You can't break that which isn't yours. I, oh, must go on standing.

♫ Michael Buble | it's a beautiful day
 
Rachel Dawes; cmc
super long and late collab with my @spacelava
 
"What's wrong, baby?" I heard harvey's voice in my ear before feeling his warm breath on my nape. His strong arms wrapped around my waist and i felt the skin of my neck crawling under the soft touch of his lips. I turned my face slightly to meet his gaze, "nothing, why-" I asked confused as he crashed his mouth on mine, melting my words half way. He kissed me quietly, turning me into is arms to take my face in his hands, "i have never seen you so quiet like in these past days" he breathed on my lips as he bore his eyes in mine, worringly. I bit down on my bottom lip resisting the urge of bursting out in cry, knowing of my stupid kiss with paxton at dick's birthday. Harvey knew me too well and i had behaved like a silly girl for the past days avoiding confrontations. He raised my chin with a catious finger, eventually smiling and placing another chaste kiss on my lips, "has something happened?" He added, thoughtfully after a while, while i felt my stomach swirling furiously in guilt. Was i supposed to tell my fiancèè that i had kissed another man during his absence? Even if i knew already that, yes, i was supposed to, i felt my own mouth unable to speak the truth, knowing he would break his heart (and mine) to hear it aloud.. "I swear i'm fine" i replied with a forced smile, raising on the tips of my feet to kiss him. I moved my lips on his first gently, then more daringly, rubbing my body against his eloquently, "i should go back to work. There is a pile of briefcases waiting for me on the kitchen table..." Harvey stated quetly not really convinced as i moved my hand down the hem of his shirt to pull it up his head, tossing it on the floor, casually. He groaned as i moved my hands on his shoulder and down his chest, smiling cheekily, "relax" i purred in his ear as he looked at me half-puzzled. Something definitey was wrong if i was playing naughty, since i was very shy in everything that concerned sex and we both knew it but he seemed ok with it probably happy to find sometime for ourselves. with harvey's sister living sharing our home we rarely had time to behave as we wanted to, so making love on the sofa in full daylight? that was definitely a rarity. I felt ashamed for my own behaviour as i realized that i was trying to divert his attention from my strange behaviour with my body. My cheeks turned a dark shade of pink but harvey's mouth met mine half thought, making me forget about me and bringing me back to my gorgeous half-naked boyfriend whose lips dropped to my neck. i pushed him carefully on the huge leather sofa in the living room, sitting astride on his lap, "i love you" he wispered in my ear gently as he fred me of the tank top i was wearing. I felt a sting of guilt as for a minute damian's face appeared in my mind. I shrugged it off, moving my hand down to harvey's belt and trying to unbuckle it when the door bell rung. "Ignore it" harvey muttered quietly as i had turned my head towards the door quizzically. I dropped a few kisses on his shoulder when it rung again, longer this time. Harvey placed a long wet trail on my neck trying to lower the tiny strape of my bra down my arm when i stopped him placing my hand on his, "i should go". he groaned as i raised from his lap, "just a sec" i said placing a kiss on his cheek, taking my shirt from the carpet and running to the door. I slip it in and opened it. Lotte..” I said as i spotted my friend behind, “Is everything alright?” I asked looking at her strained face and messy hair, feeling concerned.. The last time i had seen her she was lying on a bed with open stitches on her ribs. Seeing she wasn't answering i raised a eyebrows and opened the door wider, letting her step inside the apartment. I silently wished harvey had put back his clothes on as she lingered outside for a couple of more second. “He's gone, Rache.” she finally stated, sobbing into my arms. “Dick is gone. He..he..he left me!” I soothingly rubbed her back, trying to calm her down as she wept in my arms. I let herself in and with slow steps she walked inside the huge the hall and into the living room. “Hi Harvey.” She casually waved at him, who stared at her with a surprised expression, before nodding his head 'hello' stiif as a rock. Of course i knew he wouldn't be happy being interrupted and all.. “I tried everyone. Bruce, Alfred, Wally!” She threw herself on the sofa, making me blush at the tought of me and harvey on it just a minute ago. she covered her face with both hands, “And neither of them wants to tell me where Dick is!” She sobbed in her hands, trying to hide since harvey was still there, awkwardly staring at her. “Papa was right.” I finally calmed down my sobs, so I was able to speak. “He said that a boy like him will eventually break my heart. Just like the rest of them!” I pulled her into a comforting hug once again, but turning slightly to send harvey and apologizing smile, moving my head eloquently to let him give us some privacy.
 
I looked at her, hugging her and patting awkwardly on her shoulder while she sobbed quietly in my arms. "did something happen before?" I inquired, wondering why dick would have left her when they had looked utterly adorable just a week ago at his birthday. She shrugged, rubbing her face roughly wiping away some tears, "i fucked up" she whispered, more to herself than to me really, biting down her bottom lip. I raised a brow, pulling her with me on the couch and pushing some hair away from his face; she raised her watery eyes on me, "i told him" she stated with a big sigh before shifting her gaze away to a random place on the wall, "about the whole batgirl thing" she added lowering her tone dramatically and glancing suspiciously around herself as to accertain that harvey was nowhere to be seen. I widened my eyes, passing a hand through my already messy hair, "when?" I asked curiously, taking her hand to eventually convince her to look at me. She sighed again heavily, meeting my eyes, "yesterday" she muttered catching the soft flesh of her bottom lip again between her teeth, torturing it. "We were at my place and we were talking and-" she paused shortly, "i don't know why but i couldn't resist. I told him the thruth" she dropped her head in her hands. I neared her, placing a hand on her shoulder, stroking her softly, "what did he say?" I asked after a moment with tiny voice. She shook her head vigorously before turning to face me with swollen eyes, "nothing". I frowned visibly seeing as she wasn't adding anything, "nothing?". She nodded slightly, "he put on his trousers back" she stated thoughtfully making me blush at the intimate image in my mind, "and he walked away. Without a word" .
 
“Have you tried Wally?” I ran my fingers through my hair, my cheeks still slightly red. “Yeah. I told you. But he didn't tell me anything. Said he was too busy..” Charlotte sighed, sadly. “Who was too busy? Dick?” “No. Wally. Some strange murders have been happening these past weeks and he had tons of paperwork stacked on his desk.” She shrugged, but she eventually raised her gaze on me since i was staring in an awe. “What does Wally do, again for living?” I titled my head to the side. “He's in the forensic department.” She answered, quizzically.” Wait, what has Wally have to do with this?” “Wally's in the forensic department..”I muttered as it was hard for me to believe. “That goof ball is in the forensic department?” “Yeah...” She nodded slowly. I quickly got up and started pacing around the living room. “He works for Gotham PD?” “Yeah...” “He knows John Blake?” “Yeah, but he and Dick almost always talk shit about him.” It's a fact. Give Dick and Wally a bottle of beer and a football game and they will gossip like a bunch of girls. Mostly about the d.ouchebags and amatuers that work for the police department, but somehow they always round up at John Blake. Honestly, I don't get why they hate the guy so much. He seems nice. Well, at least to me. “That's where we will go.” I quickly grabbed my bag and coat from a near chair and walked to the kitchen, quietly. “John Blake?!” I heard charlotte calling after me as i approached harvey from behind, placing both hands on his stiffen shoulders, “But Dick hates him!” I giggled at charlotte's silly words as i place a chaste kiss on my fiance's cheek, "i need to go" i whispered in his ear. He turned to look at me in a strange way i couldn't quiet understand, raising a brow "where?". I turned up my nose at his words since he rarely was the intrusive type, "girls time" i leant my head to the side addressing to charlotte in the other room. He nodded toughtfully, smiling, "sure" he replied but he sounded not so sure. "Are we okay?" I asked caressing his cheek tenderly and looking at his blue eyes that now stared at me, "i don't know, you tell me. You are the one behaving strangely" he eventually sighed, turning back to his papers, avoiding my eyes on purpose. I kneeled next to him, "charlotte is worried for dick.... i had to let her in even tough i would have preferred to keep taking care of you" i teased him, smiling weakly. He turned to smile back at me, "you better go" he said, leaning to kiss me sweetly, "you'll make amends later for leaving me on the edge". i grinned as i raised from my knee and leaving the room. I turned to look at harvey a last time before saying goodbye and i felt like crying at the tought of what i had done. I could barely understand how i could have cheated on him since i loved him so much. I was scared to death at the idea of telling him, mostly because i knew that he would forgive me without blinking when i could not forgive myself for doing it. “Not really. They use to be best friends back in high school.” I walked back into the living room, putting my consciousness to the side. Charlotte raised her eyebrow and stared at me quizzically, “They use to be friends?” “Well, Dick didn't always have Wally. Come on.” I nudged her in the shoulder and she followed me to the door. “How do you know these things?” “I used to date Bruce one time in my life, remember?” I shot her a smile and we exited her apartment.
 
