the weeks that followed oliver’s confrontation with eliza were some of the worst of his life. he’d thought he’d been at rock bottom before, but he’d had no idea. no idea just how terrible he could feel. he’d wallowed in his misery for days, only finally getting back to work when arthur dragged him from his bed, doused him in cold water to sober him up, and forced him into the bath. since then, he’d been feeling perhaps marginally better, at least cleaner, now that he was washed and no longer half-drunk all the time. working had helped take his mind off things somewhat, but whenever he had a spare moment he found himself thinking about eliza, and thinking about her hurt so badly it made him weep. so he’d thrown himself into his work, and he had been invited to this party to mingle with the potential new clients he had connected with. he stuck by arthur’s side for much of the evening, though his eyes scanned the crowd nervously for sign of henry or eliza and her father. just when he was sure they weren’t there, he spotted eliza, standing with a crowd of other women—but the color of her face looked odd. her skin was painted with white, but underneath oliver could see what looked like a fresh bruise. it didn’t take him more than a few seconds to put it together. henry was hurting her, and he could not stand for it.
finally separating from arthur’s side with a parting handshake to their clients and a few words’ excuse, he made his way through the crowd to eliza. “may i have a moment?” he asked, his voice a little stiff, though polite. the other ladies stared openly, but moved away, throwing backward glances over their shoulders and giggling. oliver cleared his throat. “i hoped you would allow me to apologize for how i behaved last time we spoke. i was… ungentlemanly. please forgive me.” this wasn’t the reason he’d come to speak to her, but he knew he did owe her the apology.
NOTES ➝ After Greyson apologizes with a dinner date and Blake stays the night, they get Blake a dog at the shelter only to return to Blake’s apartment to find a note left behind by her abusive ex. Greyson gets her out of there then out of the state.
Last night was probably something out of a movie, after being surprised with a legitimate date and given a dress. Greyson had cooked for the both of them, it was such a sweet notion that Blake wasn’t expecting from him at all. She tried not to let herself get too caught up into it. But of course Greyson was charming and Blake could feel herself falling for him. She stayed the night, and there’s wasn’t anything that seemed out of wack for her. It almost seemed like they were finally getting somewhere. As she woke up the next morning, Blake looked up at the ceiling, sun peaking in slightly. It felt like she was dreaming how wonderful last night was. She turned over to see Greyson still sleeping, it was probably the most peaceful she’d ever see him. Quietly taking out her phone, she snapped a picture before making her way to his kitchen. Making herself a cup of coffee, Blake sat on the couch before Grey’s dog Jersey came and sat next to her. He laid his head in her lap, demanding attention from her. Blake spent the next twenty minutes completely taking under Jersey’s spell, kissing his face and rubbing his ears.
Greyson never would've guessed trying to be romantic would be so exhausting. The set up, the cooking, the in home date itself. It was the most work he'd ever put into something resembling a relationship. Or whatever they were doing. But he was knee deep in his apology tour and there was no backing out now. For his sake at least Blake allowed him to sleep in. It was a little disorienting falling asleep with someone and waking up to an empty bed and he quickly found he'd much prefer to wake up with Blake still in it. Which was new development he was coming to terms with. Pulling on a pair of joggers he followed the smell of coffee drifting from the kitchen, still rubbing the sleep from his eyes as he rounded the corner. Grey snorted at the sight of Jersey lavishing under Blake's attention. He fully understood. "Someone's comfortable," he mumbled. After pouring himself a cup he joined them on the couch, patting Jersey's belly who didn't give Greyson a second glance, too preoccupied with Blake instead. "Sorry, should I go back to bed and leave you two alone?"
"Hey pretty boy," Blake smiled as he joined them on the couch. She snorted and shook her head, "I have room for the both of you, not sure he agrees though." Blake nodded to Jersey who looked content as ever with Blake fawning over him. She giggled and rubbed his belly, watching one of his hind legs start to go, kicking Greyson in the process. "How'd you sleep?" She asked taking the final sip of her coffee. Blake sat there with Jersey and Greyson, her mind wandered to what it would be like if she woke up in his bed every morning. If all their days off could be filled with time with Jersey and coffee. It was amazing just weeks ago they could barely stand to be alone if they weren't working, and now Blake found herself wanting to be near him as much as possible. "I want a dog." She blurted out, she was entirely sure why, but it was true nonetheless.
