she's a killer queen

natalia montes.

[wewerechildrenwerenotnow]

Phase: Before

[christiandumotier]

Christian paused. He resisted the urge to say ‘I have no idea who that is’ in a deep, Lex Luthor-esque voice because he did know who Nell Bright was. He just profoundly did not care. So he just left it at a simple “Interesting. I’ll keep it in mind.”

Christian had never been one to play Cupid. At least not that way. He’d had a few people come to him in search of what he would call a love potion. 'Can you find out if he likes me?’ Yes. What will you give me? 'Do you know if he really does stuff like that in the bathroom?’ No. It’s the boys locker room, and it’s dull and uninspired. Next question. But if Shannon would be further mortified by the notion of her crush getting out, he could work with that.

“I’m very glad you came in today, Tali. And I can assure you, as always, that your secrets are safe with me. I hope this misfortune resolves itself however is best for the people you care for.” It was a rather French way to address it, but arguably, an affair had given Claude to him, and by extension, he was willing to understand that these things had more complications (and potential benefits) than people liked to admit. Even if Mrs. Nixon was a very poor choice of affair partner. “If you ever feel the need to turn the screws on Miss Quilter, feel free to act as you choose. Or let me know how I can assist. Far more fun. Now can I help with anything else, or shall I send you back to class with a perfectly forged hall pass?”

[talimontes]

Relief was trying to make itself known, but Tali wouldn't let herself feel it yet. Not until it was done. She'd taken first steps but bringing Shannon to heel was a whole other thing. She hoped her faith in Christian was not misplaced.

"Thank you. Your services are much appreciated." She reached into her Prada bag and pulled out her notepad and pen. Tali wrote her name and phone number in her neat cursive. "That's all. Please let me know when it's been handled. This is my number," she handed him the paper. "What do you prefer for client recommendations? Word of mouth?"

"No hall pass needed, I'm not staying today." Who knew how Shannon would react when she found out Tali had gone this far to silence her? She hoped she'd have the sense to roll over, but she could be unpredictable at the best of times. A Shannon backed into a corner had potential for lashing out. And anyway, Tali needed some retail therapy after all of this drama. Her father's Amex tucked into her purse would come in handy today. And maybe she'd see if Krish wanted to join her.

[khanlailakhan]

“Oh, Krishna.” Laila said, knowing that wasn’t actually his name. “I’m glad it wasn’t him, too. I would’ve felt a little bad about killing him. But only a little.” Tali was pretty private about breakups, but Laila knew from osmosis that things could be messy with them. The hangover was long. She also suspected, deep down, that he would have had more opinions than he deserved. Which was kind of his whole problem in her and Anu’s eyes.

Laila rubbed Tali’s back again as she thanked her for offering homicide. “It would be my honor. And also very fun for me.”

She considered Tali’s question with perhaps a little too much gravity. “I think a lot of people don’t know how to listen. Or don’t want to. People almost always let you know what they want to hear. Not always what they need. But what they want.”

Laila slowly got to her feet, holding out her hand. “I think sleep sounds good for everyone.” But the statement about Britt gave Laila pause. She was sensitive to social obligations. Of course she was. But…

“Tali, I say this with all the love in my heart for you and for her. She is dead. Funerals are for the living. She knew you cared about her. She would never resent you for taking care of yourself. So don’t put pressure on yourself yet. We’ll figure out the right way to say goodbye to her. That doesn’t have to have a ticking clock. Especially when you’re ill. Britt would get it. Profoundly so.” She allowed herself a small laugh that she hoped read more as loving than wry. “I’d bet very good money that she’s been there.”

[talimontes]

"Krish lives to see another day. Lucky boy." Tali hoped he was okay with everything happening to them right now, but she could not think about it beyond that. She had no space in her head to worry about her ex and whether or not he was coping with this shit show. It wasn't her lane anymore even if she did.

"You're the best at it," she told her. It helped that Laila knew her well. Tali was glad she only had that skill with a small handful of people. She didn't see any appeal in being the therapist friend for more than her nearest and dearest.

Tali took Laila's hand and was a little surprised at how much she had to rely on her friend to pull her to standing. It was like her body was giving up on her behalf. A physical reflection of how she felt inside.

"You're right," she agreed. But it didn't matter to Tali. She'd already passed the buck when it came to organising a funeral for her. The bare minimum was showing up. Even if it didn't make a difference to Britt because she wasn't here anymore. Tali was and she wasn't sure she would be able to forgive herself if she didn't get there. "I'll see how I feel," she said, more to appease Laila than anything else. She didn't have the energy to disagree.

"Wake me up if you hear anything about Tony?"

[wewerechildrenwerenotnow]

Phase: Before

[christiandumotier]

Quite a picture. “One of my specialties.” Christian said with a smile. It was a private joke to himself mostly, considering his parents’ vocation and his family’s fondness for stolen art, but it did prove his point in this case. If Tali wanted him to scare the shit out of Shannon, he could do it. Likely better than her little mafioso not-boyfriend could manage in the end. Physical violence tended to have consequences for the perpetrator. Or at least it was traceable. Emotional violence was deniable and nigh on eternal.

