"No, Alex stop, I'm serious," I tried to scold him between laughing, "I don't have any makeup on, I'm naked!" Alex snorted but didn't let down from attempting to shove his phone in my face to videotape me.
"You look beautiful, Sarah. Come on," he groaned, reaching for my hands to hold them down.
"No way," I shook my head stubbornly, still covering my face. "Shoo, don't do this to me." I turned away from him, pretending to sniffle. He stopped for a moment with a frustrated huff, and a smile grew on my lips in victory. Suddenly, I felt his warm hands grip my hips and effortlessly lift me onto his lap sideways. I laid my legs out along the couch and turned my head to the side to look at him.
He hummed in satisfaction, wrapping his arms around me tightly to make sure I didn't fall off of him. He then nuzzled his nose into my shoulder and chuckled, "Are you done crying?"
"No, because you can't just lift me up so easily and not expect me to be more upset," I complained, crossing my arms. His chest vibrated against my side as he laughed. He reached beside me for my farthest shoulder and pushed it closer so I laid more against him. He softly sighed and planted a kiss on the side of my head. I frowned at the lack of a snarky remark back. "What's wrong?" I furrowed my brows at him.
"Nothing, I'm just very happy," he shrugged. A smile crept on my face, and fortunately, he couldn't see it. "Don't think I can't see that smile, shortcake. I can basically feel it." I slapped his thigh, making him laugh and squeeze me tighter.
"You're annoying," I grumbled, pushing my hair behind my ear. I leaned off of him slightly to be able to look down at him. "I don't like how you know me so well, I think I want to call this relationship off."
His brows raised amusingly before dropping to a hurtful expression. "Sarah, don't say that. You're going to break your boyfriend's heart," he moaned, resting his hand on his chest. Chills suddenly shot across my body as 'boyfriend' lingered in my mind. It was a sweet sound coming from him and knowing that it was true brought weightless joy.
"I'm sorry, Brighty Boy." I adjusted myself to throw a leg over his lap so I could face him properly. Our chests almost touched from the short distance between us. He stared up at me longly with a smile before puckering his lips. I laughed and continued to look at him innocently.
When he realized he didn't receive his kiss, he fell back against the couch and groaned like he was shot. I covered my mouth with the back of my hand to contain my giggles. "Again, shortcake, you're just really hurting my heart right now," he whined, but still had the corners of his lips turned upwards. "You're so shy." He leaned up to lay a kiss on my cheek.
"I am not," I countered, poking his nose. "I'll have you know, Mr. Brightman, Sarah Holland is the most amazing outgoing sociable extrovert you'll ever—"
"I'm gonna stop you right there, Ms. Holland," He interrupted me with a smirk. My eyes widened as I reached to squish his face by squeezing his cheeks with my fingers. His brows raised at the sudden move.
"Don't you dare say I'm not. Agree with me right now, Brightman," I demanded. He glared at me silently but rubbed his hand along my thigh. "I'm waiting." Alex hesitated, before nodding slowly. I released his cheeks and watched as he shifted his mouth around to soothe his jaw.
"You have a strong grip there."
"Thank you," I exclaimed, kissing his lips before he could register it and return the gesture. He whined at me and squeezed my body closer for a hug. "Do you think Kevin is still asleep?" I asked, glancing in the direction of the hallway leading to Alex's bedroom.
His eyes followed mine before squinting in thought. "Probably. If he knew you were here, he'd be out by now. But he was even asleep when I left for work, this morning."
"Now—" I snorted, "what could he have been doing that made him this tired?" Alex chuckled with a shrug. "Did you guys have a party last night or something?"
"Of course we did," Alex furrowed his brows like he answered an obvious question. "That's what we do every night." My head threw back to laugh.
"Wow... what did you guys do?"
Alex released his hands from my hips to count with his fingers. He named numerous activities that I definitely knew didn't happen. I gave him a bored expression as he continued to describe the so-called 'party' he had with Kevin.
"—then we played some beer pong and Kevin somehow won, but I think he cheated. He got four cups in a row, can you believe that?" Alex scoffed. I rolled my lips inwards to hide a forming smile. "So after we fought about that, I suggested we make statues out of chocolate then eat them."
"Dogs can't eat chocolate," I pointed out.
"I know that, Sarah."
"Okay, so, why did you suggest it?"