Greyson rolled his eyes at the nickname but a small smile broke through nonetheless. He hummed and sipped his coffee, squinting his eyes at Blake over the rim of the mug. "Sure, blame the dog. Likely story." He used the palm of his hand to defend his leg from Jersey's kicking which Blake seemed to be having fun egging on. "Funny enough a lot like this," he teased. "You?" All things considered, maybe waking up to a house that consisted of more than just him and his two animals wasn't the worst thing to happen. It was kind of nice. Even more so that it happened to be to Blake who'd someone very quickly made herself a space in his life and slotted right into it. Grey's eyes raised in surprise at her outburst, drawn from his thoughts. A smile immediately started to spread. "Yeah? Today? Right now? 'Cause we can go down and I can get you in with the best tour guide."
It was honestly bullshit how much Blake adored Greyson's smile, she wasn't sure at what point she'd admit that, verbally. But whatever. "If you want my attention, take it don't be a pussy." Blake teased raising her eyebrow slightly. She rolled her eyes, "Whatever. You hogged the blankets. But it was nice." Nicer than she expected and safe. It was too early to bring trauma into it but often times she felt like she was being watched. At least with Greyson anxiety wasn't keeping her up half the night. His excitement made her stomach do summersaults, and Blake knew it was all downhill from here. "I mean, let me shower and look like I didn't just crawl out of the fuckin' gutter. But yeah.. Today. I think I need a little buddy with me at home." It would help with the anxiety, the onset loneliness, but Greyson didn't need to know all of that. "Hm, is that so? What they like?"
Greyson smirked and looked at the floor, licking his lips as he set his mug down on the coffee table. "Alright," he muttered, and in one quick motion was on his foot and scooped Blake up, scooting her over a few feet and putting himself physically between her and Jersey who huffed his protest but didn't do much otherwise. "That's bullshit, I don't hog the blankets. Your snoring sounds like a fuckin' woodchipper. It wasn't terrible I guess." In fact it was warm and Greyson had found himself keeping constant contact with Blake one way or another through the night. He did his best to keep how hype he was to surface level but it was hard when two parts of his life were coming together like this. He liked Blake, that much he had figured out, and he loved dogs and was incredibly proud of the shelter he helped build. The excitement was natural. "I wouldn't say the gutter. An alleyway, maybe. Hell yeah. This is gonna be great." Greyson shrugged one shoulder, moving his head side to side in faux thought for a moment. "Just your type, I think.”
Blake, who was unable to stop herself from giggling, let Greyson move her. She tilted her head to the side nodding as if she really gave a shit. “And yet you didn’t wake me up once so I don’t think it was that bad” She teased. Blake reached out and touched Greyson’s arm, thinking back to their previous night, again. Laying next to someone and not having to leave was calming in a way that made Blake’s heart flutter in a way that almost scared her. Her eyebrows shot up and she inches closer to Greyson, hoisting her leg over and sitting on his lap. “What type is that?” She asked with her hands on his neck rubbing circles into his skin. It was as if there were alarms going off in her head telling her to abort. Every time she looked at him her body would turn numb, she could hear her own heartbeat in her ears and feel it against her rib cage.
That giggle sent a shot of warmth through Greyson’s chest and around his ribs, wrapping him in it. It was already comfortable and familiar in a way that set off alarms he’d been doing his best to quiet down. He simply rolled his eyes at her and conceded because she was unfortunately right. Greyson wrapped an arm around Blake’s waist as she moved, his motions already syncing with hers from the time they’d been spending together. He closed his eyes and hummed, leaning into her touch and huffed a laugh through his nose before saying, “The stuck up, halfwitted, scruffy looking nerf herder,” through a smile. It was easily the nerdiest, cheesiest thing he’d ever said out loud to another person before and if it was anyone else he would’ve never considered it at all. It seemed Blake was having that effect on him. He cracked his eyes open and met hers before nudging Blake with his knee. “Alright, c’mon, get moving. We got a homeless dog to pick up.”
