Crossing Boundaries {Stacey}

[ryan]

Monday 31st May, 2010

From the moment Ryan had made himself known with the help of Stacey to Dominic and the Salvatore family they had accepted him from the first meeting but since Ryan had saved his twin’s life that acceptance was taken a step further when Francesca asked him to take the family name because he was a Salvatore. Ryan wasn’t kept in the hospital after donating a kidney as long as Dominic was as he had been through a tougher ordeal. Dominic got out after a week but Ryan had got out after about four days and was told that he was to take a couple of weeks off work to recover fully. Luckily he had very good assistants and knew he could leave the garage in their capable hands. During his time off he had gotten his surname changed by deed poll and was now officially a Salvatore and it felt good.

Today he had decided to leave the garage earlier as he was able to go back to work now but he was taking more time away so that he could visit his family and Dom while he recovered. He may have been accepted by them all fully but he still had a long way to go to get to know them all properly and of course had to make up for all the years he had missed out on being a part of the Salvatore family. There was also the funeral of Tony to attend which was a difficult time for them all including Ryan despite only having met him the once. Lianda was naturally devastated as were the two children but Ryan had did what he could to help when they got too upset because Lianda was too upset herself to be able to soothe her kids properly. Dominic had attended the funeral as well but not without a fight. Their mom had told him he should be resting but he had protested saying that he had to be there for Li.

As the weeks had gone on his twin Dominic had continued to make an improvement and the kidney was thankfully never rejected but then the doctor had said that it shouldn’t be rejected as Ryan had been a perfect match. Thinking about Dom he was about to pick up the telephone to call him and see how he was doing when he remembered that he wouldn't be at home. Dom and Sam had gotten married on the Saturday and were on their honeymoon and he knew he could have contacted him on his mobile but he didn’t want to do that because he didn’t want to possibly disturb anything that would have been going on with the two of them. He had to chuckle as he thought about that, yeah he was pretty sure that it would go down well if he was in the throes of passion with Sam and he decided to call him to find out how he was doing.

Speaking of phone calls that was when his mobile began to ring and it sort of freaked him out when he had been thinking of calling Dominic and his phone began to ring. It would have been freakier still had it been Dom, but as he looked at the caller ID he could see that it was Stacey and he had to smile at that. He answered the call almost immediately then, “Hey chick, what’s up?” He asked and waited for Stacey to respond and once she did he spoke again, “Sure, come on over I’m not really doing anything anyway.” While he waited for Stacey to arrive he quickly tidied up a bit, not that he was a messy person or anything but he wasn’t just as tidy conscious as Dominic was. There was a few clothes scattered around that he tidied away and a couple of dishes that hadn’t been put into the dishwasher yet.

After about ten or maybe fifteen minutes the doorbell sounded and he opened it with a bright smile which quickly evaporated when he saw the look on Stacey’s face, it was clear to see that she was upset and had been crying. “Hey Stacey what’s up sweetheart? Come on in and tell me what’s gotten you so upset and I’ll see if I can help at all, even if it’s just to lend an ear to listen.” He stepped aside to let Stacey in and then closed the door behind her. He then led the way into the lounge room and handed over a box of tissues in case she needed them. He sat down on the sofa and patted the seat next to him for Stacey to sit down. “Whoever’s upset you are going to have to deal with me I can assure you of that.” Ryan said feeling a bit protective of Stacey already, well she had introduced him to his blood family and he still had this crazy idea in his head that if she hadn’t already been in a loving relationship that he could see himself with her but knew that there was no point in thinking like that.

[Anastacia Potter]

Stacey felt bad, but also felt like she had to get away from David. His behaviour, the way he wasn't looking after himself, and the way he was with Stacey over the last couple of days was just not doing her any good. So after having a bit of an argument, well more so on her end, Stacey had up and left David at home with Ebony. She needed a break, and with Dom on his honeymoon with Sam, the only other person who she could talk to now was Ryan.

So she had called him, and after he answer, Stacey tried to keep her emotions at bay enough to talk for a few seconds. "Ryan, can I come over for a bit. I just need to talk to someone right now." When he said that she could come over, Stacey sighed in relief, "Thanks." With that, she made her way over to Ryan's place. The whole way there, she wondered what she should say to him. If it had been Dom, she would have poured her heart out, so this is what she decided to do. Ryan was more or less part of her extended family, so she knew she would have to start doing what she does with Dom with him also.

