i used to live with ghosts

[onwillpowr]

onwillpowr: a selective medium to low activity multi-muse indie & smut writing blog. 21+ preferred partners, set in EST. there will be smut and adult themes on this blog. If you are uncomfortable with that, please don't follow or interact. oc muses, not a fan of fandoms. dash writing only, not interested in writing on discord. the only rules i have are to cut your posts and don't like my starters. feel free to like or reblog plots/pictures. -AJ/25+/she/her

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[cherrysugcr]

Wells nodded, glad that he hadn't done anything to make her abandonment fears worse. In consideration of how he felt for Skye, he felt more empowered than ever to show he wasn't just saying what he thought she wanted to hear. Rather he had real serious feelings and intentions. "You are amazing at what you do, seriously." To hear that she wanted him flooded him with relief. Yet he knew it wouldn't be a simple happily ever after just because they had mutual feelings for each other. "Hey, I get it," he whispers moving to turn towards her more reaching to cup her face in his hand gently stroking her cheek. "I'm not gonna be an idiot and make huge promises. Yeah this might not work out but I won't ghost you either. We just need to be open and honest with each other even if it feels uncomfortable." He leans in gently kissing her cheek. "I'm still not fucking you tonight but I'd really like it if you slept here. We can get to know each other better like you said. Anything I can do right now to help you feel more relaxed?"

[onwillpowr]

Skye knew that there was a high chance of this not working out. Which was another reason why it scared her to even admit the feelings she had for him. She was afraid that she would finally let her guard down with him, get too attached, and then things end up not working out. She knew she couldn't live her life in fear. She had to try and get over this and work towards something where she wouldn't be alone for the rest of her life. Though, a nice cat waiting for her at home did sound nice. As she felt his touch on her cheek, her blue hues moved to look at him, instinctively leaning into his touch while she listened to him. "I didn't come here wanting to fuck," she pointed out. It was probably one of the last things on her mind at the moment. She then shook her head. "I'm fine. The alcohol helped, but I don't want to get drunk or buzzed either."

[cherrysugcr]

Rather than make some sort of smart comment Wells simply stays silent, allowing her to share whatever she felt comfortable disclosing to him. The more she continues the more he can feel his heart ache for this person he sincerely adores. Part of him figured there was some sort of trauma in her life yet he wanted to learn from her not let his imagination conjure up some falsehood. When she finished he stayed silent for a moment before nodding his head as he stood. He leaned down reaching into the room's minibar pulling out a couple of the small bottles of alcohol. Wells moved to sit on the edge of the bed near Skye offering her to take one before opening the other himself swallowing half the bottle. "That's so fucked of your family. I am sorry that happened to you, sincerely." It was no secret Wells had wonderful parents and an exceptional childhood with little to no troubles for himself. "And I am sorry if I did anything to make those abandonment fears worse. I know I haven't been the best guy at times but I do want you Skye, I can promise I won't run. I want to earn your trust." He paused for a moment before downing the rest of his bottle. "Also, I wanna say, knowing what the world told you growing up, it makes your professional success even more admirable. You didn't let that shit hole you back from going for what you wanted." He looks down in his lap at the small bottle in his big hands. "I don't want you any less. The only way I think I can help is showing up, supporting you, just being a positive presence as much as you'll let me. Show you that I'm someone you can trust. I get it, it will take time. All I ask is you tell me right now whether you want me or not. Please."

[onwillpowr]

Skye didn't know what to expect from Wells after she just laid all that out for him. She knew that she was completely damaged and was sure that she couldn't be repaired. She didn't understand why someone could like her the way Wells said he did... she just couldn't. For most of her life, she was just someone who existed and was told that she was a waste of space for the most part. So for him to see something else? It didn't make sense to her whatsoever. As he handed her the bottle, she took his from his hand, opening it and downing it in one go. She didn't realize how much she needed a drink after that. "No -- no. You didn't do anything to make it worse." That was the last thing that he did. He actually made her feel like she mattered to someone for once. "That's why I make that space an safe and free environment. Because I know how it feels in a sense and I want all my guests to feel safe and comfortable with me." she simply said with a shrug, now playing with the bottle in her hands. "I do want you. That's what scares the shit out of me. Because I can't go through all that again. I know I was young, but it just -- it sticks with you."

