Washed out

I'm strung out and I'm sentimental On Blackfriars bridge hoping that it's all over Check my pulse to see if I'm still living Cos I feel death get closer My racing mind My bloodshot eyes Tell a tale of woe and loss and despair My fucking pain is easy to see And it is my cross to bear

[rhettmatthewsx]

better keep an eye on RHETT MATTHEWS whenever they are around. Shady gossip describes the THIRTY ONE year old as IMPULSIVE + UNSTABLE, close sources say they’re SWEET + CREATIVE. Can be easily found in MANHATTAN working as A STRUGGLING MUSICIAN. 

Name: Rhett Matthews

Age: 31

Birthday: June 15th

Zodiac: Gemini

Occupation: Currently unemployed, but a struggling musician

Hometown: Cambridge, England

Current Location: Manhattan, New York

Sexuality: Pansexual

Relationship status: Dating Allegra Nardi

About Rhett:

TW: Drug use, drug abuse, suicidal thoughts, suicide attempt, and drug overdose (TW bullet points will be italicized)

Rhett Matthews was born on June 15th, 1991. He was the the oldest of 7. He had two sisters and 4 brothers. His sisters and two of his brothers were twins.

His parents had to spend most of their time working to pay the bills, so Rhett devoted much of his time to watching over his siblings growing up.

When he wasn’t doing that, he spent all his other time learning how to play music, drawing and painting. Rhett was a very artistically gifted boy. He was far beyond his years when it came to playing music, as well as drawing.

Over his youth, Rhett learned how to play the guitar, piano, bass guitar, cello, violin, trumpet and the drums. His favorites to play were guitar and piano, however, so he mostly focused on those when he could.

His parents always encouraged Rhett to pursue whatever he wanted so he put all his effort into music. Rhett began to write his own songs when he was around twelve years old and never looked back.

When Rhett was twenty years old, he said goodbye to Cambridge and moved to New York City, knowing that his best chance to get on a label was to move to America. And what better place was there than America?

For about a year, he worked odd jobs around the city, saving up every single penny he could so he could rent a recording studio. It was hard, but he managed it and got himself a studio for 3 hours. In those three hours, Rhett put his heart and soul in a demo that he truly believed was going to take him places.

Rhett sent the single out to label, after label, after label and for two years, he hadn’t heard a single response from any of them. He was starting to get discouraged and was starting to think that his dream was dead. But Rhett continued to play at local clubs, just wanting to play music.

Slowly, but surely, responses started to trickle in about his demo and every single response he got, was a denial. None of the labels thought he was a good fit.

Rhett fell into a depression. He wasn’t able to get himself out of bed. Every day it was harder to want to want to be there. Rhett truly thought that he was meant to play music and he was meant to be a rockstar…and without that, he was nothing. Rhett couldn’t dare to think about it.

He attempted to end his life by hanging himself but fortunately for Rhett, his roommate at the time came home and caught him just in time.

For weeks, he still didn’t budge from his bed. He just wallowed. He had a few friends from his local music scene visit him and one in particular knew that Rhett was struggling and offered him a hit of cocaine to try and ease the pain. Having nothing to lose, Rhett obliged and that was his first introduction to drugs.

From there, he quickly spiraled into addiction. He started with cocaine, then moved to smoking crack and once that lost its luster, Rhett found heroin. He has been using it ever since.

After a while, Rhett was finally able to start living his life again, getting random small jobs around town just to make some cash so he could support his lifestyle.

Rhett had missed paying his roommate rent for several months and he was kicked out of his home. With nowhere to go, Rhett lived on the streets for a short time before he found himself living at a homeless shelter. He spent a few months there before he found an ad in the newspaper about an old woman needing a hands-on roommate to take care of her home. Much to his surprise, the ad hadn’t been filled and the old woman, named Rosa, agreed to let Rhett live with her without pay as long as he did all the manual labor of taking care of the home. She was just too old to do it herself anymore.

He lived with her quite a while until he overdosed in her home and she couldn’t stand him living there anymore. Luckily for Rhett, he had his close friend Rylan and she allowed him to move in with her. 

Currently, he is still there with Rylan, struggling to survive, day after day.

[rhettmatthewsx]

[rylanspratt]

“You are, Mr Kind, I’m so lucky to get to live with you.” Rylan grinned, waiting until he’d followed suit by taking the pill and reaching out to flap her hand in the direction of the bag of chips. “Give me some of those then Mr Kind.” Settling herself into a comfortable position seconds later as she waited to hear him give her a rundown of what she’d missed while in Paris. Obviously Nate kept her informed about a lot of things but he couldn’t possibly know everything. Especially when Rhett was prone to isolating himself for long periods of time if he felt so inclined. 