Come on!" I repeated this time louder, seeing she wasn't moving but staring instead. She shrugged, flipping her head back, her strained face turning into a tiny smile, "thank you" she eventually said when we exited the house and walked to harvey's car parked behind the corner. "For what?" I teased, opening the door and taking my seat in front of the steering wheel. She laughed for the first time since she had barged into my house and i felt relived that i had managed to distract her even for a single minute. I sideglanced at her while we drove slowly through the city directed to the suburbs, "harvey was quiet this morning" charlotte said casually while we waited for a trafic light to turn green. I felt my stomach swirling knowing where she was going to arrive, "harvey is always quiet". I put on my most indifferent face while answering, careful not to meet her keen eyes as she scanned my face, inquisitively. "I thought it was because you had talked to him" she replied still staring while i made a sudden steer to squeeze ourselves on the principal street. "I haven't" i replied, pushing my foot on the accelerator ultimately the state highway to the suburbs, "i couldn't really. And this certaintly makes me a bad girlfriend, the worst even but please don't rub it in." I heard my own voice as it belonged to a strainger as it sounded frustrated at first, then pained, "sorry, we should focus on you now" i said when i spotted a neat row of creamy, familiar cottages.
 
"I always thought John lived in the city.“ charlotte said to me, althought it sounded like it was more meant for herself. "Living in the city is more expensive. Plus, maybe he likes quiet.“ i replied to her with a small smile, and gestured my hand in front of her."Go on.“ she nodded and approached the door. Her finger gently touched the door bell and We waited in silence. She glanced over her shoulder at me a couple of times, probably making sure that i was still there. After a couple of minutes the door finally opened. A worn out John opened the door and stare at her with sleepy eyes. The bags under his eyes were enourmous and he had a three day old beard. "Charlotte?“ he asked he quizzically and rubbed his eyes with his hands. "What are you doing here?“ charlotte shifted the weight from her left to her right leg as she pulled her lips into a small smile. "I...“ she stammered. "I'm looking for Dick.“ she added quickly and shifted her gaze on her shoes, looking half her age. "He's in Bludhaven.“ John answered through a sigh and I noticed him leaning on the door aisle. "Didn't he tell you?“ charlotte for a moment seemed at loss of words, "No.“ was all she managed to say. "Do you know where exactly he is?“ "Well, he started working just today, so if you wanna catch him, I advice you to go over the speed limit.“
 
****
 
After a long discussion I had eventually let her take the wheel. She drove around the streets of Bludhaven with curiosity and agknowledged that the city indeed /was/ Gotham's ugly sister. I personally liked it: it was little and calm. After a lifetime in gotham i had eventually come up to terms with my neverending lack of silence. "I can't believe that Dick might be a cop.“ i said said with a giddy voice, after a second of thought "That explains everything.“"„I'm not following.“ she replied grimly. "The reason why he dropped out of college?.“ I looked over at her, grinning. "He wanted to be a cop. He wanted to save lifes.“ "He wanted to get shot again.“ she remarked with tiny voice. "lotte, why are you like this?“ i asked, harsher than i intended to. She behaved like a child sometime and i couldn't really put a finger on it. "He never told me that.“ she said with a pout and focused on the road in front of her. "It's like he doesnt trust me.“ She gripped the wheel and stepped on the pedal. "He keeps secrets from me..“ she said through gretted teeth, getting angrier and angrier by the minute. "Well, you haven't been honest with him either, y'know.“ i replied quietly. she slammed her foot against the gas pedal,now driving with the speed of light through the streets of Bludhaven. "I told him! I told him about Batgirl!“ she cried, now on the verge of tears. "What else does he want from me!?“ i tightened the grip on the seat i was sitting on, trying to don't freak out at her sudden outburst, "Can I tell you what /I/ want from you?“ I suddenly said, with slight panic in my voice. "Slow down!“. that's when the police sirens echoed in our ear, of course. Charlotte slowed down and pulled over to wait for the cop. “Merde.” She cursed under her breath and placed her head over the steering wheel. “License and registration please.” the cop said and there i knew that our run was over, at least for today. I turned to meet the cop's eyes, dick's even though he didn't seem to recognize me. “Miss, license and registration, please.” “Charlotte, the officer asked you something.” I nudged her hand softly, trying to pull her to turn and see him. She straightened herself up and took out her ID. She handed it to dick without even looking at him. ugh. "Miss..” He said, “Can you please step outside?” She brushed her fingers throug herr hair nervously. She looked over at me, panicking, and i mouthed 'I will handle it.' She seemed slightly relived about my face and she slowly stepped out of the car. She eventually recognized him, her face turned in a shock grimace before she put on a fake calm face on. “Hey, Charlie.” was all he said. Really? What game was he playing? “So, what's it gonna be officer..” She crossed her arms over her chest. “What's my punishment?” “Just a warning.” he replied quickly, without removing his gaze from her. He gave her back her ID and she angrly snatched it from him. “Can we talk? My shift ends around eight.” I heard him say as she turned to get back inside the car. I tried to divert my attention from those two, trying to give them some privacy, but all i could hear were their angry voices . “So,now you want to talk?” She barked, gripping on the door handle, “After you left me there!?” She yelled at him and that's when i decided to step out of the car. I walked away, taking a few steps from them. I took my mobile from the back pocket of my jeans to text harvey. “I have nothing to say to you Dick! I thought I did, but...” I heard charlotte say before concentrating back on my fiancèè,
 
I'm sorry for behaving horridly, earlier.
We found dick, he is working as a cop in budhaven.
We'll be in our way back soon,
Love you,
Rachel.
 
I sent it before turning back to dick and charlotte still talking, “Nine o'clock. Please.” I heard him saying as he gently grabbed his hand. Charlotte quickly shrugged it off and swung her arm at his direction. with that swift move Dick was now standing a few feet away from her, his hands clutching his nose. “I'll see you at nine.” She straightened my shirt and entered the car and i followed her silently, my eyes wide as saucers. “You do realize you just assaulted a police officer?”
 
she glanced me with a cautionary look, before turning back to look to the street, eventually sighing before pushing on the accelerator and driving fastly away, without a second glance at dick and his car. She bit down on her lip, torturing it and chewing the inside of his cheek nervously as i kept my eyes fixed on her, "what?" she asked after a while when she realized that i wasn't going to desist. I shrugged, dramatically, "you tell me. We just drove for hours to find a person you don't even want to talk to". She puffed eloquently, looking straight in front of her with a deep frown drawn on her forehead, not bothering to answer me. I groaned as she kept ignoring me and we started our way back into gotham. It wasn't a long way but still, the quiet was unbearable and i wasn't a great fan of awkward silences. "What happened?" I turned to look again at the woman next to me and for the first time in ages i realized that she looked way younger of her 23 years, with those big, tired eyes and the blonde hair tied in a loose knot. "Seriously, charlotte" i repeated with a sympathetic smile, "what happened?". She was the one shrugging now, turning swiftly to look at me under her long lashes, "i freaked out" she sighed heavily, putting on a tight smile. I stretched my hand to touch hers on the wheel, tightening the grip on it and i saw her relaxing slightly. "It's ok to be scared, you know" i replied quietly, looking out of the window to the trafic and the city lights in the background, "you speak for experience?" She asked, giggling, lightening the mood instantly at her obvious reference evne if i felt my stomach twisted in guilt at the sudden thought of my brief interlude with paxton at dick's brithday. "Sorry, i didn't mean to be rude" she added with a tiny smile.
 

