The Golden Suite│all rp levels discussion

I'm not going to be drinking again anytime soon. Sloane's head pounded, every small tap sounded like a hammer being smalled against metal. She came down to the lobby for a cup of coffee hoping it would help her hangover a bit. The last thing she remembered was taking a few shots then abandoning Lawson to go sit by the pool. Her assumption was she spent a little time down there before starting to feel sick because of the alcohol and walked herself up to her room before anything happened. That was far from the truth and she knew that deep in her soul. She wouldn't be happy knowing what had actually happened.

Some worker brought her the coffee, setting it on the table a little too hard, making a loud sound against the glass. She winced before thanking the worker who lingered for a moment staring at her. She let her eyes drift up to the worker who refused to make eye contact. Sloane raised an eyebrow just before the worker slipped her a travel-sized package of Advil. She thanked him again cringing. So she had done something stupid last night and her guess was this worker knew about it. She considered asking him about it but the worker walked away quickly staring at the floor to avoid looking at her.

Sloane finally took a sip of the coffee, the warmth spreading through her veins as it went down. She sighed happily settling into her seat feeling instant relief. Her body let go of some tension she'd been holding onto from the hangover, and welcomed a new wave of nervous tension over not knowing what had happened last night. She'd woken up alone, still in her Swimsuit, but with a big t-shirt over it. She wasn't sure if she'd done that or not. She sipped her coffee slowly as she thought over all the possibilities. Sloane cursed under her breath at her stupidity, not eating well that day then taking shots like it was nothing. It was idiotic.

Celine stormed into the lobby, her brown hair flying behind her. Her long legs made her look like a model down a runway. But in her eyes, they shone in a quiet storm. How dare her son keep something like this away from her? She didn’t mind the staff that greeted her hastily and looked down. A rumour had it that the first wife of Cebira had eyes that turned you into stone. And the staff had no interest in finding out whether that was true. She quickly found Sloane sitting by a table. “Sloane Hyatt” she announced, and by the time she was at the table, she slammed down today’s news. In bold letters was the phrase: A royal wedding? Hyatt and Cebira’s announce engagement. Celine gracefully sat down on the chair in front of Sloane. “Care to explain this?” She hissed, keeping her face delicate and posed. Celine’s eyes darted to her Sloane’s hand to find any evidence to prove the statement.

Lawson entered a few moments later. His eyes covered by sunglasses. Though he wasn’t hungover, he still had a restless night, having phone calls, creating stories for the tabloids. He left Sloane, along with a shirt of his (resort rules that within the building clothing must be worn at all times), the confession of the Hyatt’s loss kept going on replay in his mind. Of course, who was he but a spoilt bachelor trying to get something out of his life. Yet could this be the chance he’d been waiting for? To prove he could be more? It took him less than 3 hours to have the whole thing trending. His phone couldn’t stop buzzing with calls and texts. Lawson had though forgotten to tell his mother about what he’d done. And not only that, he forgotten to tell his own father the truth. Instead he just said that Sloane and himself were dating for the past year or so, and thought it would be good to ‘put a ring on it’, as Beyonce would say.

He noticed his mother sitting down, in passive aggressive stance, and what he assumed was Sloane who he hadn’t exactly told anything about what he’d done. So quicken his pace, and raising his hand to avoid some yells from a few girls and reporters, he met with the ladies. “Sloane, darling” he greeted, taking her hand in his, then sliding a thin gold band on her finger. “You forgot this” he said, his eyes trying to say ‘I will explain later’.

Sloane frowned hearing her name loudly, it made her brain feel like exploding. For a moment she couldn’t place the woman in front of her, she was very familiar though. Maybe a Model she’d met? NO! It was Mrs. Cebria. The original Mrs. Cebria, she’d always been Sloane’s favorite, but she would never admit to that. Why was she talking to Sloane though? And why did she seem angry? The paper slamming sent another wave of pain through her skull. Sloane shook the pain off and looked down at the paper. It was a picture of her, and a picture of Lawson, they were separate pictures side by side. Before reading anything she assumed it was an article about their bickering from the bar. “I’m sorry, I didn’t realize you’d be upset, I wouldn’t even begin to know how to explain it. It’s honestly been going on since high school but-” She stopped in her tracks catching another glimpse at the paper. Everything stopped for a moment. Sloane snatched the paper from the table, her jaw hanging open.

