Java Pt.2
Ava: [‘how?’ because we dont know your life, all we know is last time you had to leave ASAP and you’ve already been here much longer than that this time, laying our head down on our folded arms and looking up at you whilst you retell us the night’s events, smiling lazily about it]
James: [‘I had to see you, I made arrangements to afford myself the privilege’ matter of factly, like it’s that simple and you and baby Jay weren’t both lowkey traumatised by the manner in which she was flung at her grandparents and left]
Ava: [nodding because you’re well aware he doesn’t owe you any explanation beyond that ‘I appreciate any time we can have together’ because that’s true too, even if you know the reasons he had to see you were not entirely about you, given the state he turned up in]
James: [kissing her softly but dramatically as a me too because hard same, no notes we genuinely are thrilled to be here, hence when he pulls away from it you can see him considering what peak romance activity they should spend their time doing now, because there’s so many options, they could order some food and eat it together either in this bed or downstairs being domestic, they could make some together to be even more so, he could run them/her a bath and read to her, he could stay here and read to her etc etc etc, we all know he’d do it all and wants to, which is making it impossible to decide even if he wasn’t someone who famously isn’t allowed and therefore isn’t used to making decisions ‘I’m considering how we should spend this time though and quite the internal debate has been sparked’ in answer to the question she hasn’t yet asked of what he’s thinking so hard about]
Ava: [grinning ‘that is quite the conundrum’ because truly, so many things you could do and should ‘how about I get us some drinks whilst you carry on verbally jousting yourself?’ wriggling out of this comfortable position you find yourself in to go and do that because haven’t offered him one and you will be parched by now lmao, having a quick look at ourself in whatever mirror we come across on our way towards the door]
James: [my boo says they will be thirsty literally after how thirsty they’ve been for each other and she’s so right haha, using his long limbs once again this time to pull her back slightly, deliberately not all the way back to him and this bed because do want her to go but enough that she does have to pause for him, looking at her yet again in this shirt which will be all creased and collar askew no doubt, so straightening that for her like it really matters what she looks like to go, again it’s giving dad ‘are you hungry?’ because that is one of the options and if he can get her to decide it’s one less choice for him to try and make]
Ava: [coming closer than he pulled you automatically because any excuse, even though you still intend to go, giving him a soft and slow but passionate kiss as he’s fixing your collar for you, temptation to sit back down clearly being fought in how you’re shifting from foot to foot, tugging on the bottom of this shirt ‘we can eat too’ taking his question as a polite way to let her know he is, how you sometimes do ‘what do you like?’ because decides for us whether we’re also making something in the kitchen or ordering something in]
James: [the sound coming out of him is so much more than a happy sigh when she kisses him, it’s fully a contented NOISE as if he missed her so much already because where’s the lie, biting his lip when she asks the question obvs, like oh UM ‘I don’t know, you’ll have to come to a decision about that, in particular, for us’ when that could come across like he’s being a little shit and messing around like idk what do YOU like but he genuinely does not know and thus there’s a honesty and self-consciousness to it letting her know he’s being serious]
Ava: [biting your own lip in an unconscious copycat move because you watched him do that with so much intensity behind it, shaking your head as if to bring yourself back to the conversation at hand and in a no problem kind of way ‘I’ll see what we have in’ because been alone for a long weekend vibe, who’s to say how stocked the pantry is by this point]
James: [‘I’ll assist you’ getting up to do exactly that and thus immediately closing the gap, however small, between them, lowkey towering over her and smiling because you’re aware it’s giving you’re worried she can’t reach the high cupboards without you (which your short af wife actually can’t lol) and that isn’t what you meant because she isn’t a tiny gal and we’re about that, you’re just not the sort of bear to lie here and be waited on to any degree, you’re used to the hardcore opposite, putting what clothes you have left back on, because you can be topless that’s fine but potentially naked chef feels like a lot for soft domestic hours despite knowing y’all are home alone and have been very feral]
Ava: [‘okay but don’t distract me’ with such an amused face because that’s an impossibility and we all know it but you are also genuinely going to get this food and drink situation sorted or so help you, reaching out to find his hand as you walk down the two flights of stairs you gotta]
James: [giving her an adorably mischievous face back because we do all know it, let yourself be led to baze’s slay kitchen boy, when you get there almost whispering ‘I’ve had an idea’ because the excited child he basically was in her bedroom has returned, and because I’ve had an idea myself and it’s this, my brain was like, okay but imagine if there was a random chaotic meal he made in his messy drunk high era how people do, idk what, but it’s actually good somehow not the weird and gross combos these things usually are and he liked it and so he’s gonna make it for her now, because she asked what he likes, he hopes, if she’ll let him, taking both of her hands and LOOKING at her like do you trust me because it is a big trust moment cos he clearly hasn’t made it for anyone else ever]