[cherrysugcr]

"Ok ok just wait hold on, we'll get to the questions but we gotta go back here. You say that I can't help you." Wells starts not wanting to just breeze by what's likely the bigger issue for them. "How do you know I can't help you? Or are you just not open to letting someone help? If this," he gestures between them. "Is going to have any depth, any real meaning, we gotta let each other in. I get it's not just me. Okay fine. But I'm not just anyone either." He licks his lips not wanting her to shut down or leave yet he feels the need to be completely honest. "I know this whole thing started as just hooking up. I had no intention of developing real feelings for you and don't fucking go back to I know nothing about you okay? No compatibility test can measure how I feel when we're together. At least for me, maybe you too. So why can't I help you? Cause prior to popular belief I'm not emotionally stupid. And I care for you so yeah your well being fucking matters."

[onwillpowr]

"Because it isn't something that can be helped by another person. I have to deal with it. I've tried therapy and that hasn't even helped," Skye explained. She knew that Wells wouldn't give up that easily. So, Skye knew she had to get the most vulnerable she had ever been with someone outside of her therapy sessions. "I just have a lot of trust issues. I leave before I get left again. I've never been in an actual relationship because I'm afraid. I'm afraid to be left and forgotten about like when I was younger." She stopped for a moment, taking a deep breath before continuing. "My mother basically abandoned me when I was younger. She met this guy who didn't want kids, so what did she do? She shipped me off to my grandmother, signed over her rights as a parent and that was it. She said she would be back, which I figured out was a lie a few months of her not returning and my grandmother telling me how stupid and naive I was to think she would want me back. She didn't even want me, but put up with me. I was reminded every day about how much of a burden I was to her. And that wasn't even the worst of what I heard while growing up." Skye admitted while avoiding any eye contact or even looking at Wells because she didn't want to see the pity in his eyes. "So yeah. There you go."

[siinsationals]

"Weird, didn't realize I was the only person paying attention. Their loss." He said casually, shrugging as he brushed off the words. For Everett, it didn't matter if other people saw it or not because he saw it, it was true for him and that was what mattered most. Anyone else was irrelevant, their opinions falling short compared to the importance of the simple, uncomplicated thing being built between himself and Tristan. "I know. Seeing how long it takes you to realize is part of the fun." Not so much fun if Tristan notices and never says anything about it, though - the man could be shockingly unflappable and laid back sometimes, or maybe he only seemed that way because Everett was used to reactions when he strayed from accepted parameters. Leaning fully into Tristan as the man wrapped his arms around his waist, Everett hummed in consideration, "It was certainly more unique. Your asshole score may vary, but you tend to be fairly reliable as a gentleman."

[onwillpowr]

"Or you're just a special person who understands my nonsense." If Everett was the only one who could understand what he was saying at certain times, that's all that mattered. He couldn't even understand what he was saying half the time. He was surprised with how long their conversation actually lasted when they first met due to how tired he was. He gave Everett props for sticking around him and not thinking he was some weird guy. "Then, I can't wait to see what else you're willing to take." Tristan never had someone take his clothes before. He didn't mind. If anything, he would like to see how they looked on someone he had some type of feeling for. "What?" Tristan almost shocked about his asshole score varying. "I thought I was one hundred percent asshole free." He said in almost a sarcastic tone. "I just know how to treat people."

[cherrysugcr]

"I get that, I can tell it's not easy Skye." Wells responds in a soft tone hoping to make her feel safe enough to let her guard down completely. "If you like me back and it seems that you do, then you gotta let me in. I can be patient as long as you're being honest about where you're at. Or how I can help you." Wells rolls his eyes as he kicks off his shoes shaking his head. "God I can't believe I'm crushing on a total psychopath. The only good thing about a cold vacation destination is cuddling up in front of a fireplace or something. I'm a dude who spends a lot of his time working on cold ice so yeah I really dig a nice beach vacation. This off season, I'm going international. Not sure where but definitely a beach." Wells sits back in his chair watching her for a moment before he answers her last question. "Skye, I wanna know it all. Tonight I'll take as much info as you'll share with me. If I hit a boundary or something you're not comfortable talking about just say the word, I'll back off okay?"