“It's fine.” I waved my hand dramatically, before turning my attention on the traffic. “You're gonna meet with Dick tonight?” I asked her after a long pause and shenglanced over at me, casually. “Yeah. He owes me an expectation.” She tightened the grip around the wheel, scaring me at the thought of our earlier driving experience “Promise me that you won't hit him again.” I said with a smile, teasingly “Only if you promise to talk to Harvey about the one who-shall-not-be-named.” she replied with a grin although she knew how uncomfortable i still was about the whole paxton power's "thing". “I don't recall kissing Voldemort, 'Lotte.” I joked, before changing to my serious expression. “Promise.” she added after a brief pause,staring at me with those sharp eyes of hers . She swiftly parked the car in front of my driveway, throwing a quick glance at me, as i inhaled deeply before letting out a long shaky breath. Was i really ready to tell harvey? Of course, I wasn't....but of course, for all that mattered, i would never be. She approached me, putting her hand on mine. “It's going to be okay" she assured me, “If he loves you, he will understand.” “That's the only reason I am afraid of" i replied fastly, immediately realizing of what i had said. I looked up at her, my eyes filled with tears. “He loves me too much.” I said after a moment, as it came to me like an epiphany. He indeed loved me too much but had it ever been a problem? Girls dreamt of men like harvey, of their open hearts.....“And you don't?” she raised my eyebrow at her skeptically. I stared at her blankly, shifting my gaze on the pavement, playing with the ring on my wedding finger. It shone bright through the foggy evening light, eloquently. I removed my hand from hers and ran my fingers nervously through my hair, “i always had and always will, for all that matters.” “It's going to be okay” she added before turning around, ready to head wherever her heart, and dick's, was driving her. “Call me, okay?” i turned quietly to the tall building in front of me, slowly nodding my head to say yes.
 
I turned my key into the door before entering the hall and walking to our apartment. I took of my coat leaving it on the sofa and making my way to the kitchen, "i need to talk to you about something" i stated as i spotted harvey, taking a big breath as i entered the room. My eyes reached him, who was standing with his back to the kitchen counter, handsome as always, in a pair of green flanel sweats. "you are back" harvey's voice called me from there, as he walked to me to place a quick kiss on my hair. I met his gaze with a tiny smile, trying to concentrate of what i had to say. i knew that it wasn't a mere kiss i was talking about: paxton had destabilized me with his intrusive, continuous attentions or the kiss would have meant nothing to me. eventually i dropped my gaze to the kitchen table, now in full dinner mode. He had put my favourite lilac tablecloth on it, and he had decorated it with fresh flowers in the colours of white and pink, my favourite. But the best thing was that, "you cooked-" i trailed, staring intently at the steaming pasta for two on it. He grinned, pumping his chest proudly and caressing my cheek adoringly, "just the best for my best girl" he replied as he took my hand and pushed me on a chair, "now sit, it's been a long day". I gulped at the sight of the candles whose light trembled next to our plates and the red wine he had clearly brought for us, "i know that this morning i told you that you've being acting weird, i must admit that i've been absent too these past days" He said, calculating his words while serving us the wine, "with all the wedding preparations going on and our works, we've barely seen each other recently and i miss you". I stared at him, open-mouthed as he spoke his heart to me, melting the little bravery i had found for my speech....he was so concerned that it actually broke my heart that i was the one putting space between us, "I can't wait for you to be my wife" he added with a wide smile as i gaped at him, speechless. "So-" he said taking a bite of past and chewing it slightly, "what did you want to tell me?". I stared at him, blankly, "uh?" I asked, taking some pasta in silence. "You said you wanted to talk to me" he replied, while washing the pasta with some wine and sending me one of his gorgeous, dazzling smiles. I coughed slightly, waving a hand in fron of me casually, "oh" i said with a tight smile, hearing in my head charlotte's angry voice, "nothing really. I forgot about it"
 
Created in the Polyvore iPhone app. http://www.polyvore.com/iPhone

♫ I Follow Rivers | Lykke Li

♫ how soon is now | the smiths
 
THE CITY IS MY CHURCH
rachel dawes; super late collab with my lovely @spacelava
 
“Hey..” charlotte's face turned to meet mine as soon as i greeted her “Hi..” she answered with the biggest grin and tugged a big chunk of hair behind her ear. “I’m sorry, I’ve been avoiding you for the past weeks.. it’s just, I needed some time to think..”i lowered my head at the explanation of my weird behaviour after she spilled out her secret. “..and I realized that I am completely lost without you..” i eventually admitted even though my consciousness screamed that i was the law and she was not only my bestfriend and maid of honour but a vigilante. “Well, you don’t have to worry, because I haven’t been avoiding you at all.” she straightened her dress, the grin still present on her face. “As a matter of fact, I finished all wedding arrangements. All you need is to choose what colors and patterns you want!” she states with her usual self-confidence “You did all that and...” i brought my face closer to hers and whispered, “..managed to save Gotham every night?” she shrugged. “No biggie. I’m used of having a busy schedule.” “Thank you.” i smiled genuinely and pulled her into a tight hug. god, if i had missed her... “So, where’s Dick?” i asked, referring to her boyfriend, this party was for his birthday after all. “Honestly? I have no idea...” she answered with a small pout and chugged down the last of her drink. “Does he know?” i inquired, thoughtfully, “About what?” she raised my eyebrow quizzically, even though we both already knew what my question was about. “You know, you being.. you know who..” “Nope. Don’t plan to.” she glance over at the barman, pointing her finger at her empty glass, asking for another drink. “You have to tell him! What if something bad happens to you!? How are you going to explain that!?” there was panic in my voice, i realized suddenly. “I’ll find I way. Like I always do.” she avoided my stare and continued to stare at the crowd filled with people. i sighed heavily.. “You’re going to just look him in the eye and lie to him?I thought you were better than that, Lotte.” she frowned visibly, eventually shrugging “Yeah, wel" she muttered, her lips tightened in a hard line, “..I will tell him when you tell Harvey about Paxton Powers..” my eyes widen and i could feel my face starting to change colors. how could she say something like this, knowing my situation?
 
I felt myself blushing deeply, as i stared blankly at charlotte trying to keep a straight face, "i don 't know what you are talking about". She raised a brow, smirking micheviously and flipping her gorgeous blond hair back, " he is super gorgeous and he likes you, that's what i'm saying" she leant to wisper in my ear, making me blush even deeper as i spotted him, talking casually with the mayor, to the other side of the room. I pursed my lip tightly together feeling suddenly upset, placing nervously a rebel wisp of hair behind my ear and taking a step away from her, waving the ring on my left hand just in front of her nose "i'm engaged, remember?" i replied as it was the most obvious thing to say, "plus, you are ranting". she frowned visibly, her pout eventually turning into a silly smile, "you can't even admit it to yourself". I crossed both arms on my chest, feeling somehow angry with her even if i knew that everything she had said was meant to be a joke and even so, she was so candid that there was no malice in her words. "admit what?" I asked, biting down my bottom lip. She smiled weakly, probably realizing how this conversation was fastly worsening, "it's alright to be tempted, you know-" she replied quietly, while i shook my head dramatically, "i'm getting married before summer so, no. It isn't alright" i stated with a tight smile, taking her arm and walking her to the drink table, "and you, silly girl, shouldn't try to justify me for thinking of another man" i eventually admitted, giving a quick glance around the room meeting the devil himself staring at me. "I don't even know why he keeps looking at me in that way. He makes me feel so exposed...." i whispered meaningfully, leaning my head in paxton's direction and making charlotte laugh. I thought of harvey's gentle gaze, how he made me feel beautiful and loved and how recently i couldn't stop my legs weakening under paxton's burning gaze. I had never seriously tought about betraying harvey, not even in my mind, never. I was totally in love with him and i couldn't really imagine my live with somebody else...but this guy's eyes on me were so tenacious that it was umpossible to ignore them and they were enough tempting to make me feel the most terrible girlfriend on heart. "He is a man after all" she winked, cheerfully handing me a flute of champagne, interrupting the consciousness stream of my thoughts
 