"Because I wanted to get a rise out of him for cheating. But he turned on me and bit the hell out of my leg!" I couldn't help but snort at that. He was instantly offended by my reaction, so he swiftly pinched my thigh.
"Hey! That hurt."
"So does getting bit in the leg."
"But you deserved it," I poked his nose, "and I am definitely on Kevin's side."
Alex gasped, reaching for my hips as he stood up with me in his arms. I squealed and grabbed onto his shoulders for balance.
"Now you're in air jail, just like Kevin was," Alex said, holding me high enough for even my pointed feet to linger above the ground. I groaned, falling forward on his left shoulder and letting my hands swing weightlessly. "I'll wait for an apology and an agreement to side with me instead."
"This is peer pressure," I shot back. Alex began to walk around his living room, unfazed with holding me for the time being. One of his arms held the back of my knees with security while his other hand rubbed the side of my thigh. "You could be arrested for this."
"I'd like to see you get your phone to make that call," he teased, squeezing my legs tighter to showcase the strength he held me with. I groaned loudly, leaning up slightly to tug on his ear. He flinched at the initial tug but then relaxed after I continued to do it.
"You'll get tired eventually and then I'll execute my master plan," I maniacally seethed, but that only earned an amused laugh. "Are you really going to hold me hostage like this? I can feel the blood rushing to my head. I'll die!" I fell forward for my head to swing upside down.
"I told you what you have to do to get out of this. Just a few simple words," he shrugged as he made it to his pantry and opened the door. "Want chips or anything?"
I rolled my eyes and huffed dramatically. "No, I want freedom, kidnapper."
"It's not kidnapping if you side with the kidnapper's dog instead of themself," he explained, reaching for a snack and walking back to the living room.
"Fine," I dragged out, "I'm sorry, Alexander. Now, let me go."
"What else?" He asked, stubbornly.
"And I take your side, not Kevin."
"I need you to say it like you mean it," he protested. I hit his back frustratingly multiple times before giving in. "I'm waiting..."
I rolled my eyes, before repeating my apology with a higher pitch in my voice. I raised my body to plant my hands on his shoulders to look down at him. He had a smug smirk on his lips as he slid his arm up to the curve of my ass so I was closer to the ground.
"Happy?" My brows lifted.
"Yes, thanks," he chuckled, before helping me back on my feet properly. "We make a good team."
"I don't know, Kevin and I are inevitably a great duo," I shrugged, walking to the couch. Alex plopped down next to me and wrapped his arm around my shoulder.
Either from our argument or the multiple times his name was said, Kevin suddenly appeared at the hallway entrance, whipping his head in our direction.
I gasped loudly, slapping my hands on my thighs to get his attention.
"Look who finally decided to show up," Alex muttered, throwing his free hand in the air.
Kevin trotted to us and leaped on the couch before settling on my lap. He leaned his nose up to sniff my jaw and then eventually attempted to lick me.
"Why hello, my handsome boy." I cooed, brushing Kevin's head. "I've missed you so much," I mumbled while kissing his wet snout.
Alex reached for his phone and leaned away from us to point the camera at us. He snapped a few pictures of Kevin and I before switching to selfie mode and including himself in the frame. He said something about posting them on his Twitter because Kevin was the content his followers lived for.
After the interview with Broadway.com and many known Broadway actors speaking out about their excitement for our show, a lot of people started to follow both of us. Most fans already knew Alex from School of Rock, but Beetlejuice was the talk of the town, so he gained a big amount of followers just from that. It was crazy to see how the show was already impacting us before opening night had even arrived.
"I see Kevin has taken all of your attention now," Alex pointed out, leaning his shoulder against mine. I ripped my cooing eyes from Kevin and glanced over at Alex.
"No, he hasn't," I scrunched my nose at him and smiled, "You have my attention whenever you want it, Brighty Boy." I freed one of my hands from Kevin to reach for the back of Alex's head and brought him close enough to connect our lips in a soft innocent kiss. He hummed within the kiss as I twirled my fingers around the curls on the nape of his neck.
He was first to release our lips and sighed happily, "Thank you, shortcake." He smiled widely at me and laid another quick kiss on my lips. "So, whatcha wanna do? I mean, besides snuggle with Kevin all night." I laughed and set Kevin onto the cushion next to me before swiftly climbing back onto Alex's lap and wrapping my arms tightly around his neck.