Stacey quickly got out of the car, and with her bag over her shoulder, she headed up to Ryan's door. Pressing the doorbell, she wiped at her eyes a bit, hoping to not look too bad. As the door opened, Stacey saw Ryan's smile, but it wasn't going to help her put one on her face right now. She soon saw his smile fade, and she swallowed, desperate to keep her emotions at bay for a few seconds more. As Ryan spoke, she felt a tear fall from her eye, and knew that was going to be the beginning of the end for her. Stacey slowly shook her head when he asked her what's up. She just couldn't talk, as she knew that if one word escaped her lips, then nodded, as he stepped aside for her to come in.

Stacey came in and then followed him towards the lounge room. She managed just barely a small smile as Ryan handed her the tissues, taking them slowly from him. Stacey felt exhausted now, and felt that once she sat, she may not have the energy to get up. She watched Ryan pat the seat next to where he was sitting, and Stacey walked over and just flopped onto it. Hearing what Ryan said next made her shake her head a little, "It's... Davd..." With that her face went into her hands, and she cried.

This went on for a few minutes, and finally Stacey felt that she was calming down a bit. She wiped at her eyes, and looked at Ryan. "I thought I could deal with the way he has been acting, but it was just getting too much this afternoon, and I had to get out of there." Stacey sighed a little, and pulled a tissue out of the box, with that she blew her nose, and then looked at Ryan, "Thanks for letting me come over." She sniffed a few times, then wiped at her eyes again, "Normally I would go to Dom, but he is on the honeymoon with Sam, so you were the next person I thought of."

[ryan]

When Ryan had gotten the phone call from Stacey and he had said that she could come over she soon thanked him. For a few moments as he listened to her he thought she sounded a bit upset but he then brushed it off putting it down to a bad reception as he couldn’t imagine what Stacey could be upset over that would make her want to come and see him. However that all changed once he opened the door to her and saw her face and how she had been obviously crying and the smile that he had greeted her with had soon evaporated. When he asked what was wrong she couldn’t even reply to him but he noticed a tear fall from her eye and this just made him all the more worried about why she was so upset. She shook her head obviously not in any fit state to talk right then but had followed him inside when he had stepped aside.

Ryan had soon handed Stacey a box of tissues and saw the small smile that she tried to give him but he didn’t try to smile back knowing that there was something seriously getting to her and it was not only worrying him but angering him slightly too because he wanted to know who had gotten her so upset. Ryan had then said that whoever had caused her to be so upset they were going to have to answer to him. However when Stacey spoke and told him that it was David he was somewhat shocked and probably even more angrier now. To have had these deep hidden feelings for her since he met her, feelings that he had known he had to keep hidden because she was in a loving relationship, he could feel them slowly rising to the surface knowing that David had got her this upset.

He then watched as she put her head into her hands and basically sobbed her heart out. Ryan didn’t even hesitate as he put his arm around her and used his hand to gently caress her shoulder as he kept her close and just let her get out the obvious tears she had to get out. After a few moments he felt Stacey move and he moved with her so that he could look at her as she looked at him and then she spoke again about thinking she could deal with it and he was about to say something but then Stacey continued to talk thanking him for allowing her to come over adding that she would normally have spoken to Dom but with him being on his honeymoon he had been the only person she could think of to go to. Ryan gave her a weak smile, “Its fine Stacey sweetheart, I’m sorry I’m not Dom but hopefully I’m a good replacement and you can come over here anytime you like.”

He still had his arm around her and was still using his hand to caress her shoulder and he was beginning to think that he was going to have to bury these feelings that were starting to surface again just because she and David were having a bit of a bad patch didn’t mean it was leaving a door open for him to get in there. “Can I get you a drink to help calm you down at all? Then you can tell me all about it if you want and just start at the beginning and if you don’t want a drink then still tell me all, I’m a good listener if nothing else.” He gave her a slight smile and then wrapped his other arm around her and pulled her into a gentle hug, “When you’re ready to talk I’ll be ready to listen, okay sweetheart?” He said softly keeping her in the embrace he had her in right now thinking that it would be something Dom would have done.

[Anastacia Potter]

As Stacey cried into her hands, she felt Ryan's arm go around her, and then his hand caressing her shoulder. With that, she moved her head to his shoulder, removing her hands from her face, and just continued to cry all the more. Stacey moved her arm to around his body, and just left it there. It felt good that she chose Ryan to talk to about it, despite not telling him anything specific yet. If it wasn't him, it might have been either Debbie, via phone, or Cassie, David's mum, though not sure if speaking to her about it would have been the best idea.

When Stacey had finally moved, she composed herself, and spoke to him for a second, then thanked him for allowing her to come over. She wiped her eyes again, and listened to what Ryan said. Stacey shook her head a little, "No need to be sorry.... and thanks. I just need to get out something, anything about what has been going on." She attempted a weak smile, and then grabbed for another tissue, and blew nose again. For her, it was probably best to talk to someone about it, rather than bottle it up.

