i can hear the bells.

"People who are different, their time is coming!" tallulah turnblad. twenty-three. lead dancer.

[beckett-guerrero]

"Hmmm?" Beckett felt like he was in one of those cartoons where he was floating, his chest warm, his arms wrapped around her. He had felt honored that her parents had trusted them but the more time went on, the more he was just grateful to have more and more time with his girlfriend. "You think we can rig one of the toys to ring people up?" He let out a laugh as he pressed his forehead against hers, catching his breath. "I believe in the power of the toys."

[tallulahturnbald]

"Yeah." Tallulah hummed against his lips, wanting nothing more than to continue kissing him but she knew that that would go completely against the promise she made to her parents. "Do you think we can do that?" She asked, pulling away from him with a raise of her eyebrow. "I think between the two of our brains, we can certainly make that happen." Tally laughed, dropping her head against his shoulder for a moment. "I promise, we'll resume all of this the moment we're off the clock." She let Beckett know with a quick kiss to his cheek, before intertwining her fingers with his to lead the way back towards the register.

[tallulahturnbald]

"We do," Tallulah said, in between kisses to her boyfriend's lips. The two had promised to hold down the fort for her father as he and her mother went on their yearly cruise around the Caribbean. And they'd been doing a pretty good job at it... until she hadn't been able to hold off the urge to make out with Beckett. "we do need to go back to the register." She said, their lips barely apart. ( @beckett-guerrero )

[geek-ramblings]

[mdnet]

[beckett-guerrero]

Beckett was so used to disaster thinking, it had been hard for him to really accept that some things just worked out. Being with Tallulah was one of those things and every time he felt a wave of nerves, she would say something to wipe them all away. His smile was wide and goofy as she took his face in her hands. He leaned in to kiss her and lingered there for a moment. "Has anyone ever told you that you're totally dreamy?" He laughed softly, pressing another kiss to her lips before pulling away to start the car. "So yeah, Nadine and Bryson, uh, very interesting vibes. I've only talked to Bryson a few times but Nadine has taken to him in a way she never really does with anyone else so, I'm interested to learn your impression of him."

[tallulahturnbald]

"Oh, all the time, actually." Tallulah joked, as comedy was very much her love language. Whilst making her blush was certainly Beckett's, seeing him laugh and grin made Tallulah really happy. She happily returned his second kiss, even going for a third and fourth that caught the corner of his lips and then his cheek before he began to drive. "That sounds about right from what I've gathered." In fact his whole circle of friends gave very interesting, so she was excited to finally meet them. "Well, I'll make sure to report my findings. Any reason why you wanna know how I feel about him?" She asked Beckett, reaching over for his hand. "Don't tell me he's some sort of super prick."

[mdnet]

Barbie Ferreira.

[beckett-guerrero]

"Well," Beckett started, his cheeks flushed but his voice steady as he looked at her. "Would it scare you if I said I was pretty serious about you?" He had thought a lot about his conversation with Nadine and thought he thought he'd never find himself in this position, he knew that soon he would have to be completely honest with her. And hope that it didn't backfire. "Actually, I also wanted to ask you about how I would introduce you and if it would be okay if I introduced you as my girlfriend," he added, pushing forward with a burst of confidence. "Because I'd really like to be your boyfriend."

[tallulahturnbald]

"Well?" Tallulah repeated after Beckett, teasingly as she awaited whatever he had to say next "Scare me? No, not at all. In fact, I'd welcome the news happily." She let him know, the smile on er face only growing brighter. She enjoyed seeing Beckett in this light, seeing him go for what he wanted with no hang ups. "I'd actually say I'm happy to hear it because I think I'm pretty serious about you too." She confirmed for him, not wanting him to feel as if he was alone in what he was feeling. "Beckett, by all means, please introduce me as your girlfriend. Nothing would make me happier," Tallulah told him, cupping his face in her hands as she nodded. "boyfriend."

