opposites always attract.

Charlotte Reed| The Wanderer



Seventeen years ago:

Little Lottie as her father called her was playing in the front yard with a transformer her father bought her that weekend- much to her mother’s disapproval. Her father worked in some sort of factory, and his salary wasn’t the best, while Andrea stayed at home with the wide-eyed girl. Money had always been tight, but the small family made it work, and while Dominic her father, didn’t have the money to spend on toys he caved in under Lottie’s tearful pleading at the grocer's. The second that Lottie had gotten home, she’d rushed to the front yard to “save the world”. The summer air was hot and sticky, making her thick hair stick to her neck and forehead, while the dress her mother made her wear was torn by the knee and grass-stained.

The sweet scent of freshly cut grass and heady dirt filled her nose as Lottie raced about her yard, making sound effects with the likes enough to rival a Michael Bay movie. From her house the scent of cooking chicken and bread wafted out, faintly noticeable to Charlotte’s delicate nose. As she ran about her dark curls bounced with motion; she was so caught up Lottie failed to notice a familiar and entirely unwanted shadow approaching. ”Girls can’t play with Transformers. Don’t be daft- give it to me.” A squeaky pubescent voice startled Lottie from her game, and whipping around her grip on her precious Optimus Prime tightened.

”They can too play with transformers!” She shrieked at him, hoping that would draw her mother out. No dice, and drawing upon her fiercest scowl Lottie squared off with her mortal enemy- Oliver Sykes. He was a bigger kid, almost ten and the biggest bully that Charlotte knew. Andrea was good friends with Carol,Oliver’s mother, therefore the two ended up spending a lot of reluctant time together. Oliver usually just called her a baby and teased her, and Charlotte hated him with a fiery passion. ”Give it!” Oliver demanded and sticking her tongue out Lottie turned and bolted. She’d get in trouble for leaving the yard, but there was no way she was letting Oliver steal her precious Optimus.

Of course, the dark haired boy was none too keen to let her just get off with the toy he so wanted; and gave chase. The seven year old girl was halfway down the road towards the dangerous hill her mother had drilled in her never to go near when she saw a hand grasping at the toy and letting out a scream that could raise the dead tried to make her little legs go faster than they already were. “It’s not fair.” She chanted to herself, hoping that Oliver would just get bored and head back to his own house with his own friends. As she approached the hill, she could make a choice, dash down through the fields and hopefully loop back around to her house and slip into the backdoor- or head towards downtown which if Charlotte had to phone her mother from the grocer’s she’d be grounded forever.

Ignoring the fact she knew it was a bad idea, Lottie thundered down the rocky hill; Oli not that far behind her. Things were going well for her, she was nearly halfway down the hill so close to winning bragging rights she’d beaten an older boy at running, when she felt her ankle fall down into an old abandoned rabbit hole. With a sharp cry of pain, the beloved Optimus Prime figure flying from her hands Lottie felt her leg twist and a crack so loud it sounded like one of the gun’s from her father’s action movies had been fired and soon she crumpled to the ground deathly silent for a singular moment.

Pain so intense it made the young girl scream, tears welling up in her eyes as Lottie tried to stand- only to fall back down. Her leg felt as though someone was stabbing her, all while setting the skin on fire. A hot, throbbing tightness of the skin made her bawling worse. It was agony. She was vaguely aware of Oliver who was trying to hush her up, very clearly panicked; though blackness was pulsating behind her vision.She must of swam out of consciousness because when Lottie glanced around for Oliver, as much as she hated him and this was entirely his fault, he was nowhere to be seen. Being alone sent her into a higher state of panic. Her squalls increased in volume if possible due to the pain and the thought that she’d been left to die there.

The next thing that Charlotte could remember was her father, crouched by her side and having to only take a single look at her leg to declare it broken- or at least fractured. Her Optimus Prime lay forgotten in the leaves as she was taken to the hospital and when she returned the next day, her leg in a cast; she swore then and there she’d never forgive Oliver. Even when Carol and Ian had brought him over to apologize and he handed back her Optimus Prime, Charlotte so much as refused to look at him and refused to take her toy back. Summer had gone on, of course with Charlotte’s leg in a cast there wasn’t much she could do. She saw Oliver occasionally but still refused to talk to him; and as every year Fall’s chill was beginning to creep into the air and Summer was drawing to a close. But then, truly the worst day of her life happened when her father had gotten into an accident at the factory and after a few days on life support, the plug was pulled. She was too young to really understand; but she knew enough that her father was never coming home.

Current Day:

At the end of that summer her and her mother moved to America, where Charlotte had thrived. She did well in school, made friends and when college rolled around she was at the top of her class and had been accepted into the law program to the college she was attending. And throughout her school career she’d been quite a go-getter. The first to sign up for work study opportunities and having never scored below a B on a test. Shit it was hard work, but for Charlotte it was worth it. And by the time she graduated an old family friend who still lived in Sheffield and ran a small law firm offered her a job.

Having no other prospects Charlotte had agreed, and that’s how she found herself staring up the small, quaint house; not too far from where she’d lived as a child. Today had been the day that everything had been moved in, her furniture was here and the only thing missing was food; which was why Lottie had thrown her worn sneakers on and headed down towards the grocer’s. The very same that she and her father used to go to. Driving downtown she couldn’t help but notice- nothing had changed. Or at least not enough to make her feel like she was a fish out of water. As she pulled into the store, checking off a mental list which included pretty much stocking up an entire fridge, the woman hurried into the store.

Her long hair, dark and rich brown in color held a few waves and curls as she hadn’t the time to straighten it that day, and dark-feline green eyes flickered about the store torn between familiarity and grief. The last time she’d been here; Lottie’s father had been alive. Trying to push that thought down the woman systematically went down the aisle picking out what she needed to get through hopefully the next month.

She was standing in the middle of the booze section, debating on picking up the pink-wine she so liked when the doors banged open and voices of a rowdy group of men could be heard. Rolling her eyes Charlotte leaned up, trying to snatch the bottle; scowling when she realized that she was not tall enough. If she tried to jump and grab it she may very well of knocked the entirety of the damned shelf off, and that would be mortifying. She was still weighing what to do when a smoky voice purred behind her with confidence that made Charlotte scrunch her nose with dislike. ”Here love, let me get that for you.” As if egged on by his friends snickering’s slender, tattooed fingers grabbed the bottle from above her head, and turning around to accept it she came face to face with someone she hadn’t seen in a very, very long time.

Oliver Sykes. She hadn’t even been back a fucking week but she had to run into this twat? It was too late to just turn on her heel and head back home and order out as his eyebrows furrowed together with recognition. ”’Lottie?” His voice, not so squeaky and pubescent anymore made Charlotte scour. ”It’s Charlotte.” She grumbled, snatching her bottle out of his hand and carefully putting it in the cart. Oliver was surrounded by a group of men, all ranging in degree of drunkenness who Charlotte honestly didn’t recognize; which was fine by her. Distaste for her childhood tormentor still embittered her tongue. Realizing he’d been talking Charlotte was torn between walking away, and just being polite. Alright, maybe she had never forgave him for trying to steal her toy and breaking her leg. He'd been asking how she was, and when she got back like it was any of his business so with a rather flat voice hoping to discourage the wanker from continuing speaking to her Charlotte answered him listlessly. "I've been fine and I just moved here a week ago. Now if you don't mind." With that she pushed past him, with her cart full of food towards the cash register, gritting her teeth as she heard his rapid footsteps behind her.

______________________________________________________________________________

Josh Franceschi | The Second Chance



The invitation had been waiting on his counter with the other mail he missed while away on tour. The small creamy off-white envelope had been at the bottom of his mail pile, and in the dim lighting of his kitchen Josh nearly didn't notice who it was from. The dark-haired singer nearly put it back on the counter for later when a familiar name caught his eye on the postage. Elizabeth Kingsley. A face he hadn't seen in a very, very long time. A face whom the last time he'd seen her; Josh had nearly told her how he felt. Finally, though at the last minute he lost his nerve as the girlfriend at the time was in the room. And after that summer where their skinny love had nearly become tangible; Josh never saw Effy again. The Aegean eyed man would never feel like it wasn't his fault. Like he had chased her away. That didn't stop him from quietly loving her from afar; wherever she'd run off to. Curious as to what was going on Josh quickly ripped the envelope apart, to reveal a prim looking invitation.

"Whatcha got yourself into this time Effy?" He murmured, to the potent emptiness of his home. It didn't take long for Josh to figure it out. As he read, mouthing the words he could feel ice spread through his stomach as he was "cordially invited" to Elizabeth Kingsley's wedding. No, fuck this couldn't be happening. A dark ball of jealousy and anguish collected in Josh's stomach. He had waited too long and Elizabeth had moved on without him. The paper that was clutched in his hand was like a mockery and with a little sigh, Josh tossed it back onto the counter and out of his sight; as if he couldn't see the invitation than it wasn't really happening. For a moment he just stood there; shoulders slumped with a defeat he hadn't felt in such a long time. Maybe, as cliche and fairytale as it was; Josh had just believed they'd find a way back to each other. Even if she didn't know it Elizabeth was his fucking muse.

He hadn't been able to be proper with a bird, as Effy had a way of creeping onto his mind on dates. He didn't want to sound melodramatic, but it felt as if he'd been tossed into ice water; and oh so slowly Josh made his way to the living room to flop onto the couch to process this. A wedding. Some guy who Josh would despise for probably as long as he was alive. The signs had all been there. Had it not been for Josh's inability to be alone, had there not been another woman, they would of been together. For a long time he just laid on his couch, hand over his mouth as he tried to come to terms with what was happening. He was startled from his thoughts as his phone began ringing and glancing down quirked an eyebrow as Max's name flashed onto the screen. "What?" Josh demanded as he picked up; voice coarse and gruff.

Max, clearly taken back took a moment to respond. "We're having a party. Wanted to know if you wanted to come- are you alright? You sound gutted over something." Exhaling, pinching the bridge of his nose remorse at snapping at his friend coiled in his stomach. "Sorry Max, Elizabeth's getting married. Got my invitation in the mail today." There was a pause of silence as Max tried to find a way to best cheer Josh up. "Sorry mate. Maybe you should come out. No need to be alone. We're all at Dan's place if you want to come out." Josh was torn between going and staying put. Finally the need to not be alone right now won out over his desire for some sleep in his own bed. "Alright. I'll be over." He didn't feel in the partying mood, so when Max bade him goodbye; Josh just grunted and glanced down at himself.

He was still wearing the shirt that he'd been in at the airport, same jeans; though they weren't stained nor smelled revolting so he decided they'd suffice. The great thing about this neighborhood; was no one lived too far from one another. If nothing more than for creative and band purposes Dan's house was about ten minutes away. As he snatched his keys, shoving his feet back into his shoes Josh cast one glance around his home before heading out his door to the car so he could go and drink his cares away for a night. There was hardly any traffic as it was growing late, so within no time at all he was parked outside Dan's home taking a deep breath to try to put on a facade he wasn't still upset by the news of Elizabeth's wedding.

He wasn't going to go. There was no way Josh would watch as the woman he'd been harboring a not so secret crush on for the past ten years went off and married some other man. Taking a deep breath to collect himself Josh exited his car, locking it and shoving the keys into his pocket. When he got to Dan's door he found it unlocked so allowing himself in Josh wrinkled his nose at the smell of booze; though was somewhat surprised by the low-key atmosphere. Dan and Max were on the couch, each holding a beer and watching something on the telly that Josh didn't recognize. "All right?" Josh called to his friends, who turned around to glance up at him. "Hey Josh." Max greeted, in a soft soothing voice which made Josh want to roll his eyes.

"Heard that bird of your's getting married. Sorry." Dan chimed in to which Josh tried to shrug it off. "She's not the only bird in the world." Chuckling awkwardly he made his way to the kitchen grabbing a beer where Matt and Chris were grabbing more alcohol. It didn't escape Josh the looks they shot each other, though thankfully said nothing allowing Josh to grab the pack of beers and carry it back out into the living room; taking a seat on an unoccupied loveseat. "Smells like a tour bus in here." Josh remarked to which Max chuckled, "Yeah, as if we'd not enough of that. Dan spilled his beer on the couch." For awhile small talk was hashed and beers were consumed- more than Josh could keep count.

He hadn't expected to get drunk again so soon after tour; but he supposed tonight was not like any night. They were dwindling down to their last bottles, Chris and Matt having joined the fray awhile ago, when Dan spoke up. "So, when are you leaving for the wedding?" Shifting to fix him with a dark glare Josh spat out, "I'm not. I'm not going." The house fell silent for a moment before Chris burst into laughter followed by Matt. The stench of beer was beginning to give Josh a headache as he tried to sort out what was so funny through the static buzz in his head. "Josh, you still love her right?" Of course he did. Josh loved her for ten years; never had the balls to say it, or the timing had never been right.

Evidently the answer was obvious on his face as Max cut in. "Go to the wedding! Steal your bird back Josh! What could some wanker possibly have you don't." It was true, Josh was a desirable option; that much he knew. But even in his pissed state that just seemed stupid. This wasn't a movie, he wasn't the dashing hero that swooped in and saved the bride from a marriage she didn't want. Josh was pretty sure that Effy actually loved this guy; whoever he was. Josh hadn't taken a gander at the picture to see what he looked like. Taking the final swig of his beer Josh set his bottle down with a little more force than needed. "She's getting married, there's not much I can do about it." Josh was determined not to go, though the boys hadn't taken no for an answer.

The rest of the night was spent rotating between taking jabs as Josh for being a gormless twat, and listing off why he should go. Josh had recanted every reason he should not go and make an arse of himself and ruin her life. Josh had been so certain that he wouldn't go, but his heart was beginning to betray him. As the boys blathered on, Josh found himself arguing less and agreeing more; until finally his mind was changed. That he promised he'd go to the wedding to win over Effy as he should of done ten years ago. When the night was melting into dawn the small group had finally passed out where they lay. Max, Dan, and Matt were on the couch while Chris had fallen asleep on the wooden floor; and Josh lain sprawled on the loveseat.

He didn't wake until a harsh beam of sunlight had fallen into his eyes; around ten. With a groan, hiding his face behind his hands Josh would admit he felt absolutely hungover. His head was pounding and his stomach was swirling with nausea. He smelled like a liquor cabinet and felt just as grimy. The other boys were still sleeping and glancing down at his watch swore when he noted the time. It was about ten here, and Effy was five hours behind which meant that it was still too early to RSVP. As drunk as Josh had been last night; he still remembered his promise to go and at least tell Effy how he felt about her. And hopefully he'd return to England with her. This left him plenty of time to shower, steal some of Dan's clothes, and eat. And of course his racket had woken the other's up; though they were too knackered to give him a hard time.

Once Josh had finished his breakfast, it was going on about noon and rubbing his hands together with a sense of anxiety washed his bowl out and found his phone on the counter where he'd left it last night. As he picked it up with a trepidation that was clear to the other men, Josh gathered whatever balls he had and dialed his long-time friend. Thoughts raced about his skull as the phone rang; and on the second ring a familiar, achingly sweet "Hello?" filtered through. Clearing his throat, forcing himself to sound calm, happy even Josh hoped he didn't sound too much like the anxious mess he felt himself to be. "Effy? It's Josh Franceschi, how're you?" It had been awhile since he heard her voice and Josh was reveling in it. After chatting for a bit, Josh recalled the real reason he had wanted to call. "Right, Elizabeth- I didn't get your invitation until last night. It's not too late to RSVP to the wedding is it?"

Oliver Sykes | The Bully


Oliver would recognize those green eyes anywhere. Seventeen years might have gone by, but that didn't matter, he knew exactly who the tiny brunette was that he'd gotten the bottle of wine down off the self for. Charlotte Reed. The surprise was evident on his face when she turned and they locked eyes, recognition also rather evident as well. It was enough to make him sober up a great deal, and he was also able to tune out the drunken laughter of his mates for the time being. What was she doing here? When had she gotten back to Sheffield? Was she back for good? All of those questions, and many more, were swirling around in his head, and he didn't know which to ask first.

Instead, he stupidly uttered her name, and he was certain that he couldn't come off as more of an idiot as he did right then and there. Oh well. It wasn't like he could turn back time or anything like that. He opened his mouth to say something else when she spoke, the cold edge behind her words confusing the singer slightly. What was that all about? He couldn't have said something wrong already he, right? He'd literally just said her name, that was it, though he supposed her correcting him and telling him that her name was Charlotte, not Lottie as he'd always called her when they were little, could be the reason. Maybe she didn't like the nickname anymore. Maybe there was a reasoning behind that, and he really had said the wrong thing already. It would be just his luck, wouldn't it? He'd fuck things up after not seeing her for seventeen years within the first five minutes of reacquainting himself with her.

He continued on, seemingly oblivious to the fact that she clearly wanted nothing to do with him at all. He was still in shock over the fact that she was there, standing right in front of him. He hadn't seen or spoken to her since they were kids. When she moved to the States, something he remembered quite clearly to this very day, he was certain that he'd never see her again. His mum had tried telling him that he would, that she and her mum would probably be back to visit every so often, but, even as a ten year old, he knew better. He knew that she wasn't coming back, and, while he was pretty gutted about the whole thing for a while, he did move on. He'd had a bit of a crush on her when they were kids, but they were just kids at the time, nothing more. A great deal of time had passed since then, and a lot had happened in those seventeen years. Nothing could have really ever prepared him for seeing her again. He just hadn't seen it coming at all. "How've you been? When did you get back to Sheffield?"

