x. DIME QUE ME QUIERES.

Ishani’s thoughts stumbled over themselves like a bad Wi-Fi connection. Married? To Ava Thompson? She knew Ava—well, sort of. They’d met a few times, and Ishani had always pegged her as cool enough to befriend. But married? That was a whole new level of crazy. And then Cami said the magic word: blackmail. Her brain immediately shifted gears, her confusion replaced by a simmering anger. Someone had been messing with her best friend, and instead of calling her for backup, Camila had gone and turned her life into a Netflix drama. “Hold on—are you seriously telling me you married Ava to stick it to some blackmailer? What the fuck? Who is blackmailing you? Tell me so I can shove my boots down their throats.” Not that she wore boots often—she was more of a sneakers-and-flats girl—but that wasn’t the point. She was pissed someone had dared to mess with Camila.

Cami definitely wasn't expecting an 'congrats' to such a dramatic piece of news. Hell, her own family was still rather lost on the decision themselves. Well -- everyone but her grandmother, that was. "It's a long story, and I don't particularly want you dragged into it." She replied honestly, because truth was, she wasn't sure what was to come from her making such a decision. "She agreed to help me out, that's all." She assured, making a mental note to mention that she was also sorta confused by the blonde. Maybe deep down this was her way of trapping Ava -- at least until she had a hold on what she was feeling as a whole. Who the fuck knew. "Just be happy for me, babe. I promise that will save you the headache in the long run." She wiggled her brows, "And your boots."

#( interactions. )#( interactions: ava thompson. )

TO: @avaxthompson

"Ava! Ava!" Cece cheered as she ran towards the blonde, a box of pink bulbs held tightly against her small little chest, looking 2 times her size. Once she got up to her, she tried her best to hold up the box. "Mommy said you'd help me decorate the tree in my room!" She squealed, "I want a pink Barbie tree!" Camila followed up behind her child, offering a smile to her wife. "To be fair, I offered to help, but she said she wanted you. So, now you're doing it while I sit back and drink Tequila thinking about the 39 hours of labor I had to endear to bring this little brat into the world." Cece whipped her head up at her mom and gave her a look, "Hey! I'm not a brat! I'm just a baby." Cami smiled at her child, shaking her head at the cute attempt of looking tough. "Sure." She replied, then looking up at Ava, "I hope you're cool with this... we kind of overdo it in the Moreno house during Christmas."

Ishani let out a small laugh at Camila's predictable innuendo. Her best friend never changed, and that's exactly what she loved about her. The mention of Cece's constant questions made her smile—it was nice to be missed, especially by her goddaughter. "Well, she'll have me all to herself soon enough. I've got plenty of cuddles saved up." The thought of being a human jungle gym for a few days warmed her heart. But something in her best friend's demeanor shifted, and before she could analyze it further, those two words hit her like a thunderbolt. "You what?" she gasped, her mouth falling open. "When? How? With who? And why wasn't I there?" The questions shot out rapid-fire as her mind raced to catch up with this bombshell. "You better have pictures, and this better be a good story."

"Good, she's been warming up just for the super awesome cuddle session." Camila mused, truly pleased to have her best friend and child back together. Cece really did love the woman like family. Camila continued to beam at her best friend, taking in the surprised look on her face. Just as she expected. Licking her lips, she shrugged, "I got married. Last month. To a friend -- a girl, that is a friend." And super hot, and cute, and amazing and -- okay, that was off track. "Her name is Ava. Ava Thompson, and she -- well, I needed a favor and she was so kind to give it to me." Chewing on her bottom lip, pondering over rather or not to mention the family drama. Sighing, "I might have been getting blackmailed and this was me taking my power back."

#( and i'll read you my sins. )

celebratingwomen

Francia Raisa for Mood Magazine

"Only you would take it there," Ishani shook her head, adjusting her glasses again. Then again, she didn’t have the mind of the virgin either, so it wasn’t like she could blame Cami for going there. "I missed you and little Cece too," she admitted, thinking about how much her goddaughter had grown. She smiled thinking about mini Cami hanging on to her leg. That's why she'd need to make extra cookies. The nervous edge in her best friend’s voice caught her attention. Something was definitely up. The other was usually an open book, but right now she seemed hesitant. With her recipe book left open and out of mind, she focused on Camila, trying to figure out what was bugging her. "Oh yeah?" she asked with an arched brow, "What do you need to tell me?" Whatever it was, it couldn't be as bad as Ishani hiding the fact that she had a mental breakdown.

