❊ — 𝖆𝖙 𝖑𝖆𝖘𝖙 / 𝖆𝖓𝖘𝖊𝖑 .
alexa.
the issue with alexa was that she put on an act with others, an air of confidence that she didn’t need ANYONE or anything, that she herself didn’t get lonely. and for the most part, that would be true —- especially when she had work to distract her from her thoughts, from them unravelling and throwing her head first into confronting them and drowning as a result. now filming was almost complete, and they were having a few weeks off courtesy of their show runner believing they needed a break. time to revise some scripts and wait for some sets to be built they had said, and she had been okay with that. but in that time, she’d either been out partying, drinking so much that she couldn’t remember her own name in attempt to escape the emptiness she felt, or she’d sit at home, and be enveloped by it. she liked to keep this charade up, because it was easier than dumping her issues on people. than admitting a weakness. maybe that was because she had experienced it being used against her in the past. that was why she’d been so happy to see him, the prospect of seeing someone who evoked such a warmth within her, a feeling so indescribable —- something else she had yet to confront. well it was NEEDED, she hadn’t missed someone’s company as much as she had his. without him around she’d made some stupid decisions, sleeping with an ex and letting herself dwell on the fact was just merely one of them. no, seeing him was everything, because there was not a person other than him in the world that she could really settle and be herself around. no one KNEW her like he did, and him not being around had left a void, one she couldn’t wait to fill. it’s instantaneous that a smile makes it’s way onto the latina’s plump lips, a laugh leaving them from his singing, and it’s like the excitement is literally BUZZING within her. like it’s hitting her in waves. oh how she’s CRAVED him, his presence, everything. though she wouldn’t admit it, denial and her had been doing a dance for quite some time now. she dances for a moment back to his voice, something she’d adored about him —- especially with him having a gift in actually being able to SING. it’s mere seconds before she lets herself jump into his arms, embracing him fully, and it’s like coming HOME. it’s like all the chaos within her dies, and finally she’s allowed some peace. head settles in the crook of his neck, smiling against the skin there. the kiss upon her shoulder sets goosebumps to travel across her flesh, and she’s letting out a sigh from both the contact, and the relief of being around him again, arms tightening ever so slightly around him. “ god i’ve MISSED you, babe. ” she breathes, only pulling back when he does, chocolate hues filling with curiosity, and lighting up the moment he brings the box around, lower lip pouting from such a SWEET gesture, and she’s jumping down, standing in front of him, close still —- she’s not quite ready for ANY distance yet. hands open the box, and she’s misty eyes, swallowing hard, grin ever so big on her features. “ oh my god, it’s BEAUTIFUL ansel, you didn’t have to !! ” she exclaims, moving forward to hug him tight again, this time moving to press a kiss to his cheek in appreciation. “ you’re DEFINITELY forgiven. we can make up for all the time today —- thank you for this. you can put it on me when we’re inside. ” eyes are full of wonder and admiration of him, and at how insane the gift is. the necklace was so thoughtful of him, and so something she’d like, and it just PROVES more how well he knows her. she’s moving aside for him to come in once pulling back, allowing him entrance into her house. at the comment about her neighbour, she snorts, letting out a laugh, clearly amused about how he’d been reacted to. “ oh yeah —- me and mrs norris, we have a BOOK club, she knows ALL about how you left me alone for weeks on end, a pretty loyal lady. we sipped tea and trash talked you. ” she jokes, winking at him for a moment, smirk ever so present on her lips, and devilishly so. “ nah, maybe she’s fed up of me playing music so loud, and you’re the casualty of her anger, baby. SORRY, i’ll let her know how handsome and sweet my future husband is. ”
self-assurance just radiated off him and alongside a myriad of other attributes ( reinforced by the relentless praising of friends and strangers alike his entire life ) had cemented an unwavering confidence within him . it had emboldened him —— the world was his oyster ! but it had left him with very little awareness of anything outside of his immediate reach . his privileged life had shielded him from the real world , cradling him and engineering an altered reality where the word no simply didn't exist , a reality devoid of LIMITS . however , a falling out with an ex-friend had threatened that foundation , chipping away at it and revealing underneath the shadows of an insecurity , something so foreign to him . the infringement had left him feeling utterly v u l n e r a b l e , and frightened , he'd shut down access to his heart . shallow friendships lacking any real substance became a comfort . but alexa had managed to test the efficiency of that solution , successfully dismantling it in such a short period of time . from the moment he’d laid eyes on her , transfixed by her vivacity and the way she demanded attention in a room full of people , he had an inkling there wasn't going to be anything shallow about their friendship . fighting it off had proved futile , their bond strengthening over the course of just a few weeks . the entirety of it so N A T U R A L , by the time he took notice of its occurrence , he couldn’t possibly imagine living a life without her .
alexa's energy intertwined with his seamlessly —— like their auras were meant for one another . it wasn't unusual for him to befriend just about anybody but he could count on one hand the number of people he deemed deserving of his UNCONDITIONAL love . he thrives off her excitement , the sparks in her eyes filling him up with adrenaline . a boyish grin settles upon his features , pride swelling in his chest at the genuine joy his gift had evoked , and he keeps note of it , the kiss on his cheek enough motivation to surprise her in this manner more often in the future . hands empty , he's free to hug her properly , fingers splaying on the small of her back as he basked in the tightness of her embrace . " missed you , too , dimples . " gazing down at her , he flashes her another smile , nose crinkling and hues shining with adoration . grabbing her chin lovingly , he rubs his nose against hers , and whispers , " i'm happy you like it . " she allows him space to walk further into the foyer of her house and he does so with a familiarity reserved for someone who's presence has graced her walls time and time again . he could walk around her house blindfolded and find his way e a s i l y . spinning on his heels so she's in his line of vision once more , he squints at her , mulling over her words carefully , the ghost of a grimace etching itself on his face as he readies himself to sulk , but the wink she throws his way assuages any feeling of anxiety that had begun to bubble , the corners of his mouth tugging into a smile , instead . " see , i thought it was weird you were in a book club . don't you have to know how to read to be a part of one ? " he teases , returning her smirk . he reaches for her hand and pulls her closer . his gaze captures hers briefly before landing on the little box and as he coaxes it out of her hand , he touches her hip and gently steers her around , just enough to brush her hair to one side , watching in silent A W E as it cascades in waves down her shoulder . he fastens the clasp of her necklace , the golden jewelry adorning her skin , and feels pleased at the sight . he wraps his arms around her neck and lowers his face , resting his chin on her shoulder . " well , what do you say we give her another reason to be mad and have ourselves a little party for two ? play music as loud as we can . "
