sing because you just need to sing

[claimstobealright]

“I thought you’d be gone by the time I woke up…” (@proudandtall)

It took Davy a long moment to process her words, still half asleep. “Why would I leave?” he asked, genuinely confused. Julia was… well, Julia. The woman was so strong, and talented, and gorgeous. He’d been shocked, really, when she’d accepted his offer of a night out. She could have her pick of anyone, why him?

[proudandtall]

Julia shrugged, not quite looking his way. "That's just how these things go, aren't they?" she asked, though it was rhetorical. She wouldn't exactly know from experience, but she wasn't naive, she heard people talk.

[flipped-3-times]

"The frosting's supposed to go on the cookies, not in your mouth!" (@proudandtall)

Johnny pulled his finger out of him mouth with a grin, leaning forward so that his elbows were on the table. “I have icing on my cookie!” He defended, eyes shifting to wink at the little girl who wanted to crawl into his lap. he leaned back slightly, allowing her to sit on his knee before he wrapped an arm around her. 

@proudandtall

[proudandtall]

"You have more on your face," Julia pointed out, trying and failing to keep a stern expression. She melted as one of their little girls climbed into his lap. "You're gonna set a bad example for Jackie, if you aren't careful."

[flipped-3-times]

❝I thought you would be happy… it’s our baby.❞ (@proudandtall)

“I am happy!” Johnny said quickly, trying to reassure her, and maybe convince himself. This wasn’t planned. This hadn’t even been in the cards for them. Somehow- Like an idiot- Johnny had forgotten about the chance Julia could get pregnant.

“I’m just… Surprised.” That was putting it lightly.

@proudandtall

[proudandtall]

“Then why aren’t you acting like it?” Julia shot back, wrapping her arms around herself. They hadn’t discussed having kids of their own, but she knew he loved them. She thought he’d love to, but his reaction was... worrying. “I know it’s a surprise, but I thought it’d be a good one.”

[proudandtall]

"Stop telling everyone I'm a bad kisser."

“I haven’t been,” Julia replied, glancing up from her sheet music. “Unless you consider my mother, my best friend, and my boyfriend ‘everyone.’” Finally finished gathering her things, she turned to look at Donny, brow furrowed. “Why do you care?”

@genuinevet

[kingxhood]

“Um because now everyone thinks I’m a bad kisser which is a lie,” he defended ready to list all the reasons why he wasn’t a bad kisser. “And come on- Davy is the biggest gossip in the Band, he’s worse then thoes women at that shop you work at. Now everyone at Oliver’s thinks it’s true.”

[proudandtall]

Julia raised an eyebrow, giving him an unimpressed look. “I don’t lie,” she stated, turning towards the door. “And I’m sure there are still plenty of bobbysoxers who would love to kiss you, bad kisser or not.”

[kingxhood]

“Oh your right,” he said a little sarcastically. “Your Husband was definatly one of them.”

He felt a little bad about bring that up, but it was true, and it seemed like Julia was looking for anything and everything to push Donny’s buttons.

[proudandtall]

“Are you sure he wasn’t just desperate?” she shot back. “You were probably just the prettiest thing he could find!” She winced, immediately regretting her words. She was a little angry, yes, but that was too low of a blow.

[kingxhood]

He shook his head, laughing a little bitterly. He had a lot to say on that matter, and maybe he would have said it if they were in public, but for right now he was just stuck being irritated with her.

“Yeah, it’s kind of hard finding something else worth your while when the smell of dead bodies clogs all your sences.” He muttered back.

He then felt bad, the tension between them building up a bit more. She really didn’t need to know that, she already understood, or she was trying. That was clear enough.

“I’m sorry Julia… just-” he tried to find the right words. “Am I really that bad of a kisser?”

His ego didn’t need any help, but his self esteem sure did, and maybe part of him was sad because he really depended and hung to all of Julia’s opinions.

[proudandtall]

Julia stared down at the floor, avoiding his eyes. "I shouldn't have said that," she said quietly. "That was just wrong." She might not be too happy with him, but that didn't give her the right to be mean.

"You're not awful, just..." She glanced up, smirking ever-so-slightly. "Leaves a lot to be desired. You're enthusiastic, I'll certainly give you that."

[claimstobealright]

“He’s a bad kisser.” (@proudandtall)

Davy snorted at Julia’s words, glancing at their bandleader across the room. “ Is that so?” he asked not expecting an answer. “Jimmy told me that, too, now that you mention it.” He added, his voice low enough that it wouldn’t carry. “So I’m at least a little bit better than him?” he questioned with a small grin.

[proudandtall]

“Well…” Julia propped her chin up on her hand, pretending to think about it. “Just a little. Maybe.” Or a lot. “Would Jimmy have any input on that?” she asked quietly, a mischievous smile on her face.

[claimstobealright]

Davy hummed noncommittally, turning back to his bass without replying. He gave it a few more seconds before speaking again. “Just a little. Maybe.” he taunted, using her own words against her.

[proudandtall]

She raised an eyebrow as she leaned closer. “Oh, really? He would?” She wasn’t too surprised, knowing how much of a crush Jimmy had on him at first, but that didn’t keep her from being a lot little jealous. “Why would he have anything to say about your kissing, hm?”

[claimstobealright]

Davy smiled to himself at the curiosity tinged with a bit of jealousy. He glanced up to make sure none of the guys were listening before replying. “Jimmy wanted to make sure it wasn’t just that he was a bad kisser, asked me to make sure.” He kept to himself that he and Jimmy had gone… a bit farther than kissing. 

[proudandtall]

“And the verdict?” Julia was jealous, she’d admit it, but she was quite curious, too. After all, they were both very attractive… No, she wasn’t going to think about that. And besides, it’s not like she had any real reason to be jealous- just because she and Davy went on one date, that didn’t mean she had any claim on him. He could kiss whoever the hell he wanted whether she liked it or not.

