American Gigolo

Casey Saunders. From the cast of KIDS in another life. CHW.

[jesssuvari]

"Oh, my evil doppelgänger? Have you tried her secretary? You might have to set up an appointment." Jess joked like she literally hadn't been staring down her phone a moment ago. "So you came to spy. Is that how you talk to women now? Might as well have told me I look like shit." She rolled her eyes but couldn't hold back a smirk from forming, knowing he could handle her sass. "You say like you two weren't doing the same kind of dumb shit at that age. Sounds like karma finally coming around. Tell him I said hi and that if needs to be bailed out one of these days to let me know. Apparently that's my thing now. I just had to do that with my brother the other day." She scoffed, nudging his arm with her elbow. "Nah. It was a gift from my boyfriend. I'm still living in a run down place in the south. And doing a couple of shifts at St. Elmo's part time. I don't really like to use the money from the business to splurge on myself. I'd rather put it into other things. But you, hey, you're doing your own thing. You got out of here, you're living out your dream, keeping your family comfortable. What's more successful than that?" She pursed her lips, thinking of a good reason why she wasn't communicating with him or her sister much lately other than not feeling like she had a place with them anymore. Because she knew he would just tell her that was stupid. "Just been busy. No news is better than bad news, isn't it?"

[saunderscasey]

"Yeah, heavy on the evil. You know I haven't tried that yet." She was doing a very Jess (bad) job at ignoring the matter of her going ghost but Casey wasn't in a rush, he could humor her. "I think there's still time for me to tell you that you look like shit if you want." Casey smiled, "I'm say it like I know I did worse at that age so I'm very aware he needs someone to keep an eye on him." He shook his head, "What the fuck did he do that he had to be bailed out? Guess he's your karma too." Casey furrowed his eyebrows but didn't say anything. He didn't understand why she would live in anything described as 'run down' when she was making the kind of money she was. He didn't expect her to live in a penthouse or her dad's mansion but she was still working for that money regardless of the way, why wouldn't she use some of it at least to improve her quality of life. "Two jobs on top of law school. No wonder you're stressed." He shrugged, "I guess yeah it's more than what I wanted, minus the getting out but that was good too. We miss you though, you should come see us soon. Is this boyfriend being good to you?" Casey was sure Jade knew more about him than Casey himself did. Really he only had the broad strokes like a name and the fact that he was some big deal greaser, which was surprising but he didn't consider Jess dumb, "Do I get to meet him? Or is he intimidated because I was your first love?" Casey smirked, unable to help make the ironic joke considering she could barely stand to be around him half the time when they were kids.

[jesssuvari]

If it wasn't one problem she had to resolve it was another. When she had taken up her dad's business she didn't expect to be as hands on with it as she was. She thought she would just tag along in name, make sure business was settled within the group, and that Jade or Casey would take over. They knew more about the business and all the workers would have been in better hands with them than being pushed off on someone else who was gonna exploit them with no regard for their wellbeing. But then the two of them left and she wasn't nearly selfish enough as others believed that she would try to stop them, or try to drag them back in when shit went down hill with Alves. They were able to get out, they made a new life, and they seemed happy. And she was happy for them so she chose to leave her communication to a minimum. They didn't need any reminders of how miserable things could still be around Rosewood.

She had just finished a yelling match over the phone with a client, complaining about rates after the fact, reminding him of the piles of dirt she had on him if that was the game he wanted to play. So she wasn't in a very good mood when she heard someone trying to get her attention. "Not interested. Keep it moving." She remarked not even looking up to give the person attention, flipping them off for good measure, figuring it was someone just trying to talk her up. It wasn't until she heard them use her name that she looked up and realized it was Casey. "Weird. You look just like someone I used to know. That can't be though. He's off being a hot shot now. And knows better than to come back once you're out of here."

[saunderscasey]

"That's pretty spooky because you look like somebody too. Only she would answer my calls and texts , hmmm you know her?" He asked with an easy smile that was a result of having eyes on her and seeing that Jess was okay - grumpy as ever apparently, but okay, at least outwardly. "You look stressed, what's up? Your sister and I were starting to get worried." He told her while he knocked his knee against hers, "She wanted to come too but she stuck around to keep an eye on Auggie. He's 16 but he's kind of devious when he wants to be, I don't trust him not to throw a party and get arrested or something. He says hi too. Also, you think I'm a hot shot? Pretty sure the bracelet you're wearing clears the cost of all of my camera equipment. "So what's up, why the radio silence from you lately?"

