The weekend meant for a couple of days without work, and for most - days to themselves to do whatever it was they wanted. For the three pseudo-Marstons, apparently that meant they couldn't go even a day without making plans to see each other. Okay so it was a good occasion of Luke's birthday that had Gemma conspiring with Veruca on what they should do that got them out together, but it still counted. Being away from their respective homes was the exact atmosphere for more bonding than it would be if they were in their normal routines. Over the few weeks they'd been filming, Gemma had grown to feel incredibly close to the two of them. On the one hand, that was fantastic and she adored the both of them. On the other hand, her burgeoning feelings for Veruca were complicated and overwhelming all at once.

She hadn't been able to get kissing her (and the rest of it) out of her mind, not helped by the fact that even just the little domestic scenes gave them opportunity to touch each other or toss in a kiss when it felt right. Everything they did was working for Elizabeth and Olive, and Gemma could convince herself that it was probably for the best.

They'd have another scene to contend with, maybe not as explicit as the other one, but enough that it was on Gemma's mind.

But that was for another day. Tonight was about taking their fake husband out for his birthday. Gemma had asked around with some of the local crew members for some fancy restaurant ideas, and after lengthy discussion with Veruca (maybe only half of the time spent actually planning for tonight), they'd decided on a spot which boasted incredible cuisine, fancy cocktails, and a live band that wasn't one of those obnoxious sorts that tried to sell copies of their "demo."

Gemma selected a plain black dress, one that went to her knees and dipped a bit lower in the neck than she usually wore. She coupled with a necklace she always wore (when she wasn't filming anyway), and heels. She was only slightly aware that the heels wouldn't really do much to bring her up to Veruca's height. Not that she was thinking about how impossibly sexy that height difference was. She was used to being taller than most paramours of hers, not that she could claim Veruca as such.

She met up with her pair at the restaurant, letting the hostess know when they'd all arrived. Their table had a private feel to it, and had a good view of the band and dance floor. Gemma ordered the first round of drinks, raising her glass once they'd arrived. "To Luke on his birthday, the most obnoxiously lovable fake husband."

Birthdays had never been a big part of Veruca's life. Her family was small, her father a serious, work oriented sort so celebrations were usually small, unfrivilous affairs. It was fine by her. She never wanted or needed more than a slice of cake and the occasional present, more than happy to be out of the birthday girl spotlight.

But she loved celebrating other people's, especially people she genuinely cared for. Luke was in that camp now, though no one could hold a candle to just how much she adored Gemma these days.

Well, more than adored, but thoughts like those were best (and usually) pushed aside whenever they surfaced.

Nevertheless her mind wandered as she changed into a dress she hadn't had a chance to wear anywhere just yet. Luke's birthday seemed as good as occasion as any, but as she smoothed the skirt down over her hips, she found herself thinking of the last white dress dress she'd worn and just how much she'd wanted to take it off.

She began to wonder if wearing it around Gemma (the person she'd wanted to undress for) was a good idea when she was already having trouble reigning herself in, but was ultimately pleased with the way she looked, putting on some earrings, a pair of pearl studs she'd inherited from her grandmother, before heading out the door.

She caught up with Luke at the entrance, smiling as he complimented her outfit.

"Not looking so bad yourself, birthday boy."

They entered the bar together, quickly spotting Gemma.

Veruca may not have been a big drinker, but she was prepared to have a drink in Luke's honor. Though something told her even she'd have a tally going after a night with two Brits.

"To Luke!" she echoed grandly, glass raised.

"So Gemma, you got the stripper, right!? What was her name, Trixie?" Veruca grinned at the pair of them, hoping wanting to see how Luke would react to her joke.

Gemma loved a party - or at least hosting one. While she wasn't a big fan of huge crowds and a ton of people she didn't know, her type-A really came out when planning a party for herself or others. Usually others, because no matter how much of an actor she was, she didn't like so much attention put onto solely her. She had thrown an amazing bridal shower and a few good birthday parties, one baby shower (with none of those obnoxious baby games that were pretentious and over-played). Her favorites were just a good dinner party with friends, staying over to the wee hours of the morning with good wine and good food.

Overall, she liked making someone else feel special, even if it wasn't their birthday. Now Luke might take all of this to heart and have a huge ego about him by the end of the night, but it was a risk she was willing to take. And of course, she had a co-conspirator in their planning.

Gemma would like to think that she had a certain level of 'cool' in her, and usually absolutely could boast that. Just not so much, when her gaze kept finding its focus on Veruca and the way the white dress hung on her frame. It of course invoked memories of Veruca in another white dress, but how could it not?

This night might be harder to handle than she'd originally anticipated. But Gemma talked herself into a tough game in any case.

"Oh I absolutely did. Trixie is indeed set to pop out of the cake in an hour's time." She added onto Veruca's joke, a grin cast her way for a moment longer before Luke's dramatic groan cut in. "How many times do I have to tell you that breasts do nothing for me?" He lamented, which earned a hearty laugh from Gemma. "Sorry love, I don't even adore you enough to get anywhere within a gyrating dick." She said very matter of factly, the fancy atmosphere of their dinner location apparently not enough to stamp out her dirty mouth when a joke was on the line.

"Neither," Veruca chimed in, sipping her sangria.

"You know, I really am suffering around you two Sapphos."

Veruca laughed, looking positively delighted. "That...okay, I can't even top that joke. You know, I used to know a girl with a cat named Sappho."

"And was she a lesbian?"

Veruca smirked. "Obviously."

"Did you sleep with her?"

Veruca smirked again, feigning innocence as she sipped her drink.

"Well, that's another obviously." He shot Gemma a cheeky grin before turning his attention back to Veruca. "Am I really getting a cake?"

She nodded, having ordered the cake while Gemma sorted out the venue. "With nary a naked woman in sight."

The band started up, playing some original number Veruca had no interest in while she was sitting next to Gemma. Luke had all but insisted he got one side of their table all to himself, going on about some obscure birthday "rule" that Veruca had never heard of, not that she was really complaining.

She allowed herself to get a better look at Gemma and what she was wearing now that they'd settled in. Veruca sometimes had a tendency to overdress, but she was pleased to see that she seemed to have picked the right sort of outfit for the occasion. Gemma had definitely stepped up her game.

"Oh my god." Gemma snorted, laughing loudly and only glad she hadn't been taking a sip of her drink when he made his joke. "That's good, you should coin that phrase exactly."

Gemma did sip her martini then, a brow raised as her lips touched her glass as Veruca chimed in with her revelations. Why did her heartbeat quicken ever so slightly at the idea of her having slept with this woman? It wasn't jealousy, per-se, but maybe a sense of missing out on being someone with the privilege of calling themselves an (actual) lover of Verruca's.

Their seating arrangement for the night was a bit of a surprise when Luke had flaunted himself across his side of the booth and insisted that's just how it was going to be. There had been no need to convince Gemma. She only made sure he wasn't completely encroaching on the other woman's space.

"So you decided against even the full frontal nude cake? You're too classy for my tricks." She grinned, winking at Veruca before she turned her attention to the menu in front of her. With the way butterflies seemed to be making a home for themselves in her stomach, she wasn't entirely sure she was very hungry.

As Luke became distracted with a text from some birthday well-wisher, Gemma took the opportunity to lean closer to Veruca, her voice low but loud enough to be heard over the music. "You do look really lovely tonight. I didn't say it earlier because Luke took the full attention as soon as we arrived." There was an attempt at an eye-roll at the mention of Luke's antics, but really it was just Gemma trying to take the focus off of just how much she noticed Veruca. Well, and always did.

"Totally. And maybe even use it in a series of comics. Oh I dunno, as a catchphrase or something."

"What a brilliant idea, Vee! I can't believe no one's ever done it before."

Veruca's cheeks warmed at Gemma's compliment, though her reaction was mostly hid by the dim lighting. The venue Gemma had chosen was gorgeous, live music just what they needed to turn their outing into a proper birthday celebration, but she couldn't help but think that under different circumstances, it would also be the perfect place to bring a date.