Where had this paper got the idea that they were engaged? Was this some kind of sick joke? There was even a picture of a ring. She was not engaged, especially tom Lawson of all people and she had never seen that ring in her life. Her head now not caring about her hangover, it instead started to take on a stress headache. Sloane glanced up at Lawson’s mother, she understood why she was so upset, she probably thought Sloane had spread this crazy rumor about her son. How did Lawson feel about this news, Sloane would guess he was pissed, this would get in the way of his womanizing. After a glance around the room, Sloane noticed several girls glaring at her with envy, she also noticed Lawson coming into the room. Sloane sunk into her chair clutching onto her coffee, not ready for the storm she was sure was coming.

“I promise I didn’t tell them-” She began as Lawson approached, she was interrupted by him calling her darling. Sloane was overwhelmed with confusion, her eyebrow furrowed as she examined his face looking for any clues suggesting he was pranking her. Was this some elaborate joke, one of those ‘I bet you’re actually in love with me’ statements he made to piss her off. She lost her mind completely when he slipped the ring on her finger. It was where an engagement ring would go, and upon examining it, it was the same one the newspaper claimed was her engagement ring. “I forgot this.” She was so lost she just repeated him starring at the diamond, she almost yelled her many questions at him, but when she looked up to begin spewing the questions, she noticed his expression. Something in her told her to trust him, so she did. “Oh, I guess I did forget this… Darling” she said, her eyes screaming for help. The ring fit her perfectly and she wondered where he’d gotten it, but especially why he’d gotten it. “I would love to spend some time with you today. Alone time? Babe.” the last word came out very pointedly, and she gestured to the paper. “I’m sorry Mrs.- What should I call you, I’m really sorry, do you still go by Cebria?” Sloane asked apologetically.

Céline glanced around for reporters, keeping the action casual and reached for the newspaper. “Don’t vomit your words” she said slowly, her British accent coating her words while she offered the poor girl advice. Then her fingers moved to adjust her hair. “Since high school?” She repeated, her widening in shock. The anger that had driven Celine to march through the lobby had fizzled into a bubbling simmer. What probably also caused that anger to die down was because she felt for Sloane. Having known her as a child, she saw her intelligent and interested in her studies. In a way she thought it reminded of herself. So why was she taking such a similar path?

“And don’t sink into your chair!” She chastised. “You want them to start speaking of your serpent mother-in-law too?” She muttered. Celine gracefully stood opening her arms to her young boy. “Lawson” she said, taking him into his chair. “You have some explaining to do, boy” she whispered into his ear, loud enough for Sloane to hear it too. Lawson drew back with a smile plastered on his face, unfazed by whatever threat was behind his mother’s words. He moved his attention to Sloane, offering his hand like he’d done just yesterday at the pool. His shoulder lowered just slightly, showing the relief that Lawson felt as he heard her echoing his own words. “Yeah, I was just coming to find you to start taking about plans” he lied easily. Though Celine glared under that lie, watching the way they handled themselves next to each other.

Celine’s glare turned icy when Sloane asked about her last name. It was unintentional towards her, but the Cebria name wasn’t a particular name she enjoyed hearing ever so often. “Celine or Ma’am, will do, Sloane” she said firmly. Taking the newspaper, she walked away from them, pushing past her son by hitting her shoulder against his. Lawson stared at his mother’s departing figure before pulling Sloane by the hand to a balcony window in the lobby. “Oh I thought that would go much worse” he breathed out, running a hand through his hair.

