[RP] This Is Where You Ought To Be [Come Down To Me]
(Co-written with carolineparker. Kevin is her OC. Future canon. Set for the night before he calls Zoe.)
Kevin was in an elevator.
Not that he didn't spend a portion of his time that was entirely too large in elevators, he usually had more pleasant company. Usually of the half-naked variety. With the exception of when it was Caroline Parker, but that sounded much more odd to say in his younger years than it did now. Not that Caroline was ever anything of a slut, mind you, nor was he incredibly gifted at sweeping women off their feet, but well -- they'd just known each other two long to ever go to that particular section of uncharted territory in their relationship. Which Kevin was more than happy to continue ignoring, because he valued Caroline very dearly as a friend, and should circumstances arise that they would start sleeping together, she may demand he stop buying her things. And frankly, he couldn't think of anything better to spend his copious amounts of money on than her.
Besides, for the past five years she's only had eyes for one man anyway, whether she'd admit it or not.
Regardless, Kevin was in an elevator, watching as he descended through the floors to his penthouse where he was staying to the rest of the world where he was supposed to be working. What he actually did, he still would probably never be able to explain to you, but it gave him an excuse to wear a suit, and that, as far as he was concerned, was the most important part.
Larry rubbed his brow as he waited for the elevator on his floor. He was tired and it had been a long week already. He really just wanted to end the trial and go home. He was starting to learn more than ever that New York was over for him. The crazy bustle of arguing the law in the city was over for him. He wanted to go home.
The elevator came to a stop about halfway through the building and Kevin frowned. He paused for a minute, tilting his head to the side slightly as the doors opened, then realized that someone else was getting on. When he saw who it was, however, the elevator ride just became increasingly more interesting. Cora had only mentioned Larry Paul on one or two occasions, and when she did it was like trying to get into the Forbidden Temple -- it just wasn't happening. He'd seen him once, at that party in Massachusetts not that long ago, but actually being face to face with the man and having the chance to talk to him presented a relatively unique opportunity. He was going to have to take advantage of this one.
Larry watched the doors open, then stepped in, nodding politely to the other passenger. Sure, he'd seen Kevin before, but he didn't remember a moment of it. That night he had been far too consumed with the thoughts and feelings of being around Cora again to take any note of the guy that took her away from him. He made sure the lobby button was pressed before leaning back to the wall of the elevator.
"Crazy weather we're having, isn't it?" Kevin said with a sigh, needing a way to initiate conversation somehow. Sure, it wasn't the best elevator talk in the world to start out with, but at least it was a start.
"Mmhmm," Larry nodded. Not that he was rude, but he didn't have a lot of small talk in him lately.
"No place like it, though," Kevin replied, continuing despite the man's apparent disinterest. He was an expert in small talk -- this could be said, was what his job was. "I always do love coming back to New York."
Larry smirked slightly. "No, it's like nothing else," he agreed, though probably not in the way it sounded.
Kevin nodded slowly, before extending his hand to the other man. "Kevin Townsend."
"Larry Paul," he replied, after a short pause, and shaking the man's hand.
"Nice to meet you," Kevin said with a nod. "Are you in town for business or pleasure?"
"Business," Larry nodded, as the elevator doors chimed open. He stepped out, but stood still, turning back to Kevin.
Kevin followed him out into the lobby before nodding. "Me as well. I probably won't be here much longer, though -- should head back to Chicago sometime in the not-to-distant future."
Larry finally smiled a bit. "Yes, I'll be heading home soon, too. Can't wait, to be honest."
"No place like home?"
He sighed slightly and shrugged. "Nothing like being around family. This place is too...cold for me now." Not that he really meant it temperature-wise. After all, home was much colder.
"Makes sense," Kevin said with a nod, as they finally reached the front door of the hotel, and he extended his hand to him again. "Well, it was nice meeting you."
"You as well. Enjoy the rest of your stay." He shook his hand.
Kevin made his way over to the town car that was waiting for him, waiting until the door was closed and they were moving before breaking out his phone. He was most certainly going to lure Cora into room service tonight. Apparently, he had to do everything himself.
****
Larry walked back into the hotel lobby later that evening and closed his eyes to soak in the heat momentarily. Court had been court, and he had been his awkward, stiff, stand-offish self to Cora all day - where work was involved, otherwise he kept his silent distance.
"You need to relax," Kevin said, his voice almost obnoxiously loud as he dragged Cora back into the hotel lobby, he spotted Larry heading into the hotel ahead of him and thanked God silently for his perfect timing. On occasion, he really is that lucky. "C'mon, sweetheart. I'll order room service, pop a bottle of champagne, we'll talk, it'll be fantastic."
"Kevin," she sighed slowly, stiffening slightly when she felt his hands start to massage her shoulders. "I've had a really long day, alright? I'd rather just go home and get some sleep."
Larry wasn't really paying attention to anything around him as he jumped forward to hop into the elevator as it opened, relieved that it was empty. He wasn't in the mood for small talk.
Well, Larry -- your elevator was empty. As the doors were closing, Kevin stuck his hand between them, pushing them back open again and leaning against the side of the door to let Cora in ahead of him. "See -- perfect timing. Almost missed the elevator."
Cora spotted Larry and stiffened for a moment, before looking at Kevin with a sigh. "I think we could have stood to miss it." Not that she didn't want to see Larry -- she just didn't want the awkward. And awkward was what it was.