Ava: [LOOKING back at him excitedly like go on because of course we’re down and want to know what your idea is, gesturing towards your kitchen like go ahead boy, work your magic, helping him find all the ingredients he needs to find and still having no clue but enjoying the chaotic process here]
James: [ngl I can’t decide if it’s a better vibe if we allow him this weird little success aka let the food genuinely taste nice or if we should say he remembered it tasting nice but when he makes it here and now in the sober light of day it isn’t but they can laugh it off as a fun and funny mem and make/order something else, what do you and Winola think? Either way though, steal an apron to put over your topless bod sir so you look as good as she looks in the shirt and sit her on a bar stool to chop stuff for you because we’re enjoying domestic bliss]
Ava: [I say we let it slay because there can be other chances to do the reverse/you probably wanna feel more comfortable to be able to laugh about your sobriety, rn it’s all a bit precarious because of everything else going on lol, so enjoy your domesticity and its rewards of something actually edible]
James: [good points boo, we’ll go with that then, take the win James you’re welcome, and enjoy being cute af together because god knows when you’ll next get the chance to spend this much uninterrupted time together]
Ava: [it’s basically a fluke because clearly things are patched up with Chlo enough that you don’t leave because you don’t think you can so you’ll be back to your routine and I assume it’s Monday tomorrow so school and baze are back too]
James: [mhmm, real life be beckoning so make the most of the time you have left together, speaking of, however many condoms he has left in his wallet is the number of times they should hook up again because it’s extra but realistically so for the vibe we’ve set, so pick a number Win x]
Ava: [me having to look at pack sizes, you often get 10s or 12s, the smallest size packs so if we’re saying you’ve used a couple, we could say you have like idk 8 left, which seems like a lot but you’ve got all night until the morrow when he gets Jay here so lol]
James: [my boo is doing research and she’s so right for that because I wouldn’t have the first idea, and yeah agreed, he could literally stay until the AM if he wants and we haven’t specified what time he arrived so it’s feasible without us being cray, I just had to put it out there because how decadent yet real of y’all]
Ava: [you love to see it, do you wanna skip to said AM when you have to get back to your real lives, as we’ve set the vibe here pretty well?]
James: [we could do yeah because we know what we’re saying as far as the rest of y’all’s night goes however long is left of it]
Ava: [just thinking, so it feels like a fresher convo, as we unfortunately had to take some annoying lil breaks there]
James: [it’s a good shout and you’ll both be busy with your respective days so we can do as much or as little as we like there, aw how devastated they’ll be to have to part ways, this boy never been more upset to have to put his own shirt back on]
Ava: [truly devastated, will be so annoyingly distracted and mopey at school, soz not soz everyone, I’ll message you first and you can decide as and when to respond, probably the best bet]
Ava: I hope your day is better, tolerable at the very least
James: [catch him replying straight away despite his tasks because we’re still feeling extra in the cold light of day but in a better way this time]
James: I’m relieved not to have to dash your hopes, there’d be almost none for either your day or my own under those circumstances
Ava: I’m accepting my day as the write-off it inevitably will be but I’d rather that wasn’t a shared fate, this time
James: Would you? Because, in truth, I’ve already been informed this shirt is missing a button and the news has been difficult for me to accept, to say the least
Ava: Oh
Ava: There are almost too many moments where it could have been misplaced, yet I can’t begin to picture which is the culprit
James: [write her some what ifs as a shameless excuse to reminisce how you do because we all know he’s been THINKING about it since he was told about said missing button so despite how busy you’re supposed to be you’d have time to write a saucy lil tale]
Ava: 😳
Ava: I’m now utterly convinced it was all my fault, and being unable to offer to replace your shirt, nor am I inclined to want to…
Ava: I suppose I’ll spend this lesson researching how to sew a button back on
James: You’ll have to spend hours on your hands and knees after school searching your bedroom for the button in question as well
Ava: Activity and time better spent when you’re there in front of me but of course
Ava: it’s a must
James: A singularly mismatched button would be a conversation starter, undoubtedly, but you’re the only person I want to talk to about how and why I’m dressed in such a manner
Ava: At least you must know everyone at your father’s office by now, no meet-cutes
Ava: Me having to come to terms with, let alone expose to you, that kind of potential jealousy already wouldn’t be appealing
James: My father’s office isn’t a location where any feelings are stirred within me, rest assured
Ava: I’d say that was your business but all things considered
Ava: if you are with anyone else, or plan to be, I would appreciate knowing that
James: I have no intention of being with anyone but you, on company time or otherwise
Ava: I wasn’t trying to suggest it, though it totally sounds like I was
Ava: I’m happy to hear that
James: I’m equally content to dispel the notion, however hypothetical it may be with regards to my current work colleagues
Ava: I already told you, how it was for me
Ava: I didn’t just assume the same though, however much I may have hoped
James: All things considered, it’s hardly an assumption, I’d hope
Ava: I don’t know, I’m not here to judge
James: I deserve scrutiny if you’re left wavering, I must not have done enough to make sure you were convinced, as I am
Ava: No, it isn’t that at all
Ava: Forget I even brought it up now
James: Would you like to tell me what it is?
