⋅ valerie connors ⋅

“Are you sure this is the right place?” Valerie peered our the car window, “….where are we?” Valerie trusted Natalie completely when it came to most things, but driving and navigating was not one of them.

“This is the right address,” Natalie said, double checking the handwritten note she held in her free hand.

There wasn’t any sign of a house: only tall trees towering over them as they headed down a gravel road. It felt like they’d left Virginia Beach altogether. Eventually a house did come into view, nestled amongst the trees.

Natalie was meeting a boy from her class to work on a project. Bobby had been supposed to drive Valerie and Seth home from school but he and Valerie had gotten into a fight and so (unsurprisingly) when 3:00 rolled around, he was a no show, meaning they both had to tag along with their sister.

“Are we going to get murdered?” Seth teased, following his sisters to the door. He was still laughing when a boy about Natalie’s age answered the door. He was scowling. Seth’s laughter stooped abruptly. He looked terrified.

“What’s with the kids?” He asked.

“Oh, sorry! Owen, this is my sister, Valerie, and my brother, Seth. I’m so sorry, is it okay that I brought them? I should have called to tell you. But they’ve got their own homework to do. I promise they won’t get in the way! They were supposed to grab a ride with Bobby … but he ended up not being able to …”

“She’s just being nice,” Valerie interjected, still bitter about the entire situation . “He ditched us.”

“That kid’s an ass,” Someone said. The Connors turned to see a young man a few years older than Owen make his way into the living room. “Hey, I’m Will. Owen’s brother.”

Owen and Natalie got to work on their project (and by that, I mean Natalie pulled out her binders and poster board and markers and Owen groaned). Meanwhile, Will has given Valerie permission to raid their kitchen for whatever she could find after Seth complained he was hungry.

“Won’t your parents mind?” Valerie asked.

“No, no parents,” Will said, “This is my place,” Valerie couldn’t help but note the pride in his voice as he announced it. “I just bought this it and Owen came to live with me. Since then our parents have kind of …”

“Done their own thing?” Valerie finished the sentence for him. “Yeah. Our’s too.”

He gave her a sympathetic smile. There was a pause, as he considered how to change the subject. “So how do you know Bobby?”

“He’s my boyfriend.”

“Oh.” He paused, “Uh, sorry for calling him an ass.”

Valerie laughed, “No, it’s okay. He is one, most days. I guess I just put up with him because he’s not as much of an ass as my sister’s boyfriend.” That wasn’t exactly true. She put up with him because he hadn’t always been like this with her. She was holding on to those good memories, kidding herself that one day it would be like that again.

“Uh, yeah, I heard your sister was dating Max. I was expecting … “

“Someone different?”

“Yeah.”

“She’s way too good for him.” Valerie said, crossing her arms. Bobby hadn’t always been like this, but she’d never seen anything good come from Max.

“Someone around here should show you the ropes.” Will said.

“Are you offering?” Between Bobby, Max, and Seth crushing hard on Rachel Lloyd, Valerie often felt like they’d landed in with the wrong people since moving here.

“Me? No. I’m not really the welcoming committee type. And my kid brother isn’t either.”

“Really? Wow, I didn’t get those vibes at all.” Valerie teased.

“I can’t believe that you are terrified of zombie movies when you practically dated one,” Valerie teased, grabbing the remote to find something that was more Natalie’s speed.

Natalie plopped down on the couch next to her sister, “I think that’s being a little unfair to the zombies.” She said.

Valerie nearly choked on her coffee, wondering if she had heard her sister correctly. Natalie rarely had a bad thing to say about anybody (at least that wasn’t followed up by something positive). “That’s probably the meanest thing I’ve ever heard you say.”

Natalie crossed her arms. “I think he may have deserved it.”

“He deserves to be called worse things than that,” Valerie said, “I think Max is the worst person we know, and that is saying something.”

Natalie looked over at her sister, “You say that like we know a lot of bad people.”

Valerie raised an eyebrow, unconvinced. Had it been anyone else, she would have gladly debated that statement, but it was Natalie and most of the less than pleasant people that they knew happened to be family. When it came to them, Natalie still liked to see the best (where Valerie could only see the worst).

So instead, Valerie just shook her head, “You’ve said one slightly unkind thing already today, so I guess I’ll let that one slide … “ She turned back to the TV, “Are you in the mood for some Gilmore Girls?”

The large house was quiet, peaceful. The only sound was the ocean waves crashing in the distance.