Sloane’s eyes widened at the criticism “oh, Yes Ma’am, I’m sorry” She lowered her head embarrassed. Now that Sloane knew what she was talking about the Idea of it being since high school became completely different, she frowned well I mean I guess not really- I uh, I don’t really understand what’s happening right now” She was being honest, though it would seem like she was in shock from the potential proposal. It was like she was a blushing new bride to be, but in reality, she was hung over, nervous, and completely confused. This was not a situation Sloane had ever prepared for, not even mentally. She didn’t want to get married, she’d always imagined being a powerful independent woman, running her father’s empire.

Sloane straightened and set her coffee down on the table as she apologized for her actions. This woman intimidated her more than she’d ever realized in all the years she’s known her. “My mother-in-law” The words felt alien to her. What is going on here? What did I do last night! Sloane’s head was spinning and everything was happening too fast. Sloane heard her ‘Mother-in-law’ whisper to Lawson. Her fiance Lawson? LAWSON! Sloane was so dazed she started to think this was some kind of weird dream. She took Lawson’s hand, feeling the cool metal of the ring pressing into their joined hands. She almost liked the feeling. Sloane could feel Lawson relax as she went with it. Her mind trying to find some reason that would bring him comfort.

Sloane’s gaze went up to Lawson’s face. She didn’t bother to look away because she could always blame her staring on their little act. Her eyes scanned for clues, but along the way got distracted by his features. She had the opportunity to gawk without being ridiculed for it, so she took the chance and admired his each of his physical traits. “Yeah that would be good, we should start making plans. Maybe even plans for a proper announcement?” She elbowed him slightly at the last part signifying to him that he needed to explain to her, and hoping his mom would see it as Sloane being upset that the press already knew and his family didn’t.

“Ok Celine, I apologize for this, for how you found out and for my mix up with your name” she gave an embarrassed smile unintentionally squeezing Lawson’s had from the anxiety of the situation. His mother’s glare burning a hole through Sloane, who was near to a point where she wouldn’t be able to keep the lie up much longer. She didn’t know what was going on, and Celine was scaring her, Lawson was acting weird and the world thought her and him were getting married. Sloane let out the breath she had been unintentionally holding as his mother left them. She was relieved for a moment before being dragged over to a window by Lawson.

Sloane gawked at him unable to think of something to say. His statement set something off in her and she yanked her hand from his and shoved him, hitting his chest angrily as she spoke “What. The. HELL. What was that!” she yelled quietly. She wasn’t sure why but she didn’t want to ruin the secret. “That was horrible! I’m shaking right now!” she held her hand out to prove it, and as she did the ring caught her attention “And what is this? Why does the news think we’re engaged!” she was close to hyperventilating.

Lawson winced at the violence from both his mother and Sloane. He wasn’t going to get out of this one alive. And once they were in the hidden balcony with a bit of privacy, he knew for certain this had a lot of explaining to do. He listened to her quiet exclamations of annoyance. “That was my mother, in a quiet (which I’m surprised about) route to get my head on a silver plater because I didn’t tell her about us…you” He said lightly. Trying to make a joke of it. But realising the anger in her and the hard shove he earned. Lawson pulled away from making any jokes about this.

Biting his lip, he nodded to her. “Sloane, I got a great explanation to this” He laughed quietly. “And you’re going to laugh and everything will be fine” he said, knowing that it would be the total opposite. He cleared his throat. “So you know when you confessed, drunk, that your family was in ruins and they wanted you to marry?” He extended his arms. “Ta-da?” He announced weakly.

Before she could react, he continued with his explanation. “So after I left you at your room, and you’re going to have to give me back my shirt it’s Gucci, I decided that we’d get engaged. That would leave you a bit more time to figure out work somewhere, ease the news of your family’s troubles in the press and even get my father to figure a business plan with his co-father in law…So I made a few calls to friends, instagram and got a ring” he motioned to the diamond in her hand. “And we’re engaged” he finished. Lawson shrugged. “I just wanted to help Sloane, the press is going to have full attention on us and that’s going to help your father figure out his finances and not worry about having his troubles in the limelight” Suddenly, he felt that he confessed everything in complete honesty and without a hint of humour. He felt surprisingly proud of himself at that moment. “It’s just a publicity stunt, no malicious intentions whatsoever” He raised his hands defensively.