There was a definite mood here, although there was a distinct possibility that Veruca was projecting the mood she always seemed to be in around Gemma these days onto her current surroundings.

"Thanks. You look nice too," she nodded toward Gemma's dress, her eyes lingering on the low collar for a moment. "It suits you."

Veruca wasn't a touchy feely sort, not even with friends she'd known for years, but she reached for Gemma before even realizing it, punctuating her compliment by giving the other woman's hand a little squeeze.

"This place is great," she added quickly, wanting to change the subject once she noticed what she was doing and subtly took her hand away. "Really nice too, they texted me to make sure I knew Luke's cake made it to the kitchen safely."

All of their birthday planning had gone off without a hitch. Veruca was beginning to realize that she and Gemma just didn't work together well on set. They made a hell of a team off of it too.

"Oh I can see it now, the poor man stuck between dramatic lesbians, it'll fly right off the shelves." She giggled, shaking her head at the pair of them.

Much as Gemma seemed to constantly be grappling with her feelings for Veruca and how challenging they were for a whole host of reasons, she had grown to absolutely adore the two of them on a whole different level. She found herself spending more time on set even when she wasn't particularly needed because she liked being around them, and the atmosphere they were creating with each other. It was no wonder then, that she enjoyed spending time with them on her weekends - birthday or no birthday.

It might be imperceptible to almost anyone else, but as Veruca's hand gripped hers, Gemma felt the slightest sharp intake of breath. She never could quite anticipate how electric the other woman's touch was, and apparently still was even outside of certain passionate moments on set.

"Thank you." She said simply, her fingers stretching out to brush her knuckles against Veruca's wrist as she withdrew her hand - an entirely involuntary response, as though her skin simply craved the touch of the other woman's.

"Oh good, I was hoping they'd be so accommodating. I'd hate to have to go back there and give them a stern talking to. Break a plate or two to really punctuate my point." She teased with a wink, her grin easy and fixed to the other woman.

At least until Luke noisily cleared his throat. "Ladies, did we forget the focus should be on me tonight? What are you two conspiring about?"

Gemma rolled her eyes at him, reaching for a piece of bread crust and aiming it across the table at him. Not the most ladylike thing to do, but whatever. "We were just taking bets on how many rounds it's going to take before you force your way onto the stage and make everyone audience to you turning it into live karaoke." Luke did have a lovely voice, and wouldn't actually put it past him, at that.

"Oh, at least another. And we're doing shots." He announced, wickedly grinning at the two of them. Gemma smiled, shaking her head. "Whatever the birthday boy wants, apparently."

Veruca's stomach sank (the sinking feeling almost a welcome distraction when she was trying to ignore how much Gemma's touch, however innocent burned her skin) at the idea of karaoke. She wasn't an awful singer. Like most actors, she'd taken some voice lessons to make sure she knew how in an effort to be more well rounded and let's face it, more hireable.

But Julie Andrews (one of Veruca's idols and the person she had watched most often on the tiny television she had begged her father to set up in her room) she was not. Though she could mimic Julie's prim, regal speaking voice like nobody's business.

"Shots?" she repeated a bit too loudly, the idea almost as unappealing as getting up and singing.

"Shots," Luke repeated. "You are old enough to drink, aren't you, Vee?"

Veruca scowled. Luke had made a few jokes about her age before. She wasn't that much younger than him or Gemma and she'd always been fairly mature. Being treated her a kid had always an insult to her. She had never liked the feeling of being underestimated.

Which is why she almost immediately grabbed a shot once they arrived, blinking in confusion once Luke pushed another toward her.

"Everyone gets two."

"Two!?"

"Two."

Luke tilted his head thoughtfully. "Three might be a better number, given our current situation."

"Jesus," Veruca muttered. "This is a bad idea. I'm a cheap drunk."

Luke grinned, patting her shoulder. "Veruca, darling. You should never tell anyone you're a lightweight. Its just going to make them want to get you drunker that much faster. Now let's do this, it's my birthday!"

Luckily for both Gemma and Veruca, Luke had the tendency of being a bit of a ham. She assumed that would only go double on his birthday, where he could be the center of attention for any number of people. It was honestly amusing, and a little bit endearing at the same time. It certainly helped that he had the tendency to draw focus, when Gemma didn't often like the kind of gawking attention that their careers sometimes garnered.

Get enough liquor in her, and Gemma might, might be convinced to do a deep dive with a song... but even then, a fancy restaurant was not her idea of fun in getting pissed and belting out a power ballad.

"Jesus, we haven't even eaten yet!" She lamented with a bit of a scold in her voice as Luke produced shots for the whole table. "I'm getting too old for this." She countered his jab at Veruca's age, wincing a little as she lifted one of the shots.

Eyeing the man across the table, she held up her hand and waved it in the space between them. "No no, there will be no English-peer pressure at this table, even on your birthday." Gemma gave him a pointed glare, but a smile was still on her lips as she raised the glass to her lips and downed it in one gulp, wincing as it burned its way down.

"Oh, God." She huffed, dramatically leaning into Veruca and bowing her forehead against her shoulder. "Nobody breathe near fire after that one."

Veruca laughed as Gemma did her shot, though it had a nervous edge as she slipped into her space. Hard liquor seemed like an even worse idea when you took her current feelings towards her co-star into account, but she wasn't about to be the lone party pooper not drinking.

She downed her shot quickly, but the look on her face was priceless. Veruca looked like she'd just swallowed poison, but that honestly wasn't far from the truth.

"Bleh," she said, doing her best to mask a tiny cough by slamming her glass back down. "Is that turpentine or..."

"We should play a drinking game!"

"What? No, drinking games involve more drinking."

"Then let's just play a game, sober Sally."

Veruca narrowed her eyes. "What kind of game? Are there lie detectors involved?"

Something Gemma was trying, somewhat desperately, was to convince herself that she and Veruca were above all -- friends. And they were, so that wasn't difficult to do. She was instead trying to make sure that that overshadowed anything else she felt. But she was a naturally affectionate person, and sitting so close to her now, well, friendship could have a way of dipping right back into the charged feeling she got when she was around her.

"That is not my drink." She said with a final shake of her head, huffing sharp exhale as she sat up straight.

"Oh no, no. I know where this leads --" She was cut off by Luke, who had downed his second shot unceremoniously and slammed the glass back on the table. "Oh absolutely," He declared pointing at the two of them and then gesturing towards his own eyes. "I'm the lie detector."

Gemma gave a sideways glance to Veruca, rolling her eyes as she laughed. "You're the lie detector, hm? And how do we know you're going to be telling the truth in this game of ours?"

Luke gestured widely, as though he were offended by such a question. "I'm an open book, Gemma." Narrowing her eyes at him, she lifted the second shot and downed it in another gulp, wincing again at the taste, but it went down smoother at least.

"Why do you get to be the lie detector!?" Veruca hissed incredulously, a little extra venom in her question since she had downed her last shot as well. Luke seemed to have chosen the most disgusting drink in history, she wasn't about to let him torture her with personal questions too. Especially if he wasn't going to answer a few of his own.

"Because it's my birthday," he said, shrugging as if it was the most obvious thing in the world.

Veruca laughed, her annoyance drying up almost innocently. "You're lucky you're so charming," she said, shaking her head as she shared a glance at Gemma.

Charming or not, she was still a bit wary of playing any sort of game. Whatever she was feeling (and let's be honest, deep down Veruca Knew what it was) toward Gemma was getting harder to hide and something told her actors were atuned to sussing out bullshit. There came a point in every crush when you were sure your feelings were written all over your face and as Veruca watched Gemma put her shot glass aside, she had a feeling she was there.

Luckily the waiter arrived to take their orders, squashing any talk of games for the time being. Luke ordered himself a steak and Veruca, deciding that sounded good, did the same, her eyes drifting out onto the dance floor once the band decided to slow things down a bit.

