Summer Lovin' (Finley & Sumire)

Guest

No place was like New York for Sumire.

It was true that Scotland was a good contender against the New York air, but it could never truly compare to the New York chill. This was the air that Sumire had grown up in; she naturally loved the cold air. Summers in New York were always notable hot and sticky and she’d told her guest to pack accordingly so. In fact she’d even taken the liberty of getting his measurements - okay well guessing his measurements, and she had the number to her father’s tailor on her in case she was wrong so they could fix anything up for Finley. Not to mention in whatever span of time he was here, she had another secret and surprise waiting for them; tickets to Las Vegas and a place to stay in the Venetian. She really hoped she wasn’t pushing the boundaries with Finley however, by splurging so much on him.

Her father had expressed that money was no worry for them and had no objections to her money spree. He was to meet them at the airport with their chauffeur, after their flight arrived. So in the middle of July after making sure everything was taken care of for her and Finley, she set about to arranging his plans mid-flight. She made sure they had dinner before the plane ride and enough time to digest it, as well as made sure he understood flights and the whatnot. On a Macbook she had her father set up for her to arrive a week before their trip, she made sure that her butlers and the maids had prepared the guest room to a tee for Finley as well clearing out her schedule.

The first two days were to be spent accustoming Finley to the lifestyle of NYC; so walking even when they shouldn’t be across the street with the other locals, understanding the way the cab system and the subway worked, late nights too on the roof where her father had a garden. Then the first two weeks in America she was going to have him as a guest to her theater company - she was an ingenue of sorts as Sandy in the musical Grease after the Director had seen her new reel, and she had her lines memorized already. She had a few Skype calls with the other cast members and as much as she was looking forward to seeing them again, a part of her was fearful.

“Hey,” she murmured as she turned towards Finley with a small smile, “we’re gonna be landing soon. You’re gonna want some gum to stop your ears from popping,” she paused before adding nervously, “how’re you feeling about all this?”

Guest

When Finley had broached the subject of going to America, his parents hadn't given it two thoughts. Not because they were excited for him, but simply because they didn't care about what Finley did. So long as he was out of their way (as if he ever got in the way), they didn't much care. So, after that brief conversation, Finley had made to pack his bags.

A week early.

Finley couldn't help it, he wanted to be organised, so that the night of his flight he wouldn't be panicking. As he was dropped at the airport, Finley had hugged his bag to him through the terminal, only letting go once he'd checked in. From there, Finley had followed the instructions that Sumire had given him to find her, and sure enough, they were on the plane before he knew it.

After a quick catch up, Finley had taken to looking out the window in marvel. He'd never flown before - well, not in a plane - so this was super exciting for him. But, Sumire's voice pulled him away from his admiring, and he noticed the gum. Taking a piece with a soft thank you, Finley pushed it in to his mouth and began to chew to make sure his ears didn't pop because he'd heard it really hurt if you didn't try to prevent it, and he most certainly didn't want that.

The question on how he was feeling made Finley grin at his friend. "It's g-great!" Finley told her excitedly - though he didn't have a clue what he was about to be getting in to. "I'm s-so thankful." He continued, motioning to everything around them. "B-but nervous..." He finished, giving her something of a sheepish smile.

Guest

Flying had become customary for Sumire; sometimes Portkeys made her anxious and disorientated. She hated the sort of out of control dizziness that happened from traveling through a Portkey. It wasn’t that she landed weirdly, because she tended to land in the perfect kind of positions. It was that afterwards she was dizzy and had issues standing on her own feet for fifteen to forty-five minutes. Her father or Felix were always playing crutch for her and guiding her around wherever it is they landed. She preferred flying too; there was something totally and utterly mesmerizing about watching the landscape transfigure itself naturally from large green pastures to amalgamations of shimmering lights. In total it was incomparable to anything magic could do, she thought wistfully as she continued to type out details to her butler and the others waiting for them to land.

