Root Pearl: 1
Pairing: Eventual Ezra x female reader - musician AU
Word Count: 8,561
Rating: M. Language, mentions losing a parent, insecurities.
Summary: A budding friendship with Cee brings new opportunities for you, but it also raises questions in your relationship ... though not by you. Will meeting her in person change anything?
Blanket warnings: loss of a parent, character death, survivor’s guilt, learning to deal with the loss of a limb, infidelity (not Reader w/Ezra), blood, bodily injury, heavy angst.
Author’s note:
This is still a little bit of a setup chapter, but we’re getting more into it now ... and things are going to pick up.
I’m already working on part 3, so this one will hopefully come quick, even if I switch between a couple other things that I’m working on.
Let me know what you think / if you have any questions.
Catch up on the intro here
The heat of the sun made it difficult for you to concentrate, but you tried. Robbie’s sister’s voice came from one side and his mother’s from the other, the three of you sitting outside on comfortable chairs in their backyard. He was off somewhere with his dad, and that left you free to relax. But despite your best efforts, you still couldn’t focus. “I need to go inside.” Sitting straight up and looking between them, you gave his mother a small smile. “It’s too hot, and I need something to drink.”
“Go on. We’ll be right here. The house is all yours.” That had been the case since you and Robbie got serious and moved in together, and you were going to take advantage of the offer. Just for a few minutes. Heading inside, you stepped into the bathroom to splash water on your face before flopping down and onto one of the couches, the cool air washing over your skin.
Realistically, you could probably only get away with staying inside for a little while before one of them would come looking, and you decided to make the most of the time you had, pulling your phone from your pocket and unlocking it. There was a text from Robbie, telling you that he’d be back in a little under an hour, but there was also another alert - a follow request that you weren’t expecting. “Oh, shit.”
Cee (StreamerGirlCee) has requested to follow you
Shooting upright at the sight, you clicked on it in disbelief, chewing on your lower lip. Whether or not to add her wasn’t the question - what it meant is what you weren’t sure about. She hadn’t replied to your last message, though when you’d woken up the following morning, the indicator said that she’d read it. And as the days passed, you figured that there wouldn’t be a response - and that was fine. But I was wrong, because… Clicking “accept” on the follow request, it didn’t take long for you to see that she also sent over another message along with it, the girl’s reply much shorter than your original had been.
Thank you for sending that to me. It means a lot to know that people are still thinking of us.
I would like to have the video, if that’s still OK, and the pictures too. Since I worked at the merch table most of the time, I didn’t always get to see my dad and Ezra play.
Thank you for the offer. It means a lot. Send it over when you get a chance - either to my email or to my phone, whatever works.
Along with the text of the message, Cee had also included her phone number and email address. Her phone? I didn’t think… Blinking slowly, you took your lower lip between your teeth, staring at the words on the screen. It wasn’t a big deal - you were doing the same thing for her that you’d do for anyone else, but for some reason it felt like a big deal, the girl offering you access to something that was otherwise private.
After deciding to wait until you were at home and on your WiFi connection to send over the video and pictures, you stared at the screen for a few more seconds and then stood, tucking the phone back into your pocket. When you headed back outside to Robbie’s family, the smile on your face was larger than it probably should have been, and it had nothing to do with rejoining them.
They didn’t ask about it, though, still talking to each other about the same thing they had been when you’d gone inside. And even though you interjected a few times over the next fifteen minutes, part of you believed that neither of them would have actually noticed if you handn’t gone back out to sit with them, unlike you’d previously thought.
—
“She messaged me back.” Speaking up as the two of you walked through the front door, you turned your head toward your boyfriend. “Cee, I mean.”
“Yeah?” Robbie’s eyes met yours, the man letting you know that he was paying attention. “And?” Waiting until your shoes were off and you’d set your bag down to answer, you grinned, reaching for your phone.
“She wants the pictures and the video. Told me to send ‘em to her whenever, and she gave me her email and phone number.” He widened his eyes at that admission, but instead of saying anything, Robbie took a seat next to you, looking down at the device in your hands. “So I’ll probably try to email the video over and send the pictures through text, just because -”
“So are you guys going to be friends now? Isn’t that weird? She’s, what, 17?”
“She’s 18. And no, I don’t think this means we’re friends, it just means … she wanted the things I offered to send her.” And even if it did mean we were friends, why would it be weird? “I obviously took them on my phone, so maybe she just figured it would be easier to text them over.” But maybe it not a good idea, because just seeing all those pictures come through with no warning might … His arm winding around your shoulders, Robbie drew you closer and pressed a kiss to the side of your head.
“Well, I’m happy for you.” Without letting go, he continued. “And I’m also kind of relieved you didn’t message Ezra, too. Him sending over a phone number would have been a little strange, right?”
