• The Stars Stay Up •

[Zoe Diana Tylers]

Zoe'd given up her big secret to him, and he wasn't laughing or even smirking at her. He didn't have that strange look in his eyes that everybody else had had when they'd heard her name; like all those kids back home. Even if she'd grown up with all of them and known a lot of them before she'd even been born, they'd still cracked jokes about her "funny" name. But Romeo wasn't. In fact, he was smiling that sweet, gorgeous smile of his and hypnotizing her with those handsome eyes. Her tiny, tiny smile cracked slightly when he called her beautiful, however. What was he talking about? She was so plain, so boring, so... country. Girls like Ember, with their sequins and expensive, designer shoes, they were beautiful. Much, much more beautiful than her, with her plaid shirts and hand-me-down jeans. "You're one'a the only ones who didn't laugh," she whispered in return, giving him a small smile back. It was true though and, in a way, it was comforting for her. That was one of the only secrets Miss Tylers had. Now, he knew it, and he hadn't reacted the way she'd expected him to. It only made Zoe fall that little bit harder for him.

She was so happy right now, it was hard for her not to cry from the overwhelmingness of it all. That girl he'd been raving about before, that'd been her. All those little gestures he made tonight, they really meant what she'd been hoping so, so much for them to. He liked her, Miss Zoraline Diana Tylers. It was completely unbelievable, like one of those cliched movies she still watched because they were all the romance she'd never had. And now, she realized, she was in for a bit of the "country mouse, city boy" gibes once this was found out about by more people... her life really was turning into a movie. But, that was only if this date went well, if Romeo didn't realize that Zoe wasn't good enough. And, in her eyes, there was an exceptionally large chance of that happening.

As soon as he seemed to notice the tears in her eyes, Romeo was wiping at her cheeks, making Zoe let out a strange sort of laugh-sob as he started fussing over her. She wasn't sad at all; not anymore, not now that she knew he liked her. She doubted anything, even another attack, would be able to take this great, wonderful feeling completely away from her tonight. "No, no," she said, gently grabbing one of his hands in her only good one. "I do wanna go out with you, Romeo, so much. So, so much," she repeated, looking up at him with happy eyes. Hesitantly, Zoe reached up and pressed her lips very softly to his cheek, cuddling back into his side afterwards to hide her blushing face from him. Maybe fairytales really did come true.

• • •

WORDS: 527!
TAG: Wherefore art thou, Romeo?
LOCATION: Romeo's Couch, Jervis Apartment
OUTFIT: CUTE PAJAMAS!
LYRICS: "Twisted" by Carrie Underwood
NOTES: <3 <3 <3

[Romeo Jackson Jervis]

What made Zoe beautiful in Romeo’s eyes was the fact that she didn’t even notice it. She wasn’t like some of the girls who tried to flirt with him in the clubs or bars, who dressed in the shortest skirts they owned just because they had great legs, or who wore the lowest cut tops because they had other ‘assets’ to offer. Sure, some of them girls were pretty and attractive, but for something to be beautiful they have to be ignorant to it. At least that was how Romeo saw things. The girls who didn’t glam up for him, those who only put the effort in when they wanted to, but who still acted like their normal selves; the one Romeo fell for to begin with. He didn’t want anyone to change for him and when it came to Zoe, well, he was fairly certain that he was the closest he would ever come to finding the perfect girl. Although, he had to keep reminding himself to slow his heart down before it began planning out the rest of their lives before they had even been on this first date of theirs. He wasn’t usually the guy who got so ahead of himself, but tonight, everything, it was making him a little more antsy and ‘heroic’ than normal.

Romeo shrugged and then helplessly quoted the play his name was born from. “What’s in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would small as sweet.”

[/color] He shook his head, pushing his bronze matted mane back again. “Like I said, me laughin’ rights were revoked the minute I got dubbed Romeo.”[/color] He joked lightly. She had a wonderful name and like he had expected, it was as unique and as incredible as she was.

He felt like something had been lifted from him, as though he was much lighter now he had come straight out and asked Zoe on a date. Maybe it was because she said ‘yes’ or maybe it was just because he’d done it, but there was an overwhelming sense of relief and happiness washing over the twenty four year old right now and he couldn’t think of a better way to spend the rest of the night other than in the position they were now; cuddled on the sofa, just relaxing in each other’s arms. “Then what’s with the tears?”[/color] He questioned, his eyebrows furrowed, but a happily bemused smile dancing across his lips from the second she pecked his cheek; such an innocent move, but enough to keep Romeo walking on air until their date actually came around. He was already trying to work out where to take her and the best things to do so that she could really enjoy New York with him.
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• • •

TAGGED! Romeo's little country mouse
WORDS!506
OUTFIT! sexy PJ’s!
LYRICS! Lonesome Swan - - - Glasvegas
NOTES! XD <3

[Zoe Diana Tylers]