It was probably no surprise that a woman in her line of work was an avid people watcher and she couldn't help but smile as an older couple, not dancing so much as swaying and holding onto each other for dear life, took the floor.

I want you to love me for all of my days.

It was a line she hadn't said yet, but one she adored. She found herself thinking of Elizabeth and Olive and wondering what their golden years had looked like. Things had certainly gotten better for queer women as the years went by, but she couldn't help but wonder how bold they had allowed themselves to be as time went on. Had they ever allowed themselves a dance in front of prying eyes.

Even Veruca, a young woman coming of age in the 00's, hadn't allowed herself to take that risk when first coming out.

She was so engrossed that she didn't seem to notice when Luke spoke up again, blinking out of her reverie. "Sorry, what?"

"I was asking if you dance. You're looking awful dreamy there, Vee."

Her cheeks warmed. "Not particularly well. But I might have to change that if I land the next role I have my eye on."

In her career and her craft, Gemma considered herself in part a truth teller. She needed to find the root of what was truthful to her character in any given scene. She needed to convey a certain amount of truth in every scene for the audience to believe whatever emotion the piece called for. In her own life, she wasn't so much of an 'open book' as Luke proclaimed he was. Yes, she had people she confided in, her family and closest friends, but the nature of their jobs also called for a certain protectiveness over details.

So of course Luke would make a game of it. And of course they would indulge him because it was his birthday after all. A swell of nerves hit Gemma, though she didn't show it. Who knew what manner of truths and lies he'd try to pull out of them. He wasn't known for holding back.

"Lucky. But it is infuriating." Gemma agreed, taking a sip of her non-rocket fuel drink.

How exactly this would go is what gave Gemma pause. She didn't like the idea of lying to the two of them, but she was already anticipating Luke being a little shit and prying at the nature of their relationship. Gemma liked to think she was a lot more coy than she actually was. He might have picked up on the way her gaze lingered, or how they all but ignored him days ago as they show their threesome scene.

She ordered the same thing as the others, figuring why break the trend? And as Luke prattled on about something, Gemma found her gaze following Veruca's out to the dance floor. Her fingers curled into her fist, if only to stop herself from reaching out and touching them to Veruca's back. God dammit, was the alcohol swimming in her head already? Not like her. So ... probably something else.

Gemma suddenly wondered what it would be like to hold her for a dance. She wondered how it would feel to hold Veruca's body to hers without the pretense of Elizabeth and Olive, if she could smell the shampoo she used or feel her breath on her neck. The thought alone gave her goosebumps, and she was lost in that for a moment, all the while nodding at Luke's comment she only half listened to.

"Oh? Are you superstitious or can you tell us what it is?" Gemma smiled at Veruca, hoping she sounded natural and that she hadn't been just lost in a dream of her.

"I'm not superstitious, just...really bad at predicting how things are going to go. I always get passed over after auditions I thought I nailed and land the things I thought I bombed." Veruca didn't want to jinx herself this time around. She'd gotten ahead of herself and told friends she'd gotten a film role once before. It had been fairly early in her career, a rookie mistake, but it was an embarrassing enough that she never wanted to do it again.

"Luca Guadagnino is remaking Suspiria?" she offered tentatively. "The horror film from the 70's, have you seen it?"

Luke brightened. "God, yeah. I couldn't watch it in one sitting though, all the colors. It's a total mindfuck. You'd be the lead?"

Veruca nodded a little, reminding herself that she probably wasn't counting her chickens before they hatched this time around. The part was as good as hers. Familiar with Veruca's body of work and sensing she enjoyed darker roles, Luca had mentioned his plans to remake the film when they had worked together the year before. By the time they finished filming, he was so impressed by Veruca that he asked if she was interested in starring.

She'd nearly said no, admitting she had little to no dance training, having given up on the ballet lessons her father signed her up for a few weeks in, but Luca was willing to work with her. He liked Veruca and knew she would work her butt off for him.

Now it was just a matter of seeing if everything lined up and worked out.

Luke smiled approvingly. "It'd suit you. You like all that creepy shit." He scowled, dodging a bread crust Veruca threw his way (but she couldn't say he was wrong). He paused for a moment. "So why this? This film, I mean."

He was right. This film was different than most of her others, out of her wheelhouse but not her comfort zone. Veruca shrugged as if it was obvious.

"Because this is magic. You don't pass up magic."

"Well, I think that sounds absolutely brilliant for you." Gemma declared very matter-of-fact in her tone, nodding as she pushed the third shot away from her -- deciding on her wine instead. Mixing alcohol was going to go poorly, but it was better than the gasoline shot in front of her.

"I think that's the nature of us as actors, isn't it? You never quite feel like you've nailed it when you really do, and when you're over confident, usually that works in the opposite way." She suggested with a shrug. It was probably some sort of imposter syndrome that they all picked up from a bad director or scene partner throughout their careers. Or just the nature of being creative types who, as actors especially, needed validation. "But that really does sound great."

Gemma nudged Luke under the table with her foot, earning a shocked glare from him. "Luke and I will have to risk countless nightmares to go see it as soon as it comes out. That's how much we adore you." Gemma could be a bit of a chicken when it came to "scary" movies, but the psychological thriller types were right up her alley ... even if she slept with the TV on for a few days afterward to drown out her overactive imagination. She wouldn't pass up the chance to see something Veruca was in however, which went beyond the normal supporting a friend-thing.

Veruca's response to Luke struck her in a way, and she couldn't quite figure out why. She looked at the other woman, regarding her with nothing less than genuine awe. Someone who understood the reason behind a film beyond the fame or whatever would get you to the next level. Gemma had been aware the pair of them shared a passion for what they did, but times like this just struck her as more than that. "Well said." She sort of choked over her words, glad for the distraction of their meals arriving.

Gemma cut into her own steak, thinking for the moment they had escaped Luke's ridiculous game. Not so, as he loudly cleared his throat pointed his fork at Gemma. "Gemma, I'm going to get a truth out of you." She rolled her eyes, heaving a heavy sigh as she took a bite of her steak. "Alright. So long as you don't make me do another shot, hit me with your worst." Probably a bad suggestion, considering his mood.

"Alright." He pondered in such a dramatic way that Gemma fidgeted a little, figuring that he probably knew exactly what he was going to ask. "Have you ever been with a man?" Gemma barked a laugh, shaking her head at him as a bit of color hit her cheeks. "You are ridiculous." Probably not the worst thing he could have asked her. "No. My first year at university I came rather close but he started undressing and I made up some excuse about the full moon and ran out of the room. I don't know why that was my first choice of excuse? He thought I was a witch, definitely after that. Never bothered correcting him."

Gemma wasn't the only one who thought they were in the clear. Luke's question surprised Veruca, a wave of dread washing over her as started wondering just what sort of question he'd toss her way, but there was no denying she was listening to Gemma with rapt attention.

She would never admit it (especially since she had been her girlfriend's first same sex experience), but she had always found women who were confident in their sexuality enough to never have even dabbled with men a bit sexier than all the rest. She'd never turn down a woman simply because she'd been with men in the past or even a bisexual one, but there was just something about a woman who had always known what they wanted.

"You probably could have seen a full moon, just not the kind you wanted," she said with a cheeky grin, earning her a snicker from Luke.

"Well?" he prompted. "What about you?"

"Me?"

"We're bonding, Veruca."

"We've already simulated a threesome. I don't think we can get much closer." When Luke didn't seem to back down, she sighed, figuring she might as well share. It only seemed fair after Gemma had.

She shook her head. "I didn't run away, but I wouldn't even let my prom date take me out to dinner after because I knew what was coming. I told him to take me home then spent the rest of the night holed up in my room smoking and reading Sylvia Plath."

She should have known that Luke wouldn't let anything go, especially when he had the upper hand in the situation. He was having too much fun and Gemma was fine with it - either because she adored him or because of the alcohol swimming warmly in her veins. And also maybe ... she might want to know some things, too. If they were told willingly.

