[ Ransom huffs a laugh and kisses his teeth. He points at Alice with his popsicle. ]
I shoulda left you at the party.
[ Ransom's barely finished his thought before footsteps turn the corner to the open doorway of the room. His gaze lifts, and though his smile fades, his face remains carefully impassive. Slowly, he brings the popsicle to his mouth again, the quiet snap of off another piece of it as Cameron takes in the scene.
It's gut-wrenching, and though he tries, the hurt is clear as day in his warm dark eyes as his gaze lands on Marta. Ransom raises both brows, unimpressed gaze resting on Cameron's face, where confusion gathers around his eyes.
[ Marta sees Cameron and I'm immediately gets to her feet. She slips her popsicle back into the wrapper. She feels strangely guilty even though she hasn't done anything wrong. She and Ransom hasn't stolen moments like they'd done before. ]
Cam. Ransom was the one who helped Alice and got her the help she needed.
[ Alice feels like she's watching a telenovela. She sees the way Ransom looks at them and how hurt Cameron looks. Her sister looks like she's trapped between a rock and a hard place. The room is crackling with tension. ]
[ Cameron visibly holds back the disappointment as Marta stands, guilt written all over her face and in the words she chooses to say. He didn't ask for an explanation, and the fact that she felt she needed to defend Ransom speaks louder than what she does say.
And Ransom just continues lounging, brows lifted as if he's just an observer and not that centre of this whirlwind. Alice pulls him out of his train of thought. He blinks, stepping up beside her on the other side of her bed, opposite to where Ransom sits. There's a subtle smug smile tugging on his mouth as Alice comes to the rescue, as if she could diffuse all this tension between them. Marta looks like she's ready to start apologizing for nothing. ]
Hey Alice. [ Cameron reaches out to squeeze Alice's shoulder, smile pinched as he looks over her bed, noticing the pulse monitor squeezed over her thumb and the popsicle in her other hand. Though he has every right to be here, he feels unwelcome. He feels like the outsider. ] Sorry I'm so late, I got here as fast as I could. You alright?
[ Marta goes to Cameron and slides her arms around him for a hug. She holds him close for just a moment then let's go. When she looks up at him, she wants him to understand that nothing has changed. She's not Ransom's. She's chosen him. She stays by him as Alice commands attention. She's still cheerily eating her popsicle. ]
It's okay. I know you're like Super Mr. Important. [ She gives him a teasing grin, but that's food for thought. Work will always come first for Cameron. She's beginning to see how Ransom stops everything for Marta. ] I'm okay. I wanna go home now, but they said I have to wait until morning.
Yeah, 'cus you're literally high on roofies right now, [ Ransom chimes in, some of his displeasure from seeing Marta wrapped around Cameron sneaking into the bite of his voice. ] 'f course you're feeling fine and not fucked out of your mind. Pardon my language. [ He smiles sweetly at Alice, and Cameron gives a single, subtle shake of his head with a sigh that he barely allows to sift out of his nose.
Marta's hug helps, but he can't help but wonder what happened when he hadn't been around. But he trusts Marta, and Ransom appearing in their lives for no good reason isn't anything new. He reminds himself of it again: this isn't anything new. He pushes a hand through his hair and gives Alice a tired smile.
Ransom loves it when that perfect facade of Cameron's starts cracking like this. And he lets it show, too, with the look he levels on Cameron as he crosses his ankles and takes another bite of his popsicle.
Cameron's in a perfectly tailored navy suit. His brown dress shoes are impeccably shined, hair stylishly brushed, but Ransom can read the white-knuckled grip he has on his car keys and he can see the discomfort gathered around his eyes. His smile isn't even close to the charm and ease it usually commands. Cameron's eyes slide to him and Ransom smiles. There's the slightest pause before Cameron speaks, as the information sinks in. ]
Ransom's right. It's better for you to be here where the doctors can make sure nothing else happened. Have you spoken to the police yet?
