you are my little star.

Xanthippe Scout | The Dreamer



Xanthippe's best friend had sworn that this party would be fun. That Xan would have a good time, and she wouldn't be left standing in the corner like some leper. It wasn't like Xanthippe believed Alice, but they often stayed in because the girl was incredibly self-conscious about her... affliction. At the tender age of ten she'd gone deaf in both ears. Her mother used to be one of those anti-vaccination hippies, because some junk science about vaccinations causing autism. So, she'd managed to contract meningitis. Her small body had hardly been able to fight off the diease and for weeks Xanthippe had hung in the balance of life and death. She couldn't recall exactly when she lost her hearing, just that when she'd regained conscious long enough to remember; it was gone. For awhile she'd gotten depressed. Anxious and a wreck, and for a long time she Xanthippe blamed her eccentric mother. But, she learned to live with losing her hearing. What money that Xanthippe's mother had, was used to put Xan in a specialized school for those who could not hear.

She'd learned sign language, and since Xanthippe could no longer hear herself talking, had pretty much relied on that to communicate. She still could talk, but she knew her voice sounded odd. Unmodulated and Xanthippe, having always been on the shy side, didn't want to give people around her a reason to stare. She'd done well in school, made high marks but after she got through her second year of college, dropped out and moved out to the UK. She had a friend there who promised that if she moved out and roomed up with her, that Xanthippe would have a gig waiting. Turned out that gig was modeling, and the girls did well at their job. Before Xanthippe knew it, she found herself acquainted with the socialites and famous of the UK. But they were all the same. When it dawned on them that the slender blonde with her piercing aquatic emerald gaze was deaf they would give her that same pitying look, and half the time just assumed she couldn't read lips. "Poor thing. Pretty face..." They'd sigh to one another. That all changed when Xanthippe had caved in and got fitted for a hearing aid, and while the pity embedded in their looks didn't change, their words did.

Instead of being talked about, people would often just ignored her. Which is why Xanthippe was so reluctant to go to the party that Alice had wanted to go to tonight. "They're really cool guys. I know the drummer of the band. It'll be fun love." Alice quickly signed, a sort of pleading in her eyes. For some reason Alice didn't like going to parties alone and her normal partners in crime must of been busy. For sake of keeping peace in the flat Xanthippe had thrown her hands up and signed back with a small scowl "Two hours. Two!" Well, Alice had thrown a pair of tight arms around the model for an embrace before going off to get ready. Already feeling anxious about going out, Xanthippe applied a bit of makeup so she didn't look so exhausted, a pair of black tight jeans clung to her legs, while she'd thrown on a simple gray tank top finished with a simple black leather jacket. No need to dress up and stand out- she'd rather vanish into the crowd. Alice had rolled her eyes at her friend's outfit though said nothing, taking her outside and hailing a taxi. Xan had decided to forgo her hearing aid, and just find somewhere to take a nap.

It was only the other day she'd gotten back from a photo shoot in Ireland, and was exhausted any road. The party itself had pretty much been what she expected. When they rolled up already beer cans littered the front lawn, and she could faintly hear the music blaring. Shit it must be loud. For the first twenty minutes the two girls stayed together, greeting a few familiar faces but it wasn't long before Alice weaseled off with some guy leaving Xanthippe in the tightly packed living room. It wasn't worth it to try and fight for a spot on the couch, so instead she pushed her way past a few people; keeping her head down. A few people gave her small smiles; though quickly avoided her gaze afterward making Xan's stomach drop. But trying to ignore it she fought her way to the kitchen where her suspicions were confirmed. There was the booze supply, a freshly supplied keg of beer. Even though she was quite the lightweight Xan grabbed a red solo with a huff, and poured it to the brim. With at least something to drink the little blonde decided to scour the house to try to find some place she could be alone. Her search led her to an upstairs storage room. There really wasn't anything in it, but there was a window with a big enough sill that she could press herself onto and stare out on the city below. Perhaps she wasn't supposed to be up here, but really Xanthippe felt she might explode if she had to be downstairs any longer.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Josh Franceschi | The Heartbreaker



He had loved her, truly and desperately but sometimes life just got in the way. Josh had always told his friends he'd marry Viola, and he'd meant it. The blue-eyed rocker felt as if he had met his other half, never before had he been so happy than when he was by her side. And their love had been fucking epic, impromptu vacations, they'd even taken some cooking class together. Josh had been asked to not come back when he nearly and accidentally set the place on fire. Nights they spent so tangled in each other that Josh didn't know where he ended and Vi began. Even now Josh swore he could still feel her on his skin when he went to sleep, and in his ears forever were her sweet nothings. But like he said before, sometimes life just got in the damned way. He'd stop showing her so much attention, had gone on more and more tours which left her alone. Then came the fit of jealousy that Josh had experienced, and had accused her of cheating while he was way- just because she'd changed her perfume.