[onwillpowr]

"You can't help me." Skye quickly responded. A smiled briefly tugged on her lips as he mentioned the only good thing about a cold vacation. "That's one of the main reasons I like to go. Not that I'm cuddling with anyone. But I like to wrap myself in blankets and sit by the fireplace. Maybe read a book." Skye said with a small shrug of her shoulders. "How long are you planning on being away for?" Skye found herself asking as her eyes finally found his. She felt like she had been avoiding his gaze since stepping into the elevator. When getting into the room, even if she was looking in his direction, she was staring at the wall, or an object that was near him. "Then ask me questions. Put me in the hot seat. Be the interviewer. I'll try to be as open as I possibly can be."

[cherrysugcr]

"I know you didn't, I just said that." Wells groans letting his head fall backwards before looking to meet her eyes again. The argument she volleys back only causes him to scoff in return. "I want to know, I do I really really do but when am I supposed to ask Skye? When we're together we're either fucking or fighting. Even when I do try to ask personal things you get skittish and back off." Wells takes a deep breath as he moves to shrug out of his jacket, loosening the tie around his neck. "I don't know what it is but it's like you won't let down your guard with me. Okay maybe I don't know ever little thing about you sure. What I do know is how I feel when I'm with you - it's like no one else is around nothing else matters just you. So tell me do you really prefer winter vacations like a psychopath or were you just screwing with me? I'm not fucking you tonight so if you're open to it, we can get to know each other more personally. I'm serious," he leans forward placing his elbows on his knees staring Skye down. "We don't have to come out of this with a hard launch but I've made it pretty fuckin' clear I want you. So if getting to know each other helps with that okay, or whatever will help you figure out how you feel."

[onwillpowr]

"It isn't easy for me, Wells." Skye quickly snapped back. Not meaning to sound as harsh as she did. Skye got by with just hooking up and with what she heard from and about Wells, it sounded like he did as well. The only difference was that he had a family and knew what it was like to not be abandoned and not have his trust ruined at an early age. "I guess call me a psychopath because I do prefer winter vacations. I like the cold weather." Skye admitted. Not that she hated some quiet time somewhere on a beach. Who didn't like getting a tan? "And I don't let my walls down with anyone. It isn't just you. Don't take it personal." Skye said while beginning to fidget with the rings on her fingers, just to keep her hands busy. She wasn't sure how this conversation was going to end between them tonight. If they continue talking, or cut off contact with each other. This was never anything she had to deal with and honestly? This situation sucked more than she could imagine. "I already know how I feel. That doesn't mean it make things easy. If anything, it makes it worse. But sure, let's get to know each other more personally. What do you want to know?"

[cherrysugcr]

"Yeah okay, let's do that then." Wells nods taking a deep breath as the elevator lands on his floor. After letting them inside he glances around unsure of where either of them should sit. "You can sit wherever you're most comfortable. Also if you haven't already, I'd appreciate it if you turned your phone off." He adds, not wanting any interruption. As a sign of good faith he turns his off and sets it on the desk in the room. Once she's sat he looks around again choosing to sit as far away as possible not to be tempted. With another deep breathe he admits something that's stayed with him all night. "I know I did it to myself but fuck Skye I feel so embarrassed right now. I, pour my fucking heart out in front of people and you still just find a way to say no without saying no. What the fuck was that? Do you even like cold vacations? Or were you just saying that to fuck with my head?"

[onwillpowr]

Skye stayed silent on the way to his room. As he requested for her to turn off her phone, Skye didn't hesitate. She pulled her phone out, turning it off and placing it on the desk beside his. It felt like as soon as she sat on the edge of the bed, Wells began to attack her. "I didn't tell you to do it," she shot back as she turned her attention over to where he was. "Did you think that just because you did it while being live I was going to just say yes? I don't play games like that, Wells. If you haven't noticed, I like to keep things private." Skye kicked her heels off, wanting to feel at least somewhat comfortable if they were just diving into this. "See, you don't even know what kind of vacations I like. What my dream vacation might be. If I prefer cold temperatures or hot. You say you like me and want to be with me, but you really don't know anything about me. You just like that I can go against you in banter and not back down."