Zoe was going to need so much of a makeover for this date. Or, at least, in her eyes she would. Her and Romeo had never really ventured that much farther than Borders or a few casual meetings in the streets. Now, now she was expecting to meet him and they would be looked at like all those other New York couples who seemed to fill the city to the brim. She'd need to brush off her country dirt and put on a little of that city shine everyone was always bragging about. Already, she could hear her mother scolding her for "changing for a fella". Though, Mama Tylers would not be finding out about this at all costs, not yet at least. Zoe loved her mother to pieces, but she was breaking one of the "rules" she'd set when she first moved out here. Romance was never supposed to be her aim, or part of her life... she was supposed to save that until she returned. And, now, here she was, curled up next to what, in her eyes, was the only taste of perfect guy she'd ever get. How could she say no to him?

She smiled gently up at him as he fixed his hair again, shaking her head. "I love yer name, no matter how many lines ya quote at me," she replied almost silently, her fingers brushing a piece of missed hair off of his forehead. Zoe did love his name, for more than just the romantic history behind it. It suited him, and his always messy hair, charming ways, and heroic heart. He was her Romeo, though she doubted she'd ever be able to fully fill the shoes of Juliet.

It was absoutely impossible for Zoe to describe how she felt right now. Happy, excited, scared, shocked, and so many other emotions, the country mouse was sure to burst at any given second. "I'm not cryin," she protested weakly, burying her face in his side as her cheeks burned more, though a smile remained on her face. Zoe didn't know how to answer without seeming like a total, romantically-cliched movie star. And, besides, she doubted she'd be able to without really kissing him this time, the happiness had her so drugged. She was still reeling from the fact that he actually liked her, though, and that, all night, she'd been wrong, so wrong. It was all too good to be true.

• • •

WORDS: 450!
TAG: Wherefore art thou, Romeo?
LOCATION: Romeo's Couch, Jervis Apartment
OUTFIT: CUTE PAJAMAS!
LYRICS: "Twisted" by Carrie Underwood
NOTES: <3 <3 <3

[Romeo Jackson Jervis]

When it came to dates, and the few of them Romeo had been on in New York, he usually kept things relatively simple and relaxed, though he did make more of an effort; controlled his wild hair and usually got Ellie to make sure he didn’t look like he’d rolled out of the bookstore and into a fancy restaurant. No doubt his mother would hear about tonight though and then she would be involved in sending Romeo out on this date, gushing over him like it was high school prom all over again. It had been bad enough the first time around and he didn’t think he could handle it again six years later.
He just wanted to spend time with Zoe where they weren’t both banged up, weren’t rushing to be somewhere else and where he wasn’t supposed to be working.

Romeo smiled down at her with a lopsided smirk. He felt the sparks once more when she moved his hair from his forehead, though he knew it would all simply fall back down in a few more moments; it had been a long day and his wax could only hold it in place for so long and through so much. “Good, ‘cause I tend to quote ‘em a lot.”

[/color] He chuckled and then glanced momentarily at the diploma hanging on the wall, slightly hidden by a pot plant that had grown bigger than either he or Ellie had imagined when they first purchased it. “Literature know-it-all and everythin’ like.”[/color] He added before returning to the present moment. College seemed so long ago now, but he was still determined to return when the timing was right and get the required skills to put his knowledge to good use. He did not get himself caught up in debt for nothing, and his dreams were just on hold for awhile, not abandoned entirely.

He looked at her, feeling even more confused for a few moments. If she wasn’t crying then why did he see tears in her eyes? What, what on earth was happening? Then, he took a moment to think about it and then shook his head, his hair - as predicted - falling back towards his eyes. “I’m never goin’ t’ understand women. Never.”[/color] He mumbled, smiling softly though as he turned to look at the television screen, shifting slightly when Zoe buried into his side. He liked feeling this close to her and even the prying eyes of the little Jervis couldn’t ruin this moment for him and this alone was going to be worth all the teasing and the torment Ellie would put him through for at least the next few days. “Do y’ wan’ t’ try an’ get some sleep after this is finished?”[/color] He asked the cute little country girl sitting next to him as he remembered just how exhausted she had appeared only a few minutes earlier.
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• • •

TAGGED! Romeo's little country mouse
WORDS!523
OUTFIT! sexy PJ’s!
LYRICS! Lonesome Swan - - - Glasvegas
NOTES! XD <3

[Zoe Diana Tylers]

Zoe didn't have a little sister handy to help make sure she looked "presentable". Frankie had always been the fashionable one, anyways, especially when they were back home. Maybe a phonecall to her would help a bit. She could confide in her eldest younger sister, who would no doubt be clamouring to come up to the big city as soon as she graduated. Zoe wouldn't mind it, especially for cases like these, where she was in over her head on more than one level. She didn't even know what to expect yet! Nothing big and fancy; she'd never be able to find a good, decent dress suitable for places like that. Besides, she liked simple, and she really only wanted to spend time with him, not focus on how expensive her plate of food was going to be.