“I don’t think he would have.” Sighing, you copied the girl’s phone number and created a new contact, adding it and the email into their respective fields. “Partly because he’s recovering from a horrific accident, Robbie, and isn’t thinking about giving his number out to strangers, and -” Taking a breath, you closed your eyes. “And partially because email would work just fine.” Why are you being weird about this? Ezra isn’t even a part of this conversation.
“You’re right.” The easy smile back on his face, Robbie said your name and asked you to look at him. “I’m just being paranoid, I guess. The idea of you becoming friends with a rockstar, is -”
“Robbie, don’t be an idiot.” Rolling your eyes, you shoved him, phone still in your other hand. “Cee didn’t even mention Ezra in her message, except to say that she didn’t usually get to watch the shows. This is all about her and Damon. I’ll send her what I have, she’ll say thank you, and that’ll be it.” Why are you making this a big deal? “Give me a few minutes to send this, alright?”
Agreeing, he squeezed your shoulder and kissed the side of your head again before standing, the man making his way into the kitchen and opening the refrigerator. As soon as he was out of the room, you were finally free to roll your eyes, barely holding back a groan of annoyance as you opened your photo album, scrolling back to the pictures and videos from the concert. I have more than I thought.
It didn’t take you long to scan through them, picking out the ones you thought she’d really like. Most of them were focused on Damon, though a few of the ones you chose included Ezra, too. There was even a shot of the full band from right before they walked offstage that you included in the first group, attaching them to an email.
Once that started sending, you navigated to your text messages and opened a new one to her, hesitating before you started typing. Just explain. You introduced yourself in the first line, and also added a short message to the girl after.
I was going to send the pictures over through text, but then thought that seeing them all pop up out of nowhere might be too much of a surprise for you. I’m sending two emails - the first is all the pictures, and the second will be the video. That way, you can open them whenever you want to, not just because there’s an alert on the screen.
Take care of yourself, Cee. Enjoy these. If you want to post them, feel free.
After rereading the text, your eyes flicked to the kitchen, watching the side of Robbie’s head as he stood in front of the microwave, staring down at his phone and waiting for whatever he was cooking to finish. Lips twitching into a grin, you added one more thing before pressing send.
Except maybe… don’t post the video without asking Ezra. He didn’t seem like he wanted it out there yet.
—
She’s sitting on the couch next to him, the man’s eyes drooping as they watch the movie that she picked. The volume is loud enough to hear what’s going on, but not too loud in case one of them dozes off. It’s been a long day and Ezra’s physical therapy session was a difficult one, the man upset to find out that the completion of his permanent prosthetic arm was delayed due to a defective set of components vital to the function of the mechanized insides.
The news made him angry, and though he’d raised his voice and lashed out, everyone in the office had known it wasn’t at them. He’s just frustrated, she thinks as she glances over at him, the glow of the TV casting shadows over his skin. Frustrated because he wants … to be himself again.
The temporary arm that they fit him with is a decent placeholder; even he’s admitted that. But the one that they are waiting on is more, touted as the top of the line option, meant to give the wearer an almost full and natural range of motion after it’s integrated with the implanted chip. He might never be as good with it as he was previously, but at least with the permanent arm, there’s a chance - and she knows that it’s all he wants.
He doesn’t wear the one he has all the time, and she understands that, too, knows it’s likely just a reminder of what he’s lost. But she wishes he would, if only to get used to the feeling of using both hands again. He will when he’s ready. She sighs, shifting on the couch as her phone vibrates. The girl pulls it out and looks at the screen, a text message from an unfamiliar number visible. I wonder who…
But when she opens it, she figures it out, a smile on her lips as she reads through the message and an immediate surge of gratitude flowing through her at the continued thoughtfulness of a stranger. Giving you her number was a last minute decision, and Cee isn’t sure why she did it, except that she knows she wanted to. Now that you’ve replied in the way you have, she’s glad she did. “What’s got you smiling so wide, little bird?”
She glances over, seeing that Ezra has pushed himself back upright, his head turned to look at her. “I just got …” She licks her lips, taking a deep breath. “A text message from…” There’s a pause, punctuated by a the quiet ding letting her know that she’s received an email. Wow, that was fast. “From the woman that offered to send me pictures, Ezra.” She looks down at the screen, her heartbeat speeding up. “Of Dam… of my dad. From the show here.”
He’s surprised; she can hear it in the way he sucks in a breath, feel it when he scoots closer, his left hand reaching out to touch her arm. “That was kind of her.” Cee nods, agreeing even as her finger hovers over the screen, trying to decide what to do. “You don’t have to look right now. The pictures will still be there when -”
“She’s sending over a video, too.” Cee’s voice falters as she tells him, her phone screen going dark. “A video of the song you only played once, Ezra. The one that -”
“The Queen’s Lair?” He’s intrigued by that admission, the man’s voice full of more life than she’s heard in months, and Cee can’t help but feel a spark, too, gaze snapping up to meet his. “She recorded -”
“She said you asked her not to post it?” Teasing him with a smile, Cee uses one elbow to nudge the man in the ribs. “Said if I watch the video, I would -” Recognition crosses his features almost immediately, and then both of his brows shoot up, the fingers of his hand curling inward as he points at her phone. “What?”