She let out a small sigh as she switched to the iPhoto app. In it was a picture of the whole cast she was to be preforming with. The Playbill looked as so -

Justin Franklin as Danny Zuko
Sumire Sidhir as Sandy Dumbrowski
Lloyd Diaz as Kenickle "Knickey"
Wes Stinder as Doody
Eisley Stinder as Sonny
Landon Goot as Roger
Amber Arkawow as Betty Rizzo
Bebe Frias as Frenchy
Deena Mistts as Marty
Mary Louise Ploitten as Jan

She pursed her lips, her face pinched in utter discomfort. She knew how to play along with the cast, could do so with ease, and she genuinely liked a majority of them. But Amber, Bebe, and Mary Louise were to be quite honest, rude and snobby. At least to her they were so. To everyone else they were utterly fun-loving and if she didn’t understand the competitiveness that followed being an actress she’d be more hurt. However she totally understood why they didn’t like her and the feeling was mutual.

Sumire sighed.

“No need to be nervous,” Sumire murmured putting a hand on Finley’s arm assuredly, “I plan to make it my duty to be safe and make sure you have fun this summer,” she added smiling. She felt a little bit better because at least she wasn’t alone in being nervous.

Once their plane landed and their baggage was claimed they were able to locate her father easily and she tugged Finley along towards her father and their chauffeur. She gave her father a plentiful amount of kisses and tight hug.

“Daddy, this is one of my best friends from Hogwarts; Finley Allen. We’re the same age, he attends the same school and-“

“Mira,” her father said chuckling and pressing a kiss to her forehead, “no need to say the same things your letters have been saying for months.” He turned towards Finley then and gave him a short nod and a warm grin.

“Finley Allen, a pleasure to meet you, please call me Kuvi. It’s good to finally meet you, how was your flight over?” He asked nodding the chauffeur who immediately reached for Finley’s luggage as Kuvi took some of Sumire’s.

Guest

The comment on not being nervous made Finley laugh softly. Mostly to himself because he knew that Sumire probably didn't understand that he was always nervous unless he was on his own and he knew he was going to be left alone - which wasn't very often at all. "I'll t-try." Finley insisted with a small smile in his friend's direction. He meant it, he was trying to be better, but there were some things that were simply beyond him at the moment.

As they went through baggage in America, Finley couldn't help but marvel at just how different things were here. The accents, the size of everything, the people. It was a lot to take in, but the Ravenclaw did his best to do so whilst keeping up with his friend.

As they stepped out of the terminal before a car with a chauffeur, Finley couldn't help but marvel at the sight before them. Was this for them? He wondered, taking in the whole situation before realising that Sumire was talking to someone. Looking up at her father, Finley's eyes went wide for a moment as he took the man in, forgetting how to talk for a moment.

"H-hello, Mr Sidhir." Finley replied to the man as his cheeks began to warm up. He wanted to make a good impression, but a wave of nerves hit him as the chauffeur moved forward to take his things. Reluctantly, Finley let his suitcase go, watching the man take it to the boot of the car. Remembering he'd been asked a question, Finley concentrated back on Sumire's dad. "It... w-was okay. T-that was my f-first time flying." Finley told the man with a grin.

Guest

“Thank you for trying then,” Sumire said, she felt good when Finley laughed. She was happy to know a good friend of hers was happy. She was glad that he was making an effort truly. Walking around the New York airports was just another thing she’d done her whole life; she paid no mind to it.

“I hope it was a good first time then,” Kuvi noted, paying no mind to Finley’s stutter. He was a kind enough looking boy and he also knew that his daughter was devoted the idea of becoming Felix Nadir’s wife one day so he didn’t fear for his daughter’s innocence or anything trivial like that. Besides, Sumire was a big girl in Kuvi’s opinion and he respected her decisions totally. “Come, your room is prepared and everything.” He gestured towards the car.

Sumire explained many things about New York the best she could; from what types of building were each to why traffic was so bad they had a small tv installed in their car on the partition of the car. The movie that was playing was Grease the movie. She proudly explained that it was the play she was going to playing in, excited to let someone from the UK into her world on the West Coast. For Sumire, getting Finley into the swing of things was fun. Her schedule, and not her father’s since he was working the entire time she was there, went as so -

7:00AM - 7:30AM: Wake up, do hair and light make up after checking daily agenda
7:30AM - 8:30AM: Wake Finley up if not already awake, begin breakfast, eat breakfast
8:30AM - 9:00AM: Relax around the apartment & pick out places to explore for the day
9:00AM - 9:30AM: Both get ready for a day in New York (see clothes as so: summery clothes that will keep you cool, walking shoes, sweater)
9:30AM - 10:00AM: Officiate map to ensure they’re taking the best routes (i.e: mark the places to stop for food)
10:00AM - 9:00PM: Explore New York! + gift shopping too
9:00PM - 9:45PM: Head back to apartment for dinner with dad (if not already eaten)
9:45 - 10:30PM: Dinner & Night-Time unloading from daily activities
10:30PM - 11:00PM: Sleep time