I pushed my lips to the side in thought. Alex's hands wandered up and down the length of my body as he awaited a response. "How about you and I snuggle together instead and watch a movie? Sound good?" I asked.
"You come up with the best ideas," He nodded, kissing my nose before patting my thighs to signal for me to get up. I rolled off of him and tried to avoid Kevin in the process.
Alex got up and headed to the linen closet to grab extra blankets. He said he had popcorn in his pantry, so I volunteered to go into the kitchen to make some.
As I waited next to the microwave, my phone dinged on the counter. I walked over and tilted my head to find a text from Katie. I immediately thought to ignore it and go back to the popcorn, but something told me to just check it instead.
Roommate
Roommate: Hey Sarah,
what time do you think
you'll be home by?
I furrowed my brows at her text because I knew it didn't matter what time I went home. It wasn't like we hung out when I was there anyways. As I texted my answer, I heard Alex talking to Kevin in the living room and I giggled silently.
Sarah: idk, why?
Roommate: Just wondering...
I knew rehearsals ended awhile
ago and you aren't home, so...
Sarah: I'm hanging out with a friend
tonight and we're watching a
movie, so maybe late
Roommate: oh ok, that's cool
Sarah: Yup
Roommate: Just curious,
but is it Alex?
Sarah: Yeah
Roommate: Really? You guys
are cool now and everything?
Sarah: Yeah, we're all good
Roommate: oh
Sarah: Is there a problem?
Roommate: No No!
Not at all. Have fun
I let out a suspicious hum as I read her message again. I wasn't convinced at all that she was genuine about us hanging out. Not that it mattered to me what she thought.
Sarah: Okay... thanks
I threw my phone on the counter and looked back at the microwave that had only a few minutes left.
"Sarah?" I heard Alex call for me, even though he knew where I was because his apartment was but so big.
"In here," I responded. Just then, Alex appeared in the kitchen with a smile on his face. "What?" I asked, cautiously. He shook his head and walked toward me.
"You're so pretty," he whispered, eyeing me casually. He placed his hands on my hips and pulled me close to his chest. We met with a quick kiss and I couldn't help but blush immediately. "And cute."
"So are you," I poked his nose and laughed at his frown.
"No, I'm not."
"Yes, you are. You're the cutest guy in town," I sang, grabbing his arm as he tried to release himself from me. He shot me a dark look, but the corners of his lips hinted at an incoming smile.
"No, I'm not, I'm handsome," He argued. I shook my head, which made him frown deeper. He tugged his hands away and turned his back to me so I couldn't grab him.
He started to stomp out of the kitchen, but I whined a protest. "Don't leave me," I cried, wrapping my arms around his waist and planting my feet to the ground, but he was obviously stronger and dragged me with him. Because of my socks, I easily slid across the hardwood floor. "You can't get rid of me, Brightman. I'm glued to you permanently now," I manically laughed as I squeezed his waist.
Alex suddenly paused in his steps and rested his hands over mine that circled him. He glanced over his shoulder with the smuggest smirk and dipped his brows. "Oh really?" He slurred, tapping my hands. I gulped nervously, interlocking my hands together.
"Yeah," I replied, cautiously. He stared at me, intensely and it took all of my inner willpower not to look away first. "Stop staring at me like that, weirdo."
"Uh-huh," He chuckled. Before I could snarl a remark, both of his hands reached behind him and shot to my sides, attacking them by tickling me with his fingertips. I instantly let go of him and fell to the ground. He quickly whipped around and followed me down, continuing his evil work.
I desperately reached for his wrist in an attempt to stop him. "Alex, wait, please!" I begged in mid-laughter.
"What? I couldn't understand you, shortcake," He leaned his ear down while grabbing my hands with one of his own and moved to tickle my stomach with the other. I tried to plant my feet so I had some balance to move, but he noticed my tactics first and set his knee between my legs to block me.
"Alex!" I yelled, trying to wiggle my wrist out of his strong grasp. "Okay, I get it! Please, it hurts."
"You have a beautiful laugh, Sarah. Have I ever told you that?" He asked with a hum. I wanted to scold him, but my sensitive nerves were all I could think about. I never realized how strong he was until then.
I mustered up another plea. "Stop, okay, I'm sorry."
"You're what?" He closed his eyes to hear me.
"I'm sorry," I groaned, looking up at him with whimpering eyes.
