10. You should be happy
Friday, 5:06 am
It was still dark when Naya woke up. She cringed, rolling in bed to hide her face on the softness of her pillow. She heard droplets hitting the window and with a grunt rose from bed. It was raining softly outside. Naya closed the window feeling a shiver run through her arms at the cold that made its way into the room.
Grabbing the pack of cigarettes from her desk – no longer hidden on the bookshelf, now that the bad habit had kicked in again - she walked to the kitchen, getting a yogurt before plopping down on the stool. She ate lazily, feeling exhausted.
It was the second night in a row that she found herself waking up too early after a restless night of sleep. Her fingers reached for the pack and she lit one cigarette, taking a long drag that filled her lungs and made her head buzz slightly. The dizziness it caused calmed her down and would make it easier to fall back asleep once she returned to the comfort of her warm bed. But this time she didn't move to get up. Instead she held her head on the palm of her hand, staring at the door distractedly.
The weekend was right around the corner and Naya couldn't wait for it to start. With Lea's party today, the Saturday dinning ritual at her house had been cancelled. She would have one of her lazy weekends – two whole days of nothing. She wouldn't even shower just so she could stay in her pajamas all day in a total sleep haze.
Usually she loved feeling tired right before the weekend. It made her enjoy her time off that much more. But right now she didn't just feel tired, she was drained. And it wasn't solely because of her work schedule. They had been shooting a lot of dancing numbers. A lot of dancing with a lot of Heather. Even with all that smooth skin and never-ending legs constantly swirling around her, Naya knew that wasn't what had drained her the most. She had fun filming, she let go and just enjoyed it for what it was. No matter how many cold showers she would need afterwards. What had her begging for a weekend of solitude was this nerve-wracking pressure she had felt all week.
She couldn't quite explain it. Lately she felt obliged to smile more, to be more cheerful, to make more jokes… The fact was, pretending to be her happiest was actually making her sadder. She could just stop the act. Go to work grumpy if she felt like it. But then Telly's questions would start, Heather's curious eyes would follow her and Dianna's gloomy smile would pop back in place. That notion seemed even more draining than just smiling ever so often.
It's like they expected her to be glowing. She had been talking to Nate a lot, and considering she didn't quickly jump to criticize him, or pointed out the million things she already hated about him like she used to do with every other date, people figured she was falling for him. And maybe she liked that to be the idea floating around. But it still wore her down to try to keep true to their expectations, especially Nate's.
Were they even aware that they had only had their first date not four days ago? Yes, in less than a week he had taken her to dinner, to the movies and showed up at work for her lunch break. But that was all on him and his apparently very clear schedule.
Even alone in her kitchen Naya couldn't help but sigh at her white lies. She had played it up. She should at least admit it to herself. After her talk with Telly, Naya took a trip down memory lane. It embarrassed her how often it still happened so she had chosen not to share it and focus only on the new. Focusing, enhancing it and eventually faking it. It wasn't her style and that was what was bothering her. The fact that she had expected to have to deal with Heather's awkwardness after that impromptu encounter in the bathroom, had made her put her walls back on. After all this time, her walls consisted on deflecting her true feelings rather than becoming distant. Heather had confronted her about that night, but unlike what Naya had expected she had been apologetic and sincere. She didn't explain why it happened, but she didn't ignore it either. Usually, after moments like that, Heather would distance herself physically, but shadow her constantly. Puppy eyes would follow Naya around with everything that was left unsaid. The fact that this time Heather had done quite the opposite had been surprising. It frustrated her more than she would care to admit how disappointed it made her. The idea that, yet again, she alone was living in the fantasy that there was tension between them broke her. Was she that immature? Wasn't Heather's growth and new approach a good thing? Would she ever learn and simply move on like a sane human being? That thought had only increased her need to be closer to someone else.
Naya took another drag before forgetting her cigarette completely. She needed to worry less about what other people thought or wanted, and focus on what she was actually feeling. But it was becoming harder to distinguish what was real or not. And maybe what she wanted was exactly what ashamed her so.