Larry looked up and spotted them, and tensed up. He pushed himself closer to the back wall, hoping it might swallow him, and his eyes went to the floor. Well. This was interesting.
"Don't be ridiculous. It'll be fun. Larry and I just met this morning." He started to make his way into the elevator when he paused, patting down the front of his chest lightly, before pulling out his phone. "Damn. I have to take this. I'll be right up."
"I'll wait with you down here," she began, starting to make her way off the elevator and head towards him.
"Don't be ridiculous," he said as the door closed. "You have a key, just head up -- I'll be right there."
The doors closed, and Cora sighed softly, rubbing her eyes lightly as the car started to move. This was not how she planned on spending her evening. Larry bit his cheek and watched the floor. He was starting to feel that meeting Kevin that morning hadn't been so random. He sighed and reached out to press his floor button. Cora sighed slightly, before starting to go into her purse for the spare key Kevin had given her. "I'm sorry about him. He's obnoxious."
"Guess him introducing himself this morning wasn't a coincidence?"
Cora raised an eyebrow slightly, before shrugging. "I have no idea. I've known him since I was eight, but don't expect me to explain what goes on in his head -- I don't think his own mother would be able to tell you."
"Ah," he nodded. "Okay," his eyes moved up to watch the numbers pass.
Cora nodded slowly, before reaching over and doing what she needed to do to get to the penthouse floor. "I didn't know you were staying here."
"Well...it's a good hotel," he shrugged.
"It is," she said with a nod, rubbing her arms lightly as she moved back against the wall of the elevator.
He cleared his throat and shifted on his feet, before the doors opened and he glanced out, then to her. Then he moved his eyes forward again and took a step to leave. Cora didn't exactly move either. She wasn't sure what Kevin wanted her to do exactly, but if she wasn't careful, she was going to probably wind up locked in a closet with Larry before the end of the night. Not that that gave her any idea as to what to say, though. So she just kept quiet and let him go, not wanting to push things. He turned on his heel and looked back in at her, his hands shoved deep in his pockets. He was thinking something along the same lines of the closet and his blood was pounding at the thought. He didn't say anything though, just kept his eyes on her.
She looked back at him, before raising an eyebrow in his direction. "What?"
He shook his head. "Nothing," he said softly, before turning to walk down the hall. Cora sighed slightly, before leaning back against the edge of the elevator, letting the doors close again and continuing the climb towards the top of the building.
Larry moved to his room and shed his briefcase and coat, then sighed. He looked around. He really wanted a drink. Or...something. So he turned back out of his room and went to the elevator to hit the button. He leaned a hand to the wall and watched the floor as he waited.
Cora never made it to the penthouse. She didn't approve of underhanded tactics on Kevin's part, so she was fully intending on standing him up for dinner, leaving the hotel, and going to have a good stiff drink. She was still sorting out whether or not she wanted to have that drink in the privacy of her own apartment or not when the elevator started to slow, probably signaling someone getting on.
When the doors opened, Larry looked up. He saw Cora and didn't move. Cora looked back at him, before sighing slightly. "Are you getting on or not?"
He just stared at her for a long time, his hand holding the doors open, before moving into the elevator and right up to her. His hands leaned to the wall over either of her shoulders and he stared down at her. She looked back up at him, questioning him as to what he was doing exactly, but not actually saying anything. As the doors started to slide shut behind him, he leaned down and softly found her mouth with his own. She tensed slightly in surprise at first, before melting against him and leaning back against the wall, pulling him with her.
He pressed himself tight against her and deepened the kiss quickly. His fingers pressed roughly down her sides, holding her body closer. Her arms moved up around his neck and she sighed slightly into the kiss, staying as close as she could. The elevator hadn't moved, so he backed up, still holding onto her, and hit the open doors button. He pulled his mouth from hers to look into her eyes, almost asking for permission to drag her out of there. She nodded slowly, starting to move with him, and head out of the elevator.
Larry took out his key and brought her down the hall, then let them through the door. He shut it behind them and leaned her back to the door. His hands held her hips gently and he stared at her. She looked back at him, her hands running up his arms as she waited for him to move again. He leaned in slowly and started dropping kisses along her neck softly. His hands pulled her hips against his as he did. She closed her eyes and leaned her head back against the door, letting him take the lead and wrapping her arms around his shoulders. He kissed her skin, his mouth moving down her throat and chest, across her collarbone. His fingers slid under the fabric of her shirt.
Her hands started to slide down the front of his shirt, starting to undo the buttons and push his shirt away. He let the shirt drop to the floor as he pulled at the buttons of her shirt, his lips sliding down further. He pushed the shirt from her shoulders and let his hands roam her skin. She moaned softly, arching her body up against him and pushing herself closer. He pulled her from the door and turned them, guiding her back to the bed as he kicked from his shoes and started to undo his belt.
She followed his lead, moving her hands down to help him with his belt and starting to kick off her heels as they went. He pushed her back onto the mattress and leaned himself over her, hovering slightly so he could watch her, as his hands moved down her hip and pulled at her skirt. She lifted her hips to help him get the skirt off, before sliding an arm around his neck and pulling him in for a kiss. He kissed her back, lowering himself closer. He touched her slowly and gently, wanting to take his time to savor her after all of those years. She had no objections with letting him take things slow, just leaning back to enjoy the ride.