“Felt like I was gone for fucking ages, but maybe that’s just because I was horny, that can distort time for a person right?” Plus she had been surrounded by models, most of whom were assholes, which was one of the reason fashion weeks weren’t her favourite time of year. Everyone was so jumped up. Hearing that he and Allegra was likely going to move in together wasn’t surprising but still made her eyebrows raise a little, only in that it would lead to her losing a flatmate. “Oh yeah? Damn, shit is getting serious I guess. You talked to her about like…” She made a face as she took another drag on her cigarette, implying the drug use because like it or not the reason they had moved in together originally was so that Rylan could make sure Rhett didn’t do the unspeakable in the wake of a bad situation. 

[rhettmatthewsx]

"Horniness will do a lot to a person." Rhett mentioned with a nod, "I don't know how you do it. You're like...the horniest person I know." He laughed, "I imagine a lot of phone sex, yeah?" Frankly, he didn't really want to know. He had heard enough living with Rylan and Nate. But those two were like two peas in a pod. It was nigh impossible to separate them for long. But, he could really say the same thing for himself and Allegra. They were often all over each other. Especially now that the cat was out of the bag and they were dating. That was still odd to think about, sometimes. But it was just natural progression, wasn't it? It was bound to happen...

The Brit turned his attention back to Rylan, trying to read her expression when he told her about what the future held for him and Allegra and he nodded, "Pretty serious, yeah." He said softly, "It just...I don't know, makes sense, I guess. I'm usually there anyway. And then this way, you and Nate can have the place to yourself." Rhett mentioned, hoping that would soften the blow a bit. Rylan's question was an understandable one. Rylan knew that he didn't tell everyone about his habit. There were only a few out there that actually knew about it and even less that knew how bad it was, "I told her." Rhett answered softly, "I told her...everything, Ry." It was one of the hardest conversations he had to have with anyone, but it had to be out there, "I didn't want to hide from her anymore, you know? She deserved to know..." Though he wasn't sure if it was a good thing to know, "She'll keep an eye on me." Rhett's gaze met Rylan, "I promise."

[jbowerherondale]

[bakingblakemadden]

If there was one silver lining to come out of this situation it was Rhett, because there were few other people who she’d have trusted without question when she was in this kind of state. Maybe for once it was a blessing that she’d dated the blonde because they knew each other incredibly well, even in her haze of panic being next to him allowed her to feel grounded. Quick to grab the hand he replaced the one in hers with not wanting to be separated for him too much, he was the one holding her in reality while everything else seemed to spiral. Still feeling the rasping voice of the man who’d accosted her in her ear as she winced a little at the memory. 

“I’m…I’m trying…” She gasped, pressing her free hand to her chest as she rubbed it hard along her sternum, trying to steady her breathing with her her eyes squeezed closed. No. No she couldn’t be in the darkness, the bright lights of the diner were harsh but being wrapped in darkness was far and beyond worth. Shaking her head she swallowed, working herself up to speaking once more, knowing she had to get a hold of herself in order to do so. “No…no I don’t mean…the stress though. The panic. I don’t know how it works. I just need to…I need to make sure…” Her head snapping up as flashing blue lights outside the window caught her attention, the sight of uniformed EMTs helping her feel calmer because at least they had medical training. She certainly didn’t so her mind had just been going wild with worst case scenarios. 

“Rhett…” Her wide eyes following him as he stepped to the side, still holding onto his hand for a couple more seconds before she was forced to let go. Explaining to the EMT what had happened in broken gasps as they took her blood pressure, instructed her to breath slower, and ran various tests. 

‘Do you have an OB, Blake?’ One of them asked her in a soft voice, getting a nod from the brunette, before instructing her to book an appointment with them but apart from that she probably just needed rest. Looking over at Rhett as if questioning if that was something he could help with, making the assumption he was the father because…well why wouldn’t they. ‘You need to go home, have something to eat, and just try to calm down as much as you can. If anything feels off, go to the ER, okay?” And Blake nodded, sniffing. Turning to Rhett once more the older of the two men spoke to him. “It’s probably best if your friend files a police report, but tomorrow when she’s come back to herself a bit.” 

[rhettmatthewsx]

Stepping over towards another empty booth, Rhett took a seat there and he took the time to look over himself instead of listening in on what the EMTs and Blake were saying fully. He didn't want to eavesdrop on something he wasn't supposed to, but he also didn't want to be left in the dark. Peeling up both of his wet pant legs up to his knees, his nose scrunched up when he saw how purple both of his knees were turning already. That was going to hurt in the morning, now, wasn't it? He realized he had hit the ground pretty hard, but he didn't think it was that bad. With a huff, he pushed the legs back down and he turned his head towards his friend.

The EMTs weren't there terribly long and from what he could tell, she was mostly physically. As one of them turned their attention to him, he nodded his head at the man's words, "Ah, yeah. I will make sure she does that. Thank you." He said and soon enough, they were leaving the restaurant. With a soft sigh, Rhett pulled himself up from that booth and he took a seat beside Blake again. Immediately, he wrapped his arm around her shoulder and pulled her close, rubbing her arm softly, "You okay, darling?" He asked, tilting his head a bit.

