come away with me

He took the glass from her, taking a sip of the amber liquid. Andrew made a face as the warm spread down his throat before flashing the redhead a smile. "I'm surprised you don't have a set list all ready to go," Andrew teased.

Taking a long, slow sip of the drink, Aria hummed softly. Whiskey truly was her favorite - likely she'd drink that over water or anything else. A laugh bubbled up, giving a shrug. He knew her well, giving a slight tip to her head with a smirk, "Fine... maybe I do, but... yeh know me, I'll change it five times before we go anywhere," she admitted with no shame. "I always go' set lists kinda laid out." And she was usually working on a song or two. It was rare for there not to be something going on in that head of hers. Aria didn't think she was good at much, but music - she, at least, thought she was decent, and was likely half clueless to her actual level of talent.

Reed’s lips curled into a faint, almost self-assured smile at Jade’s words, the kind he rarely let show for long. "I mean... these kids will be good looking kids if I'm there father," he said lightly, half-joking but not entirely without ego. It wasn’t that he thought highly of himself in every way, but he knew what he had. He was tall, muscular, and undeniably attractive, traits people often looked for in a partner even when he didn’t fully understand what kept them around beyond that. For a brief moment, that confidence sat on him easily, like armour he could wear without effort. Then, as quickly as it came, his expression shifted into something more thoughtful. "How old is Amelia?" he asked, his tone softening. He knew it wasn’t really his place to ask, but the question slipped out naturally.

A smirk formed on Jade’s lips, raising a brow slightly as her eyes playfully scanned over him, “I mean, that’s true. You’re pretty hot,” she admitted easily, “though if the woman isn’t hot… probably a crap shot with genetics – I don’t know,” she shrugged. She hadn’t finished high school and really didn’t remember that part of biology class. “I’m sure your swimmers would be popular,” she teased. As they shifted to talking about her daughter, Jade shifted slightly. It wasn’t uncomfortable, per se, but more that she wasn’t the best at opening up, talking about herself. And this – well, the last thing she wanted was judgment. She’d given birth right before she turned 16 years old, and she doubted he’d struggle to do the math on that. “Uh, she – she’s 10,” she glanced down briefly before lifting her gaze to him. The female had certainly faced her fair share of judgment there, especially from people who thought they were sisters or Jade was the nanny. “And before you go there, yeah, I was young," she tossed out as if preemptively getting slightly defensive.

He couldn't imagine living in fear the way she did. Andrew's mind was racing as he worked to figure out how they could keep her face out of the media. She traveled with them, but he could make sure that she arrived at a different time than him...anything to make sure that they weren't tied together. "I won't let him take you. I'll protect you, Emma."

Once Emma escaped, the second time, she knew how dangerous it'd be if he caught her again. Her step-father would find some way to try and ensure she could never slip from his grasp. It was why she worked so hard to avoid the cameras and media and any pictures. One time, a photo was snapped but it was blurry, she had a hat and sunglasses on so she was satisfied that nobody would know what she really looked like from that. A soft smile formed, reaching forward and giving Andrew's arm a gentle squeeze, she drew back to sign, "I trust you. But I... don't promise that, you can't be sure. He's powerful with a lot of connections. I wouldn't want anything to happen to you. I couldn't live with that," she admitted, head tipping slightly, almost shyly - which wasn't so common for her.

Wyatt had always been the jealous type, fiercely possessive in a way he rarely tried to hide, especially when it came to Nova. Nothing got under his skin faster than watching someone flirt with her, and it irritated him even more when people were bold enough to do it right in front of him like he wasn’t standing there. He hated the lingering looks, the confidence in someone else’s voice when they tried making her laugh, and although he usually kept his composure, there was always a sharpness behind his eyes that gave him away. The truth was Wyatt wanted everyone to know she was his, and he never saw a reason to pretend otherwise. “I am not ashamed to tell you how much I want you and need you. I would shout it from the rooftops if you wanted me to,” he grinned, his voice warm and certain as he leaned down to kiss her gently when she moved closer into his space. For a second he stayed there, forehead nearly touching hers before he glanced down at himself, smoothing a hand over his shirt with a quiet scoff. “Let me just spray something nice over me before we leave.” He disappeared upstairs for a few minutes to sort himself out, but while he was out of sight he quickly made a call, casually using his fame to secure them a private table at the restaurant that was almost impossible to book last minute. When he came back downstairs, he looked pleased with himself, slipping an arm securely around Nova’s waist and pulling her close against his side. “You ready, princess?” he asked softly, already guiding her toward the door like there was nowhere else he’d rather be.

