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Post by misssunflower on Mar 4, 2011 20:10:30 GMT -5
Usually Paul was used to getting up when he first woke up in the morning. Then again, he was used to waking up to an alarm and having actual plans for a day. That was becoming less of the norm while he was in Boston, obviously. In any case, he woke up all of three times before actually deciding to get up. The first time he wasn’t even sure why he’d woken up. Maybe to the brightness of the room. He was used to the couch he’d been given to sleep on. Where, even with blinds open, the sun would not have bothered him until late morning. But well, he didn’t feel like he was on his couch right then. Groaning a little he opened his eyes to meet Cleo’s red hair, shimmering in the little sunlight that streamed through the curtained window on her side of the room. The bedroom. Cleo’s bedroom, where they both lay right then. WELL. He couldn’t say he’d exactly planned on all of that happening when he’d kissed her the night before, but it was a little late to use that as any kind of excuse. He wondered what her reaction would be upon waking up to this position. That thought and other’s aside, she did look gorgeous that morning. Though, he really couldn’t see her very well for all her waves of hair falling over her face. Without thinking much of it he brushed some of the hair out of her face. While still asleep, she let out a little sigh and snuggled her head into the pillow, smiling like a kitten in a patch of sunlight. Beautiful. Absolutely stunning. And with nothing but those thoughts in his mind he fell back asleep. The next wake up was less peaceful; the sound of his phone ringing off with his things in the living room. And for once, he really didn’t feel like answering it. He did sit up though, a little groggily. He supposed there hadn’t been a lot of actual sleep that night. But by that point it had stopped ringing. He glanced at a clock. Only 7:00 AM. He glanced back at Cleo, only to meet her looking up at him, a little dazed. At a rare loss for words, Paul smiled down at her, “Good morning.” Adorably, she pulled the covers up to her chin, “G-Good morning. I – um.. um…” “Did Chris tell you what time he would be back?” He said softly. “Um…” She looked grateful to be talking about Chris and not… not the fact that they’d woke up together. “I don’t think he said, actually. Great.” She sighed. He chuckled a little and laid himself back down on one elbow to look at her, “I’d guess it’s around 10 or so. It’s only 7:00 now, love. You can enjoy the rest a while longer.” He leaned down more and kissed her again. She did kiss him for a long, wonderful, moment. But finally she pushed him back a little. “When.” She panted. “Hm?” “I’m saying when.” She said, blushing. “So, stop.” She teased. He gave her a small peck on the lips and pulled back, obediently, and she yawned after it. “More sleep?” “Mmm-hmm.” She snuggled in against him now, “Wake me up if Chris gets home… I don’t… even want to know… what he’ll… think…” She yawned again, and slipped into sleep. Paul didn’t even remember falling asleep that time, but when he again awoke, there was no Cleo beside him. He sat up another time, and heard dishes rattling in the kitchen. Smiling he got up and dressed to meet her out there. She was still in her bathrobe – back to him. “Good morning again, Cleo.” He said softly when she said nothing first. “Your phone rang.” She answered. Her tone was softer, a near whisper, and far less happy. He paused. “I know…” She nodded a little, not looking at him, “I’m going to get dressed. You call back, okay?” He blinked, “Ehm… okay….” As she disappeared back in her room, he looked to the phone. Ryan. He chuckled awkwardly, wondering if he’d have to end up telling his mate the details of the later end of his time there… “Hey, Paul! Finally!” He laughed, “Mornin’ Ryan. You sound happy…” “I’m surprised you don’t!” His friend laughed, “Have you checked at all yet today?” “Checked what?” More laughter, “Geez, Byrom! Air space, obviously! Opening again tomorrow bright n’ early! And you didn’t even check.” More laughter. Paul nearly dropped the phone. Oh God, oh really? Really, after the previous night he’d forgotten momentarily about his leaving, about how he was going an ocean away from this woman soon. VERY soon. Tomorrow soon. God, what was wrong with him!? She’d