Looking around the restaurant for a moment, his gaze quickly settled upon the menus that were sitting in front of them, "Why don't we order takeout and get you home?" That seemed like the best idea, now didn't it? "We can get you some warm pajamas and snuggled up with a blanket." Rhett offered, smiling softly, hoping that maybe it would help. He recognized there wasn't much that would at the moment but not being in public would probably be the first step.

[dvcth-deactivated20240109]

𝐌𝐀𝐓𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐖𝐒, 𝐑𝐇𝐄𝐓𝐓:

It was really no secret that fancy and Rhett didn’t really mix. In fact, it was quite opposite of that. Fancy made him nervous. He didn’t fit the role and the fact that Allegra came from money did sit on the back of his mind. He wouldn’t deny it. Rhett grew up poor. He was the oldest of seven. His parents had money for absolutely nothing his whole life. And now? Things weren’t much different for him. The only reason why he lived where he did was because Rylan let him live there for free. To be frank, if it weren’t for her, he’d probably be living on the street.

Awkwardly standing in the back of the party as Allegra’s dad made the most extravagant speech he had ever heard, Rhett looked around in hopes that he would find his girlfriend. However, she kept getting pulled off to random places by random people, leaving him all alone. Sighing, Rhett moved through gathering, trying to head towards one of the several waiters to grab something to drink. However, before he was able to do so, he had come across Massimo himself and he very well couldn’t just keep going. Well, he could. But that wouldn’t be good. Slowing his roll, he stood beside the man and he smiled, “Yeah! This is really something.” He said with nod, “I rarely come to things like this so this really something to remember.”

And there he was. The rockstar in the making that to Massimo’s dismay, his daughter called ‘boyfriend’. For fleeting seconds, the man couldn’t hide the annoyance that took over his features, the corner of his mouth slightly twisted in disapproval. Green eyes analyzed the man in front of him, he hated the whole thing, but he could recognize the effort Rhett had put into attending the event, trying his best to blend in "I appreciate the compliments, I always say that the events are more for my guests than for myself” he admitted, taking another sip of his drink. 

“Definitely a night to remember, you had the - what is the expression that Americans use? - ah, the ’balls’ to appear here, after all"  his words weren’t subtle, but Massimo didn’t have time to waste, he preferred to introduce the subject straight away instead of faking a sympathy "You date my daughter, Allegra, I heard about you and couldn’t help but wonder if you would ever show up, Rhett”

“Non mi piace niente di tutto questo. To be clear, I don’t like you. And I bet you must have your opinions of me too. I don’t know what my dear spoiled daughter must have told you, but at this point I just want to be honest with you”

[rhettmatthewsx]

His brows flicked as he listened to Massimo, nodding, "The sign of a real good party then, huh?" Rhett asked, more or less rhetorically. Parties should be for the guests, not the host, after all. Not that Rhett hosted many parties but any good party he had attended, the host made sure the whole thing was great for everyone else. His gaze shifted around for a moment before they fell back upon the man and he nodded his head a bit, feeling just...the most uncomfortable he had in a while. It was clear he wasn't necessarily liked and he doubted he was barely welcome there but he had to show up. What kind of a boyfriend would he be if he didn't? "Oh, yeah. I uh...that would be the expression."

His brow furrowed in confusion as the man spoke Italian and then there it was. Massimo did not like him. What a surprise. He pressed his lips into a thin line and nodded his head as he slipped his hands into the pockets of his slacks and he shrugged, "I don't have much opinion on you, frankly." He answered, "She doesn't talk much about you." He smiled. It was probably worse not to be mentioned than it was to be openly hated, he thought, "I appreciate your honesty though." Rhett nodded, "You just don't like me out of...principal?"

[rhettmatthewsx]

A smile crossed his lips at her surprise. She really didn’t know? He thought it was pretty fucking obvious that the song was about her. His band knew and he didn’t even tell them about it. They just figured it out. And Allegra hadn’t? Man, they really were blind, weren’t they? His fingers carded through her soft hair and he smiled, “I did.” He laughed out, nodding, “And entire bloody song about you.” Rhett repeated, just in case it hadn’t set in yet. In fact, he had a couple others that he was working on about her but they weren’t ready yet. He wanted them to be perfect. Just like Allegra.

“You know all the lyrics.” He laughed again, shaking his head, “Which makes this whole conversation even funnier.” Rhett was thinking about just keeping it to himself and let her figure it out on her own, but he wasn’t that cruel, “For The Thrill Of It.” He smiled, “That’s about you.” He told her simply, “You drove me so fucking crazy I had to write a whole song about you and what you do to me.” He smiled with a shake of his head, “I told you that you’re everything.” Rhett meant it too. She was everything he needed. Everything he wanted.

Laying his frail, thin body down, he placed his head down on her chest and he smiled again, listening to her heartbeat, “You mean the world to me, Allegra.” Rhett said randomly, a bit suddenly, “You know that, right?” He asked, turned head up towards her, “You have for so long.” It was frustrating that they had just recently figured it out but it better than never, he supposed.