i chugged down the champagne like i hadn't been drinking in days and took another one from the passing waiter. “Please don’t get drunk like that last time..” charlotte said meekly, with a slight annoyance in her voice. i shrugged, “What last time!?” i asked pretending i couldn't remember, but i was sure she knew i knew judging from the red on my cheeks. she rolled her eyes and gave a quick look around. “So..” i playfully nudged her in the ribs, with a cheeky smile. she suddenly let out a not so quiet wince and covered the place i had hit her with a hand. “..oh my God. I am so sorry.. I completely forgot about.. /that/.” i covered my mouth with my hands, scanning her face trying to spot any sign of pain. “It’s fine..” she shook her head, smiling. “It didn’t hurt that much, anyways..” she shrugged, even though her face seemed to say otherwise.”What were you going to ask me..” she asked, suddenly going back to our previous conversation. i shook my head, as i was trying to remember. “Ahm, I was going to ask you what kind of present did you get for Dick..” i blurted out, since i had forgotten what my question was about “You’re looking at it..” she said casually while taking a sip from her champagne and avoiding my stare completely. i glanced at her in amaze, confused about what she was trying to tel me. “I thought you guys have already.. y’know..” “Had sex?”she asked making me blush like a schoolgirl, “Yeah, we have..” she nodded and took another sip. “I actually got him a tie... the sex is something that comes afterwards..” i nodded, uncomfortably, “And how are you going to explain /that/..” i subtly pointed my finger at her ribs. “I’ll figure something out..-“ she replied casually, jumping slightly on her place as dick's arms wrapped around her waist. “That better be my birthday present you’re talking about..” Dick whispers in her ear, a playful smirk tugging on the corners of his lips. i shifted my gaze away from the couple as my cheeks started to redden at the thought of charlotte's words. “I should’ve gotten you a present?” she turned her entire attention towards him, “Merde, now what?” she added, teasingly clearly obtaining what she wanted since dick's mouth lowered to her ear whispering something. “I’ll see you Rachel..” she said with a incredibly high-pitched voice, whilst waving her hand at me. “Have fun you, too...” i replied, with a smile “Oh and Dick! Happy birthday..!” “Thanks..” he looked at me over his shoulder and smiled widely.
 
i turned, tugging the heavy fabric of my dress as i walked throuh the room greeting people i didn't care about. I still felt paxton's gaze on me as i moved around the room on my own, since my fiance had decided to stand me up for a few hours of work. How unexpected of him..... I had eventually decided to look for charlotte as i realized that she was probably giving dick his 'present' and i didn't really want to surprise them being kinky in some room. I bit down my bottom lip to suppress a laughter at the thought, "so you can actually smile" paxton's voice reached me from beihind. I rolled my eyes, turning to meet his and finding myself staring at how handsome he looked in a tailored blue suit. "What are you doing here?" I asked, waving my hand in front of myself eloquently." i was invited by the birthday boy himself" he shrugged, walking to my side as i decided to get lost in the crowd to avoid gotham's curious eyes. "I mean /here/" i addressed to the fact that he was still trying to talk with me when it was clear that we were no friends, or neither acquaintances for all that i knew. He laughed, tossing his head back, "i was bored" he said, honestly, while i glanced around the room scared that somebody could see us talking. Why was i behaving as a paranoid child? We were barely talking after all.... "Plus, you look beautiful" he added making me laugh. Seriously? With all the gorgeous female in these room? "You should really look more attentively...." I joked, feeling my cheeks on fire as he touched slihtly my back to make our ways through the room at eventually to the corridor. I tried to ignore the fact that his touch was burning on my little back as we reached one of the manor living rooms. The room was quiet as he probably had expected as we entered, and i turned to detach from him, "back off, powers" i said making him smile. He took a step away from me as i realized that i had been outrageously confy with him, "sorry but you didn't seem to mind". I met his eyes, trying to think straight about what i was doibg. Harvey was at home and i could see him with his head deep in a murdere's brief and here i was being flirty with a stranger. Because i was....even though i couldn't admit it, i was somehow flattered by the fact that one like paxton could be seriously fascinated by me. And the fact that his colougne was intoxicating? It didn't help, for sure, i thought shaking slightly my head.
 
i looked at him under my lashes, trying to focus on the undred and more reasons i shouldn't have founded myself following him here. i gulped, feeling a heavy wave of guilt as i noticed how he kept staring at me some feet away, "i don't know what i'm doing" i eventually spiled, feeling a rush of blood heating my cheeks up as he took a step forward. he nooded as he reached me and slipped my hand in mine making me jump slightly at his touch. i found myself awkwardly comfortable feeling his warm hand holding mine and that made me feel even worse, if that was possible. " shouldn't be here" i added as he tightened the grip of my hand, playing with the hard stone on my wedding ring. he raised a brow, " that must have costed a fortune" he said, with a smirk. i shrugged, trying to ignore him being so close, "it's a family inheritance" i replied as it was normal to speak with him about the ring harvey had given me.
 
eventually his smirky smile faded turning into a serious frown. the moment his eyes dropped to meet mine realized what it ws going to happen. he neared his face to mine, placing his lips on mine and i panted heavily as i felt the heath of a stranger mouth on mine. i closed my eyes, half ashamed half lost as he kissed me slowly. i tasted for the first time in years the feeling of somebody else's mouth and it tasted not only terribly wrong but delicious. he squeezed my hand probably trying to tell me that it was real when the sudden loud slam of an open door startled us. I jumped spotting dick on the other side of the room staring at us in disbelief. I blushed as the shame of what i had just done found its way in me, what had i done? "Rachel, i need you now" dick said, quizzically looking at me, "its's charlotte" he said dropping his gaze on my hand and paxton's still intertwined. I pulled it off and i walked to dick, vaguely aware of paxton's gaze on me. As we walked out of the room and into another one i realized i had been stupid enough to get caught in paxton's charme, like a child. I heard charlotte's panting as i neared her, she lied on the bed with her gown rolled around her hips holding both her hands on the bleeding flesh of a wound. "Fu.ck" i run to her, kneeling next to her, while her exposed ribs showed me a fresh cut. "Things with dick were getting heavy when my stitches opened" she giggled with tiny voice, gasping for the pain. She turned to smile at dick, whose eyes stared at her from a meter, "he barely spoke to me since i started bleeding" she added, winking flirtly as i noticed how dick's shirt hung out of his open trousers, "he is shocked i think" i replied quietly.
 