[cherrysugcr]

Just as he was about to be free from this hellish night the sound of someone running towards the elevator made him groan internally. Part of him wanted to reach out to stop the doors from closing but he stayed still. When he realized Skye was standing in front of him there was a sigh. "Hi," is all he says at first. "Get in." He snaps a little harsher than he meant to but it already happened. "Sorry," he whispers as the doors close. "So since fate intervened. You down to talk? We can go to my room if you want. This way you can leave whenever you want," he says a little sarcastically.

[onwillpowr]

As he snapped, Skye stepped in. Keeping some distance between them as she watched the doors close. Inhaling sharply at his words. "Don't --" She shook her head, knowing that he would end up throwing that at her. "I thought you understood why I left the last time." She spoke, turning her head to look at him now. "But sure. Let's talk. We're going to have to get it over eventually. Might as well do it when we're being thrown into this situation." She spoke softly as she put her phone in her bag, not needing it now that the only person she was talking to was inches away from her.

[cherrysugcr]

As he felt the car come to a stop the next round of texts came in from Skye causing Wells to shake his head. While he knew their situations weren't completely fair she had a very easy way, in his opinion, to bring all of it to a halt. Yet she was still being stubborn or difficult or just annoying at this point. As the elevator door opened he texted back while stepping inside.

[text] thanks for confirming [text] let me know when you actually want to talk

Wells hit the button for his floor before sagging against the wall ready to turn his phone off and go to sleep.

[onwillpowr]

Between the ending of their conversation on the carpet, to now -- Skye could tell that he was getting aggravated with her. She began texting out a message, deleting it, typing out another one, deleting that one as well, she just couldn't come up with the correct words that would make him happy. As her car came to a stop, she thanked the driver and headed into the lobby of the hotel. Taking her gaze off of her phone to the elevator. When seeing that the doors were about to close, Skye ran towards them, as fast as she was able to while wearing heels. "Wait --" she called out as her heels clanked against the tile floor, putting her hand between the doors to stop them from closing and once they opened up enough, she slipped inside. Her blue eyes fell onto the male that she had just been texting and all of a sudden felt frozen. "Hi," she spoke softly. What else could she say?

[siinsationals]

"My mission? Of course not. My hobby? Absolutely." He'd been strangely preoccupied with Tristan since they met, figuring out how he worked and ways to make him laugh, and Everett didn't see that changing any time soon even if the reaction he was after sometimes changed. "I can't tell you how stupidly appealing and endearing that is to me. You're very good at saying the right thing." Everett had a vague memory of being in the airport and telling Tristan about how important cooking was to him, how he liked people to be there with him even if they weren't doing anything. Enabling him to do that and making sure his time in the kitchen went well by running to the store for him? That was pure romance. "Possibly, but I'll give them back eventually. It's your job to figure out if I've taken something, though." Except now that he knew he could get away with it, there was a far greater chance that he'd bother actually asking Tristan first. They said it was better to ask forgiveness than permission, but there wasn't any risk in seeking permission when you already knew the answer would be yes. "You know, you really set yourself up for this since I recall you trying to get me in your clothes before."

[onwillpowr]

Humming at his response, Tristan just raised an eyebrow, now curious about what Everett might have up his sleeve. Soon he let out a laugh and shook his head. He never felt like he said the right thing. Half the time he felt like he didn't make sense. Thankfully, Everett understood what he was saying -- or trying to say. "You're probably the only person to say that to me." He admitted. Not that he cared what most people thought. The only time he did was... well, when he was talking to the man in front of him, and when he was being interviewed. During those times, he needed to make sure he didn't look like an idiot and sell what he was saying and being as confident as he could. "You do know that it would take me awhile to figure out if you took any of my clothes? Unless I see you wearing them." Though, it would be a fun game to play. Smirking, Tristan moved to wrap his arms around Everett's waist. "Isn't that better than trying to get you out of your clothes? Especially with it being our first meeting and all."

[cherrysugcr]

Now Sky was sounding just like his publicist who proceeded to text and email the entire time about what happened tonight. Some bullshit about damage control and framing the narrative. While anyone with a single brain cell could piece together what happened. Thankfully Wells was able to talk them down from changing the passwords on his social media accounts, for now. The saving grace was that he was going to be out of the public eye for a while since it was the off-season. Even if the conversation would continue online.