His body eventually relaxed against hers, leaning close for a moment as his breath was heavy and deep. He rolled away after a moment, onto his back, and covered a hand over his eyes, trying to regain himself. Yes, it had been one hell of a ride. Cora sighed softly, stretching back on the bed. This wasn't how she had wanted things to go for them, but it certainly wasn't a bad way to go either. He sighed too and rubbed his eyes, then moved to sit up, his back to her. He'd wanted that so badly, and he still wanted to roll over and hold her for awhile, but he couldn't. He couldn't. His head fell into his hand.
She looked over at him, before starting to sit up slightly. She knew that posture, and she didn't want to stay here, if he thought this was a bad idea. "I should probably go." She didn't exactly sound happy about that, but she was going.
"I'm sorry," he whispered. He knew he never should have stepped into that elevator, kissed her, or let anything else happen. He was torn in a bad way. He didn't want her to leave, but he also didn't want to hear the usual things that took him so long to stop listening to.
"It's not your fault," Cora sighed. "I should have told you to stop in an elevator. This wasn't -- I wanted to try and at least be friends first."
He shook his head and looked over at her. "Wasn't what you wanted?"
"I didn't say that," she replied. "I just -- didn't want to make the same mistakes we did last time."
His jaw tightened slightly. "My only mistake was holding out for something that was never going to happen and believing things that never were. Don't worry, I won't do that again."
Cora froze for a moment, before looking over at what he was doing. "Fine. I didn't want to make the same mistakes I did last time." He may have snorted slightly in amusement. He grabbed his boxers and slid into them, moving to find a pair of jeans. She finished getting dressed, before turning to face him. "Look, Larry, I'm sorry I hurt you last time. It wasn't my intention to do it again, which is why I wanted to be friends, if anything at all. So that things wouldn't be as -- awkward."
"It's not that easy," he said, looking back at her. "I...I can't be your friend. We tried that. We tried that for over a year and....you didn't want me around," his voice went softer. "I'm supposed to just...ignore that?"
"No. You're not. And I'm sorry for that too."
"Whatever you need...I'm-I'm not it. I accepted that a long time ago. We shouldn't open it all back up." Which, really, hurt quite a bit to say.
"You weren't what I needed then. But -- people change, Larry."
He shook his head, looking down. He still didn't like hearing her admit that, even if he knew it was true. "Meaning what?"
She sighed slightly. "I had some issues I needed to work out for myself. And I'm not saying that I've worked them out perfectly. But -- I've tried. It might be good enough for you or it might not, but it's the truth."
"It doesn't matter what does or doesn't work for me, Cora. No matter what I feel about you...it's what works for you that matters. I'm...significantly nothing here." He grabbed his shirt and pulled it over his head.
She paused slightly, before shaking her head. "No you're not."
His fingers moved through his cropped salt and peppered hair. "You need to do whatever it is you want," he shrugged.
"Can't if it's not what the other person wants." He looked over at her questioningly, his eyes wanting clarification. She closed her eyes slightly, looking down at her lap. "I never didn't want you, Larry. I just didn't know how to say it."
He licked his lip and looked away for awhile, then turned back, remembering the last time they spoke painfully. "So...better alternative was telling me you never wanted any of it?"
"I mentioned that I was crap at relationships, right?" Cora replied, looking up at him. "Denying it was there was easier than actually saying that something was."
He finally relaxed slightly, leaning his body back to the dresser and crossing his arms. "Well...you did it well. Guess we both did."
"Been doing it my whole adult life, Larry," she sighed slightly, starting to get up again. "I'm practically a pro."
"You deserve better than that," he shook his head. "From yourself or...anyone else."
"Why?" The question wasn't mocking, or sarcastic. It was sincere. She really wanted to know why he thought that highly of her.
"Because...despite...what you think, what people say to you or...about you...and no matter what you do or don't think of me...what happened with us...you're an incredible person. I've seen it. As hard as you try to hide it."
She looked uncomfortable, looking down at her hands again. "I never tried to be."
"Yet you are, as far as I see it. But...what I think doesn't matter."
She paused for a minute. "It does to me."
"Since when?"
"Always did."
His hand came up to rub his eyes again. He wasn't really doing this, was he? Giving in. Saying anything she might hear. Trying to convince her of things she didn't believe and only hurting himself in the process. "Right," he said softly.
"Look, I'm not expecting you to believe me, okay? I know I haven't exactly been the most fantastic person to you in the past. But -- I wanted to try, Larry."
His hand moved down his face and he looked up at her again. "Try what?"
"To -- do the whole emotional thing. To put myself out there. It's still not easy."
"You know...I tried to hate you for a long time...I tried to...forget about you. And I couldn't. All I could do was...delete you. And even that...barely worked."
"I'm sorry, Larry," she sighed softly. "Really. I am."
"I...I really don't know..." he moved to the edge of the bed to sit down. "..what I'm supposed to do." He sighed and tilted his head to her. "We could ruin each other."
She smirked slightly, but didn't look at him. "Would it really be all that bad a way to go?"
He glanced over, keeping his eyes trained to her fingers. He wanted to reach out to take them. "It'd kill me," he said. "Losing you all over again."
"I -- I want to make it work, Larry."