“I can handle this..” dick spoke suddenly, and both me and charlotte turned our heads towards him. “You just wait here..” “I don’t need you to handle this, Richard!” she yelled back at him, as he was exiting the room, even though she was clearly in pain “I need Alfred!” Dick stopped at his tracks right under the door’s aisle. “He’s not here..” he answer quietly, almost as he regrets that the faithful butler wasn't at the mansion, just when we needed him most. “Just trust me, okay baby?” For some reason his calm voice made her feel at ease and she managed to relax slightly and placed her head back on the pillow. i stood just next to her, on my knees looking at her clinically. “And for God’s sake, Dick.. put some pants on!” i eventually said with a grin on my face, trying to light the mood. Flustered, Dick glanced down his pants and zipped them up and then exited the room in a flash. “I’m gonna tell him..” charlotte looked over at Rachel and faced her concerned expression. “I’ll tell him that I’m Batgirl..” i simply nodded with a small smile, but i turned back to my seriously preoccupied frown when she let out an agonizing groan. I quickly jumped off the bed and ran over to the wardrobe, taking out a couple of towels and pressing them against her bleeding wound. “What’s taking Dick so long?” she panted, angrily. “Give him time..” i muttered, concentrating on the bleeding. “Can you please talk to me, anything.. just please try to get my mind off of things..” she looked at me with pleading eyes, turning her sweated face to me. i stared at her, thoughtfully, trying to force myself to admit to her what i had done. “Paxton kissed me!” is said so quickly that i was sure she hadn't be able to acually understand me. “What!?” she widened her eyes, unwillingly lifting her body in surprise only to wince in pain and lie back down. “What!?” she repeated as i shrugged my shoulders too embarassed to actually be able to reply sensefully. Dick ran inside the room carrying a first aid kit. “Close the door.” He glanced over at me and sat on my place. He was surprisingly calm as he took out some medical things out of the kit. He gently pressed a piece of cotton dripped in alcohol, on my wound and i gasped as charlotte let out a small cry. “It’s okay, just look at me, okay?” he patted her hair with his other hand, looking straight into her eyes. charlotte glanced over at mel finding me while i was staring at both of us, a small smile gracing on my lips. i though about how adoring dick looked while assisting her and i placed my arms feeling sad at the though of me kissing paxton just half an hour ago. i hadn't been completely honest with charlotte since it was't true that paxton had kissed me. we had kissed and if dick hadn't interrupted god only knew where that making out could have brought us. i tightened my lips, as i felt my stomach heavy in guilt. “Where did you learn to stitch up wounds?” charlotte's voice interrupted my thoughts as dick looked down at her wound after he ended his job. he had stitched her perfectly, i realized “Alfred taught me...” a small smile appeared on his face. “I will leave you alone..” i heard my own voice chirping up and they both turned our heads at me. “If you need me, I’ll be... somewhere..” i added, looking mainly at charlotte who stood safely in his arms. “Rachel..” Dick called out my name with a voice that even scared me. Almost demanding. i felt a rush of pain again as i perfectly knew what he was going to tell me. “Don’t risk what you have with Harvey for Paxton. It’s not worth it.” i stared at Dick with a shocked expression, realizing he was more than gotham own bruce's silly brother. he was a grown up man and a good one. “I’ll check up on you later..” i managed to pull a small smile on my face as i exited the room silently. i placed a hand on my mouth trying to stiff the sobs that excaped my lips as i walked through the hall and out of the mansion. i wasn't up to have fun, not now , not with what i had done. i was scared of what i was supposed to do, tell harvey? call off a wedding? surely nobody had ever cancelled a wedding for a stupid kiss that meant nothing...because it didn't.... for sure

♫ thank you for loving me | bon jovi
 
Allure events
Benjamin Davis (collab with the amazing @martasmiling)
 
3/1 Remembering the days of Alternative, Aquanet and MTV at its prime is the theme of the Austin Children's Shelter’s (ACS) annual “New Wave Ball,” an over-the-top 80s dance party presented by Allure Events. Tickets are $45 per person (in advance) and $50 at the door. $200 for VIPs.
Where: Brazos Hall
Attire: 80s
Event Planner: Ryan Harten
Photographer: Grant Tucker

 
i glanced distractly at the crowded room, the neon lights burning my eyes, the loud music throbbing in my head. I loved the 80's and this party was surely one of the best i had attended in months but i could barely hear my own thoughts under madonna's screams. I walked to the bar, placing a elbow on the counter waiting for the blond groupie-ish bartender to notice me. "Well" she said with a seductive smile playing on her lips "can i help you?" she added, pushing a wisp of hair behind a ear and explicitly smirking at me. I put in my usual smile, used to these kind of attentions, ordering a negroni and turning to look at the crowd.
 
My eyes wandered casually on the people in blinking neon colours, scraping against each others and swaying their hips following the tune of an old song. A dj changed the music, turning from madonna to the smiths, finally. I smirked as i heard the melody of one of my favourite songs and at the same time spitting a leggy brunette in a striped blue dress just few meters from me. I made my way through the crowd to reach her, washing out my negroni and leaving it to a waiter's tray. "I love this song" i said as soon as i reached her, shaking her head slightly left and right on time, not bothering to look at me." i was going to say that" i grinned, as she moved her gaze around the room like she was searching for someone. "i knew it but i beated you to the punch" she eventually turn to look at me, winking playfully and placing a vernished hand on ny shoulder, "it's nice to see you again, sasha". Her hand dropped to cross on her chest, emphatizing her super gorgeous body "Let me add that you look amazing".
 
She laughed, entertained, raising a brow quizzically, "stop staring at my boobs, ben". I tried to keep a straight face, moving my eyes away from her chest and eventually to her bare legs. Really, there was too much to look at in this girl. "- and from my legs" i panted heavily, faking a pout, "it's your fault. you are teasing me on purpose with that dress".
 
"Well, at less you appreciate it. The guy I came with doesn't share your same opinion" she huffed, "Maverick " she added referring to my outfit "I said that I like it in you and, sorry for your man, if /he/ doesn't think the same he's an idiot" i replied quickly with a smirk. "By the way" i saidglancing around, "how many chance do I have that I'll be punched in the in face in the next future by your man?" not that i was seriously worried about it, since the boy was nowehere to be seen. "At the least, 90%" she replied, thoughtfully.
 
"Luckily, i brought my boxing gloves from home" i replied, glancing around the room, without any interest really. I had been to so many parties lately that i barely appreciated them anymore. She raised a brow, grinning, "you should be careful with that pretty face of yours" i shot her my best bad glance, "nobody called me pretty in years....i prefer handsome". Se laughed, moving her weight from one foot to an other, smoothing the tight fabric of her dress and moving her gaze around the room probably looking for the guy. "where did he go?" I asked, leaning into her teasingly
 
Suddenly a young ginger boy apporached us with an uncomprehensible look on his face. sasha left my hold, tensing a little. "Benjamin, he is Danny" she introduced us, with tiny voice. the boy face stayed plain, scanned mine as he put his arm on sasha's shoulders, "Well, nice to meet you" he replied but from the tone of his voice he surely preferred to be elsewhere. he was so into her it was ridiculous.
 
"so you must be the one who is going to punch me" i said smirking to the boy, who looked totally harmless feeling sasha's sharp gaze on me. he looked at us, confused, "what?" He asked, more towards sasha that me, "he is joking" she replied, sending me a deadly bad glare. I shrugged, plunging my hands in the pockets of my leather jacket, "i was just telling your girlfriend how lovely she looks in that tiny dress" i winked at sasha's pissed expression, lingering my eyes on her tight body expecting dean's reaction. He scoffed, awkwardly searching the girl's eyes, "we are not-"
 
"yes exactly" she cut in quickly, "he's not my boyfriend" she said blushing visibly. danny looked embarassed while she looked at him as to assure that he was okay with them. "You got a point on the dress" he smirked, trying sound selfconfident, but really his eyes were all over her and he wasn't even that good at hiding it. she raised a eyebrow, "This dress doesn't make things easy" she whispered to herself making me smile under my breath. "May I ask you how did you meet?" Danny asked pretending she didn't say a word. "Well, we both work for Allure Events. Benjamin is a great pianist" she smiled to me, probably putting too much emphasis into her words. "the new Beethoven". i surely loved being complimented but siriously, i wasn't even that good.... "Piano player, really?" Danny asked curious and i nodded with a satisfied face. "Well, that's cool".
 
"It's my dream job. i get paid to do what i like, plus girls love me in a suit" i grinned, turning to meet the eye of a busty red-head. She bit down her bottom lip, teasingly as I smiled to her, making sasha and the boy next to her laugh, "i should go now" i added, "/she/" i referred to the curvy girl, who had previously caught my eye "appreciates me, otherwise you". Sasha pouted, "leaving me already?" She joked, leaning to kiss me friendly on a cheek and i could bet i felt danny tensing next to her, "i know when i'm in the way" i said walking away from the couple just before noticing that they had both blushed furiously.
 