And then, as people often did, Tali gave him what he wanted. “Excellent.” And before they even had a chance to squabble about payment she was giving him more. It really was his lucky day. “Consider me seated.” he said, already sitting.

[talimontes]

Tali laughed. He reminded her of Shannon in a way, always wanting to know the gossip. She had to be careful though, he seemed like he was good at making his clients feel secure. She'd be remembering this wasn't a safe place for anybody but him. Tali wondered if he had any true loyalties or if he was a lone island. Lou liked him, she knew that in the way she and Lou knew a lot of things about each other they never talked about. Did she trust him though? Did he respect that trust? Curious.

"Shannon's been in love with Nell Bright for years," she told him. Tali had always thought it was kind of stupid the way Shannon never let Nell know how she felt. Like the school paper was some serious thing, and dating was so unethical in that environment. But whatever, she was suffering because of it and Tali couldn't care less now. "She's been out for a long time now, so this isn't that. I'm not sure if or how you'd use it, but that's why it's a tip and not my original payment."

[wewerechildrenwerenotnow]

Phase: Before

[christiandumotier]

Christian didn’t bother to hide his satisfaction as Tali’s shock leaked through in snatches, like errant snowflakes in April. This was the part of the job that kept him interested. The power. The surprise. “Well, glad it helped in some small measure then.”

There was no need to comment on his victory. Not when there was still so much to do. And then she told him.

Shannon had been in his top three suspects, so he wasn’t too surprised, but perhaps he was a little depressed that it wasn’t Laila Khan moonlighting as the ultimate mean girl. That would have been very useful. The younger Quilter’s reporting under her own name was so bland compared to Tea Time. She must have been overcompensating.

There was no sign of surprise in his eyes, just intrigue. It was a well practiced poker face that hid the whirring in his mind. He didn’t have anything on Shannon aside from this. And this? This was useful but not particularly valuable when one took the impact (or lack there of) of The Crimson and Gold into account. But Shannon didn’t know that. And she had collected some good leads this year already. They were barely a month in. But he could make her regret it. “That, Ms. Montes, I can do.”

A smile a little too close to the Cheshire Cat had begun to spread over his face. “I only have one question: public or private? You have a rather unique opportunity here for most of my clients: true deniability. She just exploded the football team last week.” Nevermind that Reg had benefitted from that significantly. Christian was patiently waiting for him to get over his crush on Drew Rogers. “If people know who Alice is, she is unspeakably fucked. But there is one drawback. Then it’s over quickly.”

“I can’t imagine the stress this affair has given you. If you out her now, maybe she switches schools, she’s free to ply her catty Molly Ringwald trade somewhere else. But if I let her know the sword hanging over her, then she belongs to you.” Or him, really, but that was his business. “…To do with as you please. When you please. I know what I’d choose, but we’re partners in this. What would you prefer?”

[talimontes]

Shannon had done that, hadn't she? Tali would feel bad for Drew if she cared about his feelings. He hadn't managed to dodge the consequences of Tea Time before news about his cheating boyfriend spread far and wide.

Unspeakably fucked. Those two words held so much temptation. She could destroy everything that Shannon had put so much effort into building. Turn everyone against her, make them hate her the way Tali now did. She'd get to watch that and then wave her off with a fuck you, bye bye.

But the idea of getting to hold this over her head indefinitely was far more appealing. Tali didn't have to do anything to have the effect she wanted. It'd always live in the back of Shannon's little mind, the knowledge that Tali could ruin her, she just wasn't going to. Yet.

"Excellent. You paint quite the picture," she told him, pretending to really think it over. Tali was glad she'd come to him, if only so she could know how he operated, what he could achieve. It was worth having options. Tony's methods were effective too, but different. There was a time and place for that.

"Private." She decided. "Someone like Shannon? Knowing I have this in my back pocket will be its own kind of torture."

Tali wished she could be a fly on the wall for that conversation. See the way Shannon's blood would drain from her face when she realised how much shit she was in. This is what happens to disloyal bitches, Shan. Hope you like the consequences of your actions.

"And my tip, if you would like one. It is not as interesting or scandalous, but it's another thing Shannon does not want to get out."

[wewerechildrenwerenotnow]

Phase: Before

[christiandumotier]

Christian smiled at her. “I appreciate that you appreciate it.” She reminded him a lot of Lou in a way that put him perhaps a little too at ease. The poise that wasn’t an attempt to hide from authenticity.

“A lesser man would accuse you of being a tease, Ms. Montes. But I’d say you’re a business woman.” It was just on the tip of her tongue. he could tell. He could coax her, but it wouldn’t really be the most efficient way to do it. Or the one that built the relationship. He’d struggled to make true inroads with the Alessis. Finn, Lucy, and Adam only had so much access. Tony was guarded, almost cartoonishly so. And Christian wasn’t currently interested in taking Anu up on her perennial offer.