She couldn't help a laugh as she replied. "I think I've noticed, hun, after knowin' ya fer this long," she smirked jokingly. Zoe watched his eyes turn off somewhere else in the room, and recognized the same misty expression she herself wore on many occasions. It also gave her the chance to study him for a moment, instead of the other way around. She could see he was as tired as she was, probably moreso. Maybe they really should've just gone to bed; tomorrow was already going to be hell. Their little romantic night would be over, and she'd be thrown back to the sharks of the world with a bruised hand to explain and more than likely lie about.

"I think that's the point'a us bein' so confusin'," she laughed quietly, having fought off her tears of thanks to whatever she did to deserve this. Maybe it was because she'd been attacked, maybe it was karma for the people she helped, but Zoe knew this was something she'd never have expected to happen in a million years, no matter how much she'd wanted it to. She'd never have been brave enough to ask him. Heck, it took a lot of her just to kiss his cheek. Asking him out would've been a hundred times worse!

Cuddling into his side, she never wanted to move. At least, she didn't want to move for right now. Zoe was comfortable, safe, even if Ellie was still probably spying on them. She couldn't be bothered to really care, however, because she knew she could somehow explain to the teenager over one of their phonecalls. She'd understand... hopefully. Or, there would be a very guilty Zoe showing up for that first date. "Can't I just sleep out here? Then, neither'a us is in the stupid bed," she whined jokingly, hiding a yawn behind her good hand. Sleep would be amazing anywhere, but it'd be even better snuggled up to her Romeo, where she'd be safe from even her wildest nightmares.

• • •

WORDS: 513!
TAG: Wherefore art thou, Romeo?
LOCATION: Romeo's Couch, Jervis Apartment
OUTFIT: CUTE PAJAMAS!
LYRICS: "Twisted" by Carrie Underwood
NOTES: <3 <3 <3

[Romeo Jackson Jervis]

He glanced down at her and childishly stuck his tongue out at her by way of a retort. “Just makin’ sure y’ know what your gettin’ into now you’re goin’ on a date with us.”

[/color] He smirked flirtatiously. “You may end up ‘earin’ a lot of auld Billy’s things.”[/color] He did have a habit of using the classic plays as a way of flirting whenever his accent or the modern phrases kind of repulsed him. There really wasn’t anything romantic left in the twenty first century; nothing that hadn’t been brought through the ages anyway. It was a little sad to think about it, but at the same time, the modern world didn’t really have all the time for romance like the past seemed to share.

He was starting to feel the day hitting him hard. His hand, whilst not throbbing, ached slightly and his limbs were aching for rest, despite him sitting rather still and slouched for the duration of the movie. His olive eyes were drying fast and he could feel the pull of sleep slowly starting to win him over, but he refused to doze off until Ellie and Zoe were sleeping. Hang on, Ellie! “Oi! Y’ geg, it’s well past bedtime over there! Go’on gerroff and get some kip. I ain’t lettin’ y’ ‘ave a lie in in the mornin’ you meff.”[/color] He called over the back of the sofa, hearing the whines and groans of his little sister and ignoring them. Sometimes he would let her stay up late, but she had school in the morning and this was getting ridiculous. “No arguin’ just get t’ bed before I luzz y’ in there.”[/color] A few seconds later and the smaller Jervis returned the adorable cat to Zoe and then wished both of them goodnight before dragging her feet childishly into her bedroom, closing the door behind her. “I bet we still see ‘er three more times before she gets to bed.”[/color] She often did it just to wind Romeo up, but he really had barricaded her in there once when she was starting to grate on him. The wonderful joys of living with his sister and the fun and games that came with it.

He looked down at her and smiled playfully. “Aye, well maybe youse should all let up a little. It’s bad enough without us bein’ confused by every li’l thing y’ do, like.”[/color] He joked, hugging her closer to his side and hoping that she wouldn’t mind too much about it. He liked having her close to him and he enjoyed feeling her warmth as they cuddled on the sofa. It was nice. It was homely.

Romeo looked down at her with a challenging stare. It was late, really late and she wanted to get into this argument again. He really didn’t have it in him to carry it on like they did before and he shifted slightly so he could study her carefully, see her fully and hopefully make her understand what was happening. “If we both sleep out ‘ere, then two things will ‘appen. Number one, we’ll wake up in the mornin’ in a right amount of pain and stiffness, neither of which I want for either of us. Secondly, there’ll be a perfectly good bed goin’ to waste in me room. Now, I can stay with y’ in me room until y’ fall asleep if you like?”[/color] He didn’t want to freak her out, but he also didn’t know if it was fear playing a small role in making Zoe want to share the sofa with him.
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• • •

TAGGED! Romeo's little country mouse
WORDS!640
OUTFIT! sexy PJ’s!
LYRICS! Lonesome Swan - - - Glasvegas
NOTES! XD <3

[Zoe Diana Tylers]

Zoe smirked right back at him, still not being able to master the flirtatious charm all women but her seemed to posess. "If I'd minded, I woulda stopped seein' ya a long time ago," she laughed. That was one of the things she loved most about Romeo though. Not another soul she knew could quote the classic works so well, and it was refreshing to not hear the pointless pickup lines people used these days. Besides, without them, Zoe doubted he'd really be the Romeo she was so head over heels for.