Then when he was home, all Josh wanted to do was party with the lads. Well, Vi of course hated his new behavior and hadn't been afraid to let him know. Day in and out he'd get an earful from her. Those nagging lectures would turn in to Vi trying to rile him up, to get Josh to fight with her. And the rocker had given the woman exactly what she wanted. In the end even the pettiest things would set the couple off. Screaming matches where they dragged all their problems out, tears and slamming doors often ended the night instead of the love and happiness they used to share. Well, one night Josh had enough. The man had grabbed his coat, ignored a sobbing Vi who had plead with him to just stay and work everything out. No, he'd shaken her hand off his arm and stormed out, pulling out of the driveway to crash with his sister for the night. The two had talked, and Elissa had talked some sense into his knackered head. That love was fucking hard and if Josh wanted this to work he had to make it.

It'd been too late to go back home, so he'd crashed on his sister's couch and in the morning had driven back to their place. "Vi, Vi where are you? Baby I'm sorry. C'mere love." Josh had called in a sing-songy voice as he took the stairs three at a time up to their bedroom. What he found left him cold and numb. All her things were gone. Clothes, phone, laptop, and hair iron. Her shoes were nowhere to be found, and neither was Vi. In a fit of frenzy Josh had literally torn apart his flat refusing to believe she was truly and honestly gone. His search rendered nothing. In a state of panic he'd logged onto his social media only to find that Vi had defriended and blocked the messy-haired man on everything. He hadn't known what to do. The first three days she was gone Josh locked himself in his flat, refusing to pick up the phone as it was never Vi and had drunk himself half to death. Finally on the third day of agonizing over what had happened, Josh had the bright idea to get in contact with all her friends. With whom he could remember Josh went door to door. Called the friends of Vi who's living arrangements Josh didn't know.

But his last ditch frantic attempt to find his beloved failed. No one had seen her, supposedly. In the months that came Josh had fallen into one of the deepest depressions of his life. He didn't know if she was dead or something. Eventually he was able to fake a smile occasionally around his friends. And when his manager announced that he'd lined a tour up for the band, Josh had just nodded listlessly. Night after night he had been able to get on stage and pretend he was pumped, psyched to be preforming; though his gaze hysterically scanned the crowd in the lingering hopes that Vi would appear before him and Josh could ask her why the fuck she'd do this to him. What they had done to their relationship. It never happened and before he knew it, the first anniversary of the day she'd disappeared was coming up. And where was he? In Miami, having just concluded the tour he had been on. Apparently the guys knew some girls who owned the flat and they wanted to attend a party they were going to. Josh, having skipped out on a majority of the parties that tour, had been dragged out.

The house itself was nice, right near the beach, well maintained and in a nice neighborhood. Upon entering the house, music blaring from speakers Josh wrinkled his nose against the stale stench of beer that assaulted him as soon as he opened the door. People were strewn about the living room and dining room area. A few couples danced close, making an ache bloom in Josh's chest. He used to dance like that with Viola. For the most part, Josh just leaned against the wall, turning down a couple offers to dance while sipping his beer which had gone flat thirty minutes ago. What he wasn't expecting was for Max to appear as the night seemed to be dwindling, pushing through the throng of bodies wild eyed. "Josh! I lost the my wallet. It had my passport and cards in there mate! I can't get back home without that shite!" his friend wailed over the music. Being compeltely sober Josh rolled his eyes. "Fine, where do you want me to look?" At this Max ran a hand through his hair and shrugged. "The bathroom? Had to piss earlier." Grumbling and pushing through the crowd Josh made his way to the bathroom, Max trailing a few feet behind him.

