LOS ANGELES — CALIFORNIA

DECEMBER 01, 2016

— You're gonna come for me, sweetheart?

If you asked Scarlett to name her favorite view, she'd likely choose her current one — though, in truth, she could never settle on just one. Seated in the front row, she had the perfect vantage point to watch the entire show unfold before her.

Eyes up, she could see the extraordinary view. A body swaying to the rhythm of rising pleasure, its skin flushed and glowing more intensely with each passing moment. Muscles rippled beneath glistening skin, every curve and line taut with the tension of approaching release. The sheen of sweat caught the light, bringing out the dips and swells as it moved, a mesmerizing display of physicality and passion.

The chest rose and fell rapidly, each breath a struggle to maintain composure against the onslaught of sensation. Fingers gripped the sheets tightly, knuckles white as if they were the only anchor in a storm of ecstasy. The abdomen quivered, muscles contracting involuntarily as the pleasure built, coiling tighter and tighter within the core.

— Please, Elle moans, her hands threading through Scarlett's hair. Don't stop... It feels s-so good.

Scarlett's grin grew even more cheeky, her eyes drifting lower to fully appreciate the scene before her. The legs were spread, quivering slightly, the thighs slick with the undeniable evidence of desire. Toes curled, and the back arched, as if the body were trying to escape the overwhelming intensity but finding no refuge.

Fingers sliding deeper, Scarlett felt Elle's hips begin to move, instinctively seeking more with each gentle roll. The rhythm was unspoken, a wordless dialogue between them as Elle's body arched toward Scarlett's touch, craving the fulfillment that was just out of reach. Every movement was a silent plea, a delicate dance of desire, as Elle's breath hitched and her grip on Scarlett's hair tightened, urging her to keep going, to push her further into the bliss she so desperately sought.

— I need your mouth.

A slow, wicked smile spread across the blonde's lips as she heard the plea, her chuckle low and almost predatory. The sound vibrated between them, teasing, promising. Scarlett leaned in closer, letting her breath ghost over Elle's skin, savoring the anticipation.

— Oh, darling, she murmured, her tone rich with amusement. You're gonna have to be patient. I'm just getting started.

***

As the sun beat down intensely on the windows, the young actress stirred, waking from a well-earned yet impromptu sleep. The warm light filtered through the glass, casting a golden glow across the room as she slowly sat up, blinking away the remnants of her slumber. She swallowed several times, her mouth dry and pasty, an unmistakable aftertaste lingering on her tongue from the earlier activities.

Beside her laid the woman whose smell and taste now felt intimately united with hers, one arm still thrown protectively around her. Elle reached out beyond herself, her fingertips running along the blonde's jawline. It felt almost familiar now. So much that it felt equally terrifying. Neither of them had intended this to happen, but it was fair to say that their little secret mutually benefited both of them.

Scarlett had recently become the mother of a little girl and had just divorced her husband, who lived on the other side of the Atlantic. In Elle, she found both carnal and emotional comfort, things she'd clearly been craving in recent months.

For Elle, it was different. She saw in the New Yorker a multitude of things. It started with what you might call a crush. She watched from a distance, trying to temper the red in her cheeks as soon as the woman spoke to her. But then, she got a taste and knew she would want more.

As her phone read 6:30 pm, Elle jumped to her feet, a series of complaints escaping her still sex-red lips. She hadn't planned to stay this late. In her haste, she let Scarlett's arm bounce back on the mattress, waking the actress in the process.

— El? What's going on? she mumbled, reaching for the sheet and pulling it up to her chest. Why are you running around naked in my room?

The brunette didn't stop, gradually picking up her clothes from the floor. Her jeans and underwear made it to the bedroom, but she's sure her T-shirt got lost on the way. She pulled on her socks, dancing on one foot and then the other. Scarlett said nothing, enjoying the view as Elle bent over again, looking for her panties.

— What have you done to my panties?

Scarlett's laugh was husky and drew a smile to the corner of Elle's lips despite her serious expression. The sheet slipped from her grasp and the fine breeze hit her nipples. From under the pillow, she removed the black lace underwear and dangled it from her index finger.

— Looking for this, pretty girl? her smirk gave Elle the urge to throw a pillow at her. Maybe you should come and see if you can get it back.