[allegranardix]

           An entire bloody song about you. The natural response to his claim would be that it is not true, but she already gave that one, no? And she knew all the lyrics? Why was it so funny to him? Lightly smacking him across his chest, she furrowed her brows as her smile made its presence. It was impossible not to smile back when he was smiling at her. “What?” For The Thrill Of It was about her? Since when? There was no chance it was about her. It was about someone he was into, someone he liked.. someone he loved. “Oh God, it is, it is about me,” it dawned on her at that very moment. She was the one he liked & loved. The one who was apparently driving him so fucking crazy - his words. “I just.. you-oh, God,” to say she was speechless was an understatement, especially knowing her recent feelings about the said song. “Don’t laugh, but I kind of.. I used to love it, the song I mean, but the more I was falling for you, the more I started disliking the song. Don’t get me wrong, babe,” she quickly added, “it’s a beautiful song, but I just thought it’s for someone you like. You know, someone you go to after you..” sighing, her voice kind of faltered, “leave me. I never thought it was about me.” How fucked up that whole situationship or whatever they were in was.. were they really so afraid to say something to each other all that time? “But..” the corners of her lips rose up once again, “I’m your everything, huh? Well, love, good thing you’re my everything too.” Sealing her words with a soft kiss, smiling into it, she knew there was nowhere else she’d rather be. It was all about the two of them.. where he went, she would follow. 

           Playing with the ends of his hair as he laid down on her chest, Allegra found herself smiling at his words. To think that just weeks ago she was thinking there would never be anything more to them, but now they belonged to each other.. it was insane. “I know.” Her smile increased a bit more. “Now I know.” But she didn’t know how or why she was lucky to find the love of her life so quickly, even more so, that he would love her back.. that was one of those questions she’d never be able to find the answer to, but she was more than grateful. Allegra found her soulmate in Rhett, knowing their hearts & souls recognized each other from the start.. she belonged to him. “So..” she smirked, “I really drove you fucking crazy, huh?” The blonde laughed as her fingers fell down to his back, making small circles.. not saying anything for a couple of moments, the room was filled up with comfortable silence until she decided to break it. Allegra didn’t know how to talk about her feelings, but with Rhett.. even that was easier. “This is one of those they-were-so-fucking-crazy-about-each-other loves, isn’t it? Can’t-breathe-without-you love? Because that’s how it feels to me. I can’t imagine my life without you.“ 

[rhettmatthewsx]

Watching Allegra sort through For The Thrill Of It being about her sure was entertaining. He always thought it was pretty evident. It wasn't like he put her name in the song or anything, but it still wasn't a mystery. But, then again, she did think he was running off with someone else every time he left in the morning. Which, honestly, that was his fault. He never did exclusively say he wasn't but he very well didn't want to tell him why he left. Granted, now she knew. She had to know. He didn't want to hide from her anymore. His blue eyes flicked up towards her as she spoke and he smiled, "My everything, darling." He repeated, just for more emphasis, as he returned her kiss with a smile.

His head laid back down against her chest, just taking in the feeling of her breathing before he focused his full attention onto what she was saying. He smirked, "You drove me berserk, love." Rhett sighed softly as her fingers moved along his back and he just closed his eyes, living in the moment. Even when they were in their situationship, they never really did this. Just lay there with one another and be present. It was nice. It was needed. Rhett needed her like he needed air. It was scary to think about, honestly. But he trusted Allegra more than anyone. She wouldn't hurt him. They were each other's soulmates. She was his, and he was hers in return.

Hearing her speak up again, Rhett shifted his head up and tightened the arm that he had wrapped around her middle. Hearing her say those words made him feel so...good, in the simplest terms. Shifting himself up, his hand softly cupped her cheek and he smiled, "It's been that way for me." The Brit admitted softly as his thumb brushed along her soft cheek, "I swear, you'll never have to know. I'm not going anywhere, Allie. It's you and me." Leaning forward, he kissed her once again, a few times, "I love you." Rhett smiled, kissed her once again, and nuzzled his head into the crook her neck. He knew he had to go and meet up with his dealer soon but he could wait a few more minutes, right?

[rylanspratt]

That was the thing that set Rylan and Rhett apart most in terms of the drug use, he wasn’t as much one for pills, where as that was very much her remit. It was bad, sometimes she didn’t even need to know what it was she was being offered, if it was in pill form she would happily give it a go. Plus this was the good stuff because it was for the gang, they didn’t take any old crap, and she wouldn’t pass on anything she was doubtful of to her best friend. He was far too important to her. “I know right? If they had a pill department in Macy’s I would be the perfume girl for that but with pills. Would you like to try some of the nice blue one, miss? It’s very light, pleasing on the senses.” She snorted with laughter. 