[saunderscasey]

Casey had never thought in his wildest dreams that he would leave Rosewood. He never thought that he would do much of anything beyond allow himself to be exploited and take care of his siblings so they never would, but he'd somehow found a path out. After his grandmother passed and all his siblings except for August were in college or trade school there wasn't much keeping him there in terms of roots so he and Jade left. He wasn't some rich, success but he could pay for everything he needed and his career as a photographer kept money rolling in so life was good more or less; it wasn't perfect but he was happy. That wasn't to say he kept Rosewood out of his mind completely. For one, Erica had elected to go to Ravenwood and for two, Jess was there.

The latter was the most prominent reason for his visit this time as her communication was lacking at best, and when she did respond to either himself of Jade, the things she said or rather how she said it didn't put their minds at ease. He took a weekend gig shooting a wedding and used it as an excuse to get eyes on Jess, "You know if you stare at that phone any more intensely, it might burst into flames. Hey, Jess," He said, his attempt at a lame introduction but it beat 'surprise'. @jesssuvari

[saunderscasey]

jupiter-ahadi​:

“You can borrow my car only if you take it for a car wash afterwards. That’s my only rule. My keys are in my jacket by the door but yes, I’m making breakfast. Emmett is going to be my sous chef and you and your sister can set the kitchen table. Is Navid up yet?” Jupiter stifled a laugh at Emmett and Apollo’s interaction, letting them figure it out before she grabbed Emmett’s hand to pull him further into the kitchen with her. “Alright, I’m gonna start you on cutting up some veggies. Think you can handle it?”

“Deal. I’ll wash it.” He paused at the mention of breakfast and looked over at his mom. “Are you gonna make french toast?” When she nodded he smiled and kicked his shoes back off before taking off his jacket. “Cool, cool, yeah, I got you man,” he said, trying to not be as awkward as Athena gave him a look from the counter. He didn’t know how his sister managed to keep her cool better than him but he didn’t want her to show him up so he made everyone a cup of coffee, handing Emmett his first. “Uh so uh, what’d you guys get up to last night?”

**

Though the oddness of the dynamic didn't bother him, he still was getting a grasp on exactly how to navigate it just yet either, mostly he was careful not to try and come off as if he were a sort of father figure, positive nobody wanted that, but he would get there no doubt, if everyone were willing to try. "Thank you." He told Apollo as he took the warm liquid and took a sip before putting it down to start cutting vegetables, and the scene, if Emmett were to step on the outside and looked in felt more like a normal family breakfast than he'd ever experienced up until he met Casey, and even that was more chaotic than this. "We went to a book launch for one of Jupiter's friends and then out for dinner and drinks with him and his boyfriend. It was fun, lot of conversation topics about literature that went right over my head. What about you guys, anything noteworthy?"

[saunderscasey]

jupiter-ahadi​:

“Since you were 9? Jesus, I think my family would have benefit from that way early on. Especially my father.” She let out a dramatic sigh before grinning. “If you must wear a shit then I supposed I can survive.” Jupiter pulled herself out of bed and pulled her nightgown back over her head, stretching out her arms as she got herself prepared to walk out into the house. “Mm well then you can be my sous chef. How’s that? Think you can handle it?” She pulled a sweater over her head before walking back towards him. Jupiter set her hands on his chest, looking over his features before she leaned up, kissing his forehead first, then the tip of his nose, than his lips, lingering there for a moment before pulling back. “Watch, now, how I start the day, in happiness, in kindness.” she said in a whisper, quoting one of her favorite Mary Oliver poems. She kissed him one more time before opening up her door, taking a deep breath as she heard her kids voices. 

“Finally! Mom can-” Apollo cut himself off as he looked over Emmett and Jupiter, still not sure how he felt about it but he had never seen his mother this happy with any man. “Uh can I borrow your car? Mine is low on gas. Uh, hey Emmett. There’s coffee already. I can grab you some. Do you like it…black or?”