Sloane glared at him with annoyance “Well I can’t image why she’d want your head on a platter Lawson” her voice dripping with sarcasm “But that’s not what I meant. What’s this” She said with an eery calm as she gestured to the ring on her finger. “Why is this on me? Why did YOU put it on me? And why am I the only person who wasn’t expecting me to be wearing it?” She asked through her anger. She glanced around to see if anyone was watching “What happened last night to lead to this.” She looked at her feet as she asked, scared to hear the answer and embarrassed she even had to ask. “And PLEASE no jokes, or lies” She begged him as she ran a hand through her hair.

Lawson biting his lip didn’t go unnoticed by Sloane, her eyes drifted to his lip despite herself and she immediately brought her gaze back to his trying to remain angry. “Well then? EXPLAIN LAWSON!” She shoved him again, lightly this time, but still angry. His words of reassurance oddly made her feel uneasy, mainly because he didn’t seem so confident in them himself. And then the bomb was dropped. “Oh God.” She turned away from him, she was shocked and had no idea what to do now. Sloane walked over to the balcony wall and sat against it trying to process his words. She listened to his explanation quietly, which wasn’t like Sloane where Lawson was concerned.

“Lawson, what did you-WHY did you-” she stared at the ring unable to finish. “We can’t get married!” She slowly brought her attention back to him “I mean- It’s us! Sloane Hyatt and Lawson Cebria, That’s not something that we do. Neither of us is the marrying type. What about all your ‘Admirers’ Lawson?” She spoke quickly, frantic even. She stopped for a moment to think, glancing between Lawson and the ring as she considered the events. Her face slowly softened “I don’t know why you’re helping me. We’re never nice to each other. Look I really appreciate it but I can’t” She slipped the ring off and handed it to Lawson, closing his hand around it.

Just then her phone began to ring. “Hello? Look mom before you say anything It’s not- No Mom we’re no-” Her eyes widened and she glanced at Lawson before rolling her eyes “Yeah. No me too. Yes, I’m excited to see you too. Yes, I’ll ask him. Yup, we are VERY happy. Ok, love you, bye.” Sloane hung up the phone and walked back over to Lawson, taking the ring back and sliding it back on begrudgingly. “My parents wanted me to say ‘Congrats’ and that they’d like to have dinner with ‘The happy couple’ when they get here next week,” She said frowning, avoiding eye contact with him.

Lawson backed away as she started to speak in a tone he never imagined to hear. It wasn’t that he hadn’t heard girl yell angrily at him, he had done things that deserved to be yelled at. No, it was the whole scenario that caused that raised, rush tone. He hadn’t believed why or what he did. Once again not thinking of the consequences of his actions. “I’m not saying we’re going to get married!” He snapped quietly. He didn’t want to raise his voice for fear that others would hear. And he didn’t want the press also finding out that Lawson had a temper. “It’s just until you get a job and your family is in a better position than it is now” he continued. His eyes moved around them. He couldn’t help but scoff at her comment about his admirers. “Please, you think they’re going to give up trying to keep me from marrying? You underestimate my fanclub” he smirked.

Lawson also knew the danger that some of these girls could do. So in addition to informing the press, he had security double around the resort. Just for Sloane’s safety as well as the guests at the Golden Suites. “Trust me, I’m not the marrying type either. And I’m just as surprised at helping you…but you could use a fair break from worrying about the future for once” he said sincerely. His eyes searched hers, as if he could ease the anxiety she was feeling right now. His gaze dropped when he felt the diamond on his palm. He opened his mouth to retort but her phone had just begun to ring.

He leaned on the doorframe of the balcony. Lawson’s eyes glancing around the resort which was just starting to wake up. The pool getting a few people, and the gardens with some influencers taking photos for their instagrams. His ears seemed to pick up Sloane’s conversation, we are very happy. He couldn’t help me cast a knowing glance her way. “Back so soon?” He said. Lawson shrugged. “We just had our first fight…so far, seems manageable” he teased. He didn’t mind meeting her parents, because he was sure his would do the same. And his siblings.