4:32 pm
Heather had been driving for less than five minutes when her phone rang. She turned the radio down, and reached for the speakers, spearing a quick look to the caller id.
"Ashley, I'm in the car now. Can I call you back?"
"Oh… Am I on speaker?"
"Yeah…"
"Then let's talk now. I'm on my break and if I hang up, I'll have to listen to Emily whine about John yet again."
Heather laughed softly, only half paying attention, while she took a turn to the left.
"Are you headed home?"
"No, I just left. I'm going to Lea's party, after all. But I'll stop to get Naya first."
"Wait what? Lea's party? I thought you were skipping. You know? To stay with Taylor and talk?"
Heather did know. It had been all she had worried about in the last 48 hours.
"He had plans with the guys. So I decided to go to the party anyway. I really didn't feel like staying home alone with my thoughts."
"You would rather stay with Naya…"
"No!" Heather whined, looking accusingly at the cell phone and giving it a gentle shove as if Ashley would feel it.
"Well, remember not to pull her into this mess."
"I know, Ash. I'm only picking her up because she knew I was taking the car and asked for a ride."
"You better not drink too much."
"I won't. That's why I'm taking the car. That way I won't even think of it. Drinking and hanging out with Naya, is really not a good idea right now."
Ashley snorted.
"That depends on what you think a good idea consists of."
"You know what I mean. And you agree. So quit the sarcasm."
"Okaaay. Well what are you wearing?"
Heather looked confused but answered nonetheless.
"Jacket, t-shirt, jeans and boots."
"Wow, that was helpful."
"Why do you ask?"
"Just because I don't want you to pull Naya into this, doesn't mean I don't want her to remember just how much she wants you."
Heather couldn't help but laugh at that.
"I'm hanging up now. Go be with Emily."
And with that she hung up, a devious smile still firmly attached to her lips. Ashley wasn't that wrong. After all, Heather was wearing the exact same outfit she had the day Naya and her had went to the beach and shared their first kiss. She doubted the brunette would remember such small details, especially since Heather did use a lot of the same clothes. But she figured, if she couldn't express all the turmoil inside, she could at least take a bit of their past with her. It made her feel stronger and it was harmless.
True to fashion, Heather regretted her decision not a minute later. When she arrived at Naya's, she watched as the brunette scrutinized her body while frozen at the doorstep. The cloud that formed in brown eyes left Heather uneasy and extremely quiet, barely whispering a "hello" back. She fought the quivering in her lips, not really knowing if she felt guilty or happy for the attention. When Naya's eyes finally returned to her face, her smile was pained but only for a second.
"You're early. I'm not ready yet. Come on in." She spoke hurriedly, sprinting back to the bathroom.
Only then, Heather focused enough to notice Naya was only wearing a thin robe. But the image of tan legs and a firm butt quickly disappeared down the hall.
Heather closed the door and walked inside. She felt that familiar coziness as soon as she entered the warmth of Naya's living room. Maybe it wasn't just on their Saturday rituals that Naya's house felt like home.
The girl was talking to her from the distant bathroom and Heather could barely hear her as she quoted Lea's demands for the party. Without thinking, her feet took her to the bathroom's door frame, where the sight of Naya was granted once more.
The robe ended on her thighs, barely covering anything but the torso. It was sealed tight, as if Naya had tugged it harshly before letting Heather in. She noticed she was staring and moved her eyes to the reflection in the mirror. The other girl was focusing solely on applying makeup, but Heather could tell the hint of a blush creeping up her neck.
"What were you saying?"
"Lea changed the theme. It's a girls and gays party. No boyfriends allowed."
"Girls and gays? That sounds silly."
"Why? Anyway, considering most of our guy friends are gay, it's more like a matchmaking party. Are you bringing dancers for Telly?"
"Paul and Ted might show up."
Naya hummed in approval, remembering just how good looking both of them were. It made Heather irrationally jealous. She didn't chastise herself for it, though. Her job was to be nice about Nate; she was still allowed to hate everyone else.
"What are you thinking?" Naya asked, amusement lacing her tone.
