GhostWriterDiariesXoXo

Before The Act/Down For You 

[ghostwriterdiariesxoxo]

He’d thought about this moment plenty of times before. Life’s “firsts” are hard to ignore. Especially the big ones—like losing your virginity. But every time he thought about this moment, he’d try to imagine HER. The one who’d find it.

With HER— he didn’t want it to be a matter of giving in. He wanted to NEED her—like oxygen. WANT her—like survival.

But really, more than anything, he wanted to LOVE her. Even if it was never meant to last forever, he wanted to at least—in this moment—believe that it would.

-Alexis Johnson

[ghostwriterdiariesxoxo]

Down For You (Teaser)

Chapter 19: (Flashback pt. 3) teaser.

[yeah it’s been a hot ass minute, but hey…imma finish what I started - new chapter up soon( the real truth behind Cam and Bo are about to start surfacing and as always...imma fuck y'all up 😎but until then…the teaser)

One Week Before Camille’s Birthday...

 Camille and Haley’s Apt

Bo hadn’t seen Haley since the night he took her home from the bar several weeks ago. The thought stirred uncomfortably in his head when he heard the faint sound of her voice trickle in through Camille’s bedroom door. It was like a splash of cold water, extinguishing the heat rising between him and Camille, who’d managed to pull him into another heavy make-out session after he’d insisted he needed to leave over an hour ago.

“I thought you said Haley wasn’t here?” He asked, pulling his tired, swollen lips from hers.

“She must have just gotten in,” Camille sighed in heavy frustration. “What the hell does it matter anyway?” She pushed him onto his back and leaned over him, studying him through narrowed eyes.

He shrugged. “It doesn’t—just asking.” Camille shook her head in disgust and sat up on the bed. “Jesus Camille, it was just a question,” Bo snapped, although he knew her annoyance had very little to do with his inquiry and far more to do with the fact that they both still had their clothes on.

It didn’t take long after he started dating Camille for her to figure out he was a virgin. And although her initial reaction was a giggle fit, it quickly became her laser-focused mission to change it. That much was evident to him. But although the why behind her determination was still unclear, he knew it was either classic sexual frustration or some kind of need for validation—or both. But his argument that he just wanted to ‘wait until the moment feels right’ was losing its luster as the days and weeks passed, and even he was starting to grow tired of his own hesitance. Camille was a classic example of a hot girl that any guy would want to get with. He wasn’t nervous about it, and his body was giving him the full greenlight, so it certainly wasn’t a physical hang-up. He’d taken more cold showers than he could stand at that point. The problem was all in his mind. The closer he edged towards letting go and giving in, the louder it became, jumbled with thoughts, clambering one over the other. None of which were profound by any means. Just a congested mess of ‘Stop’ – ‘Don’t’– ‘Not now.’

“Look, I’m sorry, all right?” Bo said quietly. He sat up, resting his back against the terribly uncomfortable iron post headboard of her bed as he brushed the sweep of his hair to the side, noting that he desperately needed to get it cut. “I think I’m just distracted with trying to write the show and everything.”

Camille rolled her eyes but leaned in, resting her head on his shoulder as she gazed up at him. “You still have like, an entire month before you have to have it done,” she pouted.

“Yeah, and it’s arguably the most important thing I’ve ever written,” he replied.

The morning after he left Haley in tears, he met with a major network, interested in making him a new headliner. If what he wrote was good enough, his act would be filmed and released nationwide. This was the big break.

Camille grinned. “You know what I think?”

“What’s that?”

“I think it would do your writing some good if you let me help clear that head of yours. And if that doesn’t talk you over the edge, then how about this?” In one quick move, she straddled his lap and leaned in, planting small kisses on the side of his neck. “My birthday’s next week, and you’re the only thing I want.”

He laughed quietly under his breath and pulled her face into his hands. “You know what I think?” Camille tipped her head in question. “I think you’re a spoiled fucking brat.”

She grinned wildly, “Yeah? So what?” Brushing his hair from his eyes, she continued. “Whatever stuck-up moral code you’re holding onto? Let it go. Stop following your own rules because it feels so damn good to break them. So just do it. Break the damn rules.”

