forum Next Steps [Private RP — Closed]

Started January 16, 2019 by @Imperfect_Autumn group

tune

Eden's POV:

I rubbed my nose, glaring up at him.

"Stop that," I grumbled. "And I've never gotten annoyed at you. Even when you drive me crazy."

(Yeah, let's wait for her.)

(ah sorry I've been multitasking)

I was conversing with Lillian and one of her (very nice and civil) punk friends when I caught sight of two familiar faces out of the corner of my eye. "I'll be right back," I said to the two older students and slipped away, approaching the couple. "Eden, Sterling! Did you find the place alright?"

(Don't worry about it!)

Sterling's POV:

I glanced over when I heard my name called and smiled at Violeta. I raised a hand in greeting as she walked over.

"Hey, Violeta. Yeah, we found it pretty easily. How are you?" I asked politely.

I slipped my hands into the back pockets of my trousers, rocking back on my heels as I gave them a welcoming smile. "I'm good, and you?" I gestured with one hand to the party around me. "Like I said, pretty chill. No drunks, no drugs. Just fun."

Sterling's POV:

"I'm doing good, and I'm pretty sure Eden is, too," I answered, nudging my girlfriend playfully. "Yeah, it's different than the parties I went to in high school. That's good, though. This is much nicer."

I nodded, swaying slightly to the music. If I was being honest, I was happy that they had even showed up. Awaiting Eden's answer, I turned my head to her, a friendly smile on the curve of my lips.
(any chance that Gray could show up, Callie?)

(I can make it happen if you want. shrugs)

Eden's POV:

I nodded, slowly returning the smile Violeta sent towards me.

"It's different than what I expected," I answered, raising my voice so she could hear me. "Thank you for inviting us, Violeta."

(only if it makes sense, I guess. up to you)

"You're very welcome. Thank you for coming." I gestured towards the kitchen, blowing a loose strand of hair out of my face– I'd decided to keep it completely down for a change. "Do you guys want drinks, or for me to introduce you to a few people? Or is that too much to start with?"

Sterling's POV:

"A drink would be nice, actually. What do they have that's nonalcoholic?" I wondered.

(I can think of something!)

Eden's POV:

I looked up at Sterling, not knowing how to respond.

"Er, water's good for a nonalcoholic drink," I said to Violeta. "I could drink water."

Gray's POV:

I let Amanda take care of Aria while I delivered the desserts ordered by some of the people I knew from college. Apparently, they were having a party and wanted more desserts. Luckily for them, the bakery was close to their address, and the desserts made by Amanda were heavenly. They'd also invited me over, but I preferred to sit this one out.

Once I reached the place, it looked neat enough. Not much people and they even looked sober. That was good. Nowadays, all the students thought about was getting drunk. Shaking his head, Gray knocked on the door, the bags of desserts now hurting his arm.

(great!)

"Oh, lot's," I replied to Sterling. "Fruit punches and slushies. Milkshakes too– and apparently most of this stuff is organic." At this, I couldn't help a laugh. "This is the most non-partyish party I've ever been too." Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Lillian's punk friend answer the door.

Sterling's POV:

I laughed, shaking my head. She was right: this was the least party-like party I had ever been to, too. And I'd been to a lot of parties.

"Awesome. I'm totally getting a milkshake, then," I chuckled.

Gray’s POV:

One of the guys I knew, but barely talked to, opened the door. He grinned at me once he saw me.

“Gray, man! You’re here,” he looked at the bags in my arms and moved to help me carry some. “Thanks, you’re a lifesaver! Come on in.”

I shook my head with a polite smile on my features.

“I have to go back to work,” I smiled at him. “But thanks for the offer.”

The guy shook his head.

“We actually asked your manager if we could borrow you,” he told me with a laugh. “After all, since when is a party complete without Grayson?”

Without waiting for my reply, he pulled me in as well, shutting the door behind me.

Why, Amanda, why?

I gave a chuckle, sweeping an arm towards the drinks. "Go ahead. Oh– and the chicken wings are really spicy. Careful with those." I was about to make a move when I caught sight of the man that Dale, the punk, had let in, and froze. Of course. Of course. Just when I was having a good time?

Eden’s POV:

I nodded before noticing Violeta freezing. I followed her eyes and met with the sight of Grayson. I clicked my tongue. Of course someone like him would be here. What had I been expecting?

Gray’s POV:

“Dale, listen, I appreciate it, but I’m not exactly party ready?” I tried to get the man to let me go, but he was persistent. I mean, geez, we weren’t even friends. What did he even want from me?