For the first two days, she tried her hardest to adjust Finley to the fast-paced style of her New York life, but now rehearsals started for Grease. As she rose out of bed on the third day and bustled about she checked the schedule for the day -

7:00AM-7:30AM: Wake up & do hair and make-up
7:30AM-8:30AM: Wake up Finley, eat light breakfast
8:30-9:00AM: Head out to the Theater
9:00AM-9:00PM: Rehearsals

Briefly she worried as she pulled on her dance outfit; just a loose tank-top and running shorts with her jazz shoes, tap shoes, and character shoes in a duffel she was bringing to the theater, that Finley would hate her for this. Perhaps she was pushing him to do too much too quickly. She hated the idea that she was making uncomfortable, but she couldn’t help who she was. She’d suggest Finley wear something comfortable, but tasteful because the kids she did theater with (well not really kids, a majority of them ranged from their Third Year of high school to their Second Year of College/University) were tough and quick to judgment. She’d also instructed he bring a book or two if not three in case the Director needed to do some solo stuff.

“Ready?” She asked her companion as she pulled her hair up, pushing her bangs to one side of her face, “this’ll be fun I promise. The Director and I are good friends and he’s very kind, a real sweetheart. He’s interested in showing you the ropes of directing and running a show.” She explained as they walked, “it’ll go as so: I’ll introduce you to the cast and crew, and the Director, we’ll get you situated with the Director before the main cast heads off to do the blocking and dance rehearsals I missed while I was in school. There will be breaks and food is provided, so no worries about those things. If you ever get bored you know what to do.” She paused then and laughed because she sounded like a mother parting with her son the first day of school, and it was definitely not how she saw him. She gave him a smile full of all the encouragement she could muster for him.

“This is gonna be great, and you’re gonna do great. You can’t do anything wrong in these guys eyes; we're competitive to each other but adore the crew and the Director and whatnot.” She reached out for his hand as they reached the backstage door for cast and crew of the theater, and encircled his fingers with his to squeeze them.

“This is gonna be fun,” Sumire murmured meeting his eyes with a sweetness in hers.

---

Amber Arkawow had her fair share of lookers that she’d dated. She was 16 after all, it was only to be expected that she have some boyfriends. For one thing she knew she was gorgeous, and had even done some off-hand modeling for small photographing and clothing companies. Those companies prospered with her as their header model. She knew that Lloyd Diaz was holding a torch for her from when they were in their first year of college; she had her own possey of girls that flocked to her. Fifteen year old Bebe Frias was cute, even if she was way too quick to follow Amber’s lead, and Mary Louise had real potential. The only cast member that was a girl that didn’t follow her was Deena and that was because Deena was into theater, but not permanently.

Amber was in show-biz for the long run; she’d been doing it since she was four after all. Now when you begin acting and modeling at that young age, you learn about competing. Oh was she familiar with competing, she thought as she laughed at something Lloyd said; most of the cast except for Justin and their ever so sweet leading lady arrived. Amber's jaw clenched as she thought of Sumire Sidhir. She was almost too perfect to be true; she was Amber's main competition for every role. Even when she was gone for like a damn year she was getting leads! She'd seethed over this for weeks, but finally the prodigal daughter was returning.

"Good morning everyone!" Sumire's tinkling voice rang through the air. There were jubilant shouts and calls of glee at her presence, and Amber watched with a thin smile as Sumire accepted all these praises about "Ooh you've grown so much!" and "Have you lost weight? You've definitely gotten more beautiful!" toss around. She gritted her teeth irately as she stood up from where she was perched against the food table to greet her personally. Bebe and Mary-Louise immediately followed suit, but not before Mary-Louise let out a loud gasp.

"Amy look, she has a boy with her!" Amber scoffed at the way Mary Louise sounded but when her eyes landed on the boy, she felt her lips quirk into a small smile. Immediately she could tell he was just the type of guy for her. Extremely cute, extremely sheepish if anything by his behavior said something, and Amber just felt her heart flutter at the idea of being his first kiss. She turned to Bebe and Mary Louise and the look in her eyes said something plain as day: "Dibs."