“Fuck.” It was the first time he spoke after letting her get all the way through her explanation. He didn’t bother to look surprised at the revelation. But he did his best to make it obvious that the predictable element here wasn’t Tali’s dad. “Oh Angela. Like mother, like son.” He didn’t have to fake that. She was about as interested in decorum as Noah. “If it makes you feel better, this isn’t the first time she’s done this. From what I understand, she gets bored. At least she opted for age appropriate this time. Goes after the tutors too.” Well, one in particular. He didn’t hear much about the rest.

Christian neglected to explain that he already had access to the Crimson and Gold’s servers and had been watching them for a long time, even if his degree of interest was likely 95% more than the average student. He might not know who was sitting in the chair at the dinky layout computer, but he knew what was on it. And he knew that if anything might change the readership of Nell Bright’s little rag, it was a scandal that hadn’t already broken in the halls first. A scandal just like this. “I can do that for you. Though it might make my job easier to know who’s serving tea. At this point, I might find out either way. And where’s the fun in that? Allow me my small Dr. Evil moment. I’ll even bring one of my cats.”

[talimontes]

Tali smiled, tilting her head at him in thanks. She would hold onto what control she could when it came to this situation, even when asking for help. Shannon had taken too much away from her in a scenario that should never had gotten to this place.

How the fuck... Tali blinked at him, managing to keep most of the surprise off her face. This was Christian she was speaking to, she reminded herself. He was able to access more information than most. It was why she was surprised he didn't know about Shannon.

"Nauseating," she replied, smoothing down the front of her unwrinkled skirt. His choice in partner had made her feel ill whenever she thought about it. He could have at least picked someone more on her mom's level. Risking his marriage over a Nixon... No. "And disappointing. It doesn't, but it's helpful context I suppose."

Something that had been relentlessly anxious settled inside Tali at his assurance. He could fix this. And so she would pay him. She had her own ways of getting him to come through for her if he didn't hold up his end of the bargain. "Your word is enough for me, I don't need to see results before I tell you."

"Shannon Quilter is Alice. I wish I didn't tell her my secrets, maybe she should wish the same about me." To a degree. Tali currently believed that cutting her off was punishment enough for this. No more parties, no more confidant, no more perks that came along with being important to her. It was all done. Permanently.

[wewerechildrenwerenotnow]

West Ham for the Holidays (Flashback and AUs)

[rothmia]

Mia’s cheeks were going to ache at the end of the day. She was sure of it. She couldn’t help but smile at Tali. Her lips just naturally slid upwards as she spent time with her.

“It sounds exhausting. Vacations are supposed to be about resting and running yourself into the ground just to make a little bit of extra money when you already have plenty is stupid.” Maybe that was too harsh, but she didn’t value money the way her parents did. Nature had won the battle on that fight. “I’m grateful to go to such nice places, but what’s the point in spending all of that money if you don’t enjoy it? I don’t really understand it.”

She had her own issues with relaxing and staying happy, but she put a lot of effort into trying to be happy. “I’m glad I make it easier.” She took another bite of sandwich. “I feel like I’m floating when I’m around you. Like my feet will never reach the ground.”

“Good, I’d be a little embarrassed if you didn’t know that by now.”

[talimontes]

"I agree," Tali said emphatically. "Vacation is meant to be when you have fun with that money and privilege, not get your hustle on." It was so boring. The amount of times their relaxing "family time" had been interrupted by her dad taking business calls, or holding meetings, or trying to schmooze... That could never be her. She soaked those moments up, she deserved to. Working too hard too young gave you wrinkles.

Tali took that compliment and tucked it away inside her heart. Mia always said the most dreamily romantic things to her. She wasn't quite sure how she'd gotten someone so full of light to look at her this way. Tali moved to lay down on the blanket, reaching for Mia and pulling her down with her. "Have you always been so romantic? I'm trying to imagine three year old Mia making peoples hearts burst with her sweet words."

[wewerechildrenwerenotnow]

Phase: Before

[christiandumotier]

Christian let an even more sardonic smile sneak through. Tali’d seen through his bluff. Well, as least to a certain point. So he’d give her a thing or two. “Something like that. Or I might ask for them to find out something. That’s just fun.” It was nice to brag now and then.

He leaned back on the couch, the motion only slightly informed by a growing ache in his body. The oxy was wearing off. But his own curiosity was pushing him through. (He never popped pills in front of clients. He’d even hid it from Fiona for as long as he could.)

Christian had seen the article about what he’d been nearly certain was Tali’s parents’ marriage disappear from the Crimson and Gold’s server. He’d been intrigued but patient, as he usually was, assuming the cause would surface. But he had never suspected that Tali knew just as much about the silly little paper as they knew about her. Let alone knowing more.

“Now that is an intriguing question. I have my suspicions. But if you have the answer, I’m all ears. That might be worth a solve. Or several.” He was beginning to suspect Lou might have been holding out on him intentionally. Ms. Montes could be very, very useful indeed.

[talimontes]

Tali smiled, realising she wasn't getting as much special treatment as he implied, but she didn't really mind if he could actually make her problem go away. "I can appreciate that."

