Chapter 9: Young and Beautiful
I love her…
And that's the beginning of everything
-F. Scott Fitzgerald
James Gatz otherwise known as Jay Gatsby was in a state of nervousness as he sat at his dinner table, in the most popular celebrity hot spot, Stork Club, awaiting the arrival of Vivien Webber who was to be his date this evening. It had been a week since he spoken to her on the phone, arranging this dinner date for them two at a very expensive restaurant. Now Gatsby wouldn't have been too nervous if they had this date before he had spoken to Nick about a day or two about Daisy.
And now he was beginning to have second thoughts about continuing this…growing relationship he had with Vivien before his feelings (and hers) festered into that dreaded four-letter word that made him what he was today. He didn't want to lead Vivien on; he wanted to be with Daisy…didn't he?
Gatsby let out a heavy sigh of frustration at the running thoughts going on through his head. He had arranged to meet with Daisy at Nick's home within a week and that thought made him even nervous and on edge. He was finally going to see his old love, and that should evoke of feeling of warmth in him but it left him feeling cold and numb.
And he didn't like that. Not at all.
As Gatsby dwelled more on the subject, trying to figure out how to end things with Vivien, the sound of clicking heels on the marbled floor of the restaurant reached Gatsby's ears, causing him to look up and he could have sworn that his heart stopped at the sight he was greeted with:
Vivien was walking towards him, in all her grace, her dark red painted lips curved upwards in a smile. She wore a champagne colored sheath gown that had a dazzling dramatic back, that had delicate cap-sleeves and sparkling lace, with a beaded golden embroidered tulle that featured twinkling golden crystals on it, the dress hugged her figure like a glove and had a slight plunge, showing off her soft creamy ample breast, she wore simple champagne jewel encrusted heels and around her neck she wore a beaded necklace that hung between her breast provocatively. Her inky raven-colored hair was in a loose messy bun that had a few curled strands framing her pale face. Her makeup consisted of dark glossy red painted lips, golden eye shadow was above her eyelids that made her brown eyes pop and seem brighter than they actually wore, simple eyeliner and soft pink blush.
Gatsby was entranced by her beauty and shocked that she wasn't wearing her usual dark moody colors. These golden colors, gave her sinful femme fatale look a slightly angelic appearance, but the smirk on her lips and the twinkle in her eye gave her away. Making her look like a wolf in sheep's clothing and Gatsby felt like he was the prey about to be pounced on with the way she was looking at him.
He then stood, throat feeling awfully dry at the moment as Vivien finally came closer to him, a saucy smile appearing on her face. "Gatsby…" she said, her voice soft, feminine and seductive all wrapped together.
The way she had said his name had left him with warmth that radiated through him and hit him right in his loin. Ending things with her was not going to be easy.
Gatsby had to force himself to look away from Vivien for a moment to recollect him self before he cleared his throat and put on his best smile, "Hello Vivien, I was being to think you were going to stand me up."
Vivien grinned at Gatsby's teasing tone, running her eyes up and down over his body, taking in his clothing which happened to be a ivory linen three button jacket with a matching ivory colored dress pants, underneath the jacket was a light blue dress shirt, a linen light brown vest, a champagne colored ombre plaid tie and white and brown spectator wingtip dress shoes.
"Heavens no!" Vivien said dramatically, placing a hand over her bosom. "I would never think about standing up the great Gatsby!"
Gatsby chuckled lightly at her dramatic sarcasm and then grasped her left hand, taking notice of finger ring bracelet she wore before placing a lingering kiss on her hand, keeping his burning blue-eyed gaze on her. "I am glad…"
Vivien felt an odd chill go down her back once she felt his lips on her hand, keeping her eyes on his, watching as he finally removed his lips from her hand and letting it go gently. "Shall we eat?" Gatsby asked.
"Yes," she replied, about to sit down until Gatsby's hand reached out, stopping her. Vivien turned to give him quirked brow. "Is something wrong Gatsby?"
"Well I'm suppose to pull the seat out for you," he said simply.
Vivien almost laughed downright in his face. He was trying to be a gentleman, how cute. Instead she gave him a playful smirk, her brown eyes twinkling in mischief. "Why I didn't know you had an ounce of chivalry in you Mr. Gatsby," she teased, leaning close to him, taking note of the little shudder his body made. "Besides I'm not a little girl any more, I can pull out my own seat~"
Gatsby's body went tense at seductive tone in Vivien's voice and the coy mocking smile on her lips that seemed to be gauging his reaction. He then pulled himself together and gave her an equally playful smirk. "Why of course, you are all grown up now aren't you Miss Webber?" Gatsby then let go of her hand before she took a seat, not answering Gatsby's question, giving him a smirk instead.
