Naya had spent the better part of the morning, holding Demi as she sobbed uncontrolabily, This was not how she wanted to spend today after last night. This was not how she wanted to spend any day with the girl ever. It wasnt fair to her . Demi had worked so hard to bring herself from her past, and now this comes up. It wasnt even fucking true.
Tom had been doing major damage control , assuring the media that Demi was not 'using' again. Of course, the media didnt believe him. They never believe anything, they only twist your words to their liking.
Whatever it took to get their paychecks signed, they would do. They were disgusting.
The worst part was, Naya was exhausted. It had been nearly 5 weeks since she had gotten a full night's sleep. She was willing to be the support and wall during this time. But her body was beginning to shut down, especially after this. Her only hope was Malak.
Malak had actually seen the news, and called Naya. More than ever, he wanted to see Demi. He actually moved her to Naya's slot so he could have more time to work with her. Which meant, Naya would have to switch her time to much later in the evening. She couldnt miss another Glee shoot, the directors and writers were beginning to get annoyed with her , even if she had gone through hell and back.
A part of Naya hated them, a part of her wished that they would just terminate her contract, that way she could support Demi whole heartedly. But if she did, there went her paycheck. She may have been well paid, but Naya knew if she was removed from Glee that would cut off her money supply. Like hell was she going to ask Demi to pay for the upkeep on the house. She needed this job, and either way. She was going to suffer.
Demi was quiet, her body shivered as the Latina held her close, running her hair through her finger's soothingly.
"Any better Dem?" Naya whispered.
Demi shook her head. "This sucks Naya. I'm so sorry your getting pulled into this..."
Naya kissed the girl on the top of her head. "Hush, For better or for worse. Right?"
Demi cracked a half hearted smile, burying herself deeper into the woman's chest. "I dont want to go anywhere right now...' She whispered weakly.
"Dem, Malak will help." Naya said reassuringly. "You need to see him , especially after that trash on the Television..."
Demi grunted in frustration. 'Why cant they just leave me alone...'
"Because we're stars." Naya said flatly. "And they will do whatever they can to make us look bad." She squeezed the girl tighter. "But that doesn't matter Dem, We know the truth. They dont. In my opinion. They can suck it."
Demi chuckled slightly. "Hey, i dont like that idea..."
Naya smirked, leaning her chin on the girl's shoulder. "Not literally. I wouldnt touch those with a 38 and a half foot pole."
"Good." Demi said quickly. "Your the only thing thats holding me together right now." She said with a serious tone.
Naya gave the girl a small squeeze. "And i'll be here every step of the way..."
Demi sighed, grabbing ahold of one of the girl's hands,caressing it with her thumb. "I should probably get dressed.."
Naya bit her lip, she touch was sending shocks through her system. Her body wanted her to pounce on the clothes-less girl that sat wrapped in her arms. But her mind told her no. Reluctantly, she nodded. "Yeah..."She said in a whisper. Releasing the grip she had on the girl, she sat back. "Will you be alright if i take a quick shower? I have to go to the studio today."
Demi sighed, but nodded. "Yeah, i think the worst of it is over."
Naya have the girl a smile. "Hey..." She whispered, planting a soft kiss on the girl's cheek, afterwards, gazing into her eyes. "I'm right in the other room if you need me. Okay?"
Demi nodded, smiling sadly at the girl. "Go take your shower , I'll try and make something to eat for us downstairs."
Naya smiled . "Okay..." She ran the back of her hand across the smaller girl's cheek, for the first time in a while it felt warm. That made her smile. "Everything's going to be fine Dem. You'll see..." She said confidently. "They'll find someone else to harass, then we'll be free to live our lives in peace."
Demi brought up her own hand, pressing Naya's hand on her cheek. Closing her eyes, she hummed out the melody of the song she had written for her. She found it to be soothing her mind as she did so. Especially since the memory associated with the song was blissful. A small part of her was scared how in love she was with this woman. But the greater part felt at home, safe, right.