She jumped as he suddenly spoke, a lot louder than what he'd been doing with her. Zoe gave Ellie a tired smile as she said goodnight, tucking Tessie into her lap as her half-asleep cat curled up against her. Well, at least she was off for the night and Zoe wouldn't have to worry about her seeing the heavy "flirting" going on on the sofa. "I'm sure she'll just wanna see if yer behavin' or not," she whispered back with a small smirk, settling back against him as Ellie's door closed, leaving no chance of the younger Jervis hearing her.

"Just be you, and you'll be doin' a wonderful job'a keepin' certain ladies happy," she smiled warmly, snuggling more into his arm as he hugged her closer to himself. Zoe let her head fall onto him, pulling her blanket to cover her more. Romeo was nice and warm, and she wouldn't be surprised if she did fall asleep on the couch, just out of pure comfort more than anything else. If she tried, she could probably stay up until the end of the movie and escort herself to bed, but, why ruin this perfect moment if she never had to?

Zoe met his gaze evenly, sighing and biting the inside of her lip before turning her eyes back to the TV. She'd be fine by herself... she would be. She had to be. "I'm a big girl, I'll be fine," she answered with a shrug, like none of it mattered. Though, the last time she'd said she could take care of herself, it hadn't exactly gone too well. But, he'd be right outside the door this time, he'd keep her safe from anything that even tried to get through. She'd be okay. Hopefully.

• • •

WORDS: 450!
TAG: Wherefore art thou, Romeo?
LOCATION: Romeo's Couch, Jervis Apartment
OUTFIT: CUTE PAJAMAS!
LYRICS: "Twisted" by Carrie Underwood
NOTES: <3 <3 <3

[Romeo Jackson Jervis]

Romeo chuckled softly and then shook his hand, reaching his hand up to scratch the rough stubble under his chin. “But if y’ did that, then I’d ‘ave t’ stalk y’ and that’s not really fun for wither of us, is it, like?”

[/color] He joked, suddenly getting a horrific image of Patrick Bateman in his head. He shook the axe wielding psychopath out of his mind and then smiled softly, making a mental note not to read any more Bret Easton Ellis novels before he went to sleep each night; they were clearly beginning to corrupt his mind and he couldn’t afford to lose any more of that, not now that he had Zoe to impress with a first date that would have to seriously wow her and give her a reason to want another one.

When he felt Zoe jump slightly, Romeo felt a little guilty; maybe he should have given her some warning about talking to Ellie, but the time caught him off guard and he switched instantly into protective guardian big brother mode, forgetting about everything but his obligation to care for the sixteen year old with matching eyes. He gently ran his fingers through her hair to calm her, unsure about whether she was surprised because she was still a little jumpy after tonight’s events or whether his bellowing voice really was as loud as he mistook it to be at times. Nevertheless, he laughed at her comment and then glanced towards the closed door. “It’s meant to be us makin’ sure she’s be’avin’, not the other way ‘round.”[/color] Then he looked back at Zoe and mustered the best fake expression of being offended that he could. “And, excuse me, Miss Tylers, but I’m always on me best be’aviour!”[/color] He huffed and then pretended to sulk, pouting like a small child who didn’t get ice cream when he demanded it.

Affectionately, he smiled down at her and then helped wrap her more comfortably in the large blanket, pulling it right the way up until only her head was exposed. “You’re like a stamp!”[/color] He declared gleefully, as though he was a small child again and easily amused by anything and everything that was on offer. Then, he took a more sincere tone, not serious, but sincere. “So long as I can keep you and our El ‘appy, then that’s all I need.”[/color] He hugged her closer to his body and lowered his lips to her forehead again, kissing her softly before leaning back again. He’d never mentioned anything like that to anyone before, not even Ellie, who would probably have laughed, called him sad and then never let him live it down.