"I'm thinking that theme is sort of misogynistic. It only works for single guys. It's like hook up free zone for them, but like… the girls are doomed. Lea didn't think this through."
"Unlike you, who are giving it a lot of thought." Naya noted, turning to Heather. "And only straight girls are doomed. There is always room for lady loving."
When her words finally hit them, they both chuckled awkwardly and looked away.
"And why do you worry? You're set." Naya added nonchalantly.
"The same could be said about you."
"But I'm not worrying." Naya pointedly answered.
Heather cleared her throat, shifting against the doorframe.
"And I was half joking. It will be more of a pajama party. But instead of pajamas, we have alcohol."
"Hmmm, will we have a pillow fight?" Heather suggested brazenly, slapping Naya's hip.
Her hand burned with the gesture and she quickly withdrew.
"Have you forgotten? I'm dangerous in pillow combat."
Heather did remember how aggressive Naya got when they were shooting the pillow fight scene for the New York episode. But she also clearly remembered how it wasn't her strength that made her fall out of bed. That stripy dress was evil.
"Oh, this time it won't be me doing down." Heather announced. "Unless you plan on wearing that robe all night."
The words were out before she could stop them. And it if it wasn't bad enough that she had just mentioned the robe, her whole speech sounded much more sexual than she had intended. Naya snorted in a shocked, somehow amused, but still very disturbed way.
"Forget what I said. That sounded so wrong. I didn't mean it like that." Heather quickly apologized, stepping back as if a little space between them would help clear the air.
"It was funny." Naya said with the most unconvincing smile, earning a snicker from the blonde.
"I'm going to watch TV while you get ready."
After receiving a nod from the brunette, Heather returned to the living-room, letting let her body fall heavily on the couch. Rolling her eyes at her own antics, she pressed her wrists against her forehead. It would be a long night.
5:00 pm
"I'm ready!"Naya announced before she came into view.
Wearing fitted white jeans and grey pumps, along with a black top under her usual black leather jacket, Naya looked exquisitely beautiful. Her legs were hypnotizing when she walked showcasing every curve in astonishing detail. Long black locks fell on delicate shoulders as she crossed the living room, purse in hand.
When Heather didn't move to stand up or said a word, Naya looked down at herself self-consciously, before her brain registered that when Heather watched her like that it was never a bad sign.
Clearing her throat, Naya asked, "Wanna get going?"
"S-sure." Heather replied, finally aware of her own quietness.
"You look great, by the way." She noted in passing, walking to the entrance, making Naya smile candidly.
The drive went by quickly and in a comfortable silence, only interrupted by their uncoordinated singing over the chorus of the songs playing. When they arrived, Heather found a parking spot easily. They walked the short distance to Lea's apartment, commenting on how lucky she was to have found such a place.
It was peaceful and green, and the neighborhood seemed like a university dorm since everyone looked about the same age. It made it much easier for Lea to have her parties without the police being called for her typical abuse of the stereo.
"Girls, you're here!" Lea practically shrilled as she opened the door.
"Was she expecting us not to come?" Heather playfully whispered before being enveloped by a crushing hug from the tiny brunette.
"Everyone's upstairs on the roof. So go join them, I'm just gathering a few snacks."
"Don't you want help?" Naya asked glancing to the kitchen.
"No, Kevin's already helping me. Go ahead."
"Of course, Kevin had to be on top of the snacks department." Naya joked, sharing a look with Heather before they crossed the hall that led to the roof's staircase.
When they reached the stairs both girls stopped, motioning for the other to go first.
"Go on." Heather insisted, pushing Naya lightly.
As soon as the brunette started climbing the steps, Heather felt her eyes being pulled to the one place she had avoided until now.
"Wow." She muttered under her breath so softly it escaped Naya's ears.
The perfectly rounded ass distracted her enough to miss a step and Heather winced as her knee hit the wooden staircase.
Naya looked back giggling. "Graceful."
"Shut up." Heather spat back pushing Naya's back.
"Stop eyeing my ass or you'll break your back."