[claimstobealright]

Davy left her question for a moment, enjoying perhaps a bit too much the hint of jealousy he could hear. “Donny is definitely the bad kisser.” He finally answered with a shrug. He still didn’t face the woman, at this point just fiddling with his instrument. He was toeing a line, really. They’d been on one date, and Julia hadn’t asked for another, so he’d assumed that was that. But, she definitely sounded jealous… “Do you want to test it? Make sure it’s definitely Donny that’s the bad kisser?” He asked, aware that it’d have to be later. He loved the guys like they were his brothers, but there was no way he’d kiss Julia in front of them all.

[proudandtall]

“Oh, it is. I can prove it, if you’d like,” Julia said firmly. If that’s the game Davy wanted to play, who was she to stop him? “I’m a little rusty, but I’m sure a little refresher would fix that.” She stood, stepping closer until she was directly behind him. “Or are you scared you won’t be up to snuff?”

[claimstobealright]

Davy could feel her behind him, heard her challenge. If they were in private, he would’ve ignored his concerns and kissed her, like she was asking. But fuck, of course, this had to happen at band practice. He had no idea if she wanted to kiss in front of all the guys, and he wouldn’t make the first move because of that. He turned around, meeting her eyes for a moment before raising an eyebrow. “Do you think you can handle me?” he asked.

[proudandtall]

Julia raised an eyebrow back at him, a small smirk on her face. “I don’t know if you can handle me.” She took another step closer, stopping mere inches away. Finally looking Davy in the face, though, in front of everyone? She lost some of her confidence, looking down. “Maybe we’ll just have to find out later, hm?”

[claimstobealright]

Davy couldn’t help but rove his eyes over her figure at her statement. “Maybe not.” He agreed quietly, looking back up just as she dropped her gaze. He nodded, letting it drop as he heard Donny call for everyone to start the practice. Well, shit. He’d expected none of this from Julia’s original comment, and despite her words, he was afraid she wouldn’t bring it back up later.

[proudandtall]

All through rehearsal, Julia kept glancing over at Davy, thinking about their conversation beforehand. Afterwards, she took her time gathering her things, waiting as long as she could for Davy to finish. Now that she had time to think, she was starting to rethink it. He seemed interested, yes, but what if they kissed and he expected it to go further? Or even worse, what if he ended up regretting it? Consumed by her worries, she almost didn’t even notice when Davy came up beside her.

[claimstobealright]

Davy was pretty sure the guys had seen… whatever had happened between him and Julia, but they didn’t say anything about the few times he messed up his playing. He was usually slow to pack his instrument, so he was a little bit surprised that Julia was still there. He knew what she’d said, but… he still doubted. The woman was clearly lost in her thoughts, even when he walked up beside her, gently resting a hand on her shoulder.

[proudandtall]

She jumped a little at the contact, glancing over her shoulder. “Having some issues with the music, huh?” Julia teased, turning to face Davy. He was definitely distracted during rehearsal, and she’d like to think it was because of her. She wanted to continue the conversation from earlier, but she was not bringing it back up.

[claimstobealright]

Davy smiled a little bit at her teasing. With the band gone, he wasn’t afraid to admit he’d been… distracted, thinking about Julia. “Issues is one way to put it.” He agreed, shrugging casually. “Does the offer still stand? I’m curious now, is he really that terrible at kissing?” he asked.

[proudandtall]

“Oh, it’s like kissing a labrador retriever puppy,” she laughed, wrinkling her nose. “Slobber everywhere, but very enthusiastic.” Julia decided not to answer his other question, instead stepping closer, laying a hand on his shoulder. Taking a deep breath, she leaned up on her tiptoes, kissing him hesitantly.

[claimstobealright]

Her reply pulled a surprised laugh out of him, but it trailed off as she stepped closer. Davy had half a second to panic just a little before she kissed him. The kiss was soft, clearly hesitant, but it was… nice. He smiled into it, hand settling on her waist.

[proudandtall]

Julia dropped back down onto flat feet, pulling Davy down with her as she deepened the kiss. She almost melted into the arm around her waist, wrapping an arm around his neck to pull him closer.

[proudandtall]

"Stop telling everyone I'm a bad kisser."

“I haven’t been,” Julia replied, glancing up from her sheet music. “Unless you consider my mother, my best friend, and my boyfriend ‘everyone.’” Finally finished gathering her things, she turned to look at Donny, brow furrowed. “Why do you care?”

@genuinevet

[kingxhood]

“Um because now everyone thinks I’m a bad kisser which is a lie,” he defended ready to list all the reasons why he wasn’t a bad kisser. “And come on- Davy is the biggest gossip in the Band, he’s worse then thoes women at that shop you work at. Now everyone at Oliver’s thinks it’s true.”

[proudandtall]

Julia raised an eyebrow, giving him an unimpressed look. “I don’t lie,” she stated, turning towards the door. “And I’m sure there are still plenty of bobbysoxers who would love to kiss you, bad kisser or not.”

[kingxhood]

“Oh your right,” he said a little sarcastically. “Your Husband was definatly one of them.”

He felt a little bad about bring that up, but it was true, and it seemed like Julia was looking for anything and everything to push Donny’s buttons.

[proudandtall]

“Are you sure he wasn’t just desperate?” she shot back. “You were probably just the prettiest thing he could find!” She winced, immediately regretting her words. She was a little angry, yes, but that was too low of a blow.

[proudandtall]

"Stop telling everyone I'm a bad kisser."

“I haven’t been,” Julia replied, glancing up from her sheet music. “Unless you consider my mother, my best friend, and my boyfriend ‘everyone.’” Finally finished gathering her things, she turned to look at Donny, brow furrowed. “Why do you care?”

@genuinevet

[kingxhood]

“Um because now everyone thinks I’m a bad kisser which is a lie,” he defended ready to list all the reasons why he wasn’t a bad kisser. “And come on- Davy is the biggest gossip in the Band, he’s worse then thoes women at that shop you work at. Now everyone at Oliver’s thinks it’s true.”

[proudandtall]

Julia raised an eyebrow, giving him an unimpressed look. “I don’t lie,” she stated, turning towards the door. “And I’m sure there are still plenty of bobbysoxers who would love to kiss you, bad kisser or not.”

