Then & Now [OMB || Cesar Diaz]

then - 5

A lot of relationship professionals, gurus and websites would probably say that relationships are built off a couple of things, trust and communication being the most important.

Layla didn't trust Cesar. And Cesar thought Layla was a liar. Therefore, a relationship between them was impossible. But foolishly in love, they made an effort anyways. Cesar tried to keep the gang stuff away from her, and Layla pretended that it didn't bother her. But their friends all noticed how odd they were acting. And especially with Halloween coming up, they didn't want anything affecting the group dynamic on the day of their favorite holiday.

"I️ like him a lot, we're just at a weird place right now," Layla told Ruby as they walked to lunch. He was surprisingly sensitive and smart when it came to giving romantic advice. "You know him best Ruby," Layla said, "what should I️ do?" She asked.

"Halloween's coming up," Ruby stated. "It's usually our favorite holiday," he says. He thought for a moment before snapping his fingers in realization. "That's it!"

"What?" Layla wondered.

"Matching costumes," Ruby suggested excitedly. "Cesar told me he was going as...well Cesar."

Layla furrowed her brows. "The dressing or..."

"Not the dressing! The Roman emperor," he snapped. "And who was Cesar's girlfriend at the time?" He asked her.

Layla thought it over for a second. "Cleopatra...oh my god Ruby you're a genius!" She hugs him tightly, pressing a kiss on his cheek before walking off, texting Danna that they now have plans for Halloween.

                                    * * * *

"Are you sure it's cool for me to be here?" Danna asks as they approach Ruby's house. She messed with the tiara on her head. No, she wasn't a princess. She was Wonder Woman.

Layla waved off her concerns. "I'm totally sure it's fine," she assured as she knocked on his door.

Ruby opened the door and groaned. "No!" He groaned. "You brought her? Now our P to V ratio is off!" He complained, making the girls look at each other.

"Your...what?" Layla wondered.

"I see you're dressed up as a troll this year Ruby," Danna claps back, making his eyes widen while everyone else snickers.

Monse gets up from the couch and shoves Ruby aside. "Ignore. You're more than welcomed to join us," she reassured as she invited them both inside. She noticed Layla's costume and smirked. "Layla, your costume is so cute. Who are you supposed to be?" She said loud enough to catch Cesar's attention.

"Thank you," Layla smirks. "I'm Cleopatra," she said. Cesar finally looked up from his phone to see Layla dressed up. But a modern, sexier version of his costume's counterpart. She wore a short white dress, gold gladiator sandals, a gold headpiece and an Egyptian style smoky eye.

"That's funny, cause Cesar's..." Jamal points behind him to where Cesar was standing. "He's well...Caesar."

Layla looked up at Cesar and smiled. "Really? Looks like we're matching tonight," she says. Cesar smiles back at her as she makes her way towards him.

"You look beautiful," he compliments.

"I️ wanted to show you that I️ was with you, no matter what," she reaches out and takes his hand in hers. "You're...special to me," she tells him.