Gatsby then took his seat in his chair, looking at Vivien. "You can order thing you like on the menu Miss Webber…" Vivien nodded and grasped the menu, opening it and scanning the menu.
And while she scanned the menu, Gatsby couldn't help but let his eyes wander her face, enjoying the scrunch of her nose as she read over some of the things on the menu, the squint of her eyes and watching her wet appendage dart out from her mouth to lick the bottom lip as she was in thought. In the midst of it, Vivien looked up to catch Gatsby's eyes and she felt her cheeks burn a little and she gave him a shy smile, causing Gatsby to smile back at her. That's when a fair-skinned man came over to them, greeting them with a wide smile.
"Is there anything I can get you two tonight?" the male asked. "Perhaps a salad for the lady?"
Vivien gave a glare to the man and closed her menu. "What makes you think I would want a salad?" she asked, quirking a brow.
The waiter's eyes widened and he soon began to stutter, "I-I don't k-k-know mam…I just uhm assumed y-you'd want something to watch your w-weight."
Gatsby's eyes widened and then gave the boy a grim expression. "Now you've done it old' sport," he said a bit bemused as he watched Vivien's face twist up into a scowl.
"Are you saying I'm overweight now?" she asked.
"N-No! Of course not!" he said, his eyes wide. "I-I'm sorry mam!"
"You better be! You're lucky I won't go to your manager about this!" Vivien said with false anger, resisting the urge to laugh at the poor boy. She then gave him a heated glare before spatting out, "I want broiled calf's liver smothered in onions. I want it cooked not medium well, I want it well done and bring us some Bronx, we're feeling mighty parched."
The man nodded his head furiously and looked at Gatsby. "A-And you sir?"
Gatsby also had to resist the urge to laugh at how wound up and afraid the man looked, and the false anger written all over Vivien's face but he could see the quivering of her lips, knowing she to was resisting to laugh. Gatsby chuckled lightly and said, "I'll have the curry of jumbo shrimps with wild rice."
"I'll be back with your plate's i-in a moment," he said nervously, taking the menu's from them both before scurrying off when Vivien gave him a death glare. And once he was gone both Vivien and Gatsby began to laugh loudly.
"That was awfully cruel of you Vivien," Gatsby said with a light laugh. "But highly amusing."
Vivien rolled her shoulders and grinned unabashed. "Oh I was only having fun, I'll make sure he's tipped quite handsomely," she said with a snicker.
Gatsby shook his head and rolled his eyes at her antics, finding them to be rather amusing. The Gatsby cleared his throat, gaining Vivien's attention; he then leaned forward and looked at her. "So Miss Webber what made you change you mind about spending time in my presence?" he asked.
Vivien was a bit taken back by the question but couldn't help but smile a little at his curiosity. Her mind wandered back to what Daisy had said to her, and then she looked back at Gatsby, staring into his bright blue hues before giving him a soft sweet smile. "A friend of mine she gave me a few words of advice about love and taking chances," Vivien said.
Gatsby felt himself inwardly flinch at that word, love. Finding himself becoming more enamored with Vivien the more time they spent in one another's presence, and he was knew it was going to be even harder to end things with her.
"You want to take a chance with me?" Gatsby asked rather boldly, looking at her intensely, gauging her reaction.
Vivien's cheeks became heated at his bold question and she then cleared her throat, looking away from him. "The music here is quite lovely…" she said quickly, trying to change the subject.
Gatsby frowned a little but then let out a little sigh before smiling. "That is…they say this Lana Del Rey is getting pretty well known and may even get her own contract with a company," Gatsby said.
They both turned their attention to a woman who was on stage. She had chocolate wavy brown hair that reached down to her mid-back, full pouty painted red lips, sultry sad looking eyes and fair skin. She wore a skin-tight white dress that had a low plunge and simple white flapper heels. And as she sung, her body swayed in the utmost hypnotic way as she stared out into the crowd.
"She does have a magical voice," Vivien said with a smile as she watched the brunette on the stage. Eventually the waiter had came by with the Bronx's, putting the drinks down in front of them but the pair didn't seem to notice the man. [[Italics= Singing]]
Every Saturday night
I get dressed up to ride for you baby
Cruising down the street on,
Hollywood and Vine for you, baby~
"That she does…Vivien," Gatsby said, capturing Vivien's attention once more. "You never answered my question…"
I drive fast, wind in my hair,
I push to the limits,
'Cause I just don't care
Vivien's eyes widened and she mentally cursed the man, wishing he could drop it and she decided to feign forgetting what the question was. "What question do you speak of Mr. Gatsby?" she asked innocently, taking notice of the liquor before grasping a glass, taking a sip out of it.