Ryan then asked her if shew wanted a drink. Stacey had to slighlty smile at his comment about him being a good listener if nothing else. Stacey felt him pull her into a gentle hug, and she hugged him back quickly, then when they pulled away, she gave him a bit of a smile. Stacey then cleared her throat, " A drink would be great. Whatever you have is fine." Stacey knew that she would probably not be here for too long, but enough time to have something to drink, as it might help her a little. She waited for him to return, and when she did, Stacey took the drink from him, and sipped on it. "Thanks Ryan." She took a few more sips, then put it down.

"Okay, well, I guess you already know that David and I are trying for a baby. Another for me, and one this time with David. Though it has been a while since we were able to start trying. I guess it has been getting us both down a little on the inside. I was wondering why it hadn't happened, yet, and I guess it has been playing on David's mind also." Stacey swallowed then continued, "We went to get things checked out, or more so David was checked first, a week ago, and well David was having a bit of a problem. Um..." She looked away, wondering if she should tell Ryan, not sure whether David would like it that she was telling the entire world. "It was just going to take us longer to get pregnant really. But with the news that it was David who was not helping the situation, well I guess it was taking it harder."

Stacey sat back in the lounge, and began to bite on her bottom lip, "I guess I can't really blame him. I might have been the same way if it was me who was having the trouble." She then felt angry all of a sudden, turning to really look at Ryan, "But the way he has been acting has been getting over the odds. You should see him Ryan, really. He has just let himself go, and I feel like he is just shutting me and Ebony out all together. He hardly holds or touches Ebony anymore." Stacey felt herself getting all worked up over it, and let out a deep breath. She could visually see how David was now in her mind, and it just made her shake her head a little. She just wanted to knock some sense into him over it all, and tell him to grow up.

[ryan]

When Stacey had begun to cry and Ryan had put his arm around her shoulder caressing it with his hand slightly to calm her down he soon felt Stacey rest her head on his shoulder and then her arm went around him as she continued to cry. He glanced down at the arm around him and had to mentally slap himself from thinking anything about it. She was just a friend who was distraught and he was just a friend helping to calm her down, nothing else.

After Stacey had composed herself and thanked him for allowing her to come over he had said she could come over anytime and that he was sorry that he wasn’t Dom but hopefully he would be a good replacement. Stacey then spoke telling him not to be sorry and that she just needed to get something out about what had been going on. He saw the weak smile she gave him and he returned it with one of his own. “Well that’s what friends are for sweetheart.” Ryan replied and then watched as she took another tissue from the box and blew her nose. His heart was going out to her right then because whatever it was about David that had gotten her upset was obviously having a profound effect on her and Ryan hated it.

After Ryan had asked if he could get her a drink and then told her that he was a good listener if nothing else he had pulled her into a quick and gentle hug. Stacey returned the hug and then she replied to his question about a drink. “Okay sweetheart, be right back.” He then got up from the sofa and made his way into the kitchen. He knew from Dominic that Stacey’s favourite drink was ice cold Coke and luckily he had a few bottles of it in his fridge as he drunk it himself. He reached in for one and then took down a couple of glasses and poured out the Coke into both. He then emptied some ice cubes into both glasses and then went into his fruit drawer where he kept sliced lemon and oranges and cut a slice in half of each of an orange and a lemon and put them onto the rim of both glasses to give a slight lemon and orange twist to the Coke. He then put a straw into both glasses and soon made his way back through to the living room.

He handed Stacey her glass, “There you go ice cold Coke Ryan style.” He gave her a bit of a smile and then sat down next to her with his own glass and quickly took a sip before placing it onto the mat on the coffee table. Stacey took a sip and then thanked him before taking a few more. “You’re welcome.” He replied and gave her a warm smile hoping that it might help to make her feel a bit better. Stacey then began to tell him what it was about David that had gotten her so upset and as she spoke he would nod his head in relevant places to acknowledge what she was saying because he didn’t want to interrupt her as she was speaking.

Ryan didn’t need to be a genius to work out that when Stacey got to the part where David was the one with the problem saying that it would basically take longer for her to get pregnant that David obviously had a low sperm count, or as some would say, infertile. Ryan had to admit that he could feel for the guy because wanting to have kids himself one day he wasn’t sure how he would take the news of not being able to father a child. However as Stacey carried on some more talking about David’s obvious behaviour over it all, he thought that he would never get like that, and definitely wouldn’t treat Stacey like that or Ebony for that matter. Ryan took a couple of sips of his drink and placed it back on the table before turning to her.

