cheerfire | girls don't like boys

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the bodyguard timeline

girls don't like boys

[ Eddie had never been able to figure out what he'd do once he actually graduated. But then one day he had found himself with a piece of paper clasped in his hands and completely directionless. Part of him had wanted his band to take off, to be famous in his own right. They had made a go of it, had built their own little fanbase, but ultimately, Corroded Coffin had never quite gotten off the ground. Just hoping to be famous wasn't enough, and Eddie had to face reality and find a different direction for his life.

Gareth is the one that had offered him a job a the private security company he worked for, and Eddie was surprised at how much he enjoyed the gig. Most of the guys were physically imposing, tough looking, even if on their off time they were sweethearts. It didn't take him long to realize that half the job was just about image. Eddie himself wasn't the sort of buff, muscled protector, but he quickly found he didn't need to be. Being tatted and tall took care of a lot.

He can hardly believe when he's handed his next assignment, working security for pop princess Chrissy Cunningham. He knows that name, he's sure of it, and an ancient memory rings through him. Middle school, he thinks, cheer routines and a school talent show. Eddie keeps all of that to himself, folds the paper with the details of his job and tucks it away the same as he does the memory.

All things considered, it's a good gig. She's got plenty of security, and at first Eddie barely needs to do anything. He just exists among a squad of men that are designated to hold back screaming fangirls. It's several days onto her tours before Eddie finds himself assigned as one of her personal body guards. She's just finished up a show, and Eddie is the one that shepherds her from stage to dressing room. He can still hear the screams of delight as he finally closes the door behind them.

Her dressing room is bright and airy, filled with floral arrangements and cards proclaiming love and well wishes. Eddie positions himself in front of the door, watching Chrissy as she begins her routine in unwinding after a show. ]

Let me know if you need anything, okay?

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[ Eddie chooses to ignore that comment, partially because it sends a furious heat rising into his cheeks. He's more thankful than ever for the extra time spent in the bathroom, because that might have been enough to tip him over the edge. As it is, it only serves to make him focus on his breakfast as though his life depends on it. ]

Can't say I have. [ Sailing has always struck him as a hobby reserved for the rich and famous. He definitely likes the idea, though. Both for the mere idea of it, and for the privacy it would offer. ] That what you wanna do?

Well, no one could follow us and take pictures of us.

[It feels ridiculous to have to be grateful for something like that, but she thinks he understands the reality of what it's like to be around her. She has to be careful being seen, and has to go out of her way to find methods to avoid cameras and prying eyes.]

Because that's what happens when you're around me. There's lots of pictures. And people will start talking.

[She's picking at what's left of her burger as she glances back over his way.]

Are you sure you're ready for that?

Ah... yeah. That makes sense.

[ He isn't sure how he feels about that, to be honest. In his line of work, he's often been a background character in paparazzi photos, but never the main attraction. It shouldn't bother him, or at least, he doesn't want it to bother him. But despite how he thinks he feels about Chrissy, well-- they barely know each other. ]

I think sailing is a good idea for tonight. I'd rather keep all my attention on you anyway.

[It's hard to tell if he's disappointed or just merely reserved about the way she's laid out the blunt reality of trying to date her. He's a bodyguard, he's protected other famous people before. But dating one is a completely different story. All Chrissy can do is hope that the attention doesn't scare him away.]

Really?

[Her smile becomes wide at his admission, cheeks flushing as she realizes the thought of all his attention on her is so genuinely sweet that she has no idea what to do with it. He could've taken advantage of her last night. Any other guy would've. But he didn't. And he's refused all of her advances so far.

For all she knows, he's a perfect gentleman. And she's lucked into having him be interested in her for more than just sex and status. As she blushes, her hands rest in her lap, and she ducks her head to shyly look downward. She typically isn't reduced to quiet stillness like this, but it's a special occasion.]

I'll make sure everything is set up so it can just be us tonight. No distractions or interruptions.

That sounds great.

[ A smile tugs on his face as he swallows down the last of his breakfast. Despite how much time he's spent around celebrities, it still shocks him the way they can make almost anything come together so easily. Eddie has had his fair share of first dates, but they've all been the standard fare: dinner, movies, dancing. He doesn't even know what you're supposed to wear for sailing. ]

I'll need to uh, get back to my hotel so I can get some clothes. They've got most of the staff in a cheaper place a few blocks over.

[Hearing that makes Chrissy frown. She had always assumed that her manager put staff in the same hotel as her. But she guesses that's not the case. Still, she puts a smile on her face and nods in understanding.]