opened her heart to him telling him all about how she was hurt and ruined by some idiot who’d laid her and left her without another thought about her. He didn’t want to leave her, true. But he had been anxiously awaiting being able to get out of Boston. He knew he was leaving her, and he’d slept with her anyways. Was he really any better than Chris’s father? “Paul?” Ryan asked after the pause. “You alright, man?” “Ehm… I’m not entirely sure.” He answered slowly, “T’at’s a longer question than I t’ink you know…” He chuckled, but now he sounded a little hesitant, “I’ve got time.” Paul took a long breath, “I’m in love wi’ her, mate.” A silence, “With Cleo?” He asked incredulously. He tried to laugh, “Ryan, you need to meet her. She’s just amazing and beautiful and funny and well, she’s just irresistible.” “I can see that…” He still seemed unable to comprehend, “But- Paul… you’re not- you can’t stay…” “Of course I can’t stay! That’s te whole problem! I want to go back to Dublin more than anyt’ing clearly, but I’ve got my foot stuck here. Can’t begin t’inkin’ about leaving her or Chris!” “Chris?” “Long story. She’s a single, teen, mother. But that’s beside the point.” Ryan paused, and probably nodded, “Well, ehm…” He was clearly trying to find some logical-ish answer. Some way to make everything end well. “You sure the feelings are mutual, mate...? I mean-“ Flash backs of the previous night played in his head, “I would t’ink so. We ehm… I- we…” He took a deep breath, “Never mind. Point is, we’re both in love, and what in God’s name am I supposed to do!?” “Well it’s not like this is a situation everyone’s in daily. Do you want me to help, though?” “Do I have anyt’ing to lose, Mr. Kelly?” He chuckled a little, “Fair enough. What’re our options…”
*clears throat* so I'm 99.9999% sure this post crossed some lines. Attempted to edit it so it wouldn't and kinda.... just didn't work. So um. Yeah.
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Post by misssunflower on Mar 5, 2011 0:43:32 GMT -5
Cleo hated herself right then. What in God’s name had she been thinking!? He’d even been chivalrous enough to let her tell him to stop when she wanted to… and she’d still gone ahead and been an absolute IDIOT and slept with him. Slept. With. Him. With someone she knew was leaving her. She’d thought she was stupid for the first guy, and she hadn’t even expected his desertion. She’d known THIS one was coming, and it changed nothing in the end. And, dang it, it wasn’t like he wanted to leave her. She knew he didn’t want to. But Cleo knew enough about Paul to know he wouldn’t stick around here if he could return to his normal life. And she didn’t want him to. This wasn’t his home, this was a place he’d been stuck in because of a volcano in Iceland. Nothing more, nothing deep. So, he wanted to leave here, but didn’t want to leave her. What was SHE supposed to do about that? Part of her, her more immature, young, madly in love, Juliet-ish type, wanted to beg him to stay with her. Wanted to break down and tell him just how meaningful he was in her life, and she didn’t want to have such a large part of her ripped away again. Forget whatever he was returning to, and beg him not to leave her. But that was insane. So insane and stupid and selfish. Who was she to tell him that he couldn’t leave her? He was probably going through heck over it anyways! And to put her pressure to it, if he said yes he’d stay just because she’d pressured him… what kind of relationship would that be? She’d be nothing but a stupid burden. If he wanted to leave, and she knew he did. She had to freaking suck it up. And let him go. “Of course I can’t stay! That’s te whole problem! I want to go back to Dublin more than anyt’ing clearly!” Cleo choked back tears as she braided her hair, only catching bits of her love’s phone conversation. His eventual leaving had been hurting her enough, to give that eventually a date. Tomorrow. It was beyond heartbreaking. Of course he couldn’t stay, and she couldn’t be so selfish as to make him. “What am I supposed to do!?” Paul continued in the other room. Cleo sighed, and finished tying back her hair. “That’s a lovely question, hun.” She mumbled. She realized she had failed her holding back of tears, and embarrassingly wiped at them from where she now perched herself on the bed. The bed that would feel terribly empty sleeping in alone. Ignoring