"I know." She whispered. "now go take your shower. You're starting to stink."
Naya frowned, picking up a pillow and throwing it at the girl. "Your fault!" She quipped.
Demi smiled victoriously. "I know. But It wasnt my idea to leave the indoor pool!"
Naya threw another pillow. "You were starting to prune!"
Demi chuckled,catching the pillow midair and throwing it back. "I dont prune Naya, You just wanted to go all hungry girl on me."
Naya caught the pillow, placing it on the bed. "You know, and i'm just saying. If we didnt go through a shit storm this morning we would have picked up where we left off last night." She saw a twinkle in Demi's eyes, but before the smaller girl could respond. She spoke again. "But, for now. I AM going to take my shower , and you are going to be a good little pre wife and make me breakfast." She gave the girl a wink.
Demi frowned, lifting up the other pillow threateningly. "Dont get used to this Rivera..."
Naya bit her lip, smirking childishly. Standing, she walked to the door , knowing very well that the other girl was watching her every move. She hovered for a moment, shooting a glance behind her, then continued to make her way to the bathroom.
... ... ... ... ... ...
Well, that wasn't very nice... Demi thought to herself as the woman left the room. The image of her bare frame was etched in her mind. It made her almost forget about the nitemare she would have to deal with once she left the gates.
Demi locked her jaw, staring at the last place she saw her Fiancee . That girl knew how to push her buttons in all the right ways. Even now, as she sat on the bed. Thinking about what events the day had in store for her, the mere image of the girl made her feel at ease. Actually, it made her feel tense, it made her energized. Like everything that had been crashing down around her had been mended just by her touch. God, she was becoming worse than Naya.
But...She had to make breakfast. They had a big day ahead of them.
... ... ... ... ...
Naya stood in the warm shower, allowing the waters to run in a soft patter across her skin. It was kind of symbolic, water that is. The way it seemed to wash away all the worries in life. It could give life if life needed it to be sustained, or it could come crashing in to decimate its was her element , her place of clarity.
Holding out her hands, she let the waters pool in her palms. Her eyes were closed as they saucered the miniscule amount of the water in her face, she suddenly felt awake and aware. She knew that this was only temporary , but she savored the moment.
With a sigh, she turned off the water. Her body still held the steam from the heat as she stepped into the living room sized bathroom. Geez they probably could actually hold a party in here. There was enough room.
Grabbing a towel, she wrapped it around herself, taking another to do the same to her hair. She'd let the hair dressers take care of whatever style they had planned for her that day once she got to the studio. Right now, she didnt care much to get all decked out.
Leaving the bathroom , a cloud of steam followed her as she opened the door. What could she say? She liked hot showers.
Entering the bedroom, she found Demi to be absent. This saddened her a little, she had assumed the girl would be in fact downstairs. But part of her just wanted to hold the girl in her arms all day.
As the thoughts ran through her mind, her pinky ran over the ring . Forever she thought to herself as the condensed mineral twisted around her finger.
Demi was not there, but an outfit had been laid out for her. It was simple; a pair of jeans, undergarments,a plain baby blue T-shirt ,and some plain white socks. She felt like she was going to try out for the blue man group with the color selection, but put the clothing on anyways. It was a sweet gesture, and even though she knew Demi had probably just picked out the first thing she could find. She wanted to show the girl she was grateful for her thoughtfulness.
God, I love this girl..
... ... ... ... ... ... ...
Demi had browsed through the kitchen. The food they had at the house had been transported here , well. What was salvageable atleast.
All of the food in the refrigerator had been tossed, and Chris hadnt thought of doing any shopping. This was going to be a pretty boring breakfast.
Scraping through the boxes of nonperishable's, she came across an unopened box of coco puffs. This would have to do...
Shifting through the kitchen, she found the bowls. Taking out two and placing them on the counter. She practically had to pry the box open with the jaws of life. It was being stubborn. Why the hell had companies made it so hard for someone to open a damn box? After a few minutes of threatening, coaxing and even begging the box to open. She managed to rip the damn flap, revealing the unopened bag of coco puffs.