“I didn’t want to interrupt you as you were talking which is why I’m waiting until now to say something.” He began and gave her a weak smile before continuing, “Stacey sweetheart I am so very sorry. I have to admit that I’m not sure how it would make me feel to know I might have trouble fathering a child but I can say this much, I would like to think I’d be a bigger man than to let it get to me that way. And I most definitely wouldn’t treat my partner or wife like that; you deserve to be treated so much better than that. I know that you love him that is clear to see with how upset you are over this, but I’m really angry hearing what you have just told me. You don’t deserve any of this, who does he think he is? Can’t he see what it’s doing to you? What a fucking asshole he is, sorry but really.” Ryan shook his head and then looked away for a second before looking at her again, “Sorry you don’t need to hear me talk of him like that, but I just know for a fact that Dominic would be furious if he knew that David was treating you like that. You just don’t deserve it.” Ryan’s voice was strong and slightly angry but the anger was far from aimed at Stacey he was angry at David for being such a jerk.

With this anger came the resurfacing of the hidden feelings he held for Stacey and seeing how upset Stacey was again with the deep breath she let out he moved closer to her and put his arm around her shoulder again and once more began to use his hand to caress her shoulder gently. Without thinking he pulled Stacey toward him into a hug and he then rested his head gently on hers and didn’t even realise what he said next had actually come out loud but in a quiet voice but loud enough that Stacey would definitely hear, “I wouldn’t treat you like that ever.” Ryan then moved and felt his eyes locking with hers and as they did so he just wanted to kiss her but knew that it was wrong because she was in love with David and if he did, he might spoil the friendship they had begun to build between them and he wasn’t sure he wanted to risk that.

[Anastacia Potter]

When Ryan had come back with the drinks, she had to smile a little at seeing that it was Coke. It seemed everyone knew that she loved the stuff, pregnant or not, and sighed a little. Ryan soon spoke, and she nodded, taking the glass. After taking a sip, she had thanked him, then took some more sips, feeling a little better.

Once Stacey had finished what she had wanted to say, she thought about how David was, and had shaken her head at the thought. She picked up her glass, and could feel herself getting a lttle shaky, and quickly took some mouthfuls of the Coke, and gently placed the glass down, not wanting to break it. Ryan soon spoke, and her attention went straight to him, hearing what he had to say about the matter. Hearing every single word that Ryan was saying was hitting home for her. Every single word was just making her know that he was right, but also Stacey did have that undying love for David, and knew that despite what was happening, she knew that she could never let him go.

Stacey then felt like her heart was dropping as Ryan called David a 'fucking asshole'. Sure David was behaving like a child right now, but names were a little uncalled for from a person who had only known him for a short time. Stacey opened her mouth, but then shut it when Ryan apologised. But hearing what he said about Dom being furious made her nod slightly. "I get what you are getting at. But I do think that name calling might be just reserved for me right now. Have said a few choice names in my head all the way here." She turned a little to face Ryan. "And I know that you mean well, and I am sure that David and I will work it out, eventually."

After Stacey had sighed, she soon felt Ryan put his arm around her again, and she put her arm around him again. Feeling them hugging again was kind of reassuring her somehow that the situation between herself and David might just work out somehow. Cooling off and giving each other space was definitely the best thing they could have done this afternoon. She felt Ryan's head resting on her own, and she sighed a little, cotinuing to think about David, then thinking about Ebony, hoping that she was okay. She felt bad for leaving her, but having a break from everything was for the best.

Stacey then heard Ryan speak, and she blinked a couple of times, not sure what he was getting at. Her heart raced, and frowned to herself, but then felt Ryan move, which led to her to move, sitting up in the lounge, just staring at him. Stacey quickly looked away from Ryan, and turned to face where her drink was. "I, um, thanks. I guess, uh, anyone else would be different right now to how David is. I think this time apart is going to be good for the both of us. Just to clear our heads." Stacey quickly picked up her glass, and downed half of the Coke in one go.

[ryan]

When Ryan had finally replied to Stacey after she opened up to him his words just seemed to keep flowing from his mouth. When he had called David a ‘fucking asshole’ he realised that maybe he had overstepped the mark as really he didn’t know David well enough to speak of him like that but just hearing Stacey tell him what she had he couldn’t help but to think that about the guy. Which guy who was supposed to be in love with their woman would treat them like that? He just didn’t get it. Ryan had then apologised for his language against David and when Stacey replied to it he had to look away for a second. The reason why he had gotten so wound up was because of these stupid hidden feelings he had for her, feelings he knew were wrong. If Dominic ever found out he would probably have plenty to say to him about it what with her being his BFF.