[ There's an air of awkwardness and tension. Marta isn't sure how to handle it. It feels wrong to be by Cameron's side, but she's not Ransom's. She keeps reminding herself that he's made his choice. But that thought is quickly gone when Cameron mentions the police. She hadn't even given law enforcement a second thought. She's seen how slow and difficult the system can be. In a case like this? They'd tear Alice to pieces for being drunk at a party especially since the boy is affluent.
But Ransom had promised her he'd handled it. She believes him. She trusts him in that. She might not trust him with her heart, but she trusts him with everything else. Including Alice now. Her gaze meet his as they have a quiet understanding about what will be done. Alice speaks up for the both of them. ]
No. Doctors thinks I should wait until it's all out of my system.
[ Marta nods in agreement. She reaches out and smooths out her sister's hair. ] You just need to rest.
[ Cameron knows when to hold his tongue, and when Marta seems to agree with Alice, he stops pushing the suggestion, although he notes in the back of his mind that he should follow up on it. Alice isn't someone that needs to keep quiet in these situations anymore. However, he does not the look that Marta and Ransom shares, and it feels like cold water trickling down his spine. ]
Yeah. Rest up. We'll take care of it. [ Cameron tries his best to smile at Alice again, as Ransom finishes off his popsicle and gives a resounding sigh. He can feel Marta's discomfort and takes it as a cue. ]
You're stressing me out--can't imagine how Alice feels. [ Ransom stands, tossing the popsicle stick into the trash by Alice's bedside. ] It's like--one in the morning. As much as I'd love to keep you company all night, pipsqueak, it's way past all our bedtimes. [ He gives Alice a teasing smile. ] Come on. Let's all get outta her hair.
[ Marta doesn't plan on leaving Alice's bedside tonight. She knows she needs to deal with the two men though, so after throwing away her half eaten popsicle with some regret, she kisses her sister's forehead. She promises to come back soon once she sees the boys off. She could use some quiet to rest.
She carefully herds them out of Marta's room and just a little down the hall. She smooths our her designer dress which now has some wrinkles for how she'd been sitting on Alice's bed. She looks at the two men. The man she loves and the man she's chosen. ]
Thank you both for being here tonight. It means a lot to me and Alice.
[ She's trying not to sound awkward and stilted, but this is new ground for her. ]
[ Ransom and Cameron both have the same thought: that Cameron was barely here at all. Cameron thinks it with guilt lacing behind his eyes, tugging on his brows as he tries for a smile. Ransom's expression is all the same unimpressed as he shrugs off Marta's appreciation. ]
Of course. [ Cameron says, reaching out for Marta's hand. Ransom's hands are folded casually in his pockets. ]
You're welcome. [ Is Ransom's answer, with a bitter bite to his words. There's tension pressing Cameron's lips tight as he sighs and turns to Ransom with an open, resigned expression.]
Thanks, Ransom. Seriously. [ Suspicious curiosity plays in Ransom's gaze as he looks at Cameron, head tipping in question, as if asking him to expand. Cameron does. ] For keeping an eye on Alice and--doing something about it. I know you didn't have to.
[ Ransom snorts, then shakes his head once, reaches out to pat Cameron on the arm. ] You kiddin'? Of course I did something about it. [ His smile spreads intently. ] Anything for Marta. [ The tension that gathers along Cameron's eyes is too satisfying, and Ransom doesn't bother hiding a single ounce of the amusement that sparkles in his. ] It's real nice to be here to help where I can.
Right. [ Ransom can see Cameron do that thing now, where he retreats behind that professional, charming, work-y personality of his--the one Ransom busted through so easily when they met all those years ago. It's ironic to see how often Cameron resorts to it around him now. Cameron's smile is tight-lipped. ] Well you should get some rest, after all you did. I can keep the girls company now. [ There's just the edge of displeasure sneaking on to Ransom's expression as he spares a glance at Marta.
Marta, who stands there in front of them, sincere and beautiful as always. Ransom huffs a quiet laugh. ]
You want to leave now, do you? [ He takes a step toward Cameron, smile icy-cold. Cameron tips his head up. ] At least fucking say it.
