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As Grian enters the recording studio, she’s intercepted by a member of security, “Hello, Miss. Xelqua, you’re right on time.”
“Always am,” She replies simply, “Where’s Scar?”
“They’re just wrapping up, I’m sure you know the way to the dressing rooms by now.”
Grian nods, “Yup.” She gives the guard a wave before heading deeper into the building, going only as far in to the dressing room.
Technically, Grian can go further in due to her contract with Scar and overall non disclosure agreement. She wouldn’t snitch regardless, but the directors wanted full assurance and didn’t trust that Grian losing job security would be enough.
She enjoys being around Scar so much, the last thing Grian would do is do something that would jeopardize her job with her, or risk harming Scar’s job in general too.
Either way, Grian doesn’t go further in, Scar will tell Grian what happened regardless of whether she does or not. She sits down on the couch, pulling out her phone to check Scar’s schedule… again.
Just like the last time, it’s mostly clear outside of a meeting with her media manager. Should be simple, unless people catch wind of where it’s at, which could cause issues.
The door opens, causing Grian to look up. Scar grins at her as she moves to one of the chairs, “Never going to be late, huh?”
“Don’t plan on it,” Grian answers, watching as Scar wipes away her makeup. Grian takes in Scar’s outfit, letting out a soft whistle, “Nice suit.”
She laughs, “Yeah? I don’t think suits really, well, suit me.”
Grian shakes her head, “It looks good on you, red’s a nice color on you too.”
Scar pauses, looking into the mirror. She adjusts the jacket of the suit, “It is a nice color, I do think the darker red is good.”
Grian grins, “Only I can rock this red.”
“Your commitment to always wearing a red sweater is impressive,” Scar comments, smirking over her shoulder at Grian. She looks back to finish removing the make up.
“It’s my brand,” Grian replies easily. She glances at the used make up wipe, “You really go all out on make up for filming, huh?”
“Gotta look perfect for the cameras, can’t have a hair out of place.”
“I can’t imagine having to look that perfect all the time.”
Scar fully turns around to smile at Grian, “It’s hard work but the end result is worth it.” Her voice drops, “So very worth it.”
Grian meets the smile with one of her own, “Sounds like it, you’re always so excited for any project you’re on.”
She hums, “I am.” Scar stands up and heads behind the changing current, “What’s on the schedule for today?”
“I’m not your secretary,” Grian immediately counters, managing to keep a straight face.
“You have it memorized though, don’t you,” Scar answers knowingly.
“Maybe, shouldn’t you know it as well?”
“I have to memorize so many lines and actions,” Scar whines, over-exaggerated, and Grian can picture her pout. “I can’t remember more on top of that.”
“Drama Queen,” Grian mutters under her breath. She answers louder, “That’s not true and you know it.”
“Maybe it is, maybe it’s not,” Scar replies, stepping out from behind the curtain, now in a more casual outfit. The only thing that stands out is the gold necklace, adorned with a beautiful emerald.
Grian sighs, complaining just as dramatically, “Since I have to do all the work around here, you just have a meeting with your media managers.”
Scar hums, “Guess we should get going then.”
“Somehow know the time, do you?” Grian asks, following Scar out of the room.
Scar glances over her shoulder, “It seems like my memory got jogged.”
“Mhm,” Grian replies, not believing her for a moment. They fall into a comfortable silence as they head towards the exit.
The moment they step outside, they’re immediately greeted by flashing lights and loud voices. Just as quickly, Grian spreads out her wings, fully encircling Scar with them.
Grian grabs Scar by the elbow, carefully leading her to where Grian parked her car. She’s uncaring about walking into any of the paparazzi, ready to rebuff them if any try to move her wings.
None do, the lesson well known now. It didn’t take long after Grian became Scar’s bodyguard that the paparazzi learned that Grian will use her wings as a weapon and that they pack quiet a punch when battered by one.
Any reported who’s been around a while knows better then to mess with her wings. No picture is worth the resulting hit.
Grian probably enjoys taking advantage of her avian status too much. It’s known well enough how particular avian’s are about their wings, which includes strangers touching them.