He ran a hand through his hair and then looked back at her with a very apologetic look on his face, “I really am sorry Stacey I have no right to speak of him like that but I just got so angry hearing all of that, but you’re right it’s not in my place to namedrop him.” He said and looked away again mentally kicking himself. He had to get these feelings under control it was getting ridiculous. When Stacey had asked to come over he hadn’t given it a seconds thought, but now that he was here alone with her, he was beginning to wonder if every moment they were alone together he would have to battle these hidden feelings all the time. He hoped not because it was damn hard.

When he heard Stacey’s voice again he turned back to face her and his heart sank a little as she said she knew he meant well but she was sure that she and David would work it out. Somewhere deep down he didn’t want them to work it out from that first day he had met her, slap aside, he had seen her as the type of girl he could be with for the rest of his life. Maybe the warning bells should have started back then, she’s your twin brother’s best friend back off, she’s in love with another man, back off, but no he got nothing like that. He had to stop his as she would never be his. “I hope you do work it out Stacey, you deserve to be happy sweetheart.” He said and actually did mean it despite his hidden feelings.

Ryan had then pulled Stacy back into another hug and he soon felt her arm around him again too and he couldn’t deny that it felt good to hold her like that but had to keep reminding himself that they were only friends. Ryan had then spoken out loud but hadn’t realised he had done that until he heard Stacey and thank him but sort of stumbling over her words a little. “Shit! That came out loud didn’t it? Damn it.” He replied and stood up and began to walk around his living room wondering what he was going to say now. He turned to face her with his hand up to his head slightly pulling at his hair. “Maybe this wasn’t such a good idea.” He said and then shook his head knowing how that sounded, “I don’t mean that, I, fuck I don’t know what I mean.” He was going to have to tell her wasn’t he?

No, he couldn’t do that, what would that do to their friendship and he had little friends. He sighed deeply and then turned to face her again, “I think the reason why I got so angry is because...” He trailed off; he couldn’t do it, what if he lost the friendship? It wasn’t worth that not when he knew that Stacey would never be his. He then made his way back to the sofa and sat down again and looked at her and then it was as if someone began to pull his strings as he leant in and kissed her, nothing passionate, but let his lips linger slightly and then as if he realised what was happening he pulled away like electricity had flown through the kiss.

He stood back again and began to walk backward, “Shit, Stacey I’m sorry, but you see that’s why I got so angry and that’s why I would never treat you like that, but, but I shouldn’t have done that, I’m so sorry.” Ryan then sat down on the chair opposite the sofa and just sat with his head in his hands, he had blown it, when he looks back up again she will be gone and he wouldn’t blame her.

[Anastacia Potter]

Stacey had spoken to Ryan, and watched him turn away. She understood where Ryan was coming from, but really it was for her to call David names right now, and Ryan was meant to just listen. Stacey then watched him turn back to look at her, apologising, and heard what he said about being angry hearing what she said. "I am sure that anyone would be angry." She gave him a bit of a smile, and then she had said that she knew he meant well, but she was sure that she and David would work it out. Stacey then gave him a bit of a smile, when Ryan said that he hoped she would work it out, adding that she deserved to be happy. She patted his knee then, "Thanks, I do hope so."

When Ryan had spoken out louad, it had taken Stacey by surprise, and just didn't know what to say. She had commented, or tried to, and then she heard Ryan reply, and when he asked it it had come out loud, Stacey slowly nodded, then looked at her glass. Her heart was starting to slow back to a normal beat, which she was grateful for. Stacey then watched Ryan get up, and pace around the room. She began to tape her engagement ring on the side of the glass, still glancing at the glass.

She then looked up as Ryan spoke again, and she wanted to hear his explanation. You don't normally go around and speaking to someone like that, one that was engaged no less. Hearing what he said about it not being a good idea that she had come around, made Stacey blink a few times. She was just about to grab for her bag, and go, when he said that he didn't mean that, and then added that he didn't know what he meant. Stacey frowned a little, and then placed her glass down. "Ryan, what do you mean, because if you don't know, then there is no point in me being here. It is pretty much plain to see."

He soon started to talk, and Stacey sat forward to hear what he had to say. He started to talk, but then trailed off. Stacey was getting annoyed now. What was it with guys who just couldn't express their feelings right now? Stacey rolled her eyes, and then watched him sit down next to her again. She turned to him, waiting for the ret of the sentence he was obviously wanting to finish, but then he did something that she never saw coming. She frowned when his lips touched her own, and then she slowly closed her eyes. Stacey didn't know what to do. Well, she knew that she should just push him away, but because of her lack of romance with David over the past couple of days, she somehow let Ryan just kiss her. She didn't kiss him back, she just sat there and let him kiss her.