“Astounding wisdom, Cam,” he grinned before glancing at his watch. “I gotta go.”

As they emerged from Camille’s bedroom and rounded the corner, Bo was caught off guard when he realized that Camille’s loud pack of friends were all scattered around the living room. Several pairs of eyes, all of them landing directly on him. But what really got his attention was the particular pair that belonged to Haley as she gazed up at him from the couch. Her expression was tight, unsettled. But Bo was relieved that, if anything, they didn’t have the hurt or the tears settled in them like the last time he saw her. And after quietly mumbling goodbye, he left.

Two Days Before Camille’s Birthday…

Nick’s Comedy Stop

 

Bo moved methodically around the stage, wrapping cables,  gathering mic stands, and packing them into their hard-shell cases. The theater was empty and quiet, and for that, he was grateful. The show at Nick’s Comedy Stop that night was a packed house, and although he felt fairly confident in his performance, he couldn’t shake the urgency to get back to his apartment so he could get some more writing done. He still had a few weeks before the network execs would be returning to see what he had to offer, but the pressure was on, and it was all he could think about.

As he packed the last few things away, he heard the familiar clank of the door closing towards the back of the theater. Squinting past the bright stage lights and out into the darkness, his hands froze on their way to closing the case when Haley appeared at the edge of the stage, offering a quick wave and a timid smile. She was the last person he expected to see, and after a few beats of astounded silence, he managed to speak.

“Mystery girl…”

“Help me up?” She said softly, holding her arms out.

“Uh—Yeah, of course.”

Just like the night they first met, he moved to the edge and pulled her onto the stage. But this time, it took a little longer to drop her hands from his, and as much as he wished he could stop staring, he couldn’t, even after she laughed shyly and looked out towards the stage lights.

“I just wanted to say congrats,” she explained after a few quiet moments. She turned her eyes back to his. “I heard about the network.”

“Oh—right. Uh, thanks. I mean, it’s not official yet but—”

“It will be—I have no doubt about that.”

Bo nodded, and although he was thankful for the compliment, it was genuine confidence in her delivery that he appreciated most.

She turned her eyes back once more to the lights, and a few quiet seconds passed.

“Haley…I’m sorry again—about the other night.”

“Don’t be,” she replied quickly. “I mean—I probably wouldn’t have been able to remember it anyway.” The sound of her nervous laugh struck a smile on Bo’s lips, even though he felt a tug of hurt because he wasn’t necessarily apologizing as much as confessing—that he was actually genuinely regretful that he didn’t let her kiss him. “Anyways,” she shrugged. “I should probably get going. Let you get out of here.”

“It was really good to see you,” Bo returned. “I’m glad you came by.”

She gave him a soft smile and a quick nod. “Kay, well—goodnight.” Turning on her heels, she moved to the edge of the stage.

Suddenly the only thing Bo could think about was Camille’s words. ‘Stop following your own rules. It feels so damn good to break them. So do it. Break the damn rules.’ He didn’t remember taking the steps to get there but suddenly, there he was—right behind Haley as he reached out and took her hand. Her soft blonde curls danced around her shoulders as she turned, her bright eyes lit with question.

To Haley, it all happened so quickly but yet, somehow,  in slow motion. The moment she turned, Bo slipped his hand behind her neck, his eyes fell to her mouth, and suddenly his lips were wound tightly with hers, his kiss sinking so deeply and slowly, her legs went weak, and she was thankful his arm slid tightly around the small of her back. And it was there in his arms that she hung helplessly as she took in every fiber of the moment. Every second of that feeling of his mouth moving warmly over hers until it lifted, and she opened her eyes to meet his, gazing down at her, wide and wondering. The air felt charged and electric, and that--was what Haley would always recall as the very moment she fell in love with Bo.

[ghostwriterdiariesxoxo]

Down For You (Returned to Ao3)

As well as/ Before the Act - Make it Quick & Green Room

An Archive of Our Own, a project of the Organization for Transformative Works

[ghostwriterdiariesxoxo]

(Before The Act) has returned to Ao3

[ghostwriterdiariesxoxo]

I was never a fic writer and truth be told, I’d never really read much of it either. It wasn’t because I chose not to, I just hadn’t ventured into it quite yet.