[proudandtall]

"Stop telling everyone I'm a bad kisser."

“I haven’t been,” Julia replied, glancing up from her sheet music. “Unless you consider my mother, my best friend, and my boyfriend ‘everyone.’” Finally finished gathering her things, she turned to look at Donny, brow furrowed. “Why do you care?”

@genuinevet

[vaememes]

* soft  smut  sentence  starters .

❛ That teabag was actually better the second time around. ❜

❛ The landscapers are coming over today to trim the bush. ❜

❛ We’ve got to make it quick, shouldn’t be a problem for you. ❜

❛ We don’t have to go all the way, just midway. ❜

❛ I wasn’t expecting you to go there. ❜

❛ Sex Rules, I pity the fools who realize to late. ❜

❛ There’s nothing wrong with a bit of tease before. ❜

❛ Maybe I’d rather take my time. ❜

❛ Slow and steady, there. ❜

❛ What’s your rush? ❜

❛ What’s the big hurry? We’ve got plenty of time to play. ❜

❛ You always manage to make it seem better every time. ❜

❛ What did you have in mind now? ❜

❛ I just wanted a taste. ❜

❛ There’s a place I’ll let you go that you haven’t been yet. ❜

❛ Maybe you could stay a little afterwards? I don’t like being alone. ❜

❛ Let’s see what you’re working with. ❜

❛ That’s a nice color on you, bet it’d look better off of you though. ❜

❛ What? You mean to tell me you didn’t come here to just cuddle? ❜

❛ I’ve got something in mind you might like. ❜

❛ I could show you instead. ❜

❛ Come here, give me a kiss. ❜

❛ I just wanted some time alone with you.. to do this.. ❜

❛ I’m going to run a shower, you can watch but you can’t join. ❜

❛ Is there anything you can’t do with that tongue? ❜

❛ A hug could easily turn into something more if you allow it. ❜

❛ I love that thing you do when we kiss. ❜

❛ You know exactly what to do and know exactly what I want. ❜

❛ I’ve always had a thing for you and I see why now. ❜

❛ You really do know how to keep it interesting. ❜

❛ Maybe we just take our sweet little time, make it last. ❜

❛ I don’t want to go fast. I want to go slow. ❜

❛ I’m ready, if you are. ❜

❛ Just gently going to do this.. ❜

❛ Shhh … Kiss me .. ❜

❛ You’re trembling … are you sure you’re okay? ❜

❛ Even at your slowest, I’m still at my weakest. ❜

❛ Could you, could we, maybe go a little slower?  ❜

❛ I want to show you something. ❜

❛ Are you going to just keep staring or are you going to come touch? ❜

❛ I have a great idea for us, something you’ll enjoy. ❜

❛ You can still look while you touch. ❜

[claimstobealright]

“Is it okay to say that I’m jealous?” (@proudandtall)

“Of who?” he asked, even though he knew exactly who she was talking about. At their gigs, there were usually ladies that hung around to try and flirt with the band, and while the other guys, besides Donny, usually didn’t bother, Davy did. And, yeah, he flirted right back, even though he turned down their offers for anything more. He wasn’t really interested in them- why would he be, with what he had with Julia? But he honestly thought it was fun, seeing them blush and giggle. It was harmless, so he’d thought.

[proudandtall]

“Those- those girls,” she answered, still kind of irritated. Julia couldn’t blame Davy for people flirting with him- after all, he was a very handsome man- but she could certainly blame him for flirting back. “Why the hell do you- encourage them like that?”

[claimstobealright]

Davy flinched as he realized she was genuinely angry at him. He quickly turned to face her, wishing he could put a hand on her shoulders or something, but it wasn’t the time. “I’m not trying to encourage them, it’s just-” He paused, then, trying to think of how to phrase it right. “A lot of them are self-conscious, it’s obvious with how they hold themselves, and how they act. I’d hate to just flat out turn them down, so I try to just… I don’t know, encourage them, but not do anything more?” he tried to explain, frowning at his probably shitty explanation.

[proudandtall]

“You could tell them you have a girlfriend,” she muttered, wrapping her arms around himself. That was sweet of him, Julia couldn’t deny it, but dammit, Davy was hers, she didn’t want anyone else thinking they had a chance with him.

[claimstobealright]

“I do, if they try to ask me out, I swear I do babe,” he reassured quickly, stepping closer to her. He hesitantly wrapped his arms around her, making sure she wouldn’t shove him off before pulling her into a hug. Davy pressed a kiss to the top of her head, one hand moving up to rest on the back of her neck. “‘M sorry. I didn’t think about it.” He whispered.

[proudandtall]

Julia couldn’t help but relax in his arms, wrapping her own around his waist. “What if-” She stopped, pulling him closer. “What if you find someone you like better than me?” she mumbled into his chest, almost inaudible. “What if I’m not good enough anymore?”

[claimstobealright]

He loved the feeling of this woman in his arms, and he wished he could show her that. How perfect she felt, wrapped in a hug. He barely heard her mumbled worries, but he was shaking his head before she’s even finished her second doubt. “I won’t ever find someone I like better than you. You’re amazing, Jules. There is no one *better* than you.” He tried to tell her.

[proudandtall]

“But what if you do?” She was being irrational, she knew it, but she couldn’t stop. Davy didn’t mean anything with the flirting, she knew that too, but that didn’t mean he never would. She’s seen the way those girls look at him, heard the way they talk to him. It wasn’t that unreasonable to think that one of them might eventually catch his eye- after all, most of the girls who flirted with him were gorgeous.

[claimstobealright]

“Hey,” he called softly, leaning away so he could lift her chin, meeting her eyes. “Even if a lady was interested in me for anything more than a quick lay, you and I both know they’d probably bolt at my first nightmare. I’m not the best catch, I’m still shocked you decided I was worth your time.” Davy murmured. “Julia I-” Fuck, why was it so hard to say? Maybe because, despite her assurances, he was still afraid every day she would realize he wasn’t worth the effort? “I love you.” he finally managed.

