Dream Like New York

Who: Layla Morton and Maryanne Spencer with the tribe!
What: Squad @ the Lakehouse!
Where: Upstate NY
When: Friday to Sunday

Everyone had packed up in cars, distributing themselves out between those who owned cars and had their licences. Maryanne and Layla both drove and they had shared-ownership of a purple that the boys all called the Lesbomobile. Just as they were packing the car up, Sasha flicked a text through to Layla saying he wasn't sure if they were coming because Justin was still in his therapy session, but if Will wanted to go, it was cool. He told her that if they came, they came, but if Justin wasn't up to it, he would send them a text to let them all know. So, Will was added to their car, along with her, Maryanne, Shannon and Fin. With Maryanne driving, Layla sat in the back with Will and Fin, Shannon in the front seat because he couldn't climb over to the back. Only, a mini being a small car with not much room to spare, they ended up having to pull over about halfway when Fin got carsick, an unfortunate downside to his Meniere's disease, a condition that affected his inner ear and caused bad dizziness sometimes.

Even if he did sound the warning that he was going to puke, this was likely not karma Will was hoping for, with Fin ended up puking on his leg, which saved any mess getting anywhere on the car interior. While Fin was busy upended his lunch all over the side of the road with Layla rubbing his back, and Shannon watching over protectively from the front seat, Will changed into another pair of jeans and could actually see the funny side of it. That was pretty telling. He wouldn't live it down now, not with their bunch, and he was taking it like a sport.

Fin slept the rest of the way and it was an uneventful drive beyond that, save for Shannon probably giving himself RSI of the next turning around frequently to check on Fin. They were one of the first to get there, which worked out well because Shannon had the keys to the cabin. Which was gorgeous. Plenty of room for them, and they could step out of the back door and in a few paces be on the pier out into the water. There were two smaller rooms with double beds, and the rest of the rooms were share-rooms with four double bunk beds. Meaning, it would be eight people to a room, but no one was bothered. There were just a lot of jokes about Sasha and Justin, and Fin and Shannon (who took the room with the attached bathroom that was fitted with disabled access for him) being the only ones who were going to get laid that weekend. Unless the couples got creative.

Cooper, one of the resident Aussies, cooked an epic barbecue for everyone the Aussie-way, which was mostly just chucking a whole pile of sausages onto the barbecue with onions and they were going to eat them with bread and ketchup. There was also some burgers and pieces of chicken, but predominantly they were Aussieing it up that night. Layla didn't hear again from Sasha and it was only after they were getting near the end of dinner that they pulled up in Sasha's car outside. Ultimately, Justin must have decided he was going to take a stab at it. Dory came running in first to greet everyone, but the way she skidded on the polished floors when she saw Will was pretty telling. She sneered a little at him and then moved on to the next person. Dory was probably going to be Will's biggest hurdle, it seemed.

It was an open-planned cabin, so the kitchen was connected to the sprawling living room area where most people were hanging out after dinner. They had brought a pile of board games to play that night, and even if there was TV, it was unlikely they would watch it. They never failed to keep each other entertained. Hand-in-hand, Justin and Sasha went straight to the kitchen where Cooper, Skylar, Cas and Merlin were chatting and still eating. Merlin wasn't eating anything. He was sitting on a can of Sprite because he hadn't been well through the week. Justin sat up on one of the countertops and Sasha stood between his legs, trying to coax him to have a sausage sandwich. He did soon relinquish and Sasha got him a sausage, diagonal on one piece of bread with onions and tomato ketchup. It was very Aussie, but then these days, so was Justin.

Sitting on the sofa, Layla watched as Justin and Sasha shared some kisses, softly smiling at each other as they did. She couldn't help but look over at Will to gauge his reaction. This was what he was going to have to get used. Justin and Sash were an affectionate couple, they didn't feel they had to hide anything. Which was exactly what their squad was all about, being a safe place for all of them to be comfortable being who they were. Will was watching too, but sensed Layla's gaze, which he met. He gave her a small smile and then looked to where Jett and Zeke were sorting through the board games so everyone could decide what to play first.