Ava: I was just checking, that’s all
Ava: you and I don’t have any promises to keep, that’s what I meant, I didn’t phrase it right though
James: But I do promise, Ava
James: my spare time to you, my unabated interest
Ava: and NOT just because I’ve now shoehorned the topic into conversation, right?
James: Some things go without saying, after last night especially
Ava: I’m sorry that it sounded like I doubted you, as opposed to what I was actually doing, attempting to reign myself in, once again
James: I understand, don’t apologise
Ava: I can get carried away, I don’t want that to ruin anything we have
James: I’m prone to the exact opposite of being carried away, whatever that would be, overly grounded, perhaps?
James: your behaviour is a breath of fresh air
Ava: You are to me, so unlike anyone and everyone I could even begin to compare you to
James: I thought I’d found an exceptional counterpart for you in [the gal from the book] but even she isn’t a fitting likeness, I see that now
Ava: But [a scene from said book that already parallels some peak romance you two have achieved by now], you can’t take that away from me
James: Of course not, I wouldn’t dream of punishing you for being so incomparable when it’s the furthest from a negative
Ava: And you’re going to write the only suitable comparison for us
James: I’m going to try and capture what can be of you, yes
Ava: Your writing is far more astonishing than I am
James: Nothing is more astonishing than you are
Ava: Agree to disagree, the way you write me is the only compliment I’ll ever need
James: No, I’m sorry, I insist
James: travelling every continent or living an inhuman number of years during which I spent every day experiencing so-called incredible things, I’d nonetheless be unable to find anything or anyone to rival the sight and wonder of you
Ava: I hate to be the one to point out that you’re still proving my point right now but
Ava: I find you just as mesmerising, I promise
James: You’re proving mine harder, which I absolutely don’t hate, any and all reminders of how I feel about you, despite your physical absence, are very welcome
Ava: Still feeling your presence is harder with all these other people around but not entirely impossible, or I’d have to go home
James: For your education’s sake I can’t demand it
Ava: As long as you’re fully aware any of your demands are otherwise my pleasure to fulfil, obviously
James: The temptation to abuse the level of power you’ve granted me is overwhelming
Ava: I know it is
James: It’s a source of more pleasure for you to know it
Ava: Yes
Ava: in fairness, it has the potential to be a neverending source of for you so I’m not being entirely selfish
James: Though, if I refuse to ever write an ending I’ll never be published
Ava: Hmm, true, I hadn’t considered that
James: Consider it carefully, what I’m prepared to give up for you
Ava: I am now, promise
James: As I said, my father’s office isn’t the place for eagerness, and yet, here I am, filled with passion
Ava: Do you want me to stop talking to you?
Ava: I didn’t mean to take it to this place, however unapologetic I would like to be about it usually
James: Necessity may dictate that you do, but I’d fight that to the bitter end, written or actual
Ava: I won’t take offence, from you
Ava: the universe, a different story
James: Please talk to me, or I’d simply have to take offence myself
Ava: It’s all I’m feeling any good for today, and I am not mad about that at all
James: Being good for me is a behaviour that comes naturally to you, it isn’t much to ask, contrary to what other people may today
Ava: I should insist I have to try VERY hard, actually
Ava: You’d have to reward me then
James: There should already be something waiting when you return home, unless one of your neighbours feels they deserve it more
Ava: James!
Ava: It isn’t my birthday anymore
James: I can’t help but feel every day spent with you is an occasion worth marking, I’m sorry
Ava: I’m not, unashamedly so
Ava: you know that I’d rather you were waiting for me, always, over anything, so I can receive any and all actual gifts safe in the knowledge you don’t think that’s my primary want from you
James: I haven’t set aside my lunch break to get my watch fixed, instead I’ll continue to wear it as it is
James: because I am waiting for you, in the moments we’re together until we can be again
Ava: It’s important
Ava: These things that are breaking, they mean something, they have to
James: Yes, I wholeheartedly agree with no trace of disagreement and thus no need to put my foot down this time
Ava: That said, we either need to start intentionally breaking my things more or at least try to spare yours a little
Ava: Meaningful to us shouldn’t mean visible to everyone
James: What do you have in mind?
Ava: It should be so obvious it doesn’t need mentioning
James: Are you certain your bed isn’t broken?
Ava: … I wish I were
James: I wish I could send you home to check
Ava: On my own would just be too sad for words
James: That’s precisely the purpose of your present, to alleviate that sadness where possible
Ava: I have no need to doubt your thoughtfulness
Ava: I’m still allowed to miss you though, right?
James: The question is whether or not my heart is something you also intend to break, as it’s yours
James: if your answer is yes, don’t miss me
Ava: I would never intend to break anyone’s heart
James: Naturally, I could tell it was rhetorical while I posed it, but forgive me, I had to guarantee you knew too that you have that piece of me
Ava: You can’t take that back, or just say it now and not really mean it
James: No, and I wouldn’t do either of those
Ava: Can you say it again?