Naya's tone was so carefree and to the point that Heather could do nothing but snort awkwardly.
"I hadn't even noticed it." She blatantly lied, earning a knowing glance from Naya when they reached the platform.
Heather opened the heavy metal door and they walked out, greeted by Cory, Telly and Jenna.
Lea joined them with Kevin shortly after, with two trays filled with candy, a wide variety of salty appetizers and a jar of something very pink. As the hostess explained, it was watermelon juice. Heather took one glass and moaned her approval making the others laugh.
"That's a lot of excitement for just some juice." Telly began.
"It's especially good because it's natural juice." Lea added proudly.
"Can I try it?" Naya asked, moving closer to Heather.
Their hands grazed, making them both smile slyly. It didn't go unnoticed by Telly, who grabbed an empty glass pushing it against Naya's forearm.
"You can have your own glass."
Naya turned to him, already taking a sip of Heather's cup. His warning look made her shrug innocently.
"Hmmm, it really is amazing." Naya announced, taking the empty glass Telly was still holding out for her. "I'm going to have some."
Heather extended her glass to Telly with a smirk. "Want to try it, Casper?"
"Casper?" He asked, accepting the offer.
"Yeah, 'cause you keep shadowing." She whispered.
Naya couldn't help a chuckle when Telly choked on the drink, shocked with Heather's bluntness. They watched her retreating figure as she joined Cory and Kevin who were admiring the view.
It didn't take long for more people to arrive. Little groups of people gathered around the rooftop as more trays were brought upstairs. Kevin set up a little DJ booth, which consisted of two armchairs facing each other where he set his iPod dock with a playlist meticulously created by both him and Lea. Soft tunes flowed through the easy conversation and laughter as they enjoyed the last of that afternoon's sun. When the breeze picked up, only a few of them stayed to watch the sunset.
Heather was sitting on a yoga mat with Jenna, while the others sat on beach chairs. Kevin, Dianna and Naya already had cocktails in hand, whereas Jenna and Heather were finishing the watermelon juice that had turned out to be a huge success.
"I really love this place." Jenna commented looking around. "I'm so jealous of her house."
"It really is great." Dianna agreed with a lopsided grin. "But your house is so cute too."
"Exactly, cute. It's too small. It's a single person's hut."
Kevin barked out a laugh, nudging Jenna. "Someone wants to take the next step and move in with the boyfriend?"
Jenna smiled widely, blushing slightly. "Who wouldn't want that. It's wonderful to wake up next to the one you love."
Among the "awws", Heather gulped heavily, finding Jenna's eyes searching hers.
"You must be in heaven right now."
And just like that all eyes were on her.
"It's different for everyone." She answered simply.
"True, but it must be so refreshing after so long not being able to be together whenever you wanted to."
"You should do it." Heather said honestly. "You're in love, so it's the right choice for you."
"Aww, look at you two." Kevin intervened, watching them.
Heather smiled at him, successfully ignoring everyone else. This wasn't the place or the time to come out with the truth behind her new living arrangements. Maybe omitting and avoiding was a form of lying, but she wasn't about to start a therapeutic discussion with the group. That was the burden of spending so much time with the same group of people. They were like family, but also noisy like any grandmother she had ever met.
Her resistance didn't last long enough to miss the look on Naya's face. She had glanced at the brunette, who was snuggled between Dianna and Kevin as if they were sharing one seat. Her eyes were set on her bright orange cocktail, swirling the cherry inside. Even though she had a soft smile put in place, as if day dreaming, there was a gloomy shine on brown orbs. It brought a single memory to Heather's mind, but she killed it right away standing up to get more pistachios.
She was about to return to the group when Naya's purse started buzzing next to her. Naya looked back when the ring reached her ears and seeing Heather next to the purse, she pointed to it.
"Would you mind?"
Heather opened it and took the phone out catching a glimpse of the preview. It was Nate. Nate was texting her. Without showing any signs of having seen it, she took it to Naya, merely glancing at her friend as she read it. Her expression was blank as her eyes surveyed the text before starting to type a quick reply.