"Truly, I'd be offended if you thought I'd take it any other place but there." Camila knew the kind of rep she had behind her, so really, she embraced all of that like a champ. If anything, it was kind of a compliment. "You better have. All I heard was when Ishani coming back? I miss her. Is she coming back? I wanna call her." Cami shook her head, "Good luck with the clingy toddler for the next few days." She hardly doubted that Ishani wouldn't handle it well. She was good with Cece, in all her moods. Cami remained silent for a moment longer, somewhat unsure if she should continue or change the subject. She'd decide to just blurt it out. "I got married." She announced, throwing her arms out to the side, "Surprise!"

avaxthompson

Too much slipped through Ava's mind of why Camila asked her for this. From one reasoning to the next. Some were mild. The big one made her nearly shift on her feet. Wanting to squirm in the moment and backpedal out of the room. Pretend as if she had never agreed to this in the first place. As if she never knew the real reasoning behind why they were standing here. It was no longer a little game or joke. But she held fast. Stayed her ground. As her gaze finally rested on Camila.

Wife. Now that was a new one that she'd have to become accustomed to. After a beats hesitation, her hand extended into Camila's softly. "Ready as I'll ever be," she breathed out apprehensively. Whether her words were truthful or not, Ava realized she was walking in step with the brunette at her side and not dashing to the nearest exit.

Though her gaze followed the man closely that led them into a new area, burning into him. "So–now what?" She asked as if lost in the moment.

#( interactions. )#( interactions: ava thompson. )#🥹🥹🥹🥹

"So, now we get the beautiful brides hitched." A man's voice broke in just as they entered a courtroom. The judge looked up and gave a kind smile, "I tell all my clients this is the easy part." He added, "The tough part comes after, but as long as you two are willing to fight for it, you got this."

Camila swallowed hard as the judge went on to explain the progress, no doubt believing this was a real marriage and not some scam. It was kind of heartwarming, watching the man express joy for their upcoming marriage.

The clerk that had asked them if they needed a witness, took a seat, nodding at the judge to let him know he was ready. “Alright, are there vows to be read?” The judge asked, eyes going from one bribe to the other.

Camila looked over at Ava, "I don't think so..." She replied, fully aware that she could produce some if need be.

The judge looked down at the names on the paper before him, "Camila Moreno?" He questioned, looking over at Cami, in which she nods, "Yes." the judge then turns to Ava, "Therefore, you must be Ava Thompson, correct?" He asked, before adding, "This is the time if anyone has any rejections, to speak now or forever hold your peace." It was clear her was being lighthearted about it, but Cami looked over at Ava, her eyes giving her the last out she had. If she wanted to take it, now was the time.

samiraxiyer

“They think we’re dummies—and I had to admit it, but when my daughter looks at me that way—I can’t even pretend not to be a fool. I’m pretty sure Cece can do the same,” she said with a grin as she took a sip from her wine glass and listened to Cami when she asked if Samira was cool with a vacation. “Yes we’re definitely cool to have a vacation even if it’s to Disney,” she grinned at the other before suggesting some adult time for both of them. “Okay good I’m glad we’re both on the same page about that.” When Cami asked on how soon it would be, Samira couldn’t help the smile on her face. “Honestly I’m good to do it before Thanksgiving or after? I just want to make sure we’re home for Christmas, you know?”

