Caroline Parker

[Commentary] for feel_theburn

Fri, 06 Mar 2009 01:42:37 GMT

[Oh, these two.

These two are probably one of my favorite couples that I’ve ever RP’d, even though we tried so incredibly hard to make them work and we couldn’t. That made me sad. But Cora was only loud when Larry was around, which I think says a lot about them right there. They’re hot and sweet, and they hurt, and as I said—they’re one of my favorites.

Anyway. This piece.

This started off as a color drabble that it was asked that I expand upon. It didn’t take much to expand on this, but it still was fun to write, as I do love the two of them, very much.]

“I can’t believe I’m doing this,” she said with a sigh, tilting her head to the side slightly as she put on her earrings. “I hate events like this.”

Kevin just glanced up at her with a grin, as he slid his watch back over his wrist and moved to lean over her shoulder. “But you look pretty,” he smirked, sliding his arm around her waist.

“Flattery gets you nowhere, Kevin,” she said with a sigh, before straightening and looking in the mirror, biting her lip slightly as she studied her reflection. “Are you sure there’s not going to be anyone I know at this thing?”

[I love Kevin. Kevin bounces around in various AUs, because I think everyone should have a Kevin Townsend to flirt with them and make them feel pretty without any expectations. And spoil them. And take them to fancy parties. So yes. Kevin is one of my favorite NPCs.

Anyway, Cora is that reclusive type. She doesn’t like being around people, especially as she gets older and her old reputation becomes a concern. And she doesn’t like getting dragged to parties. But she loves Kevin, so she does want to repay him for some of the stuff he’s done for her.]

“Promise,” he nodded. “The firm is in a different state for Christ’s sake. How many people can you know in the vast place that is the United States?”

“You’re right,” she said. “You’re right.”

“You’re sure you’re okay with this?” he asked, tilting his head to the side as he looked at her.

“Yup,” she said with a nod, before stepping back and smoothing her dress slightly. “Ready to go?”

“So long as you are,” he sighed, before picking up his jacket and sliding it over his shoulder. “Let’s go be glamorous.”

“Yes,” she said with a grin as she took his arm. “Let’s.”

***

Well, Kevin had lied. [Had to be done.]

She hadn’t seen him in a few years. She hadn’t thought about him, either, which had taken some effort to be perfectly honest. She always was somewhat worried about Larry, no matter how their relationship stood, but this wasn’t really the place to worry about him. This was a formal event, and she needed to be professional. Composed.

Basically, she needed to act like she was on the job.

[I tried to think of how Cora would react to seeing Larry after a few years apart, and it was hard, especially with her. She doesn’t handle feelings well, especially her feelings when it came to Larry because he’s Larry, and he’s awesome and he treats her like gold and she doesn’t know how to handle that. But yeah—her reaction wasn’t pretty. But she still was happy to see him on some level.]

She tried her best to ignore him for the most part, socializing and talking with the other guests, and it wasn’t until she was getting herself a drink when she heard a voice behind her.

“Dance with me.”

She froze slightly. “Should have asked me earlier—my feet are killing me now.” She felt his eyes wander down to the jade green heels she was wearing, the ones that matched her dress, and back up to her face again, before repeating the statement.

[They dance. It’s kind of their thing. She’s not going to be able to say no for long because they’re them and it’s Larry, and she loves dancing with him, but she had to at least keep up appearances.]

“Dance with me, Cora.”

She hesitated, again, reluctantly, before taking his hand and letting him lead her onto the dance floor. [See. Told you.] He pulled her close, letting his hand rest against the small of her back. They swayed back and forth to the music only for a moment, before he leaned in and whispered in her ear.

“I’ve missed you.”

She sighed softly, before closing her eyes and resting her chin against his shoulder.

“I’ve missed you too, Larry.”

[See how much growing she did? She could actually admit it. This is big for her.]

The song lasted longer than she thought it should, and by the time the next one started, she still hadn’t quite pulled away. They weren’t saying anything to each other, just—enjoying each other’s company for the moment. It didn’t mean it wasn’t awkward, though, because of the way things were—the way they were. She stated glancing around, looking for some way to get her out of this—not for anything that had anything to do with Larry.

Actually, well, it probably had everything to do with Larry. And issues she had thought she had gotten over. And the fact that she was kind of hoping he’d kiss her. [She really was.]

She felt a soft hand on her shoulder, and turned to find Kevin behind her, who flashed Larry a polite smile.

“I’m sorry to cut in, but do you mind if I have my dance partner back?”

[Here Kevin comes to save the day! Kind of. She really didn’t need saving, but Kevin would have come save her if she did.]

Larry watched him for a moment, before nodding, backing away from her. “Of course.” He slipped his hands in his pockets, before turning back to her. “It was good to see you, Cora.”

“Good seeing you too, Larry,” she sighed, before letting Kevin sweep her back onto the dance floor for the moment. She was quiet, letting Kevin lead, and not speaking up until he leaned down to whisper in her ear quietly.

“So that was Larry Paul, huh?”

“Yeah,” she sighed softly. “That was Larry Paul.”

[*sigh* They make me smile, even when they’re being idiots.]

[OOC] End of the Road

Wed, 04 Feb 2009 17:31:45 GMT

In lieu with a recent post made by Cora's favorite counterpart, lawyerlarry, Cora is now going into retirement.

While I immensely enjoyed playing Cora over the time that I have, without Larry she tends to go very quiet on me, and with her, I'm not one to push. She's a temperamental muse, as anyone who's interacted with her would tell you, so I think it's time to let her go, and maybe she'll come back to me later. Or appear as an NPC elsewhere -- who knows?

As for anyone who's interacted with her, it's been very fun, and I hope you've enjoyed her while she was here.

In Which Cora Proves She's Made Progress

Sun, 25 Jan 2009 23:24:27 GMT

[Cowritten with lawyerlarry.]

Kevin was in an elevator.

