Pink Pansies ✺ A Pedro Pascal A.U.

Chapter 14: Would You Like My Advice?

I expressed to Lane that while I was elated Pedro wanted to see me again, I still felt cautious and I wasn't sure why. Maybe because I thought I was falling for him? Or that I'd be tempted to act on my impulses once I was in his presence again? It felt too early for either possibility.

Lane had a curious look on her face as she finished her second drink. "Can I ask you something?"

"Yes, please." I replied a bit exasperated, "I've been so in my head about this. It would help to have an outside perspective."

"Do you think that being intimate and being taken seriously as a prospective partner can only exist separately?"

I paused, letting her words sink in. "Holy shit. Yeah, I think I do."

"Another question?" She asked before taking a sip of water.

"Please."

"Do you think that idea is rooted in the past or in the present?"

"That one's a bit harder," I laughed, "I might need a moment."

"Take your time." She sat back in the booth, "I can share my thoughts with you when you're ready."

"Go ahead, I'd love your perspective."

She leaned forward with her arms on the table, "Well, it sounds like this has potential, right? Whether it's a fling or something more, who knows. You never really know with someone. But I think that your past experiences with men have led you to believe that it's either all about sex or taking it seriously, and that this app in particular lends itself to the former. Even when you're in control, you're not taking them seriously and that's ok." She paused to gauge my reaction. I nodded for her to continue.

"This thing with Pedro though, it has you wanting both and that's confusing for you, right? It's new. He seems thoughtful and attentive, and yeah maybe a bit cheeky but that doesn't have to be a bad thing. We love a little flavor." She smiled, "I don't think this idea of them being separate comes from him. I think it's coming from you and your past experiences. How does that land?" 

"Honestly," I took a deep breath, "Incredibly accurate."

"I don't know much about heterosexual relationships but I like to think I know a thing or two about connection." She smiled, and leaned back again.

"You do." I laughed, feeling like a weight had been lifted off my shoulders. It was funny how I hadn't been able to see that before, but what would that mean moving forward? 

"Would you like my advice?" Lane asked, picking up on my internal reflection.

I nodded, eager to hear more.

"I think you should go for it. Explore this connection and be open to the different ways it manifests. Check in with yourself and communicate with him. If you want to fuck, then fuck. If you want to get out and share experiences, go to museums, restaurants, movies, whatever. Do it. Just be yourself and be present. I don't know about you, but relationships are a lot easier when I'm not in my head." She laughed and took another sip of water.

"I'm just worried that it's too early to have sex."

"What's so wrong with that?" Lane laughed, "I had sex with Stell pretty early on and we're coming up on four years together. Call me hedonistic, but I think it's better to pursue what's going to bring you pleasure than torturing yourself. Plus, you really need to get laid given how stressful work has been and, my god I can't believe I'm saying this, but from what you described that sounded almost as good as lesbian sex. And you guys didn't even have sex!" 

My cheeks turned bright right and we were both laughing, "Maybe you're right." I said through a laugh before calming down,"Hey, thank you for listening and giving me such great feedback."

"Of course, I'm happy to be here for you." Lane smiled, wiping a tear away from her eye. It wasn't that funny, but the alcohol helped.

"Have you ever thought about becoming a therapist?" I asked.

"Fuck no." She said loudly and we both resumed our fit of laughter. "now lets get some more drinks."

****

Emi: How about tonight? My place?

Pedro: Have you been drinking?

Emi: Just a few after work.

Pedro: I'm honored you think I'm booty call material but I'd rather drink with you than be an afterthought.

Emi: You're not an afterthought. I've missed you.

Emi: Can I Facetime you when I get home?

Pedro: You're not driving are you?

Emi: No, I took an uber.

Pedro: Ok. Yeah we can Facetime, just let me know when.

Lane and I had a few more drinks and they seemed to hit me all at once. I wasn't wasted but I definitely wasn't sober. We had spent several hours together, talking about relationships, art, plans we had for the future. She was great company but she could handle her liquor better than me. After I saw Pedro's text I put my phone in my tote bag and looked out the window. The ride was only twenty-five minutes long but it felt like forever. When I was finally dropped off, I thanked my driver before heading inside. I wanted to call Pedro immediately, but I stopped myself and changed into something comfortable first.

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Hiiii, kind of a filler chapter but also important! I thought it was time to introduce another character and give a little more insight into Emi's world outside of Pedro...but then I had to bring it back haha. Hope you guys like this one! I'm going to try to get at least one more chapter out this week so stay tuned!

You already know what I'm about to say lol, if you liked the chapter or if you have any feedback, or even want to share ideas about what's going to happen next please vote or comment! Votes help me know if you like the story and comments kind of guide the process for what works and what doesn't. <3 thanks for reading this far and I hope you enjoy!!!

Also ! This is what I imagine Lane to look like: