember having fun. A lot of fun. You’re easy to get along with I guess…” Chris gave a wide smile to Liv’s words laughing a little as he moving his fingers along the wooden railing. “You guess….” He stuck his tongue out, smiling at the water and remembering what Liv had talked to him about. Her friend, her life and her family. It was the first time someone so determined to be closed opened up so wide for a stranger. Then had said stranger on his back for the most fantastic sex ever under the stars in a fucking tent. He smiled wider at the memory thinking his face would break off. “Do you still go out a lot. Y’know even with your big boy job and all of that.” Chris shrugged his shoulders thinking about it. He didn’t really feel the need to go out that much anymore. Even when he did. It never felt the same. “It’s weird… I love fucking partying. I still take pills to keep shit sharp and to fucking have a good time. I meet people… interesting people. Smoke a couple of spliffs, fuck shit up, run around in a fucking space, but… everything just seems so different. Like everyones growin’ up…” Chris looked down, putting his hands inside of his pocket, looking around the pier. “I miss my fucking good time, but I love the times I have now. It’s like going into the future… but sticking to your fucking self. I still act like I’m a fucking 16 year old and I fucking LOVE it.” He nudged Liv with his hips to hers smiling. She turned her eyes to him, looking into the brown ones and almost losing his breath. She was stunning. “Why here?” Chris moved his gaze back over to the water and sand lining the pier. It seemed to stretch out for days in his eyes. He loved it. “When I was a kid my brother took me here. I came again when I was a bit older. I had a blast. Felt less alone since everyone left me. After my mum, I started coming here a lot. Seemed like the right thing to do. So… I stayed… And stayed… Finally getting the courage to go back to the flat. It was nice, but fucking lonely… too fucking lonely.” He watched her move her finger over the scar on her hand. That’s right… She did have it. “Here… Give me your hand…” He held it out to hers, before he just pushed his fingers between them. “There… Less lonely now,” Chris smirked at the brown eye’d girl, holding onto her hand as they watched the water together. He decided to gain the courage to ask her something that had been on his mind since they were in the flat, “How are you really doing Liv?”
It was amazing watching Chris talk when he was excited about something. His whole face lit up and Liv couldn’t help but smile with him. Then his face changed. She watched as it clouded over as he began to talk. ”I had a blast. Felt less alone since everyone left me. After my mum, I started coming here a lot. Seemed like the right thing to do. So… I stayed… And stayed… Finally getting the courage to go back to the flat…” Liv swallowed hard. She didn’t have the courage to go back home. She didn’t have the courage to face anyone. She felt connected to Chris through his story. But she didn’t like being conjoined with someone through sadness. It was depressing. But still she couldn’t look away as he spoke. “…It was nice, but fucking lonely… too fucking lonely.” Liv looked away from him. Her immediate response was to get defensive and walk away. To go find another place to stay. Maybe even break into her own house. “Here… Give me your hand…” She resisted at first. Liv kept her scarred hand to herself and side eyed Chris. He held his out towards her but she didn’t budge. Liv then dropped her gaze from him and gave him her hand. “There… Less lonely now..” His hand was warm in hers. Liv bit down on her tongue and brought herself to make eye contact with Chris again. “How are you really doing Liv?” “It doesn’t matter.” The words left her mouth almost immediately. She was getting defensive but wouldn’t pull away just yet. Liv stood on the pier quiet. She figured if she took long enough to answer maybe he’d forget he asked her anything in the first place. The slight squeeze on her hand from him determined otherwise. Liv tugged on his hand, pulling herself into Chris so that she was in his arms. She rested her chin on his shoulder. “It’s pure shit…” her voice was just above a whisper.His whole body was warm despite the fact he didn’t have a coat on. She stayed in his embrace feeling herself calming down. It felt better not being so tight and on edge for once. It wasn’t necessary to go into details.After a moment she broke the silence again, pulling back slightly but still resting in his arms. “You smell like body wash, after shave and outside.” Liv giggled. “Comforting yet irresistible..” She paused and took a deep breath. “Thanks.”
“It doesn’t matter.” Chris looked at her with a frown on his face. He wanted Liv to tell him what was the matter, but wasn’t going to pressure her into doing it. That wasn’t what he did. He sat by hoping people would open themselves. Try to make a bad day somewhat better. He squeezed her hand a little bit reassuring her in someway that he was there with her. She hugged her body into his and he moved his other hand around her pushing it up and down her back. “It’s pure shit…” He frowned more, keeping his hand moving to comfort her. She pulled back in a matter of minutes and he smiled down at her. “You smell like body wash, after shave and outside.” He laughed a little as she heard her giggle. Thank you higher power for that giggle. “Comforting yet irresistible..” He laughed some more, thinking about it. Then watched her as she took a deep breath, his hand still in hers. She let out a “Thanks.” Chris kept the smile on his face and leaned in to kiss her on the head. “No problem Livvy.” He was thinking about something to do that the both of them would happily enjoy. Chris didn’t want her to talk about sad things right now. There would be time for that later, but right now there needed to be something else there. He looked out into the water with a wide smile, “Now… We need to have some fucking fun. And! Since the weather is actually getting a wee bit not chilly… I say… WATER FIGHT!” He grabbed a hold of her hand dragging her down to the sand. He took off his shoes and socks, rolling up his pants legs even if there was really no point to the activity he knew that there would be water riding up his legs anyway. He didn’t care. Right now, he wanted to see the smile run across Liv’s face again and the giggle escape between her lips. He looked over to her, bringing a leg up and undoing her shoes. “I think you and I need a bit of carefree fun.” He took out his phone putting it in his shoe as he lifted himself up. “Don’t get swept away! I will fucking swim this ocean after you.” He narrowed his eyes, smiling at her playfully. He ran down to the water with her behind him, waiting until the water came to his feet. He splashed her with some of the water and laughed looking at her as his feet and pants started to get soaked in the water.
Liv undid the button on her jeans and tossed her phone down in the sand. Chris was almost to the water before she caught up with him. He splashed her and Liv squealed. The water was a little colder than she expected but it wasn’t too horrible. She splashed him back, dunking Chris under the water. Liv felt her leg being grabbed and exploded in a fit of giggles. “Let go!” She swam off deeper into the body of water before he could get to her. She turned around and looked back at the bloke standing in the knee deep water with soaked pant legs. “Scared I’ll get ya?” Liv grinned. She continued to back up deeper into the water, keeping her eyes on him. It reached just above her belly button. When Chris started to come closer, Liv dunked herself disappearing beneath the surface. It was hard to see under the water but by the ripples around her, she could tell he was close. Liv popped back up almost running into Chris. She took a deep breath and smiled. She could feel the goosebumps forming on her skin. Her shirt was soaked but Liv was glad she decided to take off her jeans first. “It’s…f-f-fucking freezing.” She ran her finger down the indents of the muscles in his arms. Her hand shook slightly from the shivering. Liv smiled up at Chris wanting to thank him again. And ask how he managed to make everything not feel so miserable even if it was just for awhile. Instead she splashed water in his face and tittered again. Liv paused after laughing and combed Chris’ wet hair back with her fingertips. His eyes looked as if they were glowing. it was impossible to keep eye contact for a long period of time. Liv closed her eyes and pressed her forehead against his. Despite the dropping temperature of the water, Chris’ body still felt warm against hers. His soaked shirt was sticking to him, outlining his pecs. “It’s so quiet out here…a little creepy. Right?” Liv hiccuped a small laugh.