When they finally got there, Max bitching and groaning the entire way up Josh was ready to just go home. He was sober as fuck, and the music was beginning to get grating. He just missed Violet and wanted to hold her again. To try to figure out why she had just left him like that a year ago. Life has a funny way of pulling one's leg when they're down. Which is why Josh had paused in the doorway of the bathroom because before him stood a familiar figure, on her hands and knees looking for something. Achingly familiar figure, the same hair and finely shaped hips as he remembered almost Josh lose what little alcohol he had drunk. From behind he felt a little shove, and stumbling into the bathroom josh was shocked to hear the door slam shut and a little click, gaining Vi's attention. Her gaze swung up, equally horrified and frozen as Josh's and he nearly missed Max and an unfamiliar voice shouting "Now, you two aren't coming out until you talk! Kiss and make up quick so we can party." His mouth was utterly dry as his ex stood under the bathroom lights, looking a little more agitated than he did. "Vi...Viola?"

//

OOC: aaah sorry I'm such shit at starters.

Oliver Sykes | The Musician


While there were ulterior motives for attending this party, Oliver was never one to turn one down. He knew that the sole purpose of being here, other than to just have a fucking good time and enjoy himself, was to get Josh back with his bird, or at least to get the two to bloody talk, however he was definitely going to do the latter of the two. He didn't know the girls all that well, and he wondered how many of the people in attendance that evening they actually knew themselves, however that wasn't about to stop him.

After a while, things got to be a bit too much for his liking, and so, after grabbing himself a drink, the tattooed man headed upstairs where he was certain things would be a bit quieter. He was certain the guys wouldn't leave without him, however, if they did leave without him, he knew how to get back to the hotel anyway. He had a feeling they were going to be here for a while though. Josh was one of his good friends, but he could be so fucking hardheaded and stubborn sometimes, and from the few times he'd spoken to Viola, she seemed to be the same exact way, so he highly doubted anyone would be going anywhere any time soon.

It was kind of funny when he really thought about it. Someone with a profession like his should be used to the crowds and being in the spotlight, however that wasn't always the case. In fact, Oliver was a very different person off stage. It was almost like he was a completely different person altogether, and he was certain that that came as a shock to a lot of people. No one expected the frontman of a band to be soft spoken at times, but that was precisely who he was. And, with that, came enjoying peace and quiet which was precisely what he hoped to find upstairs. He wasn't really sure if he was supposed to be up there, though he was fairly certain someone would have told him off as he approached the stairs if they'd actually cared enough to do so.

And so, that was how he found himself walking into one of the small storage rooms. He was rather surprised to find that he wasn't the only one who'd had the idea to make their escape up the stairs, however he wouldn't be surprised if there were quite a few people here who weren't the biggest partiers or who had been dragged there by a friend against their own will or something of the sort. Figuring he'd attempt to make small conversation, he approached the bay window where the blonde was seated, seemingly staring out at the city and just taking in the view. "Beautiful isn't it?" He commented, sipping his drink. He waited for a response, but it never came. He was certain he'd waited an ample amount of time for her to respond, and she just didn't. "I've always liked it here. One of my favorite places in the States, I reckon." He continued on. And, yet again, no response. He was almost starting to get offended. Almost. Was she purposely not answering him? Was she ignoring him? He had no idea, but he kind of wanted to find out, and so he continued. "I don't really know the girls who own this place. One of 'em used to date one of my mates. That's why 'm here right now, to be honest. Trying to get them two back together, I guess." He chuckled slightly. He shouldn't have been surprised, but for whatever reason he was, when she didn't say anything to him again.

---

Viola Baudlair | The One That Got Away


There wasn't a day that went by without Viola thinking back to that night. The fight was no different than any other one they'd gotten into. The thing was, they were all over something meaningless and stupid, and, realistically, none of them should have really happened. Well, maybe they should have, but maybe the lack in severity should have made working things out a lot easier than it was. While they always forgave each other, clearly they never really sorted out any of their actual issues as a couple. And maybe that was why Viola had left. Maybe she was fed up with it all. She honestly couldn't tell you what possessed her to leave that night. Maybe she was finally giving up. She didn't really know, but what she did know was that, despite how things had been to the bitter end, she missed Josh terribly.