Letting him help her up she headed over to the sofa to flop back down onto it, eternally grateful that she’d worn sweatpants on the plane because at least that meant she was comfortable now. “Thank you kind sir, you’re too good to me.” Rylan spoke impossibly politely, overdoing it, as he placed the Diet Coke in front of her. Sitting up just long enough to crack it open before she let herself fall back into the cushions, giving him a cheeky grin. “Fuck yeah let’s do this. Hand out please, I shall give you your treat.” Tipping two little blue pills into her hand, passing one over to the blonde before she put her own under her tongue with a contented sigh, settling in to let it take effect. After a second she grabbed a box of cigarettes from the table to light one up, offering the box to him. "So talk to me, what's news? What have I missed?"

[rhettmatthewsx]

"I am the kindest man around." Rhett joked as he flicked his brows and popped the chips he had grabbed into his mouth. Dusting off his hands, he held it out as Rylan asked for it and jostled the pill around in his palm for a moment. He watched as his popped it easily and he flicked his brows, repeating the action. Rhett smacked his lips dramatically for a moment before reached for more chips and heard her question. News. What had she missed?

Not too much in his opinion. Shit was pretty normal around there in his opinion. But, then again, Rhett rarely had much to report, "I don't think you've missed much, love." He said, "You weren't gone that long." He smiled, "At least, you didn't miss much with me. What you walked into was basically what I did." He grinned cheekily as he ate another chip and shrugged, "I do think that uh...me and Allegra are going to move in together though." Rhett offered, flicking his blue eyes over to Rylan for a moment then away again. He wasn't sure how she would react or feel about it. They had been living together for a while now. He wondered if she would think it was too soon...

[bakingblakemadden]

Blake’s breath was shuddering in her chest each time she sucked air in and let it out again, her knee bouncing up and down with nervousness. She could see Rhett’s thumb moving across the back of her hand, see his hand on her own, but for some reason she couldn’t feel it. Instead just staring down as her hand turned progressively whiter from the effort of holding onto him mixed with the cold from outside that hadn’t quite gotten out of her bones yet. 

“No…no he didn’t do anything I just…I just need to…” She broke down crying again, large tears rolling down her flushed cheeks as she tried to stifle her sobs. Hiding behind a curtain of hair the girl stared down at the table knowing she was causing a spectacle of herself, no doubt other patrons were wondering what the hell was going on with her which was valid. Hearing her ex ask the waitress to call an ambulance her heart rate slowed down somewhat because at least someone that could reassure her was on the way - she just needed to be told by a medical professional that her baby was okay because right now that was far more important than any emotional wounds to her. 

“I…” she put her free shaking hand over her mouth as she took another deep breath, slower, closing her eyes for a couple of seconds. Preparing herself to tell Rhett the news hoping her voice wouldn’t crack in the middle of it but chances were slim. “I’m four months pregnant.” She spoke in a timid voice, wide tear filled eyes looking up at the man in front of her as she chewed her bottom lip so hard it was starting to bleed, hair still dripping wet across her shoulders as she shivered. “I just need someone to tell me the baby is okay. He had a gun. He held it to my hip.” 

[rhettmatthewsx]

He couldn't help but frown deeply as Blake started bawl again. Rhett felt utterly useless in his situation. He didn't really know how to help but honestly, what could he do? She had to process the whole thing on her own and if doing what she was doing was that, then who was he to stop her? Turning towards her, Rhett swapped the hand he was using to hold her hand and then began to rub circles onto her back, just trying to soothe her in any way possible, "Just take a breath, love. In and out." The Brit instructed softly, knowing that was easier said than done.

Blake's next statement was a fucking surprise, however. His eyes widened and he glanced down at her stomach, then back up at her. Suddenly, her panic made way more sense. She was afraid for her baby. It was understandable... But the more she went on, the more Rhett was pretty certain she was just working herself up into a tizzy, "Blake, darling... I-I don't think that's how that works..." He said softly, "I think it would take much more than that to do something..." But what the fuck did he know? Not much. Rhett was honestly just hoping it would help calm her down some.

His blue eyes shifted around the establishment, noting how everyone was staring them. It was fine. It wasn't anything he wasn't used to. Luckily for them, an ambulance was in the area and a couple EMTs were walking in. Immediately, Rhett waved them over and he stood up, "Hi, yeah. My friend needs some help..." He said softly, stepping aside so they were able to do their job.

[thatbosschef]

☆ﾟ*·ﾟ KIANNA LAUGHED, KNOWING that most people didn't really know what a kumquat smelled like, much less tasted like. After years of being a chef, she found herself meeting with quite a lot of really strange foods. "Wanna try one?" she asked, breaking it open with her nail for him. But his question centered her again, helping her realize why they were actually there. "Yes, we're stocking up! We need a ton of dessert items. I've got most of the meat and flour from the retailer, but they've been skimping on sending dessert ingredients. So, lots of fruit, heavy cream, chocolate, sprinkles, that kind of thing."