"Finally!" She exclaimed, pulling the bag from the box. As she did however, the Coco Puffs spewed across the floor. There was a hole in the bag. It seemed there was a small hole in the bottom of the box, A mouse had been in there, obviously feasting on the chocolate grainy goodness. She let out a frustrated sigh.
"Not making a mess are we?"
Demi looked up to see a smirking Latina in all blue, leaning up against the door frame with her arms crossed.
Demi picked up the empty box, chucking it at the girl. "Shut up Naya! Theres no food in the damn house!"
Naya dodged the box with ease. If she hadn't taken up acting, she would have been a Ninja. " Demi, that wasnt very nice..." She scolded.
Demi let out a frustrated grunt. "Dammit, All i wanted to do was make you breakfast! But it seems Mickey mouse ate the only edible thing in the damn place!"
Naya walked away from the door and toward the frustrated girl. "We can just go grab a quick bite somewhere Dem. Its not a big deal."
Demi crossed her arms. "Not the same , how am I suppose to keep you happy if i cant feed you?"
Naya grabbed for the woman's hand, caressing it with her thumb."You make me happy just standing here you goof."
The smaller girl rolled her eyes. "You're going to get cavities, being so damn sweet all the time."
Naya could only smirk. "Or spicy..."
They let those words linger in the kitchen for a few moments. Demi had bit her lip, while Naya seemed to be slowly surveying the woman in front of her. Painfully, Naya let go of her hand.
"As much as I want to Dem..." She began, reading her thoughts. "We have to get going with our day. As soon as we get this over with, the better."
Demi sighed, nodding. "Alright...But first. We get breakfast. I haven't had anything but hospital food for the last month and a half.."
Naya smiled, giving the girl a nod. "Alright... I called for a driver. They should be here any minute. Where would you like to go?"
Demi shrugged. "Anywhere with Waffles. I love waffles."
Naya let out a booming laugh that almost overshadowed the honk of the car outside. The driver was here. "Okay , anywhere you want Dem. Just tell the driver where to stop."
Demi smiled at the Latina, grabbing her bag from the table. The horn sounded again , this driver was a tad bit impatient. "Okay...Lets go meet the wolves."
Naya nodded, taking the girl's hand once again. "I'll be there every step of the way..."
Except, Naya couldn't really. Because Demi and Naya's times had been switched. Giving the driver the address to Malak's building, the Latina let the thoughts run through her head as the two entered the back of the Limousine. Naya would have to go to the studio right after Demi's session, leaving her own appointment to be had later that day. Yes, Demi would be on set with her after her appointment with Malak. But she'd be filming most of the time.
The girls took the car past the gates. Naya was glad the windows were tinted on the Limo. There were atleast two dozen men and women with cameras waiting near the front gate. Security had stood in formation holding them a clear 50feet from the premises. Naya's gut dropped knowing they were probably waiting for them.
The Cameras snapped pictures of the Limousine, but they were covered. They didnt even know if it were the girls inside of the limo, they just took pictures. It was sickening and excessive. This needed to stop.
Demi leaned against the Latina. Her eyes closed tight as she grabbed onto her arm for support.
Naya was not used to this kind of harassment, but Demi on the other hand ,had experienced this before. This was allot harder on the smaller girl. Stroking the back of the girl's head, she held her close. "They don't know its us Dem." She whispered. "They're just being pests. Allot of Celebrities live here...You're safe..." The limo pulled away from the group. None of them followed. Naya was right, they were just taking pictures to take pictures.
Demi was not too convinced of that. Last time they were 'safe' around guards. Naya had been abducted and chained in the basement of a warehouse. The thought sparked a new fear in the girl, making her body shiver, grasping onto Naya like a lifeline.
Naya practically pulled the girl into her arms. "Hey...Hey. Its alright. I'm here , and they're gone. There's nothing to worry about."