The lingerie spun around the index finger, wrapping around itself, until Scarlett slipped it under the sheets. Elle let out a grunt and watched the fabric disappear between her lover's thighs.

— I need it, Ley, whined Elle, climbing onto the bed. I'm already super late. Please.

Straddling the blonde, the younger woman's body, naked except for her socks, hovered above her. Her hand slid under the sheets in search of the highly coveted object. She lightly caressed a few curves, the path now hardly unfamiliar, until she hit her target.

— You're no fun.

Elle got to her feet and raised a scoffing eyebrow. She narrowly dodged Scarlett's wandering hand and slipped on her underwear and jeans. Now was no longer the time to play.

— Speaking of fun, the brunette sat back down on the edge of the bed. Since Carter will remain in my care, I've established a few rules with him. One of them is that he must have my permission to invite anyone to the house. And no lovers, even for me.

Words were just words to Scarlett as she watched her friend, still topless, stand so close to her. She'd never been a fan of rules and now was no exception. She leaned in, just enough to let her lips slide down Elle's shoulder, then into her neck.

— It's a good thing we're just... very special friends, then.

The young woman's scoff turned into a low moan as Scarlett's teeth nipped at her skin once more. If this were an interrogation technique, Elle would have told her everything by now. She ran her fingers through the blonde's short hair, keeping her face as close as possible.

— You make it hard to leave, gasped Elle, her right breast cupped in a gentle palm. I'm really behind...

— Do I get to see you tomorrow?

Scarlett showered Elle's face with kisses, working her way up to her lips. She couldn't contain herself, she wanted more. If their respective schedules allowed, Scarlett would take the young brunette hostage for several days in a row.

— Can't... I promised Carter I'd help him redecorate the room.

At the thought of her brother, Elle leaned back just enough to plant a kiss on her lover's lips. She unsettled Scarlett just long enough to get up and flee from temptation. She gathered up the last of her belongings before taking one last look at the bed.

— Don't think too much about me, Johansson!

•••

LOS ANGELES — CALIFORNIA

DECEMBER 06, 2016

Carter hated Los Angeles. 

From its sweltering heat to its crowded streets and inhabitants. He'd only been there two short weeks and was already missing Portland. Not what he would have liked to call home, or the people who were supposed to be his family, but the city itself. The alleys of Japanese maples, the café where he played his first guitar notes in public and, above all, the weather in favor of a snowy Christmas.

Here, the air was stifling and the sun never seemed to take a break. Even sprawled out in his new bed, the atmosphere seemed to descend on him, crushing his chest. Repainting the walls and assembling the furniture had been an ordeal for him. Unlike his sister, who seemed accustomed to the Californian air, Carter was still wiping the corner of his eyebrow and inhaling every second. 

In the car, the ordeal was the same. But at least he could enjoy the occasional light breeze. He leaned back, his cap hitting the headrest of the seat, his long legs stretched out to the glove compartment. For someone who has money, he thought, it's definitely no luxury.

— Don said it’s a very good school, reminds Elle, taking her eyes off the road for a second. They have excellent results and programs. 

— Yeah, whatever… 

Chewing gum wrapped around his tongue, Carter blew until the bubble burst in his face. Elle flinched at the sound though she tried to hide it. She nudged her brother's shoulder, a heavy sigh covering Buddy Guy's voice.

— I'm doing this for you. 

It was as if the words were floating around in the vehicle without ever reaching their intended target. The dark-haired teenager's face was now glued to the glass, his eyes glued to the immense building looming overhead. It was by no means the same kind of school as the one Aunt Nancy had placed him in. 

The facade alone was impressively large. From their parking place, he could see teachers dressed in a clean and serious manner, but also students who did not seem at all to be petty criminals. Yeah, it was definitely a big change.

— I know it's nothing like the shithole we grew up in, but I think you're going to love it here.

Carter simply shrugged, following the actress blindly, hands clutching his backpack. He relied heavily on his feet to lead him to the right place. The sight of the path through the trees didn't interest him. He wanted to see the branches move with the light breeze and the white chalk of the walls lighten with the sun. If he had to face this view for the rest of the year, then it was nothing like the hell he'd imagined.