[beckett-guerrero]

Tallulah reassurance always caught him off guard as if she could read his mind but he had come to understand that it was just who she was naturally. And it brought him a lot of comfort. "Wow, now you as Sugar Plum Fairy I would have loved to see." He nodded and took her hand as they walked out of the community center to face the cold. He was quiet as he led them to the car, too cold to even think before he was falling into the drivers seat to start the car and quickly turn on the heat. "Holy shit, I think I definitely wore the wrong jacket today." He shivered, taking a moment before he got himself together. "So uh, I asked Nadine about going over for Christmas, she said she'd talk to Bryson and get back to me but uh, if they say yes, would you want to come with me? For a little bit? I don't want to interrupt your family's time so I totally get it if it not. We can do another day."

[tallulahturnbald]

"I have a feeling you'll get to see it for yourself soon." Tallulah brought her index finger to her lips, deviously. The implication might have been that she'd be reprising the role but she knew that one day, her father would sit Beckett down and he'd get to see a good chunk of her recitals growing up. Tallulah took a hold of Beckett's hand as he led them out, well not before she got a picture of Leo and Blair as the Clauses. She needed that for the PA kids groupchat. "You know, I think we all decided to wear the wrong jackets today." She teased, wondering if he'd catch onto what meme she was referencing. "Honestly, I just don't think there's been a coat made yet that can handle a Rosewood winter." She furrowed her eyebrows at his request, not having seen that coming "Meeting the best friends on Christmas day?" She twisted her lips, playfully. "That's quite serious, don't you think?" Tallulah looked over at him, awaiting her reaction. She, in all actuality, wasn't opposed to making a stop at Nadine's place but who was she if she didn't tease.

[beckett-guerrero]

"Really? I'd love that," he told her without thinking about it much. So far, Tally had been part of why he had been exposed to new things and he found that each time he felt himself opening up more and more. Seeing the Nutcracker live felt like another thing on his list that would make him feel more in the know. And going with her seemed like the best way to do it. He laughed at her joke, feeling himself relax as he slid his arms around her. "Did you play the same part or several?" He leaned in and pressed a soft kiss to her forehead. It had taken him a moment but after several reddit deep dives, articles and books he had flown through in the library, he knew that showing up in a relationship meant not being afraid, especially when it came to affection. He was still terrified but it also felt really nice. "You ready to go?"

[tallulahturnbald]

"Yeah, really." Tallulah nodded, if only to further drive the point home. "There's literally no one else I'd want by my side." She told him, simply because it was the truth. Beckett had been nothing but kind and supportive— along with being a grade A hottie. So to say that Tallulah was happy to be the apple of his eye was an understatement. "No, no, I eventually worked my way up to Sugar Plum fairy but it took a couple of years in the Toy Solider Army before that happened. No one ever finds themselves as the Plum fairy first try, well... other than Hailey but we don't speak of that." Tallulah said with a playful roll of her eyes, as she wasn't that peeved about it. Well, not as peeved as other members of the dance program had been. Tallulah nodded, before leaving his embrace to collect her belongings. "I'm all ready."

[beckett-guerrero]

He felt his cheeks flush at the kiss on his cheek, looking around for a moment before looking back at her. Truthfully, Beckett still had a fear in the back of his mind that this was all some elaborate prank. But being near Tallulah made him calmer and he was doing his best to lean into the trust they had started to build. As terrifying as that was. "Yeah? That's amazing, I'm sure they're excited. I've actually never seen the Nutcracker live, only on TV. But it looks pretty serious," he admitted as he caught sight of himself in the mirror in the classroom and fixed his hair a bit. "Were you in it when you were younger? Is that like a PA kid rite of passage?"

[tallulahturnbald]

Tallulah found herself laughing as Beckett looked around, as if she'd meant to kiss him. To which she nodded, as if to confirm that her lips had indeed landed on the right cheek. "Well, if you're not busy— maybe you can be my date to the showcase? It's a really great time, and I don't just say that because I do have personal stakes in it. These kids are really talented." She told Beckett, bringing a finger under her eyes as she feigned being near tear. But all joking aside, Tallulah was very honored to be molding the next generation of talent here in Rosewood. It felt like she'd finally found her calling. "Oh, it's serious. Don't let the sugar plum fairy of it all fool you. It's nut cracks nut out here." Tallulah teased as she draped her arms around his neck to hold him close. "I was, I was. I've actually done it a couple of times now." She twisted her lips as she pondered on his question. "You know, it might very well be."