[proudandtall]

Julia gave him a shaky smile, sliding her hands to rest on his waist. “I love you too, sweetheart,” she said quietly. She knew it was hard for him to say that, and how guilty he felt every time she said she loved him and he couldn’t say it back. “I’m sorry I doubted you. I just...”

[claimstobealright]

“He’s a bad kisser.” (@proudandtall)

Davy snorted at Julia’s words, glancing at their bandleader across the room. “ Is that so?” he asked not expecting an answer. “Jimmy told me that, too, now that you mention it.” He added, his voice low enough that it wouldn’t carry. “So I’m at least a little bit better than him?” he questioned with a small grin.

[proudandtall]

“Well…” Julia propped her chin up on her hand, pretending to think about it. “Just a little. Maybe.” Or a lot. “Would Jimmy have any input on that?” she asked quietly, a mischievous smile on her face.

[claimstobealright]

Davy hummed noncommittally, turning back to his bass without replying. He gave it a few more seconds before speaking again. “Just a little. Maybe.” he taunted, using her own words against her.

[proudandtall]

She raised an eyebrow as she leaned closer. “Oh, really? He would?” She wasn’t too surprised, knowing how much of a crush Jimmy had on him at first, but that didn’t keep her from being a lot little jealous. “Why would he have anything to say about your kissing, hm?”

[claimstobealright]

Davy smiled to himself at the curiosity tinged with a bit of jealousy. He glanced up to make sure none of the guys were listening before replying. “Jimmy wanted to make sure it wasn’t just that he was a bad kisser, asked me to make sure.” He kept to himself that he and Jimmy had gone… a bit farther than kissing. 

[proudandtall]

“And the verdict?” Julia was jealous, she’d admit it, but she was quite curious, too. After all, they were both very attractive… No, she wasn’t going to think about that. And besides, it’s not like she had any real reason to be jealous- just because she and Davy went on one date, that didn’t mean she had any claim on him. He could kiss whoever the hell he wanted whether she liked it or not.

[claimstobealright]

Davy left her question for a moment, enjoying perhaps a bit too much the hint of jealousy he could hear. “Donny is definitely the bad kisser.” He finally answered with a shrug. He still didn’t face the woman, at this point just fiddling with his instrument. He was toeing a line, really. They’d been on one date, and Julia hadn’t asked for another, so he’d assumed that was that. But, she definitely sounded jealous… “Do you want to test it? Make sure it’s definitely Donny that’s the bad kisser?” He asked, aware that it’d have to be later. He loved the guys like they were his brothers, but there was no way he’d kiss Julia in front of them all.

[proudandtall]

“Oh, it is. I can prove it, if you’d like,” Julia said firmly. If that’s the game Davy wanted to play, who was she to stop him? “I’m a little rusty, but I’m sure a little refresher would fix that.” She stood, stepping closer until she was directly behind him. “Or are you scared you won’t be up to snuff?”

[claimstobealright]

Davy could feel her behind him, heard her challenge. If they were in private, he would’ve ignored his concerns and kissed her, like she was asking. But fuck, of course, this had to happen at band practice. He had no idea if she wanted to kiss in front of all the guys, and he wouldn’t make the first move because of that. He turned around, meeting her eyes for a moment before raising an eyebrow. “Do you think you can handle me?” he asked.

[proudandtall]

Julia raised an eyebrow back at him, a small smirk on her face. “I don’t know if you can handle me.” She took another step closer, stopping mere inches away. Finally looking Davy in the face, though, in front of everyone? She lost some of her confidence, looking down. “Maybe we’ll just have to find out later, hm?”

[claimstobealright]

Davy couldn’t help but rove his eyes over her figure at her statement. “Maybe not.” He agreed quietly, looking back up just as she dropped her gaze. He nodded, letting it drop as he heard Donny call for everyone to start the practice. Well, shit. He’d expected none of this from Julia’s original comment, and despite her words, he was afraid she wouldn’t bring it back up later.

[proudandtall]

All through rehearsal, Julia kept glancing over at Davy, thinking about their conversation beforehand. Afterwards, she took her time gathering her things, waiting as long as she could for Davy to finish. Now that she had time to think, she was starting to rethink it. He seemed interested, yes, but what if they kissed and he expected it to go further? Or even worse, what if he ended up regretting it? Consumed by her worries, she almost didn’t even notice when Davy came up beside her.

[claimstobealright]

Davy was pretty sure the guys had seen… whatever had happened between him and Julia, but they didn’t say anything about the few times he messed up his playing. He was usually slow to pack his instrument, so he was a little bit surprised that Julia was still there. He knew what she’d said, but… he still doubted. The woman was clearly lost in her thoughts, even when he walked up beside her, gently resting a hand on her shoulder.

[proudandtall]

She jumped a little at the contact, glancing over her shoulder. “Having some issues with the music, huh?” Julia teased, turning to face Davy. He was definitely distracted during rehearsal, and she’d like to think it was because of her. She wanted to continue the conversation from earlier, but she was not bringing it back up.

[claimstobealright]

Davy smiled a little bit at her teasing. With the band gone, he wasn’t afraid to admit he’d been… distracted, thinking about Julia. “Issues is one way to put it.” He agreed, shrugging casually. “Does the offer still stand? I’m curious now, is he really that terrible at kissing?” he asked.

[proudandtall]

“Oh, it’s like kissing a labrador retriever puppy,” she laughed, wrinkling her nose. “Slobber everywhere, but very enthusiastic.” Julia decided not to answer his other question, instead stepping closer, laying a hand on his shoulder. Taking a deep breath, she leaned up on her tiptoes, kissing him hesitantly.

[claimstobealright]

“He’s a bad kisser.” (@proudandtall)

Davy snorted at Julia’s words, glancing at their bandleader across the room. “ Is that so?” he asked not expecting an answer. “Jimmy told me that, too, now that you mention it.” He added, his voice low enough that it wouldn’t carry. “So I’m at least a little bit better than him?” he questioned with a small grin.