“Will you let me watch it when you get it, Birdie? It would be mighty good to hear a song that I was so proud of one more time.” I wasn’t… I didn’t… Cee takes a breath and then nods, lower lip trembling.
“I don’t know if I’m ready to watch it yet, Ezra. Or to look at the pictures, but …” She trails off, clutching the phone between her fingers. “But I wanted to have them, and of course I can send the video to you so that you can see it.” He smiles, thanking her, and before either of them can relax back against the cushions, there’s another ding, and Cee knows that it means the video has arrived in her inbox.
Ezra hears it too, and even though she doesn’t check the file before she does it, Cee quickly forwards it to him, flashing the screen in his direction to show that she sent it. “Thank you.” He speaks quietly, clearing his throat. “I’ll watch it later tonight.” He returns his attention to the TV, and Cee decides that before she puts her phone down again, she’s going to send a message back to you. And that’s … the end of it.
Got both. Thank you again. I don’t know when I’ll be able to look at them, but having these means a lot.
She glances at Ezra, debating over whether or not to let you know that she sent him the video… and decides not to. He won’t use it anywhere. And if he does, he’d ask. She’s certain of that - certain of Ezra, and so once she’s sent the message, she tosses her phone onto the table in front of her and sighs, the knowledge that if and when she wants them, she has more pictures and a video of Ezra and Damon onstage to watch.
—
The days passed and just like you predicted, nothing changed. After the confirmation from Cee that she’d received the things you sent, she didn’t reach out again - and neither did you. Sure, you liked her stories and pictures when she posted them, and she did the same for you sometimes, but that was the extent of it. You did your good deed, and were satisfied with the knowledge that you were able to help, even a little, to ease a young woman’s pain and the feelings of loss she was likely experiencing.
You and Jillian ate lunch together most days, meals shared in the park switching back to ones spent in the break room as the days got colder. Ever since the night you’d gotten Cee’s reply, Robbie had been less awkward about the interaction, and you were thankful that he’d dropped it, the two of you falling back into the easy rhythm of your relationship.
Things were normal in your life, and you were glad. So when you checked your email almost two weeks later, you were shocked to see a message from Ezra waiting. What is he… how did he get my email address?
It wasn’t a long message, but each word was deliberate, and by the time you’d reread it for the fourth time, your chest felt tight.
When I asked you not to post your video anywhere, I did not believe you would listen - but I’m grateful that you did.
Thank you for offering such a kindness to Cee by sending her a lasting glimpse of the man her father could be. And thank you for providing me with the means to hear this song as it was in the earliest stages. I was not able to record it before the accident, and we did not play it at any other show, so you - and now I - possess the only known version of it.
Without you, The Queen’s Lair would have been lost forever, and now she won’t be. If there is ever any way that I can repay the favor, do not hesitate to ask.
Oh, and by the way … I wouldn’t dream of posting this video anywhere, so don’t worry about that.
You’d known that his manner of speaking carried over from stage to interviews, but you hadn’t known that it would be the same over text, and as you read, you couldn’t keep the smile off of your face.
He was grateful, and he meant it, and even though you had no idea how he’d gotten the video or your email, the only logical explanation was that Cee had sent it over, forwarding the message instead of attaching the file. Good. I’m glad I could help. Deciding that replying was necessary, you spent the next few minutes thinking about what to say - and when to send it.
You don’t want to seem overeager, replying right away, but you also don’t want to wait too long, giving the man a chance to forget that he messaged you in the first place. But he sent it early this morning, so …Frowning at the phone in your hands, you kept thinking.
Not even ten minutes later, you were sitting outside with your feet propped up on the second patio chair, the fading rays of afternoon sunlight warm on your skin. You’d typed and deleted part of a message at least three times, and even though you knew that it shouldn’t have been a big deal, it kind of was. Because I know he’ll see this.
Finally, with a long sigh escaping your lips, you started typing.
Ezra -
I was happy to send that video over. I’m glad that you have it. But like I said to Cee, if you want to do something with it, feel free. It’s your song - I just held up a phone for a couple minutes.
And I’m glad to hear that you picked a title for it. When you played it here, you were still working on that. I think it fits, though.
Don’t worry about repaying me, all I did was send over some pictures and a video. No big deal.
Take care of yourself.
PS: Thank you for all of the music you’ve made over the years. I’ve listened to you for a long time, and I think your solo album is some of your best work.