Admittedly, in the earlier days of their relationship, Nova tested out his jealous streak with purposefully getting a guy here or there to flirt with her. She wanted to see what he did, and she was never disappointed. She wanted him to step in, to show everyone she was his and he was hers. That and perhaps seeing him a bit angry was a turn on, as well, each time ending with her body pressed against his, unable to get enough of his lips, his touch, of him. A slow smile formed on her lips, the kind that showed his words got to her, made her feel good about herself, about them, “Yeah?” she sighed contently, arms wrapped around him, “Me neither. I’m not ashamed to tell you or show you – as you know,” she flirted. “Stop being like that or we won’t make it anywhere but the bedroom,” she joked, returning the soft kiss. “Alright, you know I always keep stuff for you here,” she assured. She liked when he stayed the night so she tried to have some things on hand that suited him. Waiting for him to return, it wasn’t terribly long, eyes scanning over his form – partly checking him out, but also making sure he really was alright. “Absolutely, babe,” she snuggled in close to him, but was careful, not wanting to hurt him. “Are you telling me where we’re headed or is it a surprise?” she asked, making her way to the door with him.

closed starter: @luciddream5x

Some nights were better than others, especially since she and Finn moved in together. Even still, nightmares plagued her, at times. With therapy, it was better than it used to be, but far from gone. Sometimes it was a simple nightmare, other times a full blown night terror. The thing Emma was glad for, it was rare for it to be night after night anymore. Sometimes she knew the trigger or could guess at it, other times it felt like it came out of nowhere. She was restless as one of the more violent and awful nights played in her subconscious mind, some events exactly as they went, some different – worse, if that was possible. The feel of Finn’s hand gently shaking her didn’t quite pull her free the way it usually had previously. It was simply part of the events, but harsher. His voice was lost on her, of course, unaware he was talking. Her lips did move, but nothing escaped. Emma didn’t talk, too embarrassed by her stuttering to even try since the day she became fully Deaf. The second attempt to nudge her, stir her worked – between him and the violence of the nightmare, the petite brunette shot up in a bed, gasping, a hand against her chest, moving to her throat as if to try to tell her mind she could breathe. It was instinctive for her hand to grasp onto Finn’s. It took her a few minutes, terrified eyes darting around the room. She wasn’t fully awake as she slipped out of bed, like something instinctive taking over, dropping down to kneel on the floor like her brain was on auto pilot. Shoulders slumped, eyes drawing up and around the room, only then clicking to where she was, who was next to her. “I’m sorry,” she signed to him, in the moment, it was the only thing she could think of to say.

A smug grin spread slowly across Hayden’s lips, the kind that always appeared when Remy caught him off guard in the best possible way. “Hero?” he repeated, the word sounding amused and almost disbelieving as he tilted his head slightly toward her. He still didn’t understand every sign she used, not perfectly, but he was trying. Remy had been patient with him from the beginning, teaching him little things here and there, and Hayden clung to every piece he could remember. Sometimes he recognized entire phrases, and other times he only caught fragments, relying on her expressions and the softness in her eyes to guide him through the rest. “I’m always going to be there for you, baby girl. No matter what,” he promised quietly, his voice carrying a certainty that didn’t leave room for doubt.

Remy certainly felt like her head was swimming. Everything was blissfully hazy, and all she wanted was to be as close as possible to Hayden. Giggling softly, she nodded with a bit of an exaggerated movement, “Mmhm,” she murmured. It was clear the blonde didn’t really even notice she was signing with her words. It was so automatic that it was natural. She knew, somewhere in her drunken mind, he wasn’t fully fluent, but she was proud of how far he’d come, how he tried, for her and her family, to learn as quickly as possible. Listening to his words, a crooked smile formed, feeling that familiar warmth in her chest that he always brought about, especially when he spoke that way. It was clear the cute pet name was one she liked, too. All of it was really only drifting her mind to one thing – and if she weren’t drunk, she’d remember how important it was to her to wait until their wedding night.

Huddy had always liked the fact that people were sceptical about him. It made things easier. He could flash someone an easy smile, act relaxed and harmless, and they would walk away convinced they had him figured out, never noticing the sharper thoughts working quietly underneath. There was something entertaining about being underestimated, about knowing he could plan something selfish or reckless behind someone’s back without ever taking the blame for it. Standing in the kitchen now, though, he looked completely at ease as he fussed over the ingredients and made sure everything was at the perfect temperature. “I want you to do this. It’s a team bonding exercise,” he teased, leaning casually against the counter. “Put those hands to work, missy. Show me you don’t only use them for me.”

The thought flashed in her mind, the two of them out somewhere, both underestimated to the detriment of whomever made such a foolish mistake. It half made her smirk. She was certain he was more charming than her, likely less violent, but it didn’t bother her. Ella wasn’t the best at schmoozing people – leaving the lightness, flirting, and such things to her twin. Their father wanted Ella to get better at that, rubbing elbows at parties, but she truly hated those things. She’d rather deal with a gun aimed at her than a fancy party where she had to play nice. Glancing over at Huddy, she laughed, shaking her head, “Team bonding?” she said the words playfully. “You haven’t felt my hands... yet,” she quirked a brow, hoping she’d understood him correctly. Her English was better than she gave herself credit for, even if she felt lost every now and then.