those thoughts she made sure her face was composed at last, and made her way out to the kitchen, to Paul. He was just hanging up, face a little paler, a little shaken by everything, which only worsened when he saw her. That wasn’t making it any easier and she felt tears re-enter her eyes. “Tomorrow, huh?” She whispered at last. He took a few steps to her, and took both her hands in his. “Cleo, baby, listen I-“ She shook her head, “No, this is good isn’t it? I mean, you’ve been stuck here so long. I mean, I’m glad you can- can go home…” She lied as smoothly as she could. “Aren’t you?” He blinked, “Well, I mean – I mean I am.” She was glad he didn’t lie about that, after overhearing his conversation with Ryan, “But Cleo-“ “Nothin’ to but about, Paul.” She cut in again, “You want to go home, that’s fine. I do NOT want you feeling anything other than happy about this – you shouldn’t be!” “Love, it’s kind of impossible to be okay wi’ this and you know that.” Paul finally got a phrase in, for she could find no more contradictions, “Cleo, you can’t really expect me to just be able to pack up and leave after everything that’s happened, and be happy. I can’t!” “But-“ “Not’in to but about. You know I can’t stand the t’ought of leavin you or Chris here on your own. And after everyt’ing, Cleo-“ Something in his words made her unable to let him finish that either, “Paul, I’m not going to make you stay because of me!” “I’m not wanting to stay!” He replied, “I want you to come back wi’ me!” Her heart stopped for a second, “Back? To- To Dublin?” “I am not gonna leave ya on your own after all t’is, Cleo baby, and after what we, ehm, did.” “Wait…” She whispered. There it was, that weird feeling in her, “Is that it though?” “Is what it?” “You want me to come back with you… because of what we did. Because you don’t want to leave me an’ all that… that’s it. You think you need to… and that’s all.” He stared, “Cleo, I mean, I don’t want to be like Chris’s dad and leave you.” “And I don’t want you asking me to come if that’s the only reason why!” She answered, nearly pleading the opposite of what she’d thought she might, “Paul, you – I won’t come back with you if you’re asking out of duty. It’s sweet, but that’s… I’d only be your burden. I won’t do that to you!” “You wouldn’t be a burden, Cleo – t’at’s not even what I’m saying, love!” He defended. She shook her head fast, “It is! You don’t want to leave me? Why? Because you don’t want to be like Chris’s father, you don’t want to leave me alone to care for him on my own – that’s all!” Shut up, Cleo! Her mind yelled at her. What on earth was she doing – what was she saying!? But- but she didn’t want him feeling obligated to her, she didn’t want that. She wanted his love, not his pity. Paul looked at her a long moment, looking absolutely speechless. “I’m not sure what I’m supposed to say to t’at…” Cleo looked away from him, trying not to cry, “Just- just don’t worry about me. Go back home. It’s – I just want you to be happy there, Paul. I love-” Paul didn’t let her finish, but this time instead of talking over her, he tugged on the hands he still held and pulled her mouth to his. She knew she should have pulled back. That and this was not at all the appropriate response after telling him she would NOT return to Dublin with him. She still was not over that feeling his lips gave her, probably never would be. Just as it was stretching further on, the kiss, getting deeper and hotter and slowly wiping her brain of it’s past resistance the apartment doorbell rang. Loud and annoying but very nerve-jolting, awakening Cleo to exactly what she was doing. Gasping she pushed him away a little, and he let her go. “That’d – That’d be Chris.” She said, breathing hard. “You sh-should pack for your flight tomorrow. I’ll let him know what’s happening.” And without waiting for him to argue it, she turned and did just that.
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Post by orinocoflow on Mar 5, 2011 0:48:54 GMT -5
LANGUAGE
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Post by misssunflower on Mar 5, 2011 13:44:23 GMT -5
(I keep forgetting to edit, sorry y'all. Funny thing is, the first time I wrote this as it is the people who read it are all mods on here.... they know how I am.)
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Post by misssunflower on Mar 5, 2011 17:50:19 GMT -5
but anywaysss!!!