I reached the read-head whose boobs seemed to explode in a neon orange leather dress. i could see clearly a large part of her cleavage and plenty of her legs. "your friend eventually let you go" she said with a smirk, addressing to sasha, who i saw disappear with danny. i shrugged, "she had something to do. or should i say, someone?" i replied, leaning into her. "do you want to go too?" she blinked her lashes, pursuing her lips together and breathing in my ear. i really loved how the evening was turning out, "sure" i said placing my hand on her little back and pushing her through the crowd till the exit, "i need some distraction"

this is so bad -.-
 
♫ the smiths | please please please let me have what i want

Name: Benjamin Davis
age: 29
hometown: Austin, Texas
bio: Somewhere going along with their everyday business around town, everyone has had the pleasure of meeting and becoming acquainted with Benjamin Davis. Well-known as being the son of the town’s mayor, rather than follow in his father’s footsteps and take a part in the political side of things, Ben went out of his way training to be a musician. With a cellist as mother and an ex former orchestra leader as father it was natural, though, to him to develop an inner love for arts. His parents couldn't help but appreciate his talent in playing the piano but were rather disappointed when their son didn't turn up to be the next Chopin. With a music degree but none life-changing job offer he ended up accepting to work for Allure Events as one of the members of a live group. He surely looks good in a suit, his smile is to die for and every girl find musicians totally fascinating but don't get fooled by the shiny armour of this golden boy, it's not that he doesn't have a dark side, it's just that he's very good at hiding it....
occupation: musician
likes: the Smiths, stripes, red wine, good literature, Clint Eastwood, his mother
dislikes: early mornings, not being listened, unfinished things, politics
looks: Sebastian Stan
status: single
 
THE FAMILY
 
[the demanding parents]
 
+ Tyler Davis (55), the respected mayor with a past as a orchestra leader
father
looks: Colin Firth
 
+ Miranda Swift (49), the strict ex cellist
mother
looks: Jennifer Connely
 
[the over-protective twins]
 
+ Keira Davis (32)
sister
looks: Keira Knightley
 
+ Natalie Davis (32)
sister
looks: Mila Kunis
 
THE CITY
 
Austin, texas 'the violet crown'
 
THE JOB
 
Benjamin knows how to make the ladies drool....just give him a suit to wear and some Chopin to play.

♫ the smiths | please please please let me have what i want
 
Name: Benjamin Davis
age: 29
hometown: Austin, Texas
bio: Somewhere going along with their everyday business around town, everyone has had the pleasure of meeting and becoming acquainted with Benjamin Davis. Well-known as being the son of the town’s mayor, rather than follow in his father’s footsteps and take a part in the political side of things, Ben went out of his way training to be a musician. With a cellist as mother and an ex former orchestra leader as father it was natural, though, to him to develop an inner love for arts. His parents couldn't help but appreciate his talent in playing the piano but were rather disappointed when their son didn't turn up to be the next Chopin. With a music degree but none life-changing job offer he ended up accepting to work for Allure Events as one of the members of a live group. He surely looks good in a suit, his smile is to die for and every girl find musicians totally fascinating but don't get fooled by the shiny armour of this golden boy, it's not that he doesn't have a dark side, it's just that he's very good at hiding it....
occupation: musician
likes: the Smiths, stripes, red wine, good literature, Clint Eastwood, his mother
dislikes: early mornings, not being listened, unfinished things, politics
looks: Sebastian Stan
status: single
storyboard: coming soon
 
credit goes to @sassy, i might have taken some inspirations for this bio from your past roleplays. you really are my polyidol :3
 
storyboard coming

♫ carmen | lana del rey
 
25+ girls challenge (redo)
8. Bianca Balti
 
I was tagged by @sassy :)

Rule O1: Always post the rules.
Rule O2: Answer the questions the person who tagged you has written and write 11 new ones.
Rule O3: Tag 11 new people

1. current mood? happy, slightly bored
2. happy song? home by edward sharpe and the magnetic zeros and sunrise by norah jones
3. color of your soul? something bright, green or blue
4. last concert you've been to? i don't like concert :/
5. biggest dream? living abroad and becoming someone i can be proud of
6. biggest fear? failing and deep waters
7. inspiration? people who made something of themselves and who don't give up
8. favorite century? xv and xix
9. city you'd like to live in?dublin
10. black or white? black
11. question you never answer to? "how many exams do you have left before finishing uni?" -.-
 

my questions:
 
1. what's your favourite tv show?
2. what's your worst habit?
3. what would you like to eat right now?
4. an inspiring historical character?
5. what's your favourite drink?
6. current obsession?
7. dream job?
8. favorite Disney princess and why?
9. any celebrity to spend the day with?
10. one book for the rest of your life, what would it be?
11. a fictional character (from book/movie etc) as a potential love interest?
 

 
@blue-herring
@martasmiling
@spacelava
@abcdefuck
everybody who wants to do it ;)

THE CITY IS MY CHURCH
rachel dawes; collab with my faithful @spacelava
 
Past
 
Turning the corner of a quiet dark alley just few blocks from the east park side, i fastened the pace trying to reach harvey's house, my house, as fast as i could. the wind blew mildly through my losoe hair as i tightened the grip on my bag, the sound of my steps echoind behind me. "hey gorgeous" a raspy voice reached me, from behind a dirty stack of smelly garbages "where are you going?" he added as i seemed deaf to his words. i ignored him, staggering swiftly on my heels and nearly jumping as i heard him walking behind me. "let me see your pretty face, come on" he yelled, eventually reaching me and grabbing my wrist in a strong grip. "leave me alone" i spelled harshly, trying to shake his wrist away, "now". he laughed at me, with a scary toothless smile, tightening his long fingers around mine, "you are adorable" he grinned as i had just said something really funny. i barely had the time to notice the drawled drunken note in his voice as he pulled a pocket knife out of the back of his worn jeans. "what-" i replied, shocked, seeing as i could feel his heavy breath on me. "give me your bag and everything will be okay" he stated, moving his knife on the hem of my top, just on the soft flesh on the base of my neck. i blinked, still pulling without success in the poor attempt of freeing myself and running away. with regret i thought of the pepper spry that lied uselessly on the bottom of the bag i had decided to leave at home this morning. "put your hand down, you old perv" a clear feminine voice yelled just few meters away from us. said man turned to face the tiny figure barely visible in the dark, addressing a creepy smile to her. "another pretty face. this must be my lucky day" he said, moving the knife in front of him, in a silent threat. the girl walked forward in a elegant move, tip toeing on a pair of sky high black leather boots. "YOUR. HANDS. OFF"she barked, tossing her blond head back and pursuing her lips together. i felt my eyes watery and my body trembling in fear, even thought i was living that very moment like my body didn't belong to me. "why don't you come closer, sweetie?" he asked, moving his armed hand vaguely as he was welcoming her. she smiled coldly, moving confidently closer and i noticed her pretty figure in a leather super snag suit that fitted her perfectly. wow, that surely was a cool outfit, i managed to think absentmindedly, though my position could be defined precarious to a clinical eye. she even had a cloak on her, without mentioning the batman-ish hat-mask she was wearing.
 