[text] zero regrets. I would do it again in a heartbeat. [text] Okay? I have nothing coming up. You though. You will have to answer it. And you now what I'm glad. [text] I wanna live rent free in that pretty head of yours

[onwillpowr]

Exhaling sharply as she read his texts, he was right. She was the one that had to deal with this now. He was in his off season and could go off the grid if he wanted to. Her? It was her job to be active on social media. This was going to suck, but she had to deal with it and she was dreading all of it.

[text] you suck [text] and how do you know that you already don't live rent free in my head?

[cherrysugcr]

For Wells the rest of the evening was pretty boring - all he could think about was Skye. After not seeing or talking to each other for so long he had hopes that maybe this time would be different. When he finally looked at his phone on the ride back to his hotel he rolled his eyes at all of it. Then a text from the woman at the center of everything popped in.

[text] yeah whatever same shit diff day [text] meant what i said btw [text] idgaf what other people think [text] just you

[onwillpowr]

As her phone buzzed in her hand, seeing the string of texts from Wells as she climbed in the back of the car and the driver headed towards the hotel, Skye stared at the messages for a moment. She had never felt something like this before. The way her heart slammed against her chest as his name popped up. Feeling herself forgetting how to breathe whenever he got close to her. A soft smile finally appeared on her lips as she read the messages for the tenth time before replying.

[text] I'm assuming you don't regret doing any of that while on camera? [text] This is going to be something that won't end. I'm sure with every interview for the next couple of months... it's going to be brought up constantly.

[cherrysugcr]

Wells had been able to keep himself under control for a record amount of time but now things were spiraling. That was the power Skye had over him. Mixed with his frustration of not getting what he wanted. Sadly he wasn't able to stop himself from pouting in response. "Skye," he whispers as if they were alone and not live on camera together. With another longing look he lets out a deep sigh before handing the microphone back to the person who handed it to him. Instead of moving on right away he leaned in squeezing Skye's shoulder, whispering into her ear. "You have my number if you change your mind." Against better judgement he lightly kissed her cheek before stepping away. All the harsh words from his publicist fell on deaf ears as he felt himself moving on auto pilot for the rest of the press.

[onwillpowr]

Just him saying her name, it got her breath stuck in her throat for a moment. Once he handed over the microphone, she knew that their time for this interview was now over. The hot breath on her ear, hand on her shoulder, and soon she felt herself leaning into the kiss on her cheek. After he walked away, Skye didn't even know what she said at the camera. She was still shocked by Wells had said to her. In private? Understandable. On live and in front of other people? She shouldn't be surprised, but here she was.

After she finished her line of interviews and it was time to pack up and head to her hotel for the night, Skye pulled out her phone. She had missed calls, text messages, being tagged in multiple posts. Taking a screenshot of all of the notifications, Skye then opened one of the articles to see the interaction between the two of them. It was hilarious to see some of the things that people were already coming up with. As she headed to the car that was picking her up, Skye began a message to Wells, first sending the screenshot.

[text:] image attachment [text:] I'm assuming you're also getting flooded with notifications?

[cherrysugcr]

The reaction on Skye's face made all of this worth it. When she shares that they are live he eagerly nods before looking right into the camera. "I'm glad that we're live, means it's real." He winks before turning his attention back to Skye. Of course his publicist is going to have something to say but he's dealt with that before what matters is Skye. "And the fact that we're live," he smirks tilting his head to the side as he raises his eyebrows. "Means I would like an answer. So the people can hold us accountable. Skye Burnell, do we or do we not take a vacation together?" He grins fully aware that this takes away any question of who he was talking about when he had feelings for someone. Wells is fully prepared to keep asking pointed questions until Skye gives him some sort of hope for their potential future.