#( interactions. )#( interactions: samira iyer. )

Cami chuckled at Samira’s confession, more then aware of what that was like. “There’s been a lot of things that came through my doors that simply only came through because my child knows how to turn on the charm.” Cami agreed, “Can’t be mad at their hustle, honestly.” Hell, if anything, she was sure her mom found this the most amusing. Considering Cami and her own sister had done the same plenty of times growing up. It was only fair for it to be returned. Cami nodded, agreeing with Samira about, at least, being home before Christmas. “I would love to go after Thanksgiving. To experience some of the Christmas magic the place puts on for the holiday.” That truly sounded like a magical time. “Beginning of December?”

avaxthompson

Unfortunately for everyone, it's extremely easy to inflate Ava's ego–which is surprising, considering how overwhelming it already was. Despite the fact she's aware Camila's teasing her with the statement to never leave, her lips pursed dramatically in a show of contemplation. "Careful what you wish for. Think you can handle me forever?" The bat prop in her hands was extended to softly poke into the brunette's hip teasingly when she felt her eyes wandering over her.

While she was quite capable of reading body language, something with Camila caused her mind to lose focus. As if unable to clearly understand that look in her eye. For a moment, she stared back at her, head canted with an amused smile on her lips. "Ouu, you're fully taking on this Poison Ivy personality–I like it. Hmm, let's see. Dracula's Castle? I bet there's some hot vampires in there. Or the zombie hospital thingy? But, before either of them we need to get you a drink. Or two." Before waiting to hear her answer, Ava's arm had linked into hers to pull her along towards the bar. "What have you been up to without me? Other than crying and counting down the seconds to see me again?"

#( interactions. )#( interactions: ava thompson. )

Camila bit her bottom lip as she thought about an actual forever. The thought hardly scared her in the way it was probably supposed to. If anything, she almost couldn't think of anything better. "I mean -- do I look like someone who backs down from a challenge?" she asked, wiggling her brows at her new wife. "If anything, I think it'd be a fun trip to find out." Cami's eyes wandering over to the bat in her hand. Why did she look so good dressed like this? There was something about the craziness in her appearance that hit just right.

For a moment, the pair would stare at each other. The correct next move felt to kiss her. Something pulled her into doing just that, but instead she found herself zooming back in when she directed the attention to her costume. Smiling largely, "Thank you." she mused, "I really like this Harley Quinn look on you." She skimmed down her costume, truly appreciating the way the costume fit her. Damn -- she's hot. "Why not all of them?" She suggested, "I think Cece's going to stay with her dad tonight, so how about we just drink our way through this event?" she wiggled her brows, "Shit -- who told you that?! I was trying to act cool." She teased, "But seriously, don't leave me for the rest of this thing. You're mine for the rest of the night."

closed starter @camilamoreno

location: her house

Ishani pushed her glasses up, squinting at the recipe book while Camila chilled on the kitchen stool. Her new reading glasses were taking some getting used to, but at thirty-four, she had to admit defeat to aging. Taking a quick break, she peered up at her best friend and said with a cheeky smile, "Hey Cam, do these make me look distinguished? Like some hot professor who'd make students actually want to show up to class?" The question came out half-joking. It wasn’t the aesthetics that mattered. She really needed the glasses. Before she gave in and got her vision tested, she was practically running around blind. Admitting defeat and saying she needed glasses was probably something she should have done a long time ago. “Anyway, did you miss me while I was on vacation?” Her mental breakdown and hospital stay was kept a secret. She didn’t want anyone feeling bad for her, let alone her best friend.

Camila kept looking down at her phone, somewhat nervous as her best friend messed with the book before her. Cami could only imagine what surprise would be whipped up today. Either way, she knew Cece was gonna love taking part once she came home. At her question, Cami looked up at her and smiled wide. “Babe—- do you know who you're talking to?” She asked, chuckling, “You say teacher… I say sexy professor who get bent over backwards on her desk.” It really should surprise no one that her mind worked that way. Her main writing topic for her books told them that. Sitting up straighter in the stool, “Bitch, of course, I missed you. My life was dark without you.” While she was being playful, she really did miss the woman. “So did Celeste. So be prepared to have a mini me attached at the leg.” She found herself biting on her bottom lip as she debated rather or not to mention her marriage. “I do have something to tell you, and you can’t get mad!”

avaxthompson

Always having been one for a dramatic flare, Ava's own bottom lip jutted out in a pout to match Camila's, head shaking at the apology. "I can't just give in, I have to make you work a little harder, you see. Isn't that what marriage is about?" Those words that rolled off her tongue sounded foreign as they hit her ear. Marriage. She's always been spontaneous but this one is different. This one was intentional. For a reason beyond the traditional means of a marriage and a happy home. To Camila, it's a lifeline of sorts. To Ava, well––she couldn't sit with those emotions that surged pertaining to the woman at her side long enough to understand. Yet there's a smile on her face when she said, "it's a date."