You’d tried to balance the contents of your message, not wanting to come off as a crazed fan, and so you read back through it multiple times before sending it. That has to be good enough. And if it wasn’t? There was nothing you could do about it, and it wasn’t like you’d ever have to face the man, so it didn’t really matter. You just hoped that you hadn’t crossed a line telling him that you’d enjoyed his solo music more than the songs he’d released with The Fringe.
Robbie found you on the patio when he got home, phone laying on the small side table and your head tilted back up, seeking out the final rays of the day’s light. “You look comfortable.” Opening your eyes, you saw that he was leaning against the doorframe, a half smile on his lips. “How was your day?”
“Good.” Pushing to your feet, you crossed the space to reach him, arms going around his neck as you kissed him. “You?” He nodded, hands on your waist. “Tell me about it?”
“Over dinner. I brought something home.” Agreeing, you followed him back into the house, taking a seat at the table. As the two of you ate, Robbie talked you through his day, beginning with the fact that his company had started the morning with an all-hands meeting, and that meeting had led to a one on one, Robbie and his boss talking in his office for over an hour. “I got the promotion.” He grinned, leaning across the table and closer to you. “I start next week, and even though it’s more money, it shouldn’t mean anything changes with my schedule, or -”
You stood, rounding the table and throwing your arms around his shoulders before leaning down and kissing his cheek. “I’m proud of you.” He turned his head toward you, catching your lips with his. “You’ve wanted this for a long time.” He nodded, hands at your waist. “Should we celebrate this weekend? There’s got to be something that we can do. A movie, maybe? We could go to that new Kamrean place that opened downtown, too.”
“That sounds great.” He was still smiling, Robbie’s expression relaxed as you let him go and stepped away, heading back to your seat and lowering yourself into it. “I think a couple of my coworkers want to go out on Saturday. Streli mentioned it when I told everyone today. So we could go Friday, and then spend Saturday with my friends?” Despite a brief flicker of annoyance at the mention of the woman’s name, you had no real problem with that plan. You told him as much, the two of you falling back into silence as you ate. A few minutes later, Robbie cleared his throat, setting his fork down. “How was work for you?”
Your day was much less exciting than his, but you answered nonetheless, shrugging your shoulders as you talked about a new travel itinerary that you’d put the finishing touches on. “It’ll be good for families that want to go to Lao and Central, but it focuses on longer term vacations, so it’s not for everyone.” The man nodded in response, taking a drink from the glass near his left hand. You took a drink, too, and then decided to tell him about Ezra’s email. I don’t want him to think I’m hiding anything, especially since he was so weird about it before. “Cee must have sent that video to Ezra in the last couple days, because I got an email from him today.”
It’s was brief but you saw it nonetheless, a flash in the man’s eyes as he watched you, gone almost before you could verify that it had been there. “How’d he get your email?” Good question.
“I’m not sure. The only thing I can think of is that she forwarded the original file to him, so it was still there from when I sent it to her.” You took a longer drink, shaking your head. “It wasn’t a reply, see?” Pulling your phone out and opening the email app, you slid it across the table at him. “He just wanted to thank me, mostly for Cee.” You watched as his eyes moved over the lines of text, and even though Robbie didn’t say anything right away, you could tell that he was annoyed, which was strange to you. He’s not usually like this.
It was the truth - you had plenty of male friends and coworkers, and Robbie was friendly with all of them, but when it came to Ezra - someone that you’d never actually met, things were different. And there’s no reason for it, especially now. He hadn’t ever tried to stop you from going to concerts or listening to the man’s music, but there was a definite chill in the air whenever you brought Ezra up - especially recently. And it makes no sense at all.
“He hasn’t sent anything back?” Robbie leaned back in his chair, eyeing you. “It’s been a little while.”
“He’s probably not checking his email every ten minutes, Robbie.” You started eating again, thinking. “And there’s nothing else to say. I really don’t know why this is -”
“Look.” He leaned forward, both hands on the tabletop. “I know I’m being weird about this, but I just have this feeling, you know?”
“No. I don’t.” Pointing at your phone, which was laying on the table between you, you shook your head. “Because I just showed you the messages. I told you when I reached out. He was supposedly dating that woman from the other band, the Mercs, Inumon? They were seen together a lot a couple months ago, right before this tour started. I’ve never even met him, and I hardly think that exchanging a couple emails with him and Cee qualifies as something for you to worry about. It’s not like they’re going to be touring any time soon, so it isn’t like we’ll be in the same place.” He said your name, then, the look on his face changing again. “What?’
“I really am glad that you were able to give that girl what you did. I know if my dad was gone and someone had pictures of him I’d never seen, I’d want them, too.” He took a deep breath. “Maybe it’s just me thinking about old relationships, but I just…” He looked down and then back at you. “You know that a girl I dated in college left me for a drummer, and it just…” Oh, shit. You’d forgotten about that and winced at the realization, a breath escaping from your lips as you closed your eyes. That makes a little more sense.