**

"Oh don't get me wrong, it didn't help all that much, it wasn't family therapy, just me." Emmett took pleasure in watching Jupiter stretch and slip her nightgown on, "Of course I can. As long as I have instructions I'm good to go." He wrapped his arms lightly around her waist, "I like that. I may start using that as a mantra. Even when I'm not waking up with you."

The pause was felt, and said everything about the awkwardness from her kids. Emmett couldn't blame them, but untraditional was Emmett's bread and butter. Still, he didn't lose sight of the fact that it wasn't like that for everyone. "Yeah, good morning. Black would be great thanks, were you headed off right away because your mom was going to make breakfast. I was going to try and help, operative word being try. Cooking isn't exactly my forte."

[saunderscasey]

jupiter-ahadi​:

“How is it that I sleep in more than my kids? Shouldn’t it be the other way around? It’s your fault for making me so tired,” she mumbled against his skin. In all honesty, Jupiter was still getting used to having a man she could trust. Someone solid, someone who would be there in the morning and every time she woke up felt a little overwhelming. In the best way possible. “Oh but you were so cute swatting away bugs and with your hiking boots,” she teased, her fingers brushing along his cheeks. “I do think a swimsuit would probably suit you better.” Her eyes closed as she felt his lips and she happily leaned into him before shaking her head. “Wow, giving me grace? Look at these communication skills.” She laughed and turned over so she could look at him fully. “You’re not sneaking or waiting anywhere. I just dont want Apollo to get jealous that his six pack doesn’t look like yours. He’s very vain sometimes.” She pressed a kiss to the center of his chest before pulling away. “What would you like to make for breakfast?”

*

"Ah, so it's answer your own questions day, I see." He mumbled back." Emmett was happy in his relationship with Jupiter despite him getting out of a relationship that he felt suffocated in just to have a more casual thing with the older woman. He supposed that it was a testament to the two of them clicking the way that they had. "I should hope I was cute, it was not fun swatting bugs. It wasn't all bad, don't get me wrong, but the bugs I could do without." Emmett shrugged, "Well I've been going to therapists since I was 9 so I guess some things just stuck." He kissed her again softly when she turned to face him full on, "Well how about I wear a shirt, hm?" After they separated, Emmet got up and threw on a shirt and joggers, "I'm making breakfast? Okay well you either want your kids to like me or you don't because you know I don't cook. I can order food with the best of them though."

[saunderscasey]

jupiter-ahadi​:

“If you stay still they’ll quite down and go away.” Jupiter joked in her half asleep state, her hands reaching to pull her partner closer, wanting to hold onto the last few minutes of sleep before the day started. All three of her kids were around this morning and though they had seemed to embrace her relationship with a man closer in age to them, she still go a little nervous whenever they were altogether. “I had a dream that we were on a beach. Which can only mean we need a vacation.” @saunderscasey​

*

“Somehow gorgeous, I don’t quite believe that. They’ve been up and about for a while now.” He told Jupiter with a small smile on his face as he got closer to her, and wrapped his arms around her tighter. “I like the idea of a beach vacation more than you making me become a nature man.” Emmett peppered kisses on Jupiter’s shoulders then her neck, cheeks, and finally lips. “I can wait in the room if you want to get up and at ‘em. I can’t pretend it’s ideal, but I can appreciate your position and give you grace in becoming comfortable. I draw the line at sneaking out of the window, though.” 

[saunderscasey]

a-baldwin​:

Axel watched as he made his way towards his kitchen, a soft sigh leaving her lips as he’d made his way back to where they sat with everything needed to make a cocktail in hand. She didn’t quite understand why, but she appreciated the lengths he was going through to make sure that she wasn’t alone in that moment. “You know, I think I would have been okay for the couple of minutes it would have taken you to did this in the kitchen.” Axel teased, watching as he went to work. “Okay, seriously, one day you’re going to have to teach me how you do all of that.” She commented as he went to work, it was almost awe-inspiring how good Casey was with… well, as he was currently doing. He could have easily been behind the bar of the best bars in the city. She waited a beat, waiting for him to find himself back by her side. “I feel like this is the moment we’re suppose to cheers to something.” Axel let him know as she’d raised her cup. “Uhm, I think I have something. It’s so cheesy but like, to being friends and like genuinely friends. It took us a while to get here, but I’m really happy to be here with you.”