Natalie and Ian were there, on the shore, walking slowly together beneath the moonlight. Seth was downstairs, under the watchful eye of Woodhouse, raiding Ian’s old video game collection.

Valerie and Lex were upstairs, curled up on opposite sides of the couch. They were somewhere in the middle of their Lord of the Rings marathon (Valerie had been horrified that Lex had never seen any of them!) when Valerie moved closer to him and laid her head on his shoulder.

Lex looked down at her, raising an eyebrow in mock offense, “Do I look like a pillow to you? ”

“Well, I’m not going to use that — “ Valerie said as she pointed to the throw pillow on his couch, “I’m pretty sure it costs more than my jeep.”

“I think most things are worth more than that,” He teased, but he stopped protesting and put his arm around her.

big spoon/little spoon: will/val

favorite non-sexual activity: driving around w the windows down, long walks, swimming, reading, hiking, enjoying nature, that sort of thing

who uses all the hot water: valerie but for somE reason will is surprised every morning when its gone smh

most trivial thing they fight over: the cat!!!!!! they both worry about the cat but in different ways and so one of them’ll do one thing and the other will freAK OUT smdh i cry it’s not even their cat

who does most of the cleaning: both just w different focuses

what has a season pass on their dvr/who controls the netflix queue: valerie on both counts probably otherwise will would just watch whatever’s on smh

who calls up the super/landlord when the heat’s not working: no need, will’s on top of it ;D

who steals the blankets: valerie!

who leaves their stuff around: both

who remembers to buy the milk? both…and then they have too much milk it’s on on-going issue

who remembers anniversaries: valerie but natalie does too so she always reminds him ahead of time so it all works out great ;D

Who cooks normally? still valerie but will makes a mean grilled cheese on occasion too ;D

How often do they fight? i mean, they bicker occasionally like anyone but they’re pr chill they don’t fight too often they’ve always, always been friends <3

What do they do when they’re away from each other? will sends valerie ‘update’ calls at the end of the day to ‘remind’ her of things she needs to know or whatever…but really it’s just an excuse to chat for an hour before going to bed ;D

Nicknames for each other? will calls her sweetheart and val mostly i think she just calls him will but again???? not sure??????

Who is more likely to pay for dinner? will but only by a slight margin i feel like they’re pr equal

Who steals the covers at night? valerie

What would they get each other for gifts? for big events like bdays etc will agonIZES over this ok like he really wants to get her something she’ll love bc she deserves everything and but like???? honestly he’s miserable at that???? so often he will call natalie and they’ll brainstorm but he is one for thoughtful, but small gifts???? throughout life???? like if one day she’s like ‘man i really wish i could do x’ he’ll come back the next day w a kit on how to get started w x or if she’s like ‘ive always wanted to do y’ he’ll be like ‘come on lets go’ like he remembers things she wants and finds a way to make it happen?????

Who kissed who first? i feel like valerie kissed will

Who made the first move? will

Who remembers things? they’re both pr good w that

Who started the relationship? will did! he was so nervous poor bb

Who cusses more? will, probably

big spoon/little spoon: lex/valerie

favorite non-sexual activity: travel!!  i feel like these two are total wanderers and he honestly just delights in showing her things

who uses all the hot water: LEX he takes epic showers (but he also likes to drag val in w him tbqh soooo both? but lex)

most trivial thing they fight over: honestly anything and everything!! they bicker constantly it’s basically their vers of flirting?????? like last week they fought bc this one spatula was supposed to be in the drawer but instead it was in the spoon drawer and tomorrow they’ll fight bc the bed has the wrong sheets????? but it always ends in them making out so???????

who does most of the cleaning: woodhouse

what has a season pass on their dvr/who controls the netflix queue: lex has the season pass but valerie controls the queue lbr here ;D

who calls up the super/landlord when the heat’s not working: honestly either i think whoever notices first i feel like they’re both pr on top of that kind of thing they just handle it differently

who steals the blankets: it’s a tug-of-war situation but valerie usually wins

who leaves their stuff around: lex!!!! he is…a slob he’s never ever had to pick up after himself so that whole thing is just…lost on him

who remembers to buy the milk: valerie again lex…doesn’t know how to take care of himself in that way

who remembers anniversaries: lex! valerie is always super busy w things and shhhh but lex is secretly a romantic at heart he loves to surprise her

Who cooks normally? literal chef valerie connors…or woodhouse

How often do they fight? conSTANtLy but they also are super supportive of each other and always there to help <3

What do they do when they’re away from each other? lex is CONSTANTLY texting her like “teasing” but also lowkey like ‘pls don’t forget about me’ basically smdh boy got issues; valerie probs shakes her head at the texts a lot

Nicknames for each other? he calls her babe and val a lot i think she just calls him lex?????? im not sure?????

