coalesce;;

it’s at the female’s sorry charlie sits himself down on the other side of them ( almost as if the two planned it – which they did ). ‘ really sorry, ’  he reaffirms the apology, naturally going in for several little pecks the opposite side of their neck before mumbling against their skin, ‘ she started it, though. ’

she’s rather desperately scanning the crowd for someone ( anyone ) who she doesn’t think she’ll be interrupting with her request. unfortunately for elsie, she’s at a party & everyone is obviously somewhat busy. however, she doesn’t have much time before her ex catches up with her, so she grabs the hand of the first person she sees & already begins her plea before they can ever question her actions. ‘ look – i know this is weird & i’m sorry, but there’s someone i really would rather not see me here alone so can i just, y’know, hold your hand for a little bit. i promise no more than like..  – five minutes ! please ? ’

‘ stay. ’  her voice comes out uncharacteristically quiet for someone who can normally fill a room with personality. however, from where she’s burrowed under the duvet she’d flung over herself only seconds ago to cover her form, she doesn’t feel particularly palmer-like; lacks any of her usual enthusiasm or carefree attitude. ‘ just for tonight. i promise i won’t ask again. ’

‘ s’real cute, this whole attitude thing you’ve got going, ’  he muttered dryly, the sarcasm clear in his voice. it’s obvious that jace is anything other than amused & he’s making no effort to hide it, doesn’t see the need to. ‘ but i really think you should lay it off before you get yourself into trouble – not everyone is going to be as accommodating as i’m being. ’  it’s certainly a stretch for him to say as such, but really he believes he is being pretty calm given that internally he’s totally fuming.

‘ he was staring at you !! ’   he doesn’t even need to look at them to see the look of disappointment on their face, he can already imagine it clear as day. & while it does make riley feel a little guilty, it doesn’t stop him from trying to defend his actions. ‘ i wasn’t gonna hurt him,’  is closely followed by a muffled, ‘ that badly. ’