But then I had an idea for a story….

It was about a girl who loved a boy next door, and she never stopped.

I’ve mentioned before that Bo is a great muse for many reasons—and I have to thank him.  But there aren’t enough words, even in my wheelhouse, to express the gratitude that I have for all of you that’s taken the time out to read my work and for all the unforgettable comments and messages I’ve gotten since I started all of this….one whole year ago.

I wanted to let everyone know I’m “stepping away” for a bit. It’s temporary. And yes, I’ve cleared the stories from AO3. But that is also temporary. I’m sorry to do this in the middle of Down For You but I’m doing it for many, very important and incredibly necessary reasons. And one of those many reasons is to give Before The Act the chance that it has right now to move on to bigger things.

I was never a fic writer. But I sure as hell have always been a writer with a dream and I hope all of you can understand. Until later…

Love, Lexi - GhostWriterDiariesXoXo

[ghostwriterdiariesxoxo]

Down For You: Flashback Pt. Two

https://archiveofourown.org/works/35350264/chapters/97938912

[Camille looked away for a moment, blinking back tears. She wanted him because he was wanted by plenty of others. She wanted him because he wasn’t chasing her. But Camille suddenly realized she also wanted him for things she’d never once cared about before.  

He was gentle. Safe. Even the air in his presence felt somehow different; like walking out of a cold building and into the warm sun. He was a place of solace. And Camille wanted nothing more in that moment than to belong in that place. To belong to him.]

[ghostwriterdiariesxoxo]

Down For You: (ch 18) Flashback Pt 2

https://archiveofourown.org/works/35350264/chapters/97938912

((((Warnings: language, references of drug use and sexual content.))))

[“Just forget it,” she said as she turned, opening the car door. “It was just a stupid joke.”

“Really? Because the look on your face says otherwise.”

She spun on her heels, stretching up on her toes, her face a mere inch from his.

“You know what? Fuck you, Bo! Why do you give a shit anyway?”

His brows lowered momentarily as he stared down at her, caught off guard by her sudden aggression. “It’s called ‘getting to know someone,’ Camille. You may not be familiar with that phrase but it usually occurs BEFORE you ask a person to make you scream.”]

[ghostwriterdiariesxoxo]

Down For You (Flashback pt 2) POSTING TONIGHT!

If you haven’t caught up with Flashback pt 1 check it out here:

https://archiveofourown.org/works/35350264/chapters/96914001

A few things I’d like to note:

I’m doing this flashback segment so that you guys can get a chance to “SEE”, not just “HEAR or be TOLD” about the past. Haley and Camille are incredibly important to the current timeline of Down For You and the connections between Bo’s character and these two girls run very deep.

When I originally went into writing this segment, I thought of it more as, “lightly touching,” on these scenes from the past but... I should have known better...because I’m not a “light touch” writer.

That being said, I’m glad you guys really enjoyed part ONE, part TWO is posting tonight and in order to tell this story correctly, there will be a part THREE. Then I’ll be returning back to the current timeline with Bo & Emma. Hopefully with this backstory it will be a fresh and more in depth experience because you’ll have seen the fine details of the past.

There will actually be a few more “Flashback” chapters a little later in the story. These will be shorter because they’ll be visiting one scene as opposed to the ones I’m doing now that are covering multiple events.

One last thing I’d like to note is that I’ve taken a bit of a nontraditional third person omniscient POV approach in the way I’m telling the flashback segment. So, just be aware that although I’m trying to make sure it’s done in a planned and thoughtful way, I do switch from one characters headspace to another from time to time.

Okay guys :) Thanks!