“This is a very different situation.” Smiling at him, you cocked your head to the side. “Robbie, like I said, I’ve never even met this man, so leaving you for him is impossible.” He at least had the decency to look ashamed, but still nodded, the warmth back in his eyes. “How about this?” you picked up your fork again, waving it in his direction. “If I ever get to meet him, you can come with me. That way you can meet him, too, and you’ll know for sure.” He smiled in return, agreeing, and for the rest of dinner, neither of you brought it up again.
But later that night, after the two of you had climbed into bed, Robbie kissing you goodnight and winding an arm around your waist, you laid awake for almost an hour, thinking. You’d never given the man reason to doubt that you were faithful. You’d never - aside from celebrities, which he was guilty of, too - even entertained the thought of talking about another person’s attractiveness. Does this mean he doesn’t trust me? Frowning into the darkness, you shifted in the bed, trying to get comfortable. Ezra was attractive, and you wouldn’t deny that. But I don’t know him. This is just … You sighed, closing your eyes. We’ll get past this. I did something nice for them, and we’ll get past it.
You finally managed to fall asleep a few minutes later, Robbie’s deep breathing from behind you helping to lull you into a dreamless slumber
—
A week later, you rode the elevator up to your doctor’s office, fingers rifling through your wallet as you looked for your insurance card. You had plans after the appointment, and hoped that you wouldn’t have to wait to long to get called back, but you had a book to read and music to listen to just in case.
Stepping out and into the large waiting room, you headed to the desk and checked in, scanning the card beneath the provided reader and waiting until you heard the beep to take a seat. There were only a few other people in the room, so you had your choice of chairs, opting for one against the far wall, next to a small table.
There was a girl sitting in one of them, her head ducked down and a blue hat pulled low over her hair. She was the only one on that side of the room, so you kept a few seats between you, setting your bag down and dropping your wallet back inside. You were almost fifteen minutes early, which meant you needed to figure out something to do. Music. I’ll leave one headphone out, and -
Before you could do that, though, you heard your name called from the direction of where the girl was sitting. Confused, you turned your head in the direction and your mouth dropped open in shock when you saw who it was. “Cee?”
—
She’s sitting in the waiting room like she does every week, waiting for Ezra. His appointments don’t usually take long, but they’re still long enough, and today there’s almost no one else in the room to look at. So Cee is focused on her phone, playing a mindless level of some game that she installed specifically to play while she waits. As she beats the level, movement catches her eye from the doorway, and the girl’s attention shifts to the woman that just entered the waiting room, wallet in one hand. She looks familiar.
The girl frowns, watching as you check in and then turn to look for a place to sit. As she sees your face clearly, Cee realizes that it’s you. What are the odds? Ducking her head down as you approach, she tries to decide what to do - and if she’s going to say anything. She still hasn’t looked at the pictures, though she’s watched the video of the song with Ezra multiple times.
Her attention hadn’t been on the screen, though. The girl’s eyes focused instead on the way the fingers of the man’s left hand moved against imaginary guitar strings, a small though somewhat pained smile on his lips. It was good to see him paying attention to music again, because he hasn’t even looked at his guitars in the months since the accident, but she knew that it isn’t enough. He needs more time.
And he needs encouragement from his medical team, too, something that she knows he gets during the weekly appointments. He gets it via progress marked on a chart as well as by the increase in strength and dexterity when it comes to using his temporary prosthetic. If she can see it and the doctors can see it, she knows that even if Ezra is being his typical stubborn self, he can likely see - and feel - it too.
So Cee accompanies him every week, the one consistent trip out of the house Ezra takes on a routine basis. And while she doesn’t go into the exam room with him, she still gets the rundown in the car on the way home. Sometimes he’s excited, other times he’s less talkative, but Cee knows that he’ll always tell her how he’s feeling, and she’s thankful for that. But your presence is new to her, and even though part of her thinks that she should just let you be and not say anything, Cee can’t help speaking up - just to see if it really is you.
It is you, and at the realization, she gives you a genuine smile, quickly standing and moving so that there’s only one chair left between you before she sits again. “Doctor’s appointment?” You nod, surprise in your expression, and Cee continues. “I’m here with Ezra. His appointment should be over soon, though.”
“I didn’t know his doctor was in this office.” You’re hesitant to make a comment; she can hear it in your voice, but the girl nods, still eyeing you. “Must be the other hallway, though. I’m here for a general appointment, and he’s got to be -” Cee cuts you off, pointing down the left hallway and you let out a hum of agreement, nodding. “Yeah. I’m on the right.”