And then she was pushing past him, starting back down the aisle towards the till, and Oliver was more confused than he'd ever been before. Something was definitely up, either that or she was just having a really off day today. Regardless of what it actually was, he couldn't help wondering if he really had said something to piss her off, even if he hadn't said much of anything to her at all just yet. It certainly seemed that way, and, although it was fairly obvious that she didn't want anything do with him right now, he followed after her, ignoring the questioning looks that everyone was sending him as he did so.

"Lott--er, Charlotte, wait up!" He called after her. It didn't take him long to reach her at all, she was much smaller than he was and he had long legs, not to mention the fact that it was only a short distance to the till anyway. "Did I do something?" He asked curiously, his eyebrows knitting together in confusion. He still didn't think that he could have said something wrong in such a short amount of time, but he wasn't about to act all high and mighty about it right now. If he'd said something to piss her off, he was going to try to make things right. Of course, the last thing on his mind was that her cold demeanor was caused by something, or rather a lot of things, that he'd done seventeen years ago. Why would he think that? After all, seventeen years was a long time, nearly two decades really, and certainly no one could hold a grudge for that long, right?

---

Elizabeth Kingsley | The Bride


"No, it's fine. Honestly. Your mom and I were just going to make a final decision on the floral arrangements anyway. You would've been bored to tears." Effy said, running a hand through her recently-dyed brunette locks. She was kind of hoping to get some other things done as well, but she didn't want Sam, her fiancé, to feel bad or anything like that. She could only hope that the disappointment wasn't all that evident in her voice. This was one of the downsides of being engaged to a doctor. He was on-call 24/7, so there was really no way of telling if he'd be called in or not. And today was no exception, even if it was only just shy of seven in the morning. "I'll see you tonight. Love you too." She hung up the phone, letting out a soft sigh. She was going to need a drink, or maybe five, after spending the morning and a good portion of the afternoon with her soon to be mother-in-law.

It was moments like this where Effy found herself thinking about Josh. She didn't know why, she hadn't seen or spoken to him in quite a while now, but he still managed to plague her mind. And it was always times when she was alone, or Sam bailed out on something because of work. She told herself that she was over Josh though. He'd only ever seen her as his best friend, nothing more, nothing less, and she was over him. She'd sent him an invitation, she really didn't know why though. Of course, she'd sent one to his sister, mum and dad as well, but she didn't really know why. She hadn't spoken to them in years, though her mother had told her it was the right thing to do. She'd received an RSVP from everyone she'd invited, Josh' mum, dad and sister included, except for the one person who, though she wouldn't openly admit it, she was truly waiting on.

She really needed to stop doing this to herself though. She needed to stop thinking about him. She was engaged. She'd be happily married to the love of her life soon enough. And this wedding was going to happen whether Josh came or not. She'd moved on when she didn't return to Weybridge the summer before she started college. She was going to marry Sam whether he showed up or not, and they were going to live long, happy lives together. Quickly shaking the thoughts from her head, the petite brunette stood up, figuring that she might as well go make herself some breakfast and get started with her day. She wasn't due to meet up with Sam's mother for a couple more hours, so she had time to relax and maybe get some things sorted that she was certain wouldn't get sorted when she was with her mother in-law.

Even though the wedding was just a short six weeks away, there was still so much that she needed to do. She had never really realized just how stressful planning a wedding could actually be. Now she could see why all those women she saw on TV turned into bridezillas. Thankfully, she didn't think she'd reached that point, though there were a few times when she'd come pretty close.

As much as she was dreading today, she knew that it was going to happen regardless, might as well make herself look presentable and prepare for the torturous day that was in store for her. Just as she went down the hall to finish getting ready, her phone started going off. "Who the hell has radar on me?" She spoke aloud, letting out a soft sigh as she headed to her room to grab her phone. She froze when she saw the name flashing across the screen. He hadn't tried calling her in ages. She honestly didn't know why his number was still in her phone but it was. She stood there for a moment, letting it ring for a few seconds, before answering it. "Hello?"

Taking those few extra seconds to compose herself before answering the phone didn't really help much at all. "Uh...hi..." She mentally cursed herself for coming off so awkward. "I'm doing alright. How're you?" That was an understatement. She was getting married in a month and a half, she was more than alright. She didn't really know what to say though, they hadn't spoken in years, let alone seen each other. This phone call was unexpected, regardless of the fact that she'd sent him an invitation to the wedding. It was past the RSVP date, so why was he calling her? And then he brought it up. There it was. He hadn't received the invitation until last night. She hesitated for a moment, her lower lip catching between her teeth. "No it's not too late at all. You're coming then?" She hoped she didn't sound too eager about it. The thing was, despite everything, she really wanted to see him. She'd missed him a lot over the years, and, whether she'd admit to it or not, deep down she knew that she was still in love with him.

Charlotte Reed| The Wanderer



Keeping her head down as Oliver lagged at her side Charlotte had no idea why he kept trying to talk to her. Perhaps he thought it'd still be fun to push her about. Maybe break her other leg while he was at it. Already in a foul mood, she kept her pace even as she approached the checkout placing her groceries down carefully. When he asked if he’d done something, the girl was tempted to break out into cold peals of laughter; though refrained. She was an adult now, and there was no reason for Oliver know how much he upset her. When she’d moved to the states, she’d managed to put him out of her mind. After all, they were kids and sometimes kids were mean to each other. The raucous buzz of the fluorescent made her temples throb with headache; and the jet lag she was still suffering was making Lottie cranky and sleepy.

As she rang up her food, Charlotte turned around and cocked an eyebrow at Oliver a thousand reasons already racing about her skull. Maybe it was a long time but he’d still been a twat. Not to mention the last summer ‘Lottie had gotten with her father was spent it in a leg cast. Because of that cast her father went to work instead of taking her and her mother to the beach. Instead he got crushed because of a workplace injury from some drunk rookie. But what good would any of this do? Rehashing her old hurts at him. ”I’m just jetlagged. And no one has called me Lottie since my father passed away so please don’t.” Charlotte’s voice wasn’t as hostile as it had been before; giving the illusion that she really had just snapped at him. Heaving off a sigh Charlotte paid for her food and began collecting her bags before turning back to him.

She really had no idea who this man in front of her was. Maybe he was kind now, maybe he was still the little bullying arse she remembered. But she was back in Sheffield with no friends, and perhaps if she was just minimally polite with him; the newfound rockstar would just grow bored with her. Shoulder her groceries thanking the young woman behind the till Charlotte blinked wearily. The girl hadn’t been kidding when she said she was jetlagged. ”Great, so… nice seeing you I guess. I’ve gotta go.” He apparently hadn’t changed that much since she could still recognize the stubborn flare in his hazel depths, leaving Charlotte unsure of where to look. Was it rude to stare at people’s tattoos? As his body had been a canvas to some rather colorful ones. Boy her mother would get a kick out of hearing she ran into him; which reminded Charlotte that she had to skype with the aging Andrea before going to bed that night.

Outside a light rain had begun to fall, making Charlotte’s nose scrunch with dread. She’d parked in the far back of the grocer’s lot, meaning she’d get wet. But the other option was sticking around the store to wait the rain out, and sticking around with Oliver. And Charlotte’s facade of being polite was wearing, very, very thin. So instead of getting into an argument, she just ducked her head and pushed her way out into the night; shuddering once the icy rain began to saturate her clothes and made a mad dash for the car. Later that night when she got home to Skype with her mother; she had recanted the story of her late-night grocery run in; which amused the graying woman immensely. ”I remember he used to follow you around like a shadow. Oh it was so cute.”

Andrea crooned through a sudden rush of static on her end, breaking up the words a little while the video lagged. Curled up on her sofa, not having to start work until next week, Charlotte chatted with her mother a bit longer before hanging up. Though not before she bade Charlotte to pop by Carol and Ian’s to say hi. The dark haired woman would of waited until the morning; but her mother since losing her father had become very protective of ‘Lottie, and had she not called the moment she was settled was likely to send one of her old friends from the neighborhood to check in on her. It was strange for Charlotte, this was the first time she wasn’t living with someone and the creaky silence of the house made it hard to sleep that night.

She tossed and turned that night, entangled on her mattress, she couldn’t figure out how to put the damned bed frame together along with a few pieces of furniture namely the desk she’d gotten shipped here. Charlotte would have to enlist some help at some point. There were probably moving companies who did that; or simply have another go at the instruction manual. Of course it didn’t help to feel like there was ghosts that she’d now be forced to face since moving back. Namely her father’s. Around four in the morning sleep had finally overcame Lottie’s busy mind; and she didn’t wake until about noon the next day.

Which gave her an hour to shower, dress, and get ready for the cable company to come over and hook her TV up. Which didn’t matter, she wasn’t a big cable fan; but if she had guests over there would be no sense in sitting around and staring at the walls. She was getting into the shower when her phone beeped, she’d thought ahead and gotten her carrier switched so she could receive calls, and with trepidation glanced down though her face eased into a small smile at the message. ”Hello Charlotte! Having a dinner at my place tonight and since you can’t possibly be all settled in, I’m inviting you to come over. It’s a roast, and I hope you still like meat.”

Having an inkling that it was from Carol, her suspicion was confirmed when the phone buzzed again with a new message. ”It’s Carol by the way, your mother gave me this number, this is Charlotte?” Smiling to herself- after all it wasn’t Carol’s fault her son hadn’t been Lottie’s favorite person, quickly agreed to come over. After getting an address and a time, Charlotte jogged to her room pulling apart her suitcase still jam-packed with clothing and strewing bits of it’s contents around her room. Finally she settled for a rather sophisticated looking dress and threw it on, struggling with the zipper for a moment before finally securing it on her body with relief. She had worn this on her twenty-first birthday, and hadn't seen a use for it until now. Hair braided, a conservative amount of makeup applied, she was ready; and with hours to kill she took to the couch, only getting up to let the cable man in.

Time seemed to crawl by and in all honesty she was kind of looking forward to seeing Carol and Ian. The two had been extraordinarily kind to Charlotte and her mother. Finally five o'clock rolled around, the time that Carol had wanted her by the house at. It wasn't a long drive, though a little complicated driving with heels, serving for a few close calls with traffic laws. The closer that Lottie got, she became more anxious. It had been years almost two decades, and what if it was awkward? Fingers tapping against her soot colored steering wheel Charlotte decided ultimately she was too close to back out now; and tried to remind herself Carol had been like a second mum when she was young. She was a little calmer as she pulled up to the address that Carol had given and stepped out, exhaling deeply. It hadn't crossed her mind that either of her sons could be there as well, in fact it was very likely they were there. Which would mean for Carol's sake she'd have to be polite if her hazel-eyed bully was there. Frowning to herself as she hurriedly clicked up the steps she raised a small fist and knocked on the wood; waiting for someone to let her in.

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Josh Franceschi | The Second Chancer



Josh, was anxiously pacing about the kitchen, ignoring Matt as he mouthed kissy faces at him. ”C’mon on now. I wouldn’t miss my favorite American girl’s wedding.” Josh teased, a flirtation so subtle it was easy to miss. God he’d missed her voice. He missed Effy in general, but hearing her thousands of miles away made that ache so much more real. On a more serious note, Josh considered saying that he missed her; but over the phone wouldn’t be good enough. Feeling his palms sweat, disgusted he wiped them off on his pants making his breathing slower and more even. ”So, who’s the lucky man?” Josh was proud that the bitterness he felt didn’t bleed into his tone; nor the jealousy that threatened to swallow him whole. He listened as she talked, nodding his head and humming a response to her words.

It seemed like she really loved this guy; and Josh was once again regretting this plan to steal the bride. Glancing at the clock, figuring that he should end the call before he could say something stupid he murmured in a lower, huskier voice ”He’s a lucky guy to have you Effy. I’ll see you soon okay? Don’t stress yourself out too much love, everything’ll be grand.” Josh promised before hanging up. By the time he was done an audience had gathered around him which consisted of his band members. ”Well?! Was she absolutely swoonin’ over you mate?” Dan demanded, his eyebrows knitted together with intrigue. Rolling his eyes Josh tersely answered ”No, she hasn’t and this is a stupid idea.” Of course the one’s closest to you have the strangest way of being able to convince you into doing stupid things.

Like going to America the next day. It had been Max’s idea, and his stubble-faced friend rubbed his hands together before blurting out ”Josh you can’t steal her in a weekend. You should go. Tomorrow, all your traveling things are still good.” Dan, Matt, and Chris had all crowed their agreement. Josh on the other hand thought it the stupidest idea he’d heard and glancing away shook her heads. ”I dunno. She loves this man. You didnt’ hear her talking.” Weren’t friends supposed to be happy for one another when the other got married? Wasn’t there a saying that if Josh truly loved her, than he’d let her go. Let her be happy. After voicing this to his friends he got several whacks and was called a mushy sod. Dan had pointed out that she would probably be happier with him; and if not- than at least he tried.

He had a point, and crossing his arms Josh sighed. ”Well boys wish me luck. Looks like I’m going to the states tomorrow.” His friends had given him hearty slaps on the back before helping him pick out a flight. When Josh left Dan’s he was determined to win Elizabeth back. He had no idea that his family was going, and even if he had he wouldn’t of cared. This may be Josh’s only chance to at least tell Effy how she felt; and maybe if by some fucking miracle- she returned his affections. It hadn’t taken long to pack for the next month and a half, since he had never unpacked from being back from tour. He was set to fly out at ten in the morning, so once he was positive that he had everything needed; Josh went to bed rather early hoping this was the last time this house would be so quiet and just… vacant.

The next morning was hectic, the boys had given him a lift to the airport while giving advice which sounded like they’d brushed up on their rom coms the previous night. The plane ride itself was dreadful. Josh was mixed with feelings of hesitancy and elation as his plane took off, and thankfully he was undisturbed the ride. There was little turbulence thankfully, Josh couldn’t stand turbulence, and when they landed he was feeling overwhelmed. The airport was crowded and packed with bodies all bustling about going about their lives, to see loved ones and go to meetings, romp about on vacation; or maybe to go win someone’s heart like himself. The greasy stench of airport food seemed to cling to his nose as he found the taxi line; and after giving the address of the hotel he’d booked sat back to think over his plan as America rushed outside the cab window.

Obviously he’d have to assess the situation. He doubted Effy would be upset to see him; maybe a bit shocked but that’s what he was going for. If she knew when he was coming than Effy could prepare herself; and besides it’d be a nice surprise. Josh would appear as a balm, a sense of familiarity that she probably was lacking with all the wedding preparations. Then he’d just go from there. Try to win her heart; just as she had his. Just be the Josh she knew and loved before fleeing his life- and Josh just let her. The second he was dropped off at the hotel, he checked in; going to his room with his suitcase and after unpacking it into the dresser in the room took a shower. He wanted to make sure that he appeared hygenic, that would certainly help his cause. When he got out, letting the chilly air dry his skin Josh applied the lightest bit of cologne, grinning at himself in the mirror.

It was going on seven at night by the time he hailed another taxi, giving him Elizabeth’s address on the paper. ”God I hope she isn’t pissed I’m here.” Josh thought to himself, nervously twiddling his thumbs. The great thing about the hotel he’d booked; it wasn’t to far from the house. So when the cab pulled up to the curb in an upscale looking neighborhood Josh handed him some money, getting out and looking around. He felt like a fish out of water. Would she really be happy to see him? Pussying out would not help his cause so with a determined breath of air Josh sauntered up the steps, faking a confidence he didn’t feel as he rung the bell. For a moment he could hear nothing; so when the door was flung open he was a bit startled. It quickly melted away as his gaze fll upon Elizabeth and a smile warm and bright bloomed onto his lips. ”So I think I might a bit early.” Josh dawled casually watching a few conflicting emotions on her face, though excitement won out. ”Hey Effy.” He greeted quietly, hands stuck deep into his pockets.

Oliver Sykes | The Bully


"Oh...alright...sorry...didn't mean to strike a nerve or anything." Oliver was relieved. So he hadn't exactly said anything to piss her off, she just didn't like being called Lottie anymore. He reasoning behind that made perfect sense, and he could definitely understand why jet lag would cause even the slightest bit of aggravation. He knew the feeling all too well, and he was just glad that it didn't really seem like he'd done anything wrong. He would have been extremely confused if he had. Of course, he didn't even think twice about her explanation. He didn't even think that she could possibly be keeping even a small part of the truth from him, and why would he? Even if they hadn't seen each other in nearly two decades, the thought of her lying to him didn't really cross his mind. In his eyes, they'd been rather close as kids, and he was honestly glad that she was back in Sheffield. Maybe they could catch up and get to know each other again. He decided he'd ask her another time though. She was probably exhausted and just wanted to get home, so he decided against it for the time being.

He wasn't at all surprised when she cut the conversation short once more. He didn't blame her at all. She probably didn't really want to talk right now. If she'd just moved back a week ago, she'd probably been pretty busy getting things sorted amongst other things. A move could be pretty damn exhausting without there being any jet lag involved. Nodding, he took a step back. "Alright, yeah. See you around, Charlotte." He mentally praised himself for not falling back into the old habit of calling her Lottie despite what she'd just told him a few moments before. He watched her for a moment before going off to find the guys. It wasn't a difficult task in the slightest as they were being just as loud and rowdy as they'd been earlier when he left them.

"What was that all about, mate?" He wasn't at all surprised to be asked that question the moment he found them. They'd all seemed rather confused when he just followed after Lottie before, and he supposed it was understandable. None of them would really know who she was. She'd moved to the States long before he'd met any of them. "Nothing, I just used to know her. That's all." He said, punctuating his words with a slight shrug of his shoulders. Thankfully, no questions were asked after that and they went back to exactly what they'd been doing before he ran into the petite brunette.