“Why don’t you come closer sweetie?” The old man said and a smirk tugged on the corners of her lip as she did what he told her. The moment she stepped under the street light though, I saw his smug grin slowly disappearing. “You..” was all he managed to say in that very moment. “Me..” she nodded her head, confidently as she was expecting him to react as he was. “You’re one of those stupid bat-kids, aren’t you?” he spat, his grip tightening around my wrist making me moan in pain. “I wouldn’t call myself stupid... nor a bat-kid.” She slowly started to walk closer and closer towards him. I bit down on my bottom lip as i didn't now who i was more scared about: the creepy man who was holding me as a hostage or the weird girl in a leather suit. “I’m more of a.. unwanted child..” She made a pause, to look over at me, scanning me from my head to toes and stopping to stare at my shoes with an interested face. Was she really staring at my new shoes? “Daddy Bats doesn’t want ya?” he eyed her becoming even creepier than before, “His loss..” “Yeah...” she nodded slowly. “Tell me, Jeff.. is it alright if I call you Jeff? Oh, never mind I’m still gonna call you Jeff. Are you hungry?” I felt like i was watching at the scene from a place kilometers from here; i was at the same time inside and outside my own body. in the while the bastard licked his dry lips in a disgusting manner, making my insides (and the other girl's, as i could see) tie in a knot. “What are you suggesting?” “A knuckle sandwich..” She replied, punching him in the face the moment she exclaimed those three words. The man shouted in pain, as his hands were covering his now bleeding nose. As his tight grip was no longer holding my wirst i turned to look at the girl with my eyes open wide, staring at her with what a mix of gratitude and something else o couldn't really figure. She simply shot me a smile, and returned to punch the living daylight from the bleeding man. I didn't know what to do, barely able to stand on my own feet. “Don’t you think that’s enough?” We heard a voice echo behind us. She dropped the old man on the ground turning to see a young man in a domino mask. i couldn't see him clearly but sure they knew each other. The girl glared back at him, his lips pursing into a pout. She eventually kicked the man in the stomach one last time and turned to me. “Hi..” She cheerfully greeted me, startling me. “Are you alright? Are you hurt?” It took a few seconds to get a response out of me, as i was still still pretty shaken up. “Y-yeah..” I nodded. “Thank you..” I found myself saying “Don’t mention it..” She grinned, blushing as she was really flattered. “Do you want me to make you company until you get home?” She asked me politely. “That’s very generous of you, but I think you’ve done enough..” I glanced over at the man who was now picked up by the other vigilante. “I’m gonna drop him off by the police.. can I get your name ma’am?” The black-suited guy’s gaze turned towards me. “Ahm, yes, of course.. Rachel.. Rachel Dawes..” I answered in a hurry, still a bit confused about the whole situation. Was i really engaged in a conversation with two vigilantes? I was the district attorney, for god's sake. “Alright then. Ms. Dawes, get home safe.. you’re in good hands..” he glanced over at her partner and disappeared along with the creepier in the darkness. “So? How bout a ride home? Well, not exactly a ride home, ride home, since I don’t own a car.. to be honest I can barely ride my bike..” She started blabbering. I smiled politely, trying to sound as nice as i could “As I said previously there’s no need for your company. My house is just a few blocks away..” “Alright then. But make sure you avoid dark alleys.” She turned on her heels and started walking away. “Hey!” I exclaimed and she turned in an instant to look at me, “I didn’t catch your name..!” “It’s Batgirl!”
 
Present
 
"short or long?" charlotte asked with a thoughtful look on her pretty face, moving her hand swiftly from a dress to another. i shrugged, smiling as positively as i could at her, even though we had been in the shop for an hour already, without finding a dress,"i don't care". she stuck her tongue at me before gesturing dramatically, "what about this?" she took a long yellow gown from an hanger and putting it near her figure. "you aren't going to wear that at my wedding. i hate yellow" i said, taking it away from her and putting it back in its place. she pouted, twirling a wisp of her blond hair in her hand, "what then?". i giggled seeing how distress she was for such a silly thing like a dress, "it's not silly" she replied like she was actually reading my thoughts. my eyes widened, "how-" i raised a brow and now she was the one laughing, "i know you well, rachie". i turned back to the clothes and grimaced seeing as her hands were moving on the light fabric of a bright pink dress now, "you won't wear pink, either". she shot me a bad glance, putting both hands on her hips, "you are acting bossy" i nodded with a tiny smile, realizing that i was being a big nuisance for one that 'didn't care'. "i like this" i handed her an adorable grey cocktail dress but istantly regretting since her smile turned into a grimace, "that's simple" she stated as if i was to punish just for purposing it to her.
 
I let out a frustrated sigh and returned the dress. “Then I have no idea.” I shrugged and threw myself on one of the leather sofas. i was done with this whole shopping thing. i hated shopping and i had too much to do to care about a stupid dres....she frowned when she saw my face. “Well, judging from the.. dress you picked out..” She tried to say the word ‘dress’ without choking. “You like pastel colors and simple designs..” I raised my head and stared at her with a cheerful expression, already regretting my harsh thoughts. “But..” She raised her finger, “It can’t be white in any case..” “Why not white?” I raised a brow quizzically “Because you can’t wear white to a wedding! The bride is the one with the white dress!” She stated, with a slight frustration in my voice. She eventually calmed down when a purple dress caught her eye. She quickly ran up to it and snagged it from the rack, bringing it to me as fast as she could. “What do you think?” She danced around with the dress placed close to her body. “Isn’t this too.. /simple/?” I said, teasingly. “So it doesn’t have any patterns and the color is a little boring...” She looked at the dress once more, “..but it a beautiful dress. Plus, it has a bow! A bow, Rache! You know how much I love bows!” She cooed, jumping around like a two year old, looking totally crazy and adorable. “Yeah, you do love bows... and the color is gorgeous..” I took the dress in my hands, inspecting the fabric. “What are you waiting for? Go, try it out!” I shoved the dress towards her direction and started pushing her towards the dressing rooms. “Hey!” she shouted from inside the dressing room. “Will you at least zip the dress for me?” she asked me. “Sure thing..” I suddenly barged inside, my mouth half opened in shock as my gaze dropped to her body. "Rachel? Don’t you think you’re a little bit too early? Kinda caught me off guard here..” she gestured toward herself, wearing only a bra. “What is that?” I asked her, my voice shaking. She noticed that i was pointing my finger towards her stomach. She looked down, spotting her cut. “Charlotte...” My voice was shakier and shakier “I just realized something..” she quickly changed the subject, putting her shirt back on. “I have this meeting. Bruce will kill me if I’m late..” “What about the dress? And an explanation?” I yelled after her, still standing in the dressing room. “Buy the dress now. Explanation later. Come over my place around seven?” She yelled back and exited the store in a flash.
 
I entered charlotte's place not even bothering to look around myself. Fastening my pace i slip into the elevator feeling my own brane still thinking furiously about this afternoon. I clearly spotted a good dozen of bruises in her body, i hadn't imagined that but still i couldn't make myself believe what i had seen. The doors opened and i made my way to my friend's apartment, knocking hard on the wooden door. I heard the soft pace of her footsteps and as charlotte opened i walked in. "Hey" she welcomed me with a tiny smile, scanning my face as i dropped heavily on the sofa still in my coat. I glared at her, "tell me everything now" i spelled the last word meaningfully. She shrugged, opening her arms eloquently as she was trying to find the right words, "it's not a big deal". I widened my eyes in disbelief, placing my hands on my knees and assuming my bad cop glare, "are you serious? This looks like a HUGE deal to me". She shifted her weight awkwardly from one feet to another staring down on me as she moved around the room with an intense frown on her pretty face. "Is it dick's fault?" I asked after thinking about it for a second even if the only thought made me sick. She widened her eyes in surprise, sending me a confused look, "what?". I bit my lip down, concerned as i was about eventually discovering that he had caused her those bruised. "Did he make those?" I pointed my finger to her ribs as i could xray her as she blinked twice. "You mean....no. no. Of course no!" She waved her hands in front of me, bursting out in a nervous laugh. She shook her head, waving her ruffled ponytale left and right, "he would never-" she added as it was the most ridiculous thing on earth.
 
“Then I would really appreciate you telling me why is your rib section all black and blue!” I exclaimed loudly, clearly upset. “And, that... cut! It’s fresh!” she sighed heavily and she sat cross legged on the carpet, facing my panicked gaze. “Charlotte, in what kind of mess just are you?” She swallowed and raised her head coming eye to eye with Mr. “I... have a side job..” “What kind of job? Are you dealing drugs or something? Are you a part of a fight club?” I started screaming at her hysterically. “I am... somewhat of a superhero..” she paused, “.. well, actually more of a vigilante.” She smiled slightly.my expression unchanged: really? A super hero? Was she really that stupid to think i could really believe it? “You’re not going to tell me that you’re Batman, are you?” I laughed ironically. She kept staring at me with a straight face. “Oh my God! You /are/ Batman!” “Not exactly. I’m the Bat/girl/.” she waited for my reaction, but there wasn’t any. My brain wasn't really working and i couldn't really think of something intelligent to say “Those bruises are from various scumbags I fought over the months, and that cut... it’s actually a stab wound. I got stabbed not too long ago.” She paused, shifting her gaze towards the carpet. “If it weren’t for Alfred.. I would’ve probably died..” shesaid quietly. “Did you really brake your arm because you slipped?” I asked me, my voice harsh. “No..” She shook her head. Of course not.. “.. I got pushed from a balcony..” “Pushed from a balcony!?” I widened my eyes, raising to clear my mind and stomp around her living room. “Charlotte, are you trying to get yourself killed?!” “I’m actually trying to do something right...” She answered calmly. "Don't tell me, you're angry with me?" she looked up at me.
 