His eyes moved up, searching for hers, his look nearly desperate. "Why?" He asked softly.
She looked at him. "Because you're probably the only guy I've dated who actually treated me like I was worth more than sex."
He held her gaze and shook his head, not accepting her answer. "I'm not going to be there just...because I treat you well."
She paused for a moment, before looking down again. "Then what do you need from me?"
"I need you to give me more," he said. He hated prying at her, but it's what he needed. She looked up at him, trying to figure out what exactly it was, so that when she said it, it was the right thing. She didn't say anything -- just watched, trying to find the answer. He watched her back. He didn't want to tell her what to say. He wanted... "Say something...real," he said quietly. "Something...something." He finally reached out for her hand.
"I -- " she looked down again, shifting uncomfortably on her feet, and suddenly feeling very vulnerable. "I don't know what you want me to say."
He pulled on her hand slightly, to bring her closer. "I want you to...tell me what you feel. I want...you to trust me enough to."
She looked confused. "I thought I have been."
He nodded and dropped her hand. "Maybe you have."
She sighed slightly, before shaking her head. "Look, Larry, if you don't want this, I'll go."
"I'm sorry." He looked away. "I can't just be the nice guy in your life. I need to mean more than that."
She moved over, brushing her hair out of her face before looking at him. "I didn't -- I wouldn't have said all of this if it wasn't more than that."
"So...just say it," he said, looking up at her.
"I care about you, Larry."
He sighed and pulled her hand again, wanting her closer. He moved to pull her down to his lap. "You what?"
She moved with him, sitting down where he directed. "I care about you. I always did."
His arms circled her waist and his face dropped to rest in the crook of her neck. He held on tightly and sighed. "Say it again," he whispered.
"I care about you," she whispered, not sure how many times he was going to want her to say it, but eventually she was going to start feeling a little ridiculous.
His hands rubbed her back slowly and he kissed her neck. "I never could stop loving you."
She closed her eyes as she leaned back into his hands, staying as close as she could. He sighed and moved to his back, pulling her with, and moved on his side. He held her close and studied her quietly. She looked back at him, wondering what he was thinking and waiting for him to actually say something to her, give her an indication of where this was going. He didn't really know what to say. Sure they had said it all, but that didn't mean he had any clue where to go next with it all. His thumb moved across her cheek slowly. God he'd missed these moments. She closed her eyes at the touch, moving in closer to him and letting her fingers move over his chest. His hand moved slowly against her skin. Along her cheek, jaw, neck and throat. He slid it up through her hair and down her back. He just needed to feel everything. Remember it all.
Her back arched slightly against his hand, moving her closer to him and her arm around his neck. His lips dropped against her ear gently as his hand moved down the small of her back, and behind the fabric to her skin. She hummed softly in contentment, before closing her eyes and staying close. He rubbed her back slowly and pressed closer, relaxing against her and closing his own eyes. He softly started singing against her ear. "Blue jean baby, LA lady, seamstress for the band..." She smiled slightly at that, curling up closer to him and letting herself start to drift off quietly. He continued what he was doing, lulling her to sleep, and soon drifting off himself. He knew there was still a lot to say, but a good sleep wouldn't hurt.
When Larry woke up later, he sighed and moved closer to the body beside him, a feeling of complete comfort moving through him. He kissed her forehead softly, his hand brushing her back again. She stirred slightly, tilting her head up to look at him. "Hi."
"Hi," he whispered back with a small smile. "Sleep well?"
"Mmm-hmm," she sighed, starting to curl up closer to him again.
He held her tighter and kissed her lips softly. "Good."
"You sleep good?" she murmured.
"Very," he said with a smile, stretching a bit.
"Good," she nodded, closing her eyes again.
He watched her quietly for awhile, before speaking up again. "Going to stick around the rest of the night?"
She looked up, before tilting her head to the side slightly. "I can if you want me to."
He smirked. "I want you to if you want to."
"I do," she rolled her eyes. "Though it might not be a good idea considering we're supposed to be facing each other in court."
"What will they know?" He moved closed and kissed her cheek. "You can leave an hour early."
"Mmmm," she sighed softly. "I guess so."
"I want more time with you," he said. "I want..." he sighed and went quiet, unsure what else he wanted.
"You want what?" she frowned, looking up at him.
He stroked her hair slowly as he ran his thoughts through his head, waiting for them to clear. "I want you to be mine." She looked back at him, not sure how to respond at first, and waiting for him to explain a little more. He sighed and continued watching her, starting to think she didn't want it.
She paused for a minute, again, before responding. "What do you mean?"
He really didn't know how to say it differently. She'd never let him have her in the past, and he wanted it now. "I...if you want to try this again, I do, too. 100 percent."
She paused for a minute before nodding slowly. "Me too. But -- I can't leave New York, Larry."
"We can work with that," he nodded. He held her cheek lightly. "If you'll be mine...I'll work with it."
"Okay," she said with a nod.
He knew he was being needy and pathetic, but it wasn't something he could help. He'd beaten himself up too much over the years, let her break him down too much. He leaned his lips to her jaw and closed his eyes. "If you're mine...tell me," he begged softly.
She had issues with the wording. A lot of issues with it. But she closed her eyes and swallowed it, before nodding. "I'm yours."
