AN: Sorry for the delay. It's been tough to find time lately but I'll post whenever I can.
Tob2008 and LexCook: Thank you as always :)))
Guest: The engagement ring was brought up before :D Since chapter 29: Toxic. And here is the backstory :D
Slide
Could you whisper in my ear
The things you wanna feel
I'd give you anything
To feel it coming
Do you wake up on your own
You live with all your faults
I wanna wake up where you are
I won't say anything at all
So why don't you slide?
Gonna let it slide
"Dylan, a whimsical 'Hey, let's go to Paris and elope' while we're in your bed is not enough." Kelly insisted, shaking her head as she looked at the ring in the palm of her hand. Did he really think that I was supposed to just figure out that he was serious?
Dylan exhaled. "With you, it's never enough." He bent down to sit on the couch and rested his head back.
She observed the ring once more, still trying to process it all before joining him on the couch. "...When did you get it?" She asked quietly.
Dylan turned to face her.
Dylan flashed back to his memories, explaining to Kelly how it all happened. He took her back to that night. The night that continued to haunt him, the final night of them in his bed after rehab, the night Cam was conceived.
Once they arrived at Dylan's house, they passionately made out all the way to the front door. Slamming the door shut behind them, their lips remained locked as he attempted to throw his keys in the bowl beside the door, missing the shot. He didn't care, too busy locked in their embrace. She unbuttoned his shirt in between kisses and he pulled off her white cardigan letting it fall to the floor. They both kicked off their shoes on the way to the bedroom and continued to undress each other urgently. Their clothes leaving a trail on the floor behind them.
Once they were in his bed, naked and craving each other, their bodies entwined.
Mature
He hovered over her, eager to taste her again, he kissed her passionately. A playful squeal escaped her lips as they smirked at each other, desperate to become one. His hands slid down her body and grabbed onto her thighs to pull her closer to him. She let out a dirty chuckle as he wrapped her legs around his waist. He couldn't stop gazing at her glistening eyes looking up at him. He slowly entered her and the sensation of finally being inside her had him closing his eyes in contentment. She let out a loud moan of his name as his head collapsed on the side of her neck.
She pulled his body deeply into her, tightening her legs around his waist. He lifted his head and couldn't help but gawk at her lips, as he began to thrust harder into her. He stared at her mouth and became infatuated with the shape her lips took as she screamed his name. She bit her lip as her hands stretched up to the headboard. Her arms flailed about and her body swayed underneath him, her back arched to give into him. The way she moved was so effortlessly sexy. Dylan groaned with immense pleasure, making sure not to drool on her. He was so desperate to kiss her, his nose attempted to rest on hers amid the thrusts.
Their bodies moved as one, speeding up the pace, and the air between them only got steamier as he began to sweat on her. He quickly pulled her on top of him, admiring her curves as she swayed on top of him. He fixated on her body as her hips swirled, her body leaned forward to arch her back which caused her big, messy bed hair to fall onto her back. Enamored by her locks, he grabbed a fistful and began to tug on her hair. His other hand groped onto her derriere urgently. Tightly holding on to her, his mouth rushed to devour her breast. He nibbled her nipple and she let out a soft moan. He looked up at her, smirking. She looked down at him and smiled back. She began to giggle, as she ran her fingers through his hair. He gripped onto her even tighter as she continued to move up and down; her moans got louder as she danced on top of him. The overwhelming sensation was so intense, he couldn't take his eyes off of her body. Leaning up to kiss her breasts once more before leaning back to get lost in the view.
Unable to keep his hands to himself, he rolled her body over and threw himself over her. He began to penetrate her aggressively, devouring her neck, becoming captivated by her hair in his face as he buried his head into her neck. He was so seduced by her scent, so lost in the touch of her skin, he couldn't believe he finally had her in between his sheets again; it felt like heaven.
As she began to moan loudly with every thrust he forced into her, he lifted his head up to look at her, and with one stroke of his finger against her cheek, he whispered: "My baby." He gawked, staring at her lips as she called his name sweetly. Finally finding a more steady pace as their bodies found their rhythm, his thumb caressed her bottom lip and she began to kiss it, lick it and suck on it. His thumb, now wet thanks to her, trailed down her chin to her neck. Fixated on her neck, his hand wrapped around it. As his fingers embraced her neck, her moans grew louder. "Come for me..." She sang.
As they both moved as one until they reached orgasm, Dylan released himself inside her. He then collapsed onto her, breathing heavily into her neck. She wrapped her arms around him, stroking his hair, helping him pace himself and catch his breath.
