opposites always attract.

Charlotte Reed| The Wanderer



Weeks came and went as Charlotte began settling down into her new life back in the UK. The warm September air which was still stained with Summer’s heat chilled into November. Her job had been a pleasant surprise, located in a quiet, low-key spot with only two other lawyers, it hadn't taken too long to get accustomed to Dave and her other co-worker; David's son. The two were shockingly helpful about where to eat around the office, and places to shop. The job itself was slow-paced, relaxed and most of the work was done as a group. There weren't many days she had to take a case home with her. Charlotte, had all but forgotten about Oliver as even Carol had been minimal with text messages. People got busy and all she supposed. The other major change she'd noted was the fact that David's son's, Ezra, had seemed to develop a sort of crush on her over the course of her two months at the firm. And admittedly he was charming, but there wasn't really anything about him that really peaked her interests. But for some reason, she often found herself thinking of Oliver when Ezra was around. It wasn't logical and not exactly from a place of want or desire of Oliver... Just something that was a little beyond her. Speaking of the devil, she'd run into Oliver a couple times, once while she had been over Carol's for dinner. She didn't mind the lack of communication and whatnot between them; in fact she figured it was suitable. They had left off on a decent note, and she didn't put it past Oliver to go and muck something up striking her ire once more.

And then while she was on a date with Ezra she saw him, which had been quite awkward. She hadn't even been aware of him until Ezra had nudged her across the table while they were waiting for their food. "Do you know that guy?" Following his gaze she nearly winced to find none other than Oliver watching her with an indecipherable gaze. However, the moment their gazes met he glanced away, as if he hadn't seen her. Sure she was slightly miffed, but waved it off as Charlotte's gaze flickered to his companions, one of the guys she'd seen with him that first night, and two birds. A blonde and a brunette. Figuring he was on some sort of date of his own Charlotte had quickly turned around and shook her head. "Hardly. He's the son of one of my mum's friends." Seemingly accepting that, Ezra dropped it and the rest of their date sort of dragged on. There hadn't really been anything of interest, Ezra had tried rather desperately to keep her entertained but she was distracted. Of course that hazel-eyed little devil would manage to pop up when she was trying to enjoy herself. It would seem that whatever meager relationship that the Charlotte and Oliver had was just some bad cosmic joke. However, on his way out Oliver had paused, giving her some ungodly impish smile with a wink before heading out the door.

As if they shared some inside joke that made Charlotte rather befuddled. Was he making fun of her date? Hadn't been like he'd been in contact with her and there wasn't really anything wrong with Ezra. Brushing it off as Oliver just being... well Oliver, Charlotte had been thankful when she'd finished her food and Ezra had driven her home. As he walked her to the door, she felt a little bad there wasn't really a hella lot of attraction on her end, he lingered for a moment. "I really enjoyed tonight. Do um, you wanna go out again?" Shifting, smoothing down the black dress Charlotte just gave a thin smile. "Perhaps some other time yeah? We'll talk more on Monday?" Give her the rest of the weekend to find some excuse why she couldn't go out again. "See you Monday then." Ezra chirped, his icy eyes shining with a sort of excitement she didn't exactly share. He left, but not before carefully kissing her cheek; and once he was out of her driveway Lottie headed back inside. The silence bred time for her to be alone with her thoughts, most of them alternating between trying to figure out ways to politely let Ezra down, and how to not think about a certain hazel eyed bully. And then came Sunday, a mostly slow day. It was nice for the middle of November. Warmer than usual which meant Charlotte could open a few windows.

The woman had felt bad she hadn't been able to go spend the holiday of Thanksgiving with her mum, but such was life. It was nearing one in the afternoon when her phone vibrated, a text from Carol. "Hello dear, just giving you a ring to see if you'd be open next weekend? All getting together to celebrate Oliver's birthday. Would adore it if you came." There was her excuse to get out of a date, so with a small smile she was quick to respond that, indeed her calendar was open. For the remainder of her weekend, Charlotte was then left to ponder; what exactly did you get a rockstar for his birthday? Clothes? That at first seemed like a brill idea; until a bit of searching led Charlotte to his own clothing line. So Oli was probably good on that. By the end of Sunday she still hadn't found a damned thing to bring to the party. Monday was a disaster, she'd somehow managed to forget to charge her phone, so when it had died during the night so had Charlotte's alarm clock. By the time she'd woken up, gotten dressed and threw her hair up into a bun and managed to get to work she was close to an hour late. Dave had chided her, though there hadn't been any real bite. He did inform her however something had happened with the paperwork of the last case they'd been working on so Charlotte had to go and redo about three hours of work.

By the time she was finally off of work, though a case in her briefcase, she was exhausted. Ezra had asked her if she wanted to go out with him this weekend, though she'd replied a little tersely that she was busy. As much as she wished that she could go straight home, the wraith-like brunette drove to the nearest shopping mall to try to find something that would strike Oliver's fancy. "Only reason I'm even getting him a gift is so I don't look like a git." She grumbled to herself, as she browsed an older looking store, she finally managed to find something worthwhile. A collection of old, vintage looking Marvel comics. Charlotte had no idea if he actually liked those, but if not she figured it wouldn’t be the end of the world as Oliver had plenty of other nice things. From Monday the day week improved slightly. The paper work had been re-done, Ezra had to go out of town for a little bit on business which left just her and Dave at the firm. Which was nice as Dave usually left by three. The perks of having one’s own business she supposed. The weather was cooling off outside, and Charlotte had broken out her favorite winter clothing by the time the day of the party had rolled around.

As Carol explained, it wasn’t exactly a party. Just a small get together, before the actual day of his birthday in case Oliver wanted to do his own thing. So, grabbing her newly wrapped present checking her clothing once more before leaving. She'd chosen to dress casually. A Nirvana tee and her favorite pair of Nordic leggings topped off with a simple jacket. Her hair was casual as well, a few natural curls pinned back with a bobby. There wasn't any real pressure for her to dress up. It wasn't as if she were trying to impress anyone there. Deciding to walk it, there was only a few blocks the fair-skinned woman was sure to lock her door before setting off- her heeled boots clicking stoically against the sidewalk. Clutching Oliver's present to her chest as she shivered against the fierce breeze, it wasn't hard to believe that Christmas was coming soon. Which meant that she was going to have to decide if she was going back to the states or spending it on her own. By the time she arrived at Carol's front steps, she noted a couple car there she didn't recogonize. Carol hadn't said family strictly; so Charlotte imagined a few friends were there as well.

It was sweet, how close knit the Sykes were; but Charlotte was shockingly timid with new people. Prone to stuttering, and nervous tremors in her voice Charlotte almost considered turning around. But, the clamor she could faintly hear behind those doors sounded merry enough so taking a breath for some social courage she sauntered up the steps, knocking sharply a few times. For a few moments she stood out there shivering as the door was flung open by a brawny looking brunette man that Charlotte vaguely recalled as one of Oliver's drunkard friends from the store. "Hello. 'M Matt." The man announced proudly, while Charlotte just nodded mutely. "I'm a friend of the Sykes, Charlotte? May I come in?" The man nodded, stepping aside as he let Lottie onto the foyer where she promptly kicked her shoes off. "Known Oli long then love?" His questions seemed to be nothing more than a friendly curiosity so Charlotte nodded. "Our mum's are friends." A wicked grin touched on the man's lips as he all but purred "Oh yeah, that Charlotte. Well everyone's watching the telly. Not much going on." She felt awkward, out of her element. Who was everyone? Figuring it'd be best to just find out for herself the petite woman followed the broad-shouldered Matt down the hall until she reached the family room where true to Matt's word a few people were sprawled out. Tommy had claimed the rocking chair, Oliver and a couple guys she hadn't seen rested on the sofa while the blonde she saw that night she was out with Ezra rested on a smaller man's lap.