Yeah, of course. I'm not holding you hostage here, Eddie.

[And then, just to make him laugh, she arches both eyebrows and leans in with the most menacing look she can manage.]

That's happening after I get you alone on a boat.

Come on, I didn't mean it like that.

[ The laugh that bubbles out of him is light and clear, unaffected by anything else that might be going on. In the moment, he feels bold enough to dip his head and press a kiss to her jawline, lingers just a moment too long against the soft skin there. ]

I just don't want to show up to a first date with Chrissy fucking Cunningham in my rumpled work uniform.

[ The laughter continues, free and easy, though dies off when she makes her faux menacing stare. He wants nothing more to be alone with her-- despite the fact that they currently are alone. ]

You-- I just-- [ Suddenly coherent sentences seem outside of his grasp. ] I'm really looking forward to it, Chrissy.

[It's tempting to lure him into staying focused on kissing her, lips parting with a soft sigh as her hand brushes against his hair. Her fingers tangle into the damp curls, and she almost pulls him back in to kiss at her jawline a little more.]

You should wear something that's easy to take off.

[She laughs then, her fingertips pressing against his scalp.]

And not for the reason that you think.

[She leans back, lips pursed together. And right before she leans back in to press a chaste kiss to his lips, she lets out a laugh. This is the most surreal situation to her. He's so into her and wants to treat her right.]

[ Eddie's eyebrows shoot up when she says that, though by this point this sort of thing shouldn't surprise him. She's already shown that she has no problem blatantly flirting with him, but it still makes his heart race. ]

Right, guess I'll leave the overalls at home then.

[ He laughs before she leans into kiss him again, and the innocence of it sets loose a flock of birds in his stomach. None of this feels real, it's like he's won some sort of cosmic lottery. ]

Anything else I should know?

[She makes a show out of thinking it over, like there's actually some kind of instruction manual to dating her that he should be made aware of. There isn't, of course. At the end of the day, she's just a small town girl who managed to make it big because she's lucky.]

Wear shoes that you won't slip in.

[Which is more a safety feature than anything, but she won't elaborate until she has him on the sailboat performing manual labor alongside her.]

Do you have any idea what your favorite food is? Or are you one of those guys who can eat anything and be happy?

Got it.

[ Not like he really has anything that feels appropriate for sailing, but he's sure he can pull something together by tonight. He has a feeling that no matter what he shows up in, Chrissy will be happy to see him. That doesn't stop him from wanting to find a way to impress her-- though that seems difficult to do when she's arranging what will presumably be a private sail boat. ]

I'll eat just about anything. [ As though to prove his point, Eddie scrapes his fork across the now empty plate. Part of him is tempted to answer 'pizza', but something about that feels silly. ] As long as you don't make me eat snails.

[ He gives her a wink as he says it, leans back on his hands to look around the room. The temptation to spend the day with her runs hot through him, but it seems like far too much of a temptation. It was tough enough to resist in the shower, god knows he'll struggle if they're alone here in nothing but robes. ]

I guess I should get back to my room and get myself cleaned up. [ Eddie stands, finds his suit jacket and shirt and begins shuffling in the direction of the bathroom to retrieve the rest of his clothing. ] I... should I meet you tonight then?

Yeah. I'll come pick you up at six. We'll need a little daylight left to get started.

[She smiles, standing so she can walk him over to the door to her room. He gets a sweet kiss before he goes, and Chrissy goes over to fall back into bed with a sigh and a smile on her face.

Essentially useless with how excited she is, she spends the rest of the day relaxing and pampering herself in her hotel room. Of course, she calls and makes the necessary arrangements for their date. And takes entirely too long getting ready, trying on at least five different outfits before setting on something that she can actually manage to move around on a sailboat in. She has a little dinner set up for them right outside a port elsewhere, and makes arrangements to check in for dinner by eight.

She's in a car and waiting outside his hotel exactly at six, and once he's inside the back seat with her she's quick to offer him a grin and lean in to properly kiss him. This is officially a date now, she can do that. If her driver of the night thinks anything about this, he doesn't say anything.]

Don't worry. It's not my usual driver. No one knows I'm taking you out.

[He was worried about being fired, and she doesn't want to let that happen to him.]

Six it is.

[ Eddie gets dressed quickly, doesn't worry too much at the quasi walk of shame that takes him back to his own hotel. All things considered, he doesn't look that bad off. Even if he did, Eddie doesn't think he would care all that much.