“Lovely, I can book a table at the restaurant today. A private booth” he nodded, making a mental note to tell security to do that. Lawson pulled out his phone and took a picture of Sloane with her ring. “Perfect” he showed her the picture. “Now you post that and let the fun begin” he smiled.

A huge weight lifted from Sloane’s shoulders when he said they weren’t actually going to get married. That didn’t alleviate all of her fears though, not even close. She was still worried about the plan. “What if it takes me a long time to get a job? Can you keep this act up? Or what if it takes so long people start asking questions? Also, how do we end it?” She rattled off question feeling a bit anxious about the situation still. Sloane stepped toward Lawson, “How far are we willing to go for this act?” It was the question that was worrying her the most “And what if something happens that tests that boundary? Lawson if the press found out this was fake we would both be in a lot of trouble. Worse trouble than I’m in right now.”

Maybe she was overthinking this, but it was a scary situation to be in, She was on the edge of losing everything and this could either save her or cause her to hit rock bottom. She had to pretend to be in love with someone she’d been angry at for years, someone who was a bit of a player, which would make the act of convincing people that she made him finally consider settling down so much harder. Sloane glared at him “It isn’t the fact that your ‘fan club’ will suddenly abandon you, its that the public could find out so much easier with them running around sleeping with you Lawson. Not to mention I don’t want people thinking YOU are cheating on ME.” She raised an eyebrow challenging him to try convincing her otherwise.

Sloane was incredibly shocked by Lawson’s sincerity. It was a side of him she’d never seen, or even heard rumors of. If you’d asked her an hour ago if Lawson was capable of human emotions let alone something as kind as going this far out of his way to save her from the humiliation of losing the family fortune, she would have said no without a second thought. Sloane let Lawson in, at that moment she was ok being vulnerable with him. She let her eyes reflect every thought and emotion she was feeling. Not only did she give in to the moment, but she also searched his, hoping to find reassurance in them. “Thank you, Lawson. I think I needed to hear that,” she admitted almost regretting putting the ring in his hand.

As Sloane talked with her mother she glanced at Lawson, his knowing eyes annoying her. She shot him a pointed look that was meant to tell his face to shut up. Once she’d hung up and begrudgingly took the ring back she glared at him for his comment before slipping the ring back on. “Yeah, whatever. Would you prefer to do the honors?” She raised an eyebrow pretending to take the ring off “I never got a proper proposal. That’s hardly fair. Don’t you know how to treat a woman better than that?” She faked being hurt. “I suppose I could put up with you for a little while, manageable enough.” She laughed a bit, then stopped suddenly. No, Nope, No way I’m going to become friends with Cebria gross! She thought, feeling uncomfortable about her new appreciation and warm fuzzy feeling toward Lawson.

Sloane nodded “They’ll be here in a few days, maybe make it for Saturday?” She offered almost feeling like she was talking to an actual fiance. “My parents are really excited, please don’t ruin this for them, Lawson. As much as I hate it, we’re gonna have to act like we are actually in L-fond of each other” She couldn't say the L word where he was concerned. When he pulled out his phone to take her photo she covered her face with her left hand “Lawson what are you doing” She said bashfully. He showed her the picture and explained that she should post it. “Oh, nice move Cebria, smart.” She raised her eyebrows pleasantly surprised. She took his phone and sent the photo to herself before posting it to her Instagram, tagging him in it. “Yeah, let the fun begin” She nudged him lightly, playfully actually.

He shrugged. “Then we keep up the engagement as long as it takes” he said casually. “Of course I can!” He scoffed, shaking his head in disbelief. He raised a hand to stop the fire of 21 questions. “Sloane, when we get there, we’ll figure it out. For now, we’re engaged, it’s totally new” He smirked, raising an inquiring brow. “Really going to ask me to set the boundaries in this?” He asked. Lawson ran both hands through his hair, stopping them midway. The amount of questions that Sloane was asking was understandable, but he wished she had a zip at this point on her lovely looking lips. “They won’t. The press is practically controlled by me” he stated. It wasn’t entirely true, but Lawson was a good start if you wanted the juiciest new gossip surrounding the celebrity world.