"I can give you the answer if you're able to help me," she told him. Tali tried to keep her smile concealed, but this was going better than she had anticipated so far. "There may be a tip as well." She knew her manners. Great service required it.

"My father has been having an affair for a year with a member of the school PTA. My mother recently found out, which of course has been difficult." Tali cleared her throat, straightened her spine. How she felt about her father's betrayal... it didn't matter. Even if she knew her mom deserved better. Even if her anger was eating at her. Her mom wanted to try to forgive him. To move past it. "I told somebody in confidence, believing they were a trustworthy person. I was wrong. They are planning to publish the news in the upcoming edition of the school paper, and I would appreciate if that did not happen."

Tali took a breath anticipating a question that may be coming and answered it before it could be asked. "My mom wants to forgive him. I don't, but I care more about her right now. There's no chance of her recovering from this if the whole town knows."

[wewerechildrenwerenotnow]

West Ham for the Holidays (Flashback and AUs)

[rothmia]

Mia could have been suspended in this moment forever. Tali’s soft lips against hers was always a delight, but it was even better for it to happen here. They were surrounded by people who would be respectful about things. And they were. She broke away from Tali with a giggle, half tempted to bow. “The crowd has excellent taste. They know beauty when they see it.”

She raised her eyebrows in interest. A summer trip could be so exciting, if they lasted that long. Things were still so new and she was afraid of planning anyways. The disappointment could be crushing if things didn’t turn out that way. “It could be fun, certainly better than my parents trying to turn every vacation into a networking opportunity.” She rolled her eyes. “They can’t sit in the moment ever. It’s so strange.”

Her cheeks were burning even under the mild sun, too touched by Tali’s words. “I think that’s the most controversial I get.” There weren’t hidden horrible opinions somewhere else. She was so open to the world that it hurt sometimes. “And I happen to like you a lot, too. If that wasn’t obvious.”

[talimontes]

"Yes, they do," she told her, using her thumb to tidy the lip gloss she'd left around Mia's lips. This was a perfect day, she thought. She felt like all of the happiest parts of herself were on show right now. Mia was an expert at drawing it out of her, like she was a piece of her art.

"Oh for sure. My dad's like that too," she said. Tali wasn't sure if Mia's slight topic shift was intentional or not, but she would drop the idea for now. "Always wanting to talk business." She trailed her fingertip gently over the back of Mia's hand. "I'm glad you're not like that. It's part of why I like you. I'm not always the best at it, but with you it's easy."

"It is," she confirmed with a giggle. Mia's eyes practically shone when her attention was on Tali. She couldn't miss it. "Very obvious. But it's nice to hear it."

[wewerechildrenwerenotnow]

Phase: Before

[christiandumotier]

Christian smirked. “Never.” he agreed. He and Lou had their own disagreements but they were nothing if not a united front. Lou never spoke a bad word about him in public (when she absolutely could) and he never expressed his concerns about her behavior (or, rather, her friends’ behavior) to anyone but her. It was a gentleman’s agreement forged before either of them knew what a gentleman was.

He could tell she was weirded out by the bathroom. A lot of people were, which was usually to his benefit. It took them a bit of time to realize that no one ever actually used it. It was a cover, nothing more. And it likely had the most expensive couch in West Ham, which was saying something. “Thanks.” He said, accepting the compliment but not the puzzlement. He threw the lock on the door to give them some privacy.

He really needed to work on getting the rules of the game out there to the student body. He was a little sick of giving this spiel, even if he was doing it for a friend of Lou’s. “There is a fee unfortunately, but I think I can give you a friends and family rate.” That wasn’t a thing, but he could make it sound like a thing at least. That way if this did get back to Lou, he looked like he was marginally behaving. “No money needed. No bribes. I just want information. In your case, it’s generally up to you what kind. But give me something I can use, and we’re even. What that is, well, that’s up to you, isn’t it? To a certain point. It’s a powerful thing, a secret. Many of the people I work with consider paying the price a bonus. It’s often just another move in the social chess we call West Ham High. But I’m sure I don’t have to tell you that.” He studied her for a moment. “Or, if you need a moment to think, we can start with the matter that needs my assistance.”

[talimontes]

Secrets started running through Tali's mind like a carousel. The majority of these she would never share, not when they could be used. She was furious with Shannon because she was a traitorous bitch. She couldn't turn around and do the same to her own friends to save herself. But Shannon? Tali would happily throw her under the bus.

"What does the non-discounted version of payment look like?" Tali asked. "You get to decide who you want information on?" If that were the case then Tali was glad that she counted Lou as a close friend.

"I will start with that, I think." Tali paused, pondering. "Can I ask if you know who the writer is behind Tea Time?" He could. But if by some chance he hadn't been lucky enough to learn that information yet, it could be her ticket here. If not, she did have something else that might be of interest.

[khanlailakhan]

Laila smirked. “Exactly.” One of the things she appreciated about Tali was her ability to see through Tiny’s bullshit. It had been why she and Anu had initially been alright with her hanging around. Then, of course, she’d proved herself.