Demi shrunk into the woman's arms, closing her eyes, trying to make her body stop shivering. She managed to mumble out. "I'm not hungry anymore."
Naya frowned at this, shaking her head. "Thats the shakes talking Dem." She whispered. "I'll stop at a Diner and order us something. We can eat in the Limo. How about that? You wont even have to leave."
Demi thought on that for a moment, she really wasn't hungry any more. But then again, she wasn't hungry in the hospital after these spells. Slowly she nodded.
Naya smiled, resting her chin on the top of the girl's head. "Okay...I'll make sure you get a big heaping waffle with extra syrup and strawberries."
Demi half cracked a smile, even though her body still shook.
Naya pressed a button next to her, rolling down the window that seperated the driver and the back, lifting her head, she called out to the man driving. "Hey, driver sir. Can we stop at a Diner? Something with waffles? Were a bit hungry."
The driver looked into his rear view mirror, making eye contact with Naya. "I wouldnt advise going anywhere in the open. You two seem to have allot of Paparazzi on your heels."
Naya shrugged. "Demi's staying in the car. I'm just going to order something quick, then were going to eat it in the limo before we get to Dr. Malak's office."
The driver stared at her for a moment, then sighed. "As you wish. Dont say i didnt warn you."
The two girls felt the limo taking a sharp turn, obviously veering from his original course. Naya wasnt too found of the way he spoke to them. But he had a point, Where ever they went, she'd have to try and make it as quick as she could. She looked back to the man. "Where are we headed to?" Naya asked curiously.
"Athena's greek diner, Its about a mile away from the original destination." The driver responded.
Naya dug into her pocket, pulling out her phone. She found it hard to navigate the Internet on her iPhone with one hand. But she refused to relinquish the arm that was holding Demi. Soon enough, she was able to locate the diner's website. Memorizing the number in her head. She dialed it out, placing the receiver against her ear. A cheery woman answered , asking them if they were making reservations.
"Umm, No." Naya said softly. "Urm. Can I order something for pickup?"
"Yes ma'am!" the cheery woman responded. "Name?"
"Naya Rivera." She said plainly.
"Naya? As in the Naya Rivera?" The girl practically squeaked over the phone.
Naya sighed, she should have known not to use her full name. "Yes, Please do not tell anyone we're coming. " Naya added. "We just need some food..."
"Sure thing! What can i get you Naya Rivera!" She could tell the girl could barely hide her excitement. She was probably mouthing she was on the phone with her to her co workers. The very thought made her roll her eyes.
"Umm, Can i have a waffle with extra syrup and Strawberries, and a short stack of chocolate chip pancakes." She spoke slowly, making sure the woman on the other end heard her correctly.
"Got it!" she squeaked. "Would you like anything to drink with that?"
Naya thought for a moment. "Do you have bottled orange juice? If so, i'll take two." She could hear the gittyness of the girl on the phone as she seemed to take down her order. After a few moments she replied.
"Alright! Should be ready in about 15 minutes!"
Naya heard a loud squeal in the receiver as she was forced to move it away from her ear in fear it would rupture her ear drum, before the line went dead.
Demi looked up to the girl, she had stopped shaking but her voice still held a bit of a tremor. "The hell was that?"
Naya just stared, blinking at the phone. "A fan I guess, I said my name and she became a squeaky toy."
Demi blinked, shaking her head."So how long?"
"About 15 minutes." Naya said softly. "You better eat the WHOLE waffle Lovato. All of it. Do you understand missy?"
Demi rolled her eyes. "Yes mom."
Naya scrunched up her face. "Oh, i am SO not your mother."
Demi bit her lip at the thought. "No, Your not...You know, your going to have to meet them sooner or later though."
Naya looked up tot he roof of the car, thinking about it. Honestly, she hadnt thought of meeting Demi's parents. She had been so wrapped up in Demi herself that everyone around her in comparison seemed smaller on the importance scale. She'd never admit that to Chris though, He'd have a heart attack. "That means you'll have to meet mine. Honestly, i havent talked to them since we started dating. I've never actually dated a woman before, let alone asked her to marry me... I wonder how they're reacting..."