Carol and Ian and taken the loveseat while Matt just plopped himself on the floor in front of the telly. "All right?" Lottie called as a few gazes swiveled up to meet her, making her shift uncomfortably. She still felt kind of frozen to the bone and she knew her cheeks were flushed red. Self-consciously she held Oliver's present and meekly mumbled "Happy birthday." Carol, ever the motherly figure was quick to beam brightly at Charlotte who felt entirely out of place. "Ah, you must be freezing. Did you walk over here?" Carol looked horrified at the prospect while Charlotte chuckled quietly. "It wasn't so bad. Er- I'm going to put this on the counter okay?" Flashing the present Carol nodded "That's where the other's are dear. There's some coffee in the pot, or tea. Why don't you make yourself a cuppa? Warm you up before you catch your death." The blonde girl fixed Charlotte with a look, a smug grin as if she knew something the rest of the world didn't. Shaking it off she turned, quickly leaving the room and making her way to the kitchen to do as Carol instructed.
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Josh Franceschi | The Second Chancer



Alright, maybe he kind of sorted of scowled at the reminder that the wedding was happening in less than a month. And all that panic he'd been trying to distract himself from came rushing back. Nervous fingers tapped against his thigh as she guided the car onwards. As Effy quipped about his fans Josh snorted his face lighting up with amusement. "You're more right than you know. I swear if I get kidnapped the fans will be on that shit like white on rice. My own CSI team." Lapsing into silence as the car drove on, he hummed along to the radio until finally they pulled into a near empty car park. As they got out, the scent of salt and tide hitting him like an old friend Josh grinned, stretching his arms out. "I'm beauty and grace. Miss United States- a few fences oughta be bees knees for me." Following his friend to said fences Josh was actually quite the opposite of beauty and grace. The air outside was fresh, and begrudgingly it was a nice time for a wedding. Just not Effy's wedding. Hopefully.

As she scaled the fence, Josh ambled after her and after a caught shoe, and small rip in his shirt; he'd dropped to the other side. "Jesus you didn't tell me you were fuckin' Catwoman." Thankfully they paused, Effy giving him a moment to get up and catch his breath the dark haired man couldn't help but be reminded of the old times they had shared. Causing mischief, albeit most him, around Weyfield. "So, what do you do with yourself when you're not trespassing?" Josh asked, a light tease in his voice. Did she work? If so what, did she even like her job? She obviously had a college degree as that's where she met Sam. Beneath the nostalgia Josh wasn't disillusioned. They were near strangers. He hadn't seen nor spoken to Effy in years before coming here for her wedding. That didn't mean he didn't absolutely adore her, it just meant he'd of liked to get to know her as well as he had when she was still coming to Weyfield. As they walked, their shoulders occasionally brushing for once the talkative man was content with their silence. It was clear she was deep in her own thoughts.

The sun illuminated her golden wheat colored tresses, making her look celestial. Josh swore that if he managed to win her over, he was going to spoil her for the rest of his days. He knew some other guys in bands who joked about their significant other's being their "ball and chain" and tours often came with scandal for those men. However, Josh wasn't going to be like them. If he somehow managed to have Effy fall in love with him, than Josh knew touring would be fucking torture. "You're gonna have a busy month. Sure you'll have time to keep me outta trouble?" Keeping the air light between them as they neared the beach; the crashing of waves bringing a sense of relaxation to the man he glanced down at her with that sacrilegious grin of his. Like a schoolboy Josh could feel his heart thudding in his ribs, and his stomach alight with fucking butterflies. There was just a sense of youthfulness he was rendered when around Effy that made him kind of want to giggle. In a manly adult way of course. As they walked, the serene beach offering a nice backdrop to their stroll Josh would admit that he rather liked it out here.

At least when they were walking close enough Josh swore he could feel her body heat, he could pretend like she wasn't in love with another man. That she wasn't going to get married at the end of the month- but not to him of course. Had his friend's been there they would of been liable to smack him upside the head and call him a sap. That image was enough to make Josh grin. "So, you sneak out here often?" For a beach it was surprisingly empty. Not a soul in sight and for that- Josh was grateful. He just fancied a bit of time with Effy to sort of woo her and that was best done when there was no one around. Especially Sam. As the sun rose higher and higher into the sky, and it was clear neither had plans to really be anywhere and their talking was dwindling to a lull he decided to start a harmless game of steal-Effy's-phone when it began to ring. The woman had taken it out of her pocket, apparently deeming it non important and about to put it away when Josh leaned over and snatched it; that playful look back on his face.

"Oi! No phones." As if to emphasis his point the man dangled the sleek thing over her head; waggling his eyebrows. "Have you grown an inch love? Jeez I feel like Jack's magic beanstalk over here." Ever the one for friendly banter the rockstar wasn't shy about keeping the phone away from Effy; who was trying to hold back giggles and take on a stern persona. When he was finally fully amused with Effy forcing the arm that was holding the phone down to a level she could reach Josh leaned forward ever so slightly; his arctic depths sparkling merrily. "Gotta promise, no phones. You come here to relax and whatnot- so the wedding can wait a couple hours eh?" He figured it was a good idea. Try to help her de-stress from the wedding which had clearly been bothering her. Not that Josh had been married as of yet, but he heard weddings were quite an ordeal. Their afternoon continued until Josh grew rather weary of walking and collapsed down on the sand patting the spot next to him for Elizabeth to come join him.

He was content, having her near him as he gazed up at the clouds; a pure brilliant white against cornflower skies. "Not to ruin the mood or anything, but... Mind if I ask you something?" It had been a question burning the back of his mind for as long as she'd left. Which was why? Why did she feel the need to completely cut him out? Had he done something? Offended her in some way? God he prayed not. "Don't answer if you want but, why did you leave? Not just leave but why did you never return my calls or anything?" Rolling from his back to his side so he could watch her, a sort of hesitant vulnerability in his eyes. "I mean if I've done something I'm sorry. You know I'm a right knob-head at times." He hoped she didn't take this the wrong way. He was thrilled to be back in her life, he just wanted to know why she left in the first place. He didn't think it was because she didn't care for him; which must of meant she had a good reason.

OOC: I am so sorry I've been absent. Family troubles with my great-gram and then my sister came home from the air force so we've been spending time with her.

Also sorry for the awkward time skip in Charlotte's reply. I figured it would be kind of filler-y until she was settled in and whatnot

Oliver Sykes | The Bully

Oliver hadn't heard from Lottie Charlotte in a few months time now. Not that he was counting down the days or anything like that. The band and clothing line kept him rather busy, though he did find himself thinking of the petite brunette on a few different occasions. That wasn't to say that she was on his mind constantly or anything like that, as aforementioned, he was a bit occupied with other things, though he did think of her every so often. Usually when he was eating dinner with his parents and his mum brought her up or something, but that was pretty much it.

After he'd helped assemble a few things at her place that afternoon, he'd figured it would be best to let her reach out to him if she wanted to. While it was obvious that they were on better terms than they had been on originally, he wouldn't exactly say that they were friends. Acquittances maybe, but certainly not friends. And maybe that was a bit harsh on his part, but he highly doubted that she would deem him a friend of hers either, so he doubted that there would be any hard feelings if she were to find out that that was all he saw her as. Of course, maybe he did want to be her friend, but he couldn't exactly do that if they weren't talking. Not that they weren't talking, they just hadn't spoken to each other since that afternoon at her place.

He had seen her around on a few different occasions. The most prominent of them being the time he'd been out with Matt, his bird, and his bird's friends for a few drinks. His mate had been attempting to set him up, and while the lass was a decent person, she wasn't exactly his type. He didn't know why, but he hadn't said anything to Charlotte that night when he saw her. She was there with some bloke, he kind of looked like a prat if you asked him, and maybe he just hadn't wanted to interrupt. He didn't really know. She hadn't spoken a word to him either though, and the only form of acknowledgment he'd really given her was a cheeky grin and a wink. That was it.

As the days grew shorter and the weather grew cooler, it was a clear indication to Oliver that his birthday was just around the corner. And, of course, seeing as he was home in Sheffield, and not off touring somewhere, his mum had insisted on inviting a few people over the house to celebrate. It wasn't exactly a party, just a few close friends and family, but it was nice, and Oliver did appreciate that his mum had wanted to do this for him. Of course, he shouldn't have been at all surprised when Charlotte showed up at the house, a present for him in hand, but he was. It made sense that his mum would have invited her, but, for whatever reason, her presence surprised him. Maybe it was because he hadn't spoken to her in quite a while. He'd begun to figure that she didn't want much of anything to do with him, and he'd been willing to accept that fact, but maybe that wasn't the case after all.

