How The World Works
Part 4 of On The Inside With Elizabeth Olsen
Word Count: ~3.8K
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Y/N POV
I wish I could say that waking up to the sounds of giggles wouldn't be the worst thing in the world unless you're at summer camp, or if you're like me, you wake up with the worst headache. I don't remember how much I drank, but I regret it.
I struggle to force my eyes open, but once I do, I find Liz sitting upright, looking at her phone next to me. Wait, why is she next to me? Didn't I fall asleep on the couch? Without moving my body, I move my eyes around the room. The room is a very minimalist style that I don't mind. It's cute. But I'm not too fond of the natural lighting that is seeping its way into this room. I turn to look at Liz.
How can someone look so good in the morning? All she is wearing is a big oversized t-shirt; from what I can see, the rest of her body is covered by the giant white comforter that blankets us. Wait. We're in bed together! Oh shit. Wait, what am I wearing? I look down at myself. A big oversized t-shirt and I can feel shorts on myself. I don't remember putting these on.
Her giggle breaks me out of my quiet panic state. I watch as her ringless fingers begin typing away on her phone before being hit with a sudden rush of last night.
Liz places her finger on my lips, silencing me before dragging me to bed.
"Hey, you're awake!" I look up at the forest eyes that are melting me. "Oh, shit, did I wake you?" Worry runs across those same eyes.
"No," I say in a raspy voice. I clear my throat and try again. "No."
"Okay, good. Can I show you something?" I nod. Liz dips down towards me and shows me a picture of me sleeping in her photos. "This picture is so funny. Look at how grumpy you look! I saved this as your contact photo. Sorry, not sorry." Liz laughs, and I can't help but laugh with her. I sit up, and I don't know what comes over me, but I can't stop myself from tucking her hair behind her ears—rubbing her face in the process. She looks over at me. Our eyes lock.
"So now you want to be cute and sweet, huh?" Liz's questions confuses me? I tilt my head. "Was I not last night?" Liz smiles; turning her back to me, she pulls down her shirt showing off her neck and shoulders. "Oh my gosh." She shows me red marks along her collarbone and back.
"Oh fuck, Y/N!" Liz moans into her pillow as I bite down on her back, leaving another hickey. My left-hand grabs her hair tightly as my right runs over her stomach.
Liz pulls her shirt back up and faces me. "Don't worry. I loved it." She scooches closer to me and intertwines one of her hands with mine. "I wouldn't have let it happen if I didn't want it. Okay, Y/N?" I shake my head at her. "Okay." Liz lets go of me and gets up from the bed. Oh, look, she is wearing shorts! I can't tell whether I'm annoyed or relieved. I should be annoyed, right? "Time for breakfast!" I go to help Liz, but she intercepts me and softly pushes me onto the bed, stopping me. I laugh at how cute she is being. "Oh no, you don't! I'm making breakfast for you! Waffles or pancakes? There's only one correct choice Y/N!"
"Okay, Liz." She watches me with glee as I get myself comfortable in what I assume is her bed. I make a thinking face just for Liz even though I know the answer. "Waffles." I confidently state.
Liz gives a big ole smile. "Correct, you are! I was worried I would have to kick you to the curb!" Liz begins getting off the bed, heading towards the door.
"I don't know, Liz. We had a good time last night, so I don't think you're getting rid of me anytime soon."
Liz turns her head towards me as she opens the door. "You're right. I don't plan on it, Y/N." She winks and rushes out of the room, shutting the door behind her. I throw my head back onto the headboard behind me. A smile still drawn on my face. From the bedroom door, I hear the muffled beginning of Rhiannon by Fleetwood Mac. I don't know how long Liz will be, so I take the time to check my social media and text Max, letting her know that I'm alive.
_
After a while scrolling through my different social media proves to be a task. Old high school friends are getting engaged. Vacation photos. Boring things. Who cares. Yuck. Twitter doesn't help one second; its Memes, then the next; it's an announcement about some new movie I know I'm not gonna watch. As last ditch effort, I check the news section. Top one of the day.
ELIZABETH OLSEN LEAVES NY RESTAURANT WITH MYSTERIOUS WOMAN DAYS AFTER LEAVING SET OF THE DOCTOR...
This chick just can't seem to get out of the news, huh? I hope she's doing well. I don't bother looking at the attached photos because that's not my business.
I hear the music outside the door stop. I go to sit up, but I'm in a silly, goofy mood, so I throw my phone back down and cuddle into the bed, pretending to be asleep. I hear the bedroom door open from my fake slumber, and Liz walk in. "Okay, Coffee Girl, I really ho-." She must've noticed. "Y/N?" I hear her set down the tray of food? "Y/N?" She asks in a much quieter voice. I listen to her walk toward me.