Authors always had a funny way of throwing common sayings into their conversations, or so Ava thought. Perhaps caution was the one thing lacking in this union, but she hadn't a chance to think further on that before Camila was standing. Their names called that she hadn't registered. Too focused on something else–someone else. They were here for something else, something far more important. Her feet carried her to follow Camila, eyebrows raising at the question directed their way. "I didn't realize––well, yes we'll need one supplied, I guess." There it was, the green light that indicated it had begun. Ava cleared her throat, not daring to look over at the brunette at her side yet, out of fear that one word from her and she'd be bolting out the door. Instead, blue hues remained fixated on the clerk ahead of them, as if she'd telepathically communicate to the woman to speed through this process.

#( interactions. )#( interactions: ava thompson. )

Camila couldn’t help but smile wider at her soon to be wife. Why was she so cute? What the hell was going on here? Why did she want to kiss her right here, right now? This truly screamed bad idea all over. “I guess you should give me a little taste of real marriage.” She mused, “Can’t have it all easy.” Although she really doubted this was going to be easy at all. This thing was supposed to be fake, but her feelings sure weren’t. There was something blissful breaking inside her when she heard the word date. Why? She didn’t know. “It’s a date.” She repeated, still cheesing.

Cami’s mouth dropped open at the mention of a witness. She hadn’t really thought about that. She was aware it was a thing but he kind had been entirely elsewhere since Ava said yes to this insane plan. She glanced at the clerk, then at Ava as she replied, then back at the clerk. Nodding, “Yes, we’ll need one.”

The man who would be marrying them simply nodded, “Follow me.”

Cami turned back to Ava, holding out her hand, “You ready, wife?”

elenaxthompson

Elena had spoken with Camila before the move back to Wilmington, during her casual visits home and of course through video conferencing. But now that she was in town for an indefinite period of time, she wanted to be able to be there for the other as a true contact and allow her to feel supported through her writing process. She listened as Camila attempted to open up and explain how life had been a bit crazy for her regarding her family and nodded along, “is your grandmother okay?” That was of course the immediate reaction seeing as the family member was older and was possibly in ill health? Elena didn’t know and so she was trying to be as supportive as she could. “Okay as long as you're on board with it. They'll understand that the timeframe was too much. Plus I know you Cami, I know you won’t miss the deadline but yes let’s try to strive for 85% completion and go from there?”

#( interactions. )#( interactions: elena thompson. )

Cami couldn't suppress the way her nose crinkled up in disgust at the mention of her grandmother. She wasn’t trying to go into too much detail involving that horrible woman. But the truth of the matter was that she was, in fact, causing her a hell of a lot of trouble. “She’s…” Cami trailed off as she attempted to think of a nicer word than what she had in mind. “Yeah…” she nodded, “Mhm.” Rather that was true or not really didn’t concern her, if she said so herself. Cami felt herself relax even more, grateful to have such an understanding person behind her right now. “Thank you. I promise, I’ll have it done for you. And it’ll be worth some salt.”

zurixmitchell

CLOSED STARTER

LOCATION: Cami's place TIME: Monday early afternoon FOR: @camilamoreno

She sat across from Cami, thinking about what she was going to say next. The words tumbled out before she could second-guess herself. “I’m ready. I want to tell my story.” Zuri didn’t want to do it at first because she wanted to stay anonymous. Her story is still pretty unknown, even now. She didn’t like people looking at her like she was a victim. “But I want the full proceeds to go to the Innocence Project. I hope it will help others like me.” Then, she let her guard down and confessed, “I’m kinda freaking out, though. I never wanted anyone to think of me as a victim. Prison wasn’t like people might think, not for me. I was lost. I needed guidance and being locked up saved me, gave me direction.” Their eyes locked, hers full of determination. “I found my purpose there. It’s important that comes across in the book.”