Recognizing the quote Blake rolled her eyes and snorted, hitting Greyson’s shoulder with her hand. “You fuckin’ nerd.” She’d be lying if she said she wasn’t charmed or that Han and Leia’s bickering didn’t remind her of themselves. Blake groaned, to make a show of it of course. “Ugh, fine.” It didn’t take them long to get ready, Blake was practically bouncing on her toes with excitement. She was pretty thrilled at the thought of going back to her place with a dog of her own. She tossed her keys to Greyson with a wink. “Take me away pretty boy.”
Greyson snorted as he caught the keys and it dawned on him that Blake was yet to experience his driving first hand. “You’re in for a ride.” was all he said before they left for the shelter. He took as many backroads as he could manage to avoid the majority of LA traffic and despite the fact that he had just enough awareness of stop signs and red lights for a couple near misses, they made it just fine. He parked in the back and took her through the employee entrance into a long empty hall with doors at the end to avoid any madness of the lobby. “It’s gonna get loud once we head in there so gimme an idea of what you’re lookin’ for. I know everyone pretty well. Old, young, chill, maniac?”
Blake might have made a mistake giving Greyson the keys. While they took backroads which she appreciated there was so many near misses Blake thought she was going to have a fit. Despite all that they arrived in one peace, following Greyson, Blake thought over his question. “Huh,” She started, tilting her head to the side. “Doesn’t need to be super young, still a little bit of entertainment, protective..” Her voice trailed off. “I’m also not too picky, I think I’ll know when I meet the one.”
Grey nodded, a small smile pulling at the corner of his lips. Dogs were his number one weak spot and slowly but surely moving up in those ranks was Blake. Those two pieces of his life colliding? Well. Needless to say, this was going to be a time. He wordlessly linked his fingers with hers and guided her to the end of the hall, through a door and into the main kennel area. Immediately a couple dogs sounded off, their excited barking getting others excited. It instantly set a smile on his face and out of habit he reached his free hand out to rub a dogs nose through the bars in the kennel closest to them. “After you,” he gestured down the lane.
As he waned, the level in noise immediately spiked, Blake flinched naturally but was going to force herself to think past it. Walking down the lane Blake was already seeing various dogs wagging their tails and coming towards the gate. Blake made sure to read about each and every one of them, she wanted to know their name and other facts that the shelter provided. She even went as far as to kneel near every dog let them smell her before she looked to Greyson for approval to pet them. Blake always wanted a dog, but was never allowed as a child, and she told herself she was going to get one when she could afford it -- And now she could. While all the dogs were cute and excited and Blake felt them tug at each of her heart strings she didn't feel any sort of connection to them. She was almost discouraged until she came up to one of the last dogs. He was a pitbull mix, with a large blocky head. He had three legs and he wagged his tail the minute Blake walked up to him. His given name was Arnold, which was terrible -- Not that it mattered she'd rename him. He was white and was drooling all over himself, Blake couldn't help but giggle. She kneeled by the gate and waited for him to show her he wanted Blake to pet him. She reached as far as she could, fawning over him. She looked up at Greyson with a wide smile. "I want him." She said as loud as she could over the barking of the other dogs.
Greyson watched with what were probably tiny hearts for pupils as Blake spent time with each dog she passed. Usually people were looking for some of criteria: calm, young, quiet, what have you. But Blake seemed content to know the dogs themselves and not just what info they could provide at a glance. He felt a warmth coat his insides. When she finally voiced her pick, Grey raised an eyebrow. She would always find ways to surprise him that’s for sure. Nonetheless he nodded once, pulled a leash from his pocket, and skillfully opened the kennel and looped it around Arnold’s head who immediately started doing circles around their feet. “C’mon. It’s a lot quieter outside,” he managed to get out over the noise and led Blake by the hand to the opposite side of the room, out a door and into a fenced in area of grass. Once the door shut behind them, he unleashed Arnold and kneeled down, patting him as he passed by and ran around. “He came in pretty banged up. Stray, got hit by a car and had been dragging around a busted up leg for a week. Everyone in the neighborhood was too scared of him til this old guy called animal control. They were gonna put him down but we pulled him in time.” Grey smiled as the dog bounced over and was stuck in Arnold’s almond shaped eyes as he rubbed his ears. “It’s been about four weeks since and he’s perfect.” He turned to Blake, that warm gentle smile still on his face. “You for sure want him?”