Chris laughed as they played inside the cold water together. He liked to see the smile on Liv’s face as she dunked him again under the water and again pulling him down under. “You’re such a horrible person to go swimming with!” He pushed his hands into his hair, coming closer to her and smirking. “It’s…f-f-fucking freezing.” Her hands to his arms as he smiled down at her and laughed a little bit. She splashed him with more water and he wrapped his arms around her dunking her back into the water again with a smile plastered along his face. He was having a good time with Liv. Just like before. He loved it. Moving himself along the waves with her as she saw her finger move inside his hair. He watched her for a bit before she closed her eyes pressing her forehead against his. The waves crashed against them, but they managed to stay in the water. Very still. Very calming. Chris smiled into it wrapping his arms around Liv and closing his eyes like she was. It felt good being there with her. He opened his eyes, looking back around the shorter girls face. “It’s so quiet out here…a little creepy. Right?” Chris lifted up his head looking around the pier. He really didn’t know what time it was. Franky was gonna be at the event for awhile and Chris liked being with Liv right now so he didn’t mind it. He looked onto the other side and laughed a bit, “It is kinda spooky… But it’s fucking cool as well.” He wrinkled his nose at her, taking her by the hand and pulling her from the water. They moved along the sand, going back to their discarded things left on the side and Chris checked the time. He smirked, not too late and not too early. “You hungry at all? There’s this really fucking amazing place like not too far from here. It’s on the pier so we can walk like this. Just… hoodie cause.. it’s cold.” He laughed a little picking up the hoodie and putting it around Liv’s shoulders for her to stay warm. Chris picked up his shoes in one hand and reached out for hers with the another. “Come on Livvypool.”
(Source: pillsandmiles)
Walking After Midnight @Liv
Chris smirked at Franky walking out the front door on the way to the event. He worried about her, but knew that she would do a good job. He mentioned for her to text him if anything went wrong. He’d try to fix it front the comfort of his own couch. He continued to rolled the spliff. “I know you. You’re the bloke that likes to party.” Chris was still looking at Liv as Franky walked out the door. He turned back to Liv with a slightly smirk on his lips. “And you’re the girl who likes to have a good fucking time.” Chris winked at her before he brought the spliff up to his lips to seal the little package shut.“I don’t know what she told you but it’s not true. She’s a fucking dipshit.” He looked over and pinched her on her arm, “Hey! That’s not nice at all. You shouldn’t talk about my roomie like that.” Chris laughed a little, but was serious at the same time. He finished rolling the spliff, picking up the lighter from the table and moving the long object between his lips. He lit the end of it taking a pull and leaning back on the couch to face Liv. “I haven’t seen you in awhile. Last I heard from you… you were in… Scotland. How’d you make your way back?” Chris moved his eyes along Liv’s face. It was slightly frail, but still had the same beautiful texture that he remembered from their day and night spend together in her backyard. He wanted to see her again. Badly. But he wasn’t sure why he wanted it as much, but now that she was on his couch he would make the most of the time spend with her. “Franky said you needed a place to crash. I’m not sure if she’s coming back tonight after work, but you can stay in my room if you like. Everything’s free as long as you don’t steal the fish.” He pointed to her with a narrow stare and a playful smile on his lips.
Last I heard from you… you were in… Scotland. How’d you make your way back?” Liv licked her lips trying the hide the fact Chris’ words hurt a little deeper than he intended. She went to Scotland on a whim, to get away from home and to find Alex. Neither of which worked in her favor. “I always find my way back,” she smiled and winked at him. Liv sighed, an attempt to knock down the defense wall she’d been building since she ran into Franky. “Thanks for letting me stay and whatever. I don’t plan on being long so you don’t have to…worry and shit.” She was embarrassed even though she wouldn’t admit it out loud. Liv wanted to be fun and carefree, she wanted to drag Chris up off of the couch and dance around the flat. She wanted to laugh and act like nothing was wrong. But she was exhausted, physically and mentally. Even still she kept a smile on her face and watched as Chris finished preparing the spliff. Liv refused to participate in anymore sappy shit. Not everyone needed to know her life story.
“What about you? Last I saw you you were leaving my backyard early in the morning.” She raised her eyebrows and giggled. Liv accepted the rolled spliff from Chris and placed it between her lips. She eyed Chris up and down then returned her attention on the drug that would momentarily make all of her troubles disappear. “So you and Franky huh? That’s…odd.” Her lungs filled with smoke and she exhaled feelings herself getting lightheaded already. “I mean it’s typical. Nice guy…hero complex and all that.” She handed the spliff back and raised her eyebrows. “So do you?” Liv paused and crossed her legs. “Do you have a hero complex Miles?”
The sadness in Liv’s voice immediately raised a red flag in Chris’ mind. Did he say something wrong? He didn’t want Liv to live so soon so when he heard what she said next. He couldn’t help match the smile she had on her face with his. “Thanks for letting me stay and whatever. I don’t plan on being long so you don’t have to…worry and shit.” Chris shook his head, looking at her with a wider smile. “Hey… Don’t worry about it. Stay as long as you like. Free roam of the house Miss Liv. Do whatever the fuck you feel.” He smirked at her putting the spliff between his lips and lighting it. He moved back to lay on the couch next to her and passed her the well rolled spliff. “What about you? Last I saw you you were leaving my backyard early in the morning.” Chris smirked, “Well… Had some shit go on in my head… Still… I did kiss you goodbye… I was a gentleman.” He laughed a little, moving his hand to the back of his head. “Do you have a hero complex Miles?” Chris shook his head at her, putting the spliff between her lips to take a long pull. “No… Far from it…” He let out the smoke, looking over at her and ashing on the long stick. “Franky and I aren’t doing anything… So completely clear your mind of all that and beyond your expectations.” He laughed a little biit thinking about Franky in the flat with him for long periods of time. How she taught him how to cook and their work scattered across the floor in the living room and falling asleep on each other when things were intense. Chris didn’t feel as along anymore with Franky around and hopefully with Liv now around too. He sighed, looking at her again, “I don’t have a hero complex… I just don’t like when people are alone… or upset… or have no place else to go… I want people to feel wanted.” He smirked at her, handing her back the spliff. “So… I have a question for your Freebird.” He shifted his position on the couch to look at her, “I don’t know if you like being in this flat all night, but I suggest later… We go for a walk… If you want.”