[rhettmatthewsx]

His eyes widened a bit when she broke open the fruit and Rhett immediately shook his head and laughed, "No, no. I'm good, love. Thank you." He wasn't much of a fruit guy. Rhett preferred artificial sweets rather than legitimate ones like fruit. So, when she mentioned desserts, he immediately grinned and danced a bit as he began to look around for some of the ingredients she mentioned, "Oh, does that mean I get to taste test some?" He asked with a cheeky grin, "I can just feel my sweet tooth aching."

[dvcth-deactivated20240109]

OPEN STARTER

LOCATION: one of his private parties  (  birthday celebration  )    

Over the years, Massimo had gotten used to having more strangers than friends at his private parties. After all, the events were known for being luxurious and wild, offering the guests - always astonished and mesmerized by the atmosphe - the best that money could acquire, and in his case, the billionaire had the world at his disposal. Away from the crowd and in a secluded area, he proudly observed the entire scene like a slow motion movie; the impeccable attire of the guests, the attractions, the dancing, expensive drinks and how alive he felt in those little moments.

As the music from the live orchestra faded, the man prepared to give a quick host speech, once again lining up in the luxurious suit, keeping a glass of his favorite drink in his hand, being greeted by the commotion of his audience:

 "Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. I would like to thank each and every one of you for being here with me tonight, celebrating another year of my history. I’m very pleased to be able to welcome those of you that have been with me for a long time now, as well as those who are new to my world. I would like to express my sincere appreciation to all who helped make this event come together to become a success at this wonderful place with all of you. We all have high expectations for all people and are quite positive that you are going to cross all the barriers to fulfill all those expectations. With effort and consistency, you can archive anything you wish and at the end of the journey, you are going to have treasure of memories. In the last, I would like you all to enjoy this moment to the fullest, this evening is yours, let’s not skip the opportunity to create happy memories and surround ourselves with laughter and friendship as we celebrate this special occasion. Thank you and a toast to all”  Massimo stated, raising his glass in toast, the guests following his commands like a mirror act.

The golden confetti came seconds after the speech, as well as the fireworks that could be seen in the distance from the mansion where the party was taking place. As the music returned, the man took the glass to his lips, noticing the presence of a figure next to him, green eyes fixed on a new target “Cheers to you too, I hope you are enjoying your night" he said addressing the person, his best characteristic charming smile gracing the thin lips.

[rhettmatthewsx]

It was really no secret that fancy and Rhett didn't really mix. In fact, it was quite opposite of that. Fancy made him nervous. He didn't fit the role and the fact that Allegra came from money did sit on the back of his mind. He wouldn't deny it. Rhett grew up poor. He was the oldest of seven. His parents had money for absolutely nothing his whole life. And now? Things weren't much different for him. The only reason why he lived where he did was because Rylan let him live there for free. To be frank, if it weren't for her, he'd probably be living on the street.

Awkwardly standing in the back of the party as Allegra's dad made the most extravagant speech he had ever heard, Rhett looked around in hopes that he would find his girlfriend. However, she kept getting pulled off to random places by random people, leaving him all alone. Sighing, Rhett moved through gathering, trying to head towards one of the several waiters to grab something to drink. However, before he was able to do so, he had come across Massimo himself and he very well couldn't just keep going. Well, he could. But that wouldn't be good. Slowing his roll, he stood beside the man and he smiled, "Yeah! This is really something." He said with nod, "I rarely come to things like this so this really something to remember."

[taintedheartt]

rhettmatthewsx​:

He frowned at Taylor’s statement and he shook his head a bit. He hated that she was hurting so much from her job. He knew that a lot of tattoo artists wound up with carpal tunnel or bad back problems because of what they did. And a lot of the time, it would cut their careers short which was just sad. He hated hearing about how good artists had to retire because of things like that. Hopefully Taylor wouldn’t be one of them any time soon.

Wrapping his arm around her middle as she pulled him for a hug, he returned her gesture and he released a puff, “You know I want to pay you full price. You’re the tattoo artist I’ve ever been to. You deserve the pay.” He said with a nod, “I was thinking about getting it on my stomach. Some skeleton hands reaching for something. Not quite sure what yet.” He laughed, “But I figured you could rock it. You’ve never let me down.” Reaching up, he pulled his shirt down and to the side, glancing down the bleeding heart he had tattooed on his pec, “This bad boy is still my favorite one. Everyone loves it. You did so good.”

The constant hunching over at work was a pain and hard to deal with at times. One would think after working there so long, you’d be use to it. Some days it didn’t bother her but some days did. It usually ended her day in a hot bath to help relax her muscles. 

Taylor smiled up at Rhett and shakes her head a bit. “You’re honestly too kind, you know that? But fine, i won’t stop you but if you need a discount, you tell me, got it?” she said, poking his chest lightly. She listened intently at his idea and nods, getting somewhat of an image in her head. “Im sure we can make it a good one.” she commented. Taylor was determined to make it a good one for him. A bright smile appeared as he showed her the tattoo. She remembered that one well. It was one of her favorite session. He was kind and easy to talk to. Probably one of her longest conversation with a customer yet. The way they spoke made it seem like they knew each other for forever. “Thanks, im really glad you like that one.”