Blake tried her best not to be overly exited, but Arnold’s own excitement was adding to her own. Greyson lead them outside, unleashing the pup and let him run around. Blake instantly kneeled and held out her hand when he came running back around. Sitting fully in the grass she listened as Greyson told her the story Blake felt her chest tighten. “That’s so sad.” There was still drool all over him, while Blake was looking at Greyson, Arnold came barreling toward her almost knocked her over. She giggled before rubbing his ears, holding his large head between her hands. “He’s friendly,” he stayed before a moment before leaving to go run in circles again. It wasn’t long before he was just sitting in the grass basking in the sun. “Can I take him home today?” She asked looking at Greyson with a hopeful look on her face.
Greyson shrugged one shoulder and nodded. “It is but he’s here and happy and healthy despite all the bullshit.” It’s part of why he was so drawn to bully breeds in the first place. Their bad rap and resilience. He could relate. Greyson felt an odd sensation run through his stomach. Like when you go over a hill too fast and catch a little air or right before a rollercoaster takes off. Oh. Right. Butterflies. That was new. “Yeah,” he said, his voice soft. He cleared his throat and tried again. “Yeah. Of course. Hang on.” Greyson ran inside for few moments and came back with a clipboard and pen. “Perks of your not-boyfriend boyfriend owning the place, you can do your paperwork outside,” he said with a grin as he sat down next to her and passed the clipboard. “Soon as all that’s done he’s yours. All his shots are up to date and shit. Lemme know if you got any questions.”
Blake was pretty sure her cheeks were hurting from how much she was smiling, but her smile only grew when Greyson came back with a clipboard and a pen. She took both in her hand as she started filling out all the paper work; checking her phone to make sure she got it call correct. "My not-boyfriend boyfriend is pretty fuckin' rad for this." She handed them back to him and she turned to Arnold. "You hear that? You're comin' home with me bud!" She was practically on all fours, staring into the face of this beefy looking dog with the widest smile on her face. To some people Blake probably looked crazy, but she didn't care. "He needs a new name for sure. Arnold does not suit him at all." She stated scratching under his chin. "Any ideas?"
Greyson took the clipboard back, went over everything for posterity, and nodded to himself. "I'm rad in general but go off," he said with an eye roll before disappearing again, coming back with a small folder of info about his shots and microchip. He snapped a couple photos before crouching next to the both of them. Greyson snorted and raised one eyebrow in slight disbelief. "Both of my animals are named after places. That really the kind of advice you want?"
She snorted, thinking about Jersey and LA, they weren't terrible names, they were actually kind of cute. Blake hummed before letting herself fall into deep thought. "Chicago!" Blake said excitedly. She looked at Chicago and cupped his face, bringing hers close to his. "That's your new name. Don't you love it?" She asked before wrapping her arms around his neck and looking at Greyson. Part of her felt like a tiny kid in a candy shop, excited and happy. She couldn't remember the last time she had pure joy like this. "God, I have to get so much shit for him now."
"Huh," Greyson hummed, head tilted to the side as he surveyed the dog. "That actually fits pretty well. Nice." He decided then and there he could sit there all day and watch Blake fawn over this slobbery mess of a dog with three legs and be pretty content with his life. It brought back up that sore bruise of a spot called feelings which they'd yet to poke at again. Not that he was about to do anything to change that. "That you do," he said as he stood. "Let's get him outta here and start on that, huh?" he asked, extending one hand down for Blake and offering her the leash with the other.
Blake took Greyson's hand, standing up and taking Chicago's leash in her other hand. They walked back to her car, guiding Chicago into the backseat, Blake went in after him, making sure he was okay and adjusting to the car ride okay. As they got to the nearest pet store, Blake was grinning ear to ear as she walked Chicago up in down the isles getting essentials. A dog bed, bowls for food and water, food, treats, a spare leash and collar, and toys. Blake turning to ask Greyson every so often his opinion on what would be the best for Chicago. The next stop was Blake's apartment, to find a spot for Chicago's bed and to get me settled in. As She made her way towards the front door, Blake unlocked her door and went inside, everything seemed to be just as she left it the night before. Nothing was out of place, but a note on her counter that she couldn't have written herself. Picking up the piece of paper, Blake felt a chill down her spine as she read the words, written by Teller. She could feel her heart beating against her chest as she turned and handed the note to Greyson.