[ghostwriterdiariesxoxo]

Are you going to publish any of your writing about bo? It’s so good, I would 100000% buy it in actual book form ❤️❤️

❤️ Thank you! I'm very much hoping to get some version of both fics published. Of course his name and the details specifically related to him will be changed, along with some parts being dropped, altered or extended. But absolutely. #goals for sure! 😉

[ghostwriterdiariesxoxo]

Is no one else wondering where Brett is like is he completely out of the picture or are you just not answering any of those questions because something crazy is gonna happen

I’m sure a lot of people are wondering the same thing. Currently, It’s been about 2 weeks since his appearance in Atlanta before he left for Tokyo. Brett’s whereabouts will be brought up in chapter 19: History Repeats pt 2.

Hope this at least somewhat answers your question :)

[ghostwriterdiariesxoxo]

your profile picture is IMMACULATE😭 it looks so much like bo, did you commission/draw it yourself? it’s so beautiful (just like your writing!)

First, thank you. I'm pretty proud of it myself ❤️ Second, no this photo does not belong to me, this was actually a gorgeous black and white photo that I found and I added color into it. But I definitely chose it bc of the resemblance.

[ghostwriterdiariesxoxo]

Down For You (Flashback pt 2 Teaser)

I know, I know, it's taking forever guys but I'm trying lol. Still gotta do life things as well.

But here's a teaser for the 2nd part of Flashback for now. The rest will come soon. Promise! Xoxo

Winter 2008

Boston, Ma

One Week After Cabin Party

Haley was late for her date. A date she’d entirely forgotten about. It was marked in red pen on her wall calendar. Scheduled in her phone, and she’d even absentmindedly drawn a heart with lip liner on her vanity mirror while she was on the phone with David, the night it was set. Three reminders and yet it’d still been forgotten.

She’d only remembered earlier that evening when David sent a text. Letting her know he’d finally arrived back in Boston from his lengthy business trip in Vermont. While she scrambled to get ready, her mind was in overdrive, running through every excuse she could think of to explain her mishap. Knowing all the while, the real reason came down to one simple answer. –Bo.

Since the party at the cabin they’d spoken a few times. A call here and there and a few witty conversations over text. But in between those points, Haley could barely concentrate on anything else. Practically running on auto pilot through auditions, her part time job as a receptionist and visiting her mother.

She’d reached the point of no return. Deciding that not right then, but soon, she wanted to tell Bo the truth about how she felt. She wasn’t entirely sure that he felt the same way, but the energy between them seemed to blur between friends and maybe—something more. But the way she’d been feeling since the cabin, she was willing to place all bets on ‘something more.’ Because for her, at least—there wasn’t much of a choice.

The only thing that’d stopped her from telling Bo already, was David. Haley had been in a halfway in, halfway out situation with him for over a year. He was fairly older than her, separated from his wife, but never quite able to nail down a date for divorce. It was complicated. But she’d grown complacent. Especially because he traveled so much for work and she only saw him from time to time. But things had recently changed, and she was determined to make this date on time, so she could politely say goodbye and go her own way.

Haley checked her watch, hopping around the room on one foot, trying to get a high heel on the other.

“I’ve told you a thousand times,” Camille lazily lectured, appearing in Haley’s bedroom doorway. “Put the heel on the floor. Slip your foot in.”

Haley lowered her successfully high-heeled foot to the floor, blowing a lock of hair from her eyes.

“This works just fine,” she snapped.

Camille shrugged. “Sure—whatever you say.”

Haley took in Camille’s black sweater, high-waisted jeans, and knee-high leather fur-lined boots.

“Where are you going tonight?”

“It’s Thursday,” Camille grinned. “I’m going to that comedy club.”

“Seriously Cam?” Haley’s heart dropped. “No offense but he’s not that into you.”

“Guess we’ll see,” Camille replied, turning from the door. “Have fun with what’s his name.”

Haley stared at the empty doorway for a solid minute, listening to silence and her heart beating in her ears. Ever since Camille had come back from L.A, Haley sensed something had changed about her. Yes, Camille had always been self-important, catty, overly flirtatious, the list went on and on. But there was also a side of Camille when she wasn’t at parties or surrounded by a crowd, that was loving, caring, and genuine. The side of her that cried watching romantic movies, that would stop traffic to rescue a stray dog on the freeway, that once drove three hours with the flu, just to see Haley speak one line in a movie featured at a film festival. The side of her that Haley had called her best friend, without a second thought, since the fourth grade.