James: [sending her a voice note to actually say it because I’m sure he has his own lil office he can shut the door to, it’s obvs a boujee place]
Ava: Jesus
Ava: I don’t understand how this happened
James: It defies explanation, unfortunately for our novel
Ava: I thought, I mean, I didn’t know what I was looking for, I wasn’t, you were just there, suddenly
James: I should probably allow Teddy a small dedication in gratitude, lest we forget he brought us together, because if real life had rewrites I’d definitely attempt to
Ava: I am meanwhile grateful that he currently has no idea because he would absolutely be unbearable about it
James: He has some, but they’re extremely fanciful, nonetheless, it was insufferable hearing them, that’s true
Ava: But not really, he just presses buttons, indeterminately, to see if anything sticks
Ava: but I’m sorry he’s been testing you about any of it
James: He’s my younger brother, it’s a given and a role in life he obviously cherishes
Ava: True enough
Ava: I do feel slightly responsible in this specific case though
James: It rests on my shoulders, you haven’t done anything wrong
Ava: It wasn’t supposed to be so blatant, I didn’t cover myself well enough
James: It’s okay, Ava
Ava: sorry
James: I don’t regret how this happened, no actual redrafting is required
Ava: Okay
Ava: everything is as okay as it can be, isn’t it?
James: I promise you, darling
Ava: I think my heart might belong to you too
Ava: no one nor nothing else has the effect upon it you do
James: Oh
James: you needn’t worry about how my day is going, in that case
James: I couldn’t be happier
Ava: I’ve been failing to find the words to describe it since you told me
Ava: I didn’t think it could get better than last night
James: I wouldn’t have thought myself capable of wanting to see you more than I did yesterday
Ava: It only gets worse
Ava: in the best possible way, of course
James: I’ll do my best not to prolong the agony for too long, exquisite as it may be for the moment
Ava: I know it’s not just down to us, I’m prepared
James: Your phrasing means I’m completely unwilling and not at all ready
Ava: And I purposely excluded the word suffer from my phrasing too
Ava: In an ideal world, we would never need to miss each other unless we really, really wanted to feel it
James: [obvs write a lil story about that ideal world and what y’all would be up to, I’m sure it’s saucy af and involves her on his desk rn because cliche for a reason and he’ll write it so it’s not]
Ava: It’s criminal for us to both be at desks right now and yet have no way to reenact any of that
James: [do a rewrite into something that’s more doable for you both in your separate locations because you’re that sort of bear]
Ava: Do you want me to, James?
James: Can you without getting into trouble?
Ava: I think so
James: Then yes
Ava: How else can we be expected to focus at all today
James: My concentration is non-existent
Ava: There’s nothing in my head but you
James: It’s what’s bound to happen when I’m wearing the scent and feel of you against my skin
Ava: I miss that shirt
James: I’ll gift it to you
James: I just needed it today, desperately
Ava: I like sharing with you
Ava: if it wasn’t like being held by you, I wouldn’t have kept it on so long
James: I’m glad you did
Ava: You could concentrate then
James: I’ve been fixated on you since your birthday
Ava: Maybe I wished for it when I blew out my candles
James: We can have a year together, that’s how those wishes work, isn’t it?
Ava: I’ve never checked, or counted
Ava: it’s a cheap wish if it doesn’t cover you one year to the next though, you’re right
James: I’d like the assurance of us lasting that long, so I’ll choose to believe those are the terms
Ava: I like it too
James: I’m at a sudden loss for words once more
Ava: You already know I don’t want an ending
James: Thinking where we could be a year from now, we really are only at our beginning
Ava: Where do you want to be in a year, apart from with me?
James: I don’t know, I’ve been afraid to want things, apart from you
Ava: I’m totally fine with you just wanting me
Ava: we have time to figure the rest out
James: Where do you want to be?
Ava: I don’t have an exact plan either, just better, just you
James: Do you have a desk calendar I can break?
Ava: So I can admit to you that my gut reaction to having a year with you was that it isn’t long enough then?
Ava: realising that is how I feel, in the split second after reading those words was… overwhelming
James: You can confide anything in me
Ava: I feel that
Ava: but that is something I don’t want to abuse, seriously
James: I don’t believe you would
Ava: I just like you, James, no time limit on it
James: You know I relish spending time with you and how intense my desire for more together is
Ava: Until that changes, I see no need to limit us further than the extenuating circumstances do
James: Neither do I
Ava: I’m happy
Ava: I want to make you happy like this too
James: I am
Ava: Good
Ava: I miss youou
James: We should meet for lunch, I miss you too
Ava: You have an hour? Where would suit you?
James: I’ll send a car to bring you to me at [somewhere that’s clearly nearby this office but not somewhere his colleagues would go for lunch because they are too snobby/busy/both] if that appeals to you?