[rhettmatthewsx]

"I know we can." He grinned, "You're the best artist in New York. Why do you think I keep coming back?" Sure, Rhett could very well tattoo himself, he figured. He could draw easily, he was sure he could figure out a tattoo gun. However, he loved connecting with other artists. If he didn't do that, he would have never met Taylor and that would be just sad, really.

Suddenly, something popped into his head, "Oh!" He began, "I don't know what you're into music wise, but I'm gonna be playing a gig at some hole in the wall bar this weekend. Do you want to come?" He asked, tilting his head a bit, "You can hang out with my girl. She loves to talk and party with people." He laughed, "It would be really cool to see you there." He nodded.

[allegranardix]

       As her back hit those soft cushions of her couch, her smile was quickly wiped off from her face when he sealed her lips with his. And she wanted to forget it all - give herself completely to him without a second thought.. it was a kiss like that one that would inevitably lead them to the world of their own. A kiss, a bite, a touch, a moan.. and they’d spend the next two hours glued to each other. But it was all gone when he all of a sudden broke their kiss. What? No, she didn’t want to talk, she wanted to make out and feel the warmth of his skin against hers. Why was he even.. what? He wrote an entire song about her? When? “No, you didn’t.” Because she would know about it, wouldn’t she? Allegra was so often at his band practices, not to mention she was at every concert of his.. she would know. But then again, she didn’t know he was in love with her either - when apparently everyone else around them knew it. How it was obvious to everyone that they were in love with each other but the two of them? “There’s no chance you wrote a song. I mean, which one even?” To say she was confused would be an understatement, but mainly she couldn’t believe he wrote a song about her. Obviously, she knew artists were inspired by their loved ones, but did he really write a song about her? She thought his every song was inspired by.. well, someone else. Well, she thought he was in love with every other person to be fair - everyone but her, so perhaps she was just in shock now. To grasp she meant that much to him.. she didn’t realize it. “But a real song? Like, I heard it & all? I danced to it? I sang it? Babe..” and she didn’t know how to feel at all. Because it was so confusing, but it meant so much to her to know she meant that much to him.. because even in her wildest dreams, she never thought she could be that someone to him. 

[rhettmatthewsx]

A smile crossed his lips at her surprise. She really didn't know? He thought it was pretty fucking obvious that the song was about her. His band knew and he didn't even tell them about it. They just figured it out. And Allegra hadn't? Man, they really were blind, weren't they? His fingers carded through her soft hair and he smiled, "I did." He laughed out, nodding, "And entire bloody song about you." Rhett repeated, just in case it hadn't set in yet. In fact, he had a couple others that he was working on about her but they weren't ready yet. He wanted them to be perfect. Just like Allegra.

"You know all the lyrics." He laughed again, shaking his head, "Which makes this whole conversation even funnier." Rhett was thinking about just keeping it to himself and let her figure it out on her own, but he wasn't that cruel, "For The Thrill Of It." He smiled, "That's about you." He told her simply, "You drove me so fucking crazy I had to write a whole song about you and what you do to me." He smiled with a shake of his head, "I told you that you're everything." Rhett meant it too. She was everything he needed. Everything he wanted.

Laying his frail, thin body down, he placed his head down on her chest and he smiled again, listening to her heartbeat, "You mean the world to me, Allegra." Rhett said randomly, a bit suddenly, "You know that, right?" He asked, turned head up towards her, "You have for so long." It was frustrating that they had just recently figured it out but it better than never, he supposed.

[rhettmatthewsx]

A smile crossed his lips at her surprise. She really didn't know? He thought it was pretty fucking obvious that the song was about her. His band knew and he didn't even tell them about it. They just figured it out. And Allegra hadn't? Man, they really were blind, weren't they? His fingers carded through her soft hair and he smiled, "I did." He laughed out, nodding, "And entire bloody song about you." Rhett repeated, just in case it hadn't set in yet. In fact, he had a couple others that he was working on about her but they weren't ready yet. He wanted them to be perfect. Just like Allegra.

"You know all the lyrics." He laughed again, shaking his head, "Which makes this whole conversation even funnier." Rhett was thinking about just keeping it to himself and let her figure it out on her own, but he wasn't that cruel, "For The Thrill Of It." He smiled, "That's about you." He told her simply, "You drove me so fucking crazy I had to write a whole song about you and what you do to me." He smiled with a shake of his head, "I told you that you're everything." Rhett meant it too. She was everything he needed. Everything he wanted.

Laying his frail, thin body down, he placed his head down on her chest and he smiled again, listening to her heartbeat, "You mean the world to me, Allegra." Rhett said randomly, a bit suddenly, "You know that, right?" He asked, turned head up towards her, "You have for so long." It was frustrating that they had just recently figured it out but it better than never, he supposed.