He didn’t think the same worries as Sloane. Instead he took it almost like a challenge, an acting role. To which he greeted it with a fiery gaze back. Lawson did notice however that this type of reaction wasn’t one that Sloane could relate to, or did she enjoy the casualness he threw around the subject of this huge lie there were building. Lawson grinned with another shrug. “Marriage is teamwork isn’t it?”

He blinked his surprise when she asked to propose to her. Lawson did forget that part. He laughed nervously, with a glance around them. “Ha-ha, nice one Sloane” he shook his head. He groaned loudly as he kneeled, taking her hand. Just to annoy her. With a pout and a raise of his eyebrows to her, he asked, “Sloane…will you…fake marry me?” He asked passionately.

Sloane nodded as he spoke letting everything he said sink in. She still wanted answers for all the questions but she was ok finding them out further down the line in their little act. “Ok. So we are just going to wing it then?” She asked with a helpless out of control feeling. “I uh- I can do that I guess” She continued to think deeply, focusing on nothing visually since all her thoughts went to the issue at hand. Sloane was very different from Lawson in that was, or at least that’s what she assumed. She wasn’t very spontaneous or good with not knowing what comes next, though that’s kind of how she’s been living her life lately “Ok but what if- Sorry never mind. Going with the flow now.” She faked a confident smile. “Any you’re right, the press will probably focus more on you than me. No one cares if I get married, but you? Everyone is gonna freak.” She gave a small laugh as she began to relax.

Sloane smiled at his comment “Yeah I guess it is. Lawson and Sloane a team? Never thought I’d see the day.” She raised an eyebrow feigning surprise, even adding a gasp and dramatically clasping her hand over her mouth, smiling the whole time. “Don’t get used to this Cebria, you and I are practically natural born enemies,” She added bumping him with her shoulder lightly. Despite her words, she was growing fond of the idea of being on the same team as Lawson, being against him was honestly very draining.

Sloane ate it up. She loved making him play the game her way since he had involved her without asking. “I suppose it wouldn’t be all bad,” She faked considering the proposal “Ok I guess, but I’m only fake marrying you for your money obviously” She laughed, they both knew the dangers of gold diggers since they were born heirs to a huge fortune, so the joke was only made that much better. “Ok in all seriousness, Thank you, Lawson, I appreciate you helping my family like this.” She half smiled putting a hand on his shoulder so he understood how sincere she was being.

“Winging it” he agreed with a jokester grin. Lawson wasn’t worried about that helpless feeling. He embraced it, loved it, gave him an adrenaline rush. But he glanced at Sloane, his fake fiancee, nervous and dreading such an idea. He took her head gently, giving a soft squeeze like she’d done before when they were with Celine. “It’ll be fine, Sloane. I’ll behave” he said. And with that in mind, Lawson planned out how he’d react with the press and the ladies. He’d have to transform the cockiness into a controlled manner. But then again, he couldn’t risk losing the bachelor image he’d created. Or they had created. “And if you need to ask a question go ahead, I won’t bite hard” he teased, nudging her shoulder with his. He rolled his eyes. “When you’re in my news, you become news…so be expected for that invisible thing going for you to change” he continued.

He laughed at her team comment. “I think another Hyatt and Cebria team would’ve been likely. Maybe with my sisters. But me? Ew” he smirked. He motioned for her to walk out of the balcony through the lobby, making sure their hands were intertwined and the ring was on full display for any sneaky photographers. “Obviously the money, only someone stupid would fall for a personality like me” he said, knowing he in a way roasted himself. But it was a true comment. Lawson wasn’t the type that girls should be falling for unless they were teenagers or stupid to think his aura was ‘good’. He glanced her way and shrugged. “It’s fine” he said, though deep down, his whole being fluttered in happiness.

(view spoiler)[sorry for it being so short and eh :( (hide spoiler)]

End of RP