The first thing he does upon returning to his hotel room is take a nap. He flops onto the small bed in the small room, curls beneath the covers and thinks about Chrissy. None of this feels real, even now. Eddie pulls the duvet around him and drifts off to the thought of her sweet laugh.

Once he's awake, Eddie sets about getting ready for their evening. He's got a relatively simple black button up that he pairs with dark washed jeans, pairing them with grey sneakers that he hopes are close enough to slip proof. Once he's dressed, Eddie hits the streets, finds what he's looking for only a few blocks over. They're convenience store flowers, a dozen roses twined together with baby's breath, but they look nice enough. ]

I got you these.

[ Eddie grins into the kiss as he slides the cellophane wrapped flowers into her lap. ]

I know you've got nicer stuff back in your room but I-- I wanted to get you something.

[She's not expecting him to bring her anything. Especially not flowers. The fact that he's brought her something so sweet and traditional puts a smile on her face though, and she takes a few seconds to sniff them and look them over.]

They're beautiful. [It doesn't matter to her what kind of stuff she has laying around her hotel room. What she appreciates is the gesture he's just made. It makes her feel special, and further proves to her that he's not just interested in her because she's a celebrity.]

I've never had a guy bring me flowers before. [Laughing as she says it, she knows he'll hardly care. The flowers are shifted down enough that she can lean over and press a kiss to his cheek.]

We have about a half hour drive until we get to the marina. Do you want a drink or anything?

Come on, that can't be true.

[ Eddie chuckles quietly, leans into the kiss she presses to his cheek. It's impossible to imagine someone like Chrissy never being given flowers by someone she's dated. He knows she doesn't mean the elaborate arrangements sent by fans and corporations, and it makes something gentle flutter in his stomach that his shabby convenience store bouquet really means something to her. ]

I'm glad you like them.

[ He reaches tentatively towards her, tucks a strand of loose hair behind her ear. Today she doesn't look like international pop sensation Chrissy Cunningham, she's just... Chrissy. A woman he is already hopelessly head over heals for. Only fools rush in and what not. ]

Yeah, um, I guess we could. [ He's never one to turn down a drink but-- ] You're not worried about attracting attention?

Oh, don't worry. I came prepared.

[She laughs, leaning down to grab a little cooler that's at her feet. It's placed on the seat between them, and she nods so he'll open the lid. Inside are a couple cans of beer, a bottle of red wine, and a small bottle of Jack Daniels.]

I wasn't sure what you liked, so I just had my assistant grab a few things. I think she forgot glasses though.

[Which makes her laugh. Chrissy and her assistant have a good relationship. She's not the type to be demanding, and certainly isn't upset with her for forgetting glasses to drink out of. If anything, it just makes the moment more special somehow.]

We don't have to drink anything, though! I just thought maybe you'd be...I don't know. As nervous as I am?

Oh.

[ Eddie feels almost silly for thinking she meant finding a bar somewhere, watching as she places the cooler between them. He's a little out of his depth here, and tries to just roll with things. Not like he's ever going to feel put out by a cooler full of drinks being presented to him. ]

Guess we don't need never have I ever this time.

[ A grin tugs at his face as he reaches for a beer, cracks it open with a satisfying hiss of carbonation. Eddie takes a small sip, not wanting to show that he is nervous. But then Chrissy seems to read his mind and it has him nearly sputtering at the surprise of it. ]

I-- I guess I am nervous. I mean, you're Chrissy Cunningham. [ He says her name like it's something out of the dictionary, a subject of every day conversation. And that's nearly correct. ] And I'm just-- me.

You're just what?

[Chrissy's brows furrow as she looks up at him in confusion. She doesn't drink anything herself, at least not yet. She wants him to hear this before she indulges in anything that might make her tipsy. There doesn't need to be a repeat of the night before, especially with her leading them on a sailboat soon.]

You're the nicest guy that I've ever been around. You seem like you want to be around me because of who I am, not what I can do for you. And you know what else?

[She leans in, lips pursing together as she tries not to outright grin.]

You're the most attractive guy that's ever refused to sleep with me. The only guy that's ever refused to sleep with me, actually.

Average, I guess. Just some guy.

[ Eddie hadn't expected for her to fire a question back at him. It doesn't make him uncomfortable, not exactly. It's just strange, everything about this is strange, really. Eddie has no business being here right now. She should be enjoying a day off, and he should be getting ready to do his job for the next evening. But instead they're here in the back of a town car, together in a way he wants to make last forever. ]

I guess I... [ It's tough to form full sentences when she's leaning towards him, especially when she's saying things like that. Eddie has to lean away, not because he doesn't want to be near her, but because he thinks he might not to be able to form a coherent sentence otherwise. ] Yeah, well. Think I just wanted to be sure if we slept together it was because you really wanted to, not just because you were drunk and in shock.