“So… I have a question for your Freebird.” Liv pressed her lips together, unsure if she was ready to answer any sort of questions. She was unsure as to what to expect from Chris. He always seemed happy and fun loving. But no one could really be that happy could they? She wouldn’t question it. His energy was exactly what she needed this time around. Especially after spending a whole day with Franky. “I don’t know if you like being in this flat all night, but I suggest later… We go for a walk… If you want.” A nap sounded great, better than great. But she didn’t want to cut her time with Chris short. Liv grinned and got up from the couch, pulling Chris up with her. “Why wait till later when we have now..” Her smile grew as she forced his arm over her shoulder. Chris was a good looking lad. There was no doubt about that. She would leave her jacket behind, just as an excuse to get closer to him. The two exited the flat and Liv was sure the temperature had dropped at least ten degrees. Not too late to grab that jacket, Malone. Chris closed the door behind them and Liv took the brief opportunity of him looking away to get a good look at him. The slight stubble on his jaw line showed he had a beard coming. Her eyes floated down his broad shoulders to his arms, then his middle. She bit down on the inside of her cheek and smirked to herself. He was damn attractive. There was no way Franky was living with this and not making a move. “So Chris…” Liv decided to speak first before he caught her staring. “Where are we off to?” She didn’t care. She was up for anything as long as she had a bed to come back to. Walking aimlessly around Bristol was fun for the first few days. After it became a reality, that’s when Liv started to feel the most alone. Only this time she wasn’t alone. As they walked, Liv tried to think back on their time together. It seemed so long ago that she ran into him and took her to one of her favorite places. She remembered feeling giddy playing with him in the fog and dragging him back to her house. “What do you remember about our night together?” She finally asked before she got caught checking him out again. Totally unfair, she thought. There was no way he was this good looking and so nice.
“Why wait till later when we have now..” Chris smirked up at her letting her pull him from the couch before he grabbed his hoodie, wallet and keys to lead them outside. It was colder than usual. Colder than imaginable and he was concerned when Liv didn’t come out with a jacket. He bit his lip, moving it around his face before he locked the doors. If she got way to cold he would share. “So Chris…” He locked the door turning back to her, “Where are we off to?” He tried to think, where could they walk to that wouldn’t be too near or too far from the flat. He put his finger on his lip before he thought about it. “We can go to the Pier for a bit. It’s really nice out tonight. The water has to be look beautiful.” He smiled wide at her before they started to walk. “What do you remember about our night together?” He looked back at her, smiling at the memory of them last seeing each other. He thought about it every so often. Not many people would fuck in a tent. Chris moved his hands into his pockets thinking about it. “Honestly. I don’t remember what we did that day, but I do remember the night very well.” He smiled at her starting to recount his memories. “I remember going back to your flat. You made us a sandwich that we shared which was very fucking sweet. I met your sister who took a bite from your sandwich and mine. I thought she was the best fucking person ever. We drank and beer and ate. You showed me to your backyard and we fucked under a tent and under the stars.” He laughed at the way he remembered the moments with Liv. He looked over at her as they locked eyes before they kept walking straight. “I remember your big bright fucking smile too. That is not a metaphor for your tits, okay? I actually like your smile.” Chris moved his hands from out of his pockets. They got to the pier in seconds before he looked over to Liv. “Cold?” He took off his hoodie, “Here… This will keep you warm… Sorry if it smells like me and paint.” He smiled at her finds them a place to lean on the other side of the pier. Chris stands at the place, leaning against the wooden stakes of it. “What do you remember about our night together?”
She enjoyed the way Chris talked about Maude. Liv missed everything about her blunt little sister. She realized she never did take Maude out to see a play like she promised months ago. And now she wasn’t even allowed to go near him. Agnes couldn’t keep her away from her little sister, no matter how hard she tried. Liv was lost in her thoughts but was able to catch on to Chris’ last words. “What do you remember about our night together?” Liv wrapped herself up inside the hoodie. It did smell like Chris, but mostly paint. She smiled and shrugged her shoulders. “Dunno? I remember thinking…this guy is totally fit. But by the morning when I had my head straight I realized you weren’t all that.” She giggled and shook her head. Liv looked away from Chris and at the water. “I’m kidding. I do remember having fun. A lot of fun. You’re easy to get along with I guess…” Liv avoided his eyes and continued to stare down at the water. Chris was the first and only person she talked to about the accident, after only knowing him for a few hours. They shared a bunch of stories, not to mention great sex afterwards. She ran her thumb across the scar on her hand and looked back up to Chris as if she were to speak again. Would she take the chance and tell him how alone she felt all the time? No. It wasn’t his problem. She didn’t want anyone to know the party girl had been fueled out for awhile now. As far as she was concerned she was still herself, just on a small mental break. A break that was slowly driving her crazy. “Do you still go out a lot. Y’know even with your big boy job and all of that.” In college when everyone wrote about where they saw themselves in ten years, Liv took the whole thing as a joke and said she would either still be doing the same thing, partying every night and drinking everyday or she’d be dead. But now since everything changed so fast…she really didn’t know what she wanted to do. Liv looked over the pier that she’d jumped off so many times before. Her gaze reached Chris and she tilted her head. “Why here?”
“I’m kidding. I do remember having fun. A lot of fun. You’re easy to get along with I guess…” Chris gave a wide smile to Liv’s words laughing a little as he moving his fingers along the wooden railing. “You guess….” He stuck his tongue out, smiling at the water and remembering what Liv had talked to him about. Her friend, her life and her family. It was the first time someone so determined to be closed opened up so wide for a stranger. Then had said stranger on his back for the most fantastic sex ever under the stars in a fucking tent. He smiled wider at the memory thinking his face would break off. “Do you still go out a lot. Y’know even with your big boy job and all of that.” Chris shrugged his shoulders thinking about it. He didn’t really feel the need to go out that much anymore. Even when he did. It never felt the same. “It’s weird… I love fucking partying. I still take pills to keep shit sharp and to fucking have a good time. I meet people… interesting people. Smoke a couple of spliffs, fuck shit up, run around in a fucking space, but… everything just seems so different. Like everyones growin’ up…” Chris looked down, putting his hands inside of his pocket, looking around the pier. “I miss my fucking good time, but I love the times I have now. It’s like going into the future… but sticking to your fucking self. I still act like I’m a fucking 16 year old and I fucking LOVE it.” He nudged Liv with his hips to hers smiling. She turned her eyes to him, looking into the brown ones and almost losing his breath. She was stunning. “Why here?” Chris moved his gaze back over to the water and sand lining the pier. It seemed to stretch out for days in his eyes. He loved it. “When I was a kid my brother took me here. I came again when I was a bit older. I had a blast. Felt less alone since everyone left me. After my mum, I started coming here a lot. Seemed like the right thing to do. So… I stayed… And stayed… Finally getting the courage to go back to the flat. It was nice, but fucking lonely… too fucking lonely.” He watched her move her finger over the scar on her hand. That’s right… She did have it. “Here… Give me your hand…” He held it out to hers, before he just pushed his fingers between them. “There… Less lonely now,” Chris smirked at the brown eye’d girl, holding onto her hand as they watched the water together. He decided to gain the courage to ask her something that had been on his mind since they were in the flat, “How are you really doing Liv?”