The next day, Oliver found himself heading over to his parents' house. His mother had rang him earlier in the day to inform him that she'd invited Lottie over for dinner that evening and she wanted him to join them as well because wouldn't it just be lovely if they all spent some time catching up? His mum's words, not his. He supposed she was right though, and he would have figured out a way to see her again anyway, he wanted to do some catching up, see what she'd been up to over the course of the last seventeen years and find out why she was back in Sheffield amongst other things. So, he agreed, and later on that afternoon, he slipped on a clean shirt and one of his nicer pairs of skinny jeans before heading on over to their place.

When he got there, it didn't take long at all as he didn't live very far from his childhood home, he didn't see any cars that he didn't recognize parked in the driveway so he figured it was safe to assume that Charlotte wasn't there just yet. Walking inside, he called out, letting his parents know that he was there. He crinkled his nose a bit at the familiar stench of a roast hit him from the kitchen area. He hoped that his mum had made something else as well that he could eat. He loved his mother's cooking, but, for whatever reason, she always seemed to forget that he no longer ate meat and that he hadn't for a while now. Before he could find out, there was a knock on the door. "I've got it!" He said before turning back 'round and opening the door. "Long time, no see." He said, grinning slightly.

---

Elizabeth Kingsley | The Bride


Effy really just still couldn't believe that he'd called her, let alone that he wanted to come to the wedding after she'd sort of cut off all forms of contact with him once she graduated high school. It was a bitchy move and she knew it, and yet, here Josh was, ever the good person she'd always known him to be, reaching out to her again after all this time and willingly coming to her wedding. In all honesty, it made her feel even shittier for everything that she'd done in the past, and, if she knew how he felt about her, she'd probably feel ten times worse, if that was even possible. "You mean to tell me that you haven't found another American girl to replace me then?" She asked, her tone equally as teasing. God, she'd missed his voice. She'd really just missed talking to him in general, and she knew now that she was already in way over her head because, deep down, she knew that her feelings for him had never gone away.

"Well, his name's Sam for starters. He's really sweet, and smart, he's a doctor so he kind of has to be, but that's besides the point. And he makes me laugh. A lot. That and he's totally okay with my Marvel and Harry Potter obsession, let me drag him to Comic Con and everything, so there's that." She let out a quiet laugh, a small smile tugging at the corners of her lips. Sam really did make her happy. And she wasn't lying when she said what she did about him. She did love him though, deep down, she knew that she loved someone else too. She quickly pushed those thoughts away though. She was getting married in a few months time. She needed to stop thinking about that. "We met in college actually. First week of my Freshman year. I got lost on campus, you know my navigation skills have always been terrible, and he kind of picked up on that and helped me find my way back to my dorm. I wanted to make it up to him, and he told me that the only way I could was if I let him take me out for coffee sometime, and the rest is sort of history, I guess." Even if she still had feelings for Josh, there was no denying the fact that she loved Sam as well. It was fairly obvious just how in love the two of them were, and people constantly teased them about how sickening they could be at times. Unfortunately, much sooner than she would have hoped, Josh was ending the phone call. "Alright, yeah. Talk to you soon."

She let out a soft sigh once the call ended, running a hand over her face. "Get it together, Ef. You're getting married." She told herself quietly. She shouldn't be feeling the things that she knew that she was for another man. She was soon to be a married woman. She wasn't a cheater by any means, but she still felt like she was cheating Sam out of something if even a small part of her heart belonged to someone else. Shaking the thoughts from her head, she finished getting ready. It wasn't true. She didn't have feelings for Josh anymore. She refused to believe it. For the time being, she was able to distract herself by throwing herself into the last minute planning for the wedding. It was very easy to do with her soon to be mother-in-law around who, if she was being completely honest, was doing more harm than good in her opinion. She couldn't openly admit to that fact though. This was Sam's mother, and she knew that the woman was just trying to help in any way that she possibly could, but it was just proving to stress her out even more.

Needless to say, the next day or so she found herself fairly distracted and busy. Of course, there were instances when she found herself thinking about Josh but, with so much that still needed doing, she was able to easily push those thoughts to the back of her head. It was roughly seven o'clock at night and Sam had been called into work yet again. No surprise there really, it happened on the daily. Effy had called and ordered Chinese food, she was in no mood to cook for herself that night, and she felt like being lazy. So, that's exactly what she did.

Dressed down in her pajamas, she was about to dig into her chicken and broccoli when the doorbell rang yet again. Eyebrows furrowing slightly in confusion, she stood, pausing the episode of Grimm she was watching so that she could answer the door. She really didn't have the foggiest clue as to who would be here, she had her Chinese food, and Sam wouldn't be back from the hospital just yet. Not to mention the fact that, even if he was, he wouldn't ring the doorbell, he'd just let himself in. She made her way over to the door, not really thinking about what she was wearing, or her lack of pants for that matter, and peered through the peephole to see who it was. And, when she saw who was waiting on the other side, the last thing that came to mind was going to grab a pair of pajama pants or boxer shorts. "What the hell are you doing here?!" She grinned as she opened the door, practically tackling him into a hug.

Charlotte Reed| The Wanderer



No sooner had she lowered her hand did the door swing open, and Charlotte could feel her smile falter as she faced off with Oliver. She should of known. This would mean, whatever pleasant catching up she would of done with Carol and Ian, was now going to be had with Oliver as well. Was it childish that she still had a strong sense of malcontent when it came to the man? Probably. In her mind however it was completely rational. Maybe he was used to just smiling at people and having them melting; but it wouldn’t work on Charlotte so when he grinned at her Charlotte nodded. ”Right. Didn’t realize you’d be here.” Charlotte intoned, in a voice that could be considered polite. As he stepped aside to let her in, Charlotte smoothed down her dress as the aroma of a cooking roast drifted by her.

She had never been a picky eater, and that hadn’t changed growing up. Meat, vegetables, fruit- she liked it. Pausing for a moment at the door she reached down, taking her heels off and putting them in a pile. She had no idea if Carol wanted shoes off in the house; but since she was a bit of a neatfreak about that sort of thing Charlotte didn’t feel like tracking mud into the home. Before she’d taken more than ten steps forward, Carol came bustling out of the kitchen, her arms open as she exclaimed ”Charlotte! Oh it’s been so long! How are you dear? Have you liked the States? Are you all settled in?” Questions were fired at her from the Carol, who’d grown a bit portly since Charlotte last saw her; but it gave her a motherly feel.

Blinking, forgetting how effervescent Carol could be, the dark haired girl returned the hug before pulling back. ”Oh I’m great thanks for asking. Yeah, most of my friends are back in the States so it’s been a good place, and I’m mostly settled in.” Ian had emerged from another room in the house, a small grin blooming on his lips. ”Charlotte.” He greeted, more reserved than his wife giving Lottie a moment to breathe. It wasn’t long before she was ushered into the living room where a near unrecognizable Tommy was hunched over his phone; eyebrows furrowed though he glanced up when Charlotte was ushered into the room. ”Lot- sorry Charlotte, finally decided to come visit eh?” It was nice being in the home, and she could even forget that Oliver was hanging about as well. ”Didja miss me then Tommy boy?” Her voice was light, a note of a playful taunt beneath it to which the youngest Sykes snorted. ”Don’t you wish.”

She hadn’t really ever been too terribly close with Tommy growing up; even though he was only a year older than her. Mostly because he was stuck to Carol growing up. Carol, allowed Charlotte to reacquaint herself with everyone before cutting in. ”So there’s a roast on, it’ll be ready in about thirty. I’m nearly done with the mashed potatoes. Oliver I wasn’t sure what you wanted… So I made you baked potatoes, and salad. Probably got some bread and peanut butter laying around… Oh and chips!” Oliver didn’t eat meat? That was news to her. But before she could chew it over Carol and Ian were heading towards the kitchen; Ian bidding them to Be good as if they were children again. That left her with Oli and Tom. Which wouldn’t be so bad but Tommy had lapsed into silence, going back to his phone and Oliver was watching her with an expectant gaze as if he were waiting for her to break into talk with him. He shouldn’t hold his breath in that case.

As if Tom sensed the tension roiling in her veins he glanced up, ”Heard you graduated law school. Big shot.” For a moment she wondered how he knew that, and rolling his eyes Tommy added "Our mum's stayed in touch you know." She should of figured. Snorting, she held up her hands disagreeing with him. ”It’s not nearly as glamorous as the movies portray. And I specialized in elder law, so pretty much I write wills. Not to be be morbid.” At this Tom leaned forward, ”No shit? There’s really something called elder law?” Nodding, she hummed her agreement. ”Come on now, I don’t wanna spend the whole night talking about my life. What about you. What’ve you been up to? I know what your brother has been up to.” As if to once again make a subtle backhand comment, she refused to call Oliver by his name. He didn’t get to torment her for four years and then reappear back in her life like a good guy. For a long while the two chatted, just getting to know one another again. Tom had done well for himself, he photographed and sometimes posed for Oliver’s clothing endeavour; something that Charlotte had been unaware that Oliver had done.

A couple times Carol and Ian had popped their heads in, chiming in on certain things or just listening; and for awhile it felt like Charlotte had never left. Would this be what her life was like had she and her mother stayed in England at least? Dinners like these, and it had been awhile since Charlotte had laughed and smiled so much. She was used to formality. To paperwork and tests, and gritting by on her own. She wasn’t someone who ever needed anyone. So to be back it was.. nice. As if a piece of her softer personality was drug out by the time that Carol announced it was time for dinner she was quite relaxed. Her nerves about this dinner being a bit awkward were gone, in fact they’d been silly in the first place. Also much to her curiosity; Oliver hadn’t made a single rude remark. Not that she gave him much of a chance as she was still minimally polite with him. She was warm enough where it wouldn’t make anyone feel uncomfortable; but still remained the most distant with him.

And of course as luck would have it, Carol had set her plate between Oliver and Tom. As the family plus Charlotte made their plates and tucked down to begin eating conversation died off for a moment. The food was fucking delicious. While Andrea tried she wasn’t the best cook. She could bake enough to put any chef to shame; but cooking actual dinner food? Not so much. Curiously, Oliver stayed away from the meat selection, Carol had flicked the overhead lights on halfway through their dinner as it was getting dark and rain clouds had once again rolled their way overhead. The weather was a bit different than what she was used to, which would be yet another thing she had to adjust to. ”So, where are you working Charlotte? I hope they treat you well?” Carol spoke up from across the table and hurriedly swallowing her bite she nodded. ”It’s mom’s old friend. David Crobal, it’s like ten minutes away which is actually why I moved back to the neighborhood.” Nodding her approval, Tom cut in with a less than impressed tone. ”So why didn’t you ever visit Lottie?”

She hadn’t been expecting that. Not the question or the nickname and for a moment she froze. ”It was hard on mum to be back here after… After the accident and everything. Also she just didn’t have the time and I was busy with school.” She hated how soft her voice sounded, like she was that vulnerable little girl again. Charlotte hadn’t understood her father was dead when they lowered him into the ground. She did know however that her mother was crying, along with the adults so something bad must of happened. That had been the only day when Oliver was nice to her. At the wake Lottie hadn’t been able to make herself go near the adults mourning; nor her mother who had openly wept. That was the first time Lottie seen her mother weep like that. So she’d hid in the coat closet, trying to convince herself this was a dream. It’d been Oliver to find her and instead of his harsh comments he’d remained quiet and just sat with her after letting Carol know where they were. And when she had finally understood her father was never coming back and burst into tears, he’d awkwardly patted her back and tried to rub her back. Something he was mimicking from Carol that was used on Oliver when he was upset.

That was one of the only positive memories she had of him. She’d been drawn from her thoughts by someone hissing at Tom to apologize. Forcing a smile, she shook her head. ”No dont’ worry it’s fine Tom.” The Sykes matriarch seemed a little hesitant though turned back towards Charlotte apparently attempting to move on from her youngest son’s blunder. ”Charlotte, if you aren’t all moved in the Oli and his friends can help you. They’re very nice boys.” It was a tantalizing offer, she didn’t think that her furniture would ever be put together. But if Carol was referring to the boys she’d briefly met last night; she wasn’t sure she’d want to deal with a bunch of drunken men. ”I couldn’t waste their time. It’s just assembling and moving some furniture about. I’m sure that Oliver is a very busy.” However, glancing at Oliver she didn’t think that she’d be able to worm her way out of this without flat out refusing. ”And- and I can always call someone.” She tried to reason to which Carol waved her hand. ”Oh no dear, they’ll charge you an arm and leg. Oliver wouldn’t mind helping you at all would he?” Charlotte wanted to groan; as much as Oliver seemed like he was a completely different person; that didn’t mean he was, or that Charlotte had forgotten by any means what a twat he could be.

______________________________________________________________________________

Josh Franceschi | The Second Chancer



Josh’s face broke into a large grin as he was tackled into a rather large bearhug; which was almost comical as he was a decent bit taller than her. It didn’t stop him from wrapping his arms around Effy’s waist and spun her around setting back on the porch. God she was beautiful; more so than he remembered and it was then he realized she didn’t have any pants on. Trying not to be a twit about it, Josh made sure to keep his gaze fixed on her face as he responded cheerfully. ”Well I figured you couldn’t quite turn me away love. And since it’s been so long I really didn’t want to wait another month and a half. So I decided, what the hell. Hopped on a plane and here I am.” In a grandiose manner Josh gestured to himself, feeling his heart beating wildly in his chest.

He was exhausted, but he didn’t let on to it. Jet lag was his mortal enemy. ”Is it too late to stop in?” Josh asked, his voice soft and gaze never straying from Effy’s. Fuck that yearning to see her he’d pushed down all these years had come back like a vengeful tide; alright maybe his friends were right. Coming to America early wasn’t a bad idea at all. As Elizabeth stepped aside to let him in, the scent of Chinese food drifted by him and Josh's stomach rumbled a bit. Fuck, he should of eaten before he came here. Elizabeth must of heard it as she chuckled and offered him whatever was left to share. "That'd be ace. Thank you oh and Effy?" As she turned around, seeing what he wanted he motioned to her legs. "Might wanna put some pants on. I wouldn't want your fiancee to beat this delicate face up for the wrong idea."

Her eyes widened, almost comically as if she'd forgotten that she was pantless. With a promise to be right back and to make himself at home she was gone up the stairs leaving Josh free to wander around. He'd been inspecting the living room; it was a nice place though he felt a little smug that doctor Sam's home wasn't as nice as his. As he was walking around he noted a few pictures on decorating the walls, a couple of them of Sam and Elizabeth. A jealousy so strong it made his stomach knot bled into his mind as he examined them. The man was dark haired, handsome even as much as Josh hated to admit, and his arm was wrapped haphazardly around a laughing Elizabeth. It was obvious that she loved him, and he her; did Josh really have a chance? His heart liked to think so though his brain disagreed.

This man had since freshman year of college to woo over Effy; while Josh had only summers. This time though he wouldn't cock everything up. And while it may not be smooth sailing; he was still determined to steal the bride, get his girl and go home with her. If this all went over well Josh swore he'd marry her. He liked to think they had something... Deeper than what she had with this Sam fellow. After all it had been years since Josh had seen her. Yet she never strayed from his mind; and Josh didn't think he was ever far from her's. And that's all he needed. Was for Effy to have even the smallest bit of attraction for him; then Josh could just prove to her that he loved her. He's loved her for all these years, and if there were such things as soulmates than maybe she was his.

His train of thought was disrupted when he heard her coming back down the steps and heading back towards the house sat down, making room for her. Alright, maybe he took up a bit more room than he had to in order to get them to sit a little closer together. "Grimm? Some of my friends suggested it to me." Josh said motioning towards the TV. It was then he noted the hair change, she used to be blonde but now her hair was dark brown and rich in color. Also he could still kind of smell the hair dye off it. "You changed your hair." He stated in a confident voice, reaching out and gentle holding up the ends of it. "Looks nice, can't say I'm surprised." Offering that devil-may-care grin that people loved so much he noticed the subtlest of pinks tinting her cheeks.

Backing off, deciding to not completely overwhelm her Josh leaned forward snatching the carton of Lo Mein off the coffee table, using the fork that was already in there to begin chowing down. "On tour I fucking live off this stuff. And whiskey." He joked around bites his stomach quite relieved to have something in it. Tomorrow he'd have to call Max to let him know he'd arrived safely. Of course they were worse than a group of highschool girls so he'd likely want updates and whatnot. "So-" Josh began once a commercial break came on, "Where's the groom huh? Shouldn't leave you all alone at night. America is dangerous." He teased, adding on "Though I'd put money on you in a fight." It felt nice just hanging out like this again. It took him back to the days that he would spend waiting for her to arrive, often going to her grandmother's house the day before she got there and crashing on the couch just so he wouldn't waste any time with her. God he hoped she remembered them too; and that she really had missed him.

Oliver Sykes | The Bully
[img http://33.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m6xunefU831qeow0y.gif[/img]

"Mum likes to have Tom and I over for dinner at least once a week." He explained, moving out of the doorway so that she could come inside. She didn't seem all that pleased to see him at all, that much Oliver could tell. He didn't understand why though. Yes, she was being polite, but it was an almost forced politeness that bordered on being considered fake. He didn't get what he'd done to her, and he suddenly felt like he had in the grocer's the day before. He felt like he'd done something wrong, or said the wrong thing already, but what the hell could he have done this time? He wasn't going to ask her though. He'd see how the evening went, and, if nothing changed, he'd confront her about it later on.