When his mum told her to go make herself a cuppa, having just acknowledged her freezing appearance, Oliver took it upon himself to get up off of the sofa and make his way into the kitchen as well with the excuse of wanting to grab a beer from the fridge. "Haven't seen you around much lately." He said casually, taking a long sip of the alcoholic beverage. "Tommy reckons you're miffed at me for something, though he's willing to blame just about anything on me." He chuckled.

---

Elizabeth Kingsley | The Bride

Effy watched with an amused smile on her face as Josh climbed the fence. She was trying her best not to laugh, though, to be completely honest, beauty and grace certainly seemed to be the last adjectives she'd use to describe him in that moment. "Well, now everyone else knows too, Joshua. Thanks for blowing my cover." She teased, the amused expression still on her face as she allowed him to catch his breath for a couple of seconds. She truly had missed all of this. The teasing. The playful banter. All of it. She'd missed Josh so much, maybe more than she cared to allow herself to believe or even admit to herself. Whether she let herself believe it or not, she knew that, deep down, she'd missed him more than any soon-to-be married woman should miss their best friend platonically. She was already in way too deep, and he'd been here a little less than twenty-four hours.

"I'm actually between jobs at the moment." She told him as they walked. It was gorgeous day, and she'd seen no reason to spend even a portion of it inside. When they were trying to figure out what they were going to do for the day, the beach came to mind. She could have easily taken him to where there was public access to it, but where would the fun in that be? Plus, it was clearly a lot less crowded for very obvious reasons. That was exactly how she wanted it right now though. She didn't want to think about the wedding or anything else for that matter. She just wanted to spend some time with Josh, and that was precisely what she planned on doing. "The school district I was working in needed to make a few staff cuts. I was one of their more recent hirees, so it was understandable." She said, punctuating her words with a slight shrug of her shoulders. She didn't take it personally, though she wasn't going to lie and say that she hadn't been struggling to find another job as of late. Finding a teaching job was like searching for a needle in a haystack sometimes.

"If I don't keep you out of trouble, who will?" She pointed out, her tone light and teasing. She was glad that they were keeping the conversation light. It was precisely what she needed what with all of the pre-wedding stress she was dealing with at the moment. Despite the teasing conversation, it was hard for her to avoid the elephant in the room. She was trying her hardest to ignore the frenzy of butterflies in her stomach and the way her heart raced when she was around him. She shouldn't allow herself to react this way when she was around him, however, it was much easier said than done. Whether she was willing to admit it or not, she knew that she still had feelings for him. It didn't matter that so much time had passed or that she had Sam now. No, just like that, in less than a day's time, she found herself falling even more in love with him than she had been already. And she had no fucking clue what she was going to do about it.

"I come out here to think a lot. I've always found it so calming and serene, I guess. I've been coming here a lot more recently though. I guess the wedding's caused me more stress than I bargained on." She admitted. Coming out here was always an escape for her. Whether she was stressed or frustrated or just needed a moment to herself, she knew that this beach would always be here. "I don't really know why they blocked off this section here. I think someone bought up the land and was going to build a house or something and just never did." It had certainly worked to her advantage, that was for sure.

Their conversation fading out for a bit, the only sound being that of the waves crashing along the shore, until her phone started to ring. How she managed to have reception out here at times was beyond her, but she still did. Normally, she would have left her phone in the car to avoid it altogether, but she'd forgotten it in the pocket of her jeans. She resisted the urge to make a face when she saw it was her soon-to-be mother-in-law, though she managed to compose herself enough to attempt to put the phone back into her pocket. Apparently Josh wasn't having any of that today though. "I don't recall either of us stressing a no phone rule." She commented, pouting a bit when he held the phone high above her head, taking full advantage of her height, or lack there of. "Well, we can't all be freakishly tall now, can we?" She teased lightly, letting out a laugh as she jumped to try and grab it from him once more.

When she finally did manage to force his arm down, and grab the electronic device from his hand, she paused momentarily when he leaned down closer to her, finding it rather easy to get lost in his eyes. Were they always that blue? Maybe her memory just wasn't doing them any justice. "Alright, yeah. No phones." She breathed, shaking any and all thoughts from her head as she shoved the device back into her jean pocket. She kept to her word after that, ignoring the buzzing of her phone whenever it went off. Josh was right. The wedding could wait a couple of hours. She was going to enjoy the afternoon with him while it lasted. They had a lot of lost time to make up for after all.

It wasn't until they both find themselves tired out for the time being, and laid out in the sand and staring up at the clouds that he uttered the one question she'd been surprised he had yet to ask her. She'd been pretty damn thankful as she'd wanted to avoid it at all costs, but that seemed a lot less likely now that he was asking her it. It put a sour taste in her mouth and caused her heart to sink. You should've seen this one coming, Effy. She thought bitterly to herself. He was bound to ask you sooner or later. She hesitated for a moment, choosing her words carefully as her lower lip caught between her teeth. "I--I was dealing with some stuff. It was nothing you did. I just--with college starting up in the fall I had some things to sort out. And I know that it's a bullshit excuse, and I'm sorry, because I would go back and change things if I could, but I can't. I'm just--I'm really glad that you're here."

[You're totally fine, don't worry about it And the time skip was fine too!]

Charlotte Reed| The Wanderer


She was an odd one in the sense that Charlotte could be just as outgoing and fierce as the boys in the living room. But she was also just as likely to be meek and timid as a mouse with strangers. So, she was torn between coining some excuse to get the hell out of dodge and just go back to her's for the rest of the weekend, or to just stay and stick around. It was lonely since coming to Sheffield. She had very few friends, the neighbor girl from across the way, Ezra, and then just pretty much the Sykes family. Though she was still kind of warring with herself over whether or not Oliver could ever be considered a friend. From what she'd heard of him in the years they'd been apart was he was a polarized man. People loved him or hated him, and Charlotte wasn't quite sure where she fell into that. Didn’t know If she wanted to get tangled up with that boy; all empty gaze as if he saw through you and bittersweet smile. It didn't take long to pour herself a cup of coffee, nuke it and add milk and sugar to the mug which was a mossy green in color. As she hoisted herself up onto the counter, carelessly dropping his present beside her she took a sip nearly shuddering with relief inside her jumper as the warm liquid rushed down her lungs.

Andrea had always joked growing up that Charlotte was cold-blooded. Well into May she would still wear her jumpers and jeans, and she often cursed winter and the snow. Which lead her to another minute worry of her's: shoveling. Her driveway was a decent size and moreover it was just her to be shoveling. Shaking her head, deciding she'd figure that out when the time came the wraith-like brunette was pretty startled upon hearing "Haven't seen you around much lately." That damned voice which was as smooth as a finely aged wine and managed to hold that silver-like quality while still being as rough as the sea during a storm made Charlotte relax a bit. It was nice to be able to talk to him without being in front of everyone. "Didn't realize you'd miss me." She teased back, a playful sort of banter in her voice. Charlotte wasn't a miserable bitch or anything; it was his birthday and she'd be nice to him. Not that she was entirely convinced that from beyond being nice to each other she could be his friend for real. The sight of him however, kind of brought back the memory of seeing him while she was out with Ezra. Indecision was her downfall, and the girl mulled over saying something to him about it.

Where would she even start? There was still something that made her hesitate whenever he came into a room, and ever the one for cliche she had the inkling that he was like fire. A sort of unapologetic passion for things he enjoyed doing and determined, while she was ice. Cold and frigid. When those two things mixed it'd result in a whole mess of slush. Tabling those thoughts for later Charlotte giggled at the mention of Tommy giving him a hard time for have supposedly brassing her off. "Tommy reckons you're miffed at me for something, though he's willing to blame just about anything on me." Watching as he took a swig of beer, her eyes lingering on some of his tattoos she shook her head. "Sometimes I feel like I missed out not having a sibling, but then I hear things like this and decide it's for the best I'm an only child. And shockingly I've just been busy." That playful aspect of her voice still hadn't dropped as she took another sip of her half-finished coffee, the frozen erubescent hue of her cheeks nearly unnoticeable now. From the other room sounds of chatter and laughter floated to the odd pair in the kitchen area. Light streamed in from the window over the sink, catching Oliver's exposed tattoos and giving them a radiant sort of glow.