[beckett-guerrero]

"Hi, I'm here looking for the best dancer in all of Rosewood, probably the world really but I'm kind of bias," Beckett joked as he found Tallulah at the community center after one of the classes she was teaching with Leo. He offered the flowers in his hands as she got closer. "How was class?" @tallulahturnbald

[tallulahturnbald]

"Oh, she happens to be right here." Tallulah held a hand up, pointing down at herself as Beckett entered the room. The smile on her face more than letting him in on the fact she was ecstatic to see him. "You? Bias? I can't say you are. I happen to think you're speaking entirely factually." A small pout found itself on her face as he handed her the flowers he held. "Thank you." She let him know, before placing a kiss on his cheek. "Really good. Last class before the big holiday showcase this weekend and I happen to think all of my kids are ready to conquer the Nutcracker."

[geek-ramblings]

[beckett-guerrero]

"Okay, that's fair. I love that you love everyone packed in against each other. And I love that for you, me not so much," he replied with a soft laugh. He was scared that it would be a bad thing but he liked how much of an extrovert she was. It inspired him, even more that she didn't force him to be the same. "Well we could try together, if you wanted to some time. Like I said, desserts aren't my strong suit either but maybe we can get a handle on it together," he offered. He blushed at the kiss and leaned into her for a moment. "Yeah? Is that a good oh my God cause it sounds like a good oh my God," he told her with a laugh before taking a bite of his own. "Oh hell yeah that's super fucking good. I'm proud of myself for this one." He took another bite and closed his eyes as he smiled. "Will definitely be making this one again." He got comfy as they dove into lunch. After a while, he found himself laying back with his head resting against thighs and he brought one of her hands to his lips. "I'm always happier when I'm with you," he admitted softly, as if saying it too loud would be some kind of curse.

[tallulahturnbald]

Tallulah found herself smiling as Beckett spoke, respecting his position on large crowds of people but she'd come to realize that hadn't stopped him from enjoying himself lately and there was something to be said about that. "I would love to try with you." Tallulah let him know. "Perhaps, we can even make that our next date?" She suggested with a raise of her eyebrow. "Oh, that is most definitely a good 'Oh my God'," Tallulah clarified for her date, before taking another bite which only affirmed her previous stance. "as you should be." She told him. "You know, if you ever find yourself needing a test taster, feel free to come get me from the shop whenever you want." She said, with a small laugh but honestly, she was just happy to get some much needed time with Beckett. The sandwiches just being a nice added perk. Once they'd finished their meal, they found themselves enjoying the chill that came from a late afternoon in the park that time of year. One thing Rosewood took pride in was how scenic it was, and that especially rang true in the Autumn months. "It's funny you say that because I really, really, really like being with you.

[beckett-guerrero]

"Not a winter fan? I get it. I kind of do love a puffy coat though," he admitted. "Oh? And how's that going. I feel like I need to watch you make this now. I'm not great in the dessert arena yet but I think I'm actually becoming a pretty decent cook." It had started to be like therapy for him. "Mmm, not hints yet. Not at least until we sit down. But there's this guy who's like always getting the sandwich crunch just right. I think he just put out a book so I'm gonna go by the bookstore later and see if I can find it. Oh, you're allergic to bullshit? Is it like hives or just gagging?" He laughed softly at his own joke as they rounded the corner towards the nearest park. When they found a good spot, he pulled out a sheet from the basket to put down before sitting with her and setting down the basket. He pulled out a bottle of sparkling wine and two glasses, some fruit, a mixed green salad and then two hefty wrapped sandwiches that he set out on plates. "So, this one is peach jam, greens, prosciutto, burrata, chili oil and pickled shallots. Let me know what you think."