@Liv
Chris smirked at Franky walking out the front door on the way to the event. He worried about her, but knew that she would do a good job. He mentioned for her to text him if anything went wrong. He’d try to fix it front the comfort of his own couch. He continued to rolled the spliff. “I know you. You’re the bloke that likes to party.” Chris was still looking at Liv as Franky walked out the door. He turned back to Liv with a slightly smirk on his lips. “And you’re the girl who likes to have a good fucking time.” Chris winked at her before he brought the spliff up to his lips to seal the little package shut.“I don’t know what she told you but it’s not true. She’s a fucking dipshit.” He looked over and pinched her on her arm, “Hey! That’s not nice at all. You shouldn’t talk about my roomie like that.” Chris laughed a little, but was serious at the same time. He finished rolling the spliff, picking up the lighter from the table and moving the long object between his lips. He lit the end of it taking a pull and leaning back on the couch to face Liv. “I haven’t seen you in awhile. Last I heard from you… you were in… Scotland. How’d you make your way back?” Chris moved his eyes along Liv’s face. It was slightly frail, but still had the same beautiful texture that he remembered from their day and night spend together in her backyard. He wanted to see her again. Badly. But he wasn’t sure why he wanted it as much, but now that she was on his couch he would make the most of the time spend with her. “Franky said you needed a place to crash. I’m not sure if she’s coming back tonight after work, but you can stay in my room if you like. Everything’s free as long as you don’t steal the fish.” He pointed to her with a narrow stare and a playful smile on his lips.
Keep Your Friends Close… @Franky @Chris
Liv stepped out of the shower to see Maude standing in the doorway. “Maudey? What are you doing here?” The girl didn’t budge. She stared down her sister. Liv reached for a towel and rolled her eyes and pushed passed her. “You’re suppose to be at school.” “You aren’t suppose to be here.” Liv stopped walking and turned to face her. She shrugged and looked away. “I needed a shower.” Maude folded her arms. “You’ve also been eating here…I can tell because I have to wash your dishes.” Liv continued to her room and started to get dressed. “Don’t tell mom okay? I’ll be gone in a bit…” “Where are you staying?” “None of your business.” Maude sat down on the bed and swung her legs. “It is my business because to me it looks like you aren’t staying anywhere. All you have to do is apologize for leaving.” Liv pulled up her jeans and threw on a baggy t shirt. She grabbed a couple of things around her room and threw them in her bag. “You don’t have to worry about it okay? I’m gone.”
She could feel her sister watching her as she walked down the pavement. Liv felt sorry for Maude having to watch her family fall apart right in front of her but it was no different to what Liv saw growing up. Except back then it was her dad leaving. Liv got to a small cafe becoming tired of drinking pint after pint when she’d fall asleep in a bar or a shitty party. She ordered a coffee and tucked herself into a booth near the back. After seeing Nick, Liv wasn’t sure what she wanted to do anymore. Isolating herself wasn’t getting any better but facing her problems was one of the hardest things she had to do. She sipped on the warm drink feeling her insides heat up and become alive. She’d have to find a decent place sooner or later. She couldn’t party hop forever.
“Cheers, yeah the supply would be perfect. The lads actually enjoy the coffee and tea here so it would be great for delivery.” Franky smiled and shook the managers hand. So far, the internship was working perfectly. They asked for a new supply, since the coffee they were getting was discontinued. Franky knew the cafe well, due to hours of coursework spent there and so on. He handed her a complementary tea and she thanked him once again making her way to the lounge area. Franky pulled her phone out to tell Elizabeth the deal went well but she found herself struggling on what to write. Even an email or text was nerve-wracking to send to her boss. Given she always made Franky nervous. She sat down on a chair and stared down at her phone until nothing came to mind. Chris would be better to send it to anyway. She looked up and spotted a familiar mess sat int he corner with a coffee. “Shit..” her eyes scanned. Liv. Liv Malone. It had been months. Franky swallowed.
Her phone was no longer a matter, how could she get out without being spotted. She was right by the door. Liv’s head turned and Franky caught eyes. A familiar eye roll and turn around. She could’ve just left, but deep down she really did miss Liv. Franky couldn’t admit it without someone laughing in her face. She stood with her shaken hands holding the cardboard cup. “Are you all right?” Franky swallowed the lump in her throat and didn’t take a seat. They would probably fight over something stupid and hot fire, but she didn’t know her situation. Now, she’d just have to take it. “Can I sit?”
After a few more sips of coffee Liv fought to stay awake. Crashing somewhere in a free bed sounded nice but it wasn’t practical. She didn’t have many ‘friends’ left. Liv picked her head up in time to see a familiar face staring back at her. She rolled her eyes and huffed, lifting the cup up to her lips again. Before another moment passed Franky was on her way over to the table. Why? She asked if she was alright and Liv just lifted her eyebrows. She was just fine a minute ago. “Can I sit?” She pressed her lips together and straightened up in the booth. “Free country…” Liv could tell just her stare alone made Franky uncomfortable, although it didn’t take much. Liv wished she had a full flask to mix into the remainder of her coffee. It’d been so long since she’d last seen Franky she was starting to forget why she has mad at her. Mini, Nick, Matty, and Grace. That didn’t take long to remember. She’d stolen Mini, fucked up Nick and Matty and practically killed Grace. A slight smile appeared on Liv’s face as she took another sip from her coffee.
The silence didn’t seem as deadly as Liv would have expected. It was just a matter of time before one of them reached over the table to claw the other’s eyes out. However the hot drink was calming her nerves. Her body still felt tired but it was just a matter of time before the caffeine started to kick in. Her eyes stayed on Franky. What was it about this girl that Mini found so damn trusting? “So…” She looked towards the door then back at her unwanted guest. “How’s…whatever it is that you do?”
Franky sat uncertain of why she was doing so. Liv Malone wasn’t on top of the world anymore. She looked dead. She looked… Sad? Franky gripped her cup through the silence trying to think of something for her. She had a last spliff that he could hand over. She’d save it for now. A smirk appeared on Liv’s face and Franky felt her skin chill. Liv asked a question, surprising but fine. She couldn’t make a scene with a customer she just scored for her job. “Fine, working. Doing things.” She kept it short and sipped her bitter tea. Maybe it was just the taste in her mouth. Her eyes couldn’t leave Liv’s dark circles. Like she had been partying for days or not slept. She was concerned, but Liv wouldn’t give a shit. She never did. No matter how many people cared for her shed push them away. Franky tapped her hands. She had to ask,“What about you though? No ones said they’ve run into you lately. We thought you pissed off,” Franky cleared her throat and stared at the girl that despised her most. “You don’t look okay… Do you need anything or..?” she felt absolutely in the dark about it all. Mini had not told her anything either. She felt guilty for not asking sooner. Franky spun her tea around with her spoon and sat waiting. The silence was driving her mad but there wasn’t much she could actually do anymore. “I’m not trying to be a bitch, but you really don’t look well.. Not like you care that I care but,” she stared straight at her. There was no leaving the conversation.