Charlotte had always liked the idea of tattoos in theory. However, not only was she somewhat of a coward when it came to needles, it wouldn't bode well for her career to have any, so her skin remained unblemished without any ink. "Sure you've been asked this a hundred times, feel any older? Back clicking when you get out of bed? Bed at nine?" She wanted today to be nice. For both of them. While she was somewhat of an outsider when it came to him and Oliver's friends she could still be social with him while they were both over his mam's house. While he may be a year older, that youthful exuberance still hung to him nicely. She reckoned it be years, if ever, when that youthfulness was gone. It wasn't long before her coffee was finished, and fishing a beer from the fridge what the hell, she could use some liquid confidence the brunette gestured towards Oliver finally mustering up the confidence to say something to him about the other night. ”Have a nice date the other night?” It wasn’t jealousy or anything like that that spurred her to talk, just a sort of reluctance to go back to the living room with the people she didn’t know.

And she figured asking about his date would let her just remain in the kitchen for a bit longer. Innocently she took a swig of her beer, though it had hardly gotten down before the svelte brunette made a face, of distaste. There was something about beer that never sat well on her tongue. She just liked sweet things, because honestly Charlotte had the diet of a five year old on Halloween and a broke college kid. ”Don’t mean to pry or anything, just… Figured I ask.” Her voice was meek, something soft and tentative as the girl furrowed her brows. She really was trying, to withhold her judgements about Oliver. After all he had given up a perfectly good Sunday to help set up her flat. That was... Nice. She liked to think that once she got to know him better, if he was the same sod he was when she left England to begin with, than she could easily go back to absolutely abhorring his existence. However, as she listened to his chatter, Charlotte liked to think that maybe, maybe he wasn't a proper twat and it wouldn't be so bad getting to know him.
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Josh Franceschi | The Second Chancer



He could see her discomfort like a blanket settling down on her features making his stomach drop. It really hadn't been his intention to just up and blindside her with that question but for fuck's sake he had to know. Was he just someone so easily disposable to Effy? God hoped not. Josh's stomach twisted to hear that she had been dealing with stuff. It hadn't even been that explicit, but the thought of Effy going through any hard time alone made his skin crawl. He should of been there for her and that guilt that had settled down in his stomach so long ago once again rolled back like a tide. Hesitantly he caught his lip between his teeth listening to the rest of her explanation with a little bit of shame. She should of never had to doubt he'd be here for her. Maybe... Maybe not because of pure intentions to watch his best friend get married to another guy per say; but he would always be there for Effy. Overhead a few gulls shrieked back and forth each other and Josh as grateful for the lonely expanse of the sandy beach. Waves crashed against the shore, roaring and breaking only feet away from them.

For a long while he was silent, staring down at his hands; this was a lot for him to hear. If she could of gone back surely Effy must of known the inevitably of them being together back then. Did that mean..? No, his feelings for her weren't important for now. Because now, all Josh wanted to do was reassure her that everything was fine. And he'd make sure it always would be. Slowly, ever so carefully he reached out, brushing his fingers against Elizabeth's cheek while fixing her with an open and honest stare. "You never gotta' wonder if I'm here for you Effy. I always am. And you don't need to feel bad, about anything. I'm... I'm your friend. I'm always gonna be here for you. 'M not going anywhere this time. Okay?" The words felt clunky in his mouth, but Josh hadn't been known to speak with stunning amounts of eloquence when he was trying to be open with someone. Josh's voice was soft, husky and rough as he he let his fingers brush her cheek one more time before pulling away.

Awkwardly he leaned away from her, trying to nullify the electricity that he felt between them with an awkward throat clearing. "Right then. No more long faces. Else I'll bury you in the sand 'til your wedding." He threatened, clearly joking with a sort of pained smile touching down on his lips. Raggedly he tried to even his breathing. He felt it would be wrong to try anything then and there. Josh had just promised he'd always be there for Elizabeth; which he would. But if he kissed her the spruce eyed man was aware that she may think he was there for her, for all the wrong reasons. And as much as it hurt him to try to act like he just had friendly reasons for being with the svelte blonde, it would hurt less than losing her completely. Again. Trying to clear his head Josh reached up, rubbing his chin; the sharp prickly stubble beneath his hand lending a sort of calming mechanism. "You're right to come out here. Beautiful, always liked the beach myself. Australia though, they've got amazing beaches. Warm water- well some have jellyfish that you've gotta look out for." He babbled, just trying to fill the silence.

Because in the silence he could not stop thinking about how badly he wanted to kiss her. How Josh was adamant to never go so long without speaking as they had before. But while he was talking, Josh could distract himself from the odd situation he'd put himself in. "You know, speaking of abroad places- where you going for your honeymoon?" It always came back to that. To Effy and Sam, the man who was probably going to marry the woman of Josh's dream. The woman he first truly loved; and had so for years. Because Josh wasn't man enough to just tell her how he felt. But there was a month 'til the wedding and Josh had a month to prove that he was the man that she should be marrying. Josh's brain was racing with thoughts, that he tried to push away. Who knew how often he'd get to be with Effy like this. Exhaling rather deeply the man decided to simply just... Focus on being here in the now with the woman he quite secretly adored. For awhile the two just chattered on and off, the ocean crashing relentlessly against the shore. At one point, Josh thought he dozed off for a bit, though if Effy noticed hadn't said anything.

Once he let himself, Josh found that relaxing on the beach was actually really peaceful. He didn't have to worry about the fans or tours. He surrounded by people drawn to him because of his social status around the world. With Effy, even if it was for a few hours, he could be Josh Franceschi- man madly in love. Not a big rockstar. The day was getting on, and once the sun had sunken low enough that it made Josh check his phone he grinned. It was a little past three-thirty. Which meant if they wanted to get back to any sort of civilization it'd be about an hour. Which was acceptable enough to hit the pubs. "Getting on a bit, time to piss up if you still want to go to the pub." Josh exclaimed, an impish sort of glee creeping into his voice. Oh he loved hitting the bars back home. It was another thing that he was quite good at. And he wasn't too picky about what he drank so long as he got buzzed.

Oliver Sykes | The Bully

Oliver would be lying if he said that he hadn't actually missed her company. Sure, they'd only just started getting on, but now that she didn't see him as enemy number one, he liked to think that they would have seen each other more frequently. He supposed that that wasn't the case though. The comment was meant to be a taken lightly, and he was glad that she clearly took it that way, and it was a conversation starter at best, but it was still one that got his point across. He hadn't seen her in a while. Not since he spotted her out on that date a few weeks back, and they hadn't exactly said much to each other then, so really the last time they'd had a conversation was when he'd swung by her flat to give her a hand, and quite a bit of time had passed since then.

"Don't think I said anything about missing you, love." He said, a smirk tugging at the corners of his lips as he spoke. He was still keeping the conversation light, and he hoped that she would do so as well. This was better than small talk, something he found to be God awful in most cases. And he certainly didn't want conversations with Charlotte to succumb to small talk. He knew that they'd never really been the best of friends, but, now that she was back in Sheffield, he did want to get to know her better. And he hoped that she wouldn't mind getting to know him better as well. Things like that had a tendency to work both ways. Most of the time anyway.

Her later words caused him to let out a soft chuckle. "It's not so bad." He said, taking another long sip of his beer. "Tommy can be a right pain in my arse sometimes, but we don't fight like cats and dogs like some siblings do." He liked to think that he and his brother were rather close actually. He felt like he could confide in his brother in most instances, and he would like to think that Tom felt the same in regards to him. "Oh yeah, I can't handle being out past nine. Nearly fell asleep in my soup the other night, just ask mum." He joked, the smirk still on his face and a mischievous glint shining in his eyes to match it.