Stacey was losing all judgement now, and then Ryan moved away from her very quickly, and stood up, walking backwards. Ryan apologised again, and then explained himself. All Stacey could do was think of his lips on her own, and it almost felt the same as when Dom had kissed her that time. Yes, she remembered that day, but they had definitely kept that to themselves, but Stacey had never pondered over it. She was in love with David, and she had to keep reminding herself about that after what Ryan had just done.

Stacey just couldn't move, and didn't know where to look. Should she just say it is okay, and let it go? Or should she have a go at him, and tell him that what he did crossed the line big time? She then glanced over at him as he sat down opposite her, and placed his head in his hands. Stacey let out a deep breath, and then drank the rest of her Coke. She carefully placed it back down, and then sat forward in the lounge again, deciding to do a mix of both. "Ryan, let's forget what you just did. I admit you definately crossed the line, but not sure if I can forget it either." Stacey got up slowly, and picked up her bag. "Maybe I shouldn't have come, like you suggested before. Maybe I should just go." She stood where she was, wondering if he would try and stop her or not.

[ryan]

Ryan really wished he hadn’t gone off on one over David’s attitude because as much as Stacey had chosen him to talk to it really wasn’t any of his business and he certainly had no place to bag David out the way he had he didn’t know him well enough and if he had been in David’s situation he was sure he would find it difficult to deal with too. But then looking at Stacey he knew that he wouldn’t behave like that or he would hope he wouldn’t behave like that. He had then apologised adding that he was just angry with what he had heard. Stacey soon replied to this saying that she was sure anyone would be angry. He gave her a weak smile, “I guess.” He replied not believing there was any need to say anything else. When he had said he hoped they worked it out because she deserved to be happy meaning it despite his hidden feelings he felt Stacey pat his knee and his eyes immediately diverted to where her hand was and had to take in a deep breath at the touch. He had to put these feelings back where they belonged, hidden deep within until someone else came along who could break them. Stacey then thanked him saying she hoped so and all he could do was to nod and give her a bit of a warm smile.

After Ryan had said that he wouldn’t treat her like that out loud in error he started to get frustrated with himself and stood up and then tried to tell Stacey why he had gotten so angry before but then thought that he couldn’t do it as he didn’t want to ruin their friendship. However struggling to get out what he wanted to say telling Stacey that maybe her being there wasn’t a good idea but then said he didn’t mean that. Stacey then asked him what he meant and he could tell that she wasn’t too happy with him right then but then he could hardly blame her. She had come to him because she was having problems with David and right now his behaviour because of his hidden feelings wasn’t exactly helping the situation. “I’m sorry Stacey.” Was all he could say then at that point and made his way back toward her but instead of trying to talk some more he leant in and kissed her on the lips.

It hadn’t been passionate but he had let it linger but not really being in control of what he was doing and was quite surprised that Stacey hadn’t pushed him away. After a few seconds however Ryan was the one to break away standing up and walking backward and apologising to Stacey. He then said that it was why he had gotten so angry before. He had then sat down on the chair opposite the sofa with his head in his hands and thinking that when he next looked up she would be gone. However he soon heard her voice which made him look at her. She was saying that they were to just forget what he did and that he had crossed the line which he already knew but then she said she couldn’t forget it either and his heart sank. He had done so well with hiding his feelings since the day they had met, why did the walls choose this moment to come down when Stacey was feeling so vulnerable.

He wanted to agree with Stacey with what she said about forgetting it because he should never have done it in the first place and he was about to answer her when he saw her stand up and reach for her bag commenting that maybe she shouldn’t have come like he had said and that she should go. He didn’t know what to say or do then. What kind of person would it make him if he tried to stop her from going when it was clear that she had no feelings for him and when he knew how much she was in love with David? But a part of him also knew that he couldn’t let her walk out without him giving her a full explanation. He stood up and gently placed a hand on her arm and then began to talk to her and used her first name in full at the start to show that he was being serious.

“Anastacia, please don’t go. I’m sorry for what I done, but I can’t let you go without giving you a full explanation. The day we met, the day I kissed you then too, I had done that to try and prove that I wasn’t Dominic but as much as I know I shouldn’t have I had actually liked that kiss back then and from that moment I’ve had these feelings that I knew were wrong. I’ve never acted on them and kept them deeply hidden because first and foremost you were my friend and I wanted that more than anything, I’ve never had a female in my life who was simply just a friend. But there was just something about you that I couldn’t shake no matter how hard I tried. I would never knowingly do anything to upset you or jeopardise your relationship with David but you have to understand hearing the way he had been with you just brought these feelings to the surface. I know you’re in love with David but I could see that you were hurting and I guess these feelings just wanted to console you but obviously I was reaching out in the wrong context. I don’t want to lose you as a friend Stacey but I also can’t shut these feelings off, I wish they worked like a tap, but they don’t.”