When his parents came out into the foyer to greet Charlotte, he stepped into the other room where his brother was hunched over, playing around with something on his phone. The sight was one that Oliver was all too familiar with seeing, especially at family gatherings when it was more than just immediate family. Tommy was always rather quiet, kept to himself quite a bit, though that was just who his brother was.

A few moments later, Carol was ushering Charlotte into the room, and Oliver noticed his brother's attention shift away from his phone for a little while. When Tommy called her Charlotte, he almost wondered if he was the only one who hadn't gotten the memo about her no longer going by Lottie. Could that be the reason for her strange behavior? Had a small slip of the tongue really bothered her that much? If that were the case, Oliver didn't really know what to tell her. He'd apologize if he had to, for the sake of trying to not start off on the wrong foot, but it almost seemed ridiculous in his eyes. How could something so small start them off on the wrong foot when they hadn't seen each other in seventeen years? The idea that they saw their time spent together as kids very differently had yet to cross his mind. He was still going with his initial plan though. He'd wait it out and see how the rest of the evening went before he said anything.

Things didn't seem to get any better as time progressed. It almost seemed like Charlotte was refusing to talk to him, and he didn't understand why that was. What could he have possibly done to make her practically ignore his entire existence? And, yes, that wasn't even a slight understatement either. She refused to fucking look at him, and, whenever she mentioned him in conversation, she never referred to him by name either. He didn't think that a woman had ever confused him more than Charlotte had in the last twenty four hours or so. It just made no fucking sense at all.

Thankfully, the tense atmosphere in the front room was alleviated a little bit at the dinner table, though he could sense that Charlotte didn't exactly enjoy being sat between him and Tommy. He knew that it had nothing to do with his brother though, just him. Clearly he was the only one who had done something wrong here, though he still had absolutely no idea what it was that he could have possibly done. And he was fairly quiet throughout dinner because of it. Trying to talk to her would probably only serve to make things awkward and tense at the dinner table, something he really didn't want right now. He'd decided, officially, to say something to her after dinner when his mother offered to have him and his mates help her finish moving things into her place if she needed it. Of course, she tried to decline, and it was extremely obvious to Oliver why that was. She wanted nothing to do with him. Absolutely nothing. He wanted to tell his mum that yes, he would mind helping her, for the sake of saving himself from the awkward tension that he'd certainly have to endure, but he knew very well that he couldn't. Much to his dismay. "I wouldn't mind helping at all, Charlotte. Doubt my mates would either."

---

Elizabeth Kingsley | The Bride


Effy couldn't believe it. Josh was here. He looked great and she was quickly reminded of part of her reasoning behind having a thing for him when they were younger. He was here and she was seeing him for the first time in years. It was almost too good to be true. She was so happy to see him though. She'd missed him so much over the years, and there really wasn't a day that went by when she didn't regret doing what she had. She hadn't just not shown up that summer. She'd ignored his calls and texts and emails when he tried reaching out to her. It was such a bitchy move, and she knew that even more now than she ever had before, she was just glad that Josh seemed so willing to just put that all behind them. That, there ever was a time when he'd been mad at her because of it, he seemed so willing to forgive her for, well, being a total bitch.

"Well, I'm glad you're here." She told him, and she really did mean that. Despite everything she'd been telling herself about how seeing him would just serve to complicate things, she really was glad that he was here right now. With the wedding fast approaching, things were becoming more and more stressful and overwhelming, and having Josh here gave her a sense of familiarity, one that she'd missed a great deal if she was being completely honest. The familiarity of it all wasn't the only thing she'd missed though. She'd really just missed Josh in general. There were so many times when she was having a rough day or when something amazing had happened when she wanted to reach for the phone and call him, but she always felt like she couldn't. She felt as though she'd been the one to almost end their friendship, more or less, and she always felt like he'd just ignore her calls like she'd ignored his anyway. She was still surprised that he'd even RSVPed to the wedding in the first place.

"No, of course not. Come on in." She moved out of the doorway, allowing him to step inside. She still hadn't realized that she wasn't wearing any pants. In all honesty, what she was wearing wasn't really at the top of her list of priorities today. She couldn't help laughing when she heard his stomach rumble. "Aren't they supposed to feed you on the plane?" She asked, obviously a bit amused. "I ordered Chinese a little while ago, there's more than enough there if you'd like some." She added as a brief after-thought. And then he mentioned her clothing choice, or lack there of, causing her eyes to widen slightly as she glanced down and realized that he was right, she wasn't wearing any pants. "I should go put something on, you're right. Make yourself at home." She turned to start up the stairs, mentally cursing herself once she reached hers and Sam's bedroom. She'd answered the door in her underwear, how embarrassing! Regardless of who it was, that would be the case, but this was Josh and that made it ten times more embarrassing in her opinion.

Returning a few minutes later in a pair of pajama bottoms that she was certain were Sam's, they were way too big to be hers but she couldn't be bothered to look for something of her own, she plopped down next to him on the couch before grabbing her carton of Chinese food and pressing play on the remote control. "Sam's little sister recommended it to me a few months ago because we like a lot of the same shows. I started watching the first season, ended up binge watching the first three and I've been hooked ever since." She told him before popping a piece of chicken into her mouth.

To say him reaching over to hold up the ends of her hair caught her off guard would be an understatement. The comment not so much, but his actions definitely. It was then that she realized just how close they were sitting too. She had a feeling that it was going to be a bit hard to focus on the TV or anything else for that matter. She could try pushing any and all thoughts that came to mind to the back of head but she knew one thing was certain: she was fucked. She was getting married in six weeks time, but, with Josh here, it was going to be hard not to think of the feelings she'd once had for him. That was right. She didn't have them anymore. Nope. Not at all. She loved Sam. She was marrying Sam. She could go back to being friends with Josh, but that was it. That was all they'd ever be. "I did." She said matter-of-factly. "Oh yeah? And what's that supposed to mean, Franceschi?" She question, punctuating her words with a raised eyebrow, though she couldn't ignore the way her heart seemed to skip a beat when he smiled the way that he did, and she knew that she was blushing, that much was obvious. Get it together, Kingsley. You're not in high school anymore.

"Sounds like a very balanced diet you have going on there." She said, letting out a quiet laugh. To say that she was relieved that he almost seemed to have backed off was a bit of an understatement. He'd been here all of maybe ten or fifteen minutes, yet he already had her feeling like a teenage girl again. The next couple of weeks were definitely going to be interesting, that was for sure. She tried focusing on the show a little bit, and finishing her food, and they seemed to settle into a comfortable silence for a while. Until the next commercial break, when Sam was brought up, or, rather, his whereabouts were. "He's at the hospital, got called in a few hours ago. Probably won't be home until late" She told him, shrugging her shoulders slightly. "You'd better be putting your money on me." Her tone was light and teasing, a slight grin tugging at the corners of her lips. She'd missed this a lot. It almost felt like nothing had changed at all. It was like they were teenagers again, and they were at her grandparents house, Josh would usually crash on the couch the night before she arrived just so he could be one of the first people to see her. It was something she'd always looked forward to. "I missed you, you know." She said quietly, suddenly a bit more serious than she'd been before. "And I'm sorry that I didn't come back that summer or return any of your messages..."

Charlotte Reed| The Wanderer



Wearily Charlotte nodded, and conceded. ”If it’s not too much trouble that would be helpful. You and your mates just seemed a bit… busy last night.” For the first time she fixed him with a gaze that was incomprehensible. The flush on his face was amusing to her as she innocently took a bite. ”I’m that far from here. If you’d like to help I’ll give you the address later.” Conversation flowed on, Carol informed with a pride that was endearing what Oliver and Tom had been doing in the past seventeen years, and okay maybe Charlotte was a little impressed on what Oli had managed to do with himself. Took a lot of dedication to claw one’s way to the top of any sort of career; but more so with a musical career.

”You must of worked really hard.” Lottie commented, almost under her breath so only Oliver heard it. When everyone had their fill Charlotte had stood to help, and as Carol protested she shook her head. ”Come on, You cooked and I’m quite capable of cleaning.” When Charlotte wanted to she could be a mule, point in case her inherent dislike of Oliver, so in the end Carol had compromised that she could just put clear the table; and the boys would do the rest. ”I swear she likes you more than us.” Tommy grumbled though there was no bite behind it as the three stood, the boys sorting out who would what. ”Are you surprised?” She taunted right back, to which the younger brother merely rolled his eyes. He had been haggled into dishes while Oliver was to put the leftovers away. What unnerved Charlotte and maybe made her feel a little bad was the fact that as the three cleaned up as fast as they could, he would send her these little looks like that of a kicked stray.

Like she was hurting him and he didn't know why. It gave her pause to her actions, unsure of how to treat him. Growing up he'd treated her like dirt. That was the memory she had of him. And in her eyes he couldn't redeem himself in just one day. But on the other hand, didn't Lottie had to give him a chance to prove he wasn't the little arsehole she remembered? As she brought the food out to be put away, she'd avoid his gaze whenever she handed something over, until she finally had brought the last plate to him. As he reached out for it, she paused pulling it away from him for a second. Her jaw twitched, trying to phrase her utter confusion with him without getting into a yelling match. "What are you playing at? Why are you being... decent?" Tommy had announced about the second dish in that he was going for a nap on the couch and when they finished making dishes to come get him. That left Lottie and Oli in the kitchen, and a more private way for her to figure out what he was up to. She didn't trust him enough to even consider that he was just honestly being nice to her, that his warmness and excitement to see her again wasn't faked; not some trap to some grand jokeline that he had thought up.

Charlotte was still holding the half-eaten bowl of mashed potatoes her eyebrow cocked at him. Oliver looked genuinely confused. Like it was just his nature to help her. That fierce agitation that was normally embedded in her eyes was gone, just an open confusion. To her it was incomprehensible that Oliver would be nice to her- for no reason other than doing so. Perhaps her suspicions of him were so potent because they were in the neighborhood where all her memories of him were. Which in her defense had hardly been kind. The leftover bowl was heavy in her hands so she brushed past him, setting it on the counter before she turned back to face him; a challenging tilt to her chin. She didn't quite believe that he was entirely different than he was when he was a kid. How could she? But was she not giving him enough credit? Had he matured in the near twenty years it'd been? "Do you not remember anything about all the countless times we were growing up?" Lottie asked, her voice quiet so it wouldn't carry to the living room. To say that Lottie was angry over what had happened as kids would be false; she simply didn't understand why he was being so nice to her now. There had been no contact between them, nothing to spur his glee in teases and taunts about her.

______________________________________________________________________________

Josh Franceschi | The Second Chancer



It was almost like old times, like he hadn’t seen her in years on end and that her silence had hurt him more than anything he could think of. He wasn’t paying attention to the show, instead taking opportunities to glance at her out of the corner of his eyes every so often. She really was far more beautiful than he remembered; and Josh cursed himself for never visiting while he was in the States. He had the option more than once to come see her- but Josh figured it would upset her. After all she hadn’t ever returned his calls asking if she wanted to meet while he was here; and he figured showing up out of the blue would be unappreciated. If only he had the fucking balls to just say how he felt before this- Josh may not have to resort to attempting to steal the woman of his dreams from another man. ”I missed you, you know?” Elizabeth spoke up suddenly, making Josh’s stomach twist with nerves and his breathing hitch. Fuck he was acting like one of those women you see in the romance movies.

When she went on to continue to apologize for the lack of contact he just dipped his head. ”Nah, Effy I understand.” Turning to fix her with a surprisingly open gaze he continued a little softer. ”There are a lot of things I should of done, I wish every day I had done; that I didn’t. All that matters now is you’re happy, ‘s all I ever wanted.” There was no reason to complicate her life yet, and Josh was once again having doubts about his capabilities to capture her affections. However, he didn’t doubt his words were as transparent as his words. He should of never let her run. To disappear from him. And fuck did he regret it. Sensing the conflict within both their heads Josh cleared his throat, taking another bite of Lo Mein, chewing it slowly before finishing it off. ”So, do you got everything all picked out? Flowers and all that?” Josh had never had to plan a wedding; he’d been to a few in his time, but there was a difference between being a guest and actually having to arrange something like this.

As they chatted he knew it was getting late, and she’d probably be busy later and he’d have a hell of a time getting a cab; but Josh couldn’t bring himself to leave. He was first and foremost comfortable and jetlag really was a bitch. It took a lot for him not to pass out while they were talking, and Josh was kind of scared. He was terrified that if he left, Effy would disappear into the wind again and the next time he’d see her was to introduce himself as Uncle Josh to her children at their graduation parties. Her couch was shockingly comfortable and he was drawn pretty deeply into Grimm. Their banter would ebb and flow between the pair and Josh was tempted to just wrap his arm around her. That was over a line he wasn’t ready to cross though. ”I’m really glad you invited me Effy. I’ve missed you too.” Once again that husky edge had crept back into Josh’s throat. If she was going to say something, it was a bit too late as the door was opened rather abruptly.

”Elizabeth, are you up?” An unfamiliar voice called, and craning his head Josh’s lips broke into a scour. This must be the illustrious Sam. As Effy took a moment to stand and call out to him- it was curiosity that led Josh to follow her towards the door. Now would probably be a good time to actually get going back to his hotel room. All his luggage was there and the last thing he needed was to lose it. A bitter jealous flooded Josh’s tongue as he watched Elizabeth lean up to kiss the dark-haired man, still in his work clothes. He smelled like a hospital, even from here and Josh quietly waited until eyes fell on him. ”You are?” He felt an eyebrow raise at the somewhat abrupt tone. If Josh were inclined to like this man, he’d say he was grouchy. But the singer couldn’t care less what the reason is. ”Josh Franceschi. You must be Sam.” There was a voice that Josh used when he mocking someone, though for those who didn’t know him; it could and would be missed as polite.

”Effy’s friend? From England?” A secondhand recognition crept into Sam’s voice which, alright maybe Josh was the tiniest bit smug over. This must of meant Elizabeth was talking about him, enough to be remembered. ”The very same.” At his conferment Sam’s eyebrows furrowed together, clearly a little confused as to why Josh was there already. Poor guy, if all went well Josh would head back to England, with Sam’s intended bride. ”Sorry to snap at you, long day.” Josh merely shrugged an easy going grin. If he was rude to Sam that would cause Elizabeth distress and as much as he’d of liked to call him a wanker and leave- that wasn’t about to happen. ”No worries mate, didn’t mean to stay so late. I was on my way out.” Turning to Effy he offered that lopsided grin and reaching out gently rapped his knuckles against her forehead. ”Let’s not wait five years for you to call me this time yeah? I’m at a hotel next town over; if you need a second opinion on anything let me know. Or just wanna hang.”

Sam may be aiming to marry Effy; but in a spur of confidence Josh wasn’t going to let her go without doing his best. Leaning down to platonically brush his lips against her cheek and pulling back gave Sam a rather cheerful grin. Kill with kindness and all that jazz. ”Right, I’m off then.” Alright maybe a little part of Josh didn’t want to stay around to witness Sam and Elizabeth’s love. Maybe he was a little more than nervous he’d say something stupid. And most of all it made his stomach turn the way Sam wrapped an arm around Elizabeth’s shoulder and nodded with a weary ”Well, welcome to the states man. We’ll see you around.” Josh didn’t even grace that with an answer as he headed out the door and down their walk. The night air would do the yearning singer some good. His walk ended up being a good forty minutes; though it subdued some of his feelings of anxiety and hesitancy; and by the time Josh got back to his hotel room he collapsed, half clothed in the hotel’s bed, all but dead to the world as he fell into a dreamless slumber.

Oliver Sykes | The Bully


"Oh that? That was nothing. I know for a fact that none of us would mind helping you move the rest of your things in." Oliver assured her, knowing all too well that that was a jab at him. He wouldn't have so much of a problem with her near hostile behavior if he actually knew the reasoning behind it. It seemed to come completely out of left field in his eyes though, but he was going to get answers. She seemed keen on acting this way without even the slightest explanation but he wasn't going to let that slide anymore. He was going to figure out what her bloody problem was. In his eyes, he'd always been nothing but nice to her, not even thinking twice about the possibility of her seeing his behavior when they were kids in a very different light than he saw it himself.

"You must of worked really hard." That was probably the nicest thing she'd said to him the whole night and he wasn't even sure if he should really consider it a compliment seeing as she seemed rather surprised with where he'd managed to get himself in the last seventeen years. That and she'd said it so quietly that he was almost certain that no one else had even heard the comment to begin with. "Yeah, I did." Was his simple response. Of course, he offered to help clean up once dinner was finished. His mum probably wouldn't have been too pleased with him if he hadn't, and he knew that she would have made it extremely known too.

He was sort of just going through the motions as he put away the leftovers, though it honestly took everything in him not to comment on how he noticed the way Charlotte avoided his gaze every single time she passed him something that needed putting away. It honestly kind of hurt, and he was certain that his wounded behavior was very noticeable too. He didn't care though. He didn't know what he'd done so of course he was going to be at least a little upset. They hadn't seen each other in nearly two fucking decades and this is how she treats him straight away? He felt as though he had every single right to be upset right now and act like the wounded puppy dog he was certain he resembled at the moment.

She didn't speak a single word to him until Tom left the kitchen, announcing that he was going to take a nap on the couch. And, when she finally did speak to him, what she said was the last possible thing he had expected her to say to him. "Sorry?" He asked, confusion etched across his face. What was he playing at? What was she playing at? He didn't think he was acting any differently than he normally would around her. She was close with his family, and he was kind of under the impression that they'd been fairly close as kids, though maybe he was wrong. He didn't really know.