He rested his head on her chest, not wanting to leave her arms. They both remained in bed, exactly where they wanted to be, with him in her arms.
The morning after, Dylan opened his eyes to find Kelly standing beside the bed, attempting to get dressed.
"Hey..." He said sleepily
"Hey..." She smiled at him
"Come back to bed." He encouraged
"I can't." She sighed. She hooked her bra, but before she could throw on her white tee shirt that was haphazardly thrown on the living room the night before, he pulled her into bed with him.
"Dylan..." She sighed again, resting her chin on his chest as his fingers ran through her hair, cupping the back of her head.
"Stay with me." He soothed, kissing her forehead.
"I'd love to... But I can't."
"Sure you can." He assured, leaning his head up to give her a long, longing kiss. His fingers were now stroking her collar bone. "We can pack up, get out of here... Go to Paris... Elope."
"Elope?" She chuckled
"Yeah..." He grinned
"You... have lost it." She shook her head but was amused nonetheless.
"I haven't... I just know what I need for the first time in my life... I need you."
"...Dylan, you know it's not that simple." She reasoned
"Brandon." He let out a deep breath and wriggled out from underneath her. She laid her head back on the pillow, watching him as he got up and put his pants on.
"...You gonna tell him?" He eventually asked, not looking at her.
"I don't want to... but I will."
He walked out into the living room, Kelly quickly got up and followed.
"Dylan." She sighed once she stood in front of him as he sat on the couch.
"What?" He shrugged
"I know you don't wanna hear this but... It's not that easy to walk away. Brandon... he sees the best in me. He's always in my corner. He doesn't fight me over every little thing. So you kinda want to hang onto a guy like that to some extent." She glanced at the floor. Dylan stared at her before standing up and walking towards her.
"See how honest you're being with me right now? Does he make it easy to be honest with him?" Dylan stared her down. She was about to say something but realized he was right. "Exactly." Dylan added and she swallowed a gulp. "Kelly, you fight with me sometimes. We feel alive when we're together and we're very passionate about what we have so sometimes things will get heated." Dylan explained, "Yeah, I'm gonna call you out when you're being a spoiled brat and you don't hold back with me either. But that doesn't mean I'm not on your side. It's because I'm on your side that I'm honest with you."
"Dylan..." She looked at the floor again. "I want to believe I could have it all with you... Brandon talks about the big white church wedding, the house, the kids... He includes in me the plan. You don't give me much assurance."
"You need all that?" He scoffed. "I don't need to show it off to the world to prove that it's real. If we're a family, why does it matter how we celebrate?"
"Dylan, I just - I need to be sure." She huffed
"My word should be enough." He said bluntly.
"I struggled with it a lot when he came to confront me. Is he the better guy? And even if he is, does that mean you should be with him? ...I didn't think so. I knew fighting for us was right for me." Dylan continued.
Dylan found Kelly laying on her beach towel at the beach.
"You haven't been returning my calls." He began, standing before her.
"I needed time to think." She removed her sunglasses.
"You're thinking too hard." He said, sitting down beside her, not taking his gaze off of her.
"Dylan..." She warned in a firm tone that caused him to let out an exasperated sigh. "It's a big decision, one I'm not sure you're ready for."
"I wouldn't be here if I wasn't absolutely sure that where you belong is with me. Together... wherever it is." He insisted
"Dylan... Don't do this. We need to think clearly... and we don't do that well when we're together" She pleaded as he slumped himself over her
"I'm thinking clearer than ever" He affirmed
"Dylan, I can't just leave!" She urged
"But you want to." He assured, stroking her cheek. She closed her eyes, attempting to resist the longing she felt for his touch
"You don't want him." He whispered. He knew she wanted a sense of security, but she didn't want him.
"He..." She struggled to get her words out. "He cares about me. He loves me."
"He'll get over it." Dylan sighed, "He doesn't need you... I need you. I can't breathe without you."
"Dylan..." She pleaded again, sitting up from the ground, causing him to roll off of her, irritated "Don't make it harder. Just because we want it now doesn't mean it's the right thing to do."
"It is right." He warned
"We're just getting caught up." She huffed, "In this... in us." She avoided looking him in the eye. "It'll pass."
"If that's true..." He leaned in closer, "How come I can't stop thinking about you... how come you can't stop thinking about me."
His lips hovered over hers.
"Dylan..." Her fingers softly stroked his lips, "Walking away from you was the hardest thing I ever had to do. Please, don't do this. I couldn't bear to do it again."
"You won't have to." He whispered, "Leave him."