You’re pretty. She thought so when she saw the pictures on your account, but it’s even more noticeable in person, and for a split second, Cee entertains the thought of introducing you to Ezra, just to see what will happen. She knows he hasn’t been feeling like himself since the accident. It’s apparent in the way he’s let his hair and beard grow, the longer locks curling over his ears, the ones on his face thick and for the most part dark, blotting out the typical bare patches on his cheeks. But then she remembers that you’ve posted pictures - recently - with a man on your profile, and the thought fades. “Thank you again for sending those over.” Cee sighs, glancing down and picking at the frayed knee of her jeans. “I still haven’t looked through the pictures, but we’ve watched the video. A lot, actually, and -”
“Don’t mention it, Cee. I actually have a few more if you want them, too, I just … they’re kind of blurry, and I didn’t want to overwhelm you.” You shift on the chair and Cee meets your eyes again, hers going wide. “There are more videos, too. Maybe I could put them onto a data stick, or something, that way you wouldn’t have to keep them in your email.” She wants to agree. The thought of more memories of the past is appealing, and even if it’s not entirely because she wants more pictures and videos of Damon, it’s still the truth.
“A bunch of people have reached out.” She sighs, removing her hat and running her hand through her hair, the platinum blonde strands messy no matter what she does. “Tagging him… us in pictures, sending me messages.” She sighs. “It’s a lot.” She can see that her admission makes you balk, and at the worry on your face, she reaches out, putting a hand on the arm of the chair you’re siting in. “No, you were fine. You asked if I wanted them. You didn’t just tag me in them without warning. And to be fair,” she continues, raising a brow and smiling. “I found your page.”
“If you say so.” You sigh, eyes flicking over to the clock and then back to her, your expression relaxing. “Can I ask you a question?” She thinks she’s prepared for whatever might come after she nods in agreement, but she isn’t. “How did Ezra get my email? He sent me a message last week to thank me for the video, but I never -” Oh, he did? He didn’t tell me that. Cee manages to keep her expression from giving anything away, and when she answers, her voice doesn’t falter.
“He asked if I could send it to him, so I did. I didn’t even think about your email being attached to it. I’m sorry. I hope he didn’t bother you.” Your laugh is quiet and light, but she likes the sound of it, watching as you grin in her direction. It makes you even prettier, she realizes, and for another brief moment, Cee wonders if it’s all because things with Ezra have been so strained for so long that the tiny, happy respite with you seems to hit her so hard. Probably.
“He didn’t bother me. Just thanked me and told me the title of the song.” You meet her eyes again, still smiling. “It just surprised me when I saw his name, that’s all.” That makes sense, and Cee wants to respond, but before she can, someone calls your name and your attention goes back to the front desk, where a nurse is standing, clipboard in hand. Kevva damn it. “That’s me.” You stand, adjusting the strap of your bag over your shoulder, and Cee looks up at you. “I’m glad we met in person, Cee.” You look down, eyeing the hooded sweatshirt that you’re wearing and then look back at her again, rolling your eyes. “Well, for the second time, I mean.”
She realizes you’re wearing one of the hoodies that had been for sale on the tour, and Cee feels a pang of regret that she hadn’t noticed it earlier. “You bought that from me?” You nod, turning to look at the still waiting nurse. “I’m sorry I don’t remember, there were so many people and -’
“Don’t apologize.” You waved a hand at her. “You were really busy. And like you said… lots of people every night.” Taking a deep breath, you sigh. “I really have to go, though. I’m meeting my boyfriend for lunch after this, and the sooner I’m done, the sooner I can eat.” Cee laughs, too, and says goodbye, her eyes on you as you cross the room and greet the nurse, the two of you disappearing down the hall and through one of the many doorways.
She’s still staring in your direction when Eza emerges from the other hallway minutes later, the carrying case for his prosthetic slung across his chest, his good hand gripping the strap. “What are you looking at, Cee?” Her eyes go back to him, and she searches the look in them to see what kind of a mood he’s in. He looks tired - as always - but not frustrated, and so she chooses to tell him the truth, standing and pulling keys out of her pocket as they head for the elevator.
“I just met the woman that sent us that video, Ezra.” He freezes for a moment next to her, but doesn’t say anything. “She walked into the waiting room, and I … I introduced myself.” What a small world, right? They step into the small space, doors closing behind them, and Cee risks another look at Ezra, the man’s expression thoughtful. “She was really nice. Said she had more pictures and a couple other videos from the show if I wanted them.”
“Do you?” He turns his head to look at her, the two words hitting hard. “You’ve turned down many other people asking the same, Birdie.” He’s right and she knows it, but Cee can’t bring herself to answer. Maybe it was the way you’d reached out, or maybe subconsciously she did remember you from the show, but Cee doesn’t know exactly why it is that she agreed to your offer - or why she continues to keep in touch with you. She’s grateful, sure, especially since your offer had given Ezra something, too, but the girl knows that there is more to it than that. There has to be.