[proudandtall]

“Well…” Julia propped her chin up on her hand, pretending to think about it. “Just a little. Maybe.” Or a lot. “Would Jimmy have any input on that?” she asked quietly, a mischievous smile on her face.

[claimstobealright]

Davy hummed noncommittally, turning back to his bass without replying. He gave it a few more seconds before speaking again. “Just a little. Maybe.” he taunted, using her own words against her.

[proudandtall]

She raised an eyebrow as she leaned closer. “Oh, really? He would?” She wasn’t too surprised, knowing how much of a crush Jimmy had on him at first, but that didn’t keep her from being a lot little jealous. “Why would he have anything to say about your kissing, hm?”

[claimstobealright]

Davy smiled to himself at the curiosity tinged with a bit of jealousy. He glanced up to make sure none of the guys were listening before replying. “Jimmy wanted to make sure it wasn’t just that he was a bad kisser, asked me to make sure.” He kept to himself that he and Jimmy had gone… a bit farther than kissing. 

[proudandtall]

“And the verdict?” Julia was jealous, she’d admit it, but she was quite curious, too. After all, they were both very attractive… No, she wasn’t going to think about that. And besides, it’s not like she had any real reason to be jealous- just because she and Davy went on one date, that didn’t mean she had any claim on him. He could kiss whoever the hell he wanted whether she liked it or not.

[claimstobealright]

Davy left her question for a moment, enjoying perhaps a bit too much the hint of jealousy he could hear. “Donny is definitely the bad kisser.” He finally answered with a shrug. He still didn’t face the woman, at this point just fiddling with his instrument. He was toeing a line, really. They’d been on one date, and Julia hadn’t asked for another, so he’d assumed that was that. But, she definitely sounded jealous… “Do you want to test it? Make sure it’s definitely Donny that’s the bad kisser?” He asked, aware that it’d have to be later. He loved the guys like they were his brothers, but there was no way he’d kiss Julia in front of them all.

[proudandtall]

“Oh, it is. I can prove it, if you’d like,” Julia said firmly. If that’s the game Davy wanted to play, who was she to stop him? “I’m a little rusty, but I’m sure a little refresher would fix that.” She stood, stepping closer until she was directly behind him. “Or are you scared you won’t be up to snuff?”

[claimstobealright]

Davy could feel her behind him, heard her challenge. If they were in private, he would’ve ignored his concerns and kissed her, like she was asking. But fuck, of course, this had to happen at band practice. He had no idea if she wanted to kiss in front of all the guys, and he wouldn’t make the first move because of that. He turned around, meeting her eyes for a moment before raising an eyebrow. “Do you think you can handle me?” he asked.

[proudandtall]

Julia raised an eyebrow back at him, a small smirk on her face. “I don’t know if you can handle me.” She took another step closer, stopping mere inches away. Finally looking Davy in the face, though, in front of everyone? She lost some of her confidence, looking down. “Maybe we’ll just have to find out later, hm?”

[claimstobealright]

Davy couldn’t help but rove his eyes over her figure at her statement. “Maybe not.” He agreed quietly, looking back up just as she dropped her gaze. He nodded, letting it drop as he heard Donny call for everyone to start the practice. Well, shit. He’d expected none of this from Julia’s original comment, and despite her words, he was afraid she wouldn’t bring it back up later.

[proudandtall]

All through rehearsal, Julia kept glancing over at Davy, thinking about their conversation beforehand. Afterwards, she took her time gathering her things, waiting as long as she could for Davy to finish. Now that she had time to think, she was starting to rethink it. He seemed interested, yes, but what if they kissed and he expected it to go further? Or even worse, what if he ended up regretting it? Consumed by her worries, she almost didn’t even notice when Davy came up beside her.

[claimstobealright]

Davy was pretty sure the guys had seen… whatever had happened between him and Julia, but they didn’t say anything about the few times he messed up his playing. He was usually slow to pack his instrument, so he was a little bit surprised that Julia was still there. He knew what she’d said, but… he still doubted. The woman was clearly lost in her thoughts, even when he walked up beside her, gently resting a hand on her shoulder.

[proudandtall]

She jumped a little at the contact, glancing over her shoulder. “Having some issues with the music, huh?” Julia teased, turning to face Davy. He was definitely distracted during rehearsal, and she’d like to think it was because of her. She wanted to continue the conversation from earlier, but she was not bringing it back up.

[claimstobealright]

“Is it okay to say that I’m jealous?” (@proudandtall)

“Of who?” he asked, even though he knew exactly who she was talking about. At their gigs, there were usually ladies that hung around to try and flirt with the band, and while the other guys, besides Donny, usually didn’t bother, Davy did. And, yeah, he flirted right back, even though he turned down their offers for anything more. He wasn’t really interested in them- why would he be, with what he had with Julia? But he honestly thought it was fun, seeing them blush and giggle. It was harmless, so he’d thought.

[proudandtall]

“Those- those girls,” she answered, still kind of irritated. Julia couldn’t blame Davy for people flirting with him- after all, he was a very handsome man- but she could certainly blame him for flirting back. “Why the hell do you- encourage them like that?”

[claimstobealright]

Davy flinched as he realized she was genuinely angry at him. He quickly turned to face her, wishing he could put a hand on her shoulders or something, but it wasn’t the time. “I’m not trying to encourage them, it’s just-” He paused, then, trying to think of how to phrase it right. “A lot of them are self-conscious, it’s obvious with how they hold themselves, and how they act. I’d hate to just flat out turn them down, so I try to just… I don’t know, encourage them, but not do anything more?” he tried to explain, frowning at his probably shitty explanation.

[proudandtall]

“You could tell them you have a girlfriend,” she muttered, wrapping her arms around himself. That was sweet of him, Julia couldn’t deny it, but dammit, Davy was hers, she didn’t want anyone else thinking they had a chance with him.