He fell into her and held on, sighing deeply. "Thank you," he murmured. Cora just nodded quietly, staying close and reminding herself that this was what she wanted.
4666
Kevin was in an elevator.
Not that he didn't spend a portion of his time that was entirely too large in elevators, he usually had more pleasant company. Usually of the half-naked variety. With the exception of when it was Caroline Parker, but that sounded much more odd to say in his younger years than it did now. Not that Caroline was ever anything of a slut, mind you, nor was he incredibly gifted at sweeping women off their feet, but well -- they'd just known each other two long to ever go to that particular section of uncharted territory in their relationship. Which Kevin was more than happy to continue ignoring, because he valued Caroline very dearly as a friend, and should circumstances arise that they would start sleeping together, she may demand he stop buying her things. And frankly, he couldn't think of anything better to spend his copious amounts of money on than her.
Besides, for the past five years she's only had eyes for one man anyway, whether she'd admit it or not.
Regardless, Kevin was in an elevator, watching as he descended through the floors to his penthouse where he was staying to the rest of the world where he was supposed to be working. What he actually did, he still would probably never be able to explain to you, but it gave him an excuse to wear a suit, and that, as far as he was concerned, was the most important part.
Larry rubbed his brow as he waited for the elevator on his floor. He was tired and it had been a long week already. He really just wanted to end the trial and go home. He was starting to learn more than ever that New York was over for him. The crazy bustle of arguing the law in the city was over for him. He wanted to go home.
The elevator came to a stop about halfway through the building and Kevin frowned. He paused for a minute, tilting his head to the side slightly as the doors opened, then realized that someone else was getting on. When he saw who it was, however, the elevator ride just became increasingly more interesting. Cora had only mentioned Larry Paul on one or two occasions, and when she did it was like trying to get into the Forbidden Temple -- it just wasn't happening. He'd seen him once, at that party in Massachusetts not that long ago, but actually being face to face with the man and having the chance to talk to him presented a relatively unique opportunity. He was going to have to take advantage of this one.
Larry watched the doors open, then stepped in, nodding politely to the other passenger. Sure, he'd seen Kevin before, but he didn't remember a moment of it. That night he had been far too consumed with the thoughts and feelings of being around Cora again to take any note of the guy that took her away from him. He made sure the lobby button was pressed before leaning back to the wall of the elevator.
"Crazy weather we're having, isn't it?" Kevin said with a sigh, needing a way to initiate conversation somehow. Sure, it wasn't the best elevator talk in the world to start out with, but at least it was a start.
"Mmhmm," Larry nodded. Not that he was rude, but he didn't have a lot of small talk in him lately.
"No place like it, though," Kevin replied, continuing despite the man's apparent disinterest. He was an expert in small talk -- this could be said, was what his job was. "I always do love coming back to New York."
Larry smirked slightly. "No, it's like nothing else," he agreed, though probably not in the way it sounded.
Kevin nodded slowly, before extending his hand to the other man. "Kevin Townsend."
"Larry Paul," he replied, after a short pause, and shaking the man's hand.
"Nice to meet you," Kevin said with a nod. "Are you in town for business or pleasure?"
"Business," Larry nodded, as the elevator doors chimed open. He stepped out, but stood still, turning back to Kevin.
Kevin followed him out into the lobby before nodding. "Me as well. I probably won't be here much longer, though -- should head back to Chicago sometime in the not-to-distant future."
Larry finally smiled a bit. "Yes, I'll be heading home soon, too. Can't wait, to be honest."
"No place like home?"
He sighed slightly and shrugged. "Nothing like being around family. This place is too...cold for me now." Not that he really meant it temperature-wise. After all, home was much colder.
"Makes sense," Kevin said with a nod, as they finally reached the front door of the hotel, and he extended his hand to him again. "Well, it was nice meeting you."
"You as well. Enjoy the rest of your stay." He shook his hand.
Kevin made his way over to the town car that was waiting for him, waiting until the door was closed and they were moving before breaking out his phone. He was most certainly going to lure Cora into room service tonight. Apparently, he had to do everything himself.
****
Larry walked back into the hotel lobby later that evening and closed his eyes to soak in the heat momentarily. Court had been court, and he had been his awkward, stiff, stand-offish self to Cora all day - where work was involved, otherwise he kept his silent distance.
"You need to relax," Kevin said, his voice almost obnoxiously loud as he dragged Cora back into the hotel lobby, he spotted Larry heading into the hotel ahead of him and thanked God silently for his perfect timing. On occasion, he really is that lucky. "C'mon, sweetheart. I'll order room service, pop a bottle of champagne, we'll talk, it'll be fantastic."
"Kevin," she sighed slowly, stiffening slightly when she felt his hands start to massage her shoulders. "I've had a really long day, alright? I'd rather just go home and get some sleep."
Larry wasn't really paying attention to anything around him as he jumped forward to hop into the elevator as it opened, relieved that it was empty. He wasn't in the mood for small talk.
Well, Larry -- your elevator was empty. As the doors were closing, Kevin stuck his hand between them, pushing them back open again and leaning against the side of the door to let Cora in ahead of him. "See -- perfect timing. Almost missed the elevator."
Cora spotted Larry and stiffened for a moment, before looking at Kevin with a sigh. "I think we could have stood to miss it." Not that she didn't want to see Larry -- she just didn't want the awkward. And awkward was what it was.