But that side of her suddenly seemed muted, at least when Haley actually saw her. Camille had barely been at the apartment all week. Coming home at all sorts of crazy hours. And even when she was home, she was in her room behind a closed door. But regardless if Camille had changed or not, the idea of her getting ahold of Bo was a sudden waking nightmare for Haley. And after checking the time once more, she left. Hoping to end things quickly with David and talk to Bo as soon as possible.

Nick’s Comedy Stop

Camille wasn’t often surprised by anyone. Especially men. But that night at the cabin, Bo managed to catch her off guard more than once. And as the show came to a close, her intrigue had grown exponentially. She was always the one being chased, never the other way around. So as she waited by her car, hoping to catch him as he was leaving, she hated herself for it. Especially over the rise of excitement spilling into her stomach when he finally appeared.

Almost instantaneously he was swarmed by the small crowd gathered around the exit. So she remained by her car watching him from a distance as he pulled his bookbag high up on the shoulder of his striped sweatshirt to sign autographs. When the crowd eventually dwindled down, she suddenly began to second guess her plan when he stepped off the curb, heading in her general direction towards his car. But she’d already waited this long and she knew if she didn’t talk to him then, she’d have to find another excuse to approach him later. So as he neared his car, only a short distance away, she made her move.

“I have to apologize,” Camille began, approaching him at his car. He looked up from the keys he’d just pulled from his pocket. “I told you I’d be here tonight but I think I missed your act.”

He huffed a laugh, shaking his head before returning his focus to unlocking the car.

“I was the last one up there and I know for a fact that you saw it.”

“No, that can’t be right.”

“Oh yeah?” He tossed his book bag into the passenger seat. “And why’s that?”

“Because that guy was mean as hell. Super arrogant,” she replied. Bo propped his forearm on the top of the car door, tilting his head, obviously humored as she continued. “I’d even go as far as to say he was a real asshole. So obviously that wasn’t you. The guy who couldn’t handle a few rounds of tequila the other night.”

“Look I get it,” he began, rounding the car door. “You don’t like nice guys.” Wildly flustered, Camille stirred under his gaze suddenly looming over her as he spoke. “You want them to treat you in all kinds of shitty and fucked up ways and cry when they hurt you—blah—blah—blah.” He wrinkled his nose as he shook his head. “It’s not a niche fascination Camille. It’s a basic worn-out story told by millions of basic, boring girls—Just like you.”

His words stung like little papercuts as they slipped from his tongue. And then he quickly turned, walking back to his car. But Camille had a million thoughts and questions, clambering all at once to the surface.

“Do you want to hang out?” She asked, following after him.

He grabbed his keys, lying on the roof above the car door.

“Not interested.”

“Why? What do you have going on tonight?”

He let out an exasperated sigh.

I didn’t say I was busy. I said—not interested.”

“Still doesn’t answer the question.”

“Fine,” he sighed. “If you HAVE to know, I was going to call Haley—see if she wanted to do something.”

She opened her mouth to protest him but nothing came out. She loved Haley. And even though Haley hadn’t admitted it yet, Camille knew she had a thing for Bo. But she’d somehow skipped over the possibility that Bo might feel the same.

“Why? She finally asked. “Do you like her or something?”

“Yeah, she’s cool.”

Camille processed his answer, deciding that it could mean anything.

“Well I hate to tell you this but she’s busy tonight. With her boyfriend, David.”

“Oh.” He dropped his head, pretending to study his car keys. “I didn’t know she had a boyfriend.”

Camille couldn’t help but feel a tug of jealousy over how disappointed he looked.

“So, now that you’re free tonight, how about that date?”

He lifted his head, revealing his somewhat baffled expression.

“Now it’s a date?”

“Call it what you want.” She sauntered closer, a slow and easy smile forming on her lips. “A hangout, a date. Either way, I just want it to end with that guy I saw on stage tonight making me scream.”