[claimstobealright]

“I do, if they try to ask me out, I swear I do babe,” he reassured quickly, stepping closer to her. He hesitantly wrapped his arms around her, making sure she wouldn’t shove him off before pulling her into a hug. Davy pressed a kiss to the top of her head, one hand moving up to rest on the back of her neck. “‘M sorry. I didn’t think about it.” He whispered.

[proudandtall]

Julia couldn’t help but relax in his arms, wrapping her own around his waist. “What if-” She stopped, pulling him closer. “What if you find someone you like better than me?” she mumbled into his chest, almost inaudible. “What if I’m not good enough anymore?”

[claimstobealright]

He loved the feeling of this woman in his arms, and he wished he could show her that. How perfect she felt, wrapped in a hug. He barely heard her mumbled worries, but he was shaking his head before she’s even finished her second doubt. “I won’t ever find someone I like better than you. You’re amazing, Jules. There is no one *better* than you.” He tried to tell her.

[proudandtall]

“But what if you do?” She was being irrational, she knew it, but she couldn’t stop. Davy didn’t mean anything with the flirting, she knew that too, but that didn’t mean he never would. She’s seen the way those girls look at him, heard the way they talk to him. It wasn’t that unreasonable to think that one of them might eventually catch his eye- after all, most of the girls who flirted with him were gorgeous.

[claimstobealright]

“He’s a bad kisser.” (@proudandtall)

Davy snorted at Julia’s words, glancing at their bandleader across the room. “ Is that so?” he asked not expecting an answer. “Jimmy told me that, too, now that you mention it.” He added, his voice low enough that it wouldn’t carry. “So I’m at least a little bit better than him?” he questioned with a small grin.

[proudandtall]

“Well…” Julia propped her chin up on her hand, pretending to think about it. “Just a little. Maybe.” Or a lot. “Would Jimmy have any input on that?” she asked quietly, a mischievous smile on her face.

[claimstobealright]

Davy hummed noncommittally, turning back to his bass without replying. He gave it a few more seconds before speaking again. “Just a little. Maybe.” he taunted, using her own words against her.

[proudandtall]

She raised an eyebrow as she leaned closer. “Oh, really? He would?” She wasn’t too surprised, knowing how much of a crush Jimmy had on him at first, but that didn’t keep her from being a lot little jealous. “Why would he have anything to say about your kissing, hm?”

[claimstobealright]

Davy smiled to himself at the curiosity tinged with a bit of jealousy. He glanced up to make sure none of the guys were listening before replying. “Jimmy wanted to make sure it wasn’t just that he was a bad kisser, asked me to make sure.” He kept to himself that he and Jimmy had gone… a bit farther than kissing. 

[proudandtall]

“And the verdict?” Julia was jealous, she’d admit it, but she was quite curious, too. After all, they were both very attractive… No, she wasn’t going to think about that. And besides, it’s not like she had any real reason to be jealous- just because she and Davy went on one date, that didn’t mean she had any claim on him. He could kiss whoever the hell he wanted whether she liked it or not.

[claimstobealright]

Davy left her question for a moment, enjoying perhaps a bit too much the hint of jealousy he could hear. “Donny is definitely the bad kisser.” He finally answered with a shrug. He still didn’t face the woman, at this point just fiddling with his instrument. He was toeing a line, really. They’d been on one date, and Julia hadn’t asked for another, so he’d assumed that was that. But, she definitely sounded jealous… “Do you want to test it? Make sure it’s definitely Donny that’s the bad kisser?” He asked, aware that it’d have to be later. He loved the guys like they were his brothers, but there was no way he’d kiss Julia in front of them all.

[proudandtall]

“Oh, it is. I can prove it, if you’d like,” Julia said firmly. If that’s the game Davy wanted to play, who was she to stop him? “I’m a little rusty, but I’m sure a little refresher would fix that.” She stood, stepping closer until she was directly behind him. “Or are you scared you won’t be up to snuff?”

[claimstobealright]

Davy could feel her behind him, heard her challenge. If they were in private, he would’ve ignored his concerns and kissed her, like she was asking. But fuck, of course, this had to happen at band practice. He had no idea if she wanted to kiss in front of all the guys, and he wouldn’t make the first move because of that. He turned around, meeting her eyes for a moment before raising an eyebrow. “Do you think you can handle me?” he asked.

[proudandtall]

Julia raised an eyebrow back at him, a small smirk on her face. “I don’t know if you can handle me.” She took another step closer, stopping mere inches away. Finally looking Davy in the face, though, in front of everyone? She lost some of her confidence, looking down. “Maybe we’ll just have to find out later, hm?”

[claimstobealright]

Davy couldn’t help but rove his eyes over her figure at her statement. “Maybe not.” He agreed quietly, looking back up just as she dropped her gaze. He nodded, letting it drop as he heard Donny call for everyone to start the practice. Well, shit. He’d expected none of this from Julia’s original comment, and despite her words, he was afraid she wouldn’t bring it back up later.

[proudandtall]

All through rehearsal, Julia kept glancing over at Davy, thinking about their conversation beforehand. Afterwards, she took her time gathering her things, waiting as long as she could for Davy to finish. Now that she had time to think, she was starting to rethink it. He seemed interested, yes, but what if they kissed and he expected it to go further? Or even worse, what if he ended up regretting it? Consumed by her worries, she almost didn’t even notice when Davy came up beside her.

[claimstobealright]

“It’s fine, I’m… waiting for someone.” (@proudandtall)

“Can I at least offer to wait with you, ma’am?” he asked, a bit hesitantly. With his bulk, he probably came off as a creep, but his mother had raised him… sort of right. He couldn’t just leave this woman out in the rain, not when he could offer her, at the very least, a dry seat in his car. “I swear on my life I won’t try anything. You can hold the keys, if that’d help?” Davy offered, hoping for her sake that she’d accept.

[proudandtall]

(continued from here)

“Oh, it’s positively awful,” Julia said drily, putting Lulu down on the couch. “I don’t think I can stay in such a pigsty.” She stood awkwardly in the middle of the living room, seriously questioning why the hell she was doing this. Taking a deep breath, she forced the fear away. He had to be a nice guy, it was too late to consider any other option. “I don’t assume you have an Android charger?” she asked, smiling as Lulu hopped down to sit beside her.