[bakingblakemadden]

Blake listened to Rhett telling her not to apologise, that she was fine, holding onto each word like a lifeline. Her entire body still racked with fear as she trembled in the pouring rain the girl could only send up a silent prayer that Rhett had shown up when he had. A knight in shining armour because had he not been there she’d have crumbled onto the sidewalk and not had the strength to get up again. Even the feeling of his hand on her back as she’d thrown up in the gutter had been of more comfort than he’d probably imagined, just to know he was there with her. 

Taking a shaking breath she nodded, allowing herself to be taken inside the diner, the harsh lighting making her squint a little from the darkness of the New York City street. Feeling her head spin slightly she gripped hold of the blonde’s wrist a little tighter, taking a couple of deep breaths as instructed. Moving to sit in the booth heavily as the tears carried on rolling down her cheeks with each shuddering inhale. 

“I’m good, I’m good.” Her voice didn’t sound sure but that was just because she was shaken by what had happened. In reality she knew that she was of course no safe with Rhett, inside the diner, where there were other people who weren’t going to let anything happen to her. Even if some of them were looking at the two of them a little weirdly thanks to their behaviour and appearance more akin with drowned rats than patrons. 

“I need to…I need to go somewhere to be checked out. I need to call my doctor or something…” Blake didn’t even realise how over the top this sounded because she’d entirely forgotten that Rhett didn’t know she was pregnant. She’d not told anyone apart from Kianna and Nikita, so how would he? She just knew she had to make sure her baby was okay before she would be able to calm down properly. The ghostly sensation of the barrel of the man’s gun pressed against her hip still feeling like it was right there, making her feel like she was going to be sick all over again. “Please…I need to check…” 

[rhettmatthewsx]

His gaze shifted down towards her hand on his wrist. He didn't bother to move it. She could hold it as tight and as long as she wanted. She had just experienced something most people would never. It had be to terrifying. She was so strong for just sitting there with him now. Softly, his free hand covered the hand that was on his wrist and he rubbed his thumb along the back of her hand, "It's okay, Blake." He said softly. He knew that she thought that wasn't true (probably), but it was. She was safe now.

Rhett just nodded when she said she was good, figuring she was just saying it to say it. She certainly didn't seem fine considering she was still crying her eyes out. But again, it made sense. However, within a few moments, that whole demeanor changed, and she was asking for a doctor. His brows furrowed in confusion, and he took a moment to look her over. She looked okay physically, "Yeah? O-Okay..." He said softly, "Did he do something? Are you hurt?" Rhett just wanted to know what they were dealing with.

Turning around, he waved over the waitress and within a moment, she was wandering over, "Could you call an ambulance, please?" He asked. The waitresses brows furrowed before she just nodded her head and wandered back to do as she was asked. Rhett didn't want to call himself. He would be on the phone with them for too long and his main concern was Blake, "Can you tell me what's wrong, dear?"

[rylanspratt]

“I forget all kind of things. As our lord and saviour Justin Bieber said…Never say never…” she sang dramatically before dropping to the floor to start rummaging through her suitcase, flinging things across the room when they weren’t what she was looking for. “Damn I’m so fucking good at this smuggling shit I can’t even find my own stash, what the hell. I should give classes on how to do this.” The brunette cackled to herself as she dug around in one of her four make up cases. Frowning she stuck her tongue out the corner of her mouth with concentration as her fingers came across a little plastic baggie she’d stashed there. “Ah ha!”

Pulling it out she showed him the packet of six small blue pills, a wicked smirk on her face. “Blues! They are a new kind of Benzo that everyone is taking in Paris because apparently they kick in a hell of a lot faster than the usual ones like Diazepam or Xanax. They’re a much better version and you, my lanky little friend are going to be one of the first people in new York to try them. For free no less! So don't ever say I don't love you.” 

[rhettmatthewsx]

He just watched with a small smile of amusement on his face as Rylan bantered with herself and dug through a million different cases of makeup. However, soon enough, she did find what she was looking for and his blue eyes fell upon the baggie as she described what they were. To be honest, he wasn't much for pills but he would take them when they were around. And if they were as good as Rylan was saying, they would be worth it to try, right? "Oh, what a saleswoman you are, love." He joked, "I am truly honored."

Standing up from the floor, he helped his best friend up as well before he wandered off towards the kitchen to grab them some chips and some soda. He was getting kind of snacky. Probably because he hadn't eaten something in well over sixteen hours. It was about time. Wandering back towards the couch, he plopped down again and ripped open the bag of chips, stealing a few before he placed a can of soda down in front of Rylan and himself, "Alright, let's do this." Rhett trusted Rylan with his life. She wouldn't give him something he shouldn't trust.

[rhettmatthewsx]

Do you prefer movies or TV shows? Why?

"Movies all the way. A TV show is just too much effort to watch and you have to commit not just a couple hours but like...MULTIPLE hours to it and it's just too much. Movies are short, sweet and to the point."

[rhettmatthewsx]

If a genie granted you 3 wishes right now, what would you wish for?

"Fame, fortune and new guitar strings." He grinned.