"Hey, Y/N?" She sits beside me, leans down, and rubs my cheek with her thumb. Fuck, it takes everything in me not to react. "I didn't realize how tired you still were. Well, whenever you wake up, I have some very yummy waffles and fresh fruit for you to eat up. Also, I don't know how you take your coffee yet, so I just grabbed you a cup of OJ. I hope that's okay." She stands back up and walks over to the other side of the room. I hear some shuffling, so maybe she's getting dressed?
My plan was to scare her but hearing her be sweet stopped me. Before this gets weirder or awkward, I pretend to shuffle awake again. "Liz?" I ask in the fakest sleepy voice I can manage. She instantly comes running out of her bathroom. She's wearing a white shirt with green overalls. How does she do it?! She looks stunning for such a casual fit. "Y/N! Nice to see you awake again, sleepy head!" She means it. Liz grabs the tray and brings it to me. "Sorry I took so long with breakfast. I wasn't exactly sure-" I cut her off. "Liz. I'll eat whatever you made me. You have an 'I know what I'm doing vibe' going on, so I trust you." I give her a supporting smile.
Liz places the tray in front of me before backing away, watching me as I look the food over. What the hell was she worried about? It looks so incredible. "Are these fresh blueberries?" Liz nods. "I picked them myself." My mouth drops. "You have a garden here?" Liz nods again. "When we're done, I can show you around the apartment since you didn't get a good look last night."
Liz and I break through her apartment door. Her legs hooked around my waist as I push Liz up against the nearest wall attacking her neck.
"I'd love that."
"But first, eat up, Coffee Girl!"
"Yes, Miss!" I pick up a forkful of waffle as Liz watches with incredible intensity. As the waffle is about to enter my mouth, I stop. "Is it too late to get pancakes?" "Y/N, I swear to God!" Liz groans. "Okay, I guess these waffles will do." I wink and take a bite. Okay. Wow! This seals the deal. Liz is the most excellent waffle maker in history! "Liz." I dramatically place the fork down. "This is the best waffle I've ever had."
"Are you joking? Please tell me if you are." Liz's puppy dog eyes almost breaks my heart. "Awww, come here." I pat the spot next to me. Liz obeys and pops a squat next to me. I pull her into me. "Liz... Last Name, I can assure you this is hands down the best waffle I've ever taken a single bite of." I can feel Liz roll her eyes and chuckle.
Liz POV
I chuckle to stall. Don't get me wrong, Y/N is funny, kind, and caring. But it's clear she doesn't remember me telling her my last name was, in fact, not Olsen.
I drop the second empty bottle of red onto the table, laughing at a story Y/N tells me about her one-day stint at a marketing company. "Okay, my turn!" Y/N claps her hands together and looks at me with such intensity. "So I know your name is Liz." I nod. "You're 32. You have two sisters and a brother?" "Three sisters and two brothers." I correct her. "Wow. I could barely handle it being my mom and I. Okay, you're so gorgeous because you're a model, right?" Y/N is right. I did tell her that's what I do. Technically I help my sisters from time to time, so that's not a lie. "Yes. I am."
"Fuck I'm having dinner with a model!" Y/N eyes go wide. I can tell it's her drunkness talking for her. "You weren't supposed to hear that, Liz." Y/N covers her face in embarrassment. I laugh, letting her know it's cute and alright. I watch as she tries to rack her brain to keep the convo going. "Is there a question you've been wanting to ask me?" Her very own question catches me off guard. I bit my lip in thought. "Y/N, is that your question?"
"Yes." Well, I know her name is Y/N Y/L/N. Her mom lives in Nashville, TN, for her job. Y/N's an only child. She has yet to mention her father. She went to Syracuse for a while before not going there anymore. That's all I know about that situation. She's single! She loves Mexican cuisine. She has zero pets. Oooooh, I know what I can ask.
"Y/N?"
"Yes, Miss?" Is that her leg brushing up against mine? "What's your favorite movie?" She goes to answer but stops. She sits back in her chair, almost looking defeated. After seconds of silence, "I don't know..." I know she doesn't know who I am but does she not watch movies? "Do- Do you not have a favorite, or do you not watch movies?"