It wasn't too long before Justin and Sasha disappeared up the hall to the bedrooms, and a little while passed. "Okay, who had their money on J and Sash banging first? Time for you other bitches to cough up!" Skylar declared, smirking, dumping the Monopoly pieces on the board.

"Bet you're wishing you had x-ray vision, huh?" Layla joked, snatching up the dog piece for her and Maryanne because they were going to be playing in teams.

"Hell yeah. Have you seen their asses?" Sky threw back, ever the resident manwhore.

Who: Layla Morton and Will Jackson
What: LTNS
Where: Layla & Maryanne's Place
When: After this

Layla was in the midst of a pile of homework when the doorbell rang. Maryanne was busy rehearsing with the band, though at the moment, it was sans Justin’s help. Everyone knew he wanted to help, but he was trying to recover and recondition to return back to the stage after his hospital stay, and he was also busy supporting Sasha with a visit to Boston to see Andi’s parents. He had his hands full, and mostly at this point, his input was creative advice on what the band could run with while they got used to the exposure, rather than being directly involved. She had chatted with Sasha at school during the week, and he was definitely distracted.

Maryanne, on the other hand, wasn’t just loving every minute of working with the band, but she had taken a significant leap of courage and faith and auditioned for the role of Rusty in Footloose. Initially, she hadn’t thought she was good enough, didn’t think musical theatre was what she wanted, wasn’t sure she was cut out for acting. She definitely had the musical talent. It was quite possibly a knowing smirk Justin had giving her across the room at one of their hangout sessions that challenged Maryanne to giving it a shot. The subject of the auditions for Footloose had come up, but Justin was pretty tight-lipped about them. He had some swing when it came to who would be working with him, but it mostly seemed like he just didn’t want to discuss the technicalities of his job when he was off the clock. He had planted the original seed in Maryanne’s ear, though. It was a little while ago now, and he hadn’t directly told her she should do it. Mostly, he had just emphasised it was a role Caden was holding open auditions before, but it would be competitive as to talent, not experience in theatre performing. Caden never recruited on experience, it was always him looking for a special spark in a potential candidate and being able to see their potential. Just like he had with Justin all that time ago.

( Layla was the only one home, so she shoved her textbook aside and got up to go answer the door... )

LOG, COMPLETE

#winning #nycpride

What time are you guys leaving to drive to the beach house? I'm trying to line the girls' schedules up with the guys', but dudes couldn't arrange a fuck in a brothel let alone get yourselves organised.

Maryanne said you and Sash were thinking of camping for Spring Break, but do you think Presley's beach house might be an option for us all? Thinking if it has wheelchair access, Shannon could still come, even if he's recovering, and we could invite Merlin.

The perks of a private school: TWO snow days ;)

Who: Layla Morton and Justin Campbell
What: Last minute Christmas shopping
Where: New York City
When: Day before Christmas Eve

Ultimately, it was Layla who swooped in and offered to go Christmas shopping with Justin. She called him up and asked him if he was still in Boston or New York, and said he was back in New York, and Sasha and his parents would be coming the next day to have Christmas with the Campbell/Hart/O'Connor clan.

It was obvious Justin was on a Very Important Mission - to find Sasha a Christmas present. Layla thought it was sweet how determined he was. It wasn't like he had much of a chance prior, considering he and Sasha had only just begun dating. Justin still wanted to get his new boyfriend a present, though, because he knew right now, Sasha was falling through the cracks with everything going on with Andi. Everything he had been facing lately was about Andi, but that didn't take away the fact Sasha was still there with feelings. Justin wanted to acknowledge their first Christmas together. It was the season of giving. This was what it all meant.

Of course, New York through the days of last minute Christmas shopping was absolute NUTS. She had been trailing around with him holding his hand so he wasn't in the throngs of people alone. She knew Justin didn't do well with a lot of physical contact, unless he was aware it was going to happen. There was also always a risk he would get noticed, but he had on a hoodie, over a trendy bandanna tied around his head. Dude was hip, to say the least. It effectively covered his hair, and unless someone was specifically on the look-out for him, so far, he was blending in easily.