Larry looked up and spotted them, and tensed up. He pushed himself closer to the back wall, hoping it might swallow him, and his eyes went to the floor. Well. This was interesting.
"Don't be ridiculous. It'll be fun. Larry and I just met this morning." He started to make his way into the elevator when he paused, patting down the front of his chest lightly, before pulling out his phone. "Damn. I have to take this. I'll be right up."
"I'll wait with you down here," she began, starting to make her way off the elevator and head towards him.
"Don't be ridiculous," he said as the door closed. "You have a key, just head up -- I'll be right there."
The doors closed, and Cora sighed softly, rubbing her eyes lightly as the car started to move. This was not how she planned on spending her evening. Larry bit his cheek and watched the floor. He was starting to feel that meeting Kevin that morning hadn't been so random. He sighed and reached out to press his floor button. Cora sighed slightly, before starting to go into her purse for the spare key Kevin had given her. "I'm sorry about him. He's obnoxious."
"Guess him introducing himself this morning wasn't a coincidence?"
Cora raised an eyebrow slightly, before shrugging. "I have no idea. I've known him since I was eight, but don't expect me to explain what goes on in his head -- I don't think his own mother would be able to tell you."
"Ah," he nodded. "Okay," his eyes moved up to watch the numbers pass.
Cora nodded slowly, before reaching over and doing what she needed to do to get to the penthouse floor. "I didn't know you were staying here."
"Well...it's a good hotel," he shrugged.
"It is," she said with a nod, rubbing her arms lightly as she moved back against the wall of the elevator.
He cleared his throat and shifted on his feet, before the doors opened and he glanced out, then to her. Then he moved his eyes forward again and took a step to leave. Cora didn't exactly move either. She wasn't sure what Kevin wanted her to do exactly, but if she wasn't careful, she was going to probably wind up locked in a closet with Larry before the end of the night. Not that that gave her any idea as to what to say, though. So she just kept quiet and let him go, not wanting to push things. He turned on his heel and looked back in at her, his hands shoved deep in his pockets. He was thinking something along the same lines of the closet and his blood was pounding at the thought. He didn't say anything though, just kept his eyes on her.
She looked back at him, before raising an eyebrow in his direction. "What?"
He shook his head. "Nothing," he said softly, before turning to walk down the hall. Cora sighed slightly, before leaning back against the edge of the elevator, letting the doors close again and continuing the climb towards the top of the building.
Larry moved to his room and shed his briefcase and coat, then sighed. He looked around. He really wanted a drink. Or...something. So he turned back out of his room and went to the elevator to hit the button. He leaned a hand to the wall and watched the floor as he waited.
Cora never made it to the penthouse. She didn't approve of underhanded tactics on Kevin's part, so she was fully intending on standing him up for dinner, leaving the hotel, and going to have a good stiff drink. She was still sorting out whether or not she wanted to have that drink in the privacy of her own apartment or not when the elevator started to slow, probably signaling someone getting on.
When the doors opened, Larry looked up. He saw Cora and didn't move. Cora looked back at him, before sighing slightly. "Are you getting on or not?"
He just stared at her for a long time, his hand holding the doors open, before moving into the elevator and right up to her. His hands leaned to the wall over either of her shoulders and he stared down at her. She looked back up at him, questioning him as to what he was doing exactly, but not actually saying anything. As the doors started to slide shut behind him, he leaned down and softly found her mouth with his own. She tensed slightly in surprise at first, before melting against him and leaning back against the wall, pulling him with her.
He pressed himself tight against her and deepened the kiss quickly. His fingers pressed roughly down her sides, holding her body closer. Her arms moved up around his neck and she sighed slightly into the kiss, staying as close as she could. The elevator hadn't moved, so he backed up, still holding onto her, and hit the open doors button. He pulled his mouth from hers to look into her eyes, almost asking for permission to drag her out of there. She nodded slowly, starting to move with him, and head out of the elevator.
Larry took out his key and brought her down the hall, then let them through the door. He shut it behind them and leaned her back to the door. His hands held her hips gently and he stared at her. She looked back at him, her hands running up his arms as she waited for him to move again. He leaned in slowly and started dropping kisses along her neck softly. His hands pulled her hips against his as he did. She closed her eyes and leaned her head back against the door, letting him take the lead and wrapping her arms around his shoulders. He kissed her skin, his mouth moving down her throat and chest, across her collarbone. His fingers slid under the fabric of her shirt.
Her hands started to slide down the front of his shirt, starting to undo the buttons and push his shirt away. He let the shirt drop to the floor as he pulled at the buttons of her shirt, his lips sliding down further. He pushed the shirt from her shoulders and let his hands roam her skin. She moaned softly, arching her body up against him and pushing herself closer. He pulled her from the door and turned them, guiding her back to the bed as he kicked from his shoes and started to undo his belt.
She followed his lead, moving her hands down to help him with his belt and starting to kick off her heels as they went. He pushed her back onto the mattress and leaned himself over her, hovering slightly so he could watch her, as his hands moved down her hip and pulled at her skirt. She lifted her hips to help him get the skirt off, before sliding an arm around his neck and pulling him in for a kiss. He kissed her back, lowering himself closer. He touched her slowly and gently, wanting to take his time to savor her after all of those years. She had no objections with letting him take things slow, just leaning back to enjoy the ride.