Greyson couldn't have imagined an easier day if he tried. They were finally getting somewhere, falling into step with each other, going about everyday life things without jumping down each others throats or doing 180s. It was nice. He added his input where warranted, joked and laughed and smiled and knew this dog was getting one of the best homes and lives any dog could ask for which really only reinforced the idea that he was doing something good in the world for once. And then the other shoe apparently had to drop. Greyson was just about to leave to let Blake and Chicago get settled in together when he was handed a note. His eyebrows pushed together deeply as he scanned it once, twice, his grip tightening on the paper, crinkling it where his fingers were curling in. His breathing was surprisingly steady a he glanced around the apartment, on the off chance Teller would've had the sack to stick around. "Get back in the car," he got out, his voice barely hiding the anger he could feel bubbling up. "You can't stay here. Let me know what you need, I'll grab it for you, yeah?"
She could barely make out words, worried that Teller was still there. Worried about her safety, not to mention Chicago and Grey's. It took her a moment before she could nod at Greyson's words, Chicago making noises at her feet. "I just need clothes. I can't take all my clothes. I have so much shit here. I --" Her breathing was starting to shorten, her head getting lightheaded. "I don't understand how he's found me. I did so well." Her brows were pushed together, wondering how long he had been watching her for.
Greyson balled up the letter entirely, shoving it in his back pocket and making his way over to Blake. He placed one hand gently on her cheek, leveling his eyes with hers. "Hey, look at me. This isn't your fault. Right now I need you to go back, lock the car doors and wait for me," he said softly as he pressed the keys into her hand. Greyson pressed a kiss to her forehead and watched until she was safely in the confines of his vehicle before he searched her place. He checked behind every closet and door until he cleared the whole apartment. Satisfied, he packed as many clothes as he could into a bag. They could come back another time or, hell, he'd buy her an entire new closet if that was what she needed. Greyson was quickly back out to the car, knocking on the window to let Blake know he was back. He spent the whole ride back to his place taking a few extra turns here and there, to ensure no one was following them, his hand on Blake's the entire time. It didn't feel like he was truly breathing again until the three of them were in his living room where he immediately turned to her again, his mind racing a mile a minute. "Okay. Are you okay? I'm gonna fucking kill that guy, I swear to fuck. First thing tomorrow I'm changing the lock on your door."
All Blake could do was nod, as much as she wanted to make sure her home was safe, the best thing she could do was to do what she was told. The thought of coming face to face with Teller wasn't the best way to spend in her brain. She hadn't seen him in years, after she got out of rehab she made it almost impossible for him to contact her. But of course with The Flash on air, she knew it was harder for her to stay hidden. Once back in the car, Blake locked the doors instantly, she wans't sure how Chicago was able to tell she was distressed, but ever now and again he'd lick her hand to let her know he was still there. It was kind and helped Blake more than she thought it would. Soon Greyson was back with a bag of clothes, she unlocked the door. While they drove back to his house, Blake spent the whole ride with her hand in his. It was the closest thing she could get to feeling completely safe. When they were inside, sitting on the couch, Blake felt drained, confused, and scared. Her mind was racing more than it had in years. She turned to Greyson and shook her head. "I don't know how this happened. I cut off all contact with him after I got clean. I don't know how he found me. He could come back, he could hurt me, my family, you. I don't know what to do." The fear in her voice was causing her to tremble in fear, the thought that anyone she loved would be hurt because of Teller because of her.
Greyson could practically feel how distraught Blake was in his own chest. Empathy, he figured. That was new too. All he could do was slip behind her on the couch and wrap his arms around her completely, enveloping her in himself as physically as he could to convey that she was safe now. Here. With him. "This isn't on you. He's a fucking psycho." Grey rubbed her upper arms slowly, trying his best to soothe her. He could hear how scared she was and it banged around in his heart. "We'll figure it out. We'll do whatever we need to. A restraining order or what the fuck ever. No one's gonna get hurt, B. You're not alone this time." He rested his chin on her shoulder after leaving a few soft kisses there, trying anything to provide little comforts in an impossible situation.