Who is more likely to pay for dinner? lex i mean she’s bankrupt and he’s $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

Who steals the covers at night? boTH

What would they get each other for gifts? so lex loves to surprise her like i said so he’s always like bringing her flowers or jewelry or champagne or lingerie like he honestly just wants to shower her in gifts bc she’s amazing and she deserves them and he can so why??? wouldn’t??? he???? his fav thing to give her tho are surprise trips (woodhouse has already packed for her ;D)

Who kissed who first? lex kissed valerie

Who made the first move? lex i feel like he was on that from the first glance basically

Who remembers things? depends on the thing? but i feel like its usually valerie

Who started the relationship? valerie - lex is scared of commitment soooo 

Who cusses more? i’m not sure they’re both pr relaxed on that subject…possibly valerie?

The trek from Will’s to Valerie’s wasn’t exactly arduous.  Traipsing across one lawn to the next, (as he did almost every day,) could hardly be called a trek at all.  It wasn’t all routine, however, as attested by the suit he wore and the bouquet of red roses clutched in one hand.  In truth, this get up put him ill at ease, but he carried it off well, notwithstanding.

Knocking on the Connors’ door, it opened almost instantly.  “Oh, Natalie, hi,” greeted Will, softly.  “Uh, is Valerie there?”

“She is, but…” Natalie paused.  “Hang on a second.  Wait here.”  Leaving the door open, she turned and disappeared back into the house.  Will waited where he was, feeling a bit awkward as he hovered in the doorway.  He was frankly relieved when Natalie reappeared.  “Come on in,” she told him.  “Valerie’s in her room.  Go on in.  I’ve got to run.  Looks like my date’s here,” she added, smiling at someone over her shoulder.  Placing a sisterly kiss on his cheek, she hurried past him and Will shut the door behind her.

Slipping into Valerie’s room, where Natalie had left the door open, he rapped on the door with his knuckles before entering.

“Come in,” he heard Valerie’s voice.  She sounded oddly choked up and Will felt a rush of concern as he stepped inside.  Valerie was ensconced in bed, looking awfully small wrapped in the down comforter.  “Hey,” she greeted.  “I’m feeling sick, is it okay if we arrange our date for another night?”

Forming a soft smile, Will nodded.  “Absolutely.  I’m actually a little relieved.  When I heard you, earlier, I thought you were crying…so I’m glad you’re just stopped up.”  Valerie started laughing, only to finish off coughing.  “That sounds nasty.  Why don’t I stay, just till Natalie gets back?”

“You don’t have to do that!  Go out!  Have some fun!”

“What, and leave you here to die alone of some dread disease?”

“Shut up,” said Valerie.  Beginning to cough, she reached out for the cough syrup.  Will handed it to her, and a glass of water when she was finished.  “You should go,” she said.  Will nodded slowly, unwillingly.  It seemed, lately, they’d seen less and less of each other.  No one was to blame, especially for this, but Will wished it were different.  He wished…

Valerie’s voice cut in on his thoughts.  "Although…” murmured Valerie, groggily.  “If you wanted to stay…”  Will’s smile was small, as he nodded, and she pulled the covers back, patting the spot beside her.  “You may as well get comfortable,” she said.  Quickly, he divested himself of his shoes and slid into bed beside her, holding out his arm for her to get under.  Valerie snuggled close, resting her head on his chest.  “Sorry if I throw up on you.”

“Eh, I grew up with two brothers and very little parental supervision.  It wouldn’t be the first time.”

“Wow.  That was probably the least sexy thing you’ve ever said,” she chuckled.

“Hey, you were the one who threatened to vomit on me,” responded Will, laughing, running his fingers through her hair.  He could feel her smile against his chest.

“And now you live with your brothers,” she muttered.  She seemed half-asleep already.

“I do.”

“And Drew.”

“And Drew,” he agreed.

“Full house,” commented Valerie.  “Has he ever thrown up on you?”  He couldn’t tell it she was teasing or not, but he laughed anyway.

“Honestly…it’s probably only a matter of time.”

Valerie chuckled, snuggling a little closer.  “You want to watch a movie?”

“Sure,” he said.  “Whatever you want to see.”

“Ohh, you should not have said that,” teased Valerie.  “Now we’re definitely watching an Austen flick.  It’s that kind of day.”