A little less than a year had passed since Viola just up and left in the middle of the night. It was hard to say what her stance was on the whole thing now. While there was a part of her, whether she was willing to admit it or not, who truly did miss Josh, there was a part of her that had known that she'd done what was for the best for both of them. Things just clearly weren't working out between them. Sure, maybe she shouldn't have just up and left like that without even leaving him a note, but she didn't know what else she was supposed to do. If she'd stayed, he probably would have convinced her, yet again, that they were going to be okay and that they could work this out. If she'd left a note, well, it would just make things all the more difficult for her in her eyes. Just leaving was a clean break for her. Sure, maybe it was slightly impulsive as well, but that was a completely different story altogether. The fact of the matter was, she'd had her reasons for leaving, and no matter how much she might regret it now, it was what it was. She couldn't go back and change the past and that was that.

Her friends very easily saw a change in her the last year, and it certainly wasn't for the better. No matter how much they'd fought with each other until the end, it was quite clear just how happy Josh had made Viola. And they were fed up with seeing her unhappy. Needless to say, they were going to try and be good friends and help her out if they could. So, they'd called up a few of Josh's friends, who were also tired of how moody and sulky their friend had become as of late, and they had devised a plan. You Me At Six had a show in the Miami area. It just so happened that Viola had been staying with a few of her friends there since the breakup.

"Isn't this more fun than eating ice cream and binge-watching How I Met Your Mother?" Her friend asked over the loud music pounding throughout their apartment. Her friends had decided to throw a party this weekend, something that Viola hadn't been all that pleased to discover, but there wasn't much she could do other than hide out in her room. Her friends had been adamant on her enjoying herself that night. So far, she was far to sober to even remotely be enjoying herself and, now that her friend mentioned it, ice cream and How I met Your Mother seemed rather appealing right about now. Before she could say anything on the subject, her friend cut her off. It almost seemed as though she'd spotted someone she knew or something. "Crap, I think I left my phone in the bathroom...can you go check to see if it's there?" Viola should have seen right through her friend's odd behavior right then and there, but for whatever reason she didn't. Maybe she just saw this as an excuse to escape for a little while. She knew she couldn't stay upstairs for long, but it would be enough for her for the time being. "Why would you leave it...never mind...I'll be right back." She shook her head slightly before pushing through the crowd of people so that she could get to the stairs.

"Jesus Christ, who worries about leaving their bloody phone in their own bathroom." She mumbled to herself, currently down on the ground on her hands and knees in search of her friend's phone. And that was where her attention was focused until she heard the click of the lock on the bathroom door. Looking up, her eyes widened in shock at who she saw standing there. He was the last person she expected to see standing there. What was he doing here? Who had invited him to the party? That's when she heard Max's voice through the door. Instead of saying anything to Josh, she went straight to the door, banging on it with her fist. "Max, this isn't bloody funny! Open the damn door!"

"No can do, Vi. You two need to talk this out, and you're not going anywhere until you do."

[Your start was fine!]

Xanthippe Scout | The Dreamer



It was strange being back in the states. Hell she might even go visit her mother. She and Alice were here for a couple months, Alice had booked them a slew of work over here, so Xanthippe would think about visiting. She'd at least Skype with the graying woman. The last time that Xan had seen her mother... It hadn't gone well. Always fiercely independent the slight blonde hated it when people tried to baby her. And that's exactly what her mother did, and Xan knew why. The woman was drowning in guilt whenever she saw Xanthippe, one of the reasons that she moved around the world so frequently. "I'm just better on my own." Xanthippe thought to herself taking a small sip of beer which made her crinkle her nose with distaste. Even when she was out and not at a kegger, Xan had always preferred sweet wines and champagnes. Hard ciders on occasion. Beer was nasty and the only reason she was drinking now was so she could pass some time before she and Alice made their way back to their own rented flat.

She didn't know how long she stood there, pressed against the window looking out and fully considering hailing her own cab home before her legs began to cramp up. Deciding to stretch them, maybe find a place to just wait this damned party out, she was quite surprised when she got up, turning around to find a strange man in the room as well. Any skin she could see was pretty much just covered with colorful tattoos. His hair was thick and shaggy, swept off to one side and he looked a little put out and expectant. Then it occurred to Xanthippe, he must of been trying to talk to her. As if to prove her point she noted his lips move, and a wave of panic washed over her. This is why she hated parties. It was her luck that the first handsome man she saw was trying to talk to her. And she'd look like a fucking invalid when Xan had to sign that she couldn't hear. There was always the option of brushing past him and losing herself in the crowd of the party but that meant that she had to go back to the crowds.

