danger.

hannah: i can help. what's up though? wWHO HURT YOU???

tara: IM NOT HURT IM .... CONFUSED

tara: i wouldn't even let him have the benefit of thinking he could hurt me ugh

ana: i can't remember the last time i slept more than 5 hours it's fine

ana: what's going on babe?

tara: ok great because we might need to go out

pip: sounds serious

pip: i can try and help!

tara: it's not really serious im just being dumb

tara: again

hannah: what a shock im awake, what's up?

tara: knew you would be

tara: its late i know

somehow, the tension seems to be lifted. it’s as if at the same time, the two of them both realized what was at stake. they both had very little people on their side as it was and in a way, they needed each other. he’s grateful that she didn’t give up on him. “i needed a break,” he sighs. “so unlike me, i know. you know how much i love being in the spotlight, i’m all about the intention. and the constant interrogation about baby names? so much fun.”

at least she had confirmation that he put whatever happened behind him and she was grateful for that. honestly, she was grateful for a lot of things. tara couldn’t possibly imagine how shitty her life would really be without niko–– and possibly ingrid because there wouldn’t be any way she’d be visiting her if that meant seeing niko. it was all done and over now, she didn’t have to worry about those type of scenarios. another laugh was forced out of the blonde, “ baby names, wedding details, hounded by parents in law. i’m know you’re having a blast. “

     “my date?” damon echoes, smile edging on feral in his acrimonious amusement. “don’t be stupid. i have no patience for formalities.” he pinches her chin, a gesture meant to be exactly as condescending as it is. “or was that your roundabout way of asking me whether i’m here with somebody?” he knows there’s likely a limit to how far he can push tara before she’ll either push back or simply cut herself off, and while some part of damon would regret the loss of a good hookup, he’s also interested in spite of himself to discover what that line is. and anyway, he enjoys the banter too much to care whether he’s testing her boundaries or not. the moniker she gives him only widens his grin, particularly in light of the fact that he can tell she’s annoyed. he’d like to think that she truly had been itching for his attention this last week, but even if that isn’t the case he’s satisfied enough by the fact that the accusation would ruffle her feathers. “i have to do something to keep myself occupied, don’t i? this place is decidedly lacking in opportunities for intellectual stimulation. and by the way, it’s rude to call something twisted if you’ve recently had it between your legs–those are basic manners, tara.” he drains the rest of his whiskey and hands it off to a passing waiter without looking at him. “is your heart set on being in a petulant mood tonight, then, or would you like to get another drink with me? at least if you do end up drawing the monopoly guy you’ll be drunk enough to accept your fate.”

       “cute? ouch. really breaking my heart here tara.” he said dramatically bringing a hand to his chest. “i look more than just cute you know it. i know it. everyone at this dumb benefit knows it.” he laughed doing a little spin to show off his suit and how good he looked in it. “but i get it, gotta just call me cute cause the parents are around.” he said with a subtle wink.

the blonde laughs when he spun around, “ you’re right. you definitely are the sexiest guy here. “ she says in a whisper, returning a wink. james was really lightening the mood and she coudn’t stop giggling. “ well, “ tara begins before grabbing her flute of champagne. “ aren’t you going to compliment me back ? “ 

Cynthia couldn’t help but snicker at the girl’s comeback. It should’ve affected her but instead she saw it as a funny cliché. “Wow, that’s the best you’ve got? If you’re gonna diss me at least make it original.” She replied, taking a step closer to her. “You know, bitterness really doesn’t suit you Tara. I mean, it’s not my fault he likes me better and you’re here alone, that’s just how life works. Get over it,”

“ do you really think i care, cynthia ? “ she asks as she eyes the girl when she steps closer. tara scoffs, folding her arms. the whole situation was petty –– cynthia dating her ex and trying to make her jealous over it was such a far stretch. if novak was happy, good for him, although she knew he could do better. “ sweetheart, if you honestly believe i’m bothered by you dating my ex you’re more delusional than i thought.. –– but trust me, novak and i both know he’d drop you for me any day. “ a smile on her face. “ and if you don’t leave me alone, i might prove that to you just so you’ll get the fuck out of my face. “

for all intents and purposes, he knows he should avoid her. but he can’t help it, tara has always been a source of comfort and he needs that more than ever now. with the supposed baby on the way and half the upper east side hating him for it. “don’t you know?” he teases, “i’m not supposed to drink while i’m pregnant.” he reaches for the bottle anyway, taking a swig before passing it back to her. “having a good night?” 

the argument, fight–– whatever you want to call it, really opened her eyes. she knew that it was possible to lose niko and it was the last thing she wanted. especially over something so little that didn’t matter, hell, he was probably just over stressed with everything happening in his life. it was far worse than what tara was going through. the blonde lets out a small laugh, taking place beside him. “ i guess i can’t complain, “ she says before taking a large sip from the bottle. “ how are you, though ? i wasn’t expecting seeing you up here by yourself. “