Not that he didn't spend a portion of his time that was entirely too large in elevators, he usually had more pleasant company. Usually of the half-naked variety. With the exception of when it was Caroline Parker, but that sounded much more odd to say in his younger years than it did now. Not that Caroline was ever anything of a slut, mind you, nor was he incredibly gifted at sweeping women off their feet, but well -- they'd just known each other two long to ever go to that particular section of uncharted territory in their relationship. Which Kevin was more than happy to continue ignoring, because he valued Caroline very dearly as a friend, and should circumstances arise that they would start sleeping together, she may demand he stop buying her things. And frankly, he couldn't think of anything better to spend his copious amounts of money on than her.

Besides, for the past five years she's only had eyes for one man anyway, whether she'd admit it or not.

Regardless, Kevin was in an elevator, watching as he descended through the floors to his penthouse where he was staying to the rest of the world where he was supposed to be working. What he actually did, he still would probably never be able to explain to you, but it gave him an excuse to wear a suit, and that, as far as he was concerned, was the most important part.

Larry rubbed his brow as he waited for the elevator on his floor. He was tired and it had been a long week already. He really just wanted to end the trial and go home. He was starting to learn more than ever that New York was over for him. The crazy bustle of arguing the law in the city was over for him. He wanted to go home.

The elevator came to a stop about halfway through the building and Kevin frowned. He paused for a minute, tilting his head to the side slightly as the doors opened, then realized that someone else was getting on. When he saw who it was, however, the elevator ride just became increasingly more interesting. Cora had only mentioned Larry Paul on one or two occasions, and when she did it was like trying to get into the Forbidden Temple -- it just wasn't happening. He'd seen him once, at that party in Massachusetts not that long ago, but actually being face to face with the man and having the chance to talk to him presented a relatively unique opportunity. He was going to have to take advantage of this one.

Larry watched the doors open, then stepped in, nodding politely to the other passenger. Sure, he'd seen Kevin before, but he didn't remember a moment of it. That night he had been far too consumed with the thoughts and feelings of being around Cora again to take any note of the guy that took her away from him. He made sure the lobby button was pressed before leaning back to the wall of the elevator.

"Crazy weather we're having, isn't it?" Kevin said with a sigh, needing a way to initiate conversation somehow. Sure, it wasn't the best elevator talk in the world to start out with, but at least it was a start.

"Mmhmm," Larry nodded. Not that he was rude, but he didn't have a lot of small talk in him lately.

"No place like it, though," Kevin replied, continuing despite the man's apparent disinterest. He was an expert in small talk -- this could be said, was what his job was. "I always do love coming back to New York."

Larry smirked slightly. "No, it's like nothing else," he agreed, though probably not in the way it sounded.

Kevin nodded slowly, before extending his hand to the other man. "Kevin Townsend."

"Larry Paul," he replied, after a short pause, and shaking the man's hand.

"Nice to meet you," Kevin said with a nod. "Are you in town for business or pleasure?"

"Business," Larry nodded, as the elevator doors chimed open. He stepped out, but stood still, turning back to Kevin.

Kevin followed him out into the lobby before nodding. "Me as well. I probably won't be here much longer, though -- should head back to Chicago sometime in the not-to-distant future."

Larry finally smiled a bit. "Yes, I'll be heading home soon, too. Can't wait, to be honest."

"No place like home?"

He sighed slightly and shrugged. "Nothing like being around family. This place is too...cold for me now." Not that he really meant it temperature-wise. After all, home was much colder.

"Makes sense," Kevin said with a nod, as they finally reached the front door of the hotel, and he extended his hand to him again. "Well, it was nice meeting you."

"You as well. Enjoy the rest of your stay." He shook his hand.

Kevin made his way over to the town car that was waiting for him, waiting until the door was closed and they were moving before breaking out his phone. He was most certainly going to lure Cora into room service tonight. Apparently, he had to do everything himself.

***

Larry walked back into the hotel lobby later that evening and closed his eyes to soak in the heat momentarily. Court had been court, and he had been his awkward, stiff, stand-offish self to Cora all day - where work was involved, otherwise he kept his silent distance.

"You need to relax," Kevin said, his voice almost obnoxiously loud as he dragged Cora back into the hotel lobby, he spotted Larry heading into the hotel ahead of him and thanked God silently for his perfect timing. On occasion, he really is that lucky. "C'mon, sweetheart. I'll order room service, pop a bottle of champagne, we'll talk, it'll be fantastic."

"Kevin," she sighed slowly, stiffening slightly when she felt his hands start to massage her shoulders. "I've had a really long day, alright? I'd rather just go home and get some sleep."

Larry wasn't really paying attention to anything around him as he jumped forward to hop into the elevator as it opened, relieved that it was empty. He wasn't in the mood for small talk.

Well, Larry -- your elevator was empty. As the doors were closing, Kevin stuck his hand between them, pushing them back open again and leaning against the side of the door to let Cora in ahead of him. "See -- perfect timing. Almost missed the elevator."

Cora spotted Larry and stiffened for a moment, before looking at Kevin with a sigh. "I think we could have stood to miss it." Not that she didn't want to see Larry -- she just didn't want the awkward. And awkward was what it was.

Larry looked up and spotted them, and tensed up. He pushed himself closer to the back wall, hoping it might swallow him, and his eyes went to the floor. Well. This was interesting.

"Don't be ridiculous. It'll be fun. Larry and I just met this morning." He started to make his way into the elevator when he paused, patting down the front of his chest lightly, before pulling out his phone. "Damn. I have to take this. I'll be right up."

"I'll wait with you down here," she began, starting to make her way off the elevator and head towards him.

"Don't be ridiculous," he said as the door closed. "You have a key, just head up -- I'll be right there."

The doors closed, and Cora sighed softly, rubbing her eyes lightly as the car started to move. This was not how she planned on spending her evening. Larry bit his cheek and watched the floor. He was starting to feel that meeting Kevin that morning hadn't been so random. He sighed and reached out to press his floor button. Cora sighed slightly, before starting to go into her purse for the spare key Kevin had given her. "I'm sorry about him. He's obnoxious."

"Guess him introducing himself this morning wasn't a coincidence?"

Cora raised an eyebrow slightly, before shrugging. "I have no idea. I've known him since I was eight, but don't expect me to explain what goes on in his head -- I don't think his own mother would be able to tell you."

"Ah," he nodded. "Okay," his eyes moved up to watch the numbers pass.