#( interactions. )#( interactions: zuri mitchell. )

Camila knew how important this moment was for her friend, and she couldn't be more touched that she felt safe enough to let her do it with her. This was Zuri's story, and she wanted to do it with the utter most respect, and regards to her wishes. Now that she felt ready to have her story told, Cami sat straight, and listened closely. "Okay." She replied, nodding, "And I want to remind you that you have the full right to scrap this at any time. All you got to do is say the word." She meant that. Even if this book was complete, she'd toss it if Zuri changed her mind. She nodded, "Of course. All profit will go where you want it to. This isn't about me or money. This is your story, and it will be respected as such." She shook her head, leaning forward, she grabbed her hand and squeezed, "I understand. And there is nothing wrong with that notion of your time there. If anything, I think making it the best out of a shitty situation is the best thing you could do. Therefore, it will."

Cami felt a sense of relief that Sam wasn't completely freaking out right now. Most parents heard Disney World and freaked out, some for the better... others not so much. Plus she knew this was being dropped in her lap out of no where, which was never a good thing for any parent. "Oh, then she's absolutely going to be coming out here with Cece." Her daughter haven't stopped talking about this and Camila feared she wouldn't anytime soon. "Well -- it's not a solid plan by any means." She stated, honesty, "It might have slipped out and then I lost it from there. Please forgive me. I promise to do everything in my power to make this the best trip for you as humanly possible."

samiraxiyer

Samira chuckled at the look on Camila’s face, as if she was going to be furious with her friend. She might have been if she promised her a trip to Disney in Hong Kong or something because that required a lot more planning but Florida wasn’t too bad. “I can just imagine the two of them trying to scheme right now and we both know Maya’s going to convince Cece to use the bottom lip quiver on me as soon as they come out here,” she grinned at her friend before offering her a glass of wine before nodding at her friend and laughing, “don’t worry about it Cami, it’s fine—it’ll be good for the girls to explore together and in order to make it the best trip ever, we both need to explore a little Downtown Disney on our own when they’re sleeping, supervised by a nanny of course…” Samira grinned at her friend right as both the girls came speeding out of Maya’s room, eyes bright and eager indicating a very detailed plan in the works for sure.

#( interactions. )#( interactions: samira iyer. )

Cami broke into a smile as he friend called out the infamous trick her child learned to get her own way. She hated to admit... it worked more often than it didn't. "They are no doubt in that room right now, getting their game plan down and solid. They got one shot, and they don't miss." Cami teased, shaking her head, "So, it's good if we're both on the same page now. If you're cool, I'm cool?" She could use a vacation and while Disney might not seem like that to most, to her, it would do. Cami's brows rose in surprise as Samira suggested downtown Disney for just them. Yeah, she had no doubt she was going with the right person. "Hell yeah!" She agreed, "Who says it can't be a trip for all of us." She wiggled her brows, "How soon is too soon?"

"I'm good!" Celeste cheered, before then pointing at the bandage on his forehead, "Are you still hurt? Do you want a kiss to make it all better?!" The little girl offered up, giving the man a large smile in return. "I give the best kisses!"

Camila chuckled, "That she does." She rolled her eyed at his confession, aware that it was what most told her in regards to her child. "Sure, right --" Shaking her head, her smile fell slightly, "But in all seriousness, how are you doing? I'm glad to see you're still alive and giant as always."

Cece's eyes widen at Donnie's statement, "Tacos!?" She cheered, clapping her hands together. "I love tacos!"

gigiferrari

Donnie's smile barely fit in his face as his niece offered him kisses. "If you can be gentle, I will accept all the kisses, little one." He joked lightly, since Cece did have a habit of showing love in funny ways. Like most kids did. Donovan looked back at Cami as she spoke up and grinned. "I'm not a giant, there's taller people than me in the world. I am okay. Healing, it's actually very boring. Because of my concussion I can't read or watch TV or anything, so I'm just twiddling my thumbs." He clapped along with Cece. "Tacos, tacos. So come on in." He led Cami inside, keeping Cece in his arms until the little girl saw his mother in the kitchen and took off running towards her. "What's new with you though?"