“Good on him.” Laila said magnanimously. “I will allow him to live. As long as he continues to be helpful.” She avoided any innuendo in her sentences when she could. The situation was tense enough without adding vulgarity.

She rubbed Tali’s back a little. “The hormones are fucking with you. 1000%. Also. A bunch of your friends are in the fucking woods doing Allah knows what. You’re allowed to be sad. You’re allowed to be scared. You’re allowed to feel however you feel. Some people can end a pregnancy like it’s nothing. Nothing wrong with that. It’s personal. That’s why it’s private. If you want to be a mom, there’s a million ways that can happen later. You’re gorgeous, you’re loaded. You can adopt a million babies from every country, you can pay people to carry them. You can have your body irrevocably changed and do it yourself. That’s for later. Right now the point is we keep you safe and healthy. And being pregnant really isn’t safe and healthy right now.”

[talimontes]

Tali laughed. "He's a good guy. I'm just... I'm glad it wasn't Krish. It would have felt so much more complicated." Putting being stuck here without any medical professionals aside, this really was the simplest version of this event occurring she could picture. A casual hookup with somebody she wasn't or had ever been in love with. It wouldn't change her feelings on keeping it, but it would have added so many more difficult layers. Krish would have supported her choice too though. She knew that.

"I love you Lay. Thank you for being willing to murder my not-baby daddy for me if I wanted you to." It meant the world to her, this kind of loyalty. She would do the same for her.

Tali nodded, fresh tears spilling over, but these were tinged with relief. "How do you always know the perfect thing to say?" she asked her. Everything was still horrible, but she did feel a little lighter. Having a friend who could be trusted to help carry the weight of it all was everything right now. "Is it bad if I just go to sleep? I feel like I just need to be unconscious for a while. Britt... she's going to have a funeral. I don't know if I can even handle that but I need to be okay enough to be there. I have to do that for her."

[wewerechildrenwerenotnow]

West Ham for the Holidays (Flashback and AUs)

[rothmia]

“I bet your idea will be magic.” Tali walked in a way that glitter kicked up behind her in Mia’s imagination. She couldn’t imagine the other girl having a single thought that didn’t spark happiness in the people taking them in.

She pressed her lips together so hard they folded inwards as she tried to hide her smile. Next time. There would be so many more times to do this. Time for Portuguese and berries and kisses. Everything important with Tali.

“You’re-” Mia’s words were swallowed by Tali’s lips and she wouldn’t have traded it for the whole world. All thought left her brain as she felt the sweet pressure and soft slick of lipgloss. Their lips fit so perfectly together, like this was all they’d ever been made for.

An image popped into her brain. Tali’s skin as golden as the sun as they stood on creamy white sand next to clear blue water, vibrant pink dragonfruit on a table to the left of them. She could almost smell the sunscreen and salt air. It would be a heavenly view. “You’ll have to take me to the best one then. Someday.”

She held her hands up in surrender. “It’s the truth. Don’t hate the messenger.” She’d eat a million melons if Tali would keep laughing like that. Even if they all tasted like chewy water to her.

[talimontes]

Tali managed to scoot in closer to Mia, wanting to be as close as she could get without being disrespectful in a public setting. Her lips moved against Mia's, the way she tasted and smelled and felt overwhelming all of her senses. It wasn't until she heard scattered awww's from the people around them that she pulled away, a lightheaded giggle escaping her. "God Mia," she whispered.

"I'd love to," she told her, hoping so badly that she'd be able to. Tali hated thinking about endings but they were so young and life pushed you in all kinds of directions you didn't want to go in. "Maybe we could go somewhere before summer ends." It wasn't perfect, probably not realistic. But... she wanted it.

"I could never hate the messenger. I happen to like the messenger quite a lot. And her controversial opinions."

[wewerechildrenwerenotnow]

Phase: Before

[christiandumotier]

There was a way these things were done. People usually entered the gender neutral third floor bathroom sheepishly, knowing it was off limits aside from being Christian’s place of business. They looked around, unsure if they were allowed to sit on the nice couch he’d had a bunch of junior varsity athletes drag in there after he took care of a little underage drinking dust up for them. (Spoilers, the answer was no one sat on his couch. It was his couch.) Once they realized they’d have to stand, they’d dance around the point. Insist that they didn’t need him. In which case he’d say please leave then. I have other people to see. But then, of course, no no it’s not like that, it’s just… and then they’d tell him some pathetic little first world problem. Offer him money (no), power (got it, thanks), and several other things he wasn’t interested in. (Were they in a terrible romance novel?) Then he’d explain how this really worked. Collect favors. Collect secrets. Solve the problem, and send them on their way.

But Tali wasn’t doing that. Tali was at his locker. In broad daylight. He didn’t know what to do about that. Only his friends talked to him in broad daylight. Well, his friends and Heli.