She plays fully into it during this, it’s not Grian’s fault for reacting to someone strange touching her wings. She can’t control how her wings react.
It’s true that her wings would react instinctively, but Grian can overpower that instinct and redirect it to do what she wants. Which is to whack the offender instead of just recoiling like they naturally would.
They make it to Grian’s car without issue, although the paparazzi follow them closely. Grian pulls back her wings enough for Scar to slip into the back, soon hidden by the tinted windows.
Grian quickly gets into the drivers seat and drives off, leaving the reporters far behind. She only lets out her breath when they’re out of sight, “Hopefully they don’t follow us too quickly.”
Scar hums and props her head on Grian’s seat, “They’re always on time too, huh?”
“Unfortunately.”
She hums, “How many laps around the block are you going to take before we go inside?”
“Enough to make sure we’re not being followed,” Grian replies easily. She’ll admit that she might be overly cautious, but sometimes the last thing they need is attention. “Do you have your disguise?”
Through the rearview mirror Grian watches Scar put on sunglasses and a hat, “Yup!”
Grian refocuses on the road, “So how was filming?”
“Good!” Scar says cheerfully, and she is quick to start going through her day in detail. Describing each scene they recorded in detail and all the bloopers that happened during.
It’s soothing to listen to her talk, both because Scar is happy and because Grian enjoys how animated she gets when she talks. The rest of the drive passes quickly, and they’re soon arriving at the restaurant where the meeting is.
Scar keeps her head lowered as they enter, letting Grian lead her to the table they had reserved. The servers give them curious glances, but stay silent, always respectful.
It’s why this has always been the go to when meeting in public places, all of the workers won’t draw attention to Scar and is willing to ensure they get the most hidden table in the place. Of course some still get too excited over being in a celebrities presence and hover, but it never spreads to the general public which is what matters.
When they reach their booth Scar slides in first, and Grian follows after her. Booths are usually uncomfortable for Grian with their high backs, but it’s the best to keep Scar out of sight so she’ll deal.
Grian curls her left wing partially around herself, trying to keep it out of the walkways, and spreads the right one out fully, curling around Scar.
Scar grins and leans into it, “Getting cozy there?”
Despite putting pressure on the limb it’s not enough to pin it to the wall, and Grian gives her a grateful smile. “It’s better than leaving them cooped up.”
Scar hums, but before she can reply they’re joined at the table by two others. She pulls away, leaning forwards against the table to greet them.
Groan only half pays attention to the conversation, mainly keeping a focus on their surroundings. Most of the tables near them are empty, leaving everyone else too far to pay much attention to the corner where they are.
However, there’s still a chance someone will, so Grian stays on guard regardless.
While Scar was nothing but jokes and laughter with Grian, she is fully focused and serious now. The sudden flip is still a little disorienting, even though Grian knows that despite how carefree Scar can be, she takes her career seriously.
Grian knows that better than anyone seeing how she saw the change over time. From how Scar kept her at arm’s length at the start of their contract before easing as they became friends.
They start with Scar’s current social media presence and how she acts online. It doesn’t take long for them to move on, seeing how Scar is both active and is careful with what she says when engaging with her fans.
Which Grian knows through normal means, she doesn’t obsessively follow Scar’s accounts or anything. She’s just… doing normal bodyguard things. Making sure no one is harassing or threatening Scar. Exactly.
As they go to shift topics, the waiter comes by to ask for their order. Grian and Scar order with a familiar ease, but the two they’re meeting with take a couple more minutes.
After the waiter leaves, the conversation resumes right where it left off. Grian shifts her attention back to the conversation when they start discussing promotional posts, especially when a photoshoot gets suggested.
It’s not a bad idea, but it will require them to block out a good portion of Scar’s time to do it. Which isn’t easy with how busy Scar usually is.
Even as much as Grian acts as Scar’s secretary, she stays out of the topic, trusting Scar to make the choice. She’s the best one to know if it’s worth the time or not, considering she’s done this long before Grian worked with her.
They go back and forth on it for a while, discussing different details and possibilities, before eventually Scar agrees, albeit pushed back to when she’s next available. Grian’s just relieved to not have to deal with the schedule getting shuffled.