"Does whatever happened the last time we saw each other have anything to do with why you've been copping an attitude with me all night?" He shot her way, punctuating his words with a raised eyebrow. Maybe his words had come out a bit more hostile than he intended to, but he couldn't quite help it considering the fact that he was starting to get a bit fed up with how she was acting towards him. He'd done absolutely nothing to her, so he didn't know what was wrong or why she was acting the way that she was. "Because I really don't know what I've done to you, Charlotte. I know it's been a while since we last saw each other, but last I checked, things didn't end on a sour note between us."

---

Elizabeth Kingsley | The Bride


Effy wanted to argue and tell him that it wasn't okay. Her behavior was inexcusable in her eyes. They were supposed to be friends, best friends was a more accurate term actually, and she certainly hadn't acted like it. Josh was just being so forgiving, he clearly was just a good a person as she remembered him being, and it just made her feel worse about the whole goddamn thing. She knew that she'd fucked things up majorly, and maybe she was being just a little too hard on herself, but that was besides the point. She'd ran away from her problems like a scared little girl instead of facing them head on. Sometimes, long before Josh called her just the other morning, she found herself wondering how things could have gone very differently. What would have happened if she had gone back to Weybridge that summer? Would she and Josh have continued to talk all those years that they'd spent apart? She liked to think that they would have, and that honestly made her feel all the more guilty about this whole thing.

Thankfully, the conversation shifted quickly back to the wedding, though there was a part of her that didn't want to talk about that right now. It was just a constant reminder that she was taken and soon she would, hopefully, be for good. Never had she ever pictured her own wedding and everything about it mocking her, but now, with Josh here, it was hard to see things any other way because, well, she knew that, despite all of her efforts to distract herself and move on, she still had feelings for him in some capacity. "Yeah, for the most part." She said, punctuating her words with a slight nod. "There are a few things here and there that still need sorting out, but Sam's mom's been helping me, and my mom's been doing what she can from New York."

They chatted for a while. Thankfully, the conversation strayed away from the wedding after all, and it was simply spent catching up and having a couple of good laughs here and there. She truly felt like it was one of her first nights back in Weybridge for the summer. This was exactly what they used to do. The night she first arrived, they'd always end up downstairs, on one of the couches in her grandparents' home catching each other up on the happenings of that year, well, everything that they hadn't already told each other over the phone. Effy always found it funny how Josh was the person she'd call first, over any of her girl friends at home in States, when something happened. The thing was, despite the distance, she'd always felt closer to him than she was them. She supposed that the saying about distance making the heart grow fonder really did hold true in some cases.

The conversation did die out after a little while, though it was a comfortable silence, as their attention both seemed to turn to the TV for a while. "I'm really glad you invited me, Effy. I've missed you." And there Josh went again, being the same genuine person that she always remembered him being. She opened her mouth to say something to him, though she never got the chance to. Sam was home. "Yeah, babe, I'm here!" She called, standing to go greet her fiancé, not even realizing that Josh had followed behind her. Smiling, she leaned up to peck Sam on the lips. She was as used to the hospital smell as one could possibly be at this point, though it obviously didn't bother her enough to deter their relationship even in the slightest bit.

It wasn't until Sam's gaze shifted behind her that she realized that Josh had followed her over. She was silent as she watched the exchange between the two. Things seemed to work out as best as they could all things considered, something that was kind of relieving. Josh was important to her, and Sam was too for very obvious reasons. Things would prove to be very difficult if they couldn't get along. She couldn't help smiling when Josh touched her forehead lightly with his knuckles. "It won't happen again, I promise." She assured him. And she really meant it too. She wasn't going to run away from this again. She was an adult, she could handle this. Then he was pressing his lips to her cheek, and it took everything in Effy not to show the way such a small action affected her. Thankfully, she maintained her composure, watching as he left before turning her attention back to Sam. "You look exhausted." She said, running her thumb lightly over his cheek. "Let me just clean up down here, I'll be up in a second, okay?" She kissed him once more before allowing him to go upstairs to bed. It didn't take her long to clean up downstairs and shut everything off, though it was enough time for everything that had happened that evening to truly sink in. It was certainly enough time for Effy to realize that the next couple of weeks were going to be anything but dull.

Charlotte Reed| The Wanderer



The kitchen air felt tense and stagnant. It was obvious he was thoroughly brassed off with her, though it didn’t deter her from keeping an icy glare. Beyond the kitchen the sounds of some show filtered in; though other than that there was silence. No disturbances, and nothing to stop the two from reverting back to their old ways. Oliver was quick to fire back that she was the one with a problem, and Charlotte crossed her arms- clenching her jaw. She was the one with the problem? Whom used to push whom around? Certainly wasn’t her. It had been Oliver to taunt her, mock her, and forbade her from playing with any of his friends because she was the baby. Or the times she’d gotten scraped knees because he thought it’d been funny to push her? He was a little devil and she was the one with the problem?

She had been quiet, deathly so as he spoke- until he got to the part where ”I know it's been awhile since we last saw each other, but last I checked, things didn't end on a sour note between us.” A scoff of disbelief was forced from her throat as Charlotte raised a slender eyebrow at him. Ah. There it was, Oliver had apparently been a bigger bully than he recalled. If he truly thought that than that would explain why he was so confused. It would also make her seem like a bitch- but just because he doesn’t remember doesn’t mean it didn’t happen. ”Are you kidding right now? You’re barmy!” She accused, her voice still quiet enough for this to remain between the two of them. ”You don’t remember all the times you tripped me, hid my favorite dollie than cut her hair off?” His expression hadn’t shifted and Charlotte bit at the inside of her cheek.

”Or, my personal favorite when I broke my leg because of you.” That did seem to bring back some memories, as his eyebrows scrunched together and he opened his mouth, to apologize or to protest she had no idea, but she continued. ”I would never of been running down that hill had you not stole my Optimus Prime, a replacement for the dollie you ruined. Oliver the only time you were ever nice to me was at the wake.” Charlotte stated that stubborn tilt to her head. ”You were the meanest kid I knew. And you expect me to just warm up to you? I have no idea who you are. You’re some kid I knew who used to give me an incredibly hard time.” As she spoke the annoyance and anger bled out of her voice, leaving her sounding small and hurt. What Charlotte wouldn't probably couldn't find the right words to tell him, was it was more than just the stupid shit he did like cutting off dollies hair or trying to steal toys. It was that more than anything as a kid; she'd just wanted him to like her. Charlotte had tried to befriend that hazel-eyed bully more times than she could count her hands. But each time he found a new way to make her feel foolish, hurt, and brassed all at once.

She couldn't explain how she felt as if she'd always done something to annoy him. Of course she was too little to understand that he was just teasing her. Charlotte was under the impression he'd hated her for some reason she'd never fucking figured out. And that feeling as if she'd really done something to spur on the child's teasing had never truly left her. As she had tried to go about her life forgetting Oliver Sykes; she had begun to hear more and more about him. And instead of allowing herself to wallow in pity of why he hadn't ever been kind to her, she became angry, annoyed, and then just apathetic. Charlotte had tried to put the thought of him from her mind, but life has a funny way of fucking your plans up. And when she and Oliver had crossed paths once again; she was out of depth, out of league. 'Lottie had no idea if she should believe his acts of kindness, forgive him, or just ignore him. As she thought, Charlotte was distantly aware of him saying something but wasn't honestly paying too much attention. ”You and your lads don’t have stop by. I don’t know you anymore. Maybe you’re a nice guy, maybe you’re not. That doesn’t mean we’re mates alright?”

She wasn’t going to lie it would be exhausting to keep this feud with him going. though that didn’t mean by any stretch she was ready or willing to be friends. Not yet anyway. Maybe she had cocked up by getting involved again with the Sykes. As much as she loved Carol, she didn’t want to be subjected to whatever mood Oliver was in. She didn’t want to find out he was still the little bully by getting hurt. No it wasn’t as if she was scared he’d physically hurt her like chasing her down a hill and having a fall, she was more worried she’d forgive him move past this and then when she was least expecting it; he would turn her into a punchline. She was saved from speaking further as her phone began ringing, tucked away in a skillfully hidden pocket on the skirt of her dress. ”Excuse me.” She muttered before all but fleeing the room and heading onto the foyer to see who was calling. It was just her mother, which she let go to voicemail.

For a good fifteen minutes she stood on the foyer, nothing stopping her from just leaving. Her arms were once against crossed her on chest as she surveyed the street. Was it right coming back to Sheffield? Or was she just making the people around her lives harder than it needed to be? Holding her phone in her hand Lottie knew it was a bit too late now to go home. She had no money, she’d be here at least a couple years. Also she knew the reason David had asked her was he was getting older. Leaving him hanging without an employee he was counting just wouldn’t be fair to him. This… This feud Charlotte couldn’t just let it consume her. She either had to try to move forward with a friendship if he was willing, or just try to distance herself from him. And honestly Charlotte wasn’t sure which one was the better option.

______________________________________________________________________________

Josh Franceschi | The Second Chancer



Josh had gone to sleep thinking about this bleeding wedding, and had woken up thinking about it. Trying to put it from his brain for a fucking minute Josh groggily reached out to the nightstand beside the bed, finding his phone. Max had texted him only minutes before and calling back Josh prepared himself for the interrogation. Sure enough after the second ring he was greeted by a chorus of voices, surprisingly enough his sister and mother. ”Josh! How’s America. Can’t believe you left without me!” Elissa trilled over the line to which Josh groaned. He was exhausted, and trying to deal with six people at once was a little demanding.

”I’m sorry I have some stuff to do.” Josh tried to be vague though his mother’s voice was to be heard next. ”We heard. Trying to steal a bride. About time.” Josh exhaled noisily into his hand, a little unsure of how to respond. ”So what are you lot all doing together then?” Sure his mother knew his bandmates, as his sister- but they didn’t make an effort to hang out when he wasn’t around. That shite was odd. ”Since you left without telling us, and didn’t stop by to see us before leaving we went to the boys to see what was happening. Consider us camp Josh!” Lissa spoke again, clearly excited over everything.

Great. It was only a matter of time that someone fucked up and this whole plan which was becoming more and more outlandish by the second- was going to be shot to hell. Once again a bunch of voices melded together making it hard to hear. ”Look, I don’t know what the guys have told you, but this has to stay between us.” The singer stressed, hoping they all meant it when they promised it would. ”Have you met the groom?” Matt asked, his voice crackly and staticky. ”Yeah, he’s a wanker. But I can’t exactly let her know that can I? Look, it’s very early here and I’m going to have a swim before going out.” The water would wake him up, and then he could see if Effy was about. His friends and family chorused a goodbye, a promise to update them, and then they were gone leaving Josh feeling suddenly homesick.

He got like this whenever he got off the phone with his mum, but it was so tangible now it almost made him call them back. Instead he shed his clothes, tore through his drawers until he found his swim trunks and threw that on with a faded tee. It was something from Max’s line, and with that he was off to the pool leaving his phone in the room. As he predicted the water had woken him up as Josh lazily floated about, relishing in the stench of chlorine and quiet. It was nice to not have kids running about splashing him. It wasn’t that Josh disliked kids, he’d like some of his own later in life; but this morning he wanted to be alone with his thoughts.

Josh floated about until more and more people began waking up and his fingers had long-since pruned along with his toes. Grabbing a fluffy white towel of the hotel’s he sat on one of the loungers while drying his hair and body before tossing his shirt on. A few people had strayed into the pool making him cautiously keep the towel wrapped about his head like a scarf before heading back to his room. Now was time to officially begin winning Effy over. ”Elizabeth, are you free today? Let’s do some sightseeing.” His text was short, sweet and to the point. Josh knew a great deal about this town, he’d been here more than a few times but it would give them an excuse to hang out, and that was more than enough for Josh.

Oliver Sykes | The Bully


Oliver really wouldn't have had so much of a problem with this if he knew that he'd actually done something. He didn't know what she was getting at at all right now. What had happened the last time they'd seen each other? Wasn't it her father's wake? He remembered distinctly comforting her in the coat closet. What was so bad about that memory, other than the obvious reason for the comfort? He was being nice to her, so what was the problem? Why did she seem to hate him so much? And, in this case, hate didn't seem like a strong word at all. At first her behavior could be chocked up to a bad mood, but the backhanded comments she'd been making all evening, that were no doubt directed towards him, was kind of the last straw. He didn't fucking do anything to her and he had no idea what she was going on about right now either. Plain and simple.

And then he received his answer. "You're joking." He said, staring at her incredulously. This was about something he'd done when they were kids, something that he honestly didn't really remember much about if he was being completely honest here. That was seventeen years ago. Nearly two decades. She was pissed at him because of something he may or may not have done back then? He couldn't believe that. Clearly someone didn't know how to forgive and forget, or so it seemed anyway.

"Charlotte, we were kids. Maybe I was being a bit of an arsehole that day, but do you really think that I went in with the sole purpose of breaking your leg?" He'd been ten back then, and what ten year old was that malicious? Maybe he remembered their childhood a bit differently than she did, or maybe he just interpreted it all a bit differently. Either way, he still couldn't believe that that was what this all was about. Something he'd done when they were kids. "Kids do stupid things, it's what they do. I'm sorry if you're still upset about that day, but I never meant for you to break your leg if that's what you've been thinking all these years." His words didn't seem to be getting him anywhere though. Maybe she didn't believe him, he really didn't know, and he supposed that she made a good point, she didn't know him at all anymore, and he didn't know her either, but he would have liked to think that she would have at least given him the benefit of the doubt all things considered. Clearly that wasn't the case though.

He was sort of quiet after that, silently nodding when she walked out to take a phone call. It gave him some time to really think about how he'd acted towards her when they were kids. He'd never really realized how much of a little shit he'd been towards her. Of course, there was a reason for that. He'd liked her, and as cliche as it was for a little boy to pick on the girl he had a crush on, it was the truth. He doubted that she'd believe that if he told her, but shouldn't he at least try? He finished putting the leftovers away, noticing then that Charlotte still hadn't returned. It had been a good fifteen to twenty minutes, and he doubted that she would leave without saying goodbye to his parents and Tommy, so he went to check on her. "I liked you." Was all he said when he found her.

---

Elizabeth Kingsley | The Bride


Thankfully, Sam was too tired to really ask any questions before they went to bed that night. That didn't help her sleep easy though. In fact, long after Sam had drifted off, she found herself wide awake, staring blankly up at the ceiling. Her mind was racing. All the things she pushed to the back of her head during the day seemed to come back to late at night, right before she went to bed. While she was happy to have Josh here State-side, she had a feeling that the next couple of weeks were only going to prove to be more stressful than everything had been previously. She did eventually drift off, though she didn't know what time it was when she did, and, when she did wake up, Sam was long gone. It didn't surprise her much at all. He didn't like to wake her when he got called in early in the morning though, to be completely honest, it would probably be one of the first times he wouldn't have actually woken her up himself. Her mind had already seemed to do the job.

When she did finally wake up, it was to the sound of her phone going off. Bleary eyed and still half-asleep, she reached over to grab it, groaning when she saw her soon to be mother-in-law's name flashing across the screen. It was too damn early to deal with her right now, so she hit ignore. If it was that important, she'd leave a voicemail. That's when she took the time to read through the rest of her messages, which weren't very many at all, just one from her sister and one from Josh. The latter caused a small smile to grace her lips despite her half-asleep state. Her lower lip caught between her teeth as she thought about all of what she had to do today. There were some last minute things for the wedding that still needed doing, but she was allowed to take a break from all of that, wasn't she? She felt as though she deserved it. Yeah, I'm free today. Did you eat breakfast yet? We could grab something before, though I do have to admit, there isn't a whole lot of sightseeing to be done here. I'll do my best at playing tour guide though.

After hitting send, she got out of bed, figuring that she should probably start getting ready in the meantime. It didn't take her very long to get ready. When she did, she checked her phone, seeing that Josh had responded, and that her mother-in-law had left her a voicemail. She could wait though. It wasn't like the wedding wasn't going to happen because she decided to take a day off from planning. She was glad that he was down for breakfast, she was absolutely starving. Alright, I'll come get you. What hotel are you staying at? She slipped on her shoes and grabbed her car keys before heading out the door.

She was eager to spend time with him, and she assumed that him reaching out to her meant that he wanted to spend time with her too. She wanted to make up for lost time so to speak. She knew that she'd honestly been a complete asshole, and she wanted to make up for that. She wasn't going to run away this time. She was going to put the feelings that she knew that she still had for Josh aside. She was getting married after all, and none of it was worth losing him. She wanted to at least still have him in her life. If she was being completely honest, things had just felt strange without him the last couple of years. She knew now, more than ever before, that she didn't want to continue on with her life like that.

Charlotte Reed| The Wanderer



Hearing footsteps out in the hall, Lottie glanced behind her to find a certain tattooed boy she wasn't quite sure she could deal with at the moment. She didn't know what he wanted. To be friends, to move past this? He clearly had a different recollection of how he'd behaved as a child towards her. Outside the sun had sunk behind the tree line and soon it would be dark and cold. She'd go home give one more go at setting up her furniture before finding help elsewhere, she didn't think it'd be coming from Oliver at any rate. "I liked you." Oliver finally blurted out, and Charlotte for turned to look at him. In the small foyer room it was painfully obvious how he was a good bit taller than her, and even in the dusk melting into night; she could find no fallacy or acrimony poisoning his eyes. She supposed it made sense, however cliché that was and for a while she said nothing, just mulling this new information over. "It wasn't just the physical shite you did. I just thought you hated me and I never knew why. I just stopped trying to even be nice after awhile." Deciding to be honest Lottie could feel some of her rancor fading. A few minutes passed as they both stood there, Lottie staring out the window a thousand thoughts dancing about her head.