“I think I do, Ezra. She was nice. She was actually wearing one of your hoodies today, if you can believe it, and -”
“I can.” He cuts her off as they reach the main floor of the building, the pair exiting out and into the main lobby. “I can and I do believe it.” They head for the doors, Cee spinning the keys on one finger as they make it outside, the slight chill in the air almost comforting. “Do you want to stop on the way home and get lunch? I am feeling …” He pauses, turning his face up and toward the sky, letting the sun warm his skin. “Good today. I don’t want to go home just yet.”
She can’t turn him down and so she doesn’t. When they pull into the parking lot of one of their favorite restaurants just under ten minutes later, both of them are smiling, Ezra already talking about the appointment he’d just had and giving her an update on the status of his permanent arm. She’s happy to hear that he sounds excited again because they have an arrival window for the missing components, and she hopes that his good mood lasts. But I’m not going to count on it.
Even that thought isn’t enough to distract her, though, as they sit inside at a table, Ezra sliding a menu over to her before he uses his hand to flip another one open.
—
You didn’t tell Robbie about meeting Cee, because you didn’t think you needed to. The girl had been friendly, though slightly timid, and you wondered how much she’d changed since the accident, since the friendly, bubbly girl you’d spoken briefly to at the merch table had been an entirely different person. At least she seemed like it.
Your appointment was mundane, and you were in and out of the examination room in under twenty minutes, on your way to meet Robbie for the promised meal. You drove separately, knowing that he needed to get back to the office after you ate. So when you pulled into a spot and headed into the lobby, you weren’t surprised to see that he was already waiting for you, eyes on his phone as he sat on one of the benches. He said your name when you entered, tucking the device into his pocket one he was standing.
“Our table’s ready, but I thought I’d wait ‘til you got here to sit.” You nodded, the man leaning in to kiss your cheek. “I’m starving, so I hope that it doesn’t take too long to order.” Both of you followed the hostess as she led you through the dining room, and just before you took a seat in your booth, you saw them. No, I see … him.
Ezra and Cee were seated at a booth a few away from yours, the girl’s back to you. Shit. He hadn’t seen you, but you didn’t think it mattered; you weren’t sure if he even knew what you looked like. Cee on the other hand, did know what you looked like, and if she’d been bold enough to say hello in the office, you figured that if she saw you again, she wouldn’t hesitate.
Ordering drinks and an appetizer, you focused your attention back on Robbie, the man staring at you. “How’d your appointment go? You got here quick, so it must have been on time.” You nodded, sipping the water that the waitress brought to your table.
“It was on time. And it was just like I thought it would be. The doctor was really nice, too.” He nodded twice, waiting to see if you’d say more. I guess I need to tell him. Just in case she sees me. “Cee was in the waiting room.” Struggling to keep your hands where they are, you shrug. “I guess Ezra goes to the doctor there, too, and he had an appointment today.” Robbie stayed silent, his eyes locked on your face. “So while we waited, we talked, and she thanked me again.” You reached for your glass, swallowing a mouthful of water. “I got called back after only a couple minutes, so it was a really short conversation.” He nodded. “But I thought I’d tell you because when we sat a couple minutes ago…” here we go. “They’re here, too. She didn’t see me, but she might on her way out.”
“They are?” He cocked his head, looking around the room. “Where?” You pointed, and when he realized that they were behind him, he nodded again, his eyes still warm. “Guess we’ll see if she says hi again, hmm?” He picked up his glass, still watching you. “I’m really glad it went well for you today.”
‘It was just a check up.” Scoffing, you closed your eyes and rubbed at your forehead. “But yeah, I’m glad, too. One less thing to worry about.” The waitress came back and took your actual order when she dropped off the appetizer, both you and Robbie digging in. “So how’s work going? Tomorrow’s your last day before you transfer, right?”
He swallowed what he was chewing and then answered, using one hand to gesture as he spoke. “Yep. They’re throwing me a party tomorrow for the last half of the day to say goodbye.” He grinned. “Streli and Gage are handling all of the details, and she said she’d invite you, but -” They are? That’s new to me.
“Yeah, I didn’t know anything about it.” You took another bite. “Doubt I’ll be able to leave work anyway, though.” Streli and Gage were Robbie’s closest work friends, and you knew that the woman had a little bit of a crush on him. “She must have decided not to tell me.” He frowned at the suggestion, but you kept going. “Or maybe she just forgot.” It was possible, and you knew it, but despite the casual friendship you had formed with the woman over the time you’d been with Robbie and the fact that you’d just interacted in a positive way the week before when you’d met his coworkers for a night out, you knew that she didn’t like you much. But I’m not weird about it. “It’s fine. It’s better that it’s just you and your coworkers, right?” Lifting and then dropping your shoulders, you wet your lips. “I see you every day, and they -”
“You again!” Startled from what you were saying to Robbie, you turned your head to see Cee and Ezra standing next to your table, the girl’s eyes filled with excitement. “You told me you were meeting your boyfriend for lunch, but didn’t say you were coming here.” She looked from you to Robbie, her smile staying in place. “I’m Cee. I ran into your -”
“She told me.” Robbie held out a hand, eyes on the girl. “It’s nice to meet you, Cee, I’m Robbie. I’ve heard a lot about you in the last couple weeks.” I mean that’s not 100% true, but … “I’m sorry for your loss.” She thanked him, her smile faltering briefly. “And you’re Ezra. I recognize you from the album covers.”