"Someone important?" Jenna asked, when Naya hesitated, her fingers hovering over the touch screen.
Nosy, Heather repeated in her head, still avoiding Naya's face.
"No one special."
Heather's eyes jumped up at the sound. Maybe Naya was better at omitting, but she had sounded so sincere and carefree when she shrugged off Jenna's interest. An unrelenting smile crept up the blonde's face as much as she tried to fight it. When Dianna saw it, her brow creased and with a discreet shift, she glanced at Naya's phone. Her mouth fell open slightly, but enough for the dancer to notice. The other blonde quickly masked her surprise, and instead threw Heather a look.
"That's a smile I don't see often." She noted, continuing even as Heather glared at her. "What's the cause of that sudden outburst of happiness?"
"There's no outburst."
Even though Heather denied it, Naya had joined Dianna, and now both girls were fixated on her as if trying to read a blurred page.
"Will you two stop with the stares?"
Jenna and Kevin looked on clearly lost but still finding it funny. Just then Telly walked in and Heather had to swear internally.
He seems to have a radar stuck on his…
"My gaydar is so acute." He announced majestically.
"How so?" Naya asked, finally giving up on Heather.
"This is a 'girls and gays' party right?"
"That's what we heard."
"Well, guess who decided to join? Francesco."
"Nooo." The three brunettes and Dianna replied in unison.
"Yeees." Telly confirmed, standing against the railing. "Are you not surprised, Heather?"
"Not really."
"Well, you do know a bunch of gay men." Then with a pause that Heather knew meant nothing good, he added. "Or I guess closeted gays recognize each other more easily."
The whole group let out a strangled shriek before falling into heavy silence. Heather felt a wave of rage burst inside her while looking at Telly. She was beyond tired of his jabs at her. She could barely remember a time when his jokes about her weren't of the passive aggressive kind. She stood up on instinct, facing him, ready to say something nasty enough to make him back off for a good couple of years.
As if sensing it, Naya reached forward, her hand brushing the back of Heather's knee. It was a simple touch, but Heather could hear the "please don't" attached to it. And looking at her friend, she could also see the apology in her eyes.
It wasn't a secret to anyone that Telly's ill-advised humor had started during the time when Naya and Heather had suddenly drifted apart. Not even Heather was oblivious to that. But now watching her friend, she knew she deserved it. Maybe it wasn't his business, but since when had Heather stepped back whenever anyone hurt Naya? Like I'm one to talk. Naya shouldn't be looking at her like that. If anyone should, it was Heather.
Turning to Telly again, her rage was all but gone. And when she spoke, breaking the short silence that seemed to have lasted years, she did it honestly.
"Maybe liars recognize each other easily. I'm glad his lie is over now."
And with that she left. Not to make an exit, or escape any further comments, just because her eyes were watering and as much as she needed the fresh air, she needed alone time much more.
9:21 pm
When Heather returned to the rooftop, she found Dianna and Naya sitting on the wooden bench on the far right, facing the view. The smoke flew around them in waves before disappearing in the pitch black sky. Heather walked to them, the door coming to a close behind her. The soft click caught the other blonde's attention.
"Heeey…" she greeted in a long whispered tune that had Naya following her stare back to the intruder.
Naya widened her eyes slightly, bringing her out-stretched hand out of view. But Heather had already seen the fag between her fingers. She joined them, leaning against the rail, her back to the sight of city lights.
"I thought you had quit." She noted softly, lacking judgment apart from her sad smile.
Dianna glanced at Naya with a soft smile, gripping her arm comfortingly before standing up.
"I'm going to let the wives sort this revelation out." She joked holding a pink colored drink in her hand.
She touched Heather's arm lightly in a form of goodbye before retracing the blonde's steps to the door and leaving the two alone. Heather threw her a questioning look, feeling like she was missing a hint, but Dianna never looked back.
As her eyes fell back to the brunette, she noticed for the first time how tired she looked, gazing at the smoldering of her cigarette as if Heather wasn't there. Probably feeling her stare, the shorter girl looked up with an apologetic smile.