[claimstobealright]

“Oh! Yeah, uh, John- my friend, he leaves one here because he’d forget it otherwise.” He explained unnecessarily. Why was he suddenly nervous? As much as he hated to admit it, it was probably because she was absolutely beautiful. Whoever was dating her was a lucky bastard indeed. He walked across the room to his kitchen, rooting around in a drawer for the charger. Davy handed her the charger, only then considering that she was probably freezing in her soaked clothing. “If you want, you can borrow some of my clothes for the night, or something. They might be a bit big but they’re not wet?” He offered, hating every part of how creepy it sounded. Goddamnit, he was trying to be nice.

[proudandtall]

Julia flushed, crouching to pet the dog. “I- yeah, I’d appreciate that,” she mumbled. God, how much needier could she get? Spotting an outlet by the door, she plugged her phone up, thanking him again. She thought about letting Donny know where she was, but decided against it. What would she even say? ‘Hi, I’m staying the night at a stranger’s house, don’t call the police?’ “…would you happen to have anything I could eat? I, uh, didn’t get dinner.” Yep. She got needier.

[claimstobealright]

“Yeah, of course. I can make eggs or, uh, do you like meat?” He asked, before cursing under his breath, hastening to correct his statement. “I mean, shit, like are you vegetarian? Or vegan? I can make-” Davy stopped himself, blushing more than… he probably ever had. “I… I’m really sorry, Julia.” He apologized, not meeting her eyes. “I can show you around the kitchen and my room and… Sleep, I guess?” He was going to offer to leave, but… God.

[proudandtall]

“Eggs would be great,” Julia said gently. “I really can’t thank you enough for all of this. You’re either the nicest person I’ve ever met or a serial killer. I’m holding out for the first option.” She grinned over at Davy for a moment before picking Lulu up again, burying her face in the dog’s fur. “Also, I might steal Lulu. Just a warning.”

[claimstobealright]

Davy was definitely still blushing, but he managed a small smile. “I’m not a serial killer, but I wouldn’t say I’m the nicest person ever, either.” He replied, moving back to his kitchen. He started to pull a pan and the carton of eggs, glancing back at the woman with a quiet laugh. “Go ahead, I doubt she’d even put up a fight. I’ll steal another.”

[proudandtall]

“You’re letting a stranger sleep in your bed, for Pete’s sake. How much nicer can someone get?” she asked incredulously. Shaking her head with a laugh, she cradled Lulu in her arms, kissing the top of the poodle’s head. “Don’t tempt me, I just might take you up on it!” It finally hit her that he actually called her by name a moment ago, making her realize she never actually introduced herself. “Oh yeah, I’m Julia,” she said, stretching out a hand. “I mean, I guess you heard that from the phone call. I- yeah, that was stupid, sorry. I just- I felt like I should have done that earlier, I guess.”

[claimstobealright]

Davy smiled, not bothering to argue. He felt that everyone should be willing to offer someone stranded in the dark a place to stay, but he knew the world kind of sucked. He half turned to shake her hand, but she’d dropped it before he could lift his own. “It’s fine. I honestly didn’t expect you to tell me your name, in case I was a killer,” he told her, turning back to the stove. “If you wanted to change before you eat, my room is the door on the right. There’s sweatpants or  gym shorts in the top drawer, and you can grab a shirt from the closet.” Davy told her. He decided to keep the food simple, making her scrambled eggs and sprinkling in the seasonings he usually used. He plated it and set it on the small kitchen table, settling on his couch to let her eat in peace, if she wanted.

[proudandtall]

“Well, actually, I think the name would be helpful for a stalker, not a killer,” she joked. She was really, really glad he didn’t acknowledge the awkward attempt at a handshake. She was normally better at interacting with people, but she also wasn’t normally talking to strangers in the middle of their apartment. Locating the bedroom, she changed quickly, laying her own wet clothes on a chair. She glanced around the room quickly, frowning at the lack of any kind of personal touch. Admittedly, she was quite curious about her knight in shining armor, but she didn’t want to ask any questions. He was being kind, she didn’t need to repay him by prying into his personal life. She was absolutely swimming in fabric, but she kind of liked it. Returning to the living room, Julia laughed a little at Lulu being curled up in Davy’s lap. It was pretty adorable, such a big man with such a tiny little dog. “I see she got sick of the stranger, huh?”

[claimstobealright]

Davy knew he shouldn’t look over at her, knowing she was in his clothes, probably swamped by them. He chuckled quietly at her question, looking down at the dog in his lap. Lulu was half asleep, but he knew if he stopped stroking her side, she’d start grumbling. “You stopped petting her,” he replied simply, shrugging one shoulder. He turned to look towards the kitchen, gesturing to the eggs, but his eyes fell on Julia, lingering a bit too long. He’d been correct. She was gorgeous on her own, but seeing her in his clothes? Wow. “I made scrambled eggs, I hope that’s okay?” he finally managed.

[proudandtall]

Julia pulled the sleeves of the flannel over her hands as she sat at the table, grabbing the plate. “Scrambled eggs are perfect, thank you.” She ate quickly, glancing over at Davy occasionally. “I know I’ve said it a thousand times already, but I really appreciate this. I don’t know what I would have done.” After a moment’s hesitation, she walked back into the living room, sitting on the edge of the couch beside him to pet Lulu.

[claimstobealright]

Davy felt admittedly a bit pleased at how fast she ate, even though he was pretty sure she was just really hungry. He smiled at her repeated thanks, shaking his head slightly. “It’s no problem. I don’t do much with my time, besides talk to my few friends and watch tv. It’s… nice to know I’m doing something useful. Something good.” He told her.

[proudandtall]

She smiled at him a little awkwardly, scratching under Lulu’s chin. “I don’t know many people unhappy with not having much to do,” she teased. She didn’t know this man, she shouldn’t be teasing him. Hell, what if he didn’t like jokes and she was just annoying him? Once again, Julia fell silent, staring down at poodle in his lap.