"I don't watch movies. I watch shows like Parks and Rec and stuff." Oh wow. I mean, that's completely fine, but wow. "Not even those Marvel blockbuster ones?" She shakes her head no. "But Max does! She has been trying to get me to watch them for years now." That will be a fun bridge when we get to it. "Okay, what about something like... Gone with the Wind?" She looks confused. "That ancient movie?" Oh boy Y/N is lucky she's bringing me so much comfort and joy. "Yes, that ancient movie! I watch it every year." "Why?" "Why not?" I shoot back, smiling. Y/N loses this argument. "Okay, your turn Coffee Girl!"
"That nickname is sticking, isn't it?" I begin pouring glasses from our third bottle that Walter, at some point, dropped off. "Yes, it is Y/N. Yes, it is."
"Liz, what's your last name?"
So now I either tell her the truth or delay once again.
"Chase." I instantly feel a mix of guilt and regret my choice.
"What or who do you want me to chase?" Y/N responses, happy as a dog.
"No, Chase is my last name. Elizabeth Chase." I bring my eyes to meet hers, and I hope she doesn't look right through me. Y/N looks down at me and squints. "You told me this last night, didn't you?"
"Yes, I did, but that's okay." I don't know if it was a mix of my nerves or how I feel with Y/N, but the next thing I know, my lips are pushing onto hers. I pull back, watching a smile form on Y/N face. "If you wanted the waffle, you could just ask Liz." I lean myself into Y/N, kissing her again and again and again. I feel myself getting lost in this moment just as Y/N's hands find their way to the sides of my face, gently tearing herself away from me. Heavy breathing picks up the space between us. "Yes?"
A series of knocks answered before Y/N could. "I think someone's here for you." I turn my face away from Y/N, looking out into my apartment. Panic begins to rise inside of me. I feel myself slipping out of this dream life Y/N has been having with me. Did Robbie find out I'm in New York? I start fidgeting with my fingers, afraid to move. "Hey, Liz. You okay?" I look back at Y/N and her sweet face. "Yes. I'm sure it's a neighbor or someone. You stay here to finish your breakfast. I'll be right back." I kiss her forehead and leave the bedroom, closing the door behind me. I want Y/N to stay out of sight even though it's unfair, but I'm not ready for her to face whatever is behind this door.
Y/N POV
"I think someone's here for you." I watch as Liz looks out into her apartment. She won't say it, but the air in the room changed. "Hey, Liz. You okay?" I look up at her face giving her a sweet smile to let her know I'm here for her. "Yes. I'm sure it's a neighbor or someone. You stay here to finish your breakfast. I'll be right back." Liz kisses the top of my head and leaves.
For someone I just met yesterday, I feel like I've known her for years. How does she make me feel so special? Our date was perfect last night, or at least from what I remember. She is so beautiful, funny and intelligent. She went to NYU, of all places! Sure, maybe we moved quickly last night, but I needed it, and she wanted it. It can't hurt to pretend to think about a future. I find my mind becomes more full of ideas about Liz and I. Okay, Y/N, before you get too carried away, let's finish this breakfast.
Liz POV
I close the bedroom door behind me, praying it's not Robbie at the front door. Another series of knocks ring out. "Just a second." Okay, Liz, time to be a big girl. I don't bother checking the eye hole; I rush forward and open the door.
"So the rumors are real! You're really back in the city!"
"MK, what are you doing here?" How in the hell did she know I was back? Wait, rumors?
"Like I said. I had to see if the rumors were true. Also, wow, no 'Omg, MK, my favorite sister, how have you been? Sorry I've been so busy ignoring your calls and texts to let you know I'm alive?' Now scooch." MK pushes her way into my apartment, claiming a seat on the granite island, setting her purse and keys down next to her. I close the door, still in disbelief.
"You're right. I'm sorry, I've just had a lot going on. It's really good to see you." It really is. Since filming my show and movie back to back, I've missed my family so much. "So-."
"I see you made your special waffles this morning." I give her an astonished look. MK points to the mess behind her. "Oh right. Yes. I did." MK looks around the apartment, looking for something out of place. "So when did you and Robbie get back, and who's the girl?" MK is never one to shy away from the point. "Ho-Wh-" I stammer. "What girl?"
"Bitch, really? I've seen the pictures." Oh no. "What pictures?" MK tilts her head at me. She's reading my face, and she can tell I have zero idea what she is talking about. "Oh shit. You don't know? I assume your team or someone would've filled you in by now. How have you not seen them?" I'm starting to get worried. "MK. Pictures. Now." MK immediately pulls out her phone and shows me an article:
ELIZABETH OLSEN LEAVES NY RESTAURANT WITH MYSTERIOUS WOMAN DAYS AFTER LEAVING SET OF THE DOCTOR...