"I still can't hear you, shortcake. I'm gonna need you to say it louder," he shook his head, leaving my stomach alone but moving down to my hip. The soft graze of his tickling fingers were sending shocks all through my body.
I growled loudly, giving him a hard glare. "I'm gonna kill you," I whispered more to myself.
"Go, on shortcake. Scream it." I hesitated to do so, not wanting to give into his satisfaction, but after his fingers went back to my stomach, I couldn't take it anymore.
"I'm sorry!" I yelled with my chest. With a snort, Alex finally released my wrist and stood up from hovering over my body. I whined and bundled into a ball, holding my stomach.
He crossed his arms as he watched me. "That wasn't so hard, beautiful. You did great," He chuckled.
"Leave me alone," I whined, turning my head so my forehead rested on the floor. I felt him bend down and place his hand on my shoulder. "No."
"I had to teach you a lesson, shortcake. It had to be done," He sighed, his hand going to my hair. I wanted to shoo him away, but I didn't want to let go of my stomach. He brushed his fingers through the strands of my hair softly and I tried not to hum to admit that it felt good.
"My stomach hurts now," I grumbled, wanting to emit as much guilt from him as possible.
"Fine, I'm sorry," He sighed, "come here." He reached his hand out for me, but I shook my head and stayed in my ball. "Don't be stubborn, Sarah."
"You said you'd take all that came with me with open arms. Enjoy my stubbornness, Alex. Enjoy it," I pointed out, finally looking up at him.
He glanced to the side in thought before shrugging, "True." Suddenly, the microwave dinged and both of our heads shot to the kitchen.
"I'm still in pain, you have to get it," I demanded.
"Whatever, stay there, drama queen," He teased, nudging my side with his foot before he left. I stayed in my spot and shifted my eyes around. I was laying down where I could see down the hallway to Alex's bedroom and bathroom.
Just then, a beautiful evil plan hatched in my head.
"Are you still laying there?" Alex chuckled, walking up to me with a big bowl of popcorn in his hand. I nodded and pouted up at him.
"Can you help your injured girlfriend?" One of my hands reached for his leg as he stalked closer.
"Sarah—"
"Do you not care about me and my injuries?"
"Sar—"
"Wow, Alex, that stings," I frowned.
He huffed, "Fine, Sarah, fine." I giggled and brought my other arm up for him. Alex quickly ran to put the bowl of popcorn on the coffee table before coming back to help me.
"Be careful," I told him, "I'm still sensitive." He rolled his eyes and nodded.
"Yeah, yeah." He started to bend down enough for my arms to wrap around his neck. He swooped my legs over his arm and stood back up with me, bridal style. "Are you in pain right now or you're good?" He asked. I looked away to think about it before smirking.
"I mean, I think a kiss would help. Just saying," I shrugged innocently with a sweet smile.
"You're a sly girl, Ms. Holland," Alex laughed.
"I won't agree nor deny," I joined him, before puckering my lips. Alex softly pecked them, but I shook my head. "One more, the pain is going away." He did it once more then I rested my cheek against his.
"Thank you, Brighty Boy," I hummed as he set me down on the couch. "You're the best."
"I know."
Kevin was still sitting on the cushion I initially put him on. His head was laid on his crossed paws, and his eyes glanced up at us and watched amusingly.
When I was comfortable, Alex stood back upright. "I'm gonna run to the bathroom." I nodded and reached for the popcorn.
"Okay, I'll choose the movie while you're gone," I told him as I popped a piece of popcorn in my mouth. I moaned at the buttery and salty taste invading my buds. Alex watched with a smile before excusing himself and jogging away.
When he was out of sight, I began to execute my plan to get him back. I quietly stood up and stumbled down his hallway with the popcorn bowl. I moved against the wall and listened cautiously to know if he heard me. When he didn't open the bathroom door to look out or call my name in question to the noise, I ran down the rest of the hallway, on the tips of my toes, and slipped my way into his room.
I slowly closed the door and locked it before letting out a relieved sigh. Realizing what I was doing, I couldn't help but quietly laugh as I backed into the room.
I looked around and hummed at the sight. I had seen Alex's room before, and personally, I loved it. It was basic but homey at the same time. It was filled with a simple, grey sheet covered bed and a desk under the broad window on the adjacent wall. Kevin's stuff was next to the desk, including his round bed and bin of toys. Across from Alex's bed was his wide dresser with a big tv set on top of it.