Cora nodded slowly, before reaching over and doing what she needed to do to get to the penthouse floor. "I didn't know you were staying here."

"Well...it's a good hotel," he shrugged.

"It is," she said with a nod, rubbing her arms lightly as she moved back against the wall of the elevator.

He cleared his throat and shifted on his feet, before the doors opened and he glanced out, then to her. Then he moved his eyes forward again and took a step to leave. Cora didn't exactly move either. She wasn't sure what Kevin wanted her to do exactly, but if she wasn't careful, she was going to probably wind up locked in a closet with Larry before the end of the night. Not that that gave her any idea as to what to say, though. So she just kept quiet and let him go, not wanting to push things. He turned on his heel and looked back in at her, his hands shoved deep in his pockets. He was thinking something along the same lines of the closet and his blood was pounding at the thought. He didn't say anything though, just kept his eyes on her.

She looked back at him, before raising an eyebrow in his direction. "What?"

He shook his head. "Nothing," he said softly, before turning to walk down the hall. Cora sighed slightly, before leaning back against the edge of the elevator, letting the doors close again and continuing the climb towards the top of the building.

***

Larry moved to his room and shed his briefcase and coat, then sighed. He looked around. He really wanted a drink. Or...something. So he turned back out of his room and went to the elevator to hit the button. He leaned a hand to the wall and watched the floor as he waited.

Cora never made it to the penthouse. She didn't approve of underhanded tactics on Kevin's part, so she was fully intending on standing him up for dinner, leaving the hotel, and going to have a good stiff drink. She was still sorting out whether or not she wanted to have that drink in the privacy of her own apartment or not when the elevator started to slow, probably signaling someone getting on.

When the doors opened, Larry looked up. He saw Cora and didn't move. Cora looked back at him, before sighing slightly. "Are you getting on or not?"

He just stared at her for a long time, his hand holding the doors open, before moving into the elevator and right up to her. His hands leaned to the wall over either of her shoulders and he stared down at her. She looked back up at him, questioning him as to what he was doing exactly, but not actually saying anything. As the doors started to slide shut behind him, he leaned down and softly found her mouth with his own. She tensed slightly in surprise at first, before melting against him and leaning back against the wall, pulling him with her.

He pressed himself tight against her and deepened the kiss quickly. His fingers pressed roughly down her sides, holding her body closer. Her arms moved up around his neck and she sighed slightly into the kiss, staying as close as she could. The elevator hadn't moved, so he backed up, still holding onto her, and hit the open doors button. He pulled his mouth from hers to look into her eyes, almost asking for permission to drag her out of there. She nodded slowly, starting to move with him, and head out of the elevator.

Larry took out his key and brought her down the hall, then let them through the door. He shut it behind them and leaned her back to the door. His hands held her hips gently and he stared at her. She looked back at him, her hands running up his arms as she waited for him to move again. He leaned in slowly and started dropping kisses along her neck softly. His hands pulled her hips against his as he did. She closed her eyes and leaned her head back against the door, letting him take the lead and wrapping her arms around his shoulders. He kissed her skin, his mouth moving down her throat and chest, across her collarbone. His fingers slid under the fabric of her shirt.

Her hands started to slide down the front of his shirt, starting to undo the buttons and push his shirt away. He let the shirt drop to the floor as he pulled at the buttons of her shirt, his lips sliding down further. He pushed the shirt from her shoulders and let his hands roam her skin. She moaned softly, arching her body up against him and pushing herself closer. He pulled her from the door and turned them, guiding her back to the bed as he kicked from his shoes and started to undo his belt.

She followed his lead, moving her hands down to help him with his belt and starting to kick off her heels as they went. He pushed her back onto the mattress and leaned himself over her, hovering slightly so he could watch her, as his hands moved down her hip and pulled at her skirt. She lifted her hips to help him get the skirt off, before sliding an arm around his neck and pulling him in for a kiss. He kissed her back, lowering himself closer. He touched her slowly and gently, wanting to take his time to savor her after all of those years. She had no objections with letting him take things slow, just leaning back to enjoy the ride.

His body eventually relaxed against hers, leaning close for a moment as his breath was heavy and deep. He rolled away after a moment, onto his back, and covered a hand over his eyes, trying to regain himself. Yes, it had been one hell of a ride. Cora sighed softly, stretching back on the bed. This wasn't how she had wanted things to go for them, but it certainly wasn't a bad way to go either. He sighed too and rubbed his eyes, then moved to sit up, his back to her. He'd wanted that so badly, and he still wanted to roll over and hold her for awhile, but he couldn't. He couldn't. His head fell into his hand.

She looked over at him, before starting to sit up slightly. She knew that posture, and she didn't want to stay here, if he thought this was a bad idea. "I should probably go." She didn't exactly sound happy about that, but she was going.

"I'm sorry," he whispered. He knew he never should have stepped into that elevator, kissed her, or let anything else happen. He was torn in a bad way. He didn't want her to leave, but he also didn't want to hear the usual things that took him so long to stop listening to.

"It's not your fault," Cora sighed. "I should have told you to stop in an elevator. This wasn't -- I wanted to try and at least be friends first."

He shook his head and looked over at her. "Wasn't what you wanted?"

"I didn't say that," she replied. "I just -- didn't want to make the same mistakes we did last time."

His jaw tightened slightly. "My only mistake was holding out for something that was never going to happen and believing things that never were. Don't worry, I won't do that again."

Cora froze for a moment, before looking over at what he was doing. "Fine. I didn't want to make the same mistakes I did last time." He may have snorted slightly in amusement. He grabbed his boxers and slid into them, moving to find a pair of jeans. She finished getting dressed, before turning to face him. "Look, Larry, I'm sorry I hurt you last time. It wasn't my intention to do it again, which is why I wanted to be friends, if anything at all. So that things wouldn't be as -- awkward."

"It's not that easy," he said, looking back at her. "I...I can't be your friend. We tried that. We tried that for over a year and....you didn't want me around," his voice went softer. "I'm supposed to just...ignore that?"

"No. You're not. And I'm sorry for that too."

"Whatever you need...I'm-I'm not it. I accepted that a long time ago. We shouldn't open it all back up." Which, really, hurt quite a bit to say.