[claimstobealright]

“He’s a bad kisser.” (@proudandtall)

Davy snorted at Julia’s words, glancing at their bandleader across the room. “ Is that so?” he asked not expecting an answer. “Jimmy told me that, too, now that you mention it.” He added, his voice low enough that it wouldn’t carry. “So I’m at least a little bit better than him?” he questioned with a small grin.

[proudandtall]

“Well…” Julia propped her chin up on her hand, pretending to think about it. “Just a little. Maybe.” Or a lot. “Would Jimmy have any input on that?” she asked quietly, a mischievous smile on her face.

[claimstobealright]

Davy hummed noncommittally, turning back to his bass without replying. He gave it a few more seconds before speaking again. “Just a little. Maybe.” he taunted, using her own words against her.

[proudandtall]

She raised an eyebrow as she leaned closer. “Oh, really? He would?” She wasn’t too surprised, knowing how much of a crush Jimmy had on him at first, but that didn’t keep her from being a lot little jealous. “Why would he have anything to say about your kissing, hm?”

[claimstobealright]

Davy smiled to himself at the curiosity tinged with a bit of jealousy. He glanced up to make sure none of the guys were listening before replying. “Jimmy wanted to make sure it wasn’t just that he was a bad kisser, asked me to make sure.” He kept to himself that he and Jimmy had gone… a bit farther than kissing. 

[proudandtall]

“And the verdict?” Julia was jealous, she’d admit it, but she was quite curious, too. After all, they were both very attractive… No, she wasn’t going to think about that. And besides, it’s not like she had any real reason to be jealous- just because she and Davy went on one date, that didn’t mean she had any claim on him. He could kiss whoever the hell he wanted whether she liked it or not.

[claimstobealright]

Davy left her question for a moment, enjoying perhaps a bit too much the hint of jealousy he could hear. “Donny is definitely the bad kisser.” He finally answered with a shrug. He still didn’t face the woman, at this point just fiddling with his instrument. He was toeing a line, really. They’d been on one date, and Julia hadn’t asked for another, so he’d assumed that was that. But, she definitely sounded jealous… “Do you want to test it? Make sure it’s definitely Donny that’s the bad kisser?” He asked, aware that it’d have to be later. He loved the guys like they were his brothers, but there was no way he’d kiss Julia in front of them all.

[proudandtall]

“Oh, it is. I can prove it, if you’d like,” Julia said firmly. If that’s the game Davy wanted to play, who was she to stop him? “I’m a little rusty, but I’m sure a little refresher would fix that.” She stood, stepping closer until she was directly behind him. “Or are you scared you won’t be up to snuff?”

[claimstobealright]

Davy could feel her behind him, heard her challenge. If they were in private, he would’ve ignored his concerns and kissed her, like she was asking. But fuck, of course, this had to happen at band practice. He had no idea if she wanted to kiss in front of all the guys, and he wouldn’t make the first move because of that. He turned around, meeting her eyes for a moment before raising an eyebrow. “Do you think you can handle me?” he asked.

[proudandtall]

Julia raised an eyebrow back at him, a small smirk on her face. “I don’t know if you can handle me.” She took another step closer, stopping mere inches away. Finally looking Davy in the face, though, in front of everyone? She lost some of her confidence, looking down. “Maybe we’ll just have to find out later, hm?”

[claimstobealright]

“He’s a bad kisser.” (@proudandtall)

Davy snorted at Julia’s words, glancing at their bandleader across the room. “ Is that so?” he asked not expecting an answer. “Jimmy told me that, too, now that you mention it.” He added, his voice low enough that it wouldn’t carry. “So I’m at least a little bit better than him?” he questioned with a small grin.

[proudandtall]

“Well…” Julia propped her chin up on her hand, pretending to think about it. “Just a little. Maybe.” Or a lot. “Would Jimmy have any input on that?” she asked quietly, a mischievous smile on her face.

[claimstobealright]

Davy hummed noncommittally, turning back to his bass without replying. He gave it a few more seconds before speaking again. “Just a little. Maybe.” he taunted, using her own words against her.

[proudandtall]

She raised an eyebrow as she leaned closer. “Oh, really? He would?” She wasn’t too surprised, knowing how much of a crush Jimmy had on him at first, but that didn’t keep her from being a lot little jealous. “Why would he have anything to say about your kissing, hm?”

[claimstobealright]

Davy smiled to himself at the curiosity tinged with a bit of jealousy. He glanced up to make sure none of the guys were listening before replying. “Jimmy wanted to make sure it wasn’t just that he was a bad kisser, asked me to make sure.” He kept to himself that he and Jimmy had gone… a bit farther than kissing. 

[proudandtall]

“And the verdict?” Julia was jealous, she’d admit it, but she was quite curious, too. After all, they were both very attractive… No, she wasn’t going to think about that. And besides, it’s not like she had any real reason to be jealous- just because she and Davy went on one date, that didn’t mean she had any claim on him. He could kiss whoever the hell he wanted whether she liked it or not.

[claimstobealright]

Davy left her question for a moment, enjoying perhaps a bit too much the hint of jealousy he could hear. “Donny is definitely the bad kisser.” He finally answered with a shrug. He still didn’t face the woman, at this point just fiddling with his instrument. He was toeing a line, really. They’d been on one date, and Julia hadn’t asked for another, so he’d assumed that was that. But, she definitely sounded jealous… “Do you want to test it? Make sure it’s definitely Donny that’s the bad kisser?” He asked, aware that it’d have to be later. He loved the guys like they were his brothers, but there was no way he’d kiss Julia in front of them all.

[proudandtall]

"Oh, it is. I can prove it, if you'd like," Julia said firmly. If that's the game Davy wanted to play, who was she to stop him? "I'm a little rusty, but I'm sure a little refresher would fix that." She stood, stepping closer until she was directly behind him. "Or are you scared you won't be up to snuff?"