— Ah. Ms. Wiley, it's a great honor to have you here in our school. The school principal spent some extra time buttering Elle up, before realizing Carter’s presence. And you, young man, must be Carter.

Carter shook her hand and gave a brief, shy smile. He suddenly felt his cheeks heating up, just as they did when attention was focused on him. Only this time, Elle was right by his side.

— I hear you have an excellent program for athletes. I'm quite interested, can you tell me more about it?

The woman went into her lengthy explanations and began guiding her guests around the establishment. Elle didn't care much for the school's sports program, but she knew Carter did. He trailed behind the two women, his gaze darting all over the place, swallowing each piece of information he was given.

His sister was right. This building was nothing like the one they'd known. The corridors were huge, well-lit and furnished with rows of lockers that still looked new, or at least functional. He was surprised to find that the refectory was clean and free of tags on walls and tables, something to which he'd become accustomed in his old school. Only a few kilometers stood between him and the place he had once known, yet he had the distinct impression of being in another world. 

When both women halted, Carter missed his cue and lightly jostled his sister. He murmured a simple apology, tightening the grip on his backpack straps. Elle quietly patted his shoulder and prompted him to focus on the space in front of them, where one of the school’s gymnasiums stood out. Her knowing smile betrayed her familiarity with her brother's interests. There were only two places to find Carter: the music classroom and the gymnasium, ball in hand.

— Coach Cruz has already studied your profile, Carter. Let me tell you, if you keep up the good work, you'll soon be the team's new star.

The brunet only nodded, too absorbed by the sound of soles on the wooden floor, the whistles and the power of the strikes to find words. Los Angeles may not have been home, but this place could be. 

He could already see himself practicing for hours on end, improving his sets and shots, making this room his reference point. The equipment didn't look as bad as he'd imagined. 

Here, at least, they had equipment.

— I have a couple of matters to settle with Mrs. Hale. stated Elle, her hand massaging the nape of her brother's neck. Why don't you introduce yourself and take a walk? I won't be long.

Before he could react, Principal Hale had already called the coach over to them. Cruz was a man in his fifties, with an athletic bearing and a posture that showed immense respect. His handshake was strong and seemed genuine. And for the first time since he'd been in his sister's company, Carter saw a man more preoccupied with his sport than with the actress' beautiful face.

— Hey son, welcome to the team. Cruz guided him with a hand on his shoulder, his fatherly posture almost reassuring for a young boy like Carter. You're gonna love it here!

•••

PORTLAND — OREGON

March 12, 2006

Age of sixteen.

A time when innocence teeters on the brink of experience, when the world holds promise yet conceals treachery beneath its surface. In this fragile balance, Elle navigated the complexities of adolescence, unaware of the threats awaiting her, poised to disrupt her delicate existence.

As she walked back home, the memory of her first kiss lingered like a sweet torment, each step echoing her heartbeat that had quickened in that shared moment. The night air whispered secrets around her, carrying the scent of blooming jasmine that mingled with the fragrance of her own racing thoughts.

Her mind replayed the soft brush of lips against hers, the electric thrill of connection that had sparked between her and Elena Price. It was a moment suspended in time, filled with the sweetness of stolen glances and the promise of what could be.

Lost in reverie, Elle traced the path through the dimly lit streets, her senses attuned to every sound and sensation. The rhythmic beat of her heart matched the cadence of her footsteps, each pulse a testament to the whirlwind of emotions swirling within her.

With each passing moment, the weight of their shared kiss settled deeper into her bones, leaving her breathless and yearning for more. She knew nothing would ever be the same again, that the lines between friendship and something more had blurred irreversibly.

As she approached the side of her home, Elle paused, reluctant to let go of the magic that had enveloped her in its embrace just yet. But reality beckoned, pulling her back from the brink of fantasy and into the harsh light of day.

With a heavy sight, the brunette squared her shoulders and stepped forward, climbing the brick wall leading to her bedroom window and right into the familiar comfort of home. Yet, even as she closed the window behind her, the memory of their kiss lingered a tantalizing promise of what lay ahead. The warmth of that connection set her teeth on edge against the chill running through her bones at the sight of her aunt standing there, her expression a mixture of anger and disapproval.