"Sure you don't want to sit on Santa's knee and tell him what you want for Christmas?" she joked. "What is it you're looking for? Maybe we can Google it and see where the best options to get it are?"

Christmas Concerting like a boss! DAS MY GIRL UP THERE \o/

I know you don't want to talk to me, or anyone. Whatever. Just so you know, right this minute, Justin is warming at his rehearsal singing I Will Always Love You. I can legit soundbite him right now. So you better get your shit together and not lose him out of your life completely, whether you date him or not. You shit on the people who love you, you're going to turn into a miserable dick for the rest of your life that no one wants to be around because you weren't there for them when it mattered. Grow some balls, deal with your shit, and get your crap together like everyone else has to do.

Can't even, lie, I am totally glad I wasn't one of those poor sods who got food poisoning.

Was supposed to be studying, instead ended up surrounded by boys all singing Do-Wah-Diddy. What is my life?

Fin, sweetie, where the hell are you?! We've been waiting for you at lunch.

Who: Layla Morton, Maryanne Spencer, Justin Campbell and Will Jackson
What: Important introductions
Where: Layla's home, NYC
When: Saturday morning

Layla couldn't deny she was worn out after last night. Both the shock and excitement of seeing Maryanne and learning she was here to stay, then what happened to Fin. It was followed by Layla and Maryanne being driven home by Annalise and Jared, and they all ended up sitting down and talking everything out. Layla's heart had been up in her throat the whole time. She didn't know why she was so scared. Maybe it was the fact so much stigma was still attached to being day rather than anything to do with fearing what her family thought. They were all so understanding, and happy to have Maryanne in New York. Though, they did want to talk to with Tara and Lachlan about ground rules. Understandable. Just because Layla was gay didn't mean she deserved special treatment of any kind. If she was dating a boy, there would still be ground rules.

But all things considered, and considering the twist of events with Fin, they were okay with Maryanne staying over for the weekend. They hadn't gotten to introducing Maryanne to anyone the night before when Fin got sick. Everyone was so worried and scattered after that, Layla actually forgot to do any formal introductions before Annalise was subtly but firmly suggesting they all call it a night. Which meant, she had to get Will to meet Maryanne ASAP. All she hoped was that everyone adored Maryanne. Isn't that what anyone wanted for the person they were in love with?

Layla's parents had a social arrangement somewhere just outside of the city that day, and they were gone before Layla and Maryanne even woke up. No matter how over-emotional the night had been for Layla, there was no ignoring the fact that reunion sex had to happen. They didn't get to sleep until late, they didn't wake up until late. Now they were both lying on the sofa together snuggling while they waited for the boys to arrive. Layla sent Fin a text to let him know she was thinking about him and put her phone aside. "I doubt he'll answer any time soon. I was doing some reading on the illness and it says he'll probably sleep a lot after this happens. I only just met him about a week ago, but it feels like I've known him for so long. I think it's because I get how it feels to be in a strange place where you don't know anyone."

Dumbest thing I've ever seen on the internet: "Lesbians are lucky because they don't have to worry about condoms."

Who: Layla Morton and Finlay Bennett et al
What: Out for the count
Where: The Bondi, NYC
When: Right after THIS

Layla had spent a little time out back in Luke's office catching up with Maryanne. She was excited about introducing her to her friends, but she needed her heart to catch up with her from all the shock that Maryanne was actually here, in New York, for a full year... possibly more if she got into college here. Once they talked for a little while, she was leading Maryanne back out so she could introduce her to Will and everyone else. They just never got that far.