He studied her with a careful gaze, his green eyes searching for a give away, a clue to tell him that there was something more to that nonchalant shrug than Zoe was really letting onto. In the end, he just opted to go with what he knew he could do best without any accusations or trying to say that she was weaker than normal after tonight, though he wouldn’t think any less of her if she was. He reached up, tucking his fingers under her chin to turn her head to face him, taking her focus away from the movie. “That wasn’t what I asked, love. I asked do y’ want me to stay with y’?”[/color] Romeo wasn’t trying to imply that she needed him, but she was still in a strange apartment and tonight had not been easy for her. He just wanted to make sure she was alright, make sure she was happy.
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• • •

TAGGED! Romeo's little country mouse
WORDS!642
OUTFIT! sexy PJ’s!
LYRICS! Lonesome Swan - - - Glasvegas
NOTES! XD <3

[Zoe Diana Tylers]

Romeo had absolutely nothing to fuss over. Zoe was already wowed, already head over heels, spectacular first date or not. None of the matieral things mattered to her anymore, and even Ellie was one of the things she'd grown used to, though it'd never been hard to from the start. She was perfectly content with him and everything that entailed, and tonight had only proven it further to her now, as they sat cuddled together on the couch. It was like a barrier had been broken in her mind the moment he'd asked her out. She no longer had those fears of only being a stand-in for some other damsel; she was who he liked, who he'd fallen for. She was good enough for her dazzling city boy, even if her own mind wouldn't fully believe it yet.

Zoe laughed with him, rolling her eyes jokingly. "In all'a our spare time, I'm sure ya wouldn't found me doin' anythin' interestin' anyways," she teased back, smirking and bumping into him playfully. There really was no spare time in her days, mainly because she always found something to do if she did have a few minutes to herself. Calling siblings or "adopted" siblings, studying, cooking, going out to take care of Ember; she rarely had moments to spare for "fun" things. Like dates.

Being jumpy was part of Zoe's nature. But, she'd admit, it was a lot worse than usual tonight. Normally, she didn't mind Romeo's loud booming voice whatsoever. She loved it, in fact. It was just that fear now scarred into her mind that kept causing her to overreact slightly to the loud, unexpected noises. "I'm fine. Promise," she mumbled reassuringly to him as his fingers began to stroke through her hair. Zoe could see it on his face that he was thinking he'd done something, though it'd only been her and her skiddish self to blame. "Don't blame 'er for bein' concerned 'bout ya. Y'all gotta learn to take care'a eachother," she scolded gently, smiling up at him as he began to pout at her. Zoe smirked, tilting his face down to hers and pecking her lips softly to his chin. "You'd better be," she whispered, the smirk still on her lips.

She couldn't help grinning as he enveloped her further into the quilt, laughing and burying herself in both his arms and the blanket. Zoe couldn't complain about being cold now! "In my opinion, yer doin' a mighty fine job'a both," she whispered tenderly back, closing her eyes as his warm lips pressed to her forehead. No matter how many times he did it, the sparks that tickled her skin never seemed to fade at all. They just got better and better with each peck of his lips.

Her eyes remained on the movie, though she was only thinking about one thing. Would she really be alright tonight, all by herself? She'd have Tess, at least, that's for sure. And Romeo would be right outside... but she'd be all by herself, locked away in a strange room with only her thoughts and a wordless creature to keep her company. It'd be a miracle if she didn't come out half-insane after eight hours of that. Zoe sighed softly as his fingers tucked under her chin, forcing her into meeting his gaze. He'd be able to read her in a snap, she was sure of it. "I'll be fine," she repeated half-heartedly. "'Sides, ya need yer sleep more'n ya need to be fussin' over me." Zoe wished he'd stay with her all night, keep her safe in his protective arms. Maybe he'd be able to ward off all her nightmares, at least for a few hours. Maybe.

• • •

WORDS: 687!
TAG: Wherefore art thou, Romeo?
LOCATION: Romeo's Couch, Jervis Apartment
OUTFIT: CUTE PAJAMAS!
LYRICS: "Twisted" by Carrie Underwood
NOTES: <3 <3 <3

[Romeo Jackson Jervis]

Romeo fussed. It was what he had done his whole life for family and for friends. He was always in the role of the protective older brother and sometimes his best intentions came at the worst times. There had been fights that were narrowly avoided, only because he was able to talk his way out of a tricky situation very quickly. He wanted things to be perfect for other people whilst his own very imperfect and slightly chaotic life suited him just fine. He wanted things to be perfect for Zoe and he wanted the date to try and ease her newfound fears of New York. He wanted her to see just how beautiful the city could really be.

“Like I’d even ‘ave the time to be a stalker!”

[/color] He said with a short outburst of laughter. “Between work, ‘ere and everythin’ else I get up to, I’d ‘ave to sacrifice me sleep!”[/color] It wasn’t exactly easy balancing a life of raising a teenage sister with a social one. Ellie could be trusted to be home alone, but Romeo simply didn’t like leaving her for hours at a time and would rather encourage her to stay at a friend’s house if he knew he was going to be out late one night. Not that a sixteen year old minded the excuse of a sleepover, but he still always felt guilty for doing it, believing that he should spend more time with Ellie rather than try and live a life away from her. Romeo’s fear was that she would rebel, think he didn’t want her around anymore and then there would be a whole new can of worms to deal with; a can Romeo didn’t think he was qualified to handle alone.

