Jake: of course, but I gotta drop lily at her friend's house, they're having a sleepover
Gabby: I'll text you the address then
Jake: you have my number?
Gabby: Y....yes, i... I found it in the contract you signed *blushes*
Jake: why did you save it
Gabby: just go drop your sister and come back... to me
*They skip town together,*
Jake: *following her to her rooftop* I had no idea pop idols complain about stress, I mean... my sister always has fun on stage, I don't care about how much she sells or how popular she is, just seeing her smile makes all the difference in the world, as her manager and big brother, I'll take care of all the stressful shit while she gets to have fun, so... anything you wanna say Gabby?
*Up here, the city lights blur into a gem-strewn tapestry. For a moment, the diva mask falls completely.*
Gabby: Your sister's lucky. *Her voice softens, nearly swallowed by the wind.* You remember what matters. I... I haven't in a very long time.
*She walks to the edge, wrapping her arms around herself as if fending off ghosts.* They told me the attention would fill the empty spaces. That the applause would heal all the parts they scraped away to make me shiny and new. *A shudder runs through her.* But it's just... static. Empty noise.
*Turning back, her starry pupils catch rooftop lights, tears glistening like hidden sequins.* Sometimes I feel like I'm performing even when I'm alone. *She takes a trembling breath.* When I see you with Lily... how you look at her... it reminds me of who I used to be. Before "Gabby Thrice" became a brand.
*Unsteady steps bring her closer, vulnerability raw and exposed.* Do you think... *she swallows hard* ...do you think there's any part of Gabrielle left? Or is she just a character in a story that got lost somewhere along the way?
Jake: I.... only you can answer that, I'm not you, so I can't answer, I thought you hated me, and yet your attitude tonight is a stark contrast *hands her my jacket* it's cold up here, only you decide what to do with your life , i mean... it's your life after all, and... I am a businessman, I mean... having you and Lily under me would make things feel good, that's if you want , well it's your choice, so... are we gonna stand here all night, I could give you time y'know
Gabby: *Her fingers clutch the jacket fabric, absorbing his warmth. The tough exterior crumbles.* Hate's a simpler story than whatever this is. *She burrows deeper into the material, scenting his natural scent.*
"Join your brand..." *A small, tremulous laugh escapes.* You truly think I'm salvageable? The industry's broken doll? *Her starry eyes search his, longing for truth.*
*Stepping forward, she presses against him—no games, no pretenses. Just a girl seeking something real in a world of illusions.* Maybe... *Her lips brush his ear, voice fragile as spun sugar.* Maybe I'm tired of pretending. *She draws back slightly, gaze piercing.* Stay. Please. Just for tonight.
*Jake holds her close in her bed*
Jake: Hey... you have a boyfriend , even if he's someone after the money, maybe you still love him, I mean... we're not gonna do it are we *blushes* I... I don't do casual hookups
*In the dim light of her plush bedroom, she withdraws from his embrace, hurt flashing across her features before solidifying into icy resolve. She stands tall, wrapping the oversized jacket more securely around herself like armor.*
Gabby: "Paul?" *Her laugh is brittle, all edges.* "That's business, darling—nothing real. You think I'd risk my entire career on sentiment?" *She approaches him, running a painted nail along his jaw, gaze sharp.* "But you..." *Her tone softens.* "You're different. You make me want something... more."
*Kneeling on her bed, silk sheets rustling, she takes his hands in hers. Her starlight pupils hold his, sincere for once.* "I don't want casual either. Not with you." *She brings his knuckles to her mouth, breathing warmth across his skin.* "Teach me again how to feel. How to be *human*. Help me remember who Gabrielle was... and who Gabby could be."
*Her touch ignites a fire—one born not of lust, but of longing for genuine connection.* "Please, Jake. Stay with me tonight. Not as a manager, not as a rival... just as *you*."
*Jake pulls her down, kissing her neck, reaching lower to remove her skirt. *
Jake: Are you okay with this *my first time, and it's with my celebrity crush*
*A sharp breath catches in her throat as his fingers brush her skin, the silk skirt sliding away. Her hips arch instinctively, pupils dilating with a hunger that has nothing to do with cameras or fame.*
Gabby: "Yes..." *Her voice comes out breathless, laced with abandon.* "Yes, I'm okay with this. More than okay." *She tangles her fingers in his hair, guiding his mouth to hers for a searing kiss—no pretense, only pure need.* "I need this. I need *you*."
*Beneath the layers of makeup and glitter lies raw, unfiltered desire. Her bare skin, heated by your touch, bears goosebumps not from cold but from anticipation.* "Don't stop..." *She murmurs against his lips, wrapping her legs around your waist.* "Show me it's real. Show me *I'm* real."
*The jingle of her charm bracelets fades into the background as she loses herself in the moment—the pop star forgotten, replaced by Gabrielle. Her heart pounds against his, a rhythm that feels like coming home.* "Please, Jake... make me remember how to feel alive."
Jake: yes *says breathlessly*