I can't hear you. Xanthippe signed, her face flushed with embarrassment, avoiding the other's gaze. She doubted highly that he knew exactly what she was trying to communicate, but the point got across as his his eyes widened with understanding. She knew what was going to happen next. He'd apologize slowly so she could read his lips, and then he'd back out of the room like a bat outta hell. Or at least, that's what she thought. What Xanthippe didn't expect was for the man to hold up a finger, asking for a moment before he fished a phone from his pocket, and after pulling up what she assumed was notes began to type frantically. Feeling awkward, crossing her arms against her chest the woman could feel her high cheekbones staining with blush as he held out his phone. I'm Oli. This is what she and Alice had done before her friend had learned to sign. Furrowing her brows together Xanthippe set her red solo on the ground and pulled out her phone and bringing up the notes. Xanthippe. Holding it out so he could read it, Xan watched his mouth as it curled around her name, and she couldn't shake a feeling of hesitancy from her bones.

She was good at reading people. At their expressions, after all it had been about fourteen years since she'd really heard someone. And with a scrutiny she searched this man, Oli's face, looking for the pity. Looking for that tell-tale sign that he just saw her as a poor thing that couldn't fend for herself and like he had to be nice to her. Instead there was none, no widened stare or lips pressed down into a frown that spoke to one's awkwardness about being around her. And slightly, very slightly she relaxed. However, she was now regretting not bringing her hearing aid. At least with it in, she could hear if he really fucking shouted at her. Then it occurred to her, was this possibly one of the owners of the home? The friends that Alice had gone to her single year of college with? She could talk of course, but he didn't know that and Xanthippe knew she sounded... off. Different than the normal people. Her voice was thick and often never the right pitch. So instead she began tapping furiously away in her notes, before holding it up. Sorry, do you live here? Am I not supposed to be up here? If it were an issue she'd cry that she'd just gotten lightheaded.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Josh Franceschi | The Heartbreaker



For the longest time Josh just stood still, his mouth having gone slack and he had no idea what to say. There stood Viola, looking just as beautiful as the day she'd left; but so far his dark haired ex had yet to look at him. "Max, this isn't bloody funny! Open the damn door!" Vi shouted, ire coloring her voice dark while Max snickered that he wasn't opening the door until they chatted. His mind was dead with shock, yet racing with a thousands words unsaid and bursting in his lungs Josh needed to say. Where the fuck had she been for the past year? Here? Why had she never called him, if nothing less to say that she was leaving, but she was alive and well? What the hell had she been thinking? However all those thoughts turned to mush on his tongue. Vi however, seemed desperate to get away from him all over again, and likewise, all over again Josh's heart broke in his chest. It was simple instinct that made Josh move, gently grabbing Viola's wrist from banging anymore on the door; and it was then for the first time that her gaze dragged towards his.

"Please don't. You'll break your hands, go stand in the tub. If you want to get out of here then fine. I'll get the door open and you can runaway again." His voice was cold, a lingering warmth beneath the words as he spoke; images of her breaking a finger in attempt to open the door. "For this past year... Wow." He sighed, still kind of unable to form a complete sentence. "Glad your safe. Wish you could of sent me a letter. Would of saved me a lot of sleepless nights." Josh began again, this time looking behind him to fix her with his best wounded pup stare. After a fucking year of silence and she couldn't even look at him? Whatever. He'd break the door down and head back to the UK on his own. The bathroom was tiny, and of course no windows. Otherwise Josh would of just crawled out and taken a chance breaking his neck. How dare they do this? All his mates knew exactly how broken his heart had been after Vi just fucking took off without a word. And to think that all this time she'd just gallivanted off to Miami to live it up. Fucking classy. Alright, maybe that potent hurt he'd felt every waking hour was turning to anger.

However, as much as the room allowed him to, Josh backed up sucking in a deep breath. He'd seen the movies and sure they weren't the best thing to go on; but what choice did he have? Being stuck in a bathroom with an ex who wouldn't even look at him? No, Josh kind of felt like his world had started falling down about his head and he really didn't want Vi to see that she had that effect on him. No, he wouldn't give her the satisfaction of letting her witness just how much damage she'd dealt. He was going to marry her, Josh had sworn. And he would of, had she not taken the easy way out. Had she just stayed and worked their problems out. Exhaling loudly, the Aegean eyed man braced himself before taking off running at the door. He connected with a loud thud and while the door shook, Josh's shoulder cracked and he ended up on his back staring up at the ceiling, shooting pain running through his shoulder. Oh that was a bad idea. "Josh!" For the first time Vi spoke his name, and with a groan the man pushed himself to a sitting position.