Though her own story was now amusing, it had been rather affirming back in the day. Gemma told her story with an air of nonchalance, now realizing what she hadn't that fateful night - she knew exactly who she was and what she wanted in a partner -- sexual or otherwise. Perhaps her confidence in her own sexuality allowed her to feel so confident in building chemistry with her male co-stars. She knew who she was despite whatever character she played.

"Definitely not the one I wanted. And none of the other bits either." She laughed, shaking her head at the memory.

All of her attention went directly to Veruca when the question was posed to her. Gemma tried not to stare at her, but even still she couldn't help the slight smile that curved her lips at Veruca's response. "See, that sounds like a perfect evening to me." Gemma agreed, as Luke so dramatically fell back to his seat in the booth.

"Officially you're the only one here who appreciates male sex appeal. Even your own." Gemma teased, unable to stop herself from snickering at her own joke. "Is that all the gems you have for us, birthday boy? Or can we finish these steaks?"

Gemma's story made Veruca feel even closer to her because she understood. She understood how hard it was to be uncompromising in a world that still couldn't seem to understand that some women's lives had no place for men in them. It made her respect her more as an actress, too because there had certainly been moments where she found herself envious of the other woman's chemistry with Luke.

At its most basic, acting was just an act, the grown up version of make believe games that most people grew out of and kissing one sex wasn't very different than kissing the other, but it was no small feat to go against your very nature and there were few things Veruca had ever been more sure of than her deep love, attraction and admiration for other women.

"Exactly. They have cooties," she joked, leaning into Gemma. It was supposed to be an exaggerated show of solidarity. It felt like an intoxicating mistake.

Luke gave them a look but ultimately turned back to his steak. The questions gradually ended, turning into a fairly pleasant dinner conversation. Veruca found herself watching couples on the dance floor again once things wound down, the sound of Luke putting down his glass with a flourish pulling her out of her thoughts.

"Well, it's time for me to go," he announced.

Veruca blinked. "What? They haven't even brought out your cake yet. There isn't really a stripper. Although I was kinda worried over whether to get you chocolate or vanilla..."

He gave her a fond smile. "I'm happy with either and it was sweet of you to do it. Thank you, the both of you. Dinner was lovely. But I'm way too full and promised I'd call my boyfriend before the time difference got the better of us. Bring it to work tomorrow. The crew will love you for it."

"Well, alright," Veruca said, certainly understanding how hard it was to carve out time for your significant other during filming, though she couldn't say she had thought very much about Haley over the past few days. "You okay to get home?"

"I took a taxi here. I'll take another."

Once hugs and a few more happy birthdays were exchanged, Veruca found herself alone with Gemma on their side of the booth.

"You're not ready to head home too, are you?"

Veruca was usually one of the first to leave a party and thought there were fewer things better (or more important) than a proper sleep but she wasn't ready for the night to end just yet. Time with Gemma always ended a bit too quickly for her liking. She felt compelled to make it last at any time of day.

Besides, the atmosphere was inviting. The band had changed over the course of the night, this group choosing songs that were growing progressively softer. She liked it. It felt like an adult version of a lullaby, fitting for this time of night.

She finished the last of her sangria. She'd nursed it slowly over as the evening went on, knowing Luke's shots were probably pushing her already low tolerance to the limit. Veruca wasn't drunk, but she was pleasantly buzzed, relaxed enough to feel more comfortable than she already was around Gemma.

Comfortable enough to consider asking her for a dance.

Gemma would be lying if she said she wasn't curious about Veruca, about her own history, romantic or otherwise. She didn't like to presume someone's sexuality despite knowing that she had a girlfriend, and she too felt a bit of relief and kinship with the woman upon hearing her answer. Why relief was one of those feelings -- she'd unpack that some other time. Maybe it was helping her in some way to feel like what she felt about the other woman wasn't entirely made up in her head. It was something the pair of them had in common, more than just the nature of their sexuality, but a certain knowledge that each of them felt secure in exactly what they wanted in a partner -- at least physically.

It was impossibly sexy in a way that Gemma hadn't anticipated, but mulled over now. She hadn't thought that she would feel any particular way, and had of course been with her fair share of bisexual or otherwise inclined women, but the solidity in Veruca's conviction thrilled her.

"Indeed, so they're all yours." She'd concluded as they settled into their easy dinner conversation. Gemma would never fail to marvel at how comfortable she could be with the two of them, talking over just about anything under the sun with no real lulls in conversation. Of course with the alcohol flowing, it was all the more so.

"Oh you sod." She made a face at him as he patted his belly and gave them a pointed look. "Using us for a free meal and booze before you're off, ey?" As predicted, her accent was growing a bit thicker the more she drank, but even with a projected sour look on her face, she stood to give him a proper hug. Upon his parting, Luke whispered something to her that made her blush and give him a playful shove. "Go on now."

Left alone with Veruca, she supposed one of them could move to the other side of the table, but was glad Veruca hadn't. She sat sort of sideways, her attention more directed to the other woman as she shook her head. "Nope. I had planned nothing else for tonight per the birthday boy. So it appears I'm all yours."

The implications of her comment were unintentional, though she realized hos they sounded as soon as she had. Gemma didn't take them back, instead reaching for her glass and taking a hearty sip.

In the dim lighting, the mood seemed to have shifted without Gemma noticing - at least until now. The dreamy music that filtered around, the candles lit on every table and couples all around. She glanced away from Veruca, her gaze settling on a couple a few tables away, both tucked into the same corner of their table as she and Veruca were. She watched them a moment, the way the woman leaned into the man she was with and how utterly enamored they were with one another. After a moment she swallowed hard and returned her attention to the woman beside her.

"I can't promise I'm as entertaining as our faux husband, but I hope you'll stay a while yet?"

A summer job at a local restaurant in high school meant that Veruca was in the habit of stacking plates as soon as she finished a meal. She was so busy tidying up that she missed Gemma and Luke's interaction, but there was no ignoring the change in the other woman's voice.

It was a welcome one because it was another side of Gemma she hadn't seen and Veruca was beginning to realize she wanted to know everything about the person beside her.

She felt a wave of relief when she heard Gemma was staying, but her excitement quickly took on a nervous edge at the prospect of being alone. It was what she always wanted, but ever since their love scene she wanted it a little too much.

"I told you. This is what Olive would have really wanted anyway." She wrung the last drop from her glass, a tiny shot of liquid courage to endure the beautiful torture that was finally having Gemma all to herself, but not really being able to have her. She also let herself believe it was what helped her say what she said next, though her tone softened as she met Gemma's eyes.

"What I want too."

She may have straightened up the glasses, utensils and cloth napkins the trio of them had left in their wake, but Veruca found herself wanting to get away from the table. On edge and antsy in a way there was really only one cure for, but fresh air and a walk couldn't hurt.

"Let's go out on the patio. It's a nice night."

It was cooler than she expected. Veruca hadn't accounted for the change in weather and her sleeveless shift dress didn't exactly ward off the night breeze, but she wasn't worried about catching a chill as she stole a glance at Gemma in the moonlight as they stepped outside.

"Luke says we're not staying very far away from each other. I'm only a few blocks down the street," she said, nodding out into the distance.

It made no sense whatsoever, but the delightfully buzzed feeling that Gemma was currently experiencing, she felt, had less and less to do with the alcohol she'd consumed and more to do with her company. It wasn't a new feeling, that warmth and pull towards this woman, but it did seem to increase exponentially when they were alone together.

Sure, there was a good sized crowd in the busy restaurant, but Gemma didn't feel the pressure of a crowd at all. Her attention, now without the distraction of Luke, was wholly on Veruca. It made her feel warm even to acknowledge that.

"You did tell me." She replied, somewhat stuttered through an exhale. The octave of her voice had dropped considerably as well, though she couldn't find words to dream up a little quip in response to what Veruca had followed it up with, or the way she looked at her. Her whole throat felt dry, her mind awash with thoughts she couldn't quite grapple with. In a myriad of other situations, anywhere similar to this one, she'd take that kind of a comment as all green lights. Things were more complicated here.