Her words that followed took him by surprise. He hadn't expected her to bring up that night, and he wasn't about to bring it up unless she did. He didn't detect a hint of jealousy in her voice, though she had still definitely caught him off guard. He was certain that that was apparent in the expression he now wore on his face. "It was alright." He said, giving his shoulders a slight shrug. "Nothing special though. Don't think I'll be going out with her again any time soon." He sipped his beer, leaning back against the kitchen counter. "What about you? Have a nice time with that bloke of yours?"

---

Elizabeth Kingsley | The Bride

Just tell him the truth. You owe him that much, Ef. Effy shook the thought from her head almost instantaneously. No. She couldn't do that. Telling him the truth would mean admitting she'd had feelings for him. One could argue that it wouldn't matter much now, she would be a married woman before she knew it, but something was still stopping her from being entirely honest with Josh. Something that she wasn't even willing to admit to herself just yet. So, she settled for giving Josh as generic of an answer as she could. She technically wasn't lying to him, she had been going through a lot at the time between graduating and getting ready to go off to college in the fall, but she wasn't telling him the whole truth either. She wasn't telling him that she couldn't bare to go back to Wybridge that summer because she couldn't take seeing him with another girl. She couldn't take hearing him talk or kiss or hug someone who wasn't her. That was the truth. And it was something that, to this very day, she couldn't bring herself to tell him.

His fingers on her face took her out of her reverie. She'd be lying if she said that her breath hadn't gotten caught in her throat when her eyes locked with his and she saw the way that he was looking at her. So open. So honest. And then he spoke, and his words seemed to match the expression he was wearing perfectly. She knew they were intended to make her feel better, but they only served to make her feel worse, not that she'd ever let that on to Josh. Instead, she put on the best smile that she could muster, whether it was convincing or not was beyond her, and nodded her head. "I'm going to hold you to that, Franceschi." She said quietly, a teasing lilt to her words. She knew that he was being completely serious, but she couldn't bring herself to keep up with the tone of conversation. It took a lot for her to open up to someone and she normally resorted to humor in situations like this one. It was just who she was and who she would likely always be.

Snorting and giving her eyes a slight roll in response to his words, she shoved his shoulder lightly. "Oh, I'm so scared." She said, sarcasm dripping from her words. She let out a quiet laugh soon after, her gaze shifting back out to the ocean. She really did love it out here. It was so quiet...so serene...so freeing. It was the perfect place to come and think, which she did quite frequently. Maybe even more than she cared to admit. "I'm not sure actually. Sam's determined to keep it a surprise." She hated surprises, but she was willing to humor her fiancé because she knew that it was something he truly wanted kept a surprise. That hadn't stopped her from attempting to weasel it out of him on a few different occasions. To no avail of course.

Small talk was made for a while after that. Effy had forgotten just how much she enjoyed talking to Josh, and just how easily conversation seemed to flow between them. It was so easy to fall back into the same routine they'd had going when they were younger, something she was extremely thankful for. She would have hated for their friendship to be a strained simply because she'd fucked things up and made a bad choice a few years back. Thankfully, that wasn't the case at all. And she hoped that it never would be.

"Oh alright, but you're buying the first round, got it?" Grinning slightly, Effy got to her feet and started back towards where they'd hopped the fence. She hadn't realized how far they'd actually walked before sitting down. She didn't mind it though, even if getting sand in her shoes could be a bit of a nuisance at times. She loved everything about the beach, even the things that some might consider cons. They were things that didn't matter all that much to her at all.

Charlotte Reed| The Wanderer



Against her own inner cautioning's, Charlotte was actually having a really good time with Oli. 'Lottie found that, she quite liked this- all this playful banter between the two of them. It was amusing to listen to his quick quips, and boyish glee never quite left his smile. The kitchen, which the last time they were alone in it seemed far too small, was now comfortable. Outside the room she could hear the chatter of the other party-goers; mostly the man who had introduced himself as Matt and Tommy- with Carol scolding them every so often. "Don't think I said anything about missing you." Oliver spoke, a slow smirk touching upon his lips. Now, Charlotte had seen him smirk plenty as a child; namely when she was in trouble or he'd managed to really get under her skin. She had always hated that mean, hard little edge that he so often wore on his lips. However, that wasn't there. The cruel hardness had softened- mellowed into something that was inviting in it's own way. At this she feigned a shocked gasp, placing her hand on her heart. "Wounded. You absolutely wound me Oliver Sykes." -

Against what may be her better judgement- Charlotte was comfortable. Taking a rather large couple swigs of beer, making a face as the hoppy brew slid down her throat, she couldn't help but smile at his statement that him and Tommy got on pretty well. It was always awkward for her when friends fought with their siblings in front of her. Hell, she couldn't really imagine Oliver and Tommy fighting with one another- though she was sure it happened. Tommy was such a momma's boy when they were growing up. So the few interactions they away from Carol, Tommy usually clung to Oli. Currently however, she could tell her inquiry about how his date went threw him off guard. It was the way his eyebrows knitted together and his mouth seemed to soften- however Oli didn't appear angry she'd asked. Just surprised. "It was alright." His original answer was short and sweet- to the point. However, after a moment he tacked on, "Nothing special though. Don't think I'll be going out with her again any time soon." As she raised her beer to her lips, now nearly empty, Oliver had the same idea. "Ah, maybe better luck next time. Sorry things didn't pan out."

There was no reason for her not to be. Charlotte was still unsure if she wanted to even be friends with him- though she'd admit that once she stopped worrying about if he was just setting her up to tear her down; she was having fun with him. Sure, Charlotte wasn't blind. He was handsome in his own way- but none of these things really crossed her thoughts. Just lingered in her subconscious for lack of better description. "What about you? Have a nice time with that bloke of yours?" At this a small groan was dragged out of her throat- which probably wouldn't of happened if the girl wasn't beginning to feel the buzz from her far too-quickly-drunk beer. It made her head light, cheeks slightly flushed. "You've no idea how terrible it was. It's not that he's a bad guy, but dull. I'm not seventeen anymore. I didn't 'spect him to sweep me off my feet or anything. But there was no..." She paused for a moment, searching for the word. The woman's nose scrunched up with thought for a moment before she exclaimed "Spark! There was no spark. There's gotta be some spark. It was like going out for a night with your brother. Weird. It doesn't help he's my bosses son. I see him every day." 'Lottie sighed, finishing her beer.

Glancing back at him, she noted he was rather amused; and a soft chuckle left her. "What?" There was this intensity to his gaze that she supposed had always been there; but boy was it prominent now. For some inexplicable reason Charlotte felt her breath catch in her throat; and squirming under his gaze. That little smirk was still there, but before he could answer her Matt stumbled into the room waving about some pamphlets. looking quit unsteady on his feet. "We're-" He paused, hiccuping, and for a moment 'Lottie was nervous that he'd hurl on the floor. Thankfully, he did not as he continued on. "We're ordering Chinese food. Don't worry Oli, there's vegetarian options Come on, pamphlets are in the living room." Charlotte nodded, which apparently sufficed enough for Matt as he turned and made his way towards the living room. Charlotte was slightly concerned that he was gonna split his head open. By some small miracle he managed to remain relatively upright, and sliding off the counter. Perhaps it was the alcohol that made her pause offering a rather charming smile. "And about missing me, you didn't need to say a thing Sugar." Ah, there it was- that liquid confidence which slid through her veins. Had Charlotte been one-hundred percent sober she'd of been horrified with herself. However she wasn't; and with a playful grin she was on her way; walking out of the kitchen towards the living room where the rest of the party goers were congregated.
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Josh Franceschi | The Second Chancer



The near need to tell her that he loved her, that Josh always had loved Effy was embroiled on the tip of his tongue. He wanted to get on his knees, apologize for what a fucking twit he'd been all those years ago. To have never waited for her. Too afraid of what a long-distance would do to their friendship. And worse of all his inability to be alone. But he couldn't. Josh sensed how guilty she was over everything, how hard him being around was for her. Of course, it wasn't that she didn't enjoy his company he felt like- it was just he must also bring up memories of why he had cut him out of her life. The waves crashed against the shoreline, blissfully ignorant to the inner turmoil that roiled in his veins. "Oh. I'm so scared." Effy snickered after he threatened to bury her until the wedding; making Josh chuckle as well. "You should be." It wasn't much longer they lingered at the edge of the seashore his gaze following the movement of the sea. It was beautiful, but he was relieved when Effy agreed that, it was time to visit the pubs. At least in a public setting he'd be less liable to kiss her- that and his jetlag was beginning to set in. Drinking should at least give Josh a much needed buzz to stay awake. Giving almost a comical huff, Effy looked up at him fixing him with that small grin that Josh swore that he could just lose himself in.