You ask me where I've been,
I've been everywhere,
"I think you know what I'm speaking of Vivien," Gatsby said, staring intensely at her. He wanted to know would she want to take a risk at being with him (even though he was always going to be with Daisy in the end)…he was curious. "Would you throw caution to the wind for me?"
But I don't wanna be,
Anywhere but here
(Come on tell me, boy)
Vivien put the glass down, her tongue darting out to lick the excess liquor from her lips, not taking notice of Gatsby's eyes following the wet appendage before it slipped back into her mouth. She then looked at him, giving him a coy smile. "And if I was…?"
I've got a burning desire,
For you, baby
(I've got a burning desire)
(Come on tell me, boy)
"Then I would wonder why you would…you don't know much about me Vivien, I could be a killer for all you know," Gatsby said in all seriousness, giving her a dark glare. "Who knows what you could be getting yourself into…"
I drive fast, wind in my hair…
"Mr. Gatsby have I ever told you how much I love getting involved with dangerous men?" Vivien purred out, placing her hand over top of his. "I love danger~"
I push you to the limits,
'Cause I just don't care.
Gatsby's eyes widened and found himself unable to respond to Vivien's choice of wording. But he could feel a slight tightening in his pants at her words and the air between the two of them began to thicken.
I've got a burning desire,
For you, baby
(I've got a burning desire)
"Here is your f-food," the waiter said as he came over to them, causing Gatsby to snap out of his trance and pull his hand away from Vivien's, clearing his throat and straightening up. "Thank you old sport," he said with a slight sheepish smile.
Vivien could only grin when she saw that her answer had him at a loss for words and then nodded thanks to the waiter as he sat her food in front of her and Gatsby. He then quickly scurried off, not wanting to be around Vivien.
And wordlessly both Vivien and Gatsby began to eat, the tension still thick between the two. Vivien then looked up as she stuck a piece of the calf liver into her mouth, looking at Gatsby as he seem to hungrily eat the shrimp. She then chuckled a little, catching Gatsby's gaze in the process.
"Enjoying your meal?" she asked teasingly.
Gatsby's cheeks got a hint of color in them and he smiled sheepishly. "I haven't eaten since this morning, so I am a bit hungry," he said.
"Mm, is it good?" Vivien asked, that mischievous twinkle once again entering her eyes.
Gatsby caught on to the slight innuendo in her voice and smirked a little. "It is…would you like to have a taste?" he asked.
Vivien grinned. "I would~"
Gatsby then grabbed one of the shrimps, holding it out to her above the table. Vivien almost tsked, feeling her cheeks become hot at how he held it out like a dog but that seemed to send an all to familiar ache between her legs. So Vivien licked her lips and leaned forward, capturing the shrimp into mouth fully, tail and all, swallowing it whole with ease and then letting her tongue run over Gatsby's fingers, keeping her burning gaze on his, enjoying the widening of his eyes and the way his mouth slightly dropped open in shock.
Vivien moaned softly as she tasted the spices on his fingers, eagerly lapping them up before slowly pulling back on his fingers until they were fully out of her mouth, and then smirked, licking her lips. "You are right, it is delicious," she purred out, giving Gatsby a wink before sitting back down in her seat.
Gatsby felt his cock twitch within in his pants and had to mentally calm himself down before putting his hand down at his side, giving Vivien a slight smirk. "You are acting like a little minx tonight aren't you?" he asked.
Vivien gave Gatsby a playful grin, shrugging her shoulders a little. "What can I say…I enjoy toying with danger," she purred out.
Right when Gatsby was about to reply to her, there was a roar of applause and they both turned their attention to Miss Del Rey who had just finished a song, curtseying and nodding her head to the crowd.
"It seems we've missed her performance," Vivien said. "Too bad really, it would have been nice to have a dance at one of her songs…"
Gatsby looked at Vivien and then at Miss Del Rey before standing up. Vivien looked at him I confusement and raised a brow. "Where are you going Mr. Gatsby?"
"Give me a quick second Miss Webber…" he replied before quickly making his way through the crowd of high end rich people before stopping at the stage where Miss Del Rey was.
"Excuse me…Miss Del Rey?" he asked.
Lana turned to look at Gatsby. "Yes…?"