“Wow,” he huffed a laughed as he nodded. “What’s your deal, huh? Daddy didn’t love you enough?” He dismantled her in five easy words and her expression fell, reflecting the war he’d just re-awoken around her heart. And it only took him a moment to notice. “Whoa, hey. I’m so sorry. It was just a joke I’m…..I’m an idiot I’m sorry.”

She did her best to recover.

“You see,” she said, pointing her finger at him, attempting to smile. “THAT was mean. And then you just HAD to ruin it.” Camille realized that Bo could see right through her act as he tilted his head, brows drawn in concern—or maybe even pity. And with that—she decided to forfeit. “Anyways, I’m going to get out of here,” she said, hooking her thumb over her shoulder. “What you call desperate, I call determined but—even I know when to call it.” She tried to laugh but it was weak. “Later kid.” She turned—booking it toward her car, furious at herself for wanting to cry.

“Camille.” He called after her. She’d only made it a few feet away, when she stopped in her tracks, rolling her eyes as she turned to face him. He shook his head and then shrugged before he spoke. “Let’s hang out.”

Camille knew for a fact he was only saying it because he felt bad. But she’d take it anyway.

“My place or yours?” She grinned.

“Neither,” he replied quickly. “We need to find a middle ground. This is just a hang-out. Not a date. Just a zero screaming involved— hang out.”

She sighed, with a dramatic eye roll, meant for show.

“Fine. My friends are having a thing at their loft on the Northside of town. You’re driving.”

[ghostwriterdiariesxoxo]

Any new chapters coming soon?!❤️❤️

I have the latest chapter in the works but it's a very important and detail oriented chapter and I want to make sure it's done right. Won't be too long though 🙂

[ghostwriterdiariesxoxo]

not to go all fangirl-y on you but OH MY GOD YOU ARE LITERALLY THE BEST FIC WRITER IVE COME ACROSS EVER ksbvjsphvshvphsochovajbkba. but anyways, i was wondering how you stay motivated to do ur chaptered bo fics? i could never 😭

1st -Thank you. 2nd - I'm a writer and always have been outside of the fics. So, I have novel ideas and Bo is a very good muse ❤️

[ghostwriterdiariesxoxo]

The Green Room

Got a request to squeeze in something quick and smutty before the next chapter of Down For you. So...Here ya go.

https://archiveofourown.org/works/38796291

[[[“Right?” He laughs “Like, I would have spent my morning getting high and getting laid. I mean, that’s the magic combination.”

           Once again the green room is filled with silence, but this time it’s accompanied by his words, lingering in the air between us. We’re professionals. We have to continue to work with each other for the next couple of weeks. I know it’s not a good idea. In fact, it’s a terrible, stupid, crazy idea. But I’m going to suggest it anyway.

“Okay here me out—”

“You wanna do this?” He asks before I can finish. It throws me a bit and my head is suddenly spinning from the grin, tugging at his mouth. We’ve barely spoken to each other, apart from a few casual exchanges.

           “Is it going to make it weird between us?”

“Yeah probably,” he laughs a bit nervously. “But that’ll be AFTER we pull off a good set.”

Not allowing myself another second to overthink this, I move across the room and lock the door. But—before I turn around I take a deep breath.]]]

[ghostwriterdiariesxoxo]

Can you do a quick one before the next chapter of down for you? Just like a smut, short one?? 🥺🥺🤞

You asked so nicely...lol. So the answer is yes. Posting in 10 minutes.

[ghostwriterdiariesxoxo]

i just want to say first u are one of my favorite writers ever i don’t even think of u as like a fanfic writer u are a true writer with a gift of storytelling and I’m just so thankful u choose BO STORIES to express this talent u have. ok but SERIOUSLY yes u write bo’s character amazing in general it’s truly incredible buuuuuuut the way u write younggggggggg bo is crazy to me you write him soooooo wellllll like i can’t even describe how real it feels when u write in the perspective of him back way before inside or even make happy i think u really understand his feelings/thoughts and just everything about him as a person and i feel like u should know that’s so appreciated and it’s mesmerizing to me ok this is long ! KEEP WRITING MAGIC xxx

🥺 Thank you, love! Sincerely.❤️