Ryan let out a slow low breath then and looked down at the floor wondering if she would stay or now that she knew exactly how he was feeling about her that it would make her feel even more awkward than she already did and would choose to leave. If she chose to leave he wouldn’t stop her but he also knew that it would probably mark the end of the friendship and he really didn’t want that either. He moved slightly and then looked back up at her again, now his face was so close to hers and knew that he could quite easily have kissed her again but this time he held back but kept his eyes locked with hers once more and then in the softest voice he said, “Don’t go, please.”

[Anastacia Potter]

After Ryan had put his head in his hands, Stacey had spoken about forgetting about it, that he had crossed the line, but she also knew that she couldn't forget it. She had seen him look at her, but she had then gotten up and grabbed her bag to go, stating that she shouldn't have come and she should go. Stacey didn't know if that was a good or bad thing, but she had come to him for him to listen, and here he was doing these things that were just inappropriate. She began to walk passed Ryan, who had then gotten up and placed his hand on her arm, and Stacey slowly looked up at him.

Ryan began to talk, and as she listened she pulled at her bag strap for a second, and just held onto it. Once again her heart began to race. Hearing what Ryan had been feeling towards her made her really think. She felt bad for him, because he was such a sweet guy, just like Dom was. He had been through so much in his life, now he had these feelings for her to deal with. Stacey had never been through anything like this before. She had only ever loved one man at a time. Ryan went on about never having a female in his life, who was simply just a friend, and it made her wonder if he had any true friends. Then she heard how he would never do anything to upset her, and all the thoughts of not being romantically involved with David over the past coupel of days made her feel special now. Ryan's words were just the right words she wanted to hear right now, and David wasn't doing that at all.

She was glad that Ryan knew that she was in love with David, but right now those feelings for him were somewhere inside her. David had really pushed her to the point of not caring anymore, and wondered if right now that maybe she should just stay with Ryan, and calm down more. Her heart skipped a beat when Ryan said that he couldn't shut the feelings he had for her off. She knew that more than ever that Ryan was one in a million, and hoped that one day he would find someone for him to use these feelings towards them. But right now she knew what she had to do.

Stacey could feel his breath on her face as they were so close, and she soon felt her own breath getting slightly heavier. His words kept playing in her head, and they were pushing her anger towards David to the back of her mind, and David for that matter as well. Ryan then said 'Don't go, please', and Stacey rolled her eyes. "The hell with David right now!" She flung her bag off of her shoulder, letting it fly to the ground, and with both arms, Stacey flung them around Ryan's neck, and kissed him, opening her mouth to him. A voice in her head was nagging her, telling her that what she was doing was just wrong, but another voice was telling her that she needed this more than anything right now.

[ryan]

After Ryan basically poured his heart out to Stacey about how he was feeling toward her he didn’t know how she would react. Would she walk out and then he would never see her again? Would she slap his face and tell him that he was wrong to think like that when she was an engaged woman? Would she take pity on him for having these feelings that were so obviously wrong? He simply had no idea but he knew he couldn’t shut his feelings for Stacey off no matter how much he should or wanted to. Stacey didn’t respond to anything that he had said to her but she also didn’t make to leave and that was confusing him all the more. Of course he didn’t want her to leave and he said as much but he expected her to leave and so when she didn’t it was confusing him and yet making him feel happy at the same time when he knew it shouldn’t be making him feel that way.

When Ryan had finished with asking her not to go again in a soft voice he saw her roll her eyes and he wondered what that gesture meant, but not for much longer as Stacey then said the hell with David right now and watched as she threw her bag onto the floor and soon her arms were around his neck and she was kissing him. He felt her open up her mouth to him and Ryan didn’t hold back in wrapping his arms around her waist and holding her close as he kissed her back opening his own mouth up to her. The kiss was frantic and lust filled, hungry almost and he felt like he didn’t want to stop as he let his hands caress her back from top to bottom as he continued to kiss her and as he did so walking backward until he reached the wall of his living room and then he broke away from the kiss as guilt took him over and between heavy breaths he said, “Are you sure that this is what you want Stacey? I don’t want you to regret anything, but I can’t deny that both of us probably need this right now.”