Turning around slowly, Elle's heart sank as she met her aunt's stern gaze. Guilt washed over her as she searched for the right words to explain herself.

—Where have you been? her aunt demanded sharply.

Elle swallowed hard, her throat suddenly dry as she tried to think of a plausible excuse.

—I... I was just out with a friend.

But her aunt wasn't fooled.

—Don't lie to me, Elle, she admonished. I know you were with that girl again. How many times do I have to tell you that it's not right?

Elle's heart sank lower with each word, the weight of her aunt's disapproval crushing her spirit. She knew she couldn't hide the truth any longer.

—That's not what you think... I mean... I...

The brunette's attempt to explain herself was cut short by her aunt's stern interruption.

—Stop lying, Elle! her aunt's voice was firm, leaving no room for argument. Carter already told me everything.

The words hit Elle like a blow to the gut, knocking the breath out of her lungs. She felt a rush of betrayal wash over her, mingling with the sting of her aunt's accusation. How could Carter have betrayed her like this?

Her mind raced with questions, but she knew there would be no answers forthcoming. Carter remained silent, his eyes fixed on the floor, unable to meet his big sister's gaze. The bond of trust between them had been shattered in an instant, leaving the teen girl feeling adrift and alone.

As her aunt's stern gaze turned towards Carter, Elle's heart sank once again.

—Go downstairs with your uncle, she ordered, her voice cold and unforgiving.

Carter hesitated for a moment, casting a pleading glance at Elle before reluctantly obeying. As he disappeared from view, the woman turned her attention back to her niece, her expression darkening with anger. Elle's stomach churned with apprehension as her aunt reached for the leather belt at her side. The familiar sight sent a shiver down her spine, and she knew she was in for it.

Without a word, her aunt stepped forward, the belt dangling ominously from her hand. Elle braced herself for a punishment she knew was inevitable, the weight of her actions settling heavily upon her young shoulders.

The sting of betrayal from her own brother, the disappointment in herself for sneaking out, and the fear of the impending punishment all mingled together in a tumultuous whirlwind of emotions.

With a deep breath, Elle closed her eyes and prepared herself for what was to come. As the first strike of the belt landed, she gritted her teeth against the pain, feeling the sharp sting sear through the flesh of her back. With each subsequent blow, she endured the punishment silently, a silent testament to the harsh realities of being sixteen.

In that moment, Elle realized the risks and consequences of her actions, the fragile line between innocence and experience becoming all too clear. As she stood there, bearing the brunt of her aunt's discipline, she knew that this was just the beginning of the challenges she would face on the journey to adulthood.

•••

Taglist:

LOS ANGELES — CALIFORNIA

NOVEMBER 29, 2016

The numerous gifts Elle had bought didn’t quite work out as she’d hoped. Despite how much Carter seemed to love his new sweatshirt – a welcome replacement for the one with the holes in it, he remained as silent as a tomb. He would sometimes appear, like a ghost haunting their halls, headphones on, finally emerging from the nest he’d built himself in the spare bedroom. But the household felt even more oppressively silent than when the actress lived out her loneliest moments.

It had taken almost 24 hours before Carter agreed to eat something, 12 more before he finally looked into his sister’s eyes, and 72 hours for him to whisper a simple word. Elle was watching him drown with a heavy heart, finding herself grappling under the weight of her helplessness. She knew they had to talk. Only, she couldn’t even imagine herself reaching out to the young man, her words stuck in her throat as she desperately sought a way to communicate with him.

From the foot of the stairs, Elle experienced a truly different perspective. She’d lived here for several years but had never looked at her stairwell from this particular angle. From down there, she was almost dizzy. The distance between her and the floor — and therefore from Carter, seemed immense. The longer she stared, the more her heart swayed. She felt like she was on the upper deck of one of those huge ships. Skin still dotted with droplets of sweat and baby hairs sticking to the nape of her neck from her training session didn’t help with the floating sensation.

As she danced on her heels, leaning on the first step of the staircase, a set of words lost in the depths of her throat, a soft knock at the front door startled her. However wrong it may sound, she was grateful to anyone who might interrupt her contemplation. Another second and Elle was convinced she’d drown in the ocean swirl.