“We?” Liv hid her laughter behind her heightened eyebrows. ‘We’ didn’t exist anymore for the old group. She guessed Franky was referring to her and Mini but Liv knew the truth. There was no ‘we.’ Matty knew she was around, along with Nick and Mini. She hadn’t come in contact with Grace since she returned from Switzerland but she assumed that was for the better. Franky kept asking questions. The sound of her shaky voice made Liv want to get up and leave her at the table alone looking dumbfounded. She wanted to cause a scene in the quiet place. Her business was none of Franky’s but still she found herself giving into the conversation. “I’m fine. Why? What are you saying exactly?” Liv’s drained face and tired eyes were nothing new to her. She knew living out on the street wasn’t the hottest look but Liv had no complaints. She wasn’t going to apologize to Agnes or beg anyone else for a place to stay. “I’m not trying to be a bitch, but you really don’t look well.. Not like you care that I care but,”
She shook her head and tittered. “Un-fucking-believable.” Liv drummed her fingers on the side of her cup. Her leg started to shake under the table. “I’m tired Franky. People do get tired y’know.” She laid back in the seat, grateful she got the chance to shower this morning. At least she didn’t look as dirty as she felt. “What are you getting at Fitzgerald? Just come out and say it…save us all the witty banter back and forth.” Liv parted her lips slightly, mimicking Franky as she began to talk. “Go on…” She leaned forward and folded her arms.
There the snarky loud tone was. Franky didn’t understand it. Any attitude or soft tone she applied it would always be the same with Liv. She treated her like she was the absolute scum of the earth. It wasn’t like she didn’t already know it. Franky didn’t need to be reminded every second of the day. Why did she always bother? Franky looked down already feeling defeated. Whatever, it was what Liv wanted. Call me pathetic, it wasn’t a matter. “What are you getting at Fitzgerald? Just come out and say it…save us all the witty banter back and forth.” A few people turned their heads and Franky calmly rested her head on her hand. What did she want to say exactly? “Alex hasn’t come back so where are you staying? You look homeless. You’re never in a café, you barely like coffee unless there’s a buzz in it.” No statements of sarcasm. Franky stared at her hands then eyes again. “I’m not offering you help. You wouldn’t take it from me anyway. But if you need a place to stay I know a few people. I have extra rooms, Mini, Alo?” Chris was her first option. He had her room half open at times. “You can hate the shit out of me, but don’t deny something you need.” Franky knew Liv would hate her relaxed tone. Just because she wasn’t applying any effort to be snarky back.
“Alex hasn’t come back so where are you staying? You look homeless. You’re never in a café, you barely like coffee unless there’s a buzz in it.” Liv was a little caught off guard by her direct approach. She expected a few stammers and stuttering from Franky. Alex hasn’t come back…She bit down on the inside of her cheek to keep her face from showing any change of emotion. Alex wasn’t coming back. “I’m not offering you help. You wouldn’t take it from me anyway. But if you need a place to stay I know a few people. I have extra rooms, Mini, Alo? You can hate the shit out of me, but don’t deny something you need.” People were starting to stare. Liv huffed and looked away. “I’m not fucking homeless. Alright?” She raised her voice and stared down the bystanders that all of a sudden wanted to help the pitiful girl in the corner. Mini and Alo? Those two had enough on their plate dealing with each other. Besides if she stayed with Alo he’d just harp about Mini…and if she stayed with Mini…Franky would be there. Liv tucked her lips and looked away from Franky. She was feeling raw and vulnerable, literally on her own for god knows how long. Had it been weeks? Or just days? “I don’t want your help. I don’t want you talking about this to Mini or anyone else and I don’t want you fucking feeling sorry for me. Got it?” She was being stupid and stubborn. Liv knew hat she was possibly turning down the chance to sleep in a bed for once. Why did it have to be Franky that walked in to see her? Why didn’t Mini try to help when she last talked to her? Where was everyone else? Franky’s tone sounded as if she was patronizing her. Liv hated it. She searched her pockets for a rolled spliff, even a cigarette at this point. She found a smoke, even though she wanted something stronger. Liv pushed herself up from the booth and walked outside, lighting the cigarette before she was fully out of the door. She wiped her eyes and puffed at the cigarette. It tasted off with the mixture of coffee. She needed help but didn’t want to accept it. Liv saw the door open as she wiped at her eyes again. “What are you doing out here? Ready for round two?”
Franky was just as familiar with the next person about being stubborn, but this was obvious. She hit the nail on the head. Liv didn’t have anywhere. It wasn’t shocking, but it was horrible. It worried her of course, but Liv wouldn’t do anything. If Franky could skin her face off, apply a new one, and change her height, maybe Liv would choose to accept. She’d rather have help from a stranger than someone who could actually get her where she needed. “I don’t want your help. I don’t want you talking about this to Mini or anyone else and I don’t want you fucking feeling sorry for me. Got it?” She stared. “Why would I feel sorry for you..?” Her face contorted. “Why would I tell anyone anyway, it’s your business.” God it felt good to know what to say and when. Liv walked out and Franky sighed. The coffee was left on the table and the woman behind the counter stared at the unpaid piece. Franky stood and wrestled change from her pocket. “A pastry too,” the woman handed her a wrapped danish and Franky made her way out to a shaken defensive Liv. Once again. “Sure,” she chuckled quietly. “Why not a round two,” Franky handed Liv her still warm coffee and gripped the bag. She’d wait. She had spent only 4 quid on her, that wasn’t enough for a sorry but it didn’t matter.
“You can say whatever you want to me, Liv, I won’t tell anyone. I don’t have anyone to tell. But you.. I know something’s wrong.” Her face twisted again. It was so hard to keep it all bottled. Liv could say something at any moment to make her snap. “My dads are gone, they wont ask questions. Do you want a wash, a proper meal, and a place to sleep for now or what?” Franky’s fingers gripped over the curled brown paper bag. She stepped backward, balancing on the curb between the sidewalk and street. Her arm extended and she left the bag with a small overing inside. Liv would deny, she was too proud or just hated her. Either or, stubborn attitudes would kill her. “I won’t tell anyone.” The final offer. Franky knew the girl would curl up in a ball if someone found out about this; however, no one cared. A period of silence swept over the two. Franky balanced on the curb with the middle of her feet. Fear struck inside her. Liv could do anything, free range, out in the open, on the run.
Liv sat quiet after Franky’s offer. She was waiting for something to go wrong. For someone to walk by and join Franky in laughter. She held the warm cup in one hand and the cigarette in the other. She took a few more drags and cleared her throat. “Why are you being so nice to me?” Liv finished off her cigarette and tossed the butt to the side. She sighed. She wanted nothing more than to rag Franky down by her hair and leave her there on the ground. It all felt like a game. “Fine but I’m not staying at yours. You can forget about that.” She touched her tongue in her check before she continued. “And it’s only for like, one night or whatever.” Liv wasn’t sure if it was the sleep deprivation or what but a genuine slight smile slipped through.