He had a feeling he knew what this was about. He’d flagged a late edit on a Tea Time column that sounded a lot like the Monteses. But then it had just… disappeared. (Well, not really disappeared. Google history was near to forever when you were a man of his means, but the point stood.) Still, he wasn’t going to give that away. Not yet. For all he knew, he was finally going to get dirt on Tony Alessi that went beyond his gluten allergy.

He shook her hand graciously, even though it was fucking weird. “Ms. Montes. It’s a crime we haven’t been introduced. Lou speaks so highly of you. I was beginning to suspect she thinks you’re too good for me. Not that she’s wrong.”

He nodded his head in the direction of the east hallway. “Step into my office, won’t you?”

[talimontes]

Tali laughed. "Yes, well I'm surprised we haven't until now. But, if I've learned anything in my time knowing Lou, it's that she is rarely wrong." And that she was a great friend. A real one. She'd never had to think twice about her trustworthiness. "But in this case, I wouldn't be here if that were entirely true."

"Absolutely," she agreed, following after him. Tali wished that he hadn't co-opted a bathroom as his place of business. She wondered if the Principal was on board with this, maybe Christian had helped him deal with a problem or two. But aside from that, it wasn't exactly sanitary. Everyone knew that Christian was based there though, which meant it was private. And she didn't want anybody overhearing this. The fact that she had to bring it to him at all was bad enough.

She entered the room, surprised to find it wasn't quite as bad as she had anticipated. She'd never seen it before, never had to. There was a couch that looked very out of place and so high school at the same time. Of course he had one in here. He couldn't perch on the toilet seat and discuss the scandals of West Ham High. "Wow... This is..." she looked around, careful not to touch anything. She would be standing well away from all surfaces. There was no telling what went on in here. "...Unique." She smiled, trying to keep her expression friendly. "It's not what I expected."

Tali turned her focus to him. There wasn't time to waste. "I have a problem I'd like to request your assistance with. I'm not entirely sure how this works with you, but I assume you'll want compensation of some kind."

[wewerechildrenwerenotnow]

Phase: Before

Before we decide who we are, we must know who we were.

But do we really want to know? When the mists of the past part and reveal the little insecurities, the betrayals, the fleeting joys, what sticks? Is anything worth keeping?

Did they ever see the forest for the trees?

So press play and go.

[talimontes]

Losing friends was sometimes worse than a romantic breakup. Friendships, especially the closest ones, had a different kind of vulnerability that ate away at you when that closeness was taken away. Tali thought she had a confidant in Shannon. She'd shared almost everything with her. Her crushes, her secrets, her family's secrets. She thought she could trust her. It broke something in her to learn she couldn't.

When she'd first glanced at Shannon's laptop screen and seen her father's affair written about in Shannon's gossip column voice, she had exploded. Tali had told her that in confidence. Because she needed fucking support while it felt like the fate of her family balanced on a knife's edge. Shannon didn't think it was a betrayal. Her dad was the cheater, she was just talking about it. And anyway, she hadn't used their names. "Nobody can pinpoint it the way you can, Tali." As if that made it true. As if that made it okay.

Tali had told her to never speak to her again. They weren't friends anymore, they were nothing. If anything, Tali fucking hated her.

But because Tali couldn't trust Shannon to do the right thing anymore, she knew that she had to secure the outcome she wanted. Shannon had already lost Tali, there was nothing to stop her from releasing it anyway. There hadn't been anything to stop her when they were still friends.

Christian was somebody she didn't find herself in the company of often. She had Tony, she didn't need anyone else to get her the things she wanted. This situation though, needed someone with a different skillset. Tali knew his reputation, and she thought he might be the right person to help. She found him before school the next day, walking up to him at his locker and extending her hand toward him to shake. "Christian? I'm Tali," she said. Though he would certainly already know that. "I was wondering if I could have a moment of your time."

@christiandumotier

[taliesinmauk]

“Fuck.” There was no other way to put it. He’d thought he had it bad. Usually he had it worse. But this was the one configuration where he felt like he might have found an extremely unlikely equal. “Yeah. I’ll text you.” He sighed, reluctantly falling into the dude shit. “You should see her with the full clique. It’s a sight to behold.” Really, Anu wished. Partially because she only had three members of her posse while Lou had four and growing.

Taliesin blinked, confused. “Wait. How do you know T–?” But before he could finish, the girls emerged from the house. He was surprised to find color flushing to his cheeks as Tali made her suggestion. “That’s a promise, m'am.” Shit. He’d used parent-tutor voice for entirely the wrong thing.

Double Fuck. He needed to come up with a lie fast. “Height. Guy… stuff. Nerd stuff.” He ventured a look to Dylan. “Apparently.” That was also unexpected.

He nodded at Lou’s agreement, picking her up fireman style while also helpfully smoothing down her very, very short skirt to maintain her modesty as much as possible. “Have a good day, kids. Don’t do anything we wouldn’t do.” He walked toward the bike, congratulating himself on a comparatively chaste carry.