"You weren't what I needed then. But -- people change, Larry."

He shook his head, looking down. He still didn't like hearing her admit that, even if he knew it was true. "Meaning what?"

She sighed slightly. "I had some issues I needed to work out for myself. And I'm not saying that I've worked them out perfectly. But -- I've tried. It might be good enough for you or it might not, but it's the truth."

"It doesn't matter what does or doesn't work for me, Cora. No matter what I feel about you...it's what works for you that matters. I'm...significantly nothing here." He grabbed his shirt and pulled it over his head.

She paused slightly, before shaking her head. "No you're not."

His fingers moved through his cropped salt and peppered hair. "You need to do whatever it is you want," he shrugged.

"Can't if it's not what the other person wants." He looked over at her questioningly, his eyes wanting clarification. She closed her eyes slightly, looking down at her lap. "I never didn't want you, Larry. I just didn't know how to say it."

He licked his lip and looked away for awhile, then turned back, remembering the last time they spoke painfully. "So...better alternative was telling me you never wanted any of it?"

"I mentioned that I was crap at relationships, right?" Cora replied, looking up at him. "Denying it was there was easier than actually saying that something was."

He finally relaxed slightly, leaning his body back to the dresser and crossing his arms. "Well...you did it well. Guess we both did."

"Been doing it my whole adult life, Larry," she sighed slightly, starting to get up again. "I'm practically a pro."

"You deserve better than that," he shook his head. "From yourself or...anyone else."

"Why?" The question wasn't mocking, or sarcastic. It was sincere. She really wanted to know why he thought that highly of her.

"Because...despite...what you think, what people say to you or...about you...and no matter what you do or don't think of me...what happened with us...you're an incredible person. I've seen it. As hard as you try to hide it."

She looked uncomfortable, looking down at her hands again. "I never tried to be."

"Yet you are, as far as I see it. But...what I think doesn't matter."

She paused for a minute. "It does to me."

"Since when?"

"Always did."

His hand came up to rub his eyes again. He wasn't really doing this, was he? Giving in. Saying anything she might hear. Trying to convince her of things she didn't believe and only hurting himself in the process. "Right," he said softly.

"Look, I'm not expecting you to believe me, okay? I know I haven't exactly been the most fantastic person to you in the past. But -- I wanted to try, Larry."

His hand moved down his face and he looked up at her again. "Try what?"

"To -- do the whole emotional thing. To put myself out there. It's still not easy."

"You know...I tried to hate you for a long time...I tried to...forget about you. And I couldn't. All I could do was...delete you. And even that...barely worked."

"I'm sorry, Larry," she sighed softly. "Really. I am."

"I...I really don't know..." he moved to the edge of the bed to sit down. "..what I'm supposed to do." He sighed and tilted his head to her. "We could ruin each other."

She smirked slightly, but didn't look at him. "Would it really be all that bad a way to go?"

He glanced over, keeping his eyes trained to her fingers. He wanted to reach out to take them. "It'd kill me," he said. "Losing you all over again."

"I -- I want to make it work, Larry."

His eyes moved up, searching for hers, his look nearly desperate. "Why?" He asked softly.

She looked at him. "Because you're probably the only guy I've dated who actually treated me like I was worth more than sex."

He held her gaze and shook his head, not accepting her answer. "I'm not going to be there just...because I treat you well."

She paused for a moment, before looking down again. "Then what do you need from me?"

"I need you to give me more," he said. He hated prying at her, but it's what he needed. She looked up at him, trying to figure out what exactly it was, so that when she said it, it was the right thing. She didn't say anything -- just watched, trying to find the answer. He watched her back. He didn't want to tell her what to say. He wanted... "Say something...real," he said quietly. "Something...something." He finally reached out for her hand.

"I -- " she looked down again, shifting uncomfortably on her feet, and suddenly feeling very vulnerable. "I don't know what you want me to say."

He pulled on her hand slightly, to bring her closer. "I want you to...tell me what you feel. I want...you to trust me enough to."

She looked confused. "I thought I have been."

He nodded and dropped her hand. "Maybe you have."

She sighed slightly, before shaking her head. "Look, Larry, if you don't want this, I'll go."

"I'm sorry." He looked away. "I can't just be the nice guy in your life. I need to mean more than that."

She moved over, brushing her hair out of her face before looking at him. "I didn't -- I wouldn't have said all of this if it wasn't more than that."

"So...just say it," he said, looking up at her.

"I care about you, Larry."

He sighed and pulled her hand again, wanting her closer. He moved to pull her down to his lap. "You what?"

She moved with him, sitting down where he directed. "I care about you. I always did."

His arms circled her waist and his face dropped to rest in the crook of her neck. He held on tightly and sighed. "Say it again," he whispered.

"I care about you," she whispered, not sure how many times he was going to want her to say it, but eventually she was going to start feeling a little ridiculous.

His hands rubbed her back slowly and he kissed her neck. "I never could stop loving you."

She closed her eyes as she leaned back into his hands, staying as close as she could. He sighed and moved to his back, pulling her with, and moved on his side. He held her close and studied her quietly. She looked back at him, wondering what he was thinking and waiting for him to actually say something to her, give her an indication of where this was going. He didn't really know what to say. Sure they had said it all, but that didn't mean he had any clue where to go next with it all. His thumb moved across her cheek slowly. God he'd missed these moments. She closed her eyes at the touch, moving in closer to him and letting her fingers move over his chest. His hand moved slowly against her skin. Along her cheek, jaw, neck and throat. He slid it up through her hair and down her back. He just needed to feel everything. Remember it all.

Her back arched slightly against his hand, moving her closer to him and her arm around his neck. His lips dropped against her ear gently as his hand moved down the small of her back, and behind the fabric to her skin. She hummed softly in contentment, before closing her eyes and staying close. He rubbed her back slowly and pressed closer, relaxing against her and closing his own eyes. He softly started singing against her ear. "Blue jean baby, LA lady, seamstress for the band..." She smiled slightly at that, curling up closer to him and letting herself start to drift off quietly. He continued what he was doing, lulling her to sleep, and soon drifting off himself. He knew there was still a lot to say, but a good sleep wouldn't hurt.