When they were heading back out into the bar, it was just in time for Maryanne to see Fin stumbling off the edge of the dance floor. She was trying to run up to him so she could catch him and getting him at least sitting down, but she didn't reach him in time. He looked heavily drunk, but she knew better. Before she got to him, he toppled backwards, hitting his head on the edge of the wooden dancefloor. She could see before she even got to him that he had knocked himself out or maybe he passed out first, and that was why he fell. She didn't know enough about his condition to be sure. She had seen it in action, though. The night she stayed over at his place, in the middle of the movie, he got dizzy and said he needed to lie down. But it passed and that was when she decided to sleep over and keep him company after she tucked him into bed.

"Fin!" Layla cried, crouching down at his side when she got there. Maryanne was right behind her, asking her quickly if there was anything she could do. Layla said to find Fin's dad, telling her that he was a huge guy with loads of tattoos. He would be easy to spot.

( Layla was only with him a couple of moments before there were other people swooping in to help... )

NARRATIVE, COMPLETE

Who: Layla Morton and Maryanne Spencer
What: Surprise! See also, keeling over dead from shock
Where: The Bondi, NYC
When: Friday night

Layla wasn't in a good mood, and it took a lot for her to get down like this. But she was pretty sure she was experiencing a sort of homesickness for Australia, and she was missing Maryanne terribly. The only person she had talked to about it was Fin when she ended up having an impromptu sleepover at his place. They talked a lot, and a friendship between them was firmed up. She was pretty sure she just accidentally adopted her first lesbro in him. He was a sweetie, and he needed a friend right now. She was happy to be that.

That night was open mic night at Luke's bar, and Layla found herself dragged along. She hadn't felt like going when Will suggested she come for a few hours after Justin finished work. Some of the others were going to be there. She still turned the offer down. Then Fin had sent her a text and asked if she was going because Justin asked him along. With Fin new in town, she didn't want him to feel like he wasn't welcome in their fold when he very much was. That, and the fact Will had become the most epic pain in the ass texting her over and over telling her she HAD to go, because they were making up for lost time. They used to come to the open mic nights all the time, etc. etc. etc. Boys could be pains in the proverbial when they wanted to be.

So, that was where she was. Sitting in between Fin and Harry in one of the booths lining The Bondi with a Shirley Temple sitting in front of her. She was playing half-heartedly with the cherry, dangling it from the stalk between her fingers and looking at it glumly. This was why she wanted to stay at home in her PJs and watch girly movies, maybe stuff her face with ice cream while she was at it. Even her texts to Maryanne lamenting her situation had gone unanswered and the knowledge Valentine's Day was looming near bummed her out even more.

Talk about epic suck. Fin gave her a small nudge in the arm and asked her if she was okay. She shrugged, managing a half wry smile with an eventual shake of her head. He draped his arm companionably around her shoulder with a, 'I'm hearing you, girlfriend'. It was nice. He was sweet. She needed to try to matchmake him with a cute boy, because that was her job as a fag hag and she could use the distraction from her own now long-distance relationship.

If you guys haven't already seen THIS, go watch right now because it's AMAZING!

Who: Layla Morton and Finlay Bennett
What: Chillin'
Where: Fin's home
When: Saturday evening

Layla's parents were 100% okay with her striking up a friendship with Fin. In fact, they had encouraged her to make him feel welcome because he had to be feeling overwhelmed and homesick. He was. Layla had been able to deduce that much in the chats she had with him. He wasn't only feeling all that, but he was actually ill, which had to be scary too. He was an easygoing to talk to, and he wasn't closed off. But he had a lot he was dealing with, and Layla could feel that he was a little sad and bummed out when they chatted on Facebook.

So, here she was, holding up some bags of Doritos when he greeted her at the door. He was in the most adorable cow onesie and she first thing she did was give him a hug. Not too tight, because she knew he hadn't been feeling well, and she didn't know enough about the illness he had to know what parts weren't feeling good. "So, I don't know if you have any food allergies or anything, but I saw you eating Doritos at the party, so I figured they would be a safe option. I also brought some movies on a USB if you feel like watching something. Or we can just hang out and talk."

Got a hot chocolate date with Finlay Bennett this week ♥