"Yeah I kind of figured that a bear wouldn't be his favorite, plus Amelia would definitely bring it home." He did think it would be adorable to see Amelia holding the hospital bear but he also knew that things needed to be focused on Shawn when they got to the hospital. A card probably would be fine, they might even have a snow globe. Blake grinned when Jade commented on the flowers, shaking his head a bit in disagreement. "You know, when my mom got pregnant with me my dad added a diamond to her wedding band and promised a new one for every child she gave him. I always thought that was kind of romantic, that my dad loved my mom so much that he would buy her a diamond for each kid." He said with a fond smile.

“He’ll like it – or pretend to - if she picks that out, but yeah, we’d still be bringing it home,” Jade easily agreed. It was a bit easier to think in the positive – that he’d be awake, alert, able to talk to their daughter. Right now, Jade needed to just believe he was going to be alright. Eyes drew to Blake, a raised brow at his words, “A diamond? Like… a real diamond?” she shook her head slightly, not even able to fathom that. Jade only had two expensive pieces of jewelry, both from her ex James. She’d have more if he thought she wouldn’t fight him on it. She’d already fought him when he bought her the necklace and later a matching earrings. They were kept in a safe place, items she couldn’t really look at, but also couldn’t part with, yet. “It’s definitely something only rich people probably do,” she teased. “I can tell you I didn’t get a diamond when I gave birth,” a soft laugh fell, though Jade wasn’t quite yet 16 when she’d given birth.

Fletcher had spent enough time around Effie and her family to understand that the weight she carried was far heavier than anyone outside the house probably realized. Technically, she was only the older sister, but in reality she filled the role of a parent more often than not, constantly balancing responsibilities that should never have fallen entirely onto her shoulders. She was the one making sure everyone ate, calming arguments, helping with homework, settling nightmares, and somehow still trying to hold herself together in the middle of it all. Fletcher admired her endlessly for it, but he also hated how little time she seemed to have for herself. He didn’t want her entire life to become surviving from one exhausting day to the next while everyone else depended on her. Helping her wasn’t something he saw as an obligation; it mattered deeply to him because she mattered deeply to him. “I’ll be here for the morning,” he assured her quietly, his voice steady and reassuring in the dim calm of the house. “I do have work in the afternoon, but we can take the kids out or something and wear them out before work so they’re less hectic when you have them on your own.” There was a practical warmth in the suggestion, a genuine desire to ease even a fraction of the pressure she carried every day. Fletcher loved the chaos that came with children being themselves, the loudness, the energy, the messiness of it all, and he would never expect them to sit still or behave like tiny adults just to make things easier.

It was true, there were times Effie felt the weight of the responsibility, but she always tried to shove that to the back of her mind. Without her, she knew the kids would all be taken by DCFS and probably separated. She couldn’t have that happen. They all only had each other in this world, knowing well they couldn’t rely on their parents. The brunette, along with the older kids, had long stopped calling them mom and dad. In fact, Effie had to work with Rio so he wasn’t calling her mom and she was already trying to make sure baby Lola knew she was her big sister, not her mom. The fact was, Effie never expected to have a relationship, never thought she’d find a man who’d accept her crazy situation. She was, essentially, the parent of seven kids, and she did and would do whatever was necessary to take care of them to the best of her ability. She was grateful for Fletcher, though. He’d helped ease some of the burden even in times where he was simply there – playing with the younger kids, helping pack lunches, or even just keeping her company. There were more times than she could count that he helped her feel sane – like tonight. If it weren’t for Fletcher, she might’ve called her older brother, and there was no telling what condition he’d be in at the moment. The last thing she wanted was for the younger kids to be around him when he was high or drunk or both. “You’re pretty amazing,” Effie smiled softly up at him. “I appreciate any time you’re here. And yes, maybe a trip to the park or something, get their minds off everything with Elias and Nola. I gotta work in the evening so it’ll be good, hopefully they’ll be calm for Madison.”

Adrian didn’t do anything without ensuring it would be a good investment for him, something that he would benefit from just as much as his client would. He considered it a high risk high reward situation to work with the Moretti family. Sure it was illegal and yes he could get in trouble but the reward of that payroll made it all the much worth it. At least, he felt that way until he actually began working. Ella was a captivating presence from the moment he saw her, the girl practically took his breath away. Don't get Adrian wrong, he kind of assumed that whatever children Nicolai had were going to be good looking since the guy was pretty good looking. But Ella was hands down one of the hottest girls he has ever seen. He wouldn't go as far as saying it was an instant attraction, but the pull was still there. Adding in the danger of sleeping with your boss's daughter and it was something right up Adrian's alley.

Initially, Ella didn’t work with Adrian too often. She was still learning, growing in responsibilities. From what she had seen of him, though, she knew he’d be a good fit, that he’d be there long term. Given what they did, whomever they hired, especially as their lawyer, had to be the right person – and the right person would make very good money. As the brunette learned more, she was a little more involved in those things, her father needing to teach her when they day came that she sat in his chair. Even now, Adrian worked with him more than her, but they still had plenty of interaction. That was how he’d first caught her eye – years ago, when she became more involved, but she pushed it aside. He worked for them, it was all a terrible idea to her, especially when she was attempting to be taken seriously.