[tallulahturnbald]

"I can't say I am. It's the Brazilian in me." Tallulah joked, dropping her head against his shoulder for a beat. "Do you? I happen to enjoy when people are barely clothed. Especially when it comes in the form of a packed dance floor." She laughed as he asked how it's going. "Uhm, it's going. I'm not good in the kitchen, I'm actually terrible but that doesn't stop me from trying. Because who knows, maybe one day I'll be slightly less terrible." She let Beckett know. "Well... wasn't that in itself a hint?" She asked her date, rubbing his arm soon after. "It's more of a gagging moment. I just can't stand to be around it." Tallulah nodded, as that was just the truth. But not once had she even gotten a hint of that from Beckett, he was like the most honest person she'd had the pleasure of meeting. Tallulah stepped back, watching him go to work in setting up this beautiful picnic set up. As if he wasn't already adorable, he went out of his way to put this together for her. She couldn't help but blush in that moment, knowing the girls were going to swoon once she told them all about today. "This is... this is incredible." She let him know as she sat down besides him, pressing a kiss to the edge of his lips. "Thank you, seriously." Tallulah said, before looking down at her sandwich and taking a bite. Which happened to be a bite of the best sandwich she'd ever had. "Oh my god."

[beckett-guerrero]

Beckett could feel himself blushing at the teasing but the fact that her father hadn't been unkind to him was still hard to accept. "Okay, no gum, got it. Seems like an easy lift prank so I get why it would be popular." He gave her hand a light squeeze, just appreciating the feel of it as they walked along. "Figure we could make the most of this weather while we still have it and I may or may not have gotten a bit too into my grocery shopping today. It's kind of amazing what watching endless recipe tik toks will do you,"he admitted. He had always enjoyed cooking as a hobby but he was wondering if it was starting to become more of a passion that he thought. "And I definitely fell down a sandwich rabbit hole so I'm excited to know what you think," he added and motioned at the basket on his other arm. "Wait..you're not allergic to anything, are you?"

[tallulahturnbald]

"No, don't remind me." Tallulah said with a small pout. "Can you believe that it'll basically be a tundra out here like tomorrow." She said, followed by a groan. Whilst she loved Rosewood, lord knows she did... she couldn't stand that it was literally winter in town about nine months of the year. "Oh, did you?" She asked, realizing the picnic basket that Beckett had on hand. "I so get it. Guess who's been trying to master the viral chocolate bar? Me." She giggled, enjoying this impromptu moment with Beckett. It'd been much needed. "Which one? Or do I get no hints?" She asked. "Aside from bullshit, no I happen to be pretty okay with just about anything." Tallulah let him know.

[beckett-guerrero]

Beckett adjusted the basket in his hands as he stood near the cash register at the joke shop. He knew Tallulah was going to finish her shift soon and he had been wanting to surprise her with something nice as the summer months were winding down. He had really loved spending time with her and he felt like he was slowly turning the corner on feeling paranoid that he was going to scare her off. Then again, she hadn't met Nadine yet. "Your chariot awaits," her old her when she finally came from around the counter and he held out his hand for her. "And by that I mean our four feet because we're not going too far. How's your day been?" @tallulahturnbald

[tallulahturnbald]

Weirdly, the return to school was quite a popular time at the joke shop. Tallulah chalked it up to the deviousness that cooked up in people during the summer, that and there was nothing like a good prank to let someone know you missed them. So, Tallulah had seen her fair share of people that day but she certainly hadn't expected to see Beckett. The smile on her face only grew at the sight of him, he'd slowly become one of her favorite people in town. "Oh, aren't I lucky?" She said, beaming as she took a hold of his hand. Tallulah let her dad know she'd be taking her break, one that he was more than happy to give her. But not before some light teasing at the expense of Beckett and herself. "It's been really good. We are officially sold out on all zapping sticks of gum so if you find yourself being offered one, perhaps think it twice before you grab it."

[blueribbonbaby]

Barbie Ferreira