"I have a request to make— " "Sorry sweetheart I'm all done for tonight, I have places to be, people to meet, you know how that goes," she said with chuckle, putting a strand of her chocolate brown locks behind her hair.
"Please," he pleaded once she began to walk away, watching as she stopped. "It's for someone…who's starting to hold a dear place in my heart. And she would have liked to dance to once of your songs…"
Lana looked at Gatsby, seeming to think about it before asking him, "Let me ask you this sweetie, how much do care for this woman?"
"Because all of you new up and coming rich boys always find ways to break gals hearts."
"I care about her enough to come up here, beg you on my knees…." Gatsby started out, getting onto his knees, grinning up at Lana with that boyish smile of his. "To perform a song for my lady-friend this evening…"
Lana felt the corners of her painted red lips twitch and she shrugged. "A rich boy who knows a thing or two about humility how amusing," she said with a chuckle. "Stand up, I'll sing this song for her alright."
Gatsby stood up and grasped her hand, watching as she leaned down a little so he can place a kiss on it before he pulled back. "I give you my thanks Miss Del Rey~"
"It's no problem sweetheart…now what's your gal's name?"
"Vivien…" he said with a slight grin.
"Vivien? A name that means lively…and I'm sure she is isn't she?" Lana asked teasingly, leaning back up, looking down at Gatsby amused as she saw him smirk a little.
"That she is mam…and thank you again," he said, turning to leave until Lana asked him a question that made him stop in his tracks.
"Do you love her…?"
The question was simple and could barely be heard, but Gatsby heard it. He could have easily ignored the question, continued walking to Vivien and be done with this conversation. But he couldn't bring himself to. The question seemed to have stabbed him deep in his spine, rendering him incapable of moving. The question left a tightening feeling in his chest, the air leaving his lungs as he began to feel light-headed.
He then clenched his fist, closing his eyes as he forced himself to remove the image of Vivien from his mind and replace it with his first love, the girl whose voice reminded him of money and her wispy blonde locks. Gatsby then turned to Lana del Rey, hardness in his voice as he replied, "No…I love another."
And with that he walked away back to his table.
Lana chuckled lightly as she walked back to the center of stage where the mic was and shook her head as she watched the blonde-haired male disappear into the crowd. "Poor fool, he doesn't know how bad he's in love with that Vivien," she said to herself.
"I only hope that when the time comes, he makes the right choice~"
-Back With Vivien & Gatsby-
"And where did you go?" Vivien asked as Gatsby came back to the table but not taking his seat in his chair.
"I went to go talk to someone," he replied with a bright smile.
"Oh, was it another lady friend of yours?" Vivien asked teasingly, a smirk playing on her lips.
Gatsby chuckled and grasped Vivien's hand. "You're the only woman for me tonight," he said gently, pulling her out of her seat.
Vivien raised a brow. "Just for tonight?" she asked, raising a brow. "And what are you doing?"
"I'm going to dance with you," he said simply, leading her to the dance floor. "I asked someone to do something for you."
Vivien then directed her gaze to where Gatsby was staring to Lana Del Rey on stage once more, a slightly sultry look on her face as she began to sway, the music beginning to play. "This song goes out to a very special lady by the name of Vivien," she purred out.
Vivien's eyes widened when Lana said her name and looked at Gatsby. "You asked her to play for me?" Vivien asked in shocked.
Lana then began to hum softly, as the violins behind her began to play softly, her eyes becoming half lidded as she began to sing:
I've seen the world
Done it all
"Come dance with me," Gatsby said, his voice low, husky, inviting as he stared into Vivien's shocked eyes.
Had my cake now
Diamonds, brilliant
And Bel-Air now…
Hot summer nights, mid-July
When you and I were forever wild
Vivien looked at Gatsby in shock and disbelief, feeling her cheeks grow warm. She then nodded her head, taking his hand in hers, while one of her hands rested on his shoulder and one of his hands rested on her upper back. And then they began their dance.
The crazy days, city lights
The way you'd play with me like a child
The lights began to dim in the club, and suddenly a bright light flashed onto Gatsby and Vivien, the spotlight on them.
Will you still love me
When I'm no longer young and beautiful?
Will you still love me
When I got nothing but my aching soul?
Vivien blushed more as took notice of people around them watching them as they too danced a slow waltz. "This embarrassing," she said as she stared at Gatsby.
I know you will, I know you will
I know that you will
Gatsby then dipped Vivien down low, causing her to gasp. He smirked as he looked into her brown eyes. "You're adorable when you're flustered."
Will you still love me when I'm no longer beautiful?