[onwillpowr]

"Oh my god," Skye whispered to herself when watching him turn to the camera. Making sure her mouth wasn't by the microphone for it to pick it up. Seeing the shock on the cameraman's face as well, her blue eyes darted around to see who else might've heard this. Besides his publicist who looked like he wanted to murder him. She mouthed an apology to him before turning her attention back to Wells when he went back to speaking to her. Now she was being put on the spot. Her cheeks flushed. Even with the amount of makeup they had on her face, she was sure it was evident how much she was blushing, and also embarrassed. It was almost as bad as getting proposed to in front of a bunch of people and feeling the need to say 'yes'. Not that she would know that exact feeling. Though, she was sure it would feel a lot like this. "I don't know when I would be available to take a vacation. Besides, I prefer to be in the colder weather."

[cherrysugcr]

At this point Wells didn't care what the fans thought of him or who he dated or really anything. All he wanted was to win over Skye. To prove to her that he wasn't the type of guy who would hurt her even his reputation gave that impression. "Uh no clue honestly. I'm sure if anyone in my family wanted to go thought that'd be fine. Just wanna make the most of the my time off you know?" The way she rolled her eyes made him grin, biting on his lower lip admiring how effortlessly gorgeous she looked all the time. At the mention her next big interview his eyes lit up nodding his head. "Oh yeah I heard about that. Good dudes, I'll have to take a watch see if you're as mean to them as you are to me." He teased giving her a playful wink. "A trip huh? You know maybe we could coordinate go somewhere together. I'd be more than happy to take you on a tropical vacation if you want. Only if you promise to wear the sexiest bikinis and let me take them off you." Wells really didn't care anymore - he felt completely comfortable openly flirting with Skye. "How about we catch up later, consider my offer." He mentions as he meets her eyes again.

[onwillpowr]

"Why would I be mean to them? They're sweet guys." Skye teased back with a smirk toying on her lips. Seeing him bite on his lower lip, it made her want to close the distance and kiss him. There were certain things that he did... it just drove her crazy. When hearing his next words, her mouth fell completely open, not being able to hold back on the shocked look that took over her face as she was brought back to reality and out of her thoughts. "Wells." She knew that he didn't have a filter or really cared about what he thought, he would say whatever it was that came to mind. Normally, Skye was the same, but when it came to events like this? The fact that they were live and couldn't edit any of this out. It would be all over the internet within seconds. "You know that we are live, right? I can already see your publicist about to tear into you." Skye said while motioning to the person behind him. And it wasn't like she was saying no. She had no idea how to react, or what to say. For the first time, he had her completely speechless.

[cherrysugcr]

There was a lot of risk in being so honest in the face of the woman who was making him feel both elated and miserable at the same time. Wells fought the temptation to openly flirt or touch her or do anything that would make it completely obvious she as the one he was talking about. Then her reply made him tilt his head giving her a look he was sure said a lot more than words could convey. A very, are you being serious right now kind of expression. Yet he quickly recovers as he nods in agreement. "I do understand that and I'm really grateful for my fans. I hope they'll keep supporting me even as my love like evolves." As the question moves onto more mundane things he easily purses his lips as he shrugs. "Right now no but I'm definitely open to new opportunities and experiences. In the mean time I'll use my off time just focus on some more personal matters. Visit my family, maybe take a trip. What about you Skye?" He smirks knowing the fans would love seeing him turn things around. "What do you have going on?"

[onwillpowr]

The look he gave her, it almost felt like she could read his thoughts. She had to play it off like she didn't know he was talking about her. Were there signs with her body language that some fans could pick it up? There was a high probability. Skye just had to try and keep herself composed. The other thing that fans would pick up on... would be that she wasn't pushing to get more information out of him, and the interactions between them from previous interviews -- it was extremely different. "If they're true fans, they will stick by your side no matter what. Well, within reason of course." That was another thing that Skye was worried about. How dedicated his fans were and how much hate she could receive if they were to ever end up together. "That sounds nice. Where are you planning on taking a trip to? Would you take your family with you?" Skye questioned with a tilt of her head, bringing her free hand up to push some of her hair behind her shoulder. With a roll of her eyes in a playful manner as Wells turned the question on her, she didn't hesitate to answer. "As many know, I have a segment coming out with Sonny Byrne and Tristan Trudeau. A few surprises that I also have planned that I can't reveal yet. Things have been a little crazy. I'm hoping it will calm down a bit and maybe I'll also end up taking a trip somewhere."