“Indeed I am.” Ezra still hasn’t looked in your direction, entirely focused on the man sitting across from you. “Although I am almost certain that those cover images make me appear far better looking than I am in person.” Cee elbowed him at that and laughed, but Ezra was still focused. “Forgive me for not shaking your hand, but -” He finally glanced down at his right side and so did your boyfriend, both of them eyeing the dark fabric that covered the end of the remaining portion of his arm. “My right hand is no longer available to me.”
Robbie withdrew his hand and set it on the table, eyes staying on Ezra. “Of course, man. Don’t worry about it.” Ezra nodded once and then looked over at you, his expression remaining even. Kevva he’s good looking. He was wrong about looking better on camera, and if he’d asked, you would have flat out told him that - Robbie or no Robbie. You hated the reason behind his slightly disheveled appearance, but thought it suited him nonetheless. “This is my -”
Ezra interrupted him with a slight tilt of his head, the look in his eyes warming as he said your name. “We have not yet been introduced today, but I know who you are.” Without thinking, you held your left hand out, angling your head up to look at the man, whose lips parted in surprise as he extended his hand to shake yours. “It’s nice to put a face to the email address.” He dropped your hand quickly, and even though his eyes lingered for a brief moment on your face, he looked back to Cee without much pause. “Come on, little bird. We should let them get back to their lunch.” She nodded, and you caught the confusion in her eyes before she looked at you again.
“We should have dinner sometime.” Cee’s words surprised all four of you, but you nodded, biting on the corner of your lip. “Just you and me, I mean. I usually eat with Ezra, but -”
“I can get by without you for one night, Cee.” His arm wound around her shoulders, the man pulling the girl close and looking at you again before averting his eyes toward Robbie. “As long as you promise to bring me home dessert.” Robbie laughed first, and the rest of you followed, but after only a few seconds, Ezra cleared his throat. “Really, though. It was great to meet you. Kevva knows we… I haven’t been the most social lately, so it’s always a pleasure to see friendly faces.” Though you weren’t sure that you would have called Robbie’s face friendly, neither of you disagreed, and when you’d told Cee to text you when she was free, they headed for the door, leaving you and Robbie alone.
“Well.” He raised his eyebrows, staring at you. “Now you can’t say that you’ve never met him before.”
“Yeah.” You sipped your water, thinking. “And like I said, you were with me when I met him, so…” Smirking at him, you waited long seconds and when Robbie laughed again, you were relieved. It had only been a little awkward, and even though none of the daydreams you’d had about meeting Ezra had been quite like the meeting you’d experienced, you were happy to have had the opportunity. You didn’t know what else to say, but you were saved when the man said your name, brow furrowed.
“If you can get away from your desk tomorrow, you should come to my party.” He wet his lips. “I’m sure that Streli either forgot to text you, or just assumed that I would have told you.” Both options made sense, and so you assured him that you’d try, even though you already knew it was going to be impossible. Especially on such short notice.
You made small talk through the rest of the meal, and when Robbie asked for the check, the server grinned, waving her hand. “It’s taken care of.” For a few seconds, you were confused, but then it hit you. Ezra. “The man and the girl told me to tell you that it was great to meet you, and to thank you again.” That was nice of them. Robbie took your hand as you walked out of the restaurant, squeezing your fingers.
“You should text her and thank them. Might look kind of like a dick if you don’t.” He wasn’t wrong, and you’d planned on doing so when you got back to your house, but at his suggestion, you agreed, telling him you’d reach out as soon as you were in the car. Robbie kissed you goodbye, lips lingering against yours for a few seconds and then he cleared his throat. “I might be home a little late tonight. I’m gonna move some stuff into my new office, and I’m only half packed.”
“Alright.” Reaching out, you put a hand on his chest. “Do you want me to come help? I took the rest of the day off today, so I have nothing going on this afternoon.” He thought about it - briefly - and then told you no.
“Couple people from the office will probably help. Gage said he definitely would, but I think it’s just because he doesn’t want to go home while his wife’s out of town.” You kissed him again and told him to let you know when he’d be back, and then the man was driving out of the parking lot, leaving you standing next to your car.
Once you were sitting down, you pulled your phone out and opened the messages with Cee, no hesitation as you typed one out to her.
Tell him he didn’t have to do that, but thank you. We appreciate it.
Hitting send, you stared at the screen for a few seconds and then typed another message.
And I mean it about dinner. Let me know when you have time, and we can meet up.
—
tag list coming separately!