I've seen the world, lit it up
As my stage now
Channeling angels in the new age now
Hot summer days, jazz on the soul
The way you play for me at your show
Gatsby had pulled her back up, twirling her before pulling her back to him, her back against him as they swayed with the music. He closed his eyes as he let the music and Vivien overtake him.
And all the ways I got to know
Your pretty face and electric soul
He was beginning to forget about ending things with Vivien. He was beginning to forget about Daisy.
Will you still love me
When I'm no longer young and beautiful?
Will you still love me
When I got nothing, but my aching soul?
Vivien felt her heart pound within her chest when Gatsby turned her around, their bodies becoming closer together in an intimate way, Gatsby's hand moving slowly from her upper back to right above her derriere.
I know will, I know you will
I know that you will
Will you still love me when I'm no longer beautiful?
Vivien looked into Gatsby's eyes as he moved them both around in a circle, picking up the speed in his waltz, looking down at her with an unreadable look.
Dear lord, when I get to heaven
Please let me bring my man
When he comes tell me that you'll let him in
Father tell me if you can
The tension between the two was growing thick, and Gatsby felt his own heart pound violently in his chest as he looked down at her ruby lips. Having the urge to kiss her. If he kissed her…
Oh that grace, oh that body
Oh that face makes me wanna party
Vivien caught him staring at her lips and she instinctively licked them as she looked at his entire face, then at his lips. If she dare to kiss him….
He's my sun, he makes me shine like diamonds
Gatsby used his hand that was intertwined with hers, to cup her cheeks before lowering his lips onto hers, taking the risk, taking the chance, to feel something for someone else who wasn't Daisy.
Will you still love me
When I'm no longer young and beautiful?
Vivien's eyes widened into the kiss, before she soon found herself melting into it, kissing him back, a soft moan escaping her lips.
Will you still love me
When I got nothing but my aching soul?
There was a sense of urgency in their kiss. Gatsby's mouth was hard on hers, unyielding; then he used his other arm to wrap around her lithe waist, pulling her against hi. His lips then softened. Vivien could feel the rapid beat of his heart and hers, the taste of the curry on his lips, giving a spice to the kiss.
I know you will, I know you will
I know that you will
Vivien had wounded her hands into his hair, as she wanted to run her fingers through his dirty blonde locks since the first time she'd him. His hair curled around her fingers, fine and feathery.
Will you still love me when I'm no longer beautiful?
Gatsby's heart was hammering, as the kiss got intense. All thoughts of Daisy seemed to fade away, the worry of getting her away from Tom, the nervousness of ending things with Vivien before things got serious between them all melted away into the back of his mind. There was only him and her, as he slowly pulled away from the kiss, there was a rushing sound in his ears, like beating wings.
Will you still love me when I'm no longer beautiful?
Gatsby looked down at Vivien, her parted bruised lips, cheeks flushed, lipstick smudged, giving her the appearance of a harlot as she panted slightly. Her brown eyes were wide and filled with fire and he was sure his own eyes were filled with the same fire that mirrored hers.
Will you still love me when I'm not young and beautiful?...
The audience erupted into applause around Gatsby and Vivien but the both of them took no notice, only staring into each other's eyes, both of their hearts drumming and their adrenaline running high.
Vivien wasn't his first kiss, but it felt like it was the first kiss that mattered: the first kiss with someone who mattered…
And that thought scared the living hell out of him.
END
Songs: Young & Beautiful by Lana Del Rey, Burning Desire by Lana Del Rey
STP: *claps hands* I finally updated this story! I didn't know which direction to take this chapter at first. I had to redo it once. And I have to say this one is far better than the other one I was going to post.
STP: I really enjoyed this chapter to because Viv and Jay finally kiss! And their relationship is a bit rushed but that will all come crushing down on…well Vivien later on once she learns about Gatsby's first love. And the next chapter will be a lemon! Lemony lemony smutty goodness! Gatsby will not be gentle with Vivien and she'll love because she's a very sexual creature
Gatsby: Oh brother *rolls eyes*
STP: Shush Jay! ANY…ways as I was saying next chapter will be leading up to the pure smut. And Vivien is going to demonstrate what she does for a living for Gatsby *wiggles eyebrows suggestively* Followed by some wee fwuff at the end. But anyways TAKE IT AWAY GATSBY
Gatsby: Shay would like you all to R&R or she'll ignore this story once more to play her video games and fawn over this Garrus Vakarian fellow
STP: SHAKARIAN *sighs dreamily*
Gatsby: See what I mean?