---

"Sumire!" Amber exclaimed, putting on her widest eyes and her biggest smile, she opened her arms for a hug. On the other end, Sumire felt apprehension run through her like a river, but she sucked it up and embraced the 16-year-old. "You're so pretty still! Scotland only made you more gorgeous, so young and virile. Still as inexperienced as ever I can see?" She asked, her voice dripping into hostility at the last part. Sumire felt her back tense as she pulled away.

"Only as inexperienced as you are experienced." Sumire replied with a wicked look in her eyes not matching her kind smile. The air between them was charged with rivalry.

Amber's eyes flashed angrily before the anger dissipated and a sultry look replaced it. "Who's this? Final-"

"Finley Allen." Sumire interrupted her with a curtness, and a small smile as she turned back to Finley, "this is Amber Arkawow; the main contender for all my roles and my understudy for the rest. Behind her are Bebe Frias and Mary Louise Ploitten." She pointed to each girl. Amber stuck her hand out for Finley.

"Charmed to meet you." Amber murmured with a small smile. "You can call me Amy."

Guest

Finley had followed Sumire's dad's instructions without hesitation. Mostly because he had no need to query Sumire's dad, but otherwise because he was too scared to do otherwise. Going through New York, Finley had had his eyes focused on everything outside the window, marvelling as Sumire explained each thing to him. He had lots of questions, but he didn't bombard the witch, instead making a mental note to look it up later.

The first two days had been amazing. Finley loved a schedule so he knew what he was doing, even if Sumire had woken him up much too early for the holidays. The sights, sounds and general experience of New York had been amazing, and Finley was ever so grateful that Sumire had asked him to come to America to see her.

Of presents, Finley had only brought a little Statue of Liberty for Naomi along with a postcard for his best friend. It wasn't much, but it was something that he wanted to give her.

On the third day, Finley knew they would be heading to the theatre for Sumire to practice. He'd packed his books in his bag for the day, quite happy to just sit and watch, or read whilst Sumire did what she had to do. But Sumire had gone above and beyond and gotten him a place on the director's part... or whatever you call it, Finley wasn't sure, and had no idea what he would need to do.

The morning of the meeting of Sumire's friends, Finley felt very nervous. Actors were - obviously - confident in themselves, and they most certainly weren't going to stutter like he did. This, in itself, made Finley very nervous for the day. Finley had been worrying over what he would have to do all morning, and was in his own world completely as they made their way to the stage door.

So when Sumire's hand moved to his, Finley felt his usual resistance to touch take for a moment, before he reminded himself it was okay. It was only Sumire. and the small squeeze of his hand made him feel a little better, if only for a moment.

The moment they stepped through the door, though, Finley felt his breath hitch in his throat, taking in the amount of people here. Especially as they all called towards Sumire and his direction. Staying slightly behind his friend, Finley took them in but didn't speak. Slipping his hand from Sumire because the attention was on them, Finley averted his eyes from everyone, concentrating on staying calm in that moment because he didn't want to ruin this for Sumire.

As three girls moved towards them though, Finley glanced at them, and knew in an instant that they were beautiful. Which meant he could not, and probably should not talk to them. When Sumire introduced them, Finley looked back toward them, giving them a very shy smile as his cheeks began to go red. He was not very good at controlling his nerves, or embarrassment, and it was obvious he wasn't comfortable in that moment.

"H-hi." Finley managed, the word getting stuck in his throat as he spoke and coming out a little strangled. Noting the hand offered to him, Finley took it, shaking it lightly because he was meeting a girl. But he noted just how soft her hands were, and his eyes flickered to her face, and he couldn't help but be overwhelmed by feelings he hadn't experienced with a girl before.

"It's n-nice to m-meet you." Finley stumbled, pulling his hand away from the witch and adjusting his bag around to the front of his body, hugging it to himself as he sent a smile to the other two. He would not, and most certainly couldn't explain what he was feeling in that moment.

Finley simply waited, trying to keep his eyes away from the girls without being rude.

» Confections (Sumire & Finley)
» Almost, Maine AU (Finley & Sumire)
» Summer Holiday Date (Finley)
» A Meeting (Sumire)
» Sumire Sidhir