***

When Larry woke up later, he sighed and moved closer to the body beside him, a feeling of complete comfort moving through him. He kissed her forehead softly, his hand brushing her back again. She stirred slightly, tilting her head up to look at him. "Hi."

"Hi," he whispered back with a small smile. "Sleep well?"

"Mmm-hmm," she sighed, starting to curl up closer to him again.

He held her tighter and kissed her lips softly. "Good."

"You sleep good?" she murmured.

"Very," he said with a smile, stretching a bit.

"Good," she nodded, closing her eyes again.

He watched her quietly for awhile, before speaking up again. "Going to stick around the rest of the night?"

She looked up, before tilting her head to the side slightly. "I can if you want me to."

He smirked. "I want you to if you want to."

"I do," she rolled her eyes. "Though it might not be a good idea considering we're supposed to be facing each other in court."

"What will they know?" He moved closed and kissed her cheek. "You can leave an hour early."

"Mmmm," she sighed softly. "I guess so."

"I want more time with you," he said. "I want..." he sighed and went quiet, unsure what else he wanted.

"You want what?" she frowned, looking up at him.

He stroked her hair slowly as he ran his thoughts through his head, waiting for them to clear. "I want you to be mine." She looked back at him, not sure how to respond at first, and waiting for him to explain a little more. He sighed and continued watching her, starting to think she didn't want it.

She paused for a minute, again, before responding. "What do you mean?"

He really didn't know how to say it differently. She'd never let him have her in the past, and he wanted it now. "I...if you want to try this again, I do, too. 100 percent."

She paused for a minute before nodding slowly. "Me too. But -- I can't leave New York, Larry."

"We can work with that," he nodded. He held her cheek lightly. "If you'll be mine...I'll work with it."

"Okay," she said with a nod.

He knew he was being needy and pathetic, but it wasn't something he could help. He'd beaten himself up too much over the years, let her break him down too much. He leaned his lips to her jaw and closed his eyes. "If you're mine...tell me," he begged softly.

She had issues with the wording. A lot of issues with it. But she closed her eyes and swallowed it, before nodding. "I'm yours."

He fell into her and held on, sighing deeply. "Thank you," he murmured. Cora just nodded quietly, staying close and reminding herself that this was what she wanted.

[SWS]

Thu, 01 Jan 2009 02:03:59 GMT

*is almost downright bouncy. really*

Hi.

[JP] The Crow quote

Fri, 05 Dec 2008 04:33:21 GMT

[Future-ish in the AU!verse. lawyerlarry used with permission. Written for defy_n_gravity.]

“If the people we love are stolen from us, the way to have them live on is to never stop loving them. Buildings burn, people die, but real love is forever.”

“I can’t believe I’m doing this,” she said with a sigh, tilting her head to the side slightly as she put on her earrings. “I hate events like this.”

Kevin just glanced up at her with a grin, as he slid his watch back over his wrist and moved to lean over her shoulder. “But you look pretty,” he smirked, sliding his arm around her waist.

“Flattery gets you nowhere, Kevin,” she said with a sigh, before straightening and looking in the mirror, biting her lip slightly as she studied her reflection. “Are you sure there’s not going to be anyone I know at this thing?”

“Promise,” he nodded. “The firm is in a different state for Christ’s sake. How many people can you know in the vast place that is the United States?”

“You’re right,” she said. “You’re right.”

“You’re sure you’re okay with this?” he asked, tilting his head to the side as he looked at her.

“Yup,” she said with a nod, before stepping back and smoothing her dress slightly. “Ready to go?”

“So long as you are,” he sighed, before picking up his jacket and sliding it over his shoulder. “Let’s go be glamorous.”

“Yes,” she said with a grin as she took his arm. “Let’s.”

***

Well, Kevin had lied.

She hadn’t seen him in a few years. She hadn’t thought about him, either, which had taken some effort to be perfectly honest. She always was somewhat worried about Larry, no matter how their relationship stood, but this wasn’t really the place to worry about him. This was a formal event, and she needed to be professional. Composed.

Basically, she needed to act like she was on the job.

She tried her best to ignore him for the most part, socializing and talking with the other guests, and it wasn’t until she was getting herself a drink when she heard a voice behind her.

“Dance with me.”

She froze slightly. “Should have asked me earlier—my feet are killing me now.” She felt his eyes wander down to the jade green heels she was wearing, the ones that matched her dress, and back up to her face again, before repeating the statement.

“Dance with me, Cora.”

She hesitated, again, reluctantly, before taking his hand and letting him lead her onto the dance floor. He pulled her close, letting his hand rest against the small of her back. They swayed back and forth to the music only for a moment, before he leaned in and whispered in her ear.

“I’ve missed you.”

She sighed softly, before closing her eyes and resting her chin against his shoulder.

“I’ve missed you too, Larry.”

The song lasted longer than she thought it should, and by the time the next one started, she still hadn’t quite pulled away. They weren’t saying anything to each other, just—enjoying each other’s company for the moment. It didn’t mean it wasn’t awkward, though, because of the way things were—the way they were. She stated glancing around, looking for some way to get her out of this—not for anything that had anything to do with Larry.

Actually, well, it probably had everything to do with Larry. And issues she had thought she had gotten over. And the fact that she was kind of hoping he’d kiss her.

She felt a soft hand on her shoulder, and turned to find Kevin behind her, who flashed Larry a polite smile.

“I’m sorry to cut in, but do you mind if I have my dance partner back?”

Larry watched him for a moment, before nodding, backing away from her. “Of course.” He slipped his hands in his pockets, before turning back to her. “It was good to see you, Cora.”

“Good seeing you too, Larry,” she sighed, before letting Kevin sweep her back onto the dance floor for the moment. She was quiet, letting Kevin lead, and not speaking up until he leaned down to whisper in her ear quietly.

“So that was Larry Paul, huh?”

“Yeah,” she sighed softly. “That was Larry Paul.”

680 words

[OOC] dusts off pretty Cora/Lary icon

Tue, 18 Nov 2008 23:30:35 GMT

Seeing as Cora is no longer part of lawandorder_siu, there is no longer a SIU!verse on this journal. However, since she and Larry are actually getting to be happy in that verse, and you know -- not dysfunctional, as per usual -- I don't want to just let that verse fade to black quite yet.