From the few colorful stained-glass windows on either side of the door, the brunette could make out a silhouette she would easily recognize even in complete darkness. The sun was drawing beautifully on their curves. In much the same way as Elle had done so many times before.

Stepping into the doorway, the actress spotted her own reflection in the wood-edged mirror by the staircase. The way the sun brought out the black ink on her arms, her brown locks pulled up into a messy bun, the very clothes she’d sweated in for hours still clinging to her slender body. Alarmed by her own scent, Elle buried her nose under her own armpit, relieved to detect the scent of the deodorant she had — perhaps abusively — applied to her skin that very morning.

The doorbell rang and Elle finally opened the wood-paneled door. Her tense, drawn features relaxed almost immediately into a smile. Now, she could breathe again.

— Hey, pretty girl, grinned Scarlett, book in hand. You left this back there.

The brunette clung desperately to her door, eyes locked on the familiar face in front of her. Light eyes, blond hair, full lips, and that sweet perfume that floated up to her.

Lord, how she missed that face.

— What?

— I never understood the point of taking a book to the gym but... I thought you might like to read the final pages tonight.

Scarlett arched an eyebrow at her friend. She had noticed how forgetful Elle had seemed today. It started with an oversight in the locker room, then a lack of concentration in training, and now the book. And God knows Elle never forgets her books anywhere.

— You were there? wondered the brunette, replaying her memories over and over again. I– I didn’t even see you. When did you land in LA?

— This morning. I texted you.

Elle seemed to realize, her mouth taking on the shape of an O as she rested her forehead against the door. She'd been so overwhelmed by Carter's arrival and the resumption of training that she'd forgotten everything else.

— You did. I’m so sorry, these last few days have been… tricky.

— Let me in? prompted Scarlett gently.

The owner nodded softly, a thin smile on her lips. Despite everything, she was happy to welcome the New Yorker into her home. Time tended to pass strangely slowly away from her. It was as if their last trip to the other side of the Earth had taken place years ago.

— Are you okay?

Elle's face broke into a smile. She patted the blonde gently on the shoulder before moving into the living room.

— I’m always okay, replied Elle without so much as a twitch in her voice. Can I get you anything? Water, tea... a soda?

Scarlett followed into the kitchen, leaning against the counter with an air of disbelief.

— Since when do you drink soda?

— I don’t. Carter does.

Elle dipped her hand in search of one of those cans. She’d bought them the day after the young man’s arrival and they hadn’t left the fridge since. The icy metal almost burned her fingers. The very way all her attempts were reduced to ashes.

— Soda, then?

The brunette got her head out of the cold just in time before Scarlett swung the door shut. The can between her trembling fingers was quickly placed on the kitchen counter as her friend lifted her chin with two of her manicured fingers.

— I’ve tried everything, Elle confessed without further ado. I bought all the stuff a kid his age eats, I also bought clothes from those skate brands and tried to introduce him to the dudes so they could hang out, but…

— Have you tried talking to him?

Elle shook her head so quickly that it made Scarlett giggle. She had unconsciously tried to solve the problem by buying her brother’s love and passing it on to others. While Carter probably needed attention and love, Elle had given him nothing but isolation and constant push-back.

— Honey, he doesn't need all those material things or for Seb to show him his pecs. He needs you – his sister.

Elle couldn’t help but sigh heavily. She had spent so many years apart from her own brother, now she felt like she was living with a stranger. She had left behind a little boy who loved Spiderman figurines, who loved to play tag with her, and who was very fond of her. But it was also the very same boy who had pushed her over the edge without even realizing it.

— He won’t talk to me.

Behind Elle's smile was a misty look. She could feel the tears burning her eyes, the way emotion stung her nose and tightened her throat. The weight on her shoulders seemed to grow heavier by the minute, getting a bonus every time Carter decided to ignore her a little more.

Sure, she’d abandoned him. But she had a good reason, right?

The lone tear on her cheek found refuge on Scarlett’s thumb. Once again, Elle found herself taken aback by her friend's gentleness. From the way Scarlett slid her hand up her neck, to the way she pushed a lock of hair behind her ear – to the way she tenderly kissed her lips.