With a nod, Gemma stood and followed Veruca out to the patio. Having left her own jacket inside (a dumb move on her part), she did welcome the cool air -- like it would maybe stay the flush that threatened to wash over her more every second. There didn't seem to be many people out at all, so perhaps they were a little daft in thinking the cooler night would be a good one to sit outside.

But still, she looked up to the stars and smiled a little, letting the world spin around her before she looked back to Veruca. "Oh, Luke says a great many things." She joked, smiling as she stepped back closer to her, maybe under the guise of warmth, but not really at all. Luke had whispered in her ear and the memory of what he said made her cheeks burn. Advice really, that she couldn't take. Shouldn't take. Definitely not. Just for the record, some risks are worth taking when somebody looks at you like that. He was wrong, they were friends, no matter how much she wished circumstances could be different.

"I'll walk you home at the end of the night." Even if it is a few blocks. I don't want you at the mercy of the riffraff around this ... Suburbia."

Veruca laughed, crossing her arms over her chest to fend off the wind. "Yeah, it's getting him to shut up that's the problem."

She raised an eyebrow at Gemma's offer to escort her home, but found herself nodding in agreement almost immediately. "So chivalrous." There was a smile on her face but she wasn't sure she was teasing. Gemma had certainly jumped in to protect her after Luke's little remark during the lie detector scene.

Veruca was a strong sort, stronger than most people probably gave her credit for, but nobody liked being strong all the time. She couldn't deny it was a turn on.

Gemma was right. Their neighborhood wasn't so bad. Veruca probably didn't need an escort, but she wanted one. She knew what she wanted to happen once they reached her door and that if she had her way she wouldn't be the only one who stepped inside it.

But Elizabeth had it right.

A person could want a great many things. That didn't mean they were going to happen.

Haley was the biggest, most obvious obstacle. She was about the only consistent reason why Veruca shouldn't give into her feelings, but there were other factors at play. She'd never gotten involved with a co-star. Hell, she'd never gotten involved with anyone even remotely show biz adjacent before Haley. What happened if she made a move and was completely wrong? What if she was misreading all the signs and Gemma rebuffed her? Would she think she was pathetic? Crazy for not being able to remember that this ultimately a job, not reality? And what if she did feel something? What? They'd have a fling, get whatever this was out of their systems, then spend the rest of the shoot awkwardly tiptoeing around each other, the magic long gone? Not to mention the fact Haley would be gone too. She could fuck everything up, possibly get even more press hounding her thanks to the fallout and for what?

It was unprofessional. She was being unprofessional right now even though she hadn't done anything. It was unprofessional to forget who Gemma was and that she had a job to do. It was unfair to think of her in a way she wasn't sure was reciprocated and yet... she couldn't convince herself that it was all in her head.

That small sliver of hope and all the what ifs that followed, were what made this unbearable.

Soft music floated out of the dining room through the open patio doors as a happy couple, impossibly close stepped out and onto the deck. She watched the man whisper something into the woman's ear, a soundbite of exactly what Gemma had whispered into hers a few days before playing at full volume as she did her best to stand a little straighter.

"What are you doing?" she asked after a beat of silence. "After this is over." She tucked a short strand of hair behind her ear before turning toward Gemma. I might end up a psycho ballerina, I might not, but what's next for you, after this is done?"

"You've got that right." Gemma replied with a smirk, though her tone was fond as she was over Luke. He did have a tendency to insert himself into situations, didn't he?

"I can be extremely chivalrous." As evidenced a few times already. "Or maybe I just want an excuse." An excuse for what, she wouldn't say, but her smile remained the same.

Gemma had always romanticized night and the stars, which seemed to go hand in hand with any number of songs or poetry out there in the world. The quiet that the patio provided them felt like they'd stepped into another world with the soft music filtering out from the restaurant.

All of that just accentuated the way it felt when her gaze fell on Veruca.

She sort of stole Gemma's breath away, just standing there close by. It made her ache to reach out brush her fingers over her arm or draw her in closer. She too was stuck in a limbo of knowing what she wanted and how that directly contrasted with a whole slew of reasons why she shouldn't go for it -- no matter what Luke had told her. Veruca had a girlfriend, and while the other woman had confided in her some of those issues with her, that didn't give her the right to inject herself. That could be messy. Working together could also be complicated. She'd dated people she had worked with before, and always tried to maintain a line between the professional and the personal.

How would it look? That was the least of her worries, but a worry nonetheless. She wouldn't want the crew to gossip or for Angela to worry over their chemistry or mood. Gemma didn't think their chemistry would be a problem, however. Even standing near her without touching her, she felt as though the air itself crackled with the energy of their connection. God, she wanted to touch her.

She wondered what would happen if she just gave voice to it. What would the worst thing be, if she just turned to Veruca and said out loud how desperately she felt for the woman? It was highly uncool, and with a distinct lack of finesse and charisma. But at least, it would be out there. At least she could know for surer she wasn't absolutely insane and driving herself all the more so by wanting someone who she couldn't have.

"Hm?" She was distracted out of her thoughts, suddenly wishing she had brought her coat not for herself, but to drape it over Veruca's shoulders. She wondered for a moment if Veruca was talking about tonight, but smiled and shook her head a little to herself when she realized she wasn't.

"Maybe nothing quite as exciting as a psycho ballerina. Which you will kill, by the way. I've been reading a couple of independent film scripts." She naturally drew in closer to her, hardly realizing she was doing it. "I might pop off home to London for a bit. Or maybe travel a bit. I haven't decided yet." She wondered suddenly, if she could be bold enough to just ask Veruca to come with her.

"It's cold." She said suddenly, but made no move to draw them inside. The music that filtered out was an old song, one that her mother may have listened to back in the day. "Is it ridiculous to ask you to dance?"

When Gemma mentioned London, Veruca added yet another reason why things just wouldn't work to her ever growing list. She had severely underestimated just how much of a struggle living in two different cities would be when she and Haley started dating. New York and Los Angeles were far away but New York and London... even in a simpler world, with every complication magically wiped away. How the hell would she and Gemma make it work with busy schedules living on entirely different continents?

Hypothetical or not, she was probably getting ahead of herself. But that was just it. The fact that she could actually stop and think, fret over the long term was probably an indicator of just how serious her feelings were.

Somehow she knew Gemma couldn't just be a fling. Therein lied the trouble.

Talk of moving on helped her realize that they eventually would. They were in the middle of production with plenty to go, but the idea of leaving Gemma (and even Luke) behind filled Veruca with a dread colder than the wind rustling her hair. She wouldn't be ready. Olive had taken a piece of her.

And so had Gemma.

Which is why despite all her half hearted attempts to back down, Veruca took a step forward, closing any lingering space between them.

"Out here?" She tilted her head for a moment. "I think I'd prefer that. I think half the reason I'm such a terrible dancer is that I get self conscious because there are so many people around."

She laughed, though it was more of a self depreciating sound as she gently pulled her in closer by her waist. "My dad always tells me he can never understand how I can be an actress and hate attention so much."

She and Gemma were going to be separated eventually. Which is why in that moment, Veruca decided to stay close for long as she could.

It hadn't occurred to Gemma even in the slightest that her mentioning London would put more space between them, though it probably should have. She was in no real desperation to go home, but often found that when she spent more than a few months at a time outside of the city she loved most, she got anxious for it. It didn't seem to be happening this time however, though she supposed they were still in early months. Perhaps she should have mentioned, just casually, that she might spend time at her home in New York, instead. She could have found a way to make that be not wholly presumptuous, right? Probably not. But it did bring up the idea of Veruca having someone long-distance, that she wasn't entirely free to follow ... whatever. If of course, she was feeling a certain way.

All of this uncertainty was maddening, and yet electric in a way she didn't anticipate. Gemma liked the idea that the pair of them were getting to one another, more than how they got each other on a whole different level. How hard would it be, or even, how hard would Gemma fight to make it work if they really did want to give it a go? Absurd, when their connection was firmly in the friendship-dreaming of the physical type-thing. Right?