Therefore! The verse has been renamed to [verse] come down to me. Not that anyone really watches this journal other than Larry, but I figured I'd put it out there anyway, just so no one's confused.

Done!

Calling on Nerves - an RP for lawyerlarry

Sun, 12 Oct 2008 03:58:15 GMT

She really shouldn’t be calling him.

He was the one who said that it was best that they didn’t see each other anymore. He sent her the whole long e-mail that she hadn’t bothered to respond to, because it seemed that everything that needed to be said already had been. She had went out, let Riley get her piss drunk because he was the only man who would neither take advantage of her nor complain about her not telling him why. It was why she still valued Riley as a pseudo friend—or whatever he was to her at the time.

But now things had changed drastically. It was one thing not contacting him when he was doing moderately well, but it was another thing entirely when he was keeling over from a heart attack. She should call him and see how he was doing. She needed to call him and see how he was doing.

She hit send on the cell phone before she lost her nerve, placing the phone to her ear and letting it ring, but secretly praying that it went to voicemail, just so she wouldn’t have to deal with this right about now. If nothing else, procrastination was her best friend.

[SWS]

Wed, 17 Sep 2008 20:05:11 GMT

I think I need a drink.

Surprising and Unexpected - RP for lawyerlarry

Fri, 22 Aug 2008 17:14:40 GMT

The case had gone less smoothly than she would have liked, which was something new for her, but it wasn't anything less than what had been expected. The man was guilty on all counts, and there really wasn't anyway she could prove otherwise without making herself look like an idiot -- and even that was something she wasn't sure she had prevented. The only thing left for her to do was hop on a train and get away from the city for a while, maybe finally get some peace and quiet for herself.

When she pulled up to the house in the rental car, she didn't expect the lighthouse. Which was odd, considering that he had said as much the few times when they did speak, but she had always thought he may have been exaggerating. Because really, who actually owns a lighthouse? But apparently she was very mistaken and this was very much an actual lighthouse. Climbing out of the car, she slipped her overnight bag over one shoulder and started to make her way towards the door, wondering what she actually might say as to what she was doing here and all that, but eventually she gave up on having the exact words and just thought about what she was going to say.

With a heavy sigh she stopped in front of his door and knocked. He didn't know she was coming, and frankly, she wasn't even sure if he wanted to see her, but she was there, at least. Rejection was better than no contact at all.

[JSI]

Fri, 22 Aug 2008 01:32:10 GMT

Nothing like beaches and Mai Tais.

Can't believe I did this.

Thu, 03 Jul 2008 19:23:09 GMT

A soul from Venus with a sexual appeal 8 of 10.

Guys hold your breath...

Lets101 Quizzes - Fun Quiz

To-Do List (May)

Wed, 07 May 2008 14:03:54 GMT

couples_therapy:
(none)

sixwordstories:
(none)

In-Journal:
(none)

[CT] Talk about the worst date you've ever been on.

Tue, 08 Apr 2008 03:08:56 GMT

I was in high school, and there was this guy named Matt. He was pretty much the biggest asshole on campus, but he also happened to have the prettiest smile out of all the boys in the class, so naturally, girls flocked to him like pigeons. He had a few girls who he kept close for ~~blow jobs in the bathroom~~ various reasons, and while thinking back on it now, it was positively disgusting, but back then—I was desperate to be one of the chosen few.

I was alright looking when I was a teenager, I guess, but I was also the poor kid in a class of rich bastards, so that didn’t get me a lot of positive attention. Throw on top of that that I was girl who actually had a brain, and I was pretty much screwed when it came to friends. Being one of Matt’s mindless sex toys was basically my root in, but I wasn’t stupid. I knew exactly what was going on, but when you’re sixteen with no friends, you start to get a bit desperate.

Anyway, he started wanting answers to the homework, and he started flirting with me in order to get them. At first I rolled my eyes, and pretended that I wasn’t interested in his exploitation of his natural charm, but eventually he turned on the puppy dog eyes, so I made him a deal that if he went on a date with me—a real date, not one of his trips to the girls room—I would help him with his homework. He, desperate himself, agreed.

Worst date I have ever been on.

First of all, he took me to Coney Island, and proceeded to stuff himself with sugar before dragging me on every ride they had. The evening culminated with him puking all over my new shoes as we finished up our round on the Tilt-a-Whirl. And in the end, he still expected to get some kind of sexual compensation. I socked him in the stomach. (It was justified, but you had to have been there.)

Anyway, I’m comforted by the fact that his father disowned him at some point, for some unknown reason, and now he’s balding and managing a corner store in the Village. If I were a more vindictive person, I’d probably go by there as often as possible just to rub in his face that I make more money than he does.

But the Village is really out of my way.

421 words

[CT] Meet the family.

Tue, 08 Apr 2008 02:36:02 GMT

Okay, he's already met Melanie, but Melanie is one of the most air headed people I know, and probably forgot that it ever happened. Hell, Larry's probably forgotten that it even happened. But whatever family I do have—they wouldn’t get it. They really wouldn’t get it.

So why even bother? Seriously? Besides—I hate most of them anyway. Why would introduce them to one of the few friends I have, just so they can badmouth me to his face, and pick fights for no apparent reason? It’s just not worth the hassle and the heartache.

Besides, I recently learned how he feels about me encountering his family, so why should I introduce him to mine?

I’m not bitter about that. I’m really not. I’m just saying—if he doesn’t want me around Sam, who he actually really cares about, why should I consider him meeting my family? It’s just the way things are.

158 words

[CT] How would you define being faithful in a relationship?

Tue, 08 Apr 2008 02:22:14 GMT

Depends on the relationship. In a real relationship, the kind I usually don’t do—I like exclusivity. If you’re going to tell me you want things to be exclusive, and I actually agree to it (a rare event, but occasionally it does actually happen), you better make damn well sure that you keep the that promise, or so help me God I will hurt you. It may not be physical, it may not be emotional, precisely, but it will happen. And you will regret you ever even thought about stepping out on me. That’s a promise.