Paul had either just been completely misunderstood, or flat out rejected. He wasn’t entirely sure which one hurt more. What did Cleo think he’d been saying? The arguments, if you could call them that, made no sense at all to him. She didn’t want to come back with him? No, she hadn’t said that. Not exactly. She didn’t want him ASKING her to come back with him. What the heck did that mean? And she thought she’d be a burden to him. She thought her being in his life, everyday, for the rest of his existence was a BURDEN? Did she not realize that the image of her and Chris back in Dublin with him – the image of the three of them together when Ryan suggested he invite her back – had briefly made him happier than he could even find words for. How could she think that? How could she think he didn’t care… or whatever it was she thought… It was awkward, to say the least, overhearing Cleo quietly tell her son that he would leave the two of them tomorrow. He wanted to pull the pair apart and tell the boy his proposal of coming back. HE would want to. And Cleo wouldn’t want to say no to him. But that would make it that much harder on her and she seemed to be killing herself over it all anyways. He wouldn’t cheat to get her to agree, if it would only hurt her more. He just – He just hated this. “TOMORROW!?” Chris shrieked in anguish. He looked away from where Cleo was crouching to look at him, and over to Paul, begging him to say that wasn’t true. He nodded, trying to smile. “Tomorrow.” Cleo replied softly, “Tomorrow morning, in fact.” “Why!?” She bit her lip, “His family’s there, honey. His family and friends and he can’t stay here.” “But he loves us, doesn’t he, Cleo?” Chris demanded. “He does.” She whispered, “But sometimes you have to leave people you love. He doesn’t want to-“ Chris shook his head, “Then WHY!” “Christopher.” Cleo sounded as ready to cry as the boy, but the scolding tone won over briefly, “You have to be a big boy now, sweetie. Paul doesn’t like this any more than we both do, and he needs you to be grown up about this, can you do that for him?” He nodded weakly, “I – I can.” Cleo tried to smile, “Good boy, I love you.” She ruffled his hair a little, clearly trying to be casual about all of this. “I love you too.” He whispered, then paused, “Did you get my heart?” “I did indeed, love. It was the sweetest gift – no the second sweetest gift I’ve ever been given.” “What was the first?” “You.” He giggled as she softly tickled him, He sighed at last, “Can we go to lunch, Cleo?” He went to only afternoon pre-school every other day. It kind of scared Paul to know he knew the child’s school schedule and just to feel… home with it all. With the two of them. God, this was awful. Cleo paused, giving him a quick glance. She was paler than normal, and her face looked tear stained. He didn’t let her answer. “That sounds like a great idea – maybe dinner too.” He said as cheerful as he could. “But-“ “Cleo baby, could you do that for me?” She looked like she wanted to glare, and failed miserably. “How about I make us lunch and we go out to dinner, Chris?” She put a little emphasis on his name and not Paul’s. If in a better mood, he would have laughed. Chris didn’t catch it though, “Okay, Cleo!” He scampered over to where he sat on the couch, laptop empty in front of him. Cleo was moving to make some make-shift meal, and he began to push himself up, “You want help, love?” “No.” She answered without infliction, “Just- just watch Chris please.” Paul sighed, but agreed. He loved Chris, really truly he did. But right then he desperately needed to talk to Cleo alone. Find someway, ANYWAY to convince her to come back with him, as he knew, KNEW she wanted to. But how on earth did he figure out how to convince her if he didn’t know what he’d done wrong the first time he’d tried. Telling her he didn’t want to leave her had seemed pretty clear. She didn’t want him to leave her – so why did it bother her that he felt the same way? Was that not enough? What else was he supposed to tell her? He loved her. She KNEW he loved her. What else was there? “I’m mad at Cleo.” Chris declared quietly next to him on the couch. Paul glanced at the girl in question and saw the tiniest smile twitch at her lips. “And why are you mad?” “Because you’re leaving.” He surprised himself by being able to laugh. God bless that kid, “Should I rephrase – why are you mad at CLEO? I’m t’e one leavin’ after all this.” Chris nodded, considering, “You’re hard to be mad at, daddy.” He coughed, “I thought we’d been through this, kiddo.” “Yes, yes, you’re not my daddy.” He gave another Cleo-like sigh, “Well, anyways, PAUL, will we still talk to you when you’re at home?” Paul blinked and went to look at Cleo again. She had stopped what she was doing to look at him seriously. Over Chris’s shoulder he mouthed, “Please?” to her, not caring if it looked pleading. Would that make his leaving easier or harder? Whatever it was, he was willing to risk it. She nodded the smallest bit, and he grinned. “I t’ink that will be just fine, Chris.” The boy cheered and for that brief moment Paul felt okay again. Chris was good at that, making him forget that he would have to leave that next morning. Making him feel that everything, in the end, would be okay. Though he was still leaving the next morning, and things wouldn’t be until some few months later.