“Since that medicine seems to have had a pretty big effect on you, and you probably won’t remember me saying this,” he joked.  “I don’t mind telling you that I’ve actually read every Austen novel.”

“Oh my God, who are you?”

He laughed.  “I’m your sick-induced hallucination.”

“Right.  I’ll remember that.”

“You better,” he teased.  Will smiled, running his fingers through her hair.  “This is way more comfortable than the night I had planned.”

“What did you plan?”

“There’s a drunk guy on the beach.” Seth said casually, between bites of a chocolate muffin. “I think he’s wearing a suit.”

It was a cold morning in January and the sky was white, threatening snow. Seth had stayed over the night before: giving the excuse that the heat in his apartment was broken. As possible as this seemed, part of Valerie doubted that that was the reason. No one had said as much, but she could knew it wasn’t a coincidence that Natalie and Seth had decided that the three of them should spend the day together.

Today, Lex Porter was getting married.

And Valerie said she didn’t care.

“Is that … Lex?”

Natalie rushed to the window, “I’m going to tell him to leave.”

But Valerie was already reaching for her coat. “I got it.”

“Val, are you sure – “

She was out the door before Natalie could finish. 

He was down by the water, looking out across the ocean, his back to her. He was disheveled: like he’d been walking the beach all night. Maybe he had.

“What are you doing here?” She asked, drawing her arms across her chest, suddenly aware of how cold it was. He looked back at her. He didn’t say anything. He seemed at a loss for words. “You look terrible.”

He smiled at that: a crooked half smile, but a smile nonetheless. “Thanks.”

They stood there in silence, listening to the sound of the waves crashing up on the shore.

“You should go.” She said, finally, “It’s cold.”

He nodded, but he didn’t move.

She turned to go when he suddenly spoke.

“Valerie, wait. I just …. I want you to know that you deserve someone who makes you happy.”  

For once she believed him. He seemed defeated, somehow. Like he saw his future and he knew that she wasn’t going to be a part of it. This wasn’t some line to get her into bed: he was being sincere.

So why did those words seem to hurt more than when it seemed like he was lying?

“You did once.” The words came before she realized what she was saying.

“Come on,” Valerie said, “You owe me fries.”

The bar was crowded with locals. It was one of the few spots in town where the tourists tended to ignore: passing it up for something a little more flashy. Her uncle liked it that way: he liked it when this place felt more like a small town; when it felt more like the place he’d once called home.

This bar was home to Valerie. She’d grown up in the apartment upstairs with her uncle and siblings. It had been cramped and chaotic, but she’d been happier there than she’d ever been in their five bedroom house back in Hartford.

These moments were few and far between anymore: everyone had grown up. But there were still these nights when all the people she loved most in the world came together here and shared a beer or two.

Will laughed, following behind her as she grabbed his hand and pulled him towards the bar, “Um, no. That doesn’t count. See, what actually happened there is: I let you win.”

“Oh, you let me win?” She teased, looking over her shoulder, raising an eyebrow.

“Yeah. Like there’s any way you’d ever be able to beat me at darts. C’mon.”

“Okay, fine. so you let me win at darts; I guess I’ll let you get the fries.”

Will smiled, “I’ll buy, but it’s because I feel sorry for you, not because — “ Suddenly he went still.  

“Hey, what’s wrong?” Valerie asked.

“i don’t like the way he’s looking at you.” Will answered, his eyes fixed on someone beyond her.

“What?” She followed his gaze to the corner of the bar where Lex Porter was seated, accompanied by a bottle and an empty glass. Lex was looking back at them. Valerie caught his eye for a moment, but just as quickly she turned away.

“Ignore him,” Valerie said, stopping Will by placing a hand on his chest. “It’s not worth it.” Will’s gaze was still fixed on Lex, but the tension eased some under her touch. “Hey, he’s just trying to cause trouble,” Valerie said, turning her back to Lex and looking up at Will. “Don’t let him.”

Will exhaled, frustrated. “I just — “

“ — I know.” Valerie said, stopping him. “Let it go.”

She grinned, “Hey, you gotta stop worrying about it, because if he comes over here, I’ll kick his ass.”

Will managed a laugh, “Yeah, I know you will.”

so lex isn’t even in her phone b/c she def deleted his number 

back when it was, his picture was probably something of the two of them together at the hamptons!! like a really cute one that natalie had snapped and sent to her 

again he doesn’t have a ringtone b/c he’s not a contact