Demi stared up at the woman. "You haven't spoken to your parents at all for the last 2 or so months?"
Naya shook her head. "They're busy, They've always been busy. You can say that this role on Glee helped me get a better sense of myself, in more ways than one. " She looked down to the girl, smiling. "But , i honestly don't know what their reaction will be. My family , we're really...traditional."
Demi nodded , seeming to understand. "We'll deal with it when it comes to light." She promised. "But my parents, They're kind of awesome."
Naya smiled at the thought. bringing her arm around to pull the girl into a deeper embrace. "I look forward to meeting them then."
Demi cracked a smile, a real smile, closing her eyes as the Limo reached its destination.
Naya lifted her head to the driver. "Here already?"
The driver nodded. "Yeap, I tried to make the ride longer, i overheard 15 minutes. I'm sorry to say we made it here in 10."
Naya shrugged , relinquishing the hold she had on Demi. "Breakfast foods don't take that long to make. They're probably done by now." She commented.
The driver shrugged. "I'd still watch around the corners, you have no idea who might be posed with a camera. " He seemed to have allot of experience with avoiding paparazzi detection. Perhaps she would keep this guy around.
"Thanks, I'll be right back." Naya said to the man, giving him a smile. Scooting toward the door, she turned to Demi, kissing the top of her head. "Remember, ALL of the waffle."
Demi gave the girl a small shove out the door, making the Latina chuckle, closing the door quickly behind her.
The smaller girl sat back in the seat, taking a deep breath. Part of her wanted to go out into the open with Naya like a normal couple would, but she knew that it would be riskier for her to go out in the open at the moment. At least Naya didn't have the current headlines of a 'drug addict' falling back into remission. So naturally, it was better that she stayed there.
She caught the driver eyeing her for a moment, before he set his gaze back out the window. She heard him give a heavy sigh. "I knew it was only a matter of time."
Demi sat forward curiously. "What is."
The man sighed. "Looks like the vultures have zoned in on the prey..."
Demi's eyes widened, looking through her own window. Sure enough, there were atleast 5 men with cameras entering the Diner. "God damnit!" she practically shouted, grabbing her phone to text Naya.
... ... ... ... ... ... ...
Naya smiled as she walked into the small Diner. Kudos to the driver for leading her there. As soon as she walked in, a girl behind the counter practically lit up.
"Oh my god it IS really you!" She practically screamed.
Naya simply stared at the girl, putting on the best smile she could muster. "Yeah, its me. So, i know i'm early. But is the food done-"
"Oh my god! Naya Rivera's in Athena's! Wait until i tell my friends, they'll never believe me, can i take a picture with you, oh my god! This is insane! They'll flip when they see this!" The girl took out her camera, holding it out with pleading eyes.
Naya wondered if the girl breathed at all in that last sentence."Urm, Alright?" Walking over to the girl, she snapped the picture before she was even ready. The shock barely registering before the girl practically skipped to the back of the diner.
Naya looked completely and utterly confused, only being brought from her shocked state by a buzz coming from her pocket. Pulling out her phone, she saw a text message from Demi.
Vultures Incoming. Get back here quick!
Naya groaned, looking tot he door just to see a group of men standing there, cameras at the ready. How the hell did they find her?
The Waitress came back with the food in two separate bags just as the men had entered the door. Her face fell as she placed them on the counter. "Oh..."
Naya shot a glance back at the girl. How many people had she told that they got here this quick. Reaching into her pocket, she pulled out a 50 dollar bill and slammed it on the counter, grabbing the bags. "So much for keeping it quiet..." She commented before the first slew of flashes almost blinded her.
Naya pushed through the photographers, ignoring their questions.
"Naya, wheres Demi?" "Why are you at this Diner?" " Do you come here often?" "Is it true shes back in rehab?" "Are you two living together?"
One man in particular seemed to get in her way every time she stepped to get around her. It was making her really fucking angry. "Will you move..." She growled.