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Post by misssunflower on Mar 6, 2011 18:52:51 GMT -5
~Five months later~
“Cleo! Cleo! Daddy sent a letter!” Chris ran through the door after kindergarten one afternoon in October. He liked checking the mail, always had. Even more since Paul left and had promised the child contact. Had it really been 5 months? 5 months and a couple weeks since Paul Byrom boarded the plane to Dublin, Ireland again, walking out of her and Chris’s lives against everyone’s wills. He had been good on his promise, and emailed and called as often as he could. Cleo tried to make the conversations as casual as possible, like she would to a friend. Try and forget how madly in love she was with this man, and how unlikely it was that he would ever return. And even if he did, it was unlikely at best to say that he would ever try to bring back his proposal of returning with him. She’d been an idiot and rejected him. Why would he bother? She was glad he even spoke to her at all after that. She must have ripped him apart with that. She wished she could have gone back right to that moment and thrown herself into his arms, repeating ‘yes yes yes I’ll come with you!’ A little late for that now though, and her heart still held on to it’s arguments, almost as if thinking that they were logical reasons not to return with him made it better. In any case, receiving an actual letter from the love of her life was a rarity… in fact, she hadn’t remembered ever receiving one. Emails were faster, and the faster the contact, the better. “WHO sent a letter?” She asked slowly, when the boy thrust the mail at her. Chris had habits Cleo didn’t bother to understand. One was not calling people the correct, well, title. She had for a short while attempted to get him to call her ‘mom’ and not ‘Cleo’, but it proved to be useless, and Cleo she stayed in her son’s eyes. That wasn’t as awkward, though, as calling her lover, her lover for no more than a week, ‘daddy’, to which reform seemed just as doubtful. Still she tried. He pouted over-dramatically, “Right. PAUL sent us a letter!” The news was too deliciously wonderful to stay upset about. “Can I read it too this time, Cleo?” She normally, gently, sent the boy to his room when an email or phone call occurred, normally because after reading or conversing she’d be on the verge of tears. Chris didn’t need to see that at his age – only a few months shy of 7. But she knew he was suspicious at this point. “Yes, Chris, you can read it with me.” She hid a sigh and shuffled to find a letter opener and cut open the envelope flap, letting a small letter and two other slips of paper fall into her hands. Setting the other papers aside for later, she unfolded the letter and read, aloud, for Chris’s sake; “My dear Cleo, I hope to God this has reached you when I was told it would, because any later would be a disaster on my part. I suppose I should have sent these months ahead of the actual date, but I was shy I guess. Yes, it happens. The tickets are for Celtic Thunder, the group I am a part of. By the time this reaches you we will have been touring for a little less than a month. We will be in Boston on the 9th, and seeing as I will have little to no time to actually visit you… I would like nothing more than for you, and Chris, to come see us. They’re some of the best tickets anyone could ever ask for and with that come with something known as a pre-show reception or meet and greet. You can imagine seeing you in the audience wouldn’t be enough for me. I need to talk to you again, Cleo. Face-to-face. It has been far too long, and I miss you far too much. I hope you are faring better than I am. I’ll leave whether you go or not up to you. I just hope this has reached you soon enough that you can choose. Sincerely, Paul Byrom.” Cleo, predictably, was in tears. She wiped at them quickly, while Chris bounced in his seat, “CLEO! CLEO! CLEO!! Can we go – can we? Can we? Cannnnnn weeeeee!?” It was the 8th. If she was them… she’d be seeing him tomorrow. Oh God, she wasn’t ready to see him again. She wasn’t sure she could ever be ready to see him again. But oh, she did miss him. She missed him so terribly