"Mm." She nodded with the sound, trying to remain aloof but failing miserably. Gemma expected relief when Veruca agreed, but instead felt her heartbeat surge to a new pace in her chest. "We don't need the gawkers anyway."

Her own arms circled easily around the other woman, her body coming in closer to hers at her pull. Why was even just that so impossibly irresistible? "Oh I think that just shows what a craftswoman you are. You aren't in it for the shallow attention." She mused, smiling as she let her fingers idly drag against her spine. She felt warm all over in stark contrast to the cool night air, a buzzing in her mind that felt like drunk but definitely wasn't.

"It's refreshing. And absolutely beautiful to watch." Gemma did notice so much of Veruca's talent, and was amazed by the depth of performance she gave. It made her want to give all the more to it. And of course, watching Veruca was in and of itself beautiful indeed.

Gemma's praise caused her cheeks to warm, but as she pulled the other woman closer, her entire body flushed.

But Gemma was right. Veruca was a good actress and she managed to downplay just how giddy her co-star's compliments made her. And maybe her father had been wrong, at least in this instance.

Veruca couldn't seem to get enough of Gemma's attention.

"A craftswoman?" she repeated fondly, shaking her head with a smile. "You make it sound like I make cabinets or something." She softened a moment later, not wanting Gemma to think her compliments were unheard or unappreciated. They meant the world coming from her.

She'd moved in closer without even realizing it, but when she took a small, conscious step forward this time, they were nearly nose to nose. "If I'm a craftswoman you're a...master. A force of nature, really. If I'm good, it's only because I'm bouncing off of what you've given me. You've got the hard role, you know. Crying is old hat after a while, we both know it. We both know how to do it. I could probably cry right now if someone asked me to, but... restraint is...restraint is hard."

Truer words had never been spoken or more fitting for that moment. Veruca was only vaguely aware that they were moving. In truth, the world seemed impossibly still even if she couldn't seem to remind her hands to stay that way. They'd somehow shifted, coming around to rest loosely on Gemma's hip, fingers splayed and dangerously close to the thighs she'd traced (and still remembered from) a few days before.

The praise of Veruca was easy for Gemma to give, and all the more so when such praise produced the reaction it did in the other woman.

Gemma was never one to unduly praise someone or blow smoke just to make them feel better about themselves. Her compliments or gentle criticisms were genuine, for better or worse. It was never troublesome to think of something to say by way of genuine compliments for Veruca. Every day seemed to give her something new to notice, to like about her. She was so far gone, wasn't she? It was an unfamiliar feeling, and one she wasn't even sure she was entirely comfortable with.

"Ohh, you'd look cute all covered in sawdust with those giant goggles on your face." She laughed, squeezing her a little more if that was possible. "I know my way around a power drill, though." She mused, pursing her lips a little at the thought of her own home improvements ... some good, some very very bad.

All joking aside, her breath quietly hitched in her throat at the newest nearness of their bodies. They had been in all the more state of undress with each other, but this somehow did feel more ... intimate. They weren't carrying their characters with them. Generally speaking, Gemma wasn't great at taking compliments. She always strived for something more, for finding new depths of her craft. "You give me so much credit." She said softly, her eyes catching Veruca's.

"Restraint is extremely difficult." She agreed, the statement exiting with a sigh. Everywhere Veruca touched, even through the fabric of her dress, felt like she was burning flames straight to her core. Her memory was so vivid, but it mingled too deliciously with what else she wanted.

At 5'8", Gemma was used to being as tall as, or taller than any paramour she'd had. Hell, a lot of male actors in their industry were short as well. She had been told a time or few that she carried herself taller, but she felt almost intimidated by Veruca's height not because of her stature, but because of how much she revered the woman. And with it, she felt like all she had to do was push herself up just a little and her lips could so easily, so naturally find Veruca's. How desperately she wanted to. Her fingers curled gently in the fabric of Veruca's dress, barely moving to music but somehow moving closer still. Her own hand pressed flat to the small of her back, reveling in how it felt to hold her close.

"Do you ever want to..." Her voice husked and she attempted to clear it, starting again with new words. "Do you ever feel like we get used to wearing masks with our characters, and sometimes forget to live for ourselves?" It might have been an abstract thought in theory, but it really resonated with her right now. If she could cast away the feeling that they'd contrived something due to their characters ... maybe she would feel her more natural boldness come through.

"Do you really?"

Veruca's tone and raised eyebrow indicated she was clearly impressed. Her home in New York was a never ending project, one she clearly took pride in. She was the sort of person who liked things just so, which meant that she usually ended up doing things herself, but she was probably more crafty than handy. Her apartment was impeccably decorated, but she still had one of her techie friends on speed dial to come over whenever she stripped the knob off her shower faucet (a regular occurrence thanks to her old apartment's old plumbing).

"That's kinda butch, Gemma," she teased.

But she really meant hot.

"You'll have to come to New York and build me a bookshelf. I had one of mine break on me right before I came here."

The fact that Veruca had weighed it down with entirely too many books probably contributed to it's demise, but it couldn't be helped. Veruca's mother had been a librarian. A love of reading was in her blood and one of the few things she had that could make her feel closer to a woman she had never really gotten a chance to know.

Gemma's question was loaded, but it was a sentiment she understood all too well.

She nodded a little. "That's what he doesn't get. My father," she clarified before continuing. "That's why I do it. I'm not saying I don't like or know myself, because I do. But the reason I like acting so much is that I don't have to be me. When I'm a character I have the freedom to do a million things I would never dream of in real life. I can be different. Bolder."

"I do." She laughed softly as she gave a little cocky shrug. "I have many sides, Veruca." Gemma's tone almost felt like a teasing challenge, even as she said it. "I hung a shelf that hasn't crashed in ... three years. I'm pretty proud of that."

Gemma's father had been very hands-on with fixing things around their house growing up, and she didn't fall into some idea that girls should be in the kitchen or garden. Henry Wethersby wanted his girls to be just as self sufficient as his son, and so taught them all how to use a level and a hammer, how to anchor properly, how to change a tire (which, granted, she had never done but knew how to do so in a pinch).

"I'd do that. I'll make a go at building whatever you like." Maybe it was just a far-off idea that would never actually happen, but she liked the idea of being in Veruca's space. She'd wondered already what her style was inside her own home, how cozy or chic it might be.

The thought dipped into entirely domestic ideas, which she should steer clear of. It might be harder and harder to convince herself that whatever she felt for Veruca was beyond a passing fling, or some unwavering desire to get her into her bed. If she thought beyond that, it could ruin her entire attempt at maintaining distance.

Yet again, Veruca showed Gemma how well matched their minds were. Their perspectives were just so similar. As she spoke, Gemma marveled at how well she knew her, without even saying such. "That's exactly it. It's freeing in a way, if you let it. Unlocking parts of yourself." She said, her words somewhat deeper, knocked off guard. "Are you not naturally a bold person?"

Her hands smoothed against Veruca's back, finally settling onto her hips but holding her just as close. Everywhere she touched just reminded her, maddeningly, of the day they'd had on set, and just how much she wanted to touch her skin all the more. Torture yet again. Gemma respected Veruca, and wouldn't want to put her in a position of having to grapple with Gemma being so bold, too bold. But god, was it hard not to.

"Me?" Veruca laughed, shaking her head as if the idea was preposterous. "God, no. I'm...neurotic. I like people, I do. Comes with the territory if you want to be an actor, but I'm pathetically timid." Her lips twitched a little. "I just happen to like you. Well, you and Luke," she added quickly. "I meant what I said about this all being magic. I just didn't know it would go beyond the script when I signed on."

She ran a hand through her hair, suddenly worried Gemma would press her on what sort of magic she meant. Veruca really did feel comfortable with her. She wasn't used to talking so much about herself. Staying aloof helped ease her anxious nature, but it also gave her an air of mystery that she sort of tried to cultivate, especially as far as her public persona was concerned. It was more appealing the real her.