"I hate to tell you but i can't-" i paused trying to figure out my own thoughts, unsucessfully, "you should stop doing that" i sighed heavily passing a hand in distress through my hair, barely able to mention what she had just told me; a vigilante? Really? How was i supposed to accept such a news.... "Now i know why you didn't tell me" i muttered under my breath, sideglancing at her thoughtfull grimace, "i work for the district attorney, you know that" i added dropping my head to the palm of my hand. "Your fiancé, you mean" she replied, eventually showing regret on her face. "I represent the law, i work to free this town from everything that is not legal and guess what? my best friend and maid of honour happens to be a vigilante" i stated more to myself than to her, shrugging dramatically. I suddenly realized that for all those months i hadn't once suspected of her part-time 'job', nor did i question her sudden disappareances. I was the worst friend on earth- "i'm sorry" she replied quietly, turning to look at me and meeting my strained eyes. I shook my head, "i don't know what to say, really." I raised from the sofa, pacing slowly around the room like a bull in a cafe, massaging my temples softly trying to reduce the sudden headache. I could feel charlotte's gaze on me as i walked to the kitchen and i started to open random doors and drawers nervously."are you looking for something?" She asked after a minute, nearing me when i burst out in an uncontrollable loud laugh. She stared at me in disbelief as i folded in two, holding my stomach with my hands. I raised my head to look at her, my laugh more similar to weeping, "bat gir, really......." I sobbed, taking her hand and tightening it, still giggling nervously "i need something to drink, 'lotte. Something strong, now".

GNY
Frankie Baker; solo :'(
 
I passed a nervous hand through my hair, giving a quick look at the watch on my wrist in the while and moving my eyes swiftly to the crowd looking for him without succes. my left feet drummed rhythmically on the sidewalk and my hand dropped back to reach my hip. why was so nervous all of a sudden? incredibly i was able to feel unconfortable even if i had been seeing graham for five weeks. i shook my head dramatically as a bunch of kids pushed eachother , passing me and eventually bumping on my left foot. "fu.ck" i muttered under my breath, slightly jumping on the right one, in pain, limping awkwardly.
 
"hey" graham's deep voice reached me from behind as i felt a warm hand on my arm. "sorry, i'm late" he added, tigthening lightly the grip on it and leaning to put a soft kiss on my cheeks. i blushed as i always did when he made contact with me.
 
he grinned, confidently, addressing me with a bright smile, "it's okay" i replied suddenly forgetting about my 'injured' foot and turning my attention to his gorgeous accent and equally amazing features. "i had time to reorganize my agenda" i shrugged in the direction of my huge work bag, whose weight was clearly boosted by my huge leather planner.
 
"always working so hard, love" he replied casually, placing a hand on my little back and pushing me through the crowd until we reached a little quiet cafè on the street. i felt my cheeks burning brighter as his hand stood firmly on the light fabric of my top; i was being my usual childish self, over analyzing every move he made and every word he said to me. but nobody could really blame, he was too good to be real and i, well, was my usual self: socially awkward."this place is nice" i said as we entered and took place around a table in the corner. graham sat in front of me, elegantly placing a hand on the back of the seat and crossing his legs at the ankles, touching slightly mine under the table.
 
"hungry?" he asked pursuing his lips together, passing his tongue on the bottom lip and looking at the menu absentmindedly. i shifted my eyes unconfortably to the table, turning my attention to my menu instead that staring at him being utterly sexy. i tried to keep my face straight, bothering about my own behaviour. when did i turn into a drooling teenager?
 
"starving" i replied smoothly as a pretty brunette waiter neared us to take our orders. he grinned knowingly as i tried to ignore my perpeually flushed cheeks and his gorgeous eyes on me. "for me linguine with mushrooms and truffle oil" i addressed to the curvy girl whose eyes were all for graham. "pasta with bolougnese sauce" he stated firmly, smiling gently before turning to look at me, "i love italian food". i nodded, "have you ever been to italy?" i asked, placing a hand under my chin and leaning my head to the side curiously. "never, but i would love to" he shrugged, assuming an adorable thoughtful expression.
 
"have you?" he asked, while the waitress walked back to us with our plates super fastly. "a bunch of times for work but i rarely had time to visit it properly since i was alway stuck with some super serious designer-" i said, filling my mouth with a huge bite of linguine. i hummed softly and graham laughed, swirling a fork between his index and thumb and eventually bring the spaghetti to his lips. we chewed both slowly, in silence. "once,in florence, frida giannini's assistant took me to have lunch in a tiny restaurant in the tuscany countryside" i said, between a bite and another, "i had spent the whole day taking notes about new colours and trends, deciding whether to choose some awesome gucci's shoes for april issue... my feet were hurting like hell-" i giggled seeing his face looking at me with a sly smile "sorry, i'm rambling" truth was that i loved my job and the fact that it allowed me to travel whenever i wanted but i knew how boring it made me look when i spoke about it again and again . graham shook his head strongly, "not at all. i'm fascinated, go on" he encouraged me gently.
 
"well, as i was saying, my feet were hurting badly and i was starving to death so this young italian gentleman drove me to a lovely ristorante. i swear to god i've never tasted lasagne like that anymore" i muttered assuming a dreamy face and winking flirtly at him. i realized i had never behaved so naturally in a long time. not with a guy i liked at least. since the very moment he had come to pick the drunken me after my evening with jules something had changed between us. we clearly were not ready to change our statuses from single to taken, yet, nor were we disposed to discuss our costant hanging out/making out since i was the very personification of omerta.....nonetheless i was costantly bewitched by his attentions not to mention his good look and super hot accent.
 
"a young italian gentleman, uh?" he asked, raising a brow with a wide smile as i bit down my bottom lip. "yup" i grinned back, flipping my hair back pompously making him laugh. "and good italian food. the perfect match" i added, teasingly. "i like you" he said all of a sudden, after a long pause, smiling widely and leaving me stunned. "what-" i replied, stopping my fork half way to my mouth and placing it back on the plate. he shrugged casually, "i fancy you" he added, "not that i didn't before getting to know you but i tought it was because of your look". i blushed furiously and started to cough proably choking with my own breath. "i look pretty delicious, i must admit" i paused meeting his entertained gaze, "seriously........stop saying things like that" i said calmly. he raised a brow again, quizzically, "things like what?" he asked, brushing my hand with his. "don't make me say it" i muttered, tossing my hair before my face creating a curtain, feeling like a child "dating?" he teased me, knowing how much i hated labels, mostly referring to our 'thing'. "but i do like you and you should make an honest man of me" his lips turned from a playful smirk into the cutest pout.
 
i turned back to my linguine, trying to concentrate on the delicious sauce but really only thinking about his stupid silly face. "is it so bad dating me?" i raised my face from the plate, meeting his smirk. i shrugged, giggling "no need to answer, sweetheart. i know you like me too" "if you say so" i stated resolutely laughing at his half-disappointed, half-stunned face.
 
"where should i take you on our next date, love?" he asked back being a tease, making me grimace at the emphasis on the d word "stop" i moved a hand in front of me gesturing eloquently, "cinema? or teather maybe?" he replied all satisfied with himself. i groaned, failing at holding a smile. he was the silliest man on earth, for sure. and the hottest, i thought, looking down at his lips... "i said stop it" i stuffed my mouth with pasta, not bothering to meet his eyes. he stared at me quietly, with those intense eyes scanning my face, "cinema it is then." he winked, leaving some bills on the table to pay and taking my hand to pull me out of the restaurant. "i haven't say yes" he turned to look at me as we stopped on the street. he placed a hand on my head to ruffle my hair getting a bad glare from me. my lips eventually turned into a tiny smile as he leant to mutter in my ear with that diabolic accent of his "like you would ever say no".