much… But. “Chris, honey, remember Maddie was going to take us both out tomorrow night?” Maddie, after having been told all the details of Paul’s stay, though Paul by her request had dumbed everything down for the fans, had taken a more active role in Cleo’s life. She just seemed happy to be in contact with her friend again, and she was happy to have her there. Anyways, she had indeed planned a surprise for Cleo and Chris to get their, well, HER mind off of things. Or so she said. “Cancel on her!” Chris replied punching his fist in the air triumphantly. He loved Maddie, truly, he did. He called her ‘Auntie’ and Cleo didn’t even attempt to stop him. But it was beyond clear who came first in his eyes. She sighed. She did want to right then. Maddie would understand, ooooh would Maddie understand. And everything would turn out fine in the end, wouldn’t it. She would see Paul again, like she knew she really wanted to. Wanted to have his arms around her again, want to see his goofy smile, hold him, kiss him… oh gosh… At this point she was half way through Maddie’s number. ‘Sorry, I can’t make it.’ playing over and over in her head. She shooed Chris to his room just as Maddie answered, “Hello?” “Hey.” “Cleo, honey! We still on for tomorrow?” Oh… but- but he would ask her again. She knew he would. Those deep blue eyes worried and pitying and concerned for her and he would ask again, ask for her to return with him. And she, again, would refuse him. And if she saw him again, he would be seeing her. He would not want to just walk away from her again, it had been hard enough the first time. Now, now it would be near impossible. But the reasons, she knew why he’d want her to come back… and it… it wasn’t what she wanted. “Cleo?” “Huh?” She asked numbly. Maddie laughed, “Are we still on?” Cleo choked on tears again, looking away from the two tickets sitting perfectly on her kitchen table. “Of course.”
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Post by misssunflower on Mar 6, 2011 23:17:18 GMT -5
They weren’t there. She wasn’t there. Paul scanned the reception room, every table there – packed with happy, laughing fans, and could not find her. She wasn’t an easy person to miss either. The only stunning redhead with a small child he knew. And he knew neither were there. It kind of felt like his heart had fallen into his stomach, and then was kicked there. He tried not to let it show on his face, but Damian, who shared the Boston M&G caught it. “She isn’t there?” He asked softly, also watching the group. Paul had told each of the other lads what really happened while he was in Boston. Not leaving out the fact that he’d slept with her, which generated some well meaning punches directed his way. He knew he deserved that, he’d been pretty stupid to have done that. Not that that made him regret it completely. That one night had been too… far too unforgettable for him to ever truly regret that it had happened. He nodded silently. This was going to be an interesting situation. He just hoped none of the fans noticed his mood. That would start some talk, as anything did. Damian gave a solemn nod of his own, “Maybe you did send the tickets too late.” It came out more like a question, but at least the boy was trying. “I don’t know if that would make t’is better or worse.” He replied. “Call her afterwards.” He suggested, and then, “Whatever it is, try not to think about it. Let’s go.” It was in fact, time for the M&G’s to begin. Cleo or no Cleo. He hid a sigh, and went out. Cleo didn’t show up maybe halfway through, like he had hoped. So, Paul really had ended up, possibly, rejected. He figured if she had some truly logical reason not to go, if she wanted to, she would have called and apologized. But maybe that was asking too much. The phone conversations, emails they’d shared… everything SEEMED fine between them. She always sounded sad, though, always worn down. He could make her laugh, occasionally, but it was not easy. He knew she hated that he’d left though she would never admit it. He’d thought about her a lot, about how she’d ‘rejected’ him back in April, about whatever reasons she’d had for it. He figured she wanted to think that she could take care of Chris on her own – and she had for 6, 7 years and felt she needed him now against what she’d built up in her. It probably upset and confused her. He didn’t know what he could do about that though. Little over the phone, clearly. All the more reason to see her again. Which he clearly wouldn’t. “I can see it now, ‘Paul looked really unhappy tonight, I wonder what’s up?’ ‘Yeah, I saw that too. I hope he’s okay’,” Ryan quoted, teasing as politely as he could after the first song of the actual show. “Seriously, though, I know this is bad. Well, I don’t really know, from experience, but, I mean – it sucks. And I’m sorry. But try to be a bit more… yourself. You’re gonna start worrying more than the fans.” He added. Paul chuckled a little and nodded. “Yes, sir, Mr. Kelly.” He replied as cheerfully as possible, before returning to pacing before his next song came up. When that song did come, it was pretty impossible not to pay attention to the two empty seats in the front row. Two seats that would have belonged to his lover and her son. He could imagine how Chris would have enjoyed this, he’d always been interested in Paul’s job. He wondered if Chris even knew about the tickets, or if Cleo had kept them from him to keep him from protesting about not going… His mind spun with wondering and he was sure the confusion and hurt of it all was showing again. Not really good for an upbeat song. Surely Ryan was right, and there would be plenty a tweet about this afterward. Great. He finished up the song and attempted a smile at the applause received. Thunderheads really did help most things. “WE LOVE YOU PAAAAUULLL!!” A voice yelled from the audience. A voice he knew. As a ripple of laughter filled the crowd Paul found him. Chris Mahoney, sitting four rows back from where he SHOULD have been sitting. But there he was sitting. Sitting, on the lap of the most beautiful girl he’d ever seen. Even from as far back as they were, he knew it was Cleo. Her hair, if anything, was enough. He couldn’t see her expression, but in his head he saw it clear enough. Probably crying, probably grinning. He, himself, broke into the most ridiculous smile possible right then. Oh yes, there would be talk of this later. He didn’t care. She’d made it! Right before he practically danced off the stage he caught quick sight of the dark haired Maddie sitting on Cleo’s other side, giving him a thumb’s up and answering all his left over questions. That girl was like his personal angel right then, and was going to need something in return for that one. Poor Cleo, he thought without much infliction. She probably had not expected this one at all. He only hoped she would enjoy the whole show, and began to plot how he would see her afterwards. “Someone is happy again, I see.” Damian laughed at his return backstage. “All well in Cleo world?” “As well as t’ey can be without me talkin’ to her yet.” He answered, still smiling so much it probably looked strange. “I wonder if I can get her back here during intermission wi’out other fans knowing…” “I hear plottin’. Count me in.” Keith poked his head in the conversation, laughing. Paul laughed openly. Really, the whole world felt brighter right then, “Not’in huge, Keith. But if ye have any ideas, anyt’ing would help at this point.” He ran his hand back through his attractively messy blonde hair and grinned, “Well, I’m up next so can’t spill out the idea hat just yet. Just don’t plan anyt’ing epic wit’out me!” “I think I’m scared to know what you consider epic, Keith!” Damian called after him, laughing. Grinning, he turned back to Paul, “Really, it’s pretty simple, ,y’know. You just get one of the security guys to pull her aside for this reason or that. Tell her someone is looking for her, y’know. People will notice, most likely, but no one’s gonna think what we don’t want them to.” Paul stared at him for a moment, “It’s really unfair that you ended up as the smart one, you know that?” “What would you do without me right?” He got a little smack for that, “Just don’t let your head get any bigger, mate. It will eventually explode and I t’ink that’d make some tweens pretty unhappy.” “I’ll keep that in mind.” He laughed, and with that left to get set for his next song.