It was hard for her to not start crying, it was all too much. On top of a really great day Teller just had to find a way to make her life incredibly shitty. "How do you know that? How do you know he doesn't know where my mother is, or my best friend, or us. I should've pushed harder for a restraining order. I should done more and now I can't even stay in my own home." Blake's nose began to burn as tears fell down her cheeks, she buried her face into Greyson's chest, feeling the weight of everything on her shoulders. "I thought I escaped him."
Grey couldn't answer at first. Because she was right. He didn't know. Not for sure. He didn't know Teller's intentions beyond the obvious terror he intended to inflict on Blake. He didn't know the guy at all. But he'd be damned if he let that stop him. "That note was meant for you. He's trying to get to you. Call your family and friends anyway, let them know what's going on. Maybe that'll help. You have to stop blaming yourself for what that piece of shit is doing." Greyson immediately adjusted, making circles on her back with one hand while the other caught tears and rubbed her cheek. It just about broke his heart to see her like this, a pang of familiarity ringing through his chest. "I know. And you did. And you will again."
Blake looked at Greyson, part of her felt a pang is embarrassment and shame, it took everything in her not to pull away and shield herself. “Okay,” Blake said finally, she sighed and nodded her head. Closing the distance between them, she tucked her head under his chin, her body still shaking slightly. After a couple moments Blake pulled away, she wiped her eyes and shuffled a bit. “I need to call my mom.” She didn’t give Greyson much time to respond, she was up in a second and out back by his pool. There she spent the next half hour calling her mother and best friend, warning them to be extra safe not sure what Teller knew. Coming back, Greyson was in the kitchen, doing whatever it is he does. Blake walked to the kitchen and leaned against the bar. “I think I need to punch something.” She sighed, while talking to her mother she realized how angry she was. It was no longer fear but annoyance now. “I’ll be back.” Blake added before excusing herself to the gym in Greyson’s basement.
Greyson took it all in stride. He was never sure if his words were right but so far he seemed to be doing okay. Placing another kiss on her head, he laid out soft patterns across her skin with his fingers until she felt alright enough to part ways. He simply nodded and loosened his arms. As soon as she was out of the room, Grey made his way into the kitchen and checked over his shoulder before retrieving the note from his back pocket, giving it another once over. There was no way Greyson was going to sit idly by and wait for Teller to make another move. If he had any idea of the type of thoughts going through this guy's head -- and he was fairly sure he had a good idea -- Teller probably thought he was holding all the cards. Grey was ready to prove him entirely wrong. In the midst of his research, he could hear Blake returning so he quickly pocketed the note again and switched the tab on his phone to Uber Eats. He huffed through his nose at Blake's words. "Been there." Grey considered giving her some space and he did for a few minutes before following quietly, leaning against the doorframe with a towel over his shoulder and a bottle of water in his hand.
Ever since Greyson and her had gotten closer, Blake had taken it upon herself to put on a pair of boxing gloves. Taking her anger out on the bag, the feeling of Teller finding her, putting her life in danger, her loved ones. It was almost all too much for her, But Blake is the one who put herself in rehab, even if Indie was the reason she went; Blake did the work, Blake got clean, Blake started a new life for herself. And now Teller was trying to rip it all from her. The thought of being the victim here was not something she enjoyed. Soon enough, Blake stopped sighing before she turned around and say Greyson. “Hi,” Blake out of breath, wiping the sweat off her forehead. “How long have you been standing there.?”
Greyson watched with intrigue. Blake had taken to boxing about as well as he had and it was nice to have another thing in common. Especially with the root of it being so similar. Not that she knew that. But it was nice for him. She'd been consistently improving and that much was obvious, coupled with her obvious frustration at the lack of control Teller had afforded her with all this bullshit. When she finally noticed him, he hummed and shrugged one shoulder. "Long enough." Greyson crossed the space between them and handed her the water. "Do you feel any better?"