"I realized then that if it made you happy, if it made you feel safe, it was worth it. So I went and got the ring."
"Mr McKay! Been a long time." The jeweler smiled
"Yeah." Dylan smiled back
"Who's the 'I'm sorry' gift for?" He teased
"It's not that. I'm looking for an engagement ring." Dylan observed the counter
"What? You?!"
"Is that so hard to believe?"
"Well... yeah!" The jeweler chuckled but proceeded to show Dylan the rings. "Here's a selection..."
"No." Dylan shook his head. "When I see it I'll know. It's gotta be perfect." Dylan wandered around, eyeing the collection. "...That one."
"That one? Dylan, that ring is a Harry Winston. It's one of the most expensive rings in this shop."
"It's the one. It's beautiful." Dylan affirmed.
"Hey..." Kelly opened her door to find Dylan pacing around her porch.
"Hi, Kel." He looked her up and down, "Wow... You look great."
"Thanks..." She studied him, confused as to why he was here "What's going on?"
"Wanted to see if you've made your mind up."
"Dylan, I told you. I need time." Dylan scoffed in response and turned to lean on the railings. Kelly shortly followed suit.
"Brandon's told me that he's committed..." She sighed, Dylan tensed up.
"So, what are you saying? You're not leaving him?" He turned to face her. I just bought a ring and she's saying this? He thought.
"I said it's not that simple." She said sternly
"Yes, it is. Why are you wasting time?" He said, agitated.
"Dylan... Don't pressure me." She warned
"...So let me get this straight," He began to pace around again, "You're actually considering him over me?" I'm not giving it to her now. Not like this, he thought.
"Dylan, you're not being very reasonable..." She murmured
"How could you make love to me and stay with him?" He roared
"If you're going to get angry, there's no point..." She shrugged, shaking her head
"Whatever." He scoffed to himself, "I'm out of here."
"Dylan!" She called after him, but he disappeared around the corner.
She ran down the stairs to catch up with him.
"This is exactly what I'm talking about, Dylan. You run when things get tough. How can I count on you when you always run away?!"
"You don't make it easy to stay."
"Oh so it's my fault?"
"Yes. I may run away easily but I didn't with you. You pushed me when we were together. You push and push and I tolerated a lot because I wanted to be with you. I may as well have been cheating with Brenda considering how you treated me. I know you were scared and insecure but it didn't matter how loyal I was, you decided not to trust me. Even when you left, I never did anything to make you doubt me. And you did anyway..." Dylan was visibly upset as he gazed at her. "And now you're doing it again. Only this time, you're using Brandon as an excuse."
That night, Dylan left Kelly's beach apartment and headed straight for the bar. Eberly noticed him immediately. The smart casual attire, the expensive watch and shoes. She decided to slide up on the stool beside him.
"I need a drink and you look like you want to buy me one." She grinned
"Do you mind?" Dylan barely glanced at her as he took a swig of his drink.
"Thought you could use some company." Eberly shrugged
"No. This is my first drink since rehab. I wanna enjoy it in peace." Dylan grumbled
"On the hard stuff already, huh?" She watched him.
"You got a problem?" He asked
She continued to observe him "...You know, they say hangovers make you feel things you should only feel when you're dying."
"Maybe I am." He groaned
"Well, if you're gonna die. Make it worth it." Eberly grinned as she grabbed his napkin and a pen and wrote down her phone number. "I don't come cheap." She said, looking him up and down. "But you can afford it." She whispered before walking off.
Dylan eyed the napkin and eventually scrunched it up and put it in his pocket.
Dylan opened his door to Kelly. He stood in the doorway, staring her down.
"Hi..." She breathed out
"Hi." He replied
"Can I come in?" She asked. He stepped aside and allowed her to pass through.
"Guess I should get right to it." Kelly sighed once they were sitting on the couch, "Dylan... I can't go to Paris with you."
"Brandon." He huffed, letting out a deep, frustrated sigh. Tapping his foot on the ground.
"No..." Kelly shook her head. He turned to face her. "You both asked me to choose... So I chose. I choose me."
"What?" Dylan crinkled his forehead
"Trust me... I'm putting us all out of our misery."
"So, that's it... You're ending this?" He couldn't believe what he was hearing.
"Just know that I'm not doing this for me, I'm doing it for you." Her hand reached out for his but he pulled away.
"That's rich... I can see how you turning down my proposal is good for me." He scoffed, sarcastically, "What about what's good for us, Kel... Can you honestly look me in the eye and tell me that you don't want to be with me?"
"I don't." She lied
He tensed up as he stood before her. He couldn't believe she was doing this.