Heather smiled back, letting her know she wasn't about to give her a hard time about it. Naya averted her eyes, shaking under the cold breeze.
The blonde turned around and walked her way back to the table, returning with Naya's jacket in hand. The brunette took it from her with a tight lipped grin that finally reached her eyes.
"I thought you only smoked on bad days."
"True." The brunette said simply, looking back at Heather before motioning to the empty seat. "Join me."
Heather did as told, leaving no space between them as she molded herself into Naya's side holding her right arm within hers.
"I thought you were pretty happy, lately." The blonde continued after a long pause.
Naya hummed, letting her head fall on top of Heather's as the blonde pressed her cheek against the brunette's shoulder.
"He smoked so I couldn't resist lighting up myself. Now it's hard to go back."
"I knew I would find a justifiable reason not to like him."
Naya chuckled.
"If you didn't, it wouldn't be for lack of trying."
Heather felt a pang of embarrassment and guilt in her chest for being so obvious. She straightened up to say something, but as Naya turned her head to face her, the words escaped her. Looking at that gentle face so close, Heather could only smile and try her best to contain the dreading impulse to shorten the distance between their mouths. As the awareness of this constant desire, endlessly denied, kicked in, her eyes descended to the plumped lips so near her thinner ones. Naya's eyes reflected Heather's route and in an instant Heather felt herself move further. She inclined her head and left a firm peck on the girl's cheek. She let it last, lingering, trying to imprint her unspoken wishes on that one touch. Naya smiled, a dimple forming under Heather's mouth. A single tear fell on her lips and as soon as she tasted the salt, she moved back meeting brown eyes questioningly. Naya exhaled a long breath, her eyes drifting to the view.
"Naya…" Heather whispered, waiting for some sort of answer.
Her heart was breaking at the sight of her friend. She wanted to end that sudden sadness, to put a smile back on her face. She wanted to wipe the tears away and kiss her relentlessly. But right then Ashley's words hit her with new meaning. It seemed that whenever Heather was around for too long, Naya's happiness was crushed. In that moment, a new sort of panic hit her.
"It's just allergies, don't worry." Naya's voice finally came, and the lie was so blatant it made Heather cringe.
She moved to leave, but Naya tugged her arm closely, looking at her.
"I'm just tired. You don't need to leave."
Heather was still uncertain. But now, more than ever, all she wanted was to be a good friend. She ran her head for something to say.
"For two perfectly happy girls, we act like we're miserable."
Even after her best attempt, her words seemed utterly hopeless and she felt stupid for even trying. A soft laugh made its way through Naya's lips, surprising Heather.
"It's depressing how true that is."
Heather knew that look. She knew the bittersweet tone that laced the raspy voice of the gorgeous Latina. And this time when she tried to keep the associations from her mind it wasn't to ignore the burning truth in her own heart, it was to keep the pain from Naya's.
"You deserve to be happy. There's no one else in this world I wish happiness more than you."
Naya pressed her lips together as her eyes closed tightly shut.
"You're too sweet."
"I hate seeing you like this. Please tell me what's bothering you and I swear I'll try to fix it."
The honesty and eagerness in Heather's tone, made the girl smile. But she still didn't say anything.
"What's wrong, Nay?"
Naya breathed in, her mind seemed distant and she hesitated for quite a while before finally giving in.
"I guess I feel ungrateful. I have a lot of good stuff going on, but I'm still not as happy as I think… and as other think I should be."
The blonde nodded even knowing Naya couldn't see it. And for the first time in a long time she knew exactly what to say.
"I have found that trying to please other people when it comes to your own happiness, ends up being the cause of a lot of pain. And not just for you. It spreads… like a plague. And it makes you feel even crappier to be the reason for all that… mess."
Naya's heavy breathing went unnoticed by Heather, but the look she gave her was fully noted. Naya was listening to her as if the rest of the world had just disappeared. It gave the blonde a sense of relief and the words flowed effortlessly.
"So, as much as you care about other people – and you should –, remember that no one but yourself can tell you what makes you happy. And as long as you know what that something is, you're good. You have nothing to worry about."