But the man stood in place, snapping picture after picture.
Annoyed, she pushed past him, heading toward the Limo. Her rage seemed to break as she heard the sentence.
"Tell us what happened, stop trying to run from us! We need to know!"
Naya stopped at the door of the Limo, turning to meet the flashing cameras. "You wanna know?" She growled.
The cameras stopped flashing, the crowd coming to almost dead silence to hear the woman's words.
Shifting the bag to her other hand, Naya held up a fist, a single finger displayed for the crowd. Even though it may have looked like she was flipping them off. The finger was the one that held the ring Demi had given to her. Showing it in this way made her feel like she was making a statement to the hounds. In a sense she WAS flipping them off.
None of the men moved at first, but once they realized which finger she was actually displaying, and what it held. The cameras clicked more furiously than ever.
Smirking at the reaction, she opened the door, slipping inside the Limo. She had made her point. As the door closed, the driver put the car in drive and the limo began to move.
Demi looked confused at the smug impression on the girl. "The hell?"
Naya handed her the bag that had her food in it. "I flipped them off, with my engagement ring." She said with a wink.
Demi nearly spat with laughter. "Really?! Dude. Thats brilliant."
Naya nodded, opening up her own bag of food to dig into the chocolate chip pancakes.
... ... ... ... ...
The girls ate on their way to Malak's building. It was a short drive, but the two seemed to be so hungry that they finished what was in their containers in mere minutes. The car came to a stop in front of the building Naya had recently seen as a sanctuary. She smiled, wrapping their trash in a bag , and slipping from the limo. Taking the bag to the closest garbage can to throw it out. She really was not one to litter , there was enough trash in the world , and she didnt need to add to it.
Demi followed the girl out of the Limo, looking up at the building. 'This is it?" She asked curiously. It didnt look like a Psychologist's office , it looked more like a small business building.
Naya nodded, making her way to the front door. "Come on Dem, Malak doesn't like it when you're late." The very thought made her chuckle, bringing her back tot he first time she had met the man.
Demi looked confused by the chuckle. But hurried after the girl, shutting the door to the building behind her.
Naya waited for her in the hall, taking Demi's hand . Demi squeezed the Latina's hand, taking a deep breath before the two made their way up the 5 flights of stairs. The damn elevator still hadn't been fixed.
Naya and Demi entered the office, greeted by a very bored looking Selek. "Afternoon Ms Rivera, Ms Lovato."
Naya raised her free hand in greeting. "Hey Selek. He actually on time this time?"
Selek nodded. "Yup, send her in." He said, nodding his head to Demi.
Demi looked up at Naya, she never said she was going in alone.
Naya pulled her forward a bit. "Its okay Dem, I'll be right out here. Cross my heart."
Demi gave her a nervous smile, nodding. "Alright." She leaned up to peck the girl on the cheek. "See you in a bit."
Naya returned the favor by pulling the girl into a hug. "Hes brilliant Dem, listen to him."
Demi took a deep breath, letting out a long sigh. Taking a step back, the link from their hands broke, leaving the Latina standing in the waiting room while demi backed her way toward Dr. Malak's office. As she got closer, she turned, entering the room. She was surprised by the man's appearance , but otherwise, was reassured by his smile.
"Ah, Ms Lovato. Please." Malak said in his signature Southern drawl. "Close the door."
Demi turned her head to Naya, who only smiled back at the girl reassuringly. CLosing her eyes, Demi shut the door with a click.
"Excellent, now. Please take a seat." He said cheerfully.
Demi followed the man's instructions, looking down at the ground nervously.
Malak leaned forward slightly, the soft smile still on his face. "Good, Welcome to my office Ms Lovato. We have much to talk about."
... ... ... ... ... ...
Sorry if the last three pages seemed rushed. I wanted to get this out tonight and not leave you guys hanging any longer than I have. It seems my busy weekend spilled over into this week as well. -Sigh- I'll update as soon as i can.
-Layah