He looked Zoe over again and smiled softly, continuing to play with her hair though. Maybe she was alright now, but he still wanted to remind her that he was there for her. He still wanted her to feel safe in his home. Nothing would hurt her here, ever and he wanted her to know that more than anything else before their date came around. Her words reminded him only too darkly about his past and everything he had gone through to keep Ellie safe. It was an urban version of Babes in The Wood in his mind and he hated the idea that they had been forced to live through that. “Aye, we’ve bloody well been doin’ it our whole lives.”[/color] He mumbled almost incoherently. It slipped out and he didn’t mean to bring it up or even mention it again tonight, but when his frustration grew he found it difficult to keep a lid on things and short, catty remarks like that slipped from his busted lips.
The touch of her lips to his chin snapped him quickly out of the darker mood he was slipping into and he smiled down at her, longing to press his lips to hers and taste her in that very moment. He wanted to wait though. He wanted their first kiss to be special and not after a night like tonight. He wanted there to be no harsh memory to mar that encounter.

Concern was still evident in his eyes as he gazed down at her and he smiled softly, tucking her blonde hair behind her ear and hugging her just a little more closely to his warm, body. “Do I at least get t’ tuck y’ in and tell y’ a story?”[/color] He was a little excited about telling her the meaning behind the wall his bed was pressed up against. The photograph that symbolised home for him more than anything else in the universe. It was geeky, it was a little outdated, but it was, for Romeo, everything he needed after a bad day to reassure himself that everything would be alright when the morning came.
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• • •

TAGGED! Romeo's little country mouse
WORDS!686
OUTFIT! sexy PJ’s!
LYRICS! Lonesome Swan - - - Glasvegas
NOTES! XD <3

[Zoe Diana Tylers]

There was a reason Zoe was so freaked out by the attack, other than the obvious being attacked aspect. She stayed as far away as possible from the darker side of New York and, tonight, she'd gotten much closer than she ever had before. It shocked her. She liked to believe the best of everyone; it was what she did. Looking for the silver lining was her self-appointed job. But, in this case, only darkness had covered her head from the moment she'd walked out of Borders to the split second Romeo decided to run in and save her. She didn't like it. She wanted her sunshine and almost naive state of mind back; she wanted to be able to believe the city was truly as beautiful as everyone kept trying to force her into believing. Wasn't it worth it, though, now that she'd gotten all this? Everything she and Romeo had done tonight, confessed to each other... didn't it make up for the horrible feeling pulsing through her knuckles? Or was it just someone's twisted idea of corrupting the innocent country mouse's life?

Zoe smiled back up at Romeo, trying to push all the clouds back to the locked box she'd created in her mind for them. She didn't need to be thinking about them right now, not when she was trying to enjoy every second she had with her city boy. His sudden mood swing had a frown tugging at her lips a few seconds later. Zoe found herself straining to hear what he'd muttered, only being able to pick out a couple words. But, what really startled her was the dark expression that seemed to loom over his face now. "Hey," she murmured gently, running her fingertips down his warm cheek. "I didn't mean anythin' bad. Yer doin' a wonderful job, darlin'," she whispered, resting her palm softly on his cheek. Zoe didn't know if his mood change was her fault or not, but she got the feeling not many people told Romeo that he was doing a good job taking care of Ellie and their lives in general. She'd seen first hand how much they loved each other, even if they'd been in a tiff for most of the time she'd been there, but it was obvious they were close. And, Ellie didn't seem to be turning into a serial killer, so that had to be thanks to someone. Zoe only hoped he knew how well he was doing.

"I guess I'll agree to that," she smiled warmly, her eyes closing as his fingers touched her hair once more. Though she still was concerned with how well she'd make it through the night, Zoe was starting to feel the tug of sleep again as Romeo cuddled her closer to himself. She wished she would've said yes to him staying with her for awhile.

• • •

WORDS: 513!
TAG: Wherefore art thou, Romeo?
LOCATION: Romeo's Couch, Jervis Apartment
OUTFIT: CUTE PAJAMAS!
LYRICS: "Twisted" by Carrie Underwood
NOTES: <3 <3 <3

[Romeo Jackson Jervis]

Romeo was no one special, nor did he ever try to be. He wasn’t the kind of guy who sought out attention or credit when it wasn’t necessary and he didn’t think himself heroic for what he had done tonight. He looked after his sister the same way he had done his whole life, no questions asked. No one ever needed to ask him to babysit her when they were younger, it was just something that he did. No one ever needed to tell him that he was doing a good job, or congratulate him on taking on such a responsibility and pushing aside his dreams for a mediocre job in a bookstore filled with aspiring bohemians and students scrambling for cash, just like he once did when he first handed in his application form at Borders.
Even now, tonight, he had just been a good friend to a girl he liked. Though, in his opinion, anyone passing by should’ve jumped in and pulled that despicable mugger away from his country mouse, but not all of them probably would have looked after her to the same length that he did.