She chewed on her nails. Liv was anxious about her situation. If word got out she was definitely going after Franky first. It didn’t matter if she told Mini because it wouldn’t be new news to her. “Where am I staying then?” They were walking side by side but far apart enough so they didn’t look so chummy. Liv wasn’t sure if she’d ever be mates with Franky. “You said…you had mates?” She wasn’t buying it. This girl had a hard enough time making friends with their small group, let alone venturing out into Bristol and meeting complete strangers. The whole situation still annoyed Liv. She was starting to think apologizing to her mom would have been a lot easier.
More relief than expected. Why was she being nice? Because she knew if she was in the same position, she’d want a mate. She was also just a nice person. “I don’t have to be.” Liv accepted her offer and Franky turned on her heels listening to her stuttered banter. Fine they weren’t going to hers. Chris’s place was fine. She brought Elijah, Effy, and anyone who needed help there. Since Chris was at work anyway, this wouldn’t be a problem. He was always more warm hearted than anyone else in this damned town. Liv kept her distance and Franky crossed her arms keeping to the silence. “Where am I staying then?” Before she could answer Liv asked another. Franky shook her head laughing to herself. “Yeah, I have mates. It helps when you’re not a complete bitch all the time.” She raised her eyebrow at her and continued walking. It was only a few blocks. Franky didn’t feel like answering anymore questions and she guessed Liv was done asking once they turned the corner.
Two more blocks and more silence, she thought the two would explode. Finally, the black railing of stairs appeared down the alley and Franky found the spare key on her chain. “This is my mates place. I sort of share half of it since we work together.” She didn’t look at Liv. Franky opened the door and closed it behind them to shut out the nearly rainy sky. Her keys tossed onto the small table and she headed to the open kitchen. She left Liv to fend for herself, she wouldn’t want a tour anyway. Franky opened the fridge and found a half opened pasta sauce jar. Good. She filled a pot with water, flipped the burner on, and found an unopened box of hard noodles. Carbs, that would fuel Liv. Probably more nutrients with a side of beans. She flipped another burner on. Franky didn’t turn around to see what the girl was doing. The water boiled quickly and she tossed the noodles in, then the sauce in a separate pan. Three burners. Franky poured a glass of water and turned to see Liv still standing like she didn’t belong there. Her eyes looked around the room and Franky set the glass down. “Food will be ready in ten. You can.. sit or..” she shrugged. No point.
Once Liv stepped foot in the flat she froze. It wasn’t like she hadn’t been inside of someone else’s house before without them knowing. But this was someone Franky knew. It was no telling how bizarre this person was. She glanced around for a picture or any sort of clue that actually personified this stranger. “Food will be ready in ten. You can.. sit or..” Her voice stopped. Good. The last thing she needed was to indulge in another half dead conversation. Liv started her rounds about the flat. More than one bedroom…nothing too special. She looked in the direction of the kitchen at Franky’s back. She seemed comfortable enough here. Maybe it was one of her mental friends from where she use to live. Liv took a seat on the couch. It was comfortable. She closed her eyes almost sure she’d fall asleep. The place was warm and quiet, unlike the clubs and warehouses she’d been crashing in. Whatever Franky was cooking was staring to fill the house. The smell made her stomach growl. Liv couldn’t remember the last time she ate actual food. It was pathetic. All because Alex decided to fuck off and Agnes decided to be a mother for once.
She wasn’t sure how long she dozed off for but when Liv opened her eyes food was sitting in front of her. Liv yawned and stretched. Waking up just made her tired and restless all over again. She muttered a ‘cheers’ in Franky’s direction but her face didn’t change. What if this person came home and saw a stranger sitting on their couch? “You’re gonna tell your mate I’m here yeah? Just in case she’s some psycho bitch that tries to off me…” Liv giggled and shoveled food into her mouth. Her stomach thanked her for the warm meal. The whole thing was weird, there were no pictures of whoever lived here. And it seemed like Franky could come and go as she pleased. “Who’s place is this exactly?”
Franky was about to say the food was ready but Liv was off. The couch became a temporary nap spot and she would respect it. So she finished off preparing a large bowl and small one for herself. Some cheese for calcium. She glanced in the fridge again and spotted a carton of strawberries mixed with blueberries. Perfect. She put a few in a bowl and quietly placed them in front of Liv while she got comfortable. Franky grabbed the bowls and Liv stirred. “Here,” she handed the larger bowl to Liv. She looked thin, tired, and all around unhealthy. Franky respectively took a spot on the couch at the other end and placed her feet on the table. The television didn’t work and Chris’s DVDs didn’t include a great selection anymore. “You’re gonna tell your mate I’m here yeah? Just in case she’s some psycho bitch that tries to off me…”
Franky chewed her food and swallowed. “He,” she wanted to keep the conversation to a minimal. Liv was smiling for once, during her random inspection of the room. Franky tapped her fork around grabbing her own pieces. “My mate, Chris. We met by the park at my house one day. Things clicked and he got me an internship at the place he works.” Franky stood and set her bowl down to get herself some water. “He’s the nicest lad and would understand a random in his house.” Franky peeked over her shoulder and nodded trying not to really smile. Any neutral emotion would keep Liv from overreacting. She poured a glass and sat back down to resume her meal. “It’s fine for today, but I’m sure I can ask him if you need to stay longer. Couch or my bedroom, doesn’t matter. I’m only here the days I work.” As of right now, she was ditching work and would possibly be reprimanded by Elizabeth. Though, it all seemed unnecessary at the moment. Someone needed help… and it was what Chris would do. Franky finished her small bowl and was happy her appetite wasn’t large. She reached and grabbed the bowl of fruit balancing it on her palm for Liv to take some. The two were already awkwardly sitting the same direction staring at a blank television screen. “Help yourself.” Franky was on her toes, faking content. It was hard, but after years of putting on a face, this was no different.
“He?” Liv cocked an eyebrow. She took another large spoonful off of her plate and sat back. It wasn’t her business if Franky and this bloke were fucking or not. She didn’t care anyway. “My mate, Chris. We met by the park at my house one day. Things clicked and he got me an internship at the place he works.” The name sounded familiar but Chris was a common name. “He’s the nicest lad and would understand a random in his house. It’s fine for today, but I’m sure I can ask him if you need to stay longer. Couch or my bedroom, doesn’t matter. I’m only here the days I work.” “Not to be a total bitch but sharing a bed with you doesn’t sound too appealing. No offense.” Liv finished off the bowl of pasta and helped herself to the fruit. She couldn’t tell if she was full or not so she just kept eating. Franky was up and walking around. Their relationship would have seen awkward and painful to watch from an outside point of view. Just as awkward as it felt to be a part of it. Once supper was over. Liv made herself comfortable on the couch again. She watched Franky pace around. Liv licked her bottom lip and sighed. “Come here…” She made room for Franky on the couch but still kept her distance. There was no telling when Franky would do or say something that would set her off. But for now she was content, and full for the first time in a long time. “I don’t owe you an explanation or anything. I don’t owe you shit…but..” She huffed and rolled her eyes before continuing. “I’m not homeless. I could go back whenever I want. I just don’t want to.” Liv wasn’t going to be totally honest with anyone about her situation. Especially not Franky. She had nothing to prove but she was never the open book type. “Mini never told you she saw me, did she?” Liv looked away. “Why would she…” It was a lot easier to just be mad at Franky all the time instead of trying to find ways to talk to her. Everything seemed to be a sore subject. “When do I get to meet this mate of yours? Mr. He.” Franky living with a guy didn’t make sense. But at the same time, why wouldn’t it?