Elle wanted to try and resist her but she instantly melted into the older woman. Her lips parted slightly to welcome the gentle gesture. Just for a fleeting instant, she forgot all about her brother on the upper floor.

As Scarlett broke the link between them, Elle couldn’t help but follow along, craving another taste of the simple act that so warmed her lower belly. She was met with nothing but emptiness and the warm breath of her beloved.

— Why don’t you try to relax while I have a chat with Carter?

— I’m perfectly relaxed, insisted Elle. Look, if even Seb couldn't get him to talk, I…

— Sebastian’s not a mom.

With that, the New Yorker slipped out of the kitchen, soda can in hand. Elle could hear her shoes on the stairs, her hand sliding against the railing, and her fingers knocking at the young man’s door. She hoped Scarlett was right. Sebastian wasn't a dad, she herself wasn't a mom - but Scarlett was. For such a short time, but she nevertheless was. It must have meant something.

It had to mean something.

•••

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA

NOVEMBER 23, 2016

It was not Elle's first time in this kind of situation.

She was no stranger to the massive meeting room, to high stakes encounters, or even to the presence of lawyers, but sitting across from the Russo brothers and Kevin Feige, the titans of the Marvel Cinematic Universe still felt like uncharted territory to her.

The weight of the moment bore down on her, the pressure more intense than ever. She felt like on the edge of a tennis court, her eyes darting from right to left as the two-party representatives spoke about deal-making and negotiation. It was perhaps her greatest pet hate. The way everything sounded like 'money', 'money', 'money', and nothing else.

Elle rubbed her temples, the intensity of competing voices debating terms and figures threatening to pull her into a haze of exhaustion. Though, the sight of her trusted agent — Don, scowling and clicking his pen endlessly, reminded her that she wasn't actually on her own.

He sat beside her, occasionally interjecting with his own thoughts and suggestions. But the actress could tell that even he seemed weary of the lengthy discussions. Seconds on his watch were sleeping away all too slowly for Elle's liking. So much so, that she even thought of getting Don a new one in good faith. Thus, in the near future, they may regain their freedom.

The distant panorama of Los Angeles beckoned, as good a distraction as that could be. A bright sun, still in peak condition for this end-of-year season, was still shining on the high skyscrapers. With a touch of imagination, Elle could picture herself under the star's rays, her skin gleaming in the radiant sunlight. She longed for a reprieve from the relentless demands of her career. She had in mind a warm place where she would go running each morning and swimming each afternoon. And when night would come, she'd feel her lips against her neck, her hands hovering over her thighs, slowly —softly— bringing her back to life.

—Ellie, Don nudged her discreetly. Your phone.

She hummed, suddenly snapping out of her reverie. One glance at her smartphone and she bid farewell to the good vibes of her inner world, greeting a blend of worry and urgency. This, then, was being hit by sisterly duty after many years of absence. Carter had to be a young man now, something like 16, maybe. And calling was definitely not part of his routine.

"Had to leave. I'm in LA. Please, come and get me."

Elle rose from her chair, all of a sudden, stammering an apologetic stride. She was well aware it was technically unethical for her to leave in such a way, but people would understand.

Right?

A few hasty explanations and she was off down the building's long corridors. Her thoughts raced alongside her footsteps, her heart pounding with concern as she tried to dial her brother's number, again and again. But all she heard was the voicemail. She settled for a brief text instead, letting him know that she was on her way.

It was hard to remember the last time she'd been to Los Angeles Union Station. Her body guiding her in pure automatism as she held a strong grip on the steering wheel. The congested city streets were not in their favor. Elle could feel a drop of sweat trickling down her forehead, anxiety making her its prey. There must have been a good reason behind Carter's escape from Oregon. Something bad. Maybe the same thing that had made her leave when she was around his age.

Once there, she soon spotted him. A tall, brunet, young man, his face partly hidden by a Dodgers cap. One of the few souvenirs Elle had been able to send him. He stood alone amidst the bustling crowd, backpack on his shoulders, skateboard under his arm, and guitar in hand. Anyone could have easily guessed he wasn't from around town. He appeared to have fled in the middle of the night, chased by his own demons.