"Oh alright, but you're buying the first round, got it?" Josh snorted, and raised an eyebrow. "I will get all the rounds if it so pleases you. But seriously I can get the tab. Don't worry." He wouldn't take no for an answer. She was spending time with him, and spending money on a wedding that he was trying to steal her from- it was the least the could do. On the literal trek back to the fence of which he'd scrambled gracelessly climbed, Josh was becoming more and more impatient to get off the sand. Every time he stepped little grains of sand would lodge themselves in his shoes, making him wrinkle his nose in distaste. "This is the one part about the beach I will never love, sand in quite literally any place on your body you can imagine. For days." Making a tsking noise as Josh followed Effy in climbing over the fence, this time a little more gracefully- in the sense he didn't manage to rip any of his clothing, his feet were quite relieved when she sat down for a moment emptying her shoes of sand. Following suit, plopping down and brushing his feet and shoes off he bit back a yawn; blinking wearily. He'd sleep when he was dead the dark-haired Brit supposed. By the time the duo piled into the car, Josh was feeling quite relaxed. "Elizabeth, this was the best day I've had in a long time." Josh murmured as she pulled the car from the parking lot, guiding it back towards the direction from which they came.

It was true, sure he loved being with his mates and family- but he had missed her. It was like this dull ache that never truly ebbed from his chest. A sense of the potent loneliness he had always been trying to stave off had worsened since she left- but today; he hadn't felt so... empty. As they drove, he'd sneak glances at her every so often, a small smile resting on his lips when his bright arctic hued orbs found her face. She was lovely, and fuck he wanted to tell her so. But Josh couldn't say that to her without letting on that he still had feelings for her. It scared him to think that in six short weeks that he may be going back to England alone. And Elizabeth would move on without him again. Just the thought made his fingers run cold and his stomach feel like it'd been weighted with lead. "Hope you can hold your liquor girlie, I would hate to have to bring you home to your fiancee and tell him you began dancing on tables and blacked out drunk, vomiting in the taxi." Josh snickered, keeping the mood light. The image, granted, was a hilarious one- but Josh was only joking with her. If Elizabeth got smashed he'd let her sleep in his hotel room and he could crash in the bathtub with some blankets and pillows. Once or twice Josh was pretty sure he dozed off during the trip; but was awake by the time they pulled back into town.

It felt much shorter coming back than going- but perhaps that's just because the lean brunette knew where they were going this time. "Think I'm hip enough to drink with all these college youngsters?" He teased as they parked, getting out into the fresh air hitting his face. "In all seriousness though, drink as much as you want. We're celebrating tonight." As she raised an eyebrow, the man shot his most charming grin. "Yeah, this is the first time we've gone drinking in years. That calls for shots. Los' of them." The man stated, rubbing his hands together excitedly eyes sparkling with that impish gleam they so often held. He was pretty happy to just follow her towards the pub, and honestly was a little impressed. It had a smoky, chic interior that spoke cleanliness- which was always appreciated. It was already quite crowded, a few people already looked tipsy, dancing in the middle of the bar while another crowd hung out near the pool tables in the back. Luckily there were two open spots at the bar next to one another and the pair was quick to grab them. They had plenty of time to decide what to drink; as the bartender seemed to be running about like a chicken with it's head cut off in attempts to serve to the patrons already waiting. "So, what are you in the mood for? Vodka? Whiskey? Anything- your wish is my command."

Oliver Sykes | The Bully

"I know, I'm a terrible person and all that." Oliver said, smirking slightly as he finished off the last of his beer. This conversation of theirs was precisely what had been missing over the course of the last couple of weeks. This banter that always seemed to be there between he and Charlotte. Granted, it hadn't always been a banter, Charlotte had apparently felt a strong dislike towards him for a very long time, but that wasn't the case anymore. Things had changed, and he hoped that she wouldn't be as much of a stranger after tonight. He really did want to get to know the tiny brunette better. He wanted them to be friends. He hoped that she'd want the same.

When she apologized for his date not going well, he shrugged his shoulders in response. " 's alright." And it really was alright. It was no skin off his back. Yes, she'd been a lovely girl, but she wasn't his type. They didn't have anything in common and he'd found that holding a conversation with her wasn't easy at all. It was strained at best. Unlike his conversation with Charlotte which was anything but strained. Despite being a year older, he saw no reason to rush into things with someone he couldn't even hold a real conversation with. He wasn't going to waste his time doing something like that. If he came across someone who was "the one" he liked to think that he'd know, as cheesy and cliche as it probably sounded, and that clearly hadn't been the case with that girl. Not by a long-shot.

And then she was telling him about her own date, and Oliver held the chuckle in that was threatening to come out for as long as he possibly could. There was a glint of amusement in his eyes to match it, and he opened his mouth to respond to her question, a look of puzzle and intrigue came along with it, and then Matt walked very ungracefully stumbled into the kitchen, and their conversation stopped. Well, it didn't stop, it was just interrupted, and he was hoping they might be able to continue it later on. He hoped that they could, though he didn't know if they'd be alone again that evening. He hoped that they would, wishful thinking on his part really, but he didn't know how likely it was that that was going to happen.

"Be there in a second, mate." He told Matt when he announced that Chinese food was to be ordered. He watched his friend leave, his gaze shifting back over to Charlotte momentarily. The words that tumbled out of her mouth surprised him even more than her question about his date. It was a statement that came completely out of left field, or so it seemed to Oliver anyway. And he didn't even get to come up with a witty remark of his own before she was walking into the living room. Still slightly surprised, he followed behind her silently. Something told him that the remainder of the evening would serve to be interesting. In the best way possible.

---

Elizabeth Kingsley | The Bride

"Elizabeth, this was the best day I've had in a long time." Josh's words really resonated with Effy, maybe even more than he would ever realize. And he also wouldn't likely realize just how much this day had meant to her. It was what she'd needed more than anything else right now. It wasn't that she wasn't happy with where her life was, she was happy, Sam made her happy, but this sense of familiarity that came with spending time with Josh was comforting. With all of the stress that came along with planning a wedding, while also dealing with a slightly overbearing mother-in-law, comforting was precisely what she needed, and that was how spending time with Josh felt. It was like nothing had ever happened, like no time had passed at all, and that was something that she was so beyond thankful for. "Yeah...me too..." She said quietly, a small smile tugging at the corners of her lips.

She was so glad that Josh had shown up a few weeks before the wedding. As the date fast approached, she knew she'd only grow more and more stressed, but, with Josh around, maybe the whole process would be a little bit easier. She could only hope that would be the case. Little did she know that it would only further complicate things. "Is your memory that horrible, Franceschi? Because I can recall quite clearly that never once did I come off as a lightweight when we were younger. In fact, I do recall drinking you and Max under the table once or twice." She said confidently, the smile on her face widening into a grin.

"I'll try not to hold it against you though. So long as you don't puke on me again." She knew that that had only been one time, and it was one that he hated having brought up, but what kind of a best friend would she be if she didn't remind him of embarrassing drunk stories like that one? It was definitely somewhere in the job description of being a good best friend. If it wasn't there, then there had to be some sort of a guide somewhere that explained how bringing up a best friend's embarrassing drunk stories was of utmost importance. Realistically, in all seriousness, if one of them got completely inebriated tonight, she was certain that they would take care of each other. They always did, and she highly doubted that that was something that would likely ever change.

