The Sound Of Music (92sies Cast/Little Women crossover fanfic)

Chapter 14: Life in New York

About nine months had gone by. It wasted beginning of April of 1996. Victoria had settled into a Manhattan apartment in New York City in August of the previous year. She was in a coffee shop writing in a notebook when a familiar young man with curly brown hair and blue eyes sat across from her.

"I'm sorry for bothering you, but I feel like know you from somewhere," the familiar young man said.
"I know you! David...David Moscow! We did Newsies together. I'm Victoria Windsor, but I prefer to be called Vic," Victoria said.
"That's where I know you! You were Maggie Kelly. Weren't you close to the other lead, Christian Bale," he asked.
"Yeah, but a rift happened between us. We haven't really talked since June of last year. He apparently had a thing for me since we met, which I never picked up on, and he finally told me how he felt last June after my older sister, Melanie and her husband, Michael's wedding. I basically told him that I saw him as a brother, and he was heartbroken after I said that to him. That's why I moved to New York. I was overwhelmed with everything," Victoria answered.
"I'm sorry something happened between you and Christian," David said.
"Do you maybe want to go somewhere quieter to talk? My apartment isn't too far from here. Just about four blocks away if you don't mind walking," Victoria said.
"Sure! That sounds great actually," David said.

The two young adults then headed to Victoria's apartment. While walking to her apartment, Victoria had found out from David that his apartment is three doors down from hers. Once they were at Victoria's apartment, they both sat down on the sofa and relaxed a bit.

"I kinda recognized you a few times over the past few months. Each time I saw you I wanted to say something, but I never did because I was nervous and you seemed busy. You always had a journal or something with paper in it. I immediately thought 'she must be a writer'. I think I was right with my assumption," David said.
"You definitely were right. I am a writer. You know, I saw you once or twice since I had moved into my apartment last August as well, but I wasn't sure if it was actually you or not. It's kind of ironic how we did a movie together a few years ago, forgot that we kinda knew each other, ended up living in the same city and apartment building, and found each other in a coffee shop. I guess Disney was right. It's a small world after all," Victoria said with a small laugh.
"Yep," David said with a small grin.

There was a brief silence between the two of them. Victoria cleared her throat and spoke.

"I'm actually writing a novel. I'm quite proud of it, even though it might not be the greatest. I've been writing it here and there since the spring of 1991 after my youngest sister, Gianna, literally shredded the manuscript I was working on before I started the novel I'm currently writing. I also write little short stories here and there. I've had some of my short stories published in newspapers so far and have only made at least $100 to $250 on what has been published. It's not much, but it puts some food on the table besides being a teacher's assistant," Victoria said.
"That's cool! Maybe I've read some of your stories, Vic," David said.
"Probably, but you wouldn't know it was me since I publish under a nom de plume," she said.
"If you don't mind me asking, why the nom de plume," David asked curiously.
"You see, a few of my short stories were a bit horrific. I mean, they've got ghosts, zombies, and jump scares. That sort of thing. I figured that if my mother ever read some of my short stories, she would be displeased with all the gore in them. That's why I don't use my name with my stories," Victoria replied.
"Oh," David said.

A few months had gone by. It was now the middle of July. David and Victoria had gotten quite close and hung out with each other often. It was typical for David to be at Victoria's apartment on a Saturday or Victoria to be at David's on a Saturday.

It was a normal Saturday for the two friends. David was at Victoria's and the two were talking with each other as she worked on a new short story. A month ago, she had finished her novel that she had worked on since 1991 and gave it to him to read before she took it to a publisher. Now, she wanted his opinion of her writing.

"Davey, please be honest with me. What do you truly think of my novel," Victoria asked.
"I'm just an actor, Vic. What I say really doesn't matter," he answered.
"No, I'd really like to know what you think," she insisted.

David sighed. He was afraid of hurting Victoria's feelings, but he knew that she would make him say his honest opinion one way or another since she was stubborn like that.

"It's good, but you should be writing from life. Maybe some personal experiences that you've gone through that someone else has potentially gone through. There is nothing in here of the woman that I'm lucky to know," David said bluntly.
"Davey, this is what I write," Victoria said.
"I'm sorry if it fails to live up to your high standards. Vic, there is more to you than this if you have the courage to write it," he said.
"Davey, I put my heart and soul into this novel, and you tell me I should be writing something different! That's not what a writer wants to hear," she said angrily.
"I thought you wanted honesty. I just can't lie to a girl like you," David said.
"Please leave," Victoria said politely while trying to keep her composure.

David quickly left to not anger his friend. Victoria sighed deeply and went to her bedroom and took a nap to destress.

A few hours later, there was a knock on Victoria's door. The twenty two year old opened the door and saw David.

"Vic, I wanted to make things right with you. I shouldn't have criticized your work when I'm not a writer," David said as she let him into her apartment.
"No, you were right, Davey. I needed your criticisms. I'm too focused on what I can imagine rather than incorporating a couple of life experiences in my work for people to relate to. I'm not upset with you. I'd really like to stay friends with you, if you'll let me," she said.
"I'd like that too," he said with a smile as he hugged her.
"Wanna go get a pizza or something," Victoria asked.
"Sure! I could go for a pizza," David replied.
"Let's go," Victoria said while grabbing her purse.

Then, the two friends left to get pizza. Their little disagreement was now behind them. The only thing that was on Victoria's mind besides hanging out with David and food was her family.