Elle parked the car, heart aching, hands trembling. She locked eyes with her brother for the first time in what felt like an eternity. There, in his eyes, she saw their mother's gaze again. He was indeed taller than she had imagined. The memory of him as a child was now just that, a distant memory.

Undaunted, she reached out and welcomed Carter with a warm embrace. The boy breathed a sigh of relief, his sister's scent reminding him of home. He almost broke down right there, instantly, in the middle of the parking lot. Elle withdrew at the right moment, prompting him to swallow back his tears. She studied his face, a gentle hand caressing the wounds of a torment they never wanted to experience again. Their lips quivered, the weight of their past upsetting their own harmony.

—I am so sorry, whispered Elle.

Carter flashed her a shattered smile, his eyes brimming with tears as he snorted to himself. It was hilarious if you asked him. He, years later, was asking for help from the person who had left him behind and never looked back.

—Can we just go to your place? He tightened his grip on the strap of his bag, clearly impatient. I don't want to be here anymore.

Elle guided him to her vehicle, opened the trunk, and made it her business to stow his belongings. They traveled in silence, the tension palpable. At red lights, she stole glances at him, noting the changes time wrought upon him. He had grown, both physically and emotionally, since they had last seen each other. But the scars etched across his face told a story she could only begin to imagine.

A modest house wasn't exactly what he'd imagined all the way from Oregon. Carter assumed her sister now lived in a palace, a villa so impossibly spacious that she spent her time getting lost in each room as if in some kind of labyrinth. He was surprised to see a simple one-storey house, nothing luxurious but rather welcoming. Maybe the MCU wasn't paying as well as he thought after all.

Carter followed in his sister's footsteps, his arms full of his personal possessions. She guided him upstairs, to the end of the corridor, where he found a bedroom far more spacious than the last one he had lived in all his life. Everything seemed brighter and healthier than in his aunt's house. Everything was clean, the bed was made, and the air was filled with the sweet scent of laundry. Elle hastily retrieved a forgotten sweatshirt from the bed while Carter placed his stuff in a corner, nervous about disturbing anything.

—You can stay for as long as you wish, reassures Elle. You have your own bathroom right there. If you need anything, I–

The brunette stopped, her phone vibrating in her jeans pocket. She smiled apologetically at the boy, removing the device to answer. Don's deep voice echoed in her eardrum as she made her way back downstairs. He didn't press her about the meeting, the contract, or whatever. Carter was the object of their current concern. It was clear that he needed help and Elle was ready to lend a hand.

"He didn't say much, Don. I don't know how long he'll stay or what happened."

The actress was pacing back and forth in her living room, phone pressed to her ear. She wanted to bring Don her share of news, but she had nothing more to tell him. It was all a thick fog. So she listened to what he had to say. The two sides had reached an agreement. Her paycheck for the next MCU film was at an all-time high, at least for her. And she would finally be able to resume physical training for the next production. It meant being away from home, seeing friends and old acquaintances, and getting back into the shoes of the character she once played.

Now that was a bit of positivity.

The call over, her schedule up to date, she stopped in her tracks, lost. She still had a 16-year-old upstairs who needed her help. Worry gnawed at her insides as she prepared a soothing, warm, drink for the boy. She needed to provide him comfort, to let him know that he was safe with her, that whatever he fled from could no longer reach him.

The comforting aroma of the beverage trailed her up the stairs, like sweet cocoa smoke. She knocked gently, the hot mug in her hands. Carter sat on the edge of the bed, hair damp, dried blood absent from his face. He'd found the skincare products in the bathroom. He looked up, his eyes red and swollen from the tears that had flowed and threatened to do so again.

And just like that, he broke again.

His composure crumbled, his tears flowing freely as he fell into Elle's waiting embrace. He clung to her like a lifeline in rough seas, his hands clutching her shirt in a last-ditch effort. Nothing could console the young Wiley, his prayers never to return to Oregon reaching the ears and hearts of the willing.

The actress didn't dare let go of him, a lump stagnating in her throat as she held back her tears the way she always had. She couldn't bring herself to send her brother back to where he came from, the weight of their scars far too heavy for them to part again.

His pain was hers, and thus her home would become his.

•••

Chapters and stuff here

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