Ava: Sounds perfect
Ava: I’ll try to leave before the rush so I don’t have to brush anyone off in person
James: Oh good, I’m always aiming for it when the company is as unrivalled as yours
Ava: I know I’m not exactly being rivalled by anyone at your work right now but that’s still a compliment I’m going to take
James: It’s one you’ve unquestionably earned
Ava: I don’t know if the food will rival last night either but that’s a big ask
James: I suppose an uphill and losing battle is faced regardless in terms of attempting to spark my appetite with you around, but I’m prepared for that, if I may quote you yet again
Ava: It is scandalous of you to be so blatant how NOT about lunch this lunch date is but I’ll still allow it
James: It would be lax of me not to feed you, you must keep your strength up, be it for afternoon classes or the prior commitment you have to them
Ava: My only commitment is to you, that’s all I need my strength for too
James: I’m as dedicated to your wellbeing
Ava: You are so
Ava: I’m still searching for the right word for it
James: Perhaps you’ll find it over lunch if I also vow to help you with the pursuit
Ava: I’ve already said too much, I feel so wholly transparent in front of you
James: I’d love to be visible to you to the same degree
Ava: You can be, you can trust me
James: I’m aware of the magnitude of that responsibility, and I swear it’s the sole reason I’m reluctant to place the strain upon you
James: it’s merely a reflection of me and my baggage
Ava: It’s okay, we’ve all got it
Ava: You can be as open with me as you feel comfortable being, you don’t have to worry about my ability to deal with it
James: I’m used to carrying burdens alone
Ava: You shouldn’t have to, I don’t want you to
James: I’ll try not to, from this moment on
Ava: I’m not claiming I have solutions to every problem but
Ava: not being alone with it all can’t be a bad thing, can it
James: I don’t think so
Ava: Me either
Ava: I’ll tell you things too
James: Isolation exacerbates every issue further, in my experience
Ava: I can’t imagine having to carry on and do the things you do with no support, truly
Ava: it’s incredible you have, as well as not relying on the old crutches that you used to before
James: There are no feats to boast about to date, I’m completely lacking in heroic acts
Ava: You work, study and raise a child
Ava: None of those are nothing, you should be proud of yourself
James: None of them are applaudable, I’m just doing what I have to
Ava: It’s harder work, doing things you don’t necessarily want to do, never mind when they seem like thankless tasks
James: I’m proud of her, independent of me and with no thanks
Ava: I didn’t mean your daughter there, more the rest
James: I’d be lying by refusing to acknowledge what a miserable existence parenting is much of the time, but no, there are enough rewards to prevent it from seeming utterly futile or everyone would have already given up
Ava: You’re allowed to be a person outside of it, it should be encouraged
James: I’m not encouraged to seek out delight in many places
Ava: Everyone I’ve ever met is a walking advertisement for unhappy parents making unhappy children
Ava: I don’t know why the cycle keeps repeating unbidden, we have to step in and up at some point, surely
James: Because few people have children when or how they would choose to, the circumstances start out less than ideal and, therefore, persist in being
Ava: It’s never too late, however difficult extrapolating is, it’s still a worthy cause
James: Unless too late is relative, dependent as it is on where the individual tipping point could be and the deciding factor of what amount of damage would be irrevocable
Ava: There’s always more to be caused and so always reason to leave too
James: You’re right, I have to concede to your point
Ava: I understand practicalities prove less black and white in the execution but
Ava: I still stand by the point
James: As you should, it’s excellent
Ava: Will you, do you think, one day
James: That day came and the actions I embarked upon made everything infinitely worse
Ava: She didn’t take it well then
James: An understatement
Ava: But she’s found out before, about your infidelities, right?
Ava: I don’t know if I can comprehend the priorities…
James: She has her own
James: but outward appearance is what matters
Ava: Even if it’s all a lie?
James: Yes
Ava: That’s so ridiculous
Ava: You shouldn’t live a lie because she’s content to, or thinks she is
James: I’m beholden to my obligations, I live as duty dictates, which regrettably, must include her impulses, however contemptible I consider them
Ava: You have multiple duties, to your daughter and to yourself, too
Ava: She can’t be the only person considered
James: I wouldn’t have one to my daughter any longer, that’s been categorically stated
Ava: Okay but she knows that’s not something she can do, even if she wants to
James: It’s within her power, my lapses in judgement go beyond infidelity
Ava: And hers?
James: Aren’t on the record like mine are, hearsay isn’t sufficient when it’s my word alone
Ava: Wasn’t your rehab stint voluntary?
James: Technically, but none of my alleged character witnesses would attest to any less than kicking and screaming
Ava: I mean, it wasn’t court ordered
Ava: and you completed it, all of which points to a commitment to sobriety, not the opposite, which is what she wants you to be scared of
James: I wouldn’t be granted full custody and I’m under no illusion she’d follow through with other arrangements, even if those were court ordered
Ava: You think it would be worse than it is now then
James: Her threats are seldom empty
James: living with her I have the ability to perform damage control, compensate for the things which should be better but aren’t
Ava: I understand
James: I’m afraid I wouldn’t be in contact with my daughter for months, possibly years, depending on the legal red tape involved, by which point, she may not want any at all
Ava: She wouldn’t be allowed to just stop you, there is no case, even if she made up something truly horrific, it’d still need proving and you’re innocent until it is, which it can’t be
James: Perhaps not, but she wouldn’t stop until I was guilty in the eyes of my daughter and I’m not sure how easy it would be for me to disprove the character assassination going on behind closed doors
Ava: I’m sorry, it’s horrible you have to deal with any of this
James: The compassion you’ve shown is new to me, but I value it
James: thank you
Ava: Your daughter is very lucky to have you
James: I’m lucky to have you
Ava: All I’ve done is listen
James: Don’t downplay it
Ava: I’m happy to, you’re welcome any time
James: I wouldn’t be to treat you as my unpaid therapist
Ava: I wish I had actual solutions for you
James: You are a solution, being with you is more than enough
Ava: You still want to do lunch, don’t you
Ava: I really want to see you
James: Of course
Ava: We can skip the whole lunch part, truth be told
James: Okay, tell me
Ava: Tell you what?