"You look hipster enough." She said, her tone light and teasing as they walked into the bar. She'd chosen this one because it was one of the nicer ones in town. It wasn't necessarily upscale, the owners just took good care of it, and their drink specials during happy hour were fucking amazing. For those exact reasons, Effy certainly wasn't the only one who liked coming here, so she wasn't at all surprised to see a decent number of people there when she and Josh arrived. "If I didn't know any better, Franceschi, I'd say you were trying to get me drunk." She grinned slightly, taking a seat at the bar with him. "Is that even a question?" She punctuated her words with a raised eyebrow. "Whiskey is always the answer, Joshua."

Charlotte Reed| The Wanderer



The girl with the unruly mop of dark curls had been quiet upon making it back to the living room. She wasn’t sure about Oliver’s friends; hell she was still rather muddled when it came to Oli’ himself. She hadn’t kept up with him or his band very much over the years so she essentially had no idea what to make of the loud, sometimes vulgar men. Currently the men were huddled around the table, trying to hash out what they wanted to eat. If nothing else they were a lively bunch. Quick with banter and it was clear that they were all close. Would she have been included in that group had she grown up here? ”Here you go dear. They can be a headache, drink up.” Startled out of her thoughts by Ian holding out another beer to her she was hesitant. Normally she didn’t drink. Already that one bottle had made her quite tipsy though she shrugged. It wasn’t like she had driven here. ”Thanks.” There was a warmth in her voice as she took the beverage, twisting the hem over the cap to twist it off. ”You might want to go order before the boys send that off to us to order.”

Taking a large swig of her drink Charlotte nodded, and carefully drew near the table, instinctively closer to Tommy and Oli than the boys she didn’t know. Taking another large sip, careful not to slosh any beer on either of the brothers she leaned forward, shoulders brushing against Oli as her gaze flickered over the menu. She wasn’t picky by any stretch. What she wanted was pretty much already ordered, and chuckling at her uncertainty Tommy piped up helpfully, ”If you see something that’s already ordered you can add another tally mark to let Mum know to get more than one. We mostly split food anyway so don’t stress too much about it yeah?” Charlotte, embolden by the hoppy brew raised an eyebrow. "Tommy are you being helpful?" The youngest Sykes scoffed and handing her a marker retorted that, he was always helpful which drew a snort out of a few of the guys around the small coffee table. It was a little chaotic but it was fun. Maybe it was the near two bottles of beer thundering in her veins making her light headed and giggly, or she was just relaxing but it was amusing to hang out with the lads. After the food had been sorted out, she was quick to snatch a seat on the couch sticking her tongue out as Tommy was about two steps behind her.

For awhile she sat around listening to the boys chat, watching the horror flick which had been put on. She wasn't expecting it when Lee, sitting on her left side nudged her. "Lottie, you knew Oli when he was a kid. Go on, what was he like? I have a feeling he hasn't matured much." Across the room Oliver's gaze snapped to them and he groaned, though Charlotte hardly paid him any mind. She didn't want to upset him, but his friends looked rather interested. There weren't a ton of memories she recalled fondly but there were a few. "I used to be sick all the time as a kid. I mean, someone could have a stuffy nose and I'd get the flu from them." She started slowly, her eyes glittering like topaz stones. "So I caught the flu and Oliver must of heard, and instead of leaving me be like he was supposed to so he wouldn't get sick snuck over. I was sick as a dog and he let me paint his nails with some of the polish I had swiped from my mum." She paused a little smile touching on her lips as very drunk Matt snorted with laughter, though was swatted by Carol. "It was sweet!" His mother protested. "Anyway after I finished his nails I had a sick on him by accident. He ended up getting the flu for a few weeks." Of course he refused to talk to her for a few after that, citing that she'd gotten him sick. And when he got better he'd cut her dollie's hair off for payback.

But she left that out. Lee grinned, "Don't sound like our Oli." Charlotte, snorted leaning back on the couch though thankfully the attention shifted off of her. For awhile his friends and family swapped stories of the hazel eyed singer, some made her grin; other's she was a little too drunk to follow. Eventually the group left Oli alone, and drifted back to the conversations beforehand. Out of the corner of her eye she noted Carol and Ian getting up, heading to the door while bidding them to "Be good." Charlotte was feeling lightheaded, and a little queasy. It was a curse. Around new people, if there was alcohol she drank. But she had such a low tolerance it didn't take much to get drunk- or sick. She hoped it wouldn't come to the latter. Thankfully it passed though she still felt somewhat out of it. "You don't party very much do you?" Letting out a soft peal of laughter 'Lottie shook her head. "No, what gave it 'way?" The taller Matt grinned. "You look knackered and it's only your second bottle." Sure there was amusement in his thick voice, but it wasn't mean-spirited. Charlotte was admittedly relieved that she had come. The svelte brunette had been a little worried that his friends were just drunken twats. Most of the people here were drunk but not twats. Which wasn't a bad thing.

She wasn't super chatty, but no one seemed to mind. Eventually, about thirty minutes after Carol and Ian had left; the pair had returned and a few of the boys had hurried out of the house to help bring in food. She would of helped, except when Charlotte stood up she'd tripped over her own feet as the world spun and realized that standing might not be the best thing to do at the moment. So, she settled back down on the couch trying to breathe through the light-headedness. From the kitchen she could hear people setting up plates and opening cartons of food. Figuring she may as well eat before everything was gone Charlotte slowly and very carefully made her way to the kitchen. Sure enough most of the food was put out and the group had begun heaping food onto their plates. As she approached the table Ian handed her a plate with a, "Help yourself dear." Going around the table, leaving containers that looked to be vegetarian alone, she grabbed a decent amount for herself before going to lean against the counter for support. She had taken a few bites before she felt a shadow fall over her and glancing up found Oli, with his own plate. She was at ease with him there, and it was nice to be closer to one of the more familiar faces of the house. "So, good party?" She asked, her words still a little slurred and thick.
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Josh Franceschi | The Second Chancer



Josh had made a strangled noise of protest at the mention of the time he'd thrown up on Effy. More like her shoes- but regardless it wasn't his fondest memory. "I told you- I had already been feeling under weather!" Josh cried, gently nudging her with his shoulder. "Anyway, I'm practically immune to alcohol now." Josh boasted a snicker on his lips. The sky was overcast as they approached the small, compact looking bar. A few kids were already milling outside and Josh puffed his chest out as if preening when Effy deemed him hipster enough. "You just instill me with confidence love." Persiflage chatter trickled between them leaving Josh with a rather dopey and happy grin on his face. Sliding his hands down to his pockets, making sure his wallet was still there he exhaled with relief as they entered the smoky looking bar. The bar was noisy, a decent crowd for happy hour. Most tables were filled which is how they landed up at the bar. The bartender looked rushed off his feet as a few groups hailed him down. After hailing down the bartender and arranging opening a tab for him and Effy he was quick to order something called a Penicillin.

It was a whiskey base with scotch, soda, and lemon juice. Josh was open for trying new things. After Effy ordered her drink the bartender set off; and Josh wasn't sure he'd see his drink for awhile based on the business they had here. He figured the hotel wasn't that far away. They would walk back if they actually did get hammered. "So, wager a friendly drinking game? You know since you can drink me 'neath the table and all?" He asked, his eyes twinkling with a roguish delight. "You know, puking disqualifies you." Music swirled about them while people chattered and life. It had a friendly feel, the decorating was lively and well taken care of. Wasn't a dump by any stretch of imagination. Nicer than half the pubs he went to back home. "Should we count this as your bachelorette party then?" He teased, and with a straight face added, "I'm your favorite anyway." Luckily if anyone had noticed him, he wasn't approached. Quicker than he had expected, their drinks were set in front of him and with a grin he clinked their glasses together. "Cheers!" With that he tipped his glass back, forgoing the straw to chug the liquid. He had half of it in about one go and made a face of pleasant surprise. It was different than the normal drinks he ordered- but he actually rather liked it. It was almost an injustice he hadn't bothered to try it before.