But, since he was pretty sure he'd dislocated his shoulder Josh let out a hiss of pain from behind clenched teeth. "Don't you dare break our door! You're paying for our security deposit if you do!" That unfamiliar woman's voice filtered through the other-side again while Max called out "Dude, are you okay?" His friend sounded a tad bit more concerned and Josh felt a little irritated with himself, but mostly everyone around him. "I think I dislocated my shoulder. Can you just fucking let me out? I swear to god I'll call the cops Max." Josh threatened, and for a moment all he heard was silence. "Well once you talk to each other we can let you out. Also good luck calling without a phone." Those little fuckers. Josh was going to exact some sort of revenge on all of them when he got out of here. At this point his shoulder was throbbing dully and pulling back his shirt revealed that it was going to be fucking bruised, but he didn't think it was dislocated. With a defeated huff he turned to Viola. "Can you believe those guys?" His voice held sentiments of disdain, but if one listened closely a little amusement. "You wanna talk and get this over with?"

Oliver Sykes | The Musician


If she hadn't noticed him, Oliver probably would have rambled on for a little while longer before deciding to give up on it altogether. Rather quickly, he realized that she hadn't been ignoring him at all. She hadn't heard him. To be honest, he felt like a right twat for even thinking that she would be ignoring him. It was easy enough to jump to conclusions like that though. He knew that there were some guys at parties who gave off rather creepy vibes, and he'd begun to wonder if maybe he had as well for whatever reason, though he learned rather quickly that that wasn't the case at all.

He'd be lying if he said that he hadn't panicked for a moment when she began to make motions with her hands, something that, after processing what was happening, he realized was her signing to him. She was deaf. Instead of pitying her like he was certain so many people before him had done, he was thankful that he thought quick enough on his feet as he pulled his phone out, typing out a quick little message on Notes. I'm Oli He offered her a small smile as he held his phone out to her. He didn't know how else to attempt to make conversation with her, and he hoped that she'd be alright with this.

He waited, almost eagerly, for her to type out a response. When she held the phone back out to him, his eyes scanned over her response. Xanthippe. That was her name, and it was a beautiful name. A unique one too. And, for whatever reason, Oliver could tell that it was one that suited her perfectly. He didn't even know the girl, and yet he could tell that it suited her. He didn't really know how to explain it, he kind of just knew. He hadn't realized that his brief silence, if one could call it that, might be taken the wrong way until she began typing out another message before he could even type one out of his own.

The words on the screen caused him to let out a soft chuckle and he shook his head, taking the phone from her so that he could write something of his own. No, I don't live here. I don't really know any of the girls who do live here if I'm being honest. Just the one...she used to date one of my mates...I'm here with him and a few of our other friends as a last ditch effort to try to get the two back together. We probably shouldn't be up here, but no one cared enough to stop either of us so... He handed the phone back to her.

---

Viola Baudlair | The One That Got Away


Viola should have known her friends were up to something. Amanda's behavior was all the more obvious now that she really thought about it, however, she'd been so keen on making her escape from the party that she'd missed the obvious entirely. But she hadn't picked up on it, and there wasn't much she could do about it now other than swear to wring their fucking necks the second she got out of this bathroom. In the meantime, she was adamant on convincing them to let her out as she continued banging on the door. In that short amount of time, she hadn't looked at him once. She'd hardly acknowledge the fact that he was there, and that was simply because doing so would hurt to much. Or she assumed that it would anyway.

It wasn't until he reached out and grabbed ahold of her wrist that she was forced to look at him. And Gods, it fucking hurt like hell. It took everything in her not to flinch at his cold words. It took everything in her to bite back the remark she was so ready to let slip off her tongue, but where was the sense in that? That was exactly what had caused her to give up on them in the first place. The stupid, petty arguments they were constantly getting in to. The last one had been different though. She'd begged and pleaded for him to stay so that they could work things out the way that they always did, but he hadn't stayed this time. He'd left, and, for her, that had been sign enough that he wanted out of what had developed into a toxic relationship too. So, she'd packed up her things, and hopped on the next plane she could catch to the States and that had been the end of it. Until now.