[ It's uncomfortable being caught in the middle between them. It's like some kind of pissing match as they try and see who's more worthy of who has more right to her. It irritates her to no end. As fondly as she feels for both of them, it's more than she can deal with tonight. Tonight, she just wants to focus on her baby sister. She looks at them both with her hands on her hips. There's green fire in her eyes. ]
Both of you can go home. I appreciate you two being here tonight, but right now, I want to focus on Alice.
[ She knows this will hurt Cameron. She hates hurting him, but this isn't about him. It isn't about Ransom. She just wants a moment to breathe without both of them swirling in her brain and confusing her. She releases a heavy breath. ]
[ Ransom’s brows lift, all too familiar with the firey irritation in Marta’s eyes. His own gaze only becomes more amused as he looks from Marta to Cameron, who looks far from pleased.
So he laughs. A hand finding his chest as he nods. Cameron looks at him, deeply indignant, and Ransom realizes that this is a part of Marta Cameron has never known. How sad. ]
Not such an angel, huh? [ He says, to both of them, to himself, maybe. ] Whatever you want, princess.
[ Cameron’s frown deepens as he turns a questioning to Marta, as if he could share any sort of silent thought with her without Ransom picking up on anything. ]
Ransom, give us a moment, would you? [ It’s a calm, quiet sort of anger, and though Ransom’s no stranger to Cameron putting his steady foot down, he’s genuinely impressed at having the sentiment expressed towards him. There’s a beat as his amusement tempers, before he relents with a snort and a sarcastic tip of his head. ]
Good luck in paradise. [ And he turns on his heels and breezes down the hallway.
Cameron lets out the tense breath he’s been holding, then looks at Marta. ]
[ She's never really had to be assertive with Cameron. They're both so easy going and agreeable that they haven't had much friction between them. It's not to say that they don't share passion together, but it's much more contained.
She watches Ransom go then turns her attention to Cameron. He looks so wounded. She gently takes his hand and offers a soft but tired smile. ]
Thank you. But I'll be okay. I think Alice and I need some sister time. [ It's not a knock against him. Not in her head. She doesn't think about how easily she'd had Ransom with them or why it doesn't feel quite as right with Cameron in his place. ]
[ Cameron thinks their passion is a healthy kind of passion, where they both respect each others boundaries and bring the best to the table. They're both their own people, and they choose to be together because they want to, not because they have no other choice. So it's unpleasant to see Marta so worked up over this.
And as much as he wants to blame this whole thing on Ransom, he knows it's not fair. To any of them. He squeezes her hand and smiles back, relenting with a slow nod. ]
Yeah. I get it. [ Of course there's the voice in the back if head reminding him of the scene he walked into, with Ransom, Marta, Alice all spending time together. Where was her need for 'sister time' a few moments ago? ] I'll see you later, then. Call me if you need anything. Food, a ride, I can arrange for all that. Don't hesitate, hm?
[ It's healthy. It's good for her. It's what's right for. That doesn't mean it's what she wants. Marta smiles at Cameron and wraps her arms around him in a hug. She melts against him even as her eyes track Ransom's form until she can't see him anymore. Pulling back, she pecks his cheek with a smile. ]
I know. I know I can always count on you. [ She appreciates him understanding. ] I'll text you in the morning with an update.
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timeasmymeasure
no subject
Date: 2023-04-19 03:40 pm (UTC)[ Her lips are already ready. Marta laughs again and feels a touch of that playful smugness to team up on Ransom. It's a lot of fun. ]
She's the boss here tonight. What she says goes. [ She flutters her lashes and gives him her most innocent smile. ]
no subject
Date: 2023-04-19 04:16 pm (UTC)I shoulda left you at the party.
[ Ransom's barely finished his thought before footsteps turn the corner to the open doorway of the room. His gaze lifts, and though his smile fades, his face remains carefully impassive. Slowly, he brings the popsicle to his mouth again, the quiet snap of off another piece of it as Cameron takes in the scene.
It's gut-wrenching, and though he tries, the hurt is clear as day in his warm dark eyes as his gaze lands on Marta. Ransom raises both brows, unimpressed gaze resting on Cameron's face, where confusion gathers around his eyes.