To hear that he had actually liked her, well it lifted a lot of weight from her shoulder. Lottie no longer felt like he just couldn't stand her, or she irritated him. She had a reason now for his behavior, the sort of resentment she'd held onto fled her bones. This attitude of his seemed to be honest, and she was becoming less wary of him making some joke out of her later on. Maybe Charlotte was wrong to refuse to give him a chance. "Look. It was almost twenty years ago Oliver you're right. It was a misunderstanding apparently." For the first time in near twenty years, she was considering the possibility not hating him. Perhaps a friendship of sorts was doable. For a moment the pair lapsed once more into silence. What she said earlier was true as well, she didn't know him anymore. That gave them both room to figure out if they wanted to be friends. "Earlier... Sorry." Charlotte conceded after awhile, turning to fix him with an honest and soft gaze. "I shouldn't have been rude to you in your family's house."

She should get going soon, maybe relax on the couch a bit longer before heading out. It would be late, tomorrow was a Saturday the first time in a long time she'd just be lazing around. That didn't mean everyone else didn't have plans though and she'd hate to keep them up. She was aware of Oliver's gaze still lingering on her. Offering a silent smile she carefully stepped past him and back into the living room where Carol and Ian were on the couch, water running in the kitchen so Charlotte assumed that Tommy had gotten up to wash dishes. "Where were you dear? Was my son giving you a hard time?" Carol asked, raising an eyebrow at Oliver who'd tailed her into the living room. Glancing over her shoulder at him she shook her head. "No, we were just catching up." The elder woman's face broke into a grin. "Good, thought you two might be at each other throats like cats and dogs." The woman and her husband were on the love seat, leaving the couch open to which Charlotte took a seat towards the middle tucking her legs up. Some action film was on to which she didn't pay too much attention.

She had always been more of a horror and thriller type of girl. Oh it was great to scare herself to the point of flipping the light on while she slept. What she missed most about the States was her own mother, their little movie nights and little chats. What Charlotte hated the most about living in Sheffield again, was the fact her house was constantly quiet. Perhaps she should get a dog. Ian had fallen asleep not too far into the movie and when Tommy came back, he motioned to Charlotte. "Budge up." The man demanded and complying Charlotte was left with scooting closer towards Oliver's side of the couch. Had he not had that talk with her, which seemed heartfelt, she would of just told Tommy to sit next to his brother. Instead she was pressed between the two boys, and once or twice she dozed off herself. The first time she'd sort of been awoken with Tommy trying to get up, hindered as she'd used him as a human pillow. She half-awake had moved dozing off on Oli's shoulder. The TV was still going the second time Charlotte woke, the events of that day clearly having worn her out, to find she was still using Oliver as a pillow, and glancing at the digital clock groaned.

It was late, and seemingly realizing she'd fallen asleep she jolted upright. Ian and Carol were gone, while Tommy was sprawled out on the loveseat, and Oliver hadn't budged an inch since she'd fallen asleep. "Shite." She muttered, blaming jetlag for making her doze off. What was it? You needed a day for every hour of time difference? Charlotte would probably need two times that. It was half past midnight and had Charlotte lived any further away from the Sykes than she did, she'd of stayed. The TV had been switched to some news channel, which she watched as Lottie reached a hand up to touch the blooming mess her hair had become. Deciding to just say fuck it, she reached up, carefully tugging her small braid out and running her fingers through her thick mocha tresses. The house was dark enough that she was having trouble moving about without bumping into things. Clearly Carol thought she'd stay the night, as no lights had been left on. It was with difficult she reached felt her way into the kitchen where she left her keys on the microwave, and on her way back managed to clip her shoulder into a doorway.

"Fuck!" Lottie hissed under her breath, manged to get back to the foyer with no problem. She was strapping on her heels when she noticed Oliver standing in the doorway. It had been dark and she hadn't heard him so she had nearly screamed, though instead settled for a glare that wouldn't be seen in the dark. "Mind not creeping up on me? Nearly fainted." She grumbled, straightening up from doing the last strap. But there was no bite behind her words. "I'm heading out. Tell your mum I said thanks for dinner." She turned to go though paused still a little embarrassed she'd fallen asleep. "Also, didn't mean to pass out on the couch." Things felt a little awkward to her. Lottie had gone from twenty years of thinking he didn't like her, and returning the favor, to find he had liked her and still teetering on giving him another go to see if he changed. There was still a large part of her brain that thought this was some sort of trick; though the other argued that it was in the past. His informal that he hadn't hated her hadn't flipped some magic flip inside her; though made her a little more comfortable around him. Of course, when he had said he liked her Charlotte had taken it he'd liked her in a friendly way. She hadn't considered he meant anything else by it; and nor should she. Regardless whatever he felt for her, it was twenty years ago.

______________________________________________________________________________

Josh Franceschi | The Second Chancer



He'd been fidgeting around on his phone playing a game and trying to distract himself when his phone buzzed, informing him he had an unread text. It was from Effy, simple and sweet and enough to make Josh grin to himself. This was a good sign. If Effy wanted nothing to do with him it would be terribly easy for her to brush Josh off. As she agreed to meet up with him, asking if he wanted breakfast Josh's stomach rumbled that he did indeed. This place had one of those free breakfasts until ten, though it was all rubbish. He'd a look before going up to his room. "Welcome to America. Eagle! Guns! Freedom! And that concludes our tour." He texted poking a bit of fun at the country before sending her the address. Josh made quick work of getting ready, showering to scrub the reek of chlorine off his skin and hair, dabbing a bit of cologne, and dressing rather nicely. Of course it wasn't showy nice, it was just a pair of new looking jeans and a shirt from Oliver's line that he hadn't really worn.

When he was ready Josh really had nothing left to do until he heard a knock at his door and peering out beamed, finding Effy standing there. She looked ace, and Josh felt his stomach flip about as he swung the door open. She seemed a bit awed he was staying here, and Josh would admit it was pretty sweet. Normally he didn't go for large hotel rooms, he went for what was cheap usually. But having spent months away from home now, he felt like a big bed would do him good. Stepping aside to let her in so he could find his wallet, Josh called "Morning Ef. Welcome to the my room where the magic of sleeping happens." He joked, and even this early in the morning he manged to sound chipper. He spent about ten minutes rooting through room growing a bit flustered as he couldn't find his wallet; until Effy held it up informing him it'd been on the dresser and if it was what he was looking for. Sheepishly he took it, offering a grin which lit up his Aegean depths.

"See what'd I ever do without you? C'mon lets get a bite to eat." God this felt like a date, something that he doubted Sam would be happy with, and something almost... sordid though not quite. That was likely only Josh's imagination though he amounted as they walked from the hotel room, Josh keeping his head low. As much as he loved the fans, he wanted this day to be about him and Elizabeth, uninterrupted. Josh was content to follow her to car, recanting stories of places he'd been over the years and the things he'd seen. His favorite was the time he'd cut someone off in America during his early touring years and had nearly been hacked to death with a chainsaw. Had it not been for that man's daughter Josh was pretty sure that he would of died. Effy in turn told him about her life after she effectively left him. He was thankful when she kept Sam to a minimum. Pulling into the parking lot of a little cafe looking place Josh was quick to follow her into the place, trying not to drool at the scent of food.

As they were seated, in a booth near the table Josh had to once again remind himself that this was not a date. This was them catching up. Even if some of his words held a meaning deeper to them than just friendly; though to be fair she'd not seem rattled too much by it. Perhaps he was just over thinking this. As his coffee was brought to him, he stirred at it dumping a fair amount of sugar into it. He had a bit of sweet tooth and that hadn't changed over the years. "You're not gonna miss too many things spending the day with me right? Sam doesn't mind?" Josh asked suddenly, seemingly out of the blue. If she had agreed to hang out because she felt obligated, than he'd feel kind of shitty about it. 'Cos it's okay if you had plans." Josh promised as he tried to review the menu without fidgeting too much. Sometimes he had the energy of a five-year old; especially when he was unsure or nervous about something such as now.

Oliver Sykes | The Bully


Before Oliver could think twice about it, he was blurting it out. It was the truth though, and he felt as though, after what he'd seemingly put her through when they were kids, that if there was one thing she deserved it was the truth. It had just been a crush anyway, and it had been nearly twenty years now since then. A lot had changed, but it was clearly something that had bothered her so he figured that she still deserved it, regardless of how much time had passed or much things had changed since then. "I never knew...I'm sorry." He said sincerely. He couldn't believe that she thought that he'd hated her. Had he really been that horrible towards her? He didn't think so, but he clearly didn't remember things the same way that she did.

" 's alright." He said, shrugging off her words. He supposed that, if he'd really put her through as much as he must've when they were kids, he could forgive and forget about how she'd treated him the last twenty-four hours or so. It wasn't a big deal, so he wasn't about to make it out like it was one. He wasn't going to try to force her to be friends with him, though he was hoping that they could at least be civil towards each other and be acquaintances if nothing else.

They didn't stay outside much longer, both heading in to see whatever one else was up to. Some action movie was playing on the TV, though the name escaped Oliver and it didn't really matter much to him if he was being honest. "Nice to know that you have so little faith in us, mum." He said, chuckling slightly as he took a seat on the other side of the couch that Charlotte had sat down on. He wasn't about to sit right on next to her. He didn't want to make her feel uncomfortable. While they seemed to be on much better terms than they'd been on before, he didn't want to push it.

Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed her shift closer to him when Tommy asked her to make some room for him. She was close enough that their legs were touching, though it wasn't overly uncomfortable with all three of them sitting there. She seemed okay with it, and he didn't have a problem with it, though he supposed she might just be good at hiding it. He didn't know though.

It wasn't long after that that both Charlotte and his brother drifted off, his mum and dad headed up to bed soon after, and Oliver was sat wide awake. The action movie had long since ended and he'd left some news channel on. Feeling a weight on his shoulder, he glanced down, seeing that Charlotte was still sound asleep, though she was now using him as a human pillow instead of Tom. He tried to stay as still as he possibly could as to not wake her.

A decent amount of time passed before she woke up. He didn't even know that she had until he heard her mumbling. He watched wordlessly as she stood, making her way towards the door in a half-asleep state. His eyebrows rose when he heard her swear and he stood and crossed the room, curious as to what happened. When he reached Charlotte, she was slipping her heels on by the front door. He managed to hold back the amused expression when he clearly startled her. "Sorry, figured you heard me." He shrugged. "Alright, yeah. I'll let her know...listen, if you still need help moving things into your apartment, I really wouldn't mind helping."

---

Elizabeth Kingsley | The Bride


'Murica. Effy sent back, being sure to include a little American flag emoji at the end. She set her phone down in one of the cup holders once he'd sent her the address of the hotel, a slight smile on her face. She was looking forward to spending some more time with Josh. She'd had a great time catching up with him somewhat the night before, and she planned on taking advantage of having him here from now until the wedding happened. Yes, she still had her responsibilities in planning the wedding, but, as she was doing today, she deserved to have some time to herself. The remaining six weeks until the wedding didn't need to be entirely stressful, and she refused to turn into one of those bridezillas.

Once she reached the hotel, she parked, sending Josh a text, asking for his room number before she headed on up. The hotel was beyond nice, and she was honestly pretty impressed, though she knew that Josh could afford to stay at a place like this. She knew that he'd managed to make a name for himself within the music industry over the last five years. She was proud of him. She'd been there when the band was first starting out. When they played at any dingy little pub they could get into. Now they were playing huge arenas in the UK. She wasn't at all surprised though. They were a talented bunch, and, if anyone deserved to be this successful, she knew that it was them.

"The magic of sleeping, huh?" She asked, letting out a quiet laugh as she entered the room. She watched for a few moments as Josh searched around the room for his wallet. She'd noticed it on the dresser the moment she walked in, and she couldn't help the amused expression that crossed her face as she watched him look and he seemed to get increasingly more flustered with each passing second. Figuring that she'd be nice today, she picked it up, holding it out to him with a raised eyebrow. "It was on the dresser this entire time." She told him, a faint smirk tugging at the corners of her lips.

"You must've been pretty lost without me around." She teased lightly as they walked out of the room, the hotel and to her car. Of course, she was only teasing, and she knew that that wasn't the case at all. He'd been perfectly fine without her, or it certainly seemed that way anyway. As she drove over to this little cafe that was further into town, they made small talk. Josh told her about some of the different places he'd seen over the years, and she told him what she'd been up to since high school. She'd kept talking about Sam to a bare minimum. She didn't want to be one of those girls who was constantly gushing over her significant other or anything like that. Those people got fucking annoying really fast.

It didn't take her too long to reach the cafe. Something she was thankful for because she was pretty damn hungry right now. It was a little crowded, though that was to be expected. It was kind of the middle of their breakfast rush. There were a couple of open tables though, so it wasn't like they had to wait or anything like that. Effy watched with a slightly amused expression on her face as Josh seemed to dump half of the container of sugar into his coffee. Clearly some things hadn't changed in five years. "Nah, not at all. Sam must've gotten called in to work early this morning, so he probably won't be home until some time tonight anyway." She punctuated her words with a slight shrug of her shoulders. "I didn't have plans today. Quit your worryin', Franceschi." She grinned slightly.

Oliver Sykes | The Bully


Before Oliver could think twice about it, he was blurting it out. It was the truth though, and he felt as though, after what he'd seemingly put her through when they were kids, that if there was one thing she deserved it was the truth. It had just been a crush anyway, and it had been nearly twenty years now since then. A lot had changed, but it was clearly something that had bothered her so he figured that she still deserved it, regardless of how much time had passed or much things had changed since then. "I never knew...I'm sorry." He said sincerely. He couldn't believe that she thought that he'd hated her. Had he really been that horrible towards her? He didn't think so, but he clearly didn't remember things the same way that she did.

" 's alright." He said, shrugging off her words. He supposed that, if he'd really put her through as much as he must've when they were kids, he could forgive and forget about how she'd treated him the last twenty-four hours or so. It wasn't a big deal, so he wasn't about to make it out like it was one. He wasn't going to try to force her to be friends with him, though he was hoping that they could at least be civil towards each other and be acquaintances if nothing else.

They didn't stay outside much longer, both heading in to see whatever one else was up to. Some action movie was playing on the TV, though the name escaped Oliver and it didn't really matter much to him if he was being honest. "Nice to know that you have so little faith in us, mum." He said, chuckling slightly as he took a seat on the other side of the couch that Charlotte had sat down on. He wasn't about to sit right on next to her. He didn't want to make her feel uncomfortable. While they seemed to be on much better terms than they'd been on before, he didn't want to push it.

Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed her shift closer to him when Tommy asked her to make some room for him. She was close enough that their legs were touching, though it wasn't overly uncomfortable with all three of them sitting there. She seemed okay with it, and he didn't have a problem with it, though he supposed she might just be good at hiding it. He didn't know though.

It wasn't long after that that both Charlotte and his brother drifted off, his mum and dad headed up to bed soon after, and Oliver was sat wide awake. The action movie had long since ended and he'd left some news channel on. Feeling a weight on his shoulder, he glanced down, seeing that Charlotte was still sound asleep, though she was now using him as a human pillow instead of Tom. He tried to stay as still as he possibly could as to not wake her.

A decent amount of time passed before she woke up. He didn't even know that she had until he heard her mumbling. He watched wordlessly as she stood, making her way towards the door in a half-asleep state. His eyebrows rose when he heard her swear and he stood and crossed the room, curious as to what happened. When he reached Charlotte, she was slipping her heels on by the front door. He managed to hold back the amused expression when he clearly startled her. "Sorry, figured you heard me." He shrugged. "Alright, yeah. I'll let her know...listen, if you still need help moving things into your apartment, I really wouldn't mind helping."

---

Elizabeth Kingsley | The Bride


'Murica. Effy sent back, being sure to include a little American flag emoji at the end. She set her phone down in one of the cup holders once he'd sent her the address of the hotel, a slight smile on her face. She was looking forward to spending some more time with Josh. She'd had a great time catching up with him somewhat the night before, and she planned on taking advantage of having him here from now until the wedding happened. Yes, she still had her responsibilities in planning the wedding, but, as she was doing today, she deserved to have some time to herself. The remaining six weeks until the wedding didn't need to be entirely stressful, and she refused to turn into one of those bridezillas.

Once she reached the hotel, she parked, sending Josh a text, asking for his room number before she headed on up. The hotel was beyond nice, and she was honestly pretty impressed, though she knew that Josh could afford to stay at a place like this. She knew that he'd managed to make a name for himself within the music industry over the last five years. She was proud of him. She'd been there when the band was first starting out. When they played at any dingy little pub they could get into. Now they were playing huge arenas in the UK. She wasn't at all surprised though. They were a talented bunch, and, if anyone deserved to be this successful, she knew that it was them.

"The magic of sleeping, huh?" She asked, letting out a quiet laugh as she entered the room. She watched for a few moments as Josh searched around the room for his wallet. She'd noticed it on the dresser the moment she walked in, and she couldn't help the amused expression that crossed her face as she watched him look and he seemed to get increasingly more flustered with each passing second. Figuring that she'd be nice today, she picked it up, holding it out to him with a raised eyebrow. "It was on the dresser this entire time." She told him, a faint smirk tugging at the corners of her lips.