She chose to remain silent, moving back to stand in the tub. She watched him wordlessly, eyes widening slightly as he got as much of a running start as he could in the small bathroom before slamming his shoulder against the door. She flinched, sudden concern taking precedent over everything else, when she heard his shoulder crack. For a moment, all was forgotten as she spoke to him for the first time in a year. "Josh!" Before she could ask if he was alright, Amanda's voice could be heard on the other side of the door, Max's soon following. It was clear now that they'd had this whole thing planned out for a while. When and how the two had started talking to plan this whole scheme of hers was beyond her, but it was evident that this had been planned out for quite some time.

Leaning against the wall, an aggravated sigh escaping her lips, she pinched the bridge of her nose between her thumb and index finger. She could feel a headache coming on, and alcohol wasn't the cause either. That's when Josh spoke to her again, this time his words were much less cold and there was a hint of humor behind him that served to surprise her. Of course, he would be able to find at least something about this situation amusing. That wasn't the case for her at all. There was nothing about this situation that was even remotely amusing in her opinion. In fact, this was probably something out of one of her worst nightmares if she was being completely honest. "It doesn't seem like they'll be letting us out unless we do."

Xanthippe Scout | The Dreamer



Anxiously she held the phone, reading what he'd wrote quickly enough. So this wasn't his place, a friends. Her shoulders slumped a little at this and she obviously relaxed. So she wasn't exactly trespassing somewhere she wasn't supposed to be. As her eyes skimmed over the line that he was here trying to help friends set up another friend with an ex, Xanthippe's lips broke out into an amused grin. Usually with exes she tried her best to ignore them; not orchestrate parties to try to get back together. Biting at her lip softly, Xan decided that at least for now his company was welcome. Ah, my friend has a thing about going out to parties alone. Therefore I was enlisted to come along. I don't exactly dance so, kind of wandered up here. What about you? It didn't really occur to Xanthippe that this Oli fellow may not like being down in the crowds, just as she. He could hear the music, dance along to it; and see if the ploy with his mate, apparently she wasn't the only one visiting from overseas, worked.

Not that she was complaining. It was nice to have some company that didn't act like she was invisible once they found out she was deaf. Downstairs she assumed that the party was still going, and for a moment she hoped Alice didn't forget about her. It wouldn't be first time. One of the other reasons Xan was a little leery of going to a party with Alice was last time Alice had gotten drunk, forgotten that she'd gone with Xan and had left with some guy. Eh. Even if that happened Xanthippe's flat was about a twenty minute walk. It wouldn't be the end of the world. As she watched Oli type out why he was hanging around up here as well, which was curious to her. Because even when people were sober they had a hard time communicating with her. There was something about him that made Xanthippe feel a little more confident with communicating. Hazel depths reflected nothing other than a friendly intrigue. Pocketing her own phone, deciding to just use his to communicate for however long he wanted, Xan leaned down to pick up her red solo cup and begin once again on her beer.

At least she could get a buzz going on. They weren't up there too long before Xan noticed movement over his shoulder, a slightly smaller brunette man who looked quite amused. As he opened his mouth, Oli turned from what he'd been typing and a grin split Oli's lip. Apparently something was amusing. But then the brunette was off heading back down the stairs, and Oli set back to what he was typing. Looks like my friend I was talking about earlier is locked in the bathroom with his ex. I'm gonna go see what's up, wanna come? As the phone was handed to her, Xanthippe let her gaze skim over it with a sort of curiosity. Was he actually enjoying her company? Huh. Instead of typing she just nodded, offering a somewhat timorous smile and without thinking made a soft humming noise in her throat of agreement. Together they headed down the stairs and towards the bathroom where there was a bit of crowd. Mostly a bunch of men and a few women.

One of those women happened to be Alice, leaning against a lean man with obviously dyed blond hair and a piercing blueish green gaze. Probably the drummer she'd mentioned earlier. The thing about being back downstairs was she could once again faintly hear the whisperings of incoherent noises. It didn't take long for Alice to notice the pair and leaning up whispered something to the guy she was with; and pushed her way over the Xanthippe. I'm tempted to say I told you so. She signed, that devilish grin on her lips while jerking her head towards the lanky brunette by her side. Blushing Xanthippe shook her head, He's being nice to me. You know because you took off on me to go see your... Boyfriend? Following Xanthippe's confused chin-jerk towards the guy she'd just left. Oh. That's Dan. Don't worry about him. That was a first, normally Alice was quick to spill whatever she could on who'd she'd been with.