Taking the water bottle from Greyson, she smiled softly before taking a long sip of water, she shrugged before taking another. “I feel like shit.” Blake sighed rolling her neck to side to side before her eyes fell on Greyson. “I feel helpless, like he crawled his way back into my life after all the shit he put me through.” Blake’s grip on her plastic bottle crumbling under her fingers. “I’m pissed. I’m scared out of my god damn mind. And I shouldn’t be. I should be living my life. I should enjoy my day with my new dog, with you. And I’m here wondering how he got my address,” Blake could feel her chest tighten and her blood boil. “After all the shit he put me through. After raping me, after hitting me, after giving me coke he wants to ruin my life again? What did I do deserve that?” Blake didn’t even notice the tears in her eyes, throwing the water bottle on the ground. She let herself fall to the mat, sitting down and cradling her head. “I feel crazy. He makes me feel crazy.”
Greyson was already struggling for kind or comforting words. If that was even what Blake needed right now, he couldn't be sure. Maybe she just needed someone to vent to but he felt stupid just standing there listening. It didn't matter anyway because Blake dropped two brand new, giant pieces of information that left him reeling. He was pretty sure the ringing in his ears was just in his head but it was so loud he couldn't tell. His grip on the towel tightened until his knuckles were white, his jaw was set, and if it wasn't for the fact that Blake was practically in the fetal position on the floor, he'd already be out tracking down Teller's whereabouts. As it were, he had a very distraught, crying girl to tend to. Greyson forced his hands and face to relax though there didn't seem to be much he could do about the slight ringing. Kneeling down besides her and sitting back on his calves, he placed one hand on Blake's back. "What do you need right now, B? Say the word, whatever it is, whatever I can do. Big, small, stupid, genius, I don't give a fuck. You're not that trapped, helpless girl anymore. Don't let him make you feel like you are."
Having him here, did help. It was the first time the only person besides her best friend was able to ease the anxiety, the fear. His touch comforted her in a way she didn’t know it could. Blake nodded and sat up, it was true. She wasn’t helpless anymore, she wasn’t an addict anymore. She fought and fought for the life she had now and she was dammed id Teller was going to try to come back into her life and take it from her. She wouldn’t let him. Blake wiped her nose with the back of her hand, looking at Greyson. She knew the next words that came out of her mouth would surprise him, but he did ask. “I want to go to Disney World.”
Greyson blinked dumbly and huffed a half laugh. “For real?” Whatever amount of things he thought Blake could possibly ask for — a drink, a ride to her best friends house, a boxing session — not once did Disney World cross his mind. Ask and you shall receive, he supposed. He shrugged, arms fully up, and trilled his lips. “Shit, yeah, alright let me get a flight and, uh, pack shit I guess.” Grey already had his phone opened, tracking down flights and starting on accommodations.
“Yeah,” Blake replied, her voice a little shaky from crying and frustrating. “I went a lot as a kid with my best friend and our families. It’s one place I associate with total happiness.” Blake shrugged; not many people knew that Blake was a notorious Disney fan. Already on the phone, Blake calling Indie her best friend. Before she could pick up she looked at Greyson and smiled. “I’m inviting Indie,” She said before listening to Indie mention the girl she had been semi seeing. “And Joey? That’s her name yeah?” Blake asked Indie before looking at Greyson. “And Joey too.”
Greyson didn’t necessarily need an explanation. Right now he was sure he’d give Blake anything she could conceivably ask for but he nodded along nonetheless and smiled. “I can dig that.” Playfully rolling his eyes, Greyson was already changing the flight number to the 3 when the next name out of her mouth had him snapping his head up fast enough to give him whiplash. “S...St. James? Your best friend Indiana is inviting my best friend Joey? Are they... What is my fucking life?” The last part came out in a rushed whisper. He’d been so preoccupied he hadn’t had time to get up to speed with Joey’s life and clearly he missed a lot. “Okay. I got this from here. Four hours enough time?”
After getting confirmation that St. James was Joey’s last name, Blake laughed. “They met at her job or something. We haven’t had a chance to really talk about it?” She shrugged before nodding. “Knowing Indie she’s already packed.” With the promise of Disney World in the very near future she could smile with and ease and put Teller to the back of her mind.