I just think that if you’re going to put in the effort to get me to promise to be exclusive, when I’m a woman that will clearly let you sleep around if you so desired, then you better make sure you hold yourself to the same standards. I mean, it’s a pretty sweet set-up, a friends-with-benefits style relationship. You get laid and you don’t have to work or pay for it. If you want to get a girl like that to be exclusive, and then you cheat on her, you’re a damn idiot, and don’t deserve any kind of mercy whatsoever. That’s just the bottom line, really.

I don’t like being hurt. No one does really—that’s old news. I get that being hurt happens sometimes (hell, it just happened to me recently, but I’m not going to get into that here). But what I hate the most is getting hurt for stupid reasons like exclusivity when I made it clear that I was fine with having a nonexclusive relationship. How is that fair to either party? So the girl invests this time and effort into the relationship, and who knows, maybe actually develops feelings for the guy and what does she get? What amounts to pretty much a slap in the face. As I said, it’s not fair to either party.

But then again, you know why the guy does it. It goes back to those old chauvinist ideals, hard wired into their system. Women are property, and the only good kind of a relationship is the one where she’s yours and no one else’s. And if you want to even go Greek with it, the idea that a woman’s sole purpose in life is to be faithful to her man, meanwhile he can get his ass wherever he pleases. But the guys gotta learn that that shit just isn’t going to fly with women in this generation.

Pull that ancient, patriarchal, macho-pig idiocy with me? I’ll see you in court. End of story.

431 words

[SWS]

Mon, 24 Mar 2008 23:56:50 GMT

Drank too much coffee. Caffeine headache.

[CT] Lie

Mon, 24 Mar 2008 23:49:22 GMT

I lie because it makes things easier. I lie because when I say something that sounds stupid, mushy and emotional, but I sincerely mean it, I’m not looking for anyone’s pity or sympathy. I don’t have any close friends that I feel comfortable bearing my soul to, because every other time I’ve tried talking to someone about my feelings, I get those looks. Looks that give you the indication that they’re looking down on you. I hate that, more than any other look I get. Contempt I can handle, hatred as well. I can’t deal with pity.

Pity takes me back to being a thirteen year-old girl who was getting scholarship money to attend the expensive prep schools. Parents and teachers looked down at the little poor girl whose parents couldn’t afford to pay to send her to the better schools. I was a charity case, and I’ve been getting my pitiful looks my whole life because of it. When I was a kid, I was too young to do anything about it, but now that I’m older, I’m in a position where I can change that. I’ve been pitiful all through my childhood; I don’t need to be pitiful with the people I work with, and especially the men I’m sleeping with. So I lie. I make it seem as though I don’t care, or say the opposite of what I really feel, because whether or not I said how I really feel isn’t going to make a difference anyway—in the end it’s not my decision what they do, just how it effects me is.

So lying makes things go down a little easier.

276 words

[CT] One of my greatest fears in a realtionship is that...

Mon, 17 Mar 2008 01:46:39 GMT

One of my greatest fears in a relationship is that I’m going to wind up being left alone. It’s happened to me too many times before, for various different reasons. And there’s always a reason:

- Not pretty enough
- Not good enough in bed
- Not smart enough
- Too smart
- Not good enough in court
- Too good in court
- They’ve been seeing someone else
- They’ve met someone else
- They’re moving
- I’m moving

The list goes on and on. It’s why I don’t do relationships to begin with. There’s always some kind of excuse for why they want to leave me behind, and after a while, you just get sick of them. Which is why when you just maintain friends-with-benefits relationships, things just get easier. There’s no excuses, no reasons, just—“We’re done.” Saves both peoples prides and doesn’t require any kind of explanation. And with my life and the job I do, I don’t have time for complicated situations and waiting for explanations. Just boom, done.

And frankly, I’m all for making my life easier.

173 words

[CT] Talk about your daily (or weekly, or monthly, or even yearly) routine as a couple.