"You must've been pretty lost without me around." She teased lightly as they walked out of the room, the hotel and to her car. Of course, she was only teasing, and she knew that that wasn't the case at all. He'd been perfectly fine without her, or it certainly seemed that way anyway. As she drove over to this little cafe that was further into town, they made small talk. Josh told her about some of the different places he'd seen over the years, and she told him what she'd been up to since high school. She'd kept talking about Sam to a bare minimum. She didn't want to be one of those girls who was constantly gushing over her significant other or anything like that. Those people got fucking annoying really fast.

It didn't take her too long to reach the cafe. Something she was thankful for because she was pretty damn hungry right now. It was a little crowded, though that was to be expected. It was kind of the middle of their breakfast rush. There were a couple of open tables though, so it wasn't like they had to wait or anything like that. Effy watched with a slightly amused expression on her face as Josh seemed to dump half of the container of sugar into his coffee. Clearly some things hadn't changed in five years. "Nah, not at all. Sam must've gotten called in to work early this morning, so he probably won't be home until some time tonight anyway." She punctuated her words with a slight shrug of her shoulders. "I didn't have plans today. Quit your worryin', Franceschi." She grinned slightly.

Charlotte Reed| The Wanderer



She paused, furrowing her brow with thought. "Don't be disillusioned. It's not so much moving things in rather than putting them in their places and assembling them. If you can assemble furniture that would be fantastic." Lottie was about as good as putting things together as she was at translating hieroglyphics. Terrible in both regards. "Um, your mum has my number. Text me when you can whatever dates you can come alright? I don't think it'll take more than one visit." Almost seamlessly she transitioned back into her acquired businesslike persona as she stood squaring the last of their problems away. "See you around Oli." Charlotte whispered reluctant to speak much louder in fear of waking someone up. Not wanting to linger she was softly creeping out the front door into the early morning air. It was still dark out, streetlights allowing her to walk to the car without falling on her face; and with a turn of the engine she was gone; pulling from the driveway and off towards her home.

Of all the things she expected of Oliver Sykes- this was the last one. To hear an apology or even an explanation of what happened between them. And to learn he'd thought it all in good fun? That was a whole new perspective to think about. When she pulled into her own home's driveway she killed the engine stepping out and nearly rolling her ankle as her heel slipped. Last minute however she managed to catch herself on the car and making sure to lock up once she got inside it didn't take long for her to collapse onto her mattress still on the floor. Her head was filled with a dreamless state, or perhaps vivid with dreams- though when she awoke the next morning Lottie had no recollection of it. She got up, groaning as Charlotte realized she'd passed out in her dress, and peeled it off feeling utterly liberated. As the wild-haired woman awoke, she went her normal routine of showering and taking care of hygienic things, before shuffling to her tiny kitchen to put of a cup of coffee on. It was already close to noon, and Charlotte was seriously going to have to get on a better sleep scheduled.

It was a slow Saturday there was nothing for her to do, so once her coffee had been drained she put a grilled cheese on for herself and checked her phone. Three messages, two from her mother and one from an unfamiliar one. However, if she was to take a gander the leaf-eyed woman would of guessed it was Oliver- to which she was correct. "Charlotte it's Oliver. Did you still want me over?" He was surprisingly proper over text, she kind of pegged him for a text speech and abbreviations kind of guy. Taking a few moments to mull it over she knew that the sooner the better. He hadn't said that any day was bad for him and Charlotte figured Sunday would be best. So she could sleep in her actual bed frame and all, before having to go to work. Also she was sick of tripping over half-finished furniture scattered about her house. "If you could come tomorrow that'd be ace." She replied, slender fingers flying over the keys. At his confirmation the wraith-like brunette knew there would be some work to do. Namely actually putting things back in her suitcase so her unmentionables weren't all about the room.

That would make for an awkward conversation. So the reminder of her Saturday was spent cleaning what she could. Tables and counters were wiped down, windows were cleaned and floors were swept. Whatever nuts and bolts she found she tried to place with each chair. For her furniture's sake, Charlotte hoped that Oli knew a thing or two about assembling things. And no, it wasn't as if she wanted to impress him; but she figured having a fridge stocked with a few cold ones would make the work easier and faster for both of them; so after her cleaning spree it was out to the shops once again to pick up a couple packs of Angry Orchard- her personal favorite. It was two variety packs, so she was pretty sure there'd be something in there he could help himself to.

When Saturday blew out, and Sunday rolled in Charlotte had cleaned top to bottom and was rather impressed with how well her flat looked. Sleep had even managed to find her at a semi-decent time that night. Waking up on Sunday the girl groggily checked her phone, swearing when she noted an unread text from him that announced he was on his way over. In record time she showered and dressed, this time in something that was much more comfortable than her dress. The shorts were small enough to cling to her shapely legs, while her hair was twisted into a careless messy bun and her shirt was a plain sleeveless button up. She'd finished dressing in time to hear the a few rapid and staccato knocks against the door. "Coming!" she hollered, thundering down the stairs to throw the door open revealing her moving helper. "C'mon in." She bade stepping aside to let the hazel-eyed man into her home.
______________________________________________________________________________

Josh Franceschi | The Second Chancer



His mind had lingered on what she had spoken; how lost he'd been without her. It had been true but Josh didn't want to upset her in the slightest. Instead as she spoke about Sam being away, yet again he felt a little frown. Effy shouldn't ever have to be alone; as unrealistic as that was, but this was the second night in a row that Sam'd be out late. All the better for him, Josh mused to himself. "His loss. I just get to steal you for the day." Josh fired back, that playful wit never once straying from his tone. Honestly Josh was relieved. If she really didn't have to be back until later tonight- than he'd treat her out some place nice. He may not be as bright as Sam, but he was by no means less successful in his chosen career. Before long a waitress had come over, taking their order in a lukewarm tone before promising to have it out to them quickly.

Josh had settled on cheesy scrambled eggs and toast. It seemed like the safest option from this place. "You know, the boys miss you too." Josh spoke up, after having fallen into a comfortable stretch of silence with her. Carefully, not wanting to upset her Josh casually suggested "Can give them a ring later if you'd like. I have their numbers." He didn't know what spurred him to suggest it, maybe it was the subtle need to remind her that England was also her home; and the memories that they'd all shared- not just her and Josh. "Mum and Lissa say hi by the way." He added again, with a warm smile recalling his phone call with "camp Josh". He knew that he was hovering on the surface of their relationship, but the singer was hesitant of going any deeper with her as of now. He couldn't find the meaningful words to say that he'd missed her; that the things Josh regretted most was not telling her his feelings in the first place, and then not chasing after her.

He was positive that he could feel that spark between them still; in the way their gazes lingered or the way she'd blush at anything that could of held a deeper meaning. And he wasn't sure if he was relieved, or driving himself mad. He had so much he wanted to tell her. Like how many nights that he stayed up alone in his bed, his mind wandering to her and the omnipotent question of if she'd missed him as well. And there was this glorious and horrifying feeling in his chest like he'd drown in her if he wasn't careful; but Josh didn't want to be careful. He wanted to dive headlong into whatever they had because he honestly believed it could be something. Something better and far more rewarding than what she'd have with Sam if she went through with this marriage. He wanted to flatout tell her, never once had he stopped thinking about her. Never once. But that would ruin everything, and instead Josh just stirred at his nearly empty coffee wincing as the spoon scraped against the side before putting it down as he noted their waitress coming back out.

Even as she warned them it was hot, Josh was forking a mouthful to himself paying no heed. The eggs weren't dangerously hot, and after the first couple mouthfuls he put his fork down for a moment fixing Elizabeth with that warm, not a care in the world, smile. "So, not much to do around here? I'm sure we'll find ourselves an adventure." Josh promised, if need be they could probably drive to the nearest city. But than there was a bigger risk for people to recognize him and Josh didn't really want that. Not today. Outside the sun was beaming wickedly overhead and he wasn't too worried about rain or things like that. It was a bit early to go out to a pub, but perhaps there were some shops around here or something. Hell if Effy wanted to go watch snails he'd agree just to be with her. "I think we may be alcoholics if we drink now." Josh chuckled, his lips quirking up at the thought. If any of those alternative reporters got ahold of him drinking at a pub before eleven the shaggy-haired man could only imagine the field day to be had.

Oliver Sykes | The Bully


Oliver nodded slowly. "Alright...well, if you need help assembling things, let me know." He told her. He didn't care what it was that she needed help with, he was offering up his assistance regardless of what it was. They seemed to be on much more civil terms now than before, so he saw no reason to flat out refuse like he'd been tempting to do back when his mum volunteered him over dinner. Now, that wasn't really the case anymore. Things had changed, not by much for very obvious reasons, but he at least knew that the truth was out there, he knew why Charlotte had been acting the way that he had, and in turn, she knew why he'd acted the way that he had towards her when they were kids. It was almost a win-win situation when he really thought about it. At least in terms of learning the truth anyway.

"Alright, I'll shoot you a text at some point this week...see you around, Charlotte." He sent a small smile her way, watching as she left before deciding that he'd just crash on the other couch that Tommy wasn't currently sprawled out on. It was kind of late, and, even though his place wasn't too far from here, he wasn't really in the mood to drive home at this hour. It wasn't like his parents would mind him staying there anyway. He crashed here quite a bit actually, so much so that there were times when Oliver felt like he still lived here, and it was truly as things used to be twenty or so years back.

The next day seemed to drag on. For once, on a Saturday, Oliver didn't have too much of anything planned at all. He wanted to check on a few things on the Drop Dead site, fix a few glitches here and there if he could, and then things were relatively quiet from there. It was nice, refreshing even, though a little strange to say the least. He wasn't really used to having a whole lot of free time anymore. It was nice to be home though and this break from touring and all that other nonsense was somewhat larger than the other normally were.

At one point he found himself rather bored and so he decided to text Charlotte to find out if she still needed any help assembling things in her apartment. Apparently she did, so that found him on the following day, dressed and ready to head over to her place and help in any way, shape or form that he could. He wasn't saying that he was the best at assembling furniture or other things, but he was certain that he could figure it out. just how hard could it actually be? The instructions were probably fairly clear and simple. He could only hope that they were anyway.

Once he reached her place, he rapped his knuckles against the door a few times, waiting for her to answer. Part of him wondered if she actually would or if she'd reverted back to acting how she'd been acting straight away. However, that didn't seem like the case at all when she actually, surprisingly enough to him, answered the door. Stepping into her flat, he glanced around, noticing all of the boxes amongst other things that were around the surrounding area. "You weren't kidding when you said you still had a decent amount of things to do." He chuckled slightly.

---

Elizabeth Kingsley | The Bride


"I wouldn't necessarily call it stealing. You asked, I agreed." Effy shot back, decided to get technical and be a bit of a smart ass. It was hard for her not to be one sometimes though. It was just her natural default setting at times. Though, spending the entire day with Josh did sound very nice. It would almost be like old times, and she was thankful that time hadn't really altered too much about their friendship. Talk about picking up where they'd left off. That was anything but an understatement to say the least. It was exactly what they were doing. It truly felt like not a single thing had changed between them, and that was something that she was extremely thankful for.

When the waitress came back over a few minutes later, Effy was thankful. She decided on French Toast, because this particular cafe's stuffed French Toast was bomb, that and she was pretty damn hungry. No sooner had the waitress left to put their orders in that Josh was bringing up the guys. "Yeah? I miss them too, even if they are a bunch of hooligans." She said, letting out a quiet laugh. Josh wasn't the only one she'd left behind in Weybridge, though he certainly was who she'd been the closest to. The others had tried reaching out to her a couple of times too, though she'd ignored them just as she had Josh. She'd wanted a clean break, and she'd known that she couldn't get that if she still somewhat delved into those friendships. "I think I'd like that a lot actually." A small smile graced her lips as she thought about the possibility of talking to them all later on. It sounded like a great idea really.

"How're they doing? Last time I spoke to either of them was when they both were RSVPing to the wedding." She liked Josh's family a lot. They'd always been like a second family to her when she was staying with her grandparents over the summer. More often than not, her parents didn't come to Weybridge with her each year, though on a few occasions they had, so there were quite a few instances when Effy had needed to talk to someone. Josh's mum had been like a second mother to her, and Elissa like the older sister she never had. it was nice to say the least, and she honestly missed them both immensely.

Effy was beginning to realize more and more just how many people she'd left behind in Weybridge. While Josh was, for obvious reasons, at the top of this list, there were still others too. It honestly made her feel even more like crap about it all than before, but she wasn't about to throw herself some sort of a pity party. She was just going to have to make up for it all from here on out. That was just how it was going to have to work. "Nah, there isn't much at all. It's great when you're in college and you're getting drunk no matter the time of day, but, other than that, it can be pretty boring. Most smaller towns are though." She told him, popping a piece of French Toast into her mouth. "People might very well think that of us if we drink right now." She let out a quiet laugh. She wasn't suggesting that they do that now, though maybe later on in the day...

Charlotte Reed| The Wanderer



She couldn't help a small smile, at his comment about the stuff that had to be done. "Yup. I'm putting you to work today." Most of the stuff had instruction booklets laying on various pieces, but the trouble was some of this stuff was secondhand. Granted it was the simpler things, save for her bed, that was her most difficult thing and without an instruction booklet. As Oliver continued to look around the living room she sat on the arm of her couch, knees drawn to her chest. "If you don't mind we'll start upstairs. I only have my bed frame to put together up there." She said, her voice soft and hesitant. It felt... Odd taking charge even if it was her house and furniture. She was trying hard to see him as a grown, mature man; instead of that hazel eyed bully that 'Lottie had never quite managed to put out of her mind. She figured that someone who wanted to make her life miserable wouldn't stop by on a Sunday to help her settle down into her quaint little house.

However, he seemed complacent to start where she asked and with long strides which she had to walk a bit faster than her normal pace to keep up to; headed up the stairs. "You've got tools right?" Oliver asked as she motioned to the room. Upstairs was pretty much loft styled, an open space where the only door was a bathroom towards the left. Charlotte had liked the odd design up the upstairs, it somehow felt more open than just a couple walls to make some room; and a skylight allowed natural light to stream in from overhead. Her bed frame was against the eastern wall, in pieces, while the mattress was on the other side of the floor. "Yes, I'll be right back." Her bare feet made little sound as she turned around and once again jogged down the stairs, heading for the kitchen. She had placed the kit of tools in her cabinet, so it wasn't long before she was heading back up the stairs, her messy bun bouncing ever so slightly with each step. "Here you are." She incited, handing over the small faded orange tools.

"There are screwdrivers in there for sure. And drills." Clearly out of her depth as she motioned to them Lottie reminded herself that she was a lawyer. Not a builder and with good reason. "Uh, also a bit of bad news- this isn't something I have an instruction booklet for. I mean the bed I've had since I was sixteen so, old." The headboards were partially put together already, but that was it. Without further ado, Oliver sat down near the pieces, pretty quickly announcing what went where. That was the easy part, the harder part came when deciding which type of screw or bolt or nut to use. At least for Charlotte. He tried to explain a couple times what he was doing, and while she nodded it didn't really resonate with her. The biggest help she'd been was handing him whatever drill or wrench or whatever it was he needed. "So, what have you been up to? Besides the obvious?" She asked, after her bedframe was nearly complete. Listening as he spoke, she just nodded. "Law school huh?" Oliver asked after he'd answering her questions and feeling a small flush 'Lottie nodded.

"Gotta scholarship. I didn't want to be stuck in a factory scrambling to take care of myself and others." She'd never have to be around dangerous equipment and for that she was thankful. "Sure it's nowhere near interesting as all the things you've seen huh?" For the first time there was an honest thrill of excitement underneath her voice as her moss colored eyes lit up. She'd always wanted to travel; but for now that wasn't something she could afford. With what the scholarship didn't afford for, had to come out of her mother's loans. Which Lottie was going to do her best to pay off so her aging mother didn't have to worry about it. "People probably ask you all the time- but what's seeing the world like?" A sense of naive youthfulness had crept into the brunette's voice as she handed him a screwdriver.

She'd admit it was fun listening to his stories, all the different kinds of people he'd met and things he'd seen and done. Some of them were slightly more sketchy than Charlotte expected; though by the time he was done talking she looked completely intrigued. Just under an hour the bed frame was finished and the two hauled her mattress over, and it was then she noted the "extra" nuts and screws. "Are those supposed to be out?" Oliver, following her stare shrugged. "Think they're extra." As if to prove his point he took a moment to sit down on the now finished bed frame. It didn't collapse so figuring it was safe to give her seal of approval the two cleaned up the tool kit to head downstairs. This would take longer. She had chairs to set up, a table that needed some work and a coffee table.

Small talk ebbed and flowed between the pair, and by the time they had finished the third dining table chair; it was apparent she was far more at ease with Oliver. The lanky and colorfully inked man was making decent headway, she didn't have to do much and she would admit it was nice. More than once her gaze had swept over the shapes and images that his skin held. What impressed her the most, was the one over his throat. She figured that would of had to hurt like a motherfucker. Piece by piece her dining room was nearly complete; wordlessly she got up and headed out to the fridge, grabbing a pretty generic Angry Orchard flavor for him, and a Cinful apple for herself. She hated beer, but ciders; those Charlotte liked. Beer in her opinion was nasty. It tasted like someone had pissed on a piece of bread and liquidized it. She preferred the sweeter hard ciders and lemonades. Oliver hadn't moved much from where Charlotte left him, she was quick to hand him a bottle. "Figured you earned one. Since my house looks almost livable and all that." There was a undertow of a playful tease in her voice, as she set it down next to him.