He waited for a second to see what Stacey might say but then as guilt disappeared and the feelings that he had for her taking over he didn’t wait any longer and just went in for another hungry, lust filled kiss as he then walked her to the sofa and sat down taking her with him and as they continued to kiss he leant back onto the sofa and keeping one hand on the small of her back caressing it he moved the other up to her head and began to run it through Stacey’s hair gently as he continued to kiss her hungrily opening his mouth up to her again and exploring it with his tongue. He knew that it was wrong but he had already backed off and Stacey was the one to initiate it this time and as much as he knew it was wrong and as much as he knew she would never be his, he couldn’t stop himself as he wanted this right now probably just as much as Stacey did.

As they continued to kiss Ryan could feel himself getting turned on and something was beginning to stir and his hands then moved from Stacey’s back and hair to the back of her shirt and began to move it up and then realising just how far it might end up going he broke away from the kiss again. In heavy breaths he said, “If we’re going to do this wrong or not, we might as well do it in a comfortable place.” He got up then and held his hands out for Stacey to take and gave her a warm smile knowing that she would never be his and what they were about to do was wrong and that it would likely be a one off, but he didn’t care. He had these feelings and he might as well make use of them while Stacey was willing to let him no matter how wrong that was. Once Stacey was on her feet he didn’t waste any time in going back to kissing her as he walked her in the general direction of his bedroom.

{ooc - have a feeling that after Stacey's post it's going to have to move elsewhere? But maybe we could keep this one here, so that when it's over with elsewhere, we can come back to this one to finish it off.}

[Anastacia Potter]

When Ryan had asked her to not leave, Stacey had rolled her eyes, then spoke saying the hell with David. She didn't know where it came from, but she was definitely fed up with David, and needed some loving right there and then, and Ryan just happened to be the person who could give her that. Once her arms were around his neck, and her lips over his own, Stacey felt Ryan's arms go around her, and his lips began to kiss her back. The voices in her head continued to talk to her, but she soon willed them to leave for the time being.

Stacey hungrily kissed Ryan, pressing herself against him, just wanting more. She moaned at his touch, and felt herself being walked forward, knowing that Ryan was walking backwards somewhere. The thought of his bedroom popped into her head, and she suddenly wondered what the hell she was doing. All Stacey could think of was David now, and wondered how he would handle it if he found out she was fooling around with someone else, and that someone being Ryan. She let the thought just be forgotten, and continued to kiss Ryan all the more. When she felt Ryan stop, she opened her eyes as Ryan broke away from the kiss. She murmured a little, and he asked her if she was sure that this was what she wanted. Stacey bit on her bottom lip slightly, then slowly nodded, swallowing. She knew that if she opened her mouth, it might say something different, and right now she didn't want that to happen.

Soon after that, Stacey felt Ryan's lips back on her own. She instantly opened her mouth to him, letting out a few small moans as they kissed. Stacey had never kissed like this with David, ever. It was always nice and intimate, but this, this was something that she hadn't experienced for some time. Maybe this was definitely what she needed, a different experience away what she was used to with David. Though lately even their intimacy had been non existent. Again she felt herself being walked somewhere else, but when she opened her eyes, she soon saw the lounge behind Ryan. When he sat, she broke away for a second, giving him a sensual smile, and then giggled, feeling like a teenager all over again. It was definitely a little bit liberating right now, just not giving a rat's arse about the world.

When Ryan lent back into the lounge, Stacey placed one hand on the back, steadying herself on his lap. But she felt Ryan's hand on her back, which helped. Though really she knew she wouldn't fall off as she was pretty much leaning into him. As he moved his hand through her hair, Stacey murmured as they kissed, and was just feeling the moment between them. It wasn't love, it was lust, and for Stacey she just needed this attention more than anything right now. Then she moaned even more with the feel of his tongue in her mouth, letting her own play with his.

As they continued, Stacey felt Ryan's hands move more, and soon felt him pushing her shirt up at the back. With that move, Stacey's own hand moved to the band of his pants, and began to fiddle with it. That was the time that Ryan chose to break away from the kiss. Stacey felt her chest was really heaving now, and she licked her lips, tasting Ryan on them. He spoke of taking it elsewhere, and Stacey nodded. As comfortable as his lounge was, she knew that Ryan was right. As he moved, she got up off of him, and stood waiting. The voice sent out warning bells in her head about what she was going to possibly do with Ryan was wrong, and she should just say sorry and leave. But she felt that her body was wanting this more than anything right now. She needed to be intimate with someone.

Stacey took Ryan's hands, and soon followed him towards his bedroom. Her heart was thumping in her chest with the adrenaline of it all, but she had to do this. She knew that deep down it wasn't going to be a chore like all the other times had been with David, this was going to be fun, risky and all pointing towards the sign saying 'cheating'.