Naya nodded slowly, her world unbalanced at hearing such appeasing words from the last person she thought she would hear them from.
"I totally shocked you with my wisdom, hum?" Heather joked, arousing a genuine laugh from the brunette.
"Come on." Holding Naya's arm firmly, Heather made them stand up. "Enough with the mope fest. We're way too hot to be brooding on this rooftop."
Heather let her eyes roam free up and down Naya's body.
"Seriously. Way too hot."
Naya cracked up again, slapping Heather's arm.
"Ok. Let's go." She agreed, throwing the burn out fag out of the roof.
"Rivers!" Heather shrieked, grabbing Naya's hand that was now empty. "So you're not only a walking ashtray but a litterbug?"
"It's just one tiny fag." Naya justified with the most innocent expression. "Lea assured me they have the best street cleaners out here. I'm sure they'll take care of it."
"So you'll have them pick up your trash, is that it? Aren't we a dirty-ass diva?"
Heather used Naya's hand to slap the brunette's ass.
"Stop!" Naya whined through giggles.
A wave of loud laughter broke through the door making both girls turn towards it. They fully expected a group to barge in, before they noticed the sound was much more distant. The party was getting rowdy. As they realized this, the sound of dance music drowned the voices. It wasn't loud enough to wake up the neighborhood. You needed to be quiet to distinctly listen to it, but the soft bass was enough to make Heather's body buzz with energy.
"Dance with me." The blonde asked, extending her hand towards the brunette with an innocent smile playing on her lips.
Naya laughed and reached for Heather's hand tugging it, but leaving a good distance between them.
"We already dance practically every day."
Heather stepped closer but not like so many other times. She wasn't flirting or prowling as her body neared Naya's. Her face looked almost childlike with wide blue eyes and a content grin.
"I know, but that's as our characters. I just want to dance with my friend."
And Naya believed her. So grabbing Heather's other hand they started swaying. It was gentle and they couldn't help giggling at how off beat they were. On impulse, Naya let go of Heather's hands and interlaced her own fingers behind the dancer's neck. It brought Heather closer to her and, even though the proximity didn't go unnoticed by them, it didn't break the comfortable atmosphere they had fallen into.
It wasn't unusual for them to be so at ease around each other. But it never lasted long. Maybe dancing with each other came so naturally to them because that's all they had ever done. They danced with the line of friendship until it broke them. And when broken they danced with the past until some sort of relationship was revived.
Now, Naya wasn't sure what the dance was at all. Her fear was that they would fall into old patterns. That the closer they got as friends, the closer they were to that same old dance. What she feared the most was that part of her still wished for it. But maybe now that Heather had completely moved on, to a point where honesty was back in their inconstant friendship, maybe now it would be possible to stop dancing.
Heather made her twirl before bringing her back to her arms with a joyful grin that caused Naya's chest to warm. This was the best kind of dance for them. And this kind she wished she would never have to live without.
Author's note: To those following this story my sincerest apologies. I really didn't plan on leaving this without updates for so long. I started writing this chapter as soon as I finished the last one, but then finals got in the way along with personal stuff that simply murdered my inspiration. Your reviews brought it back to life and for that I'm eternally grateful. So, if you still haven't given up on this, enjoy. And know that I'm incredibly grateful to have you.
A very special thank you to Dante's Keep and mynileyworld for their awesome and kind words. You really helped build up some of the lost confidence. And also PaperRomance thank you so much for waiting so patiently :)
At last, to answer some questions: I won't add Matt. I know using real life situations make the story more realistic, and I have something planned but it doesn't involve him. As for Naya liking Nate, what I meant to do was to sort of explain a small part of what Heather went through with Taylor. I thought it was a good way to relate a bit more to Heather's past mistakes. In my opinion, sometimes you can meet someone you like, that can brighten up your day, someone that doesn't have the power to make your heart hurt, but that can make you smile. That someone makes you feel safe, but doesn't make you fall in love. And there's also many cases of people falling out of love but staying in a relationship because their accustomed to it. Safety can be quite entrapping.