Edited 2022-09-28 05:24 (UTC)

[She turns bright red after he says that, and turns her head so she can look out the window instead of having to look at him. He's being a gentleman, and she's probably making him uncomfortable. Thankfully, she recovers from her shame quickly and glances back over toward him.]

Trust me, I really want to.

[The words are whispered so only he can hear them. It's a private moment their driver doesn't need to hear.]

So when it happens, you'll know it's because I'm attracted to you and want you.

Oh--

[ That's a lot to process, even when he already had an inkling that it might be true. She's rich, famous, could probably have anyone in the world she wanted. But apparently she wants him, and that's tough to wrap his head around. Even when she suddenly seems embarrassed, it doesn't do quite enough to ease his own impossibly awkward feeling. ]

Yeah, okay. That's-- yeah, that works for me.

[ Because God, she's the most beautiful woman he's ever seen, and it takes every ounce of restraint to keep his hands to himself. Instead, Eddie settles for taking a long pull from the beer he has in hands. ]

[The rest of the drive isn't as awkward as it could be. They make small talk, and Chrissy lets Eddie drink as much as he needs to relax. She doesn't indulge in anything herself, choosing to keep conversation going and focused on him. It feels like he knows a lot about her, or at least her stage persona. She wants to learn more about him.

By the time they reach the marina, they both seem a little more relaxed. Chrissy waits for the driver to come open her door before they both slip out, and she's quick to take hold of Eddie's hand like he might try making a run for it or something.]

This isn't even actually my boat. It's one my manager rents for me whenever I want to go out.

[She could buy a boat if she really wanted to, but it feels so wasteful.]

He wanted to come along, but when I told him I was bringing my favorite bodyguard, he seemed relieved.

[It's not a total lie. Eddie is still her bodyguard. And he is her favorite. But this is entirely a date, not at all him on the job. But she's still wearing a sly grin on her face as she leads him through the decking on the marina toward a sailboat that's a lot larger than she thinks he may have been expecting.]

[ While Eddie is undeniably nervous, he's careful about how much he drinks. He can see that she's only nursing a single drink, and doesn't want to end up drunk and embarrassing before the date has even really begun. Still, he feels like he needs a beer or two just to get over the fact that he's on a date with pop sensation Chrissy Cunningham. Not in his wildest dreams could he have ever imagined something like this being his reality. ]

Oh, yeah, that makes sense.

[ Which is sort of true, but is mostly his own posturing. Renting things like sailboats is not in his own day to day experience, but he's worked around enough celebrities to be able to see it as not entirely unusual. Besides, she's rented it for the two of them, and that should be enough to silence any follow up questions.

Eddie goes wide eyed as she leads him down the marina, because it to him it seems more like a luxury cruiser than a simple sailboat. He hopes either there's some staff hiding below deck that he doesn't know about to navigate this thing, or that Chrissy is secretly an expert sailor, because he feels so utterly out of his depth. ]

Wow. [ Eddie says with a low whistle as he steps onto the boat, turning around quickly to help her over the gap. ] This thing is insane.

Yeah. [Chrissy breathes out the single word, staring at the boat with a lot of uncertainty. When she had this idea and her people said they'd take care of everything, it feels like they took care of things a little too well. There's not a chance that she knows how to sail this thing, at least not safely.]

It really is.

[She's incredibly grateful when two men come out from below deck and welcome them onto the Stardust. They reassure chrissy that they'll be taking charge of everything, so all she has to do is enjoy herself.

They head back down below deck after that, leaving Chrissy and Eddie to look around. She leads him around, her hand in his. In a matter of minutes, they're heading away from the dock and out into the harbor.]

Is this a good time to admit I don't really know what I'm doing?

[ Eddie lets out a bit of a sigh of relief when the ship's crew reveal themselves. It's not like he really thought Chrissy expected the two of them to do the navigating, but it's nice to have that off his shoulders. Now he can just focus on enjoying this, on enjoying their date, and leave the hard stuff to the experts. ]

You mean, with the boat?

[ He's still a little nervous, about the whole thing. But it's nice being hand in hand with her, checking out the boat and watching the city slowly diminish behind them. ]

Or like, this?

[ Eddie holds up their interlocked hands, smiling sheepishly. ]

girls don't like boys

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