"They're twisty-tops because I lose every bottle opener I've ever owned." It was getting late, about dinner time and once this was done he could relax if he'd like. She had Ramen noodles; and was pretty sure those were vegan or what have you. The thing about Charlotte having just gotten out of college; was she still ate like a broke college kid before finals. Ramen noodles, pizza and cider was what mostly consisted her fridge. She noticed that Oli didn't seem as nervous around her, probably once he realized Charlotte wasn't going to act coldly towards him. Even if she wasn't entertaining the idea of being friends, she wouldn't of been nasty to him when he was helping her. While Charlotte could hold grudges, she was more polite than that. The thing was, even if she was open to the idea of a friendship- he had become a stranger. Charlotte wasn't really even sure what he liked to do anymore, and overall while they may of been born into the same type of world; his had changed drastically and she was sure there wasn't really any room for her in it. Yes, he was nice to her- but did he actually want to be friends or just appease the Sykes matriarch? Sure they'd be polite to each other when they saw each other, but that didn't specifically mean they'd be friends. At least, Charlotte didn't think it did. He was quiet, at times seemingly worlds away and it was hard to read him.
______________________________________________________________________________

Josh Franceschi | The Second Chancer



As she asked about his family Josh groaned shaking his head. "They're as mad as when you met them." There was a dramatic huff beneath his voice and he giggled at his own joke before shaking his head. "Nah, they're all good. Mum's been really supportive about my whole music thing, Lissa even sang with us on a track. Was real sweet of her- though she loved every bit of it." It was obvious that he too was proud of his family, and while they could be a pain in the neck sometimes- it was part of being a family. As his eggs cooled down, they were actually pretty good. It would appear that he'd found his breakfast spot for however long he was here. "And the guys are still just a bunch of lawless ruffians." Sighing dramatically he shook his head. "Lot of devils they are." Josh's coffee buzz was clearly kicking in as his leg bounced up and down to some rhythm known only to him.

"America, where you can drive for hours and still be in the middle of blooming nowhere." He sighed, shaking his head with amusement. "If there's nothing to do until pubs open up we can always go 'round the shops. If there are any. There's a few things to do at the hotel... Swimming namely. But there'll probably be little rugrats about now that they're likely awake. Bowling?" It would be pretty fun, and honestly anything that he did with Effy he'd enjoy. "Could do a little of both too." Letting her mull over what she wanted to do, if she had anything in particular that sounded fun he'd not thought of Josh went back to his breakfast quietly. The singer was torn between feeling like what he was doing was wrong; to wanting to tell her so badly. Ask her to just run away with him. The people who mattered wouldn't care; not his mother nor Lissa. He hadn't really met her parent's, but he'd met her grandparents who adored him. Really the only people who would have a problem with it would be Sam; for obvious reasons. "Are you happy?" Josh's tongue blurted the question out before he could stop it.

Pausing looking somewhat horrified it was quickly covered by, "You know, with everything? Sam and living in such a boring town." He decided it sounded less like "Can you really be happy with Sam when I'm right here?" and more like "Are you honestly happy because as a friend that's all I want." kind of thing. He felt it was too early to tell her the real reason behind his visit; his feelings, and what he wanted. That would just scare her off. She seemed a little dubious of his coverup though didn't make a big fuss out of it. This wasn't going to be as simple as, "Effy, I've been in love with you for about ten years now. Run off with me?" That'd create a lot of problems for everyone. "Stealing a bite." Josh announced, as he was forking off a bit of her French Toast, chomping down. "Good choice. Gonna get that next time." In return Elizabeth shook her head, a small grin adorning her lips. "This has been the closest thing to a date I've done in a year." Josh realized, his lips pressing down into a frown.

If Effy turned him down, Josh wasn't quite sure what he would do. He'd try to move on; but didn't think that it'd be quite so easy. Nursing a broken heart never was. At least these past years that she'd been ignoring him Josh could cling to the dream that they'd find their way back to one another. They'd get their second chance and scamper off into the sunset and whatnot. But now as he sat there, it dawned on him there was a real chance that Josh was gonna go home alone. That Effy would tell him to bugger off and that would be that. Some stranger would get the girl of his dreams. As the waitress came by, dropping the bill down Josh had gotten it before Effy could. "My treat. Consider it payback for feeding me last night." He told her, whipping out his wallet and placing his card down. Once everything was signed for and the two were headed back towards Effy's car he glanced over, asking lazily "What now love?" His stomach was quite full, and glancing at his watch was pleased to see they still had hours to spend together.

Oliver Sykes | The Bully


"I think I'm already regretting offering up my services." Oliver joked, letting out a soft chuckle. He really didn't mind helping her out at all. He didn't have much going on today anyway, so, if it took a while longer than he might have initially anticipated, it wouldn't be a big deal at all. It wouldn't have been a big deal either way, though it was nice knowing that he didn't have other things that needed getting done today as well. It honestly didn't look that bad, though he could certainly see why she still had a lot to do. It really would have cost her an arm and a leg if she'd hired someone to come and assemble all of this stuff. "Lead the way." He told her, motioning for her to lead him up the stairs to wherever she needed him to help her with something.

Once she showed him the bedframe, he assessed the situation before asking if she had any tools. It didn't look all that complicated to assemble, though there were a few tools he'd need in order to do it. If she hadn't had any tools, well, the job would be much more difficult than it actually needed to be. Thankfully, that didn't seem to be the case at all. When she returned with the tools, he got to work, explaining things to her as he did so. They made small talk as well, and he enjoyed telling her about his different experiences traveling 'round the world. It was something that he always enjoyed talking about with other people, and it was fairly obvious that he loved what his job allowed him to do greatly. It didn't take him long at all to assemble it. "That should be good." He told her, though he was the first to sit on it and test it out just to make sure.

After that, he helped her put a couple of other thing together. By the time he was finished, he was pretty damn exhausted, and he was thankful for the bottle of hard cider than she'd handed him. When she told him it was a twisty top, he twisted the top off, and took a long sip. "You should get one of those openers that goes on your keys. I think they make one to stick onto the back of your phone case too. I doubt you'd lose it then." He suggested. He felt a lot less on edge than he had around her recently. She'd clearly changed her demeanor a bit, and he wondered if it was because he'd tried explaining his younger self's behavior the other day. He assumed that that might be the case, either that or maybe she realized that he wasn't all that bad after all. Maybe it was even a combination of both. He didn't really know, but either way, he was glad to see that she seemed to have changed her tune so to speak.

---

Elizabeth Kingsley | The Bride


"That's good to hear." Effy said. She'd always gotten on rather well with his family, and she was happy to hear that all was going fairly well with both his mum and Lissa. They'd both always been nothing but nice and good to her. "I'm sure that it must've sounded great." It was no secret that both of the Franceschi siblings were extremely talented. She was sure that the track that Lissa had sang on with Josh had sounded absolutely amazing. She couldn't help laughing when he told her that the guys hadn't changed much at all. That didn't surprise her at all. "Why am I not surprised?" She shook her head slightly as she sipped her coffee.

"Hey, sometimes driving for hours on end is fun. That's what roadtrips are for." She told him as she set the coffee cup back down and popped another piece of French toast into her mouth. It was just as good as she remembered it being the last few times she'd gotten it. It was definitely one of her favorite things to get here, not that she came here very often. She'd been a few times with Sam, though that was probably only a handful of times seeing as he was always getting called into work. Not that she was complaining. She knew that it was a part of the job description, and she also knew what she was signing up for, essentially, in being with him. She did sometimes wish that they got to spend more time together though. It definitely sucked being apart as frequently as they were on most days.

"Are you willingly offering to go shopping with me, Franceschi or do my ears deceive me?" Her tone was light and teasing. If they did walk around to different shops for a portion of the day, it would only be a small portion. She wasn't going to torture him too much. Plus, by a certain time, it would be socially acceptable for them to go to one of the pubs, or they could always get something down at the liquor store and go back to his hotel. Granted, there was a whole liquor cabinet back at the house, though she doubted Sam would be too pleased if he did come home earlier than she was anticipating he would and he found her getting drunk. That definitely wouldn't go over well at all.

His later words caught her off guard, and she was silent for a couple of seconds before nodding her head. "Yeah, of course I'm happy." She said quietly. She hadn't been expecting that question at all, though she supposed it was a legitimate question. She knew that Josh had always only had her best interests at heart, and he was just being a good friend right now in asking her that, but it had still surprised her nonetheless. "It's one of the best things on the menu." Her voice was still quiet, she was still mulling over his question, and maybe that was a sign right there. She might have answered him properly, but if she was still thinking about it, well, wasn't that something that she should already have the answer to straight away? She shook the thought from her head. No, she was happy with Sam. She was happy living in this town. She had to be. She was getting married in six weeks. "I want to show you something." She told him simply as they walked back out to the car.

Charlotte Reed| The Wanderer


"Not actually a bad idea." She lost her keys less than anything else as Charlotte had always made a point of putting them on the keyrack. Which was one of the first things she'd hung up. She was trying really hard to see Oliver in a different light. To get to know the man he'd become rather the child he'd been. And after all the years Charlotte had spent, wondering what had been wrong with her and why he never liked her, to have an answer was more than a little freeing. Outside another rain storm had taken up, she could hear splashes against her windows, moisture beading and rolling down the windows. Large leafy eyes turned upwards, visibly tensing for a moment. She hated thunder storms. There was just something about them that put Charlotte on edge. More often than not she'd jump into bed with her headphones on until it was over. That was something that hadn't changed since childhood.

And Charlotte just couldn't explain it. The unease was completely irrational but it was something that Lottie doubted she'd outgrow. Her grip tightened slightly on her bottle as the first clap of thunder shook the house though she didn't otherwise let on. Just took a swig of the bubbly and sweet liquid before turning back to her guest. "You've done a good job, thank you for putting this shite together. Sorry that I wasn't too terribly helpful." Talking to him the willful brunette was able to largely ignore the thunder overhead. Storms like this could never last. The most mortifying fact of this was, people expected children to be scared of these types of storms. Not a twenty-four year old woman who was sufficiently independent. As a fork of lighting split the sky, her lights flickered and for a moment her unease was swallowed by annoyance. "Storm might be bad. Should get back to your place."

Speaking as she assessed her bottle, he was nearly done she knew he was leaving soon anyway. Her furniture was done, she was officially settled down and it was getting late. Not only that but her first day of work was tomorrow and Charlotte didn't want to show up exhausted. As Oliver got to his feet, she held out her hand for the bottle; to be recycled before she went to bed. Walking him to her weathered door she offered a last nod. "Well, I'll probably see you around." It was true. Living in the same neighborhood, also given his mother; the circumstances were propositioned to run into each other. She doubted he'd be free to hang out otherwise. While she wasn't exactly sure how he spent his days, the man was likely busy. And for the first couple months Charlotte would likely be buried in file-work. But that didn't stop her from bidding him, "Stop by whenever." Before shutting the door quickly. Another rumble of thunder shook her now potently empty house as the brunette let her hair down, long silky tresses tumbling nearly to her hips. She'd need a hair cut at some point. It didn't take long to finish her bottle, then recycle and crawl into her empty bed.
______________________________________________________________________________

Josh Franceschi | The Second Chancer



She was distracted, probably by his question so Josh kept his mouth shut for a little while just letting Effy gather her thoughts. Mentally panicking a bit himself Josh lowered his head, hiding his frown. The last thing he wanted to do was chase her off, as their plates were cleared and they were heading towards the car he was surprised to hear her speak. "I want to show you something." Raising an eye at the somewhat cryptic statement he nodded. "Sounds good Effy." The cornflower eyed man promised, trying not to let onto his curiosity. As the pair slid into the car, Josh immediately began fiddling around with the buttons figuring out which stations he liked and didn't care for. Settling for an Ellie Goulding song and leaning back in the seat he took for staring out the window.

She wasn't dropping him off at the airport, would she? Josh really hadn't done anything and taking a deep breath to calm himself the man reminded himself of that. He was just a little anxious, his imagination running wild. Outside the ground rushed beneath the car and trees rolled past. It felt like an acute sort of torture, having Elizabeth so close and a thousand things Josh wanted to say to her, but being able to say none of them. The only thing Josh felt he was able to do was sit quietly, damming himself for never having the courage to go after her. "So, where we going?" He finally asked, about ten minutes into their ride. His stomach was quite full and he would of drifted off if he wasn't so curious about what she had to show him.

He didn't think there was much to do in this town; so maybe it was a spot she liked to just go and think. Josh had a couple of those back home. Just places to escape the world for a little while and gather your head and whatnot. Pulling his phone out of his pocket, checking it for any messages he was a little disappointed to see that none of his family or friends had texted him since their talk earlier. Josh was feeling a little homesick and hearing from them would be nice[ though that didn't stop him from pretending to do something. It was the hardest like this, when it was just him and Effy and quiet moments in which he could tell her that he didn't think she'd be forever happy with Sam. That Josh could make her happier than the doctor. Instead he glanced out the windows, trying to find something to break the silence with.

He settled for a light tease. "You know Elizabeth, you kidnap me they'll find me eventually." Winking at her out of the corner of his eye that amiable smile had crept once more onto his face. He kind of hoped they weren't hiking, not to be a stick in the mud but Josh was about as much as a nature man as Bear Grylls was an indoor man. Josh wasn't the best with direction, and the bugs would eat him alive. But if it was what she wanted he could grit his mouth shut about it. "What are you thinking about?" Josh finally asked once the silence got too much for him, fixing her with a wide-eyed honest expression. He knew that things had chanced between them. Her silence than getting married, and as the Great Gatsby had proven you could no relieve the past. But Josh was hoping he could live in the now with her.

Oliver Sykes | The Bully


"Unless you lose your keys or your phone a lot. Then I reckon it's a moot point." Oliver said, letting out a slight chuckle. It was nice actually talking to her, something he'd just realized. He supposed that she really was going to try to give him a chance of sorts to redeem himself for how he'd always treated her when they were kids. Granted, he'd explained why he'd acted that way, though she hadn't exactly said much about his confession so he wondered if she really understood what he'd meant by it. Not that he was about to bring it up or anything like that. They seemed to be getting on rather well right about now, and he didn't know if bringing something up that could potentially remind her of how much of an arse he'd been when they were kids was such a good idea.

"It's not a problem. Like I said earlier, I wasn't doing much today anyway." He told her, punctuating his words with a slight shrug of his shoulders. And that wasn't exactly a lie either. For once he didn't have much to do, a rather foreign concept for him, though it was honestly quite nice. He couldn't say that he had very many days like this one, and he didn't really mind spending it helping her out. "I'm pretty sure Mum would have my head if I didn't help you." He added as an after thought, letting out another laugh. While that might have been the truth, it didn't mean that he'd felt obligated to come over here to help her. That wasn't the case at all. In fact, he'd wanted to come.

"I should get going, you're right....in case it gets bad." He wasn't really afraid of a little rain, and he wasn't sure if it was supposed to get bad, but he was pretty much finished here anyway, and he didn't want to loiter around in case she had other things planned that day. He might have some actual free time for once but that didn't mean that she did and he definitely didn't want to hold her up in case she had other plans. "See you around." He started towards the door, pausing momentarily to turn and look at her. "If you need help with anything else, just give me a buzz, yeah?" He was certain he'd be seeing her again soon regardless, but he also wanted her to know that, if she needed help with anything, whether it was needing help assembling more things in her apartment or not, he was just a text or phone call away. He really wasn't that bad of a guy, and he hoped that that was something she was realizing or would soon come to realize.

---

Elizabeth Kingsley | The Bride


Effy's mind was reeling. Why would he ask her that? Of course she was happy. She loved Sam, and she obviously loved him quite a bit if she was agreeing to marry him, and in six short weeks no less, but if that really was the case, why did Josh's question stir up all of these different questions and thoughts in her head? It shouldn't have, but it did, and she knew that he was probably just looking out for her like any good best friend would, but the question only served to stir up all of these thoughts she'd been pushing to the back of her mind since Josh showed up on her doorstep a day earlier.

She wanted to spend time with him today though, so she was going to try her best not to let these thoughts get the best of her. As much as she liked to think that she had it all figured out, she knew that she didn't. She knew that there was so much that she had yet to find the answers to, and she didn't know if she'd ever actually have the answers to them either. It was all a bit frustrating to say the least, but Effy would try her hardest to grin and bear it today.

Of course, that didn't mean that she wasn't unusually quiet as she drove, the only sound being the Ellie Goulding song playing on the radio, and the few comments or questions that Josh was making periodically, all of which were comments and questions that had yet to illicit an actual response from Effy. She was still trying to wrap her head around his question and the response that she'd given so quickly. Most would think that that was because it was simply a no-brainer. Of course she was happy with her life and where her relationship was with Sam. There was nothing she had to be unhappy about, but maybe that wasn't actually the case. Maybe there was an underlying reason that she just wasn't quite seeing herself just yet.

"Just wedding stuff." She lied smoothly. "It's just hard to believe that it's happening in a little over a month..." Of course she wasn't about to tell him what was actually on her mind. How could she? He was the last person she felt like she could talk to about all of this right now. Mainly because he was the source of the problem. He was the reason why she was suddenly questioning things that she hadn't questioned in a very long time. And she honestly had no fucking clue how to deal with it. "I'm not kidnapping you by the way, don't think it would go over too well with your fans." She let out a quiet laugh. They had nearly reached her desired destination at this point, though she didn't tell him that. She figured she'd keep up with the whole secret charade for the time being, and that was precisely what she did.

One of her favorite things about living in this town was it's proximity in several different directions to the coast, and, in turn, the beach. "I hope you aren't opposed to climbing a fence or two." She said as she parked her car a little ways down the road from where she was taking him.