Ransom breaks the silence. ]
You alright, bud?
no subject
Date: 2023-04-19 04:43 pm (UTC)Cam. Ransom was the one who helped Alice and got her the help she needed.
[ Alice feels like she's watching a telenovela. She sees the way Ransom looks at them and how hurt Cameron looks. Her sister looks like she's trapped between a rock and a hard place. The room is crackling with tension. ]
Hi, Cam!
no subject
Date: 2023-04-19 06:11 pm (UTC)And Ransom just continues lounging, brows lifted as if he's just an observer and not that centre of this whirlwind. Alice pulls him out of his train of thought. He blinks, stepping up beside her on the other side of her bed, opposite to where Ransom sits. There's a subtle smug smile tugging on his mouth as Alice comes to the rescue, as if she could diffuse all this tension between them. Marta looks like she's ready to start apologizing for nothing. ]
Hey Alice. [ Cameron reaches out to squeeze Alice's shoulder, smile pinched as he looks over her bed, noticing the pulse monitor squeezed over her thumb and the popsicle in her other hand. Though he has every right to be here, he feels unwelcome. He feels like the outsider. ] Sorry I'm so late, I got here as fast as I could. You alright?
no subject
Date: 2023-04-19 07:00 pm (UTC)It's okay. I know you're like Super Mr. Important. [ She gives him a teasing grin, but that's food for thought. Work will always come first for Cameron. She's beginning to see how Ransom stops everything for Marta. ] I'm okay. I wanna go home now, but they said I have to wait until morning.
no subject
Date: 2023-04-19 07:32 pm (UTC)Marta's hug helps, but he can't help but wonder what happened when he hadn't been around. But he trusts Marta, and Ransom appearing in their lives for no good reason isn't anything new. He reminds himself of it again: this isn't anything new. He pushes a hand through his hair and gives Alice a tired smile.
Ransom loves it when that perfect facade of Cameron's starts cracking like this. And he lets it show, too, with the look he levels on Cameron as he crosses his ankles and takes another bite of his popsicle.
Cameron's in a perfectly tailored navy suit. His brown dress shoes are impeccably shined, hair stylishly brushed, but Ransom can read the white-knuckled grip he has on his car keys and he can see the discomfort gathered around his eyes. His smile isn't even close to the charm and ease it usually commands. Cameron's eyes slide to him and Ransom smiles. There's the slightest pause before Cameron speaks, as the information sinks in. ]
Ransom's right. It's better for you to be here where the doctors can make sure nothing else happened. Have you spoken to the police yet?
no subject
Date: 2023-04-19 08:11 pm (UTC)But Ransom had promised her he'd handled it. She believes him. She trusts him in that. She might not trust him with her heart, but she trusts him with everything else. Including Alice now. Her gaze meet his as they have a quiet understanding about what will be done. Alice speaks up for the both of them. ]
No. Doctors thinks I should wait until it's all out of my system.
[ Marta nods in agreement. She reaches out and smooths out her sister's hair. ] You just need to rest.
no subject
Date: 2023-04-19 08:36 pm (UTC)Yeah. Rest up. We'll take care of it. [ Cameron tries his best to smile at Alice again, as Ransom finishes off his popsicle and gives a resounding sigh. He can feel Marta's discomfort and takes it as a cue. ]
You're stressing me out--can't imagine how Alice feels. [ Ransom stands, tossing the popsicle stick into the trash by Alice's bedside. ] It's like--one in the morning. As much as I'd love to keep you company all night, pipsqueak, it's way past all our bedtimes. [ He gives Alice a teasing smile. ] Come on. Let's all get outta her hair.
no subject
Date: 2023-04-20 12:41 pm (UTC)She carefully herds them out of Marta's room and just a little down the hall. She smooths our her designer dress which now has some wrinkles for how she'd been sitting on Alice's bed. She looks at the two men. The man she loves and the man she's chosen. ]
Thank you both for being here tonight. It means a lot to me and Alice.