I felt eyes on my and I turned, catching the eyes I was hoping to not see. Violeta’s.

She looks pretty…

That was the first thought that came to mind before I shook it away. I really needed to leave, it seems.

“Dale, I need to go,” I repeated, this time rather hardly. “I have unfinished business.”

Dale opened his mouth to argue, but I interrupted him.

“Thanks for inviting me and all, though,” I looked up again to meet Violeta’s gaze, and have her a nod of my head without thinking it through. “Anyway, Amanda said you already paid, so I’ll be taking my leave now.”

He was nodding at me? Hell, he was even looking at me? For fear of a follow-up, maybe even something as bad as a shouted statement, I moved to turn away before realizing that my face was practically an open book, emotions set out neatly for everyone to read. Crap. I bit my tongue, trying to bring back my carefree smile and pretend that Gray hadn't seen the anxiety flash across my face. Because what if he came up to us? What if he mocked me, told me I looked good? I was a chubby girl in a spaghetti strap. Who knew what I would say?

Gray’s POV:

I would have left immediately had I not noticed the anxiety that flashed across Violeta’s face. It vanished just as quickly, but I knew what I had seen. Why? Why was she anxious? Because of me? Because I’d seen her?

What was with that reason?

I shook my head, scoffing at myself before I looked at her again, gave her a smile, waved and turned around to walk away.

I really didn’t mind parties, but because of Aria, I hardly went to any. And anyway, this wasn’t a party I was really invited to. And lastly, I needed the money I worked for every hour at my shift. I couldn’t waste time there when I could be earning so I could ensure Aria’s future.

Making sure my happy expression was intact once more, I pushed away all thoughts of Gray and turned back to the couple in front of me. “Sorry about that. Anyways. Drinks? Let’s go.”

Sterling's POV:

I watched the whole interaction silently. The two really seemed to dislike each other, though I couldn't figure out why…

"Sure. Drinks," I remembered, smiling over at her.

Eden’s POV:

I furrowed my eyebrows, looking at where Gray had disappeared off to. He struck me as the type who partied hard and drank like there was no tomorrow. Perhaps the lack of alcoholic drinks turned him away?

Then I shook my head.

“Right, let’s go,” I murmured, gripping Sterling’s hand tightly.

I led them to the kitchen, wishing my stupid brain wouldn’t keep replaying the moment he’d seen me, the moment my self-confident had momentarily crumbled. Yes, I was being insecure and overly dramatic. But my self-image issues had always been… delicate.

Reaching the island, I gestured to the jugs and platters of food. “Help yourselves, I guess.”

Eden’s POV:

“Thank you,” I nodded at Violeta before turning my attention to the food. The man who was talking to Grayson began setting up delicious looking desserts on the counter and I smiled, reaching out to take a piece of chocolate-covered brownie. I took a bite and immediately felt like I was in heaven.

“Sterling, this is so good!” I said to him once I swallowed, pressing it to his lips so he could take a bite, too.

Sterling’s POV:

I had just grabbed a strawberry milkshake from the counter (they were my favorites; I loved them almost as much as I loved Eden) when there was suddenly something being pressed against my lips. I blinked a few times before glancing down at Eden with an amused smile.

“Babe… Warn a guy before you do that,” I chuckled before taking a small bite. Humming in satisfaction, I nodded my agreement. It was a good brownie.

Eden’s POV:

I looked at him with a sheepish smile, rubbing the back of my neck with a laugh.

“Sorry, my bad,” I apologized before smiling widely as Sterling took a bite and nodded in approval. “It is good, isn’t it?”

Sterling’s POV:

I chuckled a bit and smiled down at her. “Yes, babe. It was good. Did you want to try the milkshake?”

Eden’s POV:

I nodded, smiling. Perhaps it wasn’t a bad idea coming here…

I returned to Sterling and Eden, my plate filled with fruit salad, some cream puffs, and a slice of pizza. Lifting my plastic red cup to my lips, I took an experimental sip of the icy pink slush.

Sterling's POV:

I took my milkshake back from Eden after letting her have a sip. After taking a drink of it myself, I hummed in satisfaction. It was pretty good.

"So… Are we going to play any games here, or just eat, chat, and dance?" I wondered.

I hesitated, not sure which of us he was talking to, but decided to inform him of options anyways. “There are board games in that room over there. Dancing’s in the living room. Truth or dare and spin the bottle are in one of the bedrooms.”

Sterling's POV:

"All right, that sounds good. Thanks," I said to Violeta, then looked between the two young women. "Any chance you two would like to join me for a board game?"