The night went on, and Josh got progressively more hammered. Effy, was surprisingly holding her own against the 6'2 male. It was like old times, going out to pubs and getting pissed, and Josh found himself losing more and more of his impulse control. Normally it wasn't a bad thing. The worst he normally did was take his shirt off and eat food off his stomach. But the more he drank the more he wanted to blurt out that she was without a doubt the most beautiful woman he had laid eyes on. He thought that when they met that summer, and he still thought it- years later. In fact if there was one thing Josh was sure of, it was that he'd think that for the rest of his days. The more he drank, the less sophisticated his drinks got. Mixed drinks were traded for straight shots, and it was around his sixth shot, plus the three mixed drinks he had gotten Josh's speech was slurred though he wasn't completely smashed yet. He was determined to settle up old scores and finish Effy off in a drinking round. "Jesus Effy! At this rate you'll get alcohol poisoning before you give up!" Josh cried over the next round of shots though it sounded more like, jumbled gibberish.

He made a face when his stomach lurched uncomfortably swirling with a moment of nausea . His choice of friends, the people he surrounded with had really made him build up a tolerance but it had been awhile since he'd drank like this. The next round of shots slid down his throat like fire making him moan into his shoulder with distaste. "Gon' have a nasty 'ang 'ver." Josh announced in a voice that was teetering on coherent. For a moment he wondered if Sam would be pissed that Effy had stayed out with him, drinking. However their fun was cut short when Josh, going to order more shots utterly determined to quash Effy in their drinking competition of which he was pretty sure they were tied though had lost count, when the bartender hurried over with an apologetic smile. "Sorry guys, Bossman says you're cut off. If you want some water that's fine or if you want me to call a tab." Some people got pissy when this happened; but it had happened enough when he was out with Oli that it didn't phase Josh anymore. "'S alrigh' mate! Gotta' do your job 'n all. Tab?" The bartender was quick to hand over the tab, and after getting it settled he turned to Effy. "Since you can't drive, wanna head back to my hotel? 'S not far 'n you can sober up."

Oliver Sykes | The Bully

Oliver sort of wished that Matt hadn’t come and interrupted his conversation with Charlotte. He loved spending time with his mates, but they really were a loud bunch, and it was sort of nice to just have a regular conversation with someone. There was also the fact that he really had missed Charlotte in the weeks that had passed since he’d last really spoken to her. He knew that he’d gone years without seeing her, but he liked to think that things were going to be different between them now that things were sort of out in the open. He knew that she’d held a grudge against him for a while, something he still didn’t know how he’d been oblivious enough to miss, but they were on good terms now, and that was all that really mattered to him. He liked to think that they might be able to be friends now; he honestly hoped that would be the case anyway. Nevertheless, he followed the petite brunette into the living room where the others were all ordering Chinese food. He made a mental note to maybe try to continue his conversation with Charlotte later on though.

“Tommy being helpful? Yeah right!” He said with a laugh, earning him a look from his younger brother. “Oi! No one asked any of you for your opinions!” Snickers were the immediate response to his brother’s words as Oliver wasn’t the only one to scoff in response to the comment Charlotte had made, but it was all in good fun anyway. Most of the comments that were made were fairly lighthearted. He and his mates may be pretty loud and obnoxious at times, though Oliver was honestly probably the most quiet of the bunch, but none of them were twats. He hoped that they didn’t come across as such either, though he was certain that Charlotte wouldn’t be in a lighthearted mood right now, regardless of her tipsy state, if they were.

Soon enough, the food order had been sent in, and everyone had settled onto the couch, one of the chairs, or the floor as a horror film played on the television. It was relatively quiet in the room compared to what it had been like not long before, but the silence didn’t last long when Lee decided to ask Charlotte about what Oliver had been like as a child. That was enough to draw Oliver’s attention away from the film for the time being, and he let out a groan in response to his mate’s words, but he knew that it wouldn’t do any good if Charlotte planned on relinquishing any embarrassing information about him. And of course she had to mention the time he’d allowed her to paint his nails that one time she’d had the flu and he’d gone over to keep her company despite his mother telling him that he’d get sick if he did so. “That’s what I get for being nice and keeping you company. Rather rude of you, Lottie, wasn’t it?” He teased, a slight smirk tugging at the corners of his lips. He rolled his eyes when Lee said that it hadn’t sounded like the Oli that they knew, and of course that earned quite a few laughs and snorts in response. “Sod off, the lot of you.” He mumbled, shooting them all a look. “I can be nice when I want to be.”

When the food arrived, Oliver was quick to follow the others into the kitchen and begin piling food onto his place, all vegetarian choices of course. He noticed Charlotte, much less quickly, putting things onto her plate before moving to lean up against the counter and chose to go stand next to her, sending her a small smile when she noticed his presence. “So far, yeah.” He said before taking a bite of his good. “What about you? Enjoying yourself, I hope?”

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Elizabeth Kingsley | The Bride

Effy didn’t bother trying to hold in the laugh that escaped her lips. “You say that every single time I bring that incident up, and you still don’t have me convinced, Joshua.” She said, a faint smirk tugging at the corners of her lips. Since the night it had happened, he’d been using the fact that he was supposedly already sick as an excuse for throwing up all over her shoes, but she and everyone else who had been there never really saw it as a convincing argument. Before the lull in their friendship had occurred, Effy would bring up that story every chance that she got. It was kind of her job as his best friend. Of course, there were other embarrassing stories that she’d brought up as well, but that was one of her favorites because Josh was always quick to jump in and claim that he hadn’t been feeling well prior to their night out. “Say whatever you’d like, it still doesn’t change the fact that you threw up all over my favorite pair of Vans.” She was only teasing him. While they had been her favorite shoes at the time, she hadn’t made a huge deal out of it. She was never one to blow things out of proportion. She saw no reason to cause any unnecessary drama. If she could avoid it, she did.

“Well, we’re just going to have to test that claim out tonight. I’d like to think I can still drink you under the table like I used to.” She said with a slight grin. This was honestly what she’d needed for a while now. She’d needed to step back from Sam’s family and all of the wedding planning for a little while and just enjoy herself for once. Planning a wedding was so beyond stressful, and she honestly couldn’t wait until it was all over. She knew that it would all pay off in the end. And after the wedding there was the honeymoon to look forward to anyway, so there was definitely a light at the end of the tunnel, but for now she was just going to enjoy spending time with Josh.

Once she had ordered her drink, she turned her attention back to Josh. “Is that even a question?” She countered, punctuating her words with a raised eyebrow. “Then you should keep that in mind before you decide to ruin another pair of my shoes.” She smirked. She honestly doubted that she was ever going to let him live that down. She hadn’t yet, and she doubted that she’d ever really stop bringing it up. “I suppose we could consider this my bachelorette party, don’t tell Sam’s sisters though. They’re hell-bent on taking me out.” She told him. To be honest, she’d much rather spend more time with Josh. There was no stress, and it was a welcomed reprieve from everything she’d been dealing with lately.

As the night went on, time seemed to pass more quickly than Effy could have anticpated. She’d honestly sort of lost count of the amount of alcohol she’d consumed, something that hadn’t happened in a long time, probably not since college, but she still felt as though she was holding her own against Josh. Her alcohol tolerance had always been pretty high for someone of her size, and she hadn’t been exaggerating when she mentioned how she’d drank both Josh and Max under the table a couple of times when they were younger. Of course, Josh seemed to have worked up a much higher tolerance since they had last drank together, but Effy hadn’t gotten sick or passed out yet, so that was a decent enough accomplishment for her.
When the bartender informed them both that they’d been cut off, she wasn’t all that phased by the news. She wasn’t someone who got annoyed about something like that, again never one to get into any unnecessary drama, so she simply shrugged her shoulders. When Josh suggested going back to his hotel to sober up, she nodded. “Probably for the best.” She was in no shape to be driving right now, and it meant spending more time with her best friend so she wasn’t complaining at all.

@ CoffeeandLightsabers
Bumping this because I miss this rp a lot

@ CoffeeandLightsabers
Did you still want to do this?