[ She's trying not to sound awkward and stilted, but this is new ground for her. ]
no subject
Date: 2023-04-22 11:30 pm (UTC)Of course. [ Cameron says, reaching out for Marta's hand. Ransom's hands are folded casually in his pockets. ]
You're welcome. [ Is Ransom's answer, with a bitter bite to his words. There's tension pressing Cameron's lips tight as he sighs and turns to Ransom with an open, resigned expression.]
Thanks, Ransom. Seriously. [ Suspicious curiosity plays in Ransom's gaze as he looks at Cameron, head tipping in question, as if asking him to expand. Cameron does. ] For keeping an eye on Alice and--doing something about it. I know you didn't have to.
[ Ransom snorts, then shakes his head once, reaches out to pat Cameron on the arm. ] You kiddin'? Of course I did something about it. [ His smile spreads intently. ] Anything for Marta. [ The tension that gathers along Cameron's eyes is too satisfying, and Ransom doesn't bother hiding a single ounce of the amusement that sparkles in his. ] It's real nice to be here to help where I can.
Right. [ Ransom can see Cameron do that thing now, where he retreats behind that professional, charming, work-y personality of his--the one Ransom busted through so easily when they met all those years ago. It's ironic to see how often Cameron resorts to it around him now. Cameron's smile is tight-lipped. ] Well you should get some rest, after all you did. I can keep the girls company now. [ There's just the edge of displeasure sneaking on to Ransom's expression as he spares a glance at Marta.
Marta, who stands there in front of them, sincere and beautiful as always. Ransom huffs a quiet laugh. ]
You want to leave now, do you? [ He takes a step toward Cameron, smile icy-cold. Cameron tips his head up. ] At least fucking say it.
no subject
Date: 2023-04-26 01:00 am (UTC)Both of you can go home. I appreciate you two being here tonight, but right now, I want to focus on Alice.
[ She knows this will hurt Cameron. She hates hurting him, but this isn't about him. It isn't about Ransom. She just wants a moment to breathe without both of them swirling in her brain and confusing her. She releases a heavy breath. ]
It's been a long night.
no subject
Date: 2023-04-26 01:28 pm (UTC)So he laughs. A hand finding his chest as he nods. Cameron looks at him, deeply indignant, and Ransom realizes that this is a part of Marta Cameron has never known. How sad. ]
Not such an angel, huh? [ He says, to both of them, to himself, maybe. ] Whatever you want, princess.
[ Cameron’s frown deepens as he turns a questioning to Marta, as if he could share any sort of silent thought with her without Ransom picking up on anything. ]
Ransom, give us a moment, would you? [ It’s a calm, quiet sort of anger, and though Ransom’s no stranger to Cameron putting his steady foot down, he’s genuinely impressed at having the sentiment expressed towards him. There’s a beat as his amusement tempers, before he relents with a snort and a sarcastic tip of his head. ]
Good luck in paradise. [ And he turns on his heels and breezes down the hallway.
Cameron lets out the tense breath he’s been holding, then looks at Marta. ]
Let me keep you company.
no subject
Date: 2023-04-26 01:40 pm (UTC)She watches Ransom go then turns her attention to Cameron. He looks so wounded. She gently takes his hand and offers a soft but tired smile. ]
Thank you. But I'll be okay. I think Alice and I need some sister time. [ It's not a knock against him. Not in her head. She doesn't think about how easily she'd had Ransom with them or why it doesn't feel quite as right with Cameron in his place. ]
no subject
Date: 2023-04-26 05:39 pm (UTC)And as much as he wants to blame this whole thing on Ransom, he knows it's not fair. To any of them. He squeezes her hand and smiles back, relenting with a slow nod. ]
Yeah. I get it. [ Of course there's the voice in the back if head reminding him of the scene he walked into, with Ransom, Marta, Alice all spending time together. Where was her need for 'sister time' a few moments ago? ] I'll see you later, then. Call me if you need anything. Food, a ride, I can arrange for all that. Don't hesitate, hm?
no subject
Date: 2023-04-27 12:39 am (UTC)I know. I know I can always count on you. [ She appreciates him understanding. ] I'll text you in the morning with an update.