His body eventually relaxed against hers, leaning close for a moment as his breath was heavy and deep. He rolled away after a moment, onto his back, and covered a hand over his eyes, trying to regain himself. Yes, it had been one hell of a ride. Cora sighed softly, stretching back on the bed. This wasn't how she had wanted things to go for them, but it certainly wasn't a bad way to go either. He sighed too and rubbed his eyes, then moved to sit up, his back to her. He'd wanted that so badly, and he still wanted to roll over and hold her for awhile, but he couldn't. He couldn't. His head fell into his hand.
She looked over at him, before starting to sit up slightly. She knew that posture, and she didn't want to stay here, if he thought this was a bad idea. "I should probably go." She didn't exactly sound happy about that, but she was going.
"I'm sorry," he whispered. He knew he never should have stepped into that elevator, kissed her, or let anything else happen. He was torn in a bad way. He didn't want her to leave, but he also didn't want to hear the usual things that took him so long to stop listening to.
"It's not your fault," Cora sighed. "I should have told you to stop in an elevator. This wasn't -- I wanted to try and at least be friends first."
He shook his head and looked over at her. "Wasn't what you wanted?"
"I didn't say that," she replied. "I just -- didn't want to make the same mistakes we did last time."
His jaw tightened slightly. "My only mistake was holding out for something that was never going to happen and believing things that never were. Don't worry, I won't do that again."
Cora froze for a moment, before looking over at what he was doing. "Fine. I didn't want to make the same mistakes I did last time." He may have snorted slightly in amusement. He grabbed his boxers and slid into them, moving to find a pair of jeans. She finished getting dressed, before turning to face him. "Look, Larry, I'm sorry I hurt you last time. It wasn't my intention to do it again, which is why I wanted to be friends, if anything at all. So that things wouldn't be as -- awkward."
"It's not that easy," he said, looking back at her. "I...I can't be your friend. We tried that. We tried that for over a year and....you didn't want me around," his voice went softer. "I'm supposed to just...ignore that?"
"No. You're not. And I'm sorry for that too."
"Whatever you need...I'm-I'm not it. I accepted that a long time ago. We shouldn't open it all back up." Which, really, hurt quite a bit to say.
"You weren't what I needed then. But -- people change, Larry."
He shook his head, looking down. He still didn't like hearing her admit that, even if he knew it was true. "Meaning what?"
She sighed slightly. "I had some issues I needed to work out for myself. And I'm not saying that I've worked them out perfectly. But -- I've tried. It might be good enough for you or it might not, but it's the truth."
"It doesn't matter what does or doesn't work for me, Cora. No matter what I feel about you...it's what works for you that matters. I'm...significantly nothing here." He grabbed his shirt and pulled it over his head.
She paused slightly, before shaking her head. "No you're not."
His fingers moved through his cropped salt and peppered hair. "You need to do whatever it is you want," he shrugged.
"Can't if it's not what the other person wants." He looked over at her questioningly, his eyes wanting clarification. She closed her eyes slightly, looking down at her lap. "I never didn't want you, Larry. I just didn't know how to say it."
He licked his lip and looked away for awhile, then turned back, remembering the last time they spoke painfully. "So...better alternative was telling me you never wanted any of it?"
"I mentioned that I was crap at relationships, right?" Cora replied, looking up at him. "Denying it was there was easier than actually saying that something was."
He finally relaxed slightly, leaning his body back to the dresser and crossing his arms. "Well...you did it well. Guess we both did."
"Been doing it my whole adult life, Larry," she sighed slightly, starting to get up again. "I'm practically a pro."
"You deserve better than that," he shook his head. "From yourself or...anyone else."
"Why?" The question wasn't mocking, or sarcastic. It was sincere. She really wanted to know why he thought that highly of her.
"Because...despite...what you think, what people say to you or...about you...and no matter what you do or don't think of me...what happened with us...you're an incredible person. I've seen it. As hard as you try to hide it."
She looked uncomfortable, looking down at her hands again. "I never tried to be."
"Yet you are, as far as I see it. But...what I think doesn't matter."
She paused for a minute. "It does to me."
"Since when?"
"Always did."
His hand came up to rub his eyes again. He wasn't really doing this, was he? Giving in. Saying anything she might hear. Trying to convince her of things she didn't believe and only hurting himself in the process. "Right," he said softly.
"Look, I'm not expecting you to believe me, okay? I know I haven't exactly been the most fantastic person to you in the past. But -- I wanted to try, Larry."
His hand moved down his face and he looked up at her again. "Try what?"
"To -- do the whole emotional thing. To put myself out there. It's still not easy."
"You know...I tried to hate you for a long time...I tried to...forget about you. And I couldn't. All I could do was...delete you. And even that...barely worked."
"I'm sorry, Larry," she sighed softly. "Really. I am."
"I...I really don't know..." he moved to the edge of the bed to sit down. "..what I'm supposed to do." He sighed and tilted his head to her. "We could ruin each other."
She smirked slightly, but didn't look at him. "Would it really be all that bad a way to go?"
He glanced over, keeping his eyes trained to her fingers. He wanted to reach out to take them. "It'd kill me," he said. "Losing you all over again."
"I -- I want to make it work, Larry."
His eyes moved up, searching for hers, his look nearly desperate. "Why?" He asked softly.