James: About what we’re going to do instead
Ava: Well, we need to be alone
Ava: because I need to be as close to you as is physically possible
James: Where are you taking me?
Ava: As bed isn’t an option, the nearest privacy the car can find us
James: The car itself can be a haven for it in the meanwhile
Ava: It could suffice, I’m not opposed to the idea
James: [obvs writing her a car scenario what if, of the antics he’s THINKING about them getting up to]
Ava: Okay, so we are absolutely staying in the car then, that’s decided
James: Are you definite?
James: [and a what if of somewhere else, idk maybe a park to bring back where they hooked up for the first time when we did the tour vibe last, regardless, just here giving her options and more to THINK about]
Ava: The only thing I’m definite on is that we’re going to need more than one lunch break
Ava: and that you’re in charge of where we go, you have the best ideas
James: There’s a full work week ahead of us, but I must insist you eat brunch on the weekends, with or without me
Ava: I’ll keep my strength up, I promise
James: Good girl
Ava: I felt like I was dreaming the first time you said that to me
James: It’s almost unfathomable that I’m not, still
Ava: Did you dream, when we fell asleep?
James: Absolutely
Ava: About me?
James: About you and only you
Ava: That’s mutual then
Ava: I’m still struggling to have any thoughts, waking or otherwise, about anything but you
James: My pen has endeavoured to write your name on an abundance of [idk what business report thing he’s meant to be doing, sue me]
Ava: I’ve distracted you dreadfully
Ava: I don’t feel the slightest bit guilty about it though
James: It’s the effect you’ve had since reentering my life, which I’m similarly lacking the slightest remorse about
Ava: I don’t want to be something you regret, another lapse in judgment
James: I don’t want you to get that impression when it couldn’t be further from the truth
Ava: Promise?
James: This feels different, perhaps I shouldn’t admit it as freely as I am, given reconnected days ago
Ava: I would feel bad, I know there’s no evidence to support that
Ava: if you and your wife had a chance, I thought she treated you any better than with total contempt, I really would
Ava: I’m not saying I wouldn’t have done it, maybe I still would but I wouldn’t be so unapologetic about how I feel for you
James: I meant what I said when I expressed the credit you’d be to the field of journalism, you’re indisputably someone with strong morals and ethics
Ava: It doesn’t feel like a shouldn’t, not when you’re trapped
Ava: not when I like you more
James: You aren’t behaving as you shouldn’t, I am
Ava: If she won’t let you leave, what are you meant to do?
Ava: Suffer in silence entirely is not an option
James: I ought to dedicate myself to making my marriage work, arguably
Ava: Should you?
James: I barely remember the day, vows included, but speaking them aloud is a prerequisite
Ava: Were you scared?
James: Honestly terrified
Ava: You weren’t old enough to make that sort of commitment, to understand what it meant
James: You understand
Ava: No one would let me get married, think that would work out long term
James: No, but you possess the emotional maturity, I don’t think anyone is claiming our troubles are age related
Ava: I don’t know about that, I’m just saying I’m unsure why all the actual adults in your lives failed to see it was a poor idea to begin with
Ava: You were let down, both of you
James: This wouldn’t be a conversation we were having if you didn’t
Ava: Okay, and you are now too
James: I’m trying to avoid being another adult who has neglected to do what they’re supposed to
Ava: I would say that’s very clear
James: It doesn’t always seem like I’m being understood
Ava: I can’t begin to fathom how frustrating it must be, to be trying as hard as you are, and to receive no confirmation of the fact, let alone recognition
James: If I’m able to summon up any optimism at all in this situation, it would go towards my conviction that you aren’t going to suffer the same fate
Ava: You don’t have to spend any of your optimism or worry on me, James, I promise, I’m always alright
James: And in the first instance you weren’t, you’d be able to express it much more eloquently than I
Ava: I could talk to you, as you can talk to me now too
Ava: however inelegant the prose, the feeling is what counts
James: I’m blown away by how you communicate both your emotions and opinions
Ava: I just need to get you to see how and why the feeling is mutual
James: I’m sorry, I’m not deliberately setting you up for your own failure or thankless task, it just may be
Ava: Well, I’m no quitter
James: You’re persistent
Ava: You’re yet to find it annoying
Ava: I hope, or this is very awkward
James: It’s enviable, as long as you remain conscious of the fact you’re allowed to rest
Ava: Only when sleep is unavoidable