They manage to finish just as their dinner gets served. The conversation shifts to being more casual, although still formal. It’s relaxed enough that Scar nudges Grian to get her to stop her constant lookout.
Grian shoots her a look, but complies and joins the conversation.
~ ~ ~
When they get back into Grian’s car, Scar takes the passenger seat, which Grian doesn’t protest as they haven’t been noticed yet. Scar lets out a breath, “It’s been a long day, I’m ready to go home.”
Grian glances at her as she starts driving, “As in your home or mine?” They’ve ended up at her house enough times that Scar refers to it as home too. Grian isn’t sure what to think about that.
“Yours,” Scar replies easily, removing her hat and glasses as she relaxes.
Grian hums and changes lanes. They arrive at her house quickly, and after a quick loop around the block for possible followers, Grian pulls in.
Scar enters the house first, acting as if she really does live here, not just spending the night every so often. Grian doesn’t really get that, seeing as her house is so much better than Grian’s, having anything she could possibly need.
She turns around, pausing as she glances over Grian’s shoulder, “Do your wings need preening?”
Grian pauses, looking over as well, noticing how ruffled they are, “I suppose they do.”
Scar nods, humming a little but shifting awkwardly. “ Right,” she starts slowly, before walking backwards into the living room.
Grian assuredly follows her, intentionally staying silent. It’s considered rude to ask to preen an avian’s wings, unless they’re mates, and despite how many times Scar has preened Grian’s wings she still abides by it.
It makes Grian feel warm, to see how much respect for avian culture Scar has, never over stepping the firm boundaries. Or over stepping once when she didn’t know and then never again after Grian explained it.
Of course this does result in the fun stalemate of the fact that they both know that Grian will let Scar preen her wings, but it getting delayed because it can only happen on Grian’s terms.
Eventually she laughs, “Do you want to help me preen my wings?”
The breath Scar releases is loud, “ Yes.”
Grian grins, passing Scar to lead them to the plush rug on the floor. Normally Grian would preen in her nest, but only partners and family are allowed, so this is the next best spot.
They settle into the familiar position, Grian sitting cross legged and Scar kneeling behind her. She pulls off her sweater and tank top and sets them neatly to the side, letting Scar have easier access to the harder parts.
Scar is quick to begin, gently carding through the feathers on Grian’s right wing. She relaxes into it, closing her eyes as she’s soothed by the repeated gesture.
They’re left in a comfortable silence, only broken when Scar whispers a warning when she needs to pull out a damaged feather. Grian hums in response, only wincing lightly when it happens.
It’s quickly soothed by Scar’s hands as they card through the nearby feathers, relaxing Grian enough to let out a quiet chirp. Scar says nothing, but Grian knows that she’s grinning, always humored by Grian making bird noises.
Grian loses herself to the feeling, and can’t help but think about more. For this to go past Scar only preening the back of Grian’s wings, her just spending the night in Grian’s guest room.
She shakes her head, trying to dislodge those thoughts. They’re too dangerous for Grian to have, wanting to keep Scar to herself. Not to mention unprofessional.
Scar has never shown interest in dating in general, just vague dismissive comments over being too busy to date when pushed by reporters. Grian knows better then anyone how true that is, how little time Scar has free.
“You okay?” Scar asks, easily noticing Grian’s slight frown.
She nods, “Yeah, you’re good, my mind just wandered off.”
Scar hums and resumes preening, “Want to tell me where?”
Grian tenses, “Not particularly.”
“Is it bad?” Scar asks, frown audible in her voice.
“No!” Grian hurries to say, “just… embarrassing.”
“I’d still like to know, if it eases your troubles,” Scar murmurs lightly.
Grian draws her knees to her chest, hunching forwards and drawing her wings around herself. She doesn’t have to tell Scar, especially with how long she’s kept it a secret already, but she also wants to finally let it out into the open.
She sighs, murmuring barely audibly, “I may have a crush on you.”
Scar doesn’t reply right away, and Grian curls up more in an attempt to hide. After a minute Scar gently takes a hold of Grian’s wing, guiding it away from her.