**

"Yeah, I didn't beca---alright, I'll try to lay off a little bit." Taking care of people was just in his DNA at this point, "It's a skill I learned from work so..." He cleared his throat and brushed it off, "Alright, I mean we can. Go for it." He nodded, "Yeah, to us being friends." He tapped his cup against hers and took a sip. "Sorry for the weird segue. but besides what happened, what else has been up with you?"

[saunderscasey]

a-baldwin​:

“No, if it hasn’t happened by now, it’s probably not.” Axel told Casey, a small laugh spilling from her lips. But that was fine, Casey was perfectly refined as he was. She didn’t want to see him be any different than how he was because while it’d taken her a while to see it, he was perfectly perfect as is. “For me?” She asked him, as she pointed at herself. “Casey, you opened your doors to me. I think you’ve done more than enough for me.” Axel let him know, shaking her head. “I’m more than okay. Although,” She did say with a rise of her eyebrow. “A really strong drink wouldn’t hurt right now. It really wouldn’t.”

**

"Yeah, for you." He wasn't looking for pleasantries, just to help her out, "Alright, yeah. I can do a really strong drink." He disappeared into his kitchen and came back with a bottle of rum, a can of coke, and two cups with ice in them, "Hope you don't mind tumblers. Don't want August to see we're drinking when he comes down for dinner." He told her and made their drinks in front of her. He knew Axel wouldn't think he'd do anything to her drink, but it wasn't inconveniencing to go the extra mile since triggers could manifest in different way, "Alright, there's your strong drink, one second." He left to put the bottle of alcohol back then sat near her on his couch and picked up his cup. 

[saunderscasey]

Text || Jess

Jessie: It's not a big deal, damn. I just meant it's nice that you're still there for each other even though shit didn't work out between you guys. That you're actually friends or whatever. You know i'm weird with attachments myself so that's it.

Jessie: Still trying to get me in on your family dinners huh?

Jessie: Not really what it sounds like

Jessie: Yeah, you need it. So come, I'll make sure Freddie and Erica are here too.

[saunderscasey]

Text || Jess

Jessie: Forget about it. Just keep doing what you're doing. I think she's gonna need more support now more than ever.

Jessie: No, I did. And she didn't exactly argue either. With all the shit going on in the south side it's not really safe to get caught up in the middle of that.

Casey: No, tell me what you mean

Casey: I think you need to come by for dinner soon. Pick a day next week

[saunderscasey]

Text || Jess

Jessie: What? Running to you? Not necessarily. It's a little cheesy to me but it's nice that she has you for things like that. I guess it makes dealing with bullshit easier.

Jessie: Because being seen with me was the reason she got into that mess in the first place. My reputation isn't that great right now.

Casey: I'm not following. Cheesy?

Casey: Did she decide on the distance thing or are you?

[saunderscasey]

Text || Jess

Jessie: Figures. She has always gone back running to you when it really matters. Honestly I think being there for her is a lot more help than getting revenge.

Jessie: I wish I could be there for her more. But I think it's better if the two of us don't hang out for a while.

Casey: Is that a bad thing?

Casey: Why?

[saunderscasey]

Text || Jess

Jessie: That's the reason I got into the law thing to begin with.

Jessie: So i'm guessing Axel talked to you about what happened?

Casey: She came to my place all freaked out and not wanting to go home.

[saunderscasey]

Text || Jess

Jessie: After years of being in this world you still believe that the cops are gonna do anything?

Jessie: When my mom tried to get a restraining order against my asshole of a dad did you know they basically told her that they couldn't do anything about it until he did actual physical harm to her?

Jessie: As much as I would love to get some actual justice for my best friend, i'm being realistic here. The odds would be stacked against her without very much physical evidence. I think this is one of those cases where street justice is our best bet.

Casey: Alright, fair enough.

[saunderscasey]

Text || Jess

Casey: They deserve worse

Jessie: Like what Casey? What exactly would you do to them if I gave you their information?

Casey: Anonymous tip to the cops or something, I don't know

[saunderscasey]

Text || Jess

Casey: How's that?

Jessie: I got some muscle to remind them to keep their fucking hands to themselves. And if they know what's good for them they won't mess with any girls anymore. I don't think it's gonna be a problem anymore though.

Casey: They deserve worse