The soft touch of her fingers snapped him out of the dark mood, his eyes lightening almost instantly; as though the dark moment had never fell over him in the first place. Romeo hated dwelling on that part of his past, but for some reason, it always came back to haunt him, especially late at night or after Ellie had been through a rough day. Sometimes it wasn’t easy to be the brother and sister duo that they were and he knew that there had been a time when a group of girls at the high school had bullied and teased Ellie for not ‘being loved by her parents’ and for being ‘forced to live with her older brother’, though their hormones shut them up the second Romeo ‘accidentally’ turned up at the school pulling off his best James Dean look; sunglasses on, cigarette hanging dangerously from his lips, unshaven with devil-may-care hair and a white tank top and loose jeans. Apparently it was the look the girls fell for these days when all Romeo had intended to do was pick Ellie up and make sure she arrived at her dentist appointment on time!
He forced a soft smile and then placed his badly bandaged hand over hers, linking their fingers carefully. “I know, love, it’s just…never mind. It‘s nothin’ important.”

[/color] He told her softly, lowering their hands to rest on top of her blanket.

Zoe was getting sleepier with every second that went by, which only reminded Romeo that she needed to take some painkillers before he tucked her into his warm bed for the night. It had been a long day, so there was no doubting that she was tired, but he didn’t want her to wake up in the middle of the night in excruciating pain because of her hand. “Good, because you’re prob’ly gonna want an explanation about me wall and it makes the perfect tale to tell late at night.”[/color] Or maybe it was just the literary romantic in him that made him think so. Hell, why else would he fill one whole wall with it? That alone had been hard and the picture had to be specially made to fit and then shipped out to him in New York, though Romeo still believed that it was a first paycheque well spent. “I’ll get y’ some o’ them painkillers too.”[/color] He played with her hair, running his fingers through it tenderly as they ‘watched’ the movie.
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• • •

TAGGED! Romeo's little country mouse
WORDS!639
OUTFIT! sexy PJ’s!
LYRICS! Lonesome Swan - - - Glasvegas
NOTES! XD <3

[Zoe Diana Tylers]

Zoe gave him a look that clearly said she knew something was up. He was hiding something and, while she wouldn't push him, she wanted him to see that she was there for him. She wouldn't be going anywhere, for awhile at least. And, to her, everything and anything that was bothering him was important. His mind may have been focused solely on Ellie's well-being, but Zoe's wasn't. In her eyes, the young lady already had all the fussing one person could honestly handle between her brother and the slight touch of the country mouse. That let Zoe worry more about Romeo. "Romeo Jackson Jervis," she scolded softly, running her fingers down his cheek gently as their hands intertwined. "Don't you ever, ever say that again. Everythin' about you is important to me." Zoe let him move their hands down, but it didn't stop her from cuddling closer to him. She nestled her head on his shoulder and closed her eyes for a brief moment. Hopefully, after their date, this would be happening so much more. Hopefully.

It seemed Zoe kept getting closer and closer to him, practically using him as a pillow as she felt sleep begging for her. She really didn't want to move, not now. Romeo was so comfortable and safe and warm... how was she going to last all night knowing he was out here all by himself while she had his big bed? Couldn't they just stay here and cuddle all night long? The thoughts were slowly lulling her into a thick drowsiness, and his words only barley made it to her ears. She forced her eyes open, blinking heavily a few times as she looked up at him. "More Liverpool memories?" she teased weakly, giving him a smile as the excitement shown on his face. Zoe loved hearing about his hometown though; it was so very different and far away from her own. She'd love to travel there sometime, with him as her personal tour guide of course. It'd be an adventure all in itself just to see his eyes sparkling with happiness at being home, like hers always did whenever she got to look at photos of her own hometown.

Again, her thoughts were pulling her farther and farther from a coherent state. "We better get a move on then, hunny. It's gettin' late, ain't it?" she mumbled, hiding a huge yawn in his side. Zoe wanted to go to sleep so badly right now, it was a wonder her eyes were even managing to stay open. Her big blues drifted closed once more as his fingers toyed with her hair. She loved when he did that, more than he realized.

The exhaustion tugged harder and harder on her as the pictures on the screen continued to flash by. Zoe wasn't even watching anymore; she was trying her best to stay awake. It wasn't working, however, because, before she knew it, she was curled against Romeo's chest, practically in a coma from how deeply she was sleeping.

• • •

WORDS: 500!
TAG: Wherefore art thou, Romeo?
LOCATION: Romeo's Couch, Jervis Apartment
OUTFIT: CUTE PAJAMAS!
LYRICS: "Twisted" by Carrie Underwood
NOTES: <3 <3 <3

[Romeo Jackson Jervis]

There really was no point in pretending that there was nothing bothering him. One look in Zoe’s eyes told him that she knew there was something playing on his mind. He didn’t feel like sharing though, and not because it was Zoe, but because it was just something he never enjoyed talking about or felt the need to anymore. Ellie was safe living with him, their mother was holding down a stable job and in plenty of contact with them. There was never going to be the need to talk about his past ever again, and especially not when Ellie could potentially be in earshot. Smiling softly, he cuddled her closer to his side and let out a soft breath. “As much as I appreciate that, love, it’s not important t’ me and I’m not about t’ waste our night talkin’ nonsense.”