Wed, 05 Mar 2008 04:24:23 GMT

Caroline Parker: *Caroline is fidgeting in her chair slightly, clearly not comfortable with the two of them being there at the same time.*
Larry Paul:: ::Larry's leaned back in his own chair, looking around the office, not about to talk anytime soon, and amused at Cora being uncomfortable::
Caroline Parker: Well—we don't really have a...routine. Per say.
Larry Paul:: ::looks over and blinks at her:: We don't?
Caroline Parker: Well, I mean—like a typical routine.
Larry Paul:: Obviously any routine we have isn't typical.
Caroline Parker: *look* Well, how would you explain it then?
Larry Paul:: ::shrugs, probably having an answer but not excited to share it::
Caroline Parker: *eye roll*
Larry Paul:: ::spots this and smirks:: Okay. Routine. Yes...that's easy…Late Friday night and Sunday afternoon, Larry goes over to Cora's. They exchange pleasantries, then usually get right to things. Once…maybe twice…usually sleep for a bit…maybe once more. Some more sleep. Possibly one more. And somewhere in the middle, Larry says something funny and Cora gets annoyed. Then Larry says something serious, and Cora gets annoyed.
Caroline Parker: Or he thinks I get annoyed, anyway.
Larry Paul:: Then I read all your sighs and eye rolls wrong?
Caroline Parker: *raises eyebrows* Well—somewhat. I'm annoyed, but not in a bad way.
Larry Paul:: In my experience there is nothing *good* about an annoyed woman. ::looks across the room:: Am I right Doc?
Caroline Parker: You make bad jokes sometimes. When you make bad jokes, I roll my eyes. It's letting you know it was a bad joke.
Larry Paul:: ::leans back and crosses his arms:: Mmhmm.
Caroline Parker: It's the truth, really.
Larry Paul:: Fine. So I make bad jokes.
Caroline Parker: Yes. *smirk* It's part of your charm.
Larry Paul:: I'm sure. Bad jokes or not, it's all a part of the routine.
Caroline Parker: I guess.
Larry Paul:: ::shrugs, to Doc:: Then I go home.
Caroline Parker: Our routine used to be different when we actually worked together, but now that we don't...things changed.
Larry Paul:: Yes, now we can't go down the hall for a 'fun break' in the afternoon.
Caroline Parker: *squirms slightly* But different isn't necessarily a bad thing.
Larry Paul:: ::looks at her:: What do you mean?
Caroline Parker: I mean—sometimes routines need a change up. Keeps them from getting boring.
Larry Paul:: Well…we did change things up. We don't have sex in our offices anymore.
Caroline Parker: No—we still do. Just not as often.
Larry Paul:: What else are we supposed to change?
Caroline Parker: I didn't say there was anything else we had to change.
Larry Paul:: You said you wanted to do things different.
Caroline Parker: I said different wasn't bad.
Larry Paul:: ::sighs:: Then use your words and tell me what you want to do different? I mean…we can't go to my place, obviously...and...when I offer to go out and do…other things...you just want us to go back and have sex. Which...I am not complaining about at all.
Caroline Parker: I didn't say I wanted to do anything different. I said that change can sometimes be a good thing. It was an abstract comment.
Larry Paul:: ::sighs and pulls off his glasses to rub his eyes::
Caroline Parker: What doesn't make sense about that?
Larry Paul:: Why comment that change is good when you don't care to change things?
Caroline Parker: Because we </i>did</i> change. Before.
Larry Paul:: You mean I got a new job.
Caroline Parker: And we don't see each other as much. That's a change
Larry Paul:: But yet when we do see each other... ::talks with his hand a bit and trails off::
Caroline Parker: Do you want to change something?
Larry Paul:: ::shrugs:: Not necessarily.
Caroline Parker: Then why don't we move on.
Larry Paul:: To?
Caroline Parker: I don't know—something else?
Larry Paul:: ::watches her, raised brow:: Such as?
Caroline Parker: I just said I didn't know. It just seems like we're going around in circles on this one.
Larry Paul:: ::smirks:: What's new?
Caroline Parker: *sighs* Nothing really. Same old, same old. And I don't think we should be talking about this now, when we're paying for a service.
Larry Paul:: We're supposed to talk about whatever we want.
Caroline Parker: Regarding our relationship.
Larry Paul:: And routine. Which we discussed.
Caroline Parker: So I guess we're done then.
Larry Paul:: ::watches her closely:: Everything's said and done?
Caroline Parker: I don't have anything else to say.
Larry Paul:: No. Of course not.
Caroline Parker: Do you want me to say something else?
Larry Paul:: ::just watches her::
Caroline Parker: *looks back*
Larry Paul:: ::small smile:: Should we go then?
Caroline Parker: *shrug* Sure.
Larry Paul:: ::gets to his feet and motions her to the door::
Caroline Parker: *gets up and follows*
Larry Paul:: ::opens the door for her::
Caroline Parker: *heads out*

815 words

[CT] What's the most important quality your ideal partner would have?

Fri, 29 Feb 2008 18:23:33 GMT

I haven’t the slightest idea. Mostly because I’m not looking for a partner, period. I don’t need a relationship in order to be fulfilled with my life. I have a good job, make good money—I don’t need a relationship to be happy. The only useful thing I’d get out of a relationship, would be the sex. And clearly, as evidenced by what I’ve got going with Larry, I don’t need to be in a couple in order to have sex. Therefore, the ideal quality would be really good in bed?

I kid. Though it’s always very much appreciated.

In all seriousness, the closest I’ve ever gotten to a good relationship has also been one of my not-relationships. It was back in law school, and it was destined for disaster, really. He was coming off a bad break-up, and was just looking for a no strings attached relationship, but, really—Riley Toth is one of those people that just aren’t good at not having a relationship with someone they’re sleeping with. It just happens. And considering we were friends to begin with, once we started having sex, things just got worse. Don’t get me wrong, it was fun. And I miss life being simple enough that I could enjoy something like that. But the way things ended—Riley and I didn’t talk for a while, and we still don’t really talk like we used to, but—

I guess if I needed to have a partner, I’d want to find a guy like Riley again. If I had to. Because he made it—easy, I guess would be the right word to use.

272 words

[CT] How did you meet your partner?

Fri, 29 Feb 2008 17:21:13 GMT

Well, that’s easy—we work together. Or rather, worked together as he’s now started his own firm. He was new in town, and he had just got hired. I always introduce myself to the new help, so I got in contact with him, and we had coffee one morning, in my office, and we hit it off. There wasn’t really much more to it than that.

Since then we’ve had various things that might be considered dates if Larry and I were actually a couple (which we’re not), but—I don’t know. It’s not the same as it used to be since he left. And I haven’t exactly been taking it—well, I guess. I mean, I miss him, and I’m sure he knows that, but I’m not really one for—theatrics. Well, if I’m in court, anything goes, but in my own personal relationships? Not so much. It’s not really a matter of my feelings or what matters to me, it’s more of how they’re feeling. Who am I to tell them how to live their lives, and to not go for what they want, when I do exactly that on a regular basis.

It’s not my place.

Larry and I are not a couple. We’re friends with benefits. Fuck buddies. Whatever the colloquial term is nowadays. It wasn’t my place to tell him whether or not I wanted him to stay, nor is it my place now to tell him I want him to come back. It’s not like he was flying across the country, he was just moving to another part of Manhattan. I still see him on the weekends, and he’ll pop in for coffee or vice versa. Friends work at different jobs and still make it work, doesn’t mean we shouldn’t.

Regardless of how much I may miss him.

304 words

Caroline Parker

[Commentary] for feel_theburn

[OOC] End of the Road

In Which Cora Proves She's Made Progress

[SWS]

[JP] The Crow quote

[OOC] *dusts off pretty Cora/Lary icon*

Calling on Nerves - an RP for lawyerlarry

[SWS]

Surprising and Unexpected - RP for lawyerlarry

[JSI]

Can't believe I did this.

To-Do List (May)

[CT] Talk about the worst date you've ever been on.

[CT] Meet the family.

[CT] How would you define being faithful in a relationship?

[SWS]

[CT] Lie

[CT] One of my greatest fears in a realtionship is that...

[CT] Talk about your daily (or weekly, or monthly, or even yearly) routine as a couple.

[CT] What's the most important quality your ideal partner would have?

[CT] How did you meet your partner?

[OOC] dusts off pretty Cora/Lary icon