Ava: I didn’t set that precedent to go against it immediately
James: No, when it’s necessary, I’m mindful of the exhausting nature of my daily life
Ava: I know you are, that’s why I have to do everything within my power to distract you when we’re allowed
Ava: said like it’s not my pleasure
James: The pleasure’s all mine, though, I very much hope it isn’t really, or I’ve contradicted my previous sentence and claimed attentiveness to keeping this fun for you
Ava: You know how pleasurable this is for me, you’ve made certain of that
James: Today there’s more I could do, to be absolute in my belief
Ava: Please
James: But nothing would give me greater pleasure than for us each to be completely and equally certain of it
Ava: You do make me sure, like no one else has
James: I’m usually so indecisive, not with you
Ava: You know what I want, it matches what you do
James: Yes
Ava: It’s so… freeing, to actually know that
Ava: not be guessing or hoping
James: Most areas of my life are an exercise in restraint, I can’t bring to mind when I last relaxed it, before us
Ava: That’s how you really test the muscle, isn’t it
Ava: because you know when and where to let go and let it out
James: And when to keep a tight hold, which I insist upon doing with you
Ava: I need you to, I can’t lose you
James: Releasing you isn’t an option yet
Ava: I’m yours, remember
James: The enduring ache I have for you isn’t going to let me forget
Ava: That sounds all too familiar
James: My methods of alleviating them will too as alas I’ve rather given myself away with my earlier prose
Ava: Familiar does you a disservice there, nothing about this feels old hat or everyday
Ava: I feel like you’ve shown me things I couldn’t even guess at in my wildest dreams
James: Regular time with you would only serve as a continuation of everything I’ve loved having the opportunity to do
Ava: Let me make myself available for you
James: I dream of a progression of this which doesn’t become a gradual nightmare for you, that’s all
Ava: How could it ever be a nightmare?
James: Ava
Ava: I know, what I can’t have from you
Ava: but I know what I can and I want it so badly
James: It’s a shared hunger
Ava: Devour me, I promise you it’s what I want
James: The moment can’t come soon enough
Ava: Waiting for you is starting to seem natural, right somehow
Ava: even if it should be shaming to be here in this room with these people feeling this way
James: The blush I can picture you wearing is, even though it is a dreadful shame I’m not there witnessing each distinct shade bloom firsthand
Ava: No sneaky selfie is painting the picture you deserve either
Ava: you know how to make me blossom every time, there’s no doubt you’ll see for yourself just how flushed I am now
James: That wait will be as worthwhile as the one you mentioned
Ava: I do wish you had more pictures of your handsome face online though, selfishly
James: I consent to you taking pictures of me
Ava: Really?
James: I don’t see the harm in submitting to it
Ava: Wow 🥰
James: Flushed doesn’t look as good on me, but if it’s what you want
Ava: It is because we absolutely must agree to disagree there
James: Oh, you’re adamant, are you?
Ava: Completely
James: Okay
Ava: I’ve seen you flushed, there’s no denying the perfection, I’m afraid
James: There’s no way to protest the comparison favours me over you
James: you’re the epitome of perfection
Ava: No, you
Ava: perhaps we can say we’re well-matched
James: We can’t, I’m sorry, you’re an archetype, the likes of which I fear will make a mockery of my writing whenever I attempt to exhibit you
Ava: I fear what being with you might do for my ego
Ava: luckily with every incredible thing you say about me, it just endears me to you more than myself
James: The readers egos will lead them to assume I’ve misrepresented you because you embody too many implausible traits
Ava: As long as you don’t find me insufferable and unbelievable
James: I’m struggling to withstand the torment of our current separation, was that your question?
Ava: I forget but I empathise so wholly that nothing else matters
Ava: I’ve never clock-watched this hard before
James: It’s outrageous the clock doesn’t feel your stare and leap forwards at your request
Ava: It is, you’re right
Ava: Who do I complain to about this?
James: How could I not be the one to blame? What cruel storytelling device have I, the author, employed here, and for which exacting ends?
James: but I need you to know my yearning for you feels violent right now, whether or not you agree or disagree it’s an adequate punishment
Ava: Having no say over how forceful the longing hits and for how long the feeling stays seems entirely appropriate, no good or bad or agree or disagree even capable
Ava: It’s just so
James: Being deprived of your body and all I need from it is an experience I am ill equipped to cope with
Ava: Is it consolation to know I have as little clue as you?