@dylanquilter

[dylanquilter]

Dylan nodded sagely at Taliesin’s, “Fuck.” It was the appropriate word for the situation. For all the faults that Dylan had noticed with Tal over dinner, the guy wasn’t half bad. “Cool.”

He shivered at the idea of Lou with more women backing at her up. That sounded like a horrible idea. “I bet.” But Tal seemed to dig it, so he was happy for him.

He hadn’t expected the fact that someone might not know Tee, given their dad being the sheriff. But he was also surprised that this guy was supposedly a nerd and wasn’t constantly at one of Tee’s games. Well, he wasn’t going to dig any further into that.

“We’re done, babe.” He knew his girl so well. She needed more attention and he intended to give it to her. Dylan slid over to her, wrapping his arms around from behind. “Sorry, it was stuff you guys wouldn’t give a shit about. I promise.” He gave Tal a little nod as Lou pushed for specifics and Tal delivered. Not a bad cover. He could think on his feet, that was good.

“Drive the speed limit and all that shit. People are crazy now with cars.” He watched the other couple leave, impressed with Taliesin’s moves. He might not be great at conversation, but clearly he knew how to win his girl back.

He turned to Tali. “I don’t think it was that bad. That was also my first ever official date, so…”

[talimontes]

“Okay,” she readily accepted his answer. The chance that they really were just talking about nerdy shit was enough to dissuade her from prodding for more detail. They’d gotten through the date in one piece. It was the most she could ask for, knowing now what their group dynamic was like.

Tali held onto his forearm and leaned back into him slightly. “Be good! Tal. Not you, Lou. Stay bad.” She blew her friend a kiss and let the door close.

She sighed in relief, looking up at her boyfriend. “Nooo, please tell me it wasn’t.” Tali would have made sure they got a guaranteed great one in there first, before she threw him into this if she’d known. “We need to redeem it for you.” She stepped into him. “You’re in control. Take me upstairs and show me what you want to do.”

@lourdesvillasisniega

[lourdesvillasisniega]

Lou narrowed her eyes. Guy stuff? Normally Taliesin didn’t believe in the concept of guy stuff. His closest confidante, after all, was Poppy. There was more going on here, but she wasn’t going to question it. She needed them to stop talking.

“He couldn’t stop me if he tried.”

And he’d never want to. That was the beauty of their relationship. Even thinking the word still took some getting used to, but she was happy to have him. Officially.

She chuckled as his picked her up in a fireman’s carry like it was the easiest thing in the world. And even if she wasn’t the most modest person on earth, she appreciated his large hand covering her ass. She waited until she heard the door close before she peppered kisses across Tal’s neck. “Find us a dark patch of road with some very soft grass.”

THE END.

[wewerechildrenwerenotnow]

West Ham for the Holidays (Flashback and AUs)

[rothmia]

Mia’s cheeks went scarlet as she felt Tali’s lips against her skin. She took a stabilizing deep breath. Then she brought Tali’s knuckles to her own lips, pressing a gentle kiss there.

She tilted her head in consideration. “That could work. I’m very open to it.” She didn’t believe Tali at all about being bad at art. Art wasn’t something you could be bad at unless you were a corporation. It was turning feelings into physical objects. There was no wrong way to do that. There was only finding the right medium.

A part of her had wanted to be right so badly, but the alternative wasn’t bad. Her eyes widened. “I’ll definitely have to remember that one,” she tried to mimic the mouth sounds, contorting her lips to get the near-purring j sound out. She repeated it one more time before leaning in softly, waiting for Tali’s response or criticism.

“I’ve heard that when it’s juicy red, that’s when it’s best but I can never find it like that.” She laughed a little at Tali’s shock, surprised that this was such a contentious topic. “Watermelon is the best of the melons, but it’s not the best category. It’s essentially chewy water, like lettuce but more grainy.”

[talimontes]

Tali's skin tingled where Mia's lips touched her hand. She reluctantly released Mia's finger, hating that she couldn't just hold it there forever, linked with hers. "I'll work on those ideas then," she told her, eager to see what she'd do to bring them to life.

Tali nodded. "Yeah. So you can use it on me next time," she told her. She watched Mia, fixated on her lips as she tried the words out in her mouth. "Perfect," she whispered, not knowing if she was talking about Mia's pronunciation or just... Mia. In general. She checked one more time for any hesitancy from her, and then decided. "You're perfect." Then she closed the gap, her lips meeting Mia's in zap of sensation. She tasted like strawberries and cream and bliss and she'd never liked it more.

"I think it's harder to come by here. You do have to travel for the best ones." One of the downsides of living in a place like this. "I just need a minute to wrap my head around this," she joked. "Chewy water!"

[lourdesvillasisniega]

“Te amo mucho, amor.” Lou replied, knowing Tali could infer what she meant. The languages were close enough for this. “If he ever changes…” she trailed off. Tal had brought whatever this was on himself, he loved to wade into the middle of a situation and demand answers. There was no point in fighting it, but if he did ever naturally change his mind, Lou would be open to doing this again. “You never have to pay me back. Your presence is enough. Always.”