The drummer? You mentioned earlier. The reason you dragged me out here? Alice flushed and rolled her eyes, "Shush you." She grumbled, and glanced up at Oliver who'd been standing around half watching what was going on behind the bathroom door, and half to the girl's conversation with a bit of confusion. What's going on by the way? Is there a reason there's a crowd? Shrugging, Alice nodded. "Yeah, these guys are eavesdropping on a couple people potentially getting back together. Anyway, I'll leave you two to it." Her friend winked, bobbing her head and making her wild red curls bounce about her face with an impish grin. Having lost her only potential translator, Xanthippe raised her red solo back to her lips and with a grimace chugged the remainder before setting it down. My friend Alice. The one who dragged me here. Any luck with your mate and his bird? Xanthippe explained once she managed to pull her phone out once again, typing down her thoughts and passing it to his surprisingly gentle tattooed hands.
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Josh Franceschi | The Heartbreaker



It wasn't exactly encouraging, Vi's almost condescending tone that she huffed that it was inevitable to talk if they wanted to get out of the bathroom. Josh wasn't stupid, he could hear the crowd gathering outside the door and the quiet hushed whispers and giggles. God he felt like a right arse now. He should of known how strange it was that his friends hadn't given him a choice about going out tonight. How for the past month at least they'd been exchanging those impish little grins with each other. The quiet whispers and the times that they'd go out of the van and talk on the phone, away from him. God, he should of seen this move coming from miles away. And now he was stuck in a bathroom with his ex who'd broken his heart and acted as if he was the most repulsive thing she could think of. Like she'd rather lop her own head rather than talk with him. Of course she had agreed to talk, but hadn't said anything; just looking down at her nails rather Josh's face.

Ouch. What absolutely killed Josh was the fact that even with his heart broken, and Vi treating him like he had the plague; he still loved her. He ached to just hold her like he used to, and promise that he'd fix them. He'd be a better man, the best man for her that Josh could be. That no longer would he break the promises that Josh had made to her those years ago when they'd met. The two years they'd been together had been far worse than the year apart. Josh longed to be able to say that, but his confidence was low, lower than it had been in awhile so instead he just sat on the floor massaging his shoulder. "Guess I'll start then." Josh mumbled, all too aware of the people standing outside the door. Had everyone known but him what was gonna happen at this party? "I don't understand why you left. Whey you left like that. You couldn't even ring me once to let me know you were alive?" That hurt in his voice boiled over like venom and he watched as Viola flinched.

He shouldn't give a damn about her, and her feelings; but Josh still did. So lowering his voice trying to sound more amicable he continued miserably, "I've missed you like fucking hell Vi'. I don't 'spect you to just forgive me for all the shite I've pulled with you. I was jealous, and possessive when we were together. I'm sorry about that. I felt like if the world saw you for all your beauty they'd want you just as much as I did. But I meant it, I meant every promise we made." Josh hadn't a clue about her life here. If she had a boyfriend or some shite like this; but he feared that if he didn't say the things that had plagued him during her absence then he'd never get to say them again. "Viola-" He reached out, brushing a gentle hand across her cheek in an attempt to at least get her to look at him. When they're eyes met Josh continued. "Our relationship was toxic garbage when you left. I know that now. But this past year I realized how much I fucking missed you."

He couldn't even begin to tell her how it was impossible for him to go out without a reminder of her. How many times he thought he'd seen a glimpse of her just to chase down some poor bird. That every night Josh swore he could still feel her against his skin and her voice in his head. That the past year he'd been living with her ghost. He still couldn't bring himself to the places they'd often go for dates. "I ain't never loved anyone like I loved you. They may open that door soon and they may not. I understand if you just want to walk outta my life. But I'm begging you to please just stay. Lemme show you I've changed. I'm a better man. If you don't want to date me it'll break m' heart but I'll understand. And I hope we can at least be friends Vi'." He'd never been one to beg for anything; yet here he was practically on his knees for her. Like he should of when they were together. "Please just talk to me love." In that moment things about him ceased to exist. The nosy lot beyond the door listening to every word, every mistake he'd made, and just the hope that maybe, maybe they could have their second chance was the only thing on Josh's mind.