Her tone of voice didn’t make Franky actually want to sit and speak with her. But she did anyway. Neutral, calm, relaxed, just like Chris would be in this situation. She sat at the edge and Liv began. “I don’t owe you an explanation or anything. I don’t owe you shit…but.. I’m not homeless. I could go back whenever I want. I just don’t want to.” Franky nodded looking away from her eyes. She just understood. “Mini never told you she saw me, did she? Why would she…” Franky chewed the inside of her mouth. “We don’t tell each other everything.” Maybe that would lesson the strain. Franky turned around to place her back on the couch. She was full, irritated, and internally screaming her head off for ditching work and not telling anyone. “You can meet him whenever’s necessary. Unfortunately, he’s working an event right now.” Franky turned her watch toward her. Yup, exactly at that moment.
“One second,” she walked into her bedroom and dialed the coffee shop. “You’re delivering? Yeah. Yeah he should be there, her names Elizabeth and then there should be Chris taking in the load. Miles, yeah. Cheers, apologies for not being the one there.” Franky hung up her phone and walked back out to the empty kitchen. She’d rather seem to keep busy than answer more of Liv’s questions. “You said you don’t owe me anything?” Franky spoke up from the pots she was claiming off the stove. “You’re right. I didn’t expect an explanation or whatever. But I owe you something, so I started here.” She glanced up through the thin wisps of her bangs. The room fell uncomfortably silent. Franky could only hear her breathing and ringing ears. “And I’m really trying. It’s hard but I’m trying,” her notably shaken hands grabbed the pots and placed them in the sink. Next was making Liv comfortable. She knew she could’ve left her alone, but.. the thing was she didn’t want to. Franky knew if she did, her and Chris would return and Liv would be long gone just to pretend it didn’t happen. She still wouldn’t tell anyone.
Liv let Franky’s words slip away without a reply. With the way she was playing mommy it was obvious she felt sorry for her. Exactly what Liv didn’t want. She looked towards the door trying to think of other places to crash. Places she hadn’t hung around too often so someone would recognize her. The sound of pots clinking together was starting to annoy her. Liv got up and headed towards the kitchen. She leaned against the opening with her arms crossed. “Would you stop? I don’t want to play house with you…Jesus. This was a huge fucking mistake.” She huffed and looked down at the ground. Are you really about to blow your chances of having a bed to sleep in tonight? “I should go-” Liv bit down on the inside of her cheek. She was tired, too tired to really fight. She glanced towards the bedroom doors in the back of the flat then back at the front door. Make your choice. There had to be a house party somewhere. Who was she kidding? It was the middle of the week, not even they partied that much at Roundview.
“I should go take a nap or something. If you have something to do just go do it, yeah?” She was staying. Even though she didn’t want to, it was best. Apologizing to Agnes was still out on the table but suddenly that seemed worse than playing house with Franky. Her mom wouldn’t let it go so easily. Liv knew she should have said something positive to Franky. A ‘thank you’ or anything. But she figured not ripping her eyes out was a thank you enough for now. Maybe she could skip out in the middle of the night before Franky’s mate got home. Or maybe Franky would keep this to herself. Doubt it. What have you gotten yourself into Malone. “Relax.” Her attention was back on a tense Franky sitting at the sink. “I haven’t given you a slap yet. That has to be some kind of record…”
A full fledged panic swept over Franky’s eyes once Liv snapped. Who would’ve thought pots would set her off? She stopped immediately and held her breath. Liv went back and forth, Leave, stay. What the fuck was her problem? This was the only good thing going for her for who knows how long and she was blowing it because she was too damn stubborn. She almost reached out for Liv’s wrist to grab. No. No touching. She didn’t even want to touch Liv in this state. Unstable; Franky had been there multiple times. It was better to not touch. “I should go take a nap or something. If you have something to do just go do it, yeah?” Franky glanced at her phone. She wasn’t going anywhere unless Chris was here to look after Liv. Her fists were still twisted tightly when Liv made her way toward the couch. “I haven’t given you a slap yet. That has to be some kind of record…”
She exhaled. “Night’s still young,” she said it too fast without thinking. “If you think I’d deserve it.” Better out than in. Liv’s voice mimicked in her head and she felt guilty for even doing it to Liv in the first place. She said horrible things, but it didn’t justify Franky actually abusing her. The bottled down tensility inside was starting to crack through. Her hands were shaking. “J-Just take my room,” Franky pointed through the second room; darker. Chris’s room had lighter curtains. “If you need the toilet, it’s there,” she pointed to the far left. She stayed in the kitchen staring on. It seemed like the only thing that was appropriate. Dancing on eggshells in her own flat. She checked her phone again. Maybe Chris had it covered. “I’m not heading off so you can just get comfortable. Chris will probably be here later so you can get acquainted.” Franky kept her arms crossed and took the long way around the couch to sit at the end. She was exhausted in her own way. Now, she felt so tense she would actually snap in half.
“I’m not heading off so you can just get comfortable. Chris will probably be here later so you can get acquainted.” Liv eyed Franky sitting on the other end of the couch. She scoffed and rolled her eyes, “I don’t need to get to know anyone. I don’t plam on being here long.” The more time passed, the more uncomfortable it got between the two. Liv couldn’t understand why Franky wouldn’t just leave. It was pointless trying to start another dead conversation. She sat up and situated herself on the couch. The flat itself seemed empty. Basic furniture and not too many things scattered around. She thought about going for a walk. Would Franky follow? There was no point in going anywhere. Liv had been up and down Bristol in the past few days.
“Thanks. I guess.” Liv looked over at Franky. She watched her balled fist and chuckled to herself. Telling the girl to calm down again wouldn’t help anything. She shrugged and crossed her legs on the couch. “This doesn’t mean anything. So don’t think I’ll me attending any of your sleepovers with Mini any time soon.” She grinned but turned before Franky saw.
Her hands relaxed. Did she just say thank you? Franky knitted her brow and stared through the television reflection. Another snarky remark but a smile? Was that a smile or a glare on the tele? Whatever. Franky stood up and grabbed her phone to alert Chris, possibly alert him or vice versa. The event was a big issue. This internship was the only good thing going for her at this time and she was throwing it all away for someone that didn’t give a single shit. Her face sunk staring down at the screen. “Take the second room, I’ll take the couch for now.” She didn’t look up. No matter what decision she stuck to her mind would continue to filter out new ones. What if she left and came back early? What if she subbed Chris in, what if, what if, shut up. Her brain wouldn’t stop. “He said you can stay as long as you like,” she abruptly stood up and grabbed the last spliff from her cigarette pack. Something to calm the nerves. Franky walked out the only door to the porched area by the stairs and slammed the door behind her. The sky was dark, dull, and about to rain. At least she had spliff. Franky stopped to turn, maybe inviting Liv out would be okay but she looked tired and Franky was tired of the dull one-sided snarky conversation. She’d just wait for Chris to get back. No matter how nervous she was of Liv exploding inside the flat. Her hands shook thinking about how angry Elizabeth would be and how disappointed everyone else was. The spliff wasn’t helping but she needed to be away from someone at the moment.