[/color] He explained gently, throwing her his best cover-up smile; something perfected years ago when Romeo was still developing facial hair. He leaned down, whispering close to her ear. “And don’t ever use me full name again, unless y’ want t’ be tickled t’ death.”[/color] He threatened lightly, his fingers skimming against her side in mock warning.

He smiled as she moved closer to him and quickly readjusted himself so that she’d be comfier on his rather small sofa. His arm wrapped around her again and he cuddled her into his side, leaning down to drop a sweet kiss to the top of her head. It didn’t take a genius to figure out just how exhausted she was and Romeo could hardly blame her for her drowsiness. It was starting to take its toll on him too, but he was used to busy days and long nights and he rubbed his free hand over his face, wiping away the grime of the day and wishing that there was time for a quick shower now. He was going to feel repulsive in the morning when he woke up. Snapping out of his personal hygiene thoughts when she spoke, he chuckled deeply and then smiled. “Aye, one of the best stories too.”[/color] He told her in a quiet voice, her own words a dead giveaway of how exhausted she was.

His own eyes fell on the clock that hung precariously on the wall, dangling loose from a screw he shoved in there a while back as a temporary solution and never quite got round to finding something permanent. When had it gotten that late?! He shifted again, his arm still around Zoe as he sighed and turned to face her more. “Aye, Cinderella’s carriage is already a pumpkin again.”[/color] He sat back for a few more moments, thinking about the events of the night before snapping himself out of it and turning to look down at Zoe again. “’Ow about we-”[/color] He stopped talking the second he realised that Zoe was fast asleep, his fingers still running through her hair. Smiling, he dropped another kiss to her head and then glanced around the apartment. She was not sleeping out here. It would only result in aching limbs and more pain come morning and as much as Romeo wanted to just stay and cuddle her, he knew it would not do. So, moving carefully, and for the second time that night, Romeo picked her up, cradling her to his chest as he slowly and cautiously moved to his bedroom, kicking the door ajar with his foot before moving to the bed, balancing the country mouse against him as he moved the sheets down to place her on the mattress, tucking her in carefully, under the thick winter duvet. He kissed her forehead softly and then moved to the bathroom across the hall, pulling out a spare tumbler and two painkillers, filling the glass with water and then silently moving to place it on the bedside table, just in case, before creeping to the door.
[/blockquote][/blockquote][/size][/justify]

• • •

TAGGED! Romeo's little country mouse
WORDS!692
OUTFIT! sexy PJ’s!
LYRICS! Lonesome Swan - - - Glasvegas
NOTES! XD <3

[Zoe Diana Tylers]

The look stayed on her face as he dismissed the topic again. Zoe let it drop, for now, but tried to file it away into her drowsy mind. She didn't know what kept making that dark cloud come over his face, and she didn't know how to make it stop re-appearing. It was bugging her to no end! She wanted to help, to make him feel better in any way she could, but she didn't know what to remedy. For now. "Don't gimme a reason to then," she replied, squirming as his fingers brushed over her sides and a quiet squeak passed her lips.

Zoe hadn't meant to fall asleep on him, but she couldn't help it. She was so exhausted, and much too comfortable not to, even if they were almost in the middle of a conversation. This battle wasn't one she was up for winning tonight. She clung to Romeo as he scooped her up, curling into his bed after being set down. Gosh, was she tired. Zoe only climbed deeper into her coma-state as she got more comfortable underneath the thick blanket. Though, as she fell farther and farther into the realm of her own dreams, she could quickly feel the darkness seeping in. It was escaping the drawer she'd tried to keep locked, flooding her head now and bringing back every second of fright and terror she'd felt earlier this evening.

Her face contorted in pain as the sound of her knuckles cracking slammed through her again. The attacked was moving towards her again, getting closer and closer as she cowered against the brick wall of Borders. But, this time, there was no Romeo swooping in to save her. He wasn't there... nobody else was. It was just her, all alone with the man who was inches from beating her in a way that would no doubt leave scars forever. She let out a frightened sob, wincing on the pillows as the darkness grew thicker and thicker. And, still, her Superman was no where to be found this time. "Romeo," she whimpered. Who else would save her? Who else would even consider it? What was going to - "Romeo!" she said again, her tiny frame shivering with horror as the man rose his fist, bringing it down towards her. Zoe cried out, the most helpless she'd ever felt in her life.

• • •

WORDS: 430!
TAG: Wherefore art thou, Romeo?
LOCATION: Romeo's Couch, Jervis Apartment
OUTFIT: CUTE PAJAMAS!
LYRICS: "Twisted" by Carrie Underwood
NOTES: <3 <3 <3