Grian lets her, glancing up to see Scar in front of her now. She gives Grian a smile, “Hello there.”
When Grian doesn’t try to hide again, Scar moves closer and drops her wing. When close enough, she reaches out to hold onto Grian’s face.
She inhales sharply at the contact, “Scar?”
“Is this okay?” She whispers, moving closer.
“Yeah,” Grian breaths out, leaning forwards to meet Scar halfway.
The kiss is unlike anything Grian has felt before, making her feel warm all over. She presses closer, wrapping her arms around Scar’s neck.
She hums, grip tightening minutely. Scar tilts her head, shifting closer.
They break apart after a few minutes, and Grian stares into Scar’s eyes, dazed. “Wow,” she murmurs.
Scar smiles, soft, “ Yeah. ”
Grian breaks from her gaze, dropping her head against Scar’s shoulder, laughing a little at the situation.
“What’s so funny?” Scar asks, letting out a quiet chuckle of her own. She shifts her hands to begin carding through the feathers on the inside of Grian’s wings.
“Just… wasn’t expecting things to go this way,” Grian hums, pressing a kiss to Scar’s neck.
She startles at the touch, making a quiet held back noise that Grian can feel. “O-oh? How’d you expect it to go?”
Grian tilts her head down again, avoiding eye contact, “I wasn’t expecting you to feel the same, especially cause you said you weren’t interested in dating.”
“Ah,” Scar whispers. “What else was I supposed to do? Tell them that I’m crushing on my bodyguard who could very easily be watching right now?”
Grian pulls back with a laugh, smiling up at Scar, “I guess that’s true.”
She grins back, leaning forward to kiss Grian’s forehead, “Now let me finish up your wings.”
Instead of moving behind Grian again, Scar stays in front of her. She reaches out to continue preening the front, and without the distraction Grian makes a flustered noise.
It gets Scar to pause, pulling back her hands, “Sorry, did I do something wrong?”
Grian shakes her head before burying it in hand hands, “No, it’s just- the insides are… intimate.”
“Ah,” Scar murmurs. She pauses before adding on, “can I continue?”
“Mhm,” Grian manages, voice much higher pitched.
Scar chuckles lightly and continues to preen the insides of Grian’s wings. She curls against Scar, the touch overwhelming in the best way possible.
By the time Scar is done, Grian’s mind has gone hazy and it takes Scar pulling her away for it to start dissipating. Grian shakes her head, trying to refocus, “Scar…?”
She laughs, and Grian can’t help but become even more entranced at the beautiful sound. “You look out of it, I think it might be time for bed.”
Grian nods, letting Scar help her up, and guiding her to her bedroom, stumbling every few steps. When they reach it, Scar lets go of Grian and steps back, “Good night, Gri.”
She immediately grabs Scar, “Where are you going?”
“The guest bedroom?” she offers hesitantly.
Grian shakes her head, “No, stay.”
A red flush instantly dusts across Scar face, and now it’s her turn to make incoherent flustered noises, “What!?”
Grian nods, like it makes any coherent sense, “Stay.”
Scar seeming at a loss for words, nods. Although she snaps out of it some when Grian tries pulling her inside, “Wait- can I get my pajamas at least?”
By now, the preening haze is lifting and, yeah, of course Scar would want to change. Grian nods, “Yeah, of course.”
“Great!” Scar says, before quickly hurrying off.
While alone, Grian hurries into her own pajamas and settles into her nest. It doesn’t take long before Scar returns, stepping up to the nest but hesitating outside of it.
Too tired for this, Grian grabs her and pulls her in. Scar yelps as she falls in, but relaxes quickly as Grian cuddles against her.
“You’re cozy,” Grian mumbles against Scar’s neck, pressing a kiss there.
Scar shivers, circling her arms around Grian to pull her close, “So are you. Especially your wings, very soft blankets.”
Grian doesn’t contest that, just humming as she wraps one wing tightly around Scar. It doesn’t take them long to fall asleep after that.
When Grian wakes up to emerald eyes staring down at her, she wonders why she never said anything sooner. It’s the best feeling in the world.