Chris walked around the corner to his flat street. He was getting tired from the random thoughts that was floating around his head. He pushed his hand into his coat, looking all over for his keys. “Shit.. Fuck… Shit… Shit…” He moved his hands all over the place, trying to find them and finally giving up to notice that he didn’t have them on him. “Awesome… Great.” He rolled his eyes, pulling out his phone and hoping Franky and her guest was still there. He came closer and closer to the flat looking up as he type out the message on his phone. He looked up to see a figure standing outside the door and recognized the small frame immediately. “Franksta!” He walked faster up to front door and looked at Franky smoking a spliff looking kinda nervous or distressed. The look on her face worried him a little bit. “Hey… I was just gonna text you to open the door. Turns out… I left my fucking keys at home.” He rolled his eyes with a small smile on his lips, reaching for the door to check if it was open. “If you’re still going to the party. I should give you a heads up.” Chris cleared his throat looking at Franky, “Morgan and my bet is still on so you’re obviously tagged in. If you see any tiny piece of vag. You get twenty bucks. Elizabeth wants you to bring your portfolio of the stuff you’ve done so far. Because you have the three other pieces of work. What else was there?” He put his hand on his chin and patted it. “Oh! And… The coffee machine is all yours!” He opened the door a little bit before he looked back at Franky’s face. “The other thing is…. I FUCKING MISSED YOU.” He wrapped his hands around Franky’s small frame moving the spliff to his lips to take a light pull before the door opened a little more. He smiled down at Franky and scrunched up his nose before he stepped back from her to ruffle her hair a bit. “How’s the homefront going? Anything I should know about?”
After Franky walked out slamming the door behind her, Liv sat on the couch. Her bag she dropped by the door on the way in caught her eye. She’d only stuffed a few items of clothes in it and her pack of cigarettes. She walked over and unzipped the duffle, taking out her pack. Smoking out front alongside Franky didn’t seem too thrilling. She walked towards the bathroom. There was a small window on the side, she opened it feeling the cold night air seep in. Liv lit the cigarette and sat on the sink. She wanted to curse herself for walking out on Maude weeks ago. She hated Alex for not coming back. And she loathed Franky for finding her first. Liv kicked at the wall. She took a bigger drag from her cigarette. She was stressed, tired and lonely. Even after someone tried to help her, here she was isolating herself again.
Liv heard talking coming from outside. A deeper voice, then Franky’s. It must be her friend. Great. Leaving crossed her mind again but it was too late now. At least she could get a decent sleep for one night. She stayed in the bathroom to finish off her smoke. The cigarette was helping, she wasn’t so stiff but still unwilling to spend more quiet time with Franky. She heard the door open. Liv ashed out the cigarette and tossed it out the window. “Time to get this over with.”
Mental notes weren’t sticking at the moment. Chris had gone off in a tangent of hugs and more information than she could process at the time. Was he sending her off? He was always so damn calm, how the hell did he keep up that way? She dabbed the end of the spliff closed after Chris took his own drag. Was she going to leave? Would Chris stay.. did he even have the time to? Her hands were clammy. The two were still in midst of a hug while the door opened and she caught the smell of burning cigarettes. The toilet door opened and Chris detached himself from Franky asking more questions. If he wasn’t the most humble lad she knew, Franky would’ve gone off telling him to shut up while she took a second. Portfolio, girls skirt, her works, the coffee machine, Liv, Chris, Liv, spliff. It felt like the room was freezing around her once the two saw each other. Why? Franky looked between them and walked off toward her room.
“Missed you too, uhm this is Liv. She’s staying for the day.” Franky wiped off to her room to change into something more elegant. Skinny black trousers, blazer, nice blouse, ugh what else. She heard chatter but it wasn’t something she wasn’t used to with Chris around. Franky exited with two large binders in a bag and a confused look. “Chris?” She waved over and walked into her room with him; almost shutting the door. “She’s a bit hard headed, but I need someone to stay with her. I don’t want her to fuck off in the night because she thinks she’s overstayed her welcome. If she tells you what’s happened than so be it, but I can’t really say. Could you stay here with her, make sure she gets rest?” She stared for a second then kissed his cheek for quiet goodbye or thank you, whatever it was. The two left the room and Franky found herself staring at Liv again. Waiting for something to say? Ugh. “Here.” Franky handed the barely touched spliff to Liv. Maybe it would be start.
He pushed his hand into his hair worried about the person that was going to be on the other side. Chris could entertain for awhile, but he didn’t know how good he was gonna be at it with one of Franky’s mates. He walked into the room with Franky, taking his coat off of his shoulders to reveal his standard tie and Franky’s shirt on his broad frame. He looked up to see the back of someones head on the couch before Franky talked. “Missed you too, uhm this is Liv. She’s staying for the day.” Chris recognized the name immediately and turned around to see the girl looking at him with eyes he couldn’t quite get the meaning behind. He’d never seen someone so lonely. “Hi Liv. How are you?” He waved to her with a bright smile happy to see someone he had met before and wanted to see again inside of his flat. So she was Franky’s mate? Or past issue? Whatever Franky wanted to call her. Interesting.
“Chris?” Franky grabbed his arm lightly moving him in into her room as she got dressed for the event.“She’s a bit hard headed, but I need someone to stay with her. I don’t want her to fuck off in the night because she thinks she’s overstayed her welcome. If she tells you what’s happened than so be it, but I can’t really say. Could you stay here with her, make sure she gets rest?” Franky said it in a hush tone and Chris immediately nodded to her. “I can try. You told her she could stay as long as she wanted right?” Chris knew that she did and he caught Franky’s gaze before she leaned up and kissed him on the cheek. “I’ll do whatever I can Franky… I promise. Miles honor!” He said with a bright smile before the two of them left the room to go back to where Liv was sitting. Chris felt that the two girls wasn’t the best of friends the way they stared each other down. He watched Franky pass the spliff to Liv as he stood near the couch. “Franky…” He grabbed her hand looking down at her. “You’ll do great. Okay? Morgan and Elizabeth will be there with you. She’s also not mad. So… stop doing that face thing that you do when you think too much.” He smiled wide at the smaller girl pulling her in for a tight hug efore letting it go. He sat down on the couch next to Liv, curious to know how she was doing. Her face was tearing him apart with the emotions that she obviously didn’t want to surface. Chris looked at the half rolled spliff on the table and decided to roll another one for the both of them.
Anonymousooc: it’s gonna happen soon! just gotta wait just a bit more anon i promise. we’ll be reunited… and it will feel so good.
Anonymous
ooc: first of all…. someone reminded my nickname for liv. brb crying.