I sat on the chair near Alex's bed, not wanting to sit on his sheets with my shirt clothes on, and grabbed the remote on the nightstand. Just then, I heard the bathroom door open. I bit my lip and listened to his heavy footsteps walk in the opposite direction of the room I was in.
"Sarah?" He called my name when he realized I wasn't where he left me. "Shortcake?" I chuckled silently and stuffed a few more pieces of popcorn in my mouth. "Where did she go?" He asked himself.
Alex eventually walked around the kitchen and dining room before he went back down the hallway he came from. I heard his footsteps start to get louder, so I set the bowl of popcorn on the nightstand and walked to stand next to the door. The knob jiggled, followed by a mutter.
"Sarah?" I rolled my lips inwards to contain my laugh as he knocked on the door. "What are you doing in there?"
"I'm having my movie night," I responded with my best casual tone.
"What do you mean?" His voice slowed in confusion as he twisted the locked knob again.
"I thought it would be nice to have a movie night in your room."
He didn't answer at first, and I assumed he was gone from how quiet he got. But then the knob jiggled with a soft knock. "Why is the door locked?"
"I can't let you come in, silly. That would ruin the whole revenge thing." Alex was at a loss for words as he stuttered incoherent words. "Get it? 'The whole being dead thing?' 'The whole revenge thing?' Get it?"
"Sarah, are you serious?"
"I don't like being tickled to the point of pain, Alex. It's not fun." Alex sighed in defeat as a hard bang hit the door, which I assumed it was his head.
"Sarah, you can't be serious."
I crossed my arms even though he couldn't see my stern form. "Well, I, for one, am very serious right now, and you can spend however long trying to believe me, but in the meantime, I'm going to be enjoying my movie night. So, see you later," I exclaimed.
Alex ignored my whole response like he still didn't believe me and repeated, "Sarah, open the door." Another bang hit the door, which I took it as his hand.
"No, I wouldn't do such a thing." He sighed again, but didn't attempt to jiggle the knob or hit the door again.
"Fine," he finally responded with an unreadable tone in his voice.
"What?"
"Enjoy your movie night, I don't care. When you're done, leave my apartment and don't bother me," He suddenly barked, before I heard his footsteps angrily walk away. All of a sudden, my joke was going to shit.
I immediately panicked and unlocked the door, running after him. "Wait!" My arms slithered around his waist and my head laid on his back. He still continued to walk while being unfazed by me holding him.
"I'm sorry, I was joking," I apologized quickly. Without verbally responding, Alex grabbed my arms and pushed them away from him. They swung helplessly by my sides as I frowned.
"I said, don't bother me," He snapped at me, looking coldly over his shoulder. I watched nervously as he walked to the couch and plopped down next to Kevin. He turned on the tv and simply ignored my presence.
"Alex—"
"If you're not going to have your 'movie night', you can leave," He interrupted while sending a dark glare at me. A hurt expression plastered on my face as I continued to stare at him. When I didn't move from my stop, Alex burst, "GO!" I jumped slightly at his loud tone.
My head fell in defeat. "Okay, I'm sorry," I whispered, before scrambling to the front door. I tried to be quick with slipping my shoes on and grabbing my purse that was on the bench next to the door.
I realized my phone was still in the kitchen, so I quietly walked there to find it. I glanced over at Alex in the living room and saw that he was still looking at the tv.
"Alex?"
"What?" He snapped his head back at me.
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to hurt you. I was joking, I promise," I apologized, looking down in embarrassment.
I was hoping for a hint of understatement from him, but I got the latter. "Get out," He ignored my words completely. My brows furrowed at his new attitude, and I began to shoot a remark back, but stopped to bite my tongue. I didn't want to make matters worse and get him even angrier.
I nodded simply and walked to the door. I held the knob and waited for some kind of response from Alex with me leaving, but he only stared at what was on the television. He was serious. I closed the door behind me and leaned against it.
"What the hell is wrong with you, Sarah? When do you learn to stop taking things too far?" I scolded myself, throwing my head in my hands in frustration.
After letting out multiple annoyed sighs, I looked around the empty hallway of doors and made my way toward the stairs.
Right as my hand hit the railing, a faint sound of a door opening was heard behind me, followed by a loud,
"April fools!"
[2/27/20]
aGaIn WiTh ThE aPrIl FoOlS aLeXaNdEr....