Ava: all I know is how willingly I’m going to submit to what your body needs as soon as I see you
James: My solace exists inside of you, I’m learning
Ava: It’s something we create together
James: Peace
Ava: Security
James: I’ve never known a respite like the one you offer me
Ava: If there was better somewhere else, I would let you find it
Ava: that’s how much I like you
James: Let me reveal you, uncover all there is to
Ava: I trust you, I want it to be you
James: Expose yourself to me and I’ll lay myself bare to you
Ava: James
James: Fuck, Ava
Ava: How did we stumble upon us, how is it so incredible
James: I don’t know
Ava: Writing until you do would be a worthy pursuit but I still don’t think you’d get an answer really
James: There’s an argument to be made for you taking over as the writer, because stumble is a prudent word choice for my inability to walk anywhere at the moment
Ava: You really need to be sat down darling
James: Thankfully I am, lamentably you’re not sat with me
Ava: God if I was
James: Write it for me
Ava: [do, trying your hardest and being the sauciest, obviously]
James: You’re profoundly talented
Ava: You leave me with no choice in the matter
James: You’re going to leave me with no alternative but to behave very unprofessionally
Ava: I am
James: No apologies?
Ava: Only if you really want them
James: You’ll be sorry this office isn’t soundproof when the denial of the recording I would’ve sent you fully registers
Ava: But
James: [he can’t resist sending a voice note regardless though which is just him breathing insanely because gotta be quiet shh]
Ava: I can feel how that would feel against my skin, if I focus hard enough on each breath
James: If I close my eyes I can feel the weight of you in my lap
Ava: There’s not an office in the city soundproofed enough for how I would be reacting if I were in your lap right now
James: I’d be inconsolable at having to keep you as quiet as I am
Ava: Inconsolable does sound like a personal challenge though
James: True, perhaps it should be
Ava: Perhaps you’ll want me keeping you company all the time
James: I already crave that
Ava: Me too
Ava: you already made me want to be on that desk of yours, now I need to be under it, bent over it, the possibilities truly are endless
James: [of course writing all those possibilities being even more !! than he was earlier hence also a saucier rewrite of that desk moment from then because the mood we’re in rn]
Ava: I’ll do anything, just please let me
James: Darling, there isn’t anything I wouldn’t grant you permission for
Ava: I fucking adore you, I need to feel you again, I’m so lost here
James: The desk isn’t mine, you are
Ava: The moment you laid eyes on me, you possessed me fully
James: Remember how that felt, feel it now
Ava: I haven’t stopped, I can feel you in my flesh and blood and my bones, you flood my mind and my other senses until I can feel you again
James: I’d create space for you in every fragment of me, there isn’t a trace of myself I wouldn’t gladly let you coexist along with, because it’s all improved for the closeness of you
Ava: I want to be consumed by you and consume you, no distinction between us, that’s how truly my entire being belongs to you
James: I’m going to flood this desk without even touching myself because of how you confess the things you want
Ava: Now I really want that
James: But you’re not here to consume it
Ava: You could for me, feed me
James: You have declared your appetite for us to be joined, I should demonstrate my own
Ava: I will give myself over to you again and again, every second, every day, I become yours anew
James: It would be impossible to dismiss any vow made by you, least of all that one
Ava: Want me, I don’t know if I’ll continue to exist if you don’t, not now
James: I said it first, I told you to be mine entirely or I’d be afraid what I’d do
Ava: You were so masterful, I’ve been under your spell since
James: I didn’t exist without you
Ava: But you’re so vivid and raw and electric to me, how can that be true
James: To call you my muse cheapens it, but you know what you are irrespective of the language deficit
Ava: You know who that makes you, how vital to me, my master, my creator
James: I’d experience an unparalleled sense of pride and fulfilment if I were, of course your parents were satisfied after creating you, anyone would be content to stop
Ava: You are but don’t stop, please
James: I won’t, I can’t
Ava: You need this, me
James: You’re fundamental to me too
Ava: I’ve written your name on my thigh
James: I’d carve yours on this desk provided I saw it at all, but I could be anywhere for how little it matters when I’m not with you
Ava: Soon, love, so soon
Ava: I don’t need to come back
James: The sight of you would be alarming, once the limited time I have runs out and we’ve got no choice but to be finished
Ava: I’d wait for you like that, ruined
James: Never ruined
Ava: Not for you
James: Ravished, but your beauty grows with that, I refuse to diminish any part of you
Ava: You’re so unbelievably caring, it never fails to shock me
James: You bring out the best in me, I want it for you
Ava: We can have that together
James: Art evolves, if that’s what you are and I’ve created you, it’s my aim that you do
Ava: You make me feel it, like it’s more than skin deep
James: Our bond is, you’ve cured me of more than my writer’s block
Ava: I think I’ve run out of words, I don’t have sufficient ones to match to our bond
James: Present your thigh to me
Ava: [a covert snap of this which is clearly well under your skirt because we know what we’re saying here and where your head was]
James: [another voice note, this time of him saying her name in response, obvs whispered to be likewise stealth but !! af because not okay about it even a lil bit]
Ava: Maybe that’s all we need to say
James: It’s all I feel as though I can say
Ava: You’ve kept it off the desk and the [whatever work things he is currently ignoring so hard] no one can expect anything more
James: Yours are the only ones I care to meet
Ava: You continue to exceed even my wildest
James: I remain floored
Ava: And I demand you be here now
James: Soon, I promise
Ava: I’ll count every second ‘til then
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