"Silly me..." He mumbled, "I thought there was no contest." He said bitterly. He then proceeded to open the door, signaling for her to leave.
It didn't take Dylan long to start drinking once Kelly left. All she ever said was how she wanted a commitment from him, and when he gave her his word, it wasn't enough.
Half a bottle in, he put his hand in his pockets and found the napkin with Eberly's number on it, and proceeded to give her a call.
Dylan opened the door to find Kelly behind it.
"Hi." A disheveled Dylan breathed out. Kelly let out a heavy sigh at the state of him.
"Dylan, you're drunk." She shook her head in disappointment.
"Technically they call it a relapse... But don't worry about it, it's expected... And it's not really your problem anymore is it?" He hissed
"Dylan... I hate seeing you like this." She sighed, "Come on, let's get you sobered up." She encouraged, pushing past him. He sighed in response.
As she entered the house, she stopped in her tracks once her eyes set on the woman in a bathrobe.
"Who is this?" Disappointment, disgust, and jealousy smeared across Kelly's face
"Eberly." He replied, "Eberly, this is Kelly." He walked over to Eberly and squeezed her shoulders. Kelly scowled at him.
"You didn't tell me you're married." Eberly sounded surprised
"We're not." Dylan shrugged, "I asked her... She said no, didn't you, Kel." He let out a bitter chuckle. Eberly reached her arms up for him, and pulled him down to kiss her. As he kissed her, Kelly turned away, barely holding back tears.
"...So, what are you, trying to hurt me or something?" She choked
"No, I'm not doing anything to you..." Dylan groaned, drunkenly holding onto Eberly
"Just waving goodbye to your one last shred of dignity." Kelly spat
"Hey! Don't come here and judge how I choose to repair what you broke!" He growled, now glaring at her.
"Why bother." Kelly cried, turning on her heel. "It's over... It's so over."
Before she could reach the door, Dylan ran over to her and pulled her back
"Where you going?" He stumbled, trying to hold her arms in place.
"Leaving!" She pulled away from his grasp "Enjoy your lady of the night."
"So, what did you come here for, Kelly?" He sneered, "Huh? Just wanted to make sure the knife you stabbed in my back was pushed in a little deeper."
"I came here trying to help you!" Kelly cried
"Well, don't." He hissed
"Don't worry, I'm walking away now for good." She snapped
"So am I!" He yelled. She took one last look at him, before reaching for the door. Once her hand reached the doorknob, he placed his hand on hers.
"...I would have given you everything." He whispered in sorrow. If only she believed in him enough, he thought. She'd be wearing his ring.
She gazed at him, unable to stop the tears from flowing. "Goodbye, Dylan." She opened the door and let herself out.
Dylan woke up to find Eberly had already left after they had slept together. He looked over and saw Kelly's bathrobe on the floor. He got out of bed to pick it up. He then sat on the floor, bathrobe in hand and smelled it. Eberly's perfume had replaced Kelly's scent. He wasn't feeling great right now. It had been a disaster. Drunken sex with Eberly wasn't as numbing as he'd hoped. Her kisses didn't taste like Kelly's, her skin didn't either. And her hair... her hair didn't feel like Kelly's.
As he held onto the robe, he remembered everything that went down and began to cry. It felt like there was no going back. The damage was done.
"I remember saying goodbye to Nat at the Peach Pit and letting him know I was leaving... He must have told Brandon because it wasn't long before he was at my door as I was packing... I just had to get out of there. So I did."
Kelly remained silent, remembering that day that she had come to tell him she was pregnant and found Brandon at the bungalow.
Dylan took a deep breath. "By that point, I had given up. There was nothing left for me here. It was all so raw, and I just wanted to erase it all, thinking it would numb the pain."
Dylan walked along the Pont des Arts, observing every single lock. This was where he imagined proposing, looking over the river Seine. And now he's here to throw the ring off the bridge. Except he realized he didn't even have the ring.
It was yet another thing he had left behind. Along with everything else in Beverly Hills.
He leaned over the rails, and began to weep, wiping his tears with his palms as he mourned his life in Beverly Hills... As he mourned her. It's all over.
"I was done." Dylan sighed. "Because I did choose you, Kelly. I chose you everyday... and you ended up choosing yourself."
And I'll do anything you ever dreamed to be complete
Little pieces of the nothing that fall
Put your arms around me
What you feel is what you are
And what you are is beautiful
Do you wanna get married?
Or run away?
Just slide between the sheets
Why don't you slide into my room
Just slide into my room
Oh, we'll run away, run away, run away