I grab the phone from her and scroll down. Yep there they are—the pictures. Y/N and I are holding hands and laughing while getting into a car. Thankfully she's wearing my sunglasses. So it will be more challenging for people to know who my Coffee Girl is. Did I say "my"?
"I texted it to you, but now I know you didn't see it. So once again, Lizzie, who is she? Wait, Liz, did you and Robbie finally get a third? Oh my God, is that who you made breakfast for? You're out here being Miss little housewife while they're in-"
"You need to go." I shove MK's phone and keys into her purse handing it to her as I slide her off the kitchen island. "Whoa, hey Lizzie, I was just kidding. This lifestyle is okay. I promise." Trust me, MK, it's not about that. I continue pushing her out of my apartment, not offering a word. "Hey. Liz, slow down and talk to me." I open the door and escort her out.
"Elizabeth!" MK stops me before I can close the door. "Tell me what's going on right now. Is it the pictures? Do you not want your fans to know about your lifestyle? Oh, no, is the girl's family like super conservative?" I look at MK. My eyes are filling up with worry, guilt, and regret. What do I even say? I'm a cheater. I left my fiance in a different country because I was scared to confront my fears, all while I felt him and I becoming distant, and now here I am myself going on dates and falling for another person. MK's voice softens. "Lizzie, is everything okay?"
"Just promise me that you don't know anything, and you won't say anything." MK nods. "Whatever is going on, you know I'm here for you." Now it's my turn to nod at her as a tear escapes down my cheek. MK pulls me into a hug. "Life can be super shitty and kind. That's how life is. Hell, that's how the world works. But you make due for yourself and the people you love, okay?"
The people I love...
I pull myself away from MK's squeeze. "Pleas-." MK cuts me off. "I promise, Lizzie. Just call me tonight." I promise to do so and close the door. Fuck now, what do I do. Does Robbie know? I haven't even checked my phone. Does my team know? Has Y/N been sent the pictures? Oh, God, is my breathing getting quicker? Why is it so hot? My arms won't stop shaking. Please make this stop. I feel myself fall onto my couch. I can't even see anymore with tears blocking my view. I hear Y/N's muffled voice followed by rushing footsteps. She crashes into me. She wraps herself around my back. I feel myself letting go in her arms. "I'm here, Liz. I'm here." She whispers into my ear.
_
After the tears stopped, I continued to let myself be held by Y/N. I'm not sure how much time had passed, but it felt like hours. Every time Y/N kisses touched my head, I felt a jolt of happiness work through my body before reminding myself what a piece of shit I am. It should be Robbie here, but no, wait, no, it shouldn't; he's the one that said he doesn't want to get married anymore. He's the one that wanted to take time for himself. I curse to myself inside of my head. I'm so confused, and I don't know what to do.
"Babe." Through my dried eyes, I look up to Y/N. "Yes?" Y/N bites her lip. She wants to say something. I pause and smile. "What is it, Coffee Girl?" Y/N holds me closer, placing her chin on my shoulder. "You told me last night that your coffee order was so big when you came into my shop because it was an apology to your crew for something that happened in London. Is that the same reason someone came here this morning and made you upset?"
I pull myself up from Y/N grasps and sit criss-cross facing her. I grab her hands and hold them in mine. "What I told you last night is true, but there is more to that story." I sigh. "I know I'm gonna have to return to London soon and deal with it." I squeeze Y/N's hands. "But no, the person that came over this morning was my sister MK. She didn't upset me. I just have a lot going on, and she was trying to help me understand. "I feel Y/N's hands go weak in mine. "Y/N-"
"Can I say something, Liz?" I stop and watch as Y/N's eyes find mine. "I just want you to know that I'm here for you. These last 24 hours have been a whirlwind, but I don't know what it is. I feel comfortable with you like I've spent years with you. You are giving me feelings of warmth and joy I have not felt in so long. I may be going way over the line, but a part of me thinks that you feel this way too. And now I can't stop myself from talking, but after seeing you bawling your eyes out, I just felt everything. It's just like I fee-" Y/N takes a breath. "I feel you."
I'm a second away from ugly crying Y/N has no clue how much weight those three little words carry. I pull her face into mine and plant a soft kiss on her lips. "Thank you, Y/N truly." I work my way up to hug her. I whisper into the crook of her neck. "I feel you, Y/N." I feel the same way that you do. But I'm sorry-." I have to work through this carefully. "I'm sorry I'm going through something right now."
"Liz-"
"Y/N, I just want today with you. Okay? Let us have a day together." I feel a tear fall onto me. "Okay." Y/N shakily lets out. I am unsure what happens after today, but I want to make today count.
Part 5