But it felt...strange to hide from Gemma. Difficult, even. Which was not good news when there were definitely things she should be keeping close to the vest as far as she was concerned.

"Are you going to take me home?" she asked softly once the song ended, the band immediately launching into something faster. "I know we're her favorites, but I think Angela might have our heads if we stay out much later."

"You could have fooled me." She countered with a smirk, Gemma's brow raising in suggestion. Surely Olive's boldness the day of their big scene wasn't entirely character ... or maybe it was. "We have all created some spectacular magic, haven't we?"

Gemma let that end there, deciding that she didn't want to press too hard, or much. Maybe she'd like the answer, or maybe she wouldn't. The kind of magic that they created -- she felt it. She didn't need the explanation otherwise. But she liked this idea that they could both feel it, that maybe both of them felt something more ... just more. Acknowledging it in so many words would mean ... well, it would mean that she'd have to deal with the way she felt, and why would she do that?

"I am going to take you home, yes." She said with a smile, letting her hands slip away from her sides a moment later -- however reluctantly. "We best not press our luck." In more ways than one.

After going inside and collecting her jacket, she left cash on the table and walked side by side with Veruca out to the curb. "Left or right?" She asked, using all the willpower she had inside of her to not reach out for her hand.

"Left," she said, adjusting the collar of her trench coat before starting to lead the way. "It's not very far." Which was precisely why she'd worn a pair of heels she usually kept in the back of her closet to Luke's dinner. It was such a short walk, Veruca figured she would have them off before she got too uncomfortable. Now that the rush of dancing with Gemma had somewhat faded, her feet were beginning to ache.

It was pretty late, dark enough for the street lamps to light their way to the crosswalk. "Are you sure you're going to be alright going home yourself?" She smirked, placing a hand on a column as she waited for the traffic signal to change. "Or have you brought your power drill with you for protection?"

The neighborhood may not have been that bad, but anyone had cause to worry about someone walking home alone at night.

And Veruca cared more about Gemma than she could ever let on.

"You could stay at mine, you know. If you wanted. I have two rooms. I obviously don't need them, but the spare has a bed and a treadmill and I hate going to the gym so..."

She trailed off, her teeth sinking into her lower lip. For all her talk of neuroses (which were greatly exaggerated because nearly everyone was their own worst critic), Veruca hadn't exactly agonized over her offer. Inviting Gemma to stay over had been downright impulsive and maybe that was why all of this was as terrifying as it was exciting.

Veruca felt different. This, whatever it was, felt different and she wasn't sure even she could talk herself out of chasing that thrill.

Like almost everything else with Veruca, it was easy for Gemma to fall in stride with her as they walked down the street. She hadn't entirely been aware of it, but she walked likely closer with her than she needed to. The buzz of alcohol still hung but had faded some, giving her just a warm feeling since they took off from the restaurant. The warm feeling probably had less and less to do with the alcohol and more to do with her company.

She found herself almost disappointed when Veruca announced her place wasn't far. She supposed her own wasn't much further, just a few blocks beyond.

"Oh I should be, though they've really got to break in the market with the portable power drill. Pocket sized? It'll be a fortune maker." Gemma turned a smile to Veruca but it faltered almost as soon as her gaze landed on the other woman. She just hadn't anticipated the glow of the street light hitting her just so. The urge to kiss her was almost unbearable.

She deserved a goddamn medal for her restraint, a thought that lingered as they went further ... and Veruca suggested that. "Ah..." She sort of laughed the noise, her heart suddenly pounding all over again. "Like another one of our sleepovers." She covered, hoping the light was too dark to give away how deep her blush felt.

Gemma fell quiet for a moment, genuinely weighing the options. She wanted to, god, did she want to. "I'd like to." She said as though that were it, the statement all she needed to say. And it would have been, but well, the mood of the night filtered through the air between them, maybe giving her a surge of that boldness she'd been missing. "But ... I don't know if I could last the night without spontaneously combusting at the nearness of you." The last big was said through an exhale, her whole body struck with both the relief and fear of it.

The morning after they shared a suite at the B & B had been nice in a way Veruca hadn't expected. Sharing a bed with Gemma hadn't thrown off her fragile sleep pattern. If anything, she woke up feeling more refreshed than usual. And there had been a little flicker of...something in the pit of her stomach when a still sleep drunk Gemma rolled toward her to mumble a good morning. She'd found herself wishing more she'd paid more attention that day more than once lately. Now that her feelings had grown and intensified, turning into something constant, she wished she'd appreciated it more. She should have memorized every moment because at the time, she hadn't known just how good she had it.

"Oh," she said softly. The word was barely audible, but the look in Veruca's eyes said she knew exactly what Gemma meant. Her fingers curled around the column as if she was trying to keep herself upright and she kind of was. The sudden realization of Gemma's feelings and the fact that she wasn't alone in hers hitting her like a bolt of lightning.

It should have been a relief that she wasn't crazy or somewhat perversely building out of nothing. She should have been happy and she was. But she was almost sick with the intensity of everything she was feeling, the weight of what this moment meant because it was time to make a choice.

Inviting Gemma over probably wasn't the brightest of ideas. Spending the night in agony with only the thinnest of walls keeping them apart would be a special brand of torture, but it didn't have to be that way. Veruca was dizzy with the idea that she could have what she really, truly wanted, so dizzy that it quickly overtook any semblance of rational thought.

Two lightning quick strides closed the small amount of space between them, her eyes dark even in the dim lighting. She didn't stumble when she grabbed Gemma by the lapel this time around.

And she knew exactly how to kiss her the moment her mouth crushed against hers.

Over the past several weeks, it seemed like each and every moment that Gemma shared with Veruca started to pile one on top of the other. No moment seemed to small, none felt inconsequential. Whether it was talking over coffee and the subsequent morning coffees the woman brought to her every day, or the time they'd (quite innocently) shared a bed with one another -- all of those things meant something to Gemma. How did that happen? How had Veruca worked her way into her head and heart so securely that it was hard to process anything without her? Even the moments when she had been on set just with Luke, her thoughts would return to the woman.

She supposed that levy had to break at some point, even the reprieve of saying what she did. Veruca's one word reply caused a momentary surge of white hot panic to hit her. She thought quickly about making a joke of it, but even if she wanted to, words failed her. The only thing that saved her sanity in that moment was the look on Veruca's face, the look in her eyes. It made Gemma's throat go dry and head swim just from the sight.

Gemma may have been bold in her own right, but it was Veruca's move that felt ten times such. For the briefest flicker of a moment, Gemma hesitated - not for any lack of want, but for the utter surprise she felt when Veruca pulled her into her for that kiss.

God, had she dreamt of such a kiss, and every one of them paled in comparison.

Her hands immediately braced against her sides, her mouth instantly soft and greedy against Veruca's. Every synapse was firing on all cylinders, electric energy skittering across her skin as she pressed herself into the kiss, her lips instinctively parting.

It felt distinctly different. There was no Elizabeth, no Olive. Certainly no William. Gemma was the only one home at the moment, as her head spun and her body instinctively leaned in closer to the other woman. Her head spun with such giddy pleasure that the myriad of reasons this was a bad idea faded into nothingness. The only thing that seemed to exist was the burning heat that they created together.

Veruca let out a sound of almost relief when Gemma kissed her back. Her coat had always been more fashionable than practical, too thin to fend off any real chill so it usually stayed in her closet during the winter months. It suddenly felt like a thick wool parka. Her body burned for Gemma, a shiver shooting up her spine when she pressed against her.

She backed the other woman against the nearest surface, a concrete wall as she let their tongues meet, feeling like one of them needed some kind of anchor when they were were pressed up against each other so tightly. They were so close that she couldn't deny how much she wanted this even if she wanted to. Veruca was warm. Her heart was pounding so hard she was sure Gemma could feel it no matter how many layers she had on.

She was more vulnerable in this moment than she had been days before, even though she had been half naked and surrounded by cameras.

There was nothing to hide behind. This was her. And shy as she was, Veruca had always known how to gone after what she wanted.