Her eyes narrowed at Taliesin. “What do you have in common?” She was genuinely curious and she was refusing to dignify Dylan’s answer with a response. She would not ever discuss his… paintbrush. Nunca. “I don’t know, Tali, maybe we should make sure they’re never unsupervised. Who knows what could happen?” She smiled to make her words softer.

At Tali’s words, Lou slipped her heels off and let them dangle off her pointer finger. “She’s right. You’ll have to carry me to your bike.” It wasn’t safe for her to ride without shoes, but she could make him stop for a little bit. Several streets away from Tali’s house. For a…break.

[taliesinmauk]

"Fuck.” There was no other way to put it. He’d thought he had it bad. Usually he had it worse. But this was the one configuration where he felt like he might have found an extremely unlikely equal. “Yeah. I’ll text you.” He sighed, reluctantly falling into the dude shit. “You should see her with the full clique. It’s a sight to behold.” Really, Anu wished. Partially because she only had three members of her posse while Lou had four and growing.

Taliesin blinked, confused. “Wait. How do you know T–?” But before he could finish, the girls emerged from the house. He was surprised to find color flushing to his cheeks as Tali made her suggestion. “That’s a promise, m'am.” Shit. He’d used parent-tutor voice for entirely the wrong thing.

Double Fuck. He needed to come up with a lie fast. “Height. Guy… stuff. Nerd stuff.” He ventured a look to Dylan. “Apparently.” That was also unexpected.

He nodded at Lou’s agreement, picking her up fireman style while also helpfully smoothing down her very, very short skirt to maintain her modesty as much as possible. “Have a good day, kids. Don’t do anything we wouldn’t do.” He walked toward the bike, congratulating himself on a comparatively chaste carry.

@dylanquilter

[dylanquilter]

Dylan nodded sagely at Taliesin’s, "Fuck.” It was the appropriate word for the situation. For all the faults that Dylan had noticed with Tal over dinner, the guy wasn’t half bad. “Cool.”

He shivered at the idea of Lou with more women backing at her up. That sounded like a horrible idea. “I bet.” But Tal seemed to dig it, so he was happy for him.

He hadn’t expected the fact that someone might not know Tee, given their dad being the sheriff. But he was also surprised that this guy was supposedly a nerd and wasn’t constantly at one of Tee’s games. Well, he wasn’t going to dig any further into that.

“We’re done, babe.” He knew his girl so well. She needed more attention and he intended to give it to her. Dylan slid over to her, wrapping his arms around from behind. “Sorry, it was stuff you guys wouldn’t give a shit about. I promise.” He gave Tal a little nod as Lou pushed for specifics and Tal delivered. Not a bad cover. He could think on his feet, that was good.

“Drive the speed limit and all that shit. People are crazy now with cars.” He watched the other couple leave, impressed with Taliesin’s moves. He might not be great at conversation, but clearly he knew how to win his girl back.

He turned to Tali. “I don’t think it was that bad. That was also my first ever official date, so…”

[talimontes]

"Okay," she readily accepted his answer. The chance that they really were just talking about nerdy shit was enough to dissuade her from prodding for more detail. They'd gotten through the date in one piece. It was the most she could ask for, knowing now what their group dynamic was like.

Tali held onto his forearm and leaned back into him slightly. "Be good! Tal. Not you, Lou. Stay bad." She blew her friend a kiss and let the door close.

She sighed in relief, looking up at her boyfriend. "Nooo, please tell me it wasn't." Tali would have made sure they got a guaranteed great one in there first, before she threw him into this if she'd known. "We need to redeem it for you." She stepped into him. "You're in control. Take me upstairs and show me what you want to do."

@lourdesvillasisniega

[talimontes]

Tali smiled and shrugged. “True.” She hoped it would be enough.

“Yeah, I will,” she agreed, but didn’t really mean it. Not the part about Dylan anyway. She was going to do her best to not let the two spheres overlap more than was strictly necessary. It would likely not be so easy but she was going to try.

Tali shook her head. “I’m giving Lucy something to live for that isn’t micromanaging her siblings,” she told him. “We’re throwing Prom after all on a very accelerated timeline. Then I have a date.” He probably would be interested in hearing the hint of an idea she had for gathering information on the new government, but she didn’t have time right now. She also wanted to make sure she could even pull it off before she went blabbing.

“I’ll see you tomorrow. Unless you need me before then.” She hoped like hell that he wouldn’t. That he’d stay out of trouble for just one day, as unrealistic as that may be.

[tonyalessijunior]

Tony had a surprising amount of Prom opinions, but he knew none of them would be welcomed, so he just nodded. “Good for you. She needs a project. And we all need something else to pay attention to.”

“And, uh. Have fun on your date. And stuff.” He was being magnanimous and shit. Even if he had no idea and no interest in what the allos were getting up to. One of the benefits of Fern being fucking ashamed of him was that he’d never had to really figure out date structure. The distinction wasn’t at all clear to him and he didn’t care to know.

“Works for me. Have fun.” He smirked, not even having to force the bravado. “I know I will.”

(end)