She looked at him. "Because you're probably the only guy I've dated who actually treated me like I was worth more than sex."
He held her gaze and shook his head, not accepting her answer. "I'm not going to be there just...because I treat you well."
She paused for a moment, before looking down again. "Then what do you need from me?"
"I need you to give me more," he said. He hated prying at her, but it's what he needed. She looked up at him, trying to figure out what exactly it was, so that when she said it, it was the right thing. She didn't say anything -- just watched, trying to find the answer. He watched her back. He didn't want to tell her what to say. He wanted... "Say something...real," he said quietly. "Something...something." He finally reached out for her hand.
"I -- " she looked down again, shifting uncomfortably on her feet, and suddenly feeling very vulnerable. "I don't know what you want me to say."
He pulled on her hand slightly, to bring her closer. "I want you to...tell me what you feel. I want...you to trust me enough to."
She looked confused. "I thought I have been."
He nodded and dropped her hand. "Maybe you have."
She sighed slightly, before shaking her head. "Look, Larry, if you don't want this, I'll go."
"I'm sorry." He looked away. "I can't just be the nice guy in your life. I need to mean more than that."
She moved over, brushing her hair out of her face before looking at him. "I didn't -- I wouldn't have said all of this if it wasn't more than that."
"So...just say it," he said, looking up at her.
"I care about you, Larry."
He sighed and pulled her hand again, wanting her closer. He moved to pull her down to his lap. "You what?"
She moved with him, sitting down where he directed. "I care about you. I always did."
His arms circled her waist and his face dropped to rest in the crook of her neck. He held on tightly and sighed. "Say it again," he whispered.
"I care about you," she whispered, not sure how many times he was going to want her to say it, but eventually she was going to start feeling a little ridiculous.
His hands rubbed her back slowly and he kissed her neck. "I never could stop loving you."
She closed her eyes as she leaned back into his hands, staying as close as she could. He sighed and moved to his back, pulling her with, and moved on his side. He held her close and studied her quietly. She looked back at him, wondering what he was thinking and waiting for him to actually say something to her, give her an indication of where this was going. He didn't really know what to say. Sure they had said it all, but that didn't mean he had any clue where to go next with it all. His thumb moved across her cheek slowly. God he'd missed these moments. She closed her eyes at the touch, moving in closer to him and letting her fingers move over his chest. His hand moved slowly against her skin. Along her cheek, jaw, neck and throat. He slid it up through her hair and down her back. He just needed to feel everything. Remember it all.
Her back arched slightly against his hand, moving her closer to him and her arm around his neck. His lips dropped against her ear gently as his hand moved down the small of her back, and behind the fabric to her skin. She hummed softly in contentment, before closing her eyes and staying close. He rubbed her back slowly and pressed closer, relaxing against her and closing his own eyes. He softly started singing against her ear. "Blue jean baby, LA lady, seamstress for the band..." She smiled slightly at that, curling up closer to him and letting herself start to drift off quietly. He continued what he was doing, lulling her to sleep, and soon drifting off himself. He knew there was still a lot to say, but a good sleep wouldn't hurt.
When Larry woke up later, he sighed and moved closer to the body beside him, a feeling of complete comfort moving through him. He kissed her forehead softly, his hand brushing her back again. She stirred slightly, tilting her head up to look at him. "Hi."
"Hi," he whispered back with a small smile. "Sleep well?"
"Mmm-hmm," she sighed, starting to curl up closer to him again.
He held her tighter and kissed her lips softly. "Good."
"You sleep good?" she murmured.
"Very," he said with a smile, stretching a bit.
"Good," she nodded, closing her eyes again.
He watched her quietly for awhile, before speaking up again. "Going to stick around the rest of the night?"
She looked up, before tilting her head to the side slightly. "I can if you want me to."
He smirked. "I want you to if you want to."
"I do," she rolled her eyes. "Though it might not be a good idea considering we're supposed to be facing each other in court."
"What will they know?" He moved closed and kissed her cheek. "You can leave an hour early."
"Mmmm," she sighed softly. "I guess so."
"I want more time with you," he said. "I want..." he sighed and went quiet, unsure what else he wanted.
"You want what?" she frowned, looking up at him.
He stroked her hair slowly as he ran his thoughts through his head, waiting for them to clear. "I want you to be mine." She looked back at him, not sure how to respond at first, and waiting for him to explain a little more. He sighed and continued watching her, starting to think she didn't want it.
She paused for a minute, again, before responding. "What do you mean?"
He really didn't know how to say it differently. She'd never let him have her in the past, and he wanted it now. "I...if you want to try this again, I do, too. 100 percent."
She paused for a minute before nodding slowly. "Me too. But -- I can't leave New York, Larry."
"We can work with that," he nodded. He held her cheek lightly. "If you'll be mine...I'll work with it."
"Okay," she said with a nod.
He knew he was being needy and pathetic, but it wasn't something he could help. He'd beaten himself up too much over the years, let her break him down too much. He leaned his lips to her jaw and closed his eyes. "If you're mine...tell me," he begged softly.
She had issues with the wording. A lot of issues with it. But she closed her eyes and swallowed it, before nodding. "I'm yours."
He fell into her and held on, sighing deeply. "Thank you," he murmured. Cora just nodded quietly, staying close and reminding herself that this was what she wanted.
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