She'd never wanted anyone as badly as she wanted her. Her hand slid upward, thumb tracing the jaw she'd spent half their dinner thinking about kissing as her tongue slowly stroked hers.

God, she was beautiful. How had she ever managed to stand it?

There shouldn't have been much of a reason to feel like kissing Veruca felt so distinctly different from when she'd done it in full just days ago, but it did. Her whole body seemed to give herself to it, where she wasn't concerned with consequences and certainly no prying eyes. She worried for just a brief moment that Veruca was going to tear away from her almost instantly, that she'd regret even just the first brush of their lips together. Veruca had more at stake, potentially, but the fervor with which she kissed her made Gemma feel as though she could let go of whatever worries she might have.

She let off a soft groan as her back hit the wall, more pleasure than anything else. Her hands curled in the fabric of Veruca's coat, pulling her in tighter as her own tongue met hers. She kissed her with breathless abandon, her head dizzy from the pleasure of it. As much as she'd wanted this, dreamed of it even, she had put it in a category that it would feel the same as before. She kept marveling how it didn't. She kept spinning over the way it felt to kiss Veruca.

God, she never wanted to stop.

"Fuck," She cursed breathlessly when she finally pulled away, but only enough to suck in breath to give her lungs reprieve. She kept tight her hold on Veruca, her lips still barely an inch away from hers. She didn't want to put even the tiniest space between them.

"Thank you," Gemma laughed softly, tilting her head enough to press another soft kiss, then another because it felt like she'd never get enough. "I've been wanting that for ages." Apparently she was full of confessions tonight, and the alcohol wasn't to blame at all. It was pure adrenaline, pure desire that edged into every syllable. She wasn't even trying to hide it anymore. She couldn't.

"Thank you," Veruca repeated, shaking her head as her teeth found their way to her lower lip (though Gemma was suddenly wearing a good bit of her lipstick). "I don't think anyone's ever thanked me for kissing them before, but I'm going to take it as a compliment."

Her expression was cheeky as she leaned in for another, letting her nose brush against Gemma's before she allowed their lips to do the same.

"I've been wanting this too," she confessed softly against them before kissing her again. There was still a sense of urgency, a hunger there but a bit of Veruca's desperation slipped away. Knowing Gemma wanted this too had her feeling like she didn't have to hurry, that she could enjoy this because she was enjoying it too.

They could head back to her flat and...

Then her phone buzzed in her pocket and with Gemma as close as she was, Veruca wasn't the only one who felt it.

She closed her eyes, willing it to go away. But then it started up again. Once, twice and there really was only one person who could be calling at this hour.

Haley had always been absolutely horrible at navigating time zones.

She bit her lower lip more forcefully this time. It was an attempt to snap herself out of what had just happened. And maybe to punish herself for it too.

"Shit," she whispered, closing her eyes as she brought a hand to her forehead.

"It's a big compliment. You put me out of my misery." She chuckled, being well and over dramatic, but meaningful just the same. Bold as she liked to think herself, Gemma wasn't sure if she would have been the one to do it first. There were a dozen and a half times she almost had, but she didn't want to get in the way of, well. Whatever.

That heady feeling only intensified as they kissed again, her tongue sweeping over Veruca's lips in search of hers. Her arms slid around her body, reveling in the warmth of her, the taste of her lips, the way her breath felt against her skin. Gemma had the distinct desire to learn every curve of her body with her lips alone.

"Shit," She repeated in a harsh whisper, exhaling a deep breath in some attempt to steady her rapid beating heart. If only she'd had reason to tell them both to shut their phones off long before now. If only ... well, a lot of things. Her own teeth caught her lower lip, now plump and kiss-swollen.

"Do you uh," She hated how deep and lustfilled her voice still sounded, unable to shake it so quickly. "Do you need to get that?" She prayed the answer was no, but it was certainly a sharp reminder that there was someone else playing a (however periphery and obnoxious) role here.

She didn't need to answer it. She certainly didn't want to. If anything, she was furious at Haley for choosing this moment to call her when she'd barely been in touch all week.

Did she sense something? Did she somehow know what she'd just been up to with Gemma?

Guilt hit her fast and hard and not just on her girlfriend's behalf. She shouldn't have done this to Gemma, either. Why had she pulled her into the mess that had been her life for the past year?

She was going to have to hurt one of them and she really didn't want it to be Gemma but maybe it was better this way. That they'd stopped before they really got started. Maybe the call from Haley, as annoying as it was, had been a sign.

"I can't," she said softly, automatically taking a step back, afraid to meet Gemma's eyes. Her phone buzzed in her pocket once more. "I can't do this."

Gemma knew the answer as soon as she'd asked it. She knew it from the moment that buzz cut into their electrifying kiss. There were things here that were ... positive, on the one hand. She knew, for example, that it wasn't all in her head. And for better or worse, she knew the kind of burn it felt to actually, truly kiss Veruca the way she wanted to.

But even knowing all of that didn't make the sting any less sharp. How she wished she could have just reached into Veruca's pocket, chucked her phone away, and promised to buy her a new one later.

More than anything, Gemma actually cared how Veruca felt in this moment. She was the one with something to lose, and she was the one who had responsibilities elsewhere. She didn't want whatever this was, whatever they wanted this to be to later be looked on as a mistake. That, she couldn't live with.

"Hey, it's okay." She said somewhat shakily, dropping her hands away from Veruca and running a hand through her hair. Gemma forced a smile, trying her damnedest to appear unaffected. "I understand." She spoke more firmly, fighting that odd desire she had to reach out and comfort her. What the hell was that, even?

Gemma had to make a choice in that split second; to allow herself to feel the weight of disappointment, or to shove past it. Gemma was good at the latter, thank god for that. "We're friends, first and always, aren't we? This ... doesn't change that."

"Of course!" she said a bit too quickly, her voice cracking. "Of course we're friends I just..." She gestured helplessly.

Silence settled in between them. Veruca didn't want to just leave it there. She knew she should say something. She wanted to, but she was afraid of what would come out.

She wanted to reassure Gemma, to tell her why she was backing off. It wasn't that she didn't want this to happen.

It just couldn't.

She took her hands and gave them a quick, but firm squeeze. "I should head home on my own. Just..." It was her turn to run a hand through her hair. "Just text me when you get in? I'll worry otherwise."

Gemma had her own fair share of disappointment in her life and, well equipped to deal with it, knew that she never held the monopoly on it. She was an actor after all, and could put on her own brave face when she needed it.

More successful when she hadn't just been kissed like that, however.

Gemma gave her own squeeze back to Veruca's hands, shaking her head a little as she reluctantly let go of them. "Yes, I will." Her smile turned more fond, the way she cared almost enough to bowl her over. "I do understand. I mean that." Though not a huge fan of coupling in a way where one might ever feel like they possessed another, she understood that Veruca belonged to someone else. That sting was perhaps the harder one to shake than the rest of it.

"Get home safe, yeah? I'll see you tomorrow." Though it might seem like in a situation like this, she couldn't get away fast enough, Gemma found herself ever reluctant to tear herself away from Veruca. She cast another smile her way before finally turning away from her to head off in the direction of her street. She only wished her lips didn't still burn for the feel of Veruca's.

Veruca spent the better part of her short walk home running her fingers along her lips, not sure if she wanted to commit Gemma's kiss to memory or wipe it away. She didn't know how she managed to make it to the front door without breaking down completely, but she was planning on it.

She was anticipating, almost looking forward to a nice, long cry the moment she shut the door behind her. She opened it up to see her girlfriend sitting on the sofa instead.

"There she is! I was starting to get worried. I kept trying to call you."

"I...." Veruca blinked. "You're here."

"Surprise!" she said, crossing the room. "I wanted to see you." She laughed. "Oh my god, you're so surprised, it's so cute."

"Yeah, I..."

"Well come on then," she said with a grin, grabbing the belt of Veruca's coat to tug her in closer. "I just flew halfway around the world. Where's my kiss?"