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Post by misssunflower on Mar 7, 2011 18:16:17 GMT -5
It took a lot, a LOT for Cleo not to break down at seeing and hearing her love again. She wanted to laugh. She wanted to cry. She was so shocked and delighted and terrified it nearly hurt. His voice, oh God, his VOICE! It was like someone had put silk, chocolate and like… heaven into a blender and infused it in his vocal chords. And the songs he sang, the more slow stunning, romantic ones. She felt weak just remembering having him hold her. She had a flashback of every touch, every kiss, everything from their night together and every act leading up to it. God, she had missed him, and it felt so strange to see him a few feet from her, and yet further away than ever. She wished she’d taken his tickets. Right then, seeing him was worth having to decline a possible proposal of returning with him. She just wanted him near again. More than anything. Chris was in love. Not only with Paul’s singing, but with the whole group. They were, admittedly, very talented – the music was gorgeous and their voices meshed together beautifully. She could see what Maddie adored in each of them. She was told who was who by the end of the first song, and Cleo laughed a little at getting to see her one-time phone correspondent, Ryan. All in all, the first half was enjoyed hugely. “You should have told me where you were taking me!” She laughed to Maddie during the intermission time. She felt strangely happy, despite all her fears of seeing Paul again. She felt almost like he hadn’t left. Chris certainly seemed to feel that way. Laughing and jumping and ranting about this song or that. Maddie promised to burn him the CD’s and that only riled him up further. “I was afraid you wouldn’t want to go if I said who we’d be seeing.” She admitted quietly, “I really wanted you to come with me too. And, Cleo,” She added, “You need this. You NEED to see him. I’m sorry I couldn’t get M&G’s because I think you need to talk to him too.” Cleo sighed, “I know, I know. It’s just… it’s been so long…” “Judging by the smile when he saw you, no feelings have faded in that time.” She blushed, “I- I guess. But an-“ She was cut off by a hand on her arm. She turned to see a young man in a black shirt and pants on, looking fairly professional… a worker? What did he want with her? Was something wrong? “Y-Yes?” “Cleo Mahoney?” He asked. He sounded polite, similar to how she sounded though, when pulling someone over. Polite for fear of a strange reaction. She was a little concerned. “Yes, that’s me.” He nodded, and smiled a genuine smile, “There is, someone is looking for you. Sounds important. Could you spare a moment; the show won’t begin again for another half hour.” She blinked. What? Who could need her? Who else in the world new she was there that night? Her only friend was at her side. A friend who laid a hand on her arm, “I’ll come with, Chris and I.” The smile faded the smallest bit, “I was told just to get Ms. Mahoney.” “Well, they can get three for the price of one. I’m not letting Cleo take this call alone.” That made the smile quirk back, “Alright. This was then.” And confused as all heck, Cleo and her escort of son and best friend, followed. Somewhere along the line, wandering back, somewhere behind the actual stage, their security escort pointed them in a direction and left. And being highly uncoordinated, they were a little lost. Were they even allowed to be back where they were? Oh God, if they got caught… “Excuse me?” A polite and confused voice asked, suddenly from behind the trio. Maddie turned first and made a choking gasp sound. Cleo turned after and was face to face with the handsome guitar player from the group. Neil, Maddie had said. Chocolate brown eyes looking upon them with speculative interest. Madison was speechless so Cleo spoke first, “um… sorry, are we not, I mean, I know we can’t be here, can we… we were told- someone wanted- we’re kind of lost.” Goodness this was a pathetic excuse-sounding thing. They probably got fans using this all the time. He shook his head though, suddenly smiling and lighting up those eyes of his, “No, no, I believe it’s fine. Ehm, what’s your names?” Cleo looked to Maddie, who finally choked out her name, “Ma-Madison Kilkenny.” Neil’s smile brightened on her, making her blush. He then, almost reluctantly looked at her. “Cleo Mahoney, and this is Chris.” “Ah yes,” He chuckled a melodious chuckle, “T’ere was someone lookin’ for ya, yes. I’ll go and grab him. Maddie, I t’ink it’d be best if you came wi’ me, would ye mind? The boy too…” Maddie gave her a panicked and amazed look. She probably had fangirl dreams about this kind of thing, even though she was pretty sure he wasn’t one of her favorites, she still looked ready to faint. “Um.. um… yeah I can go but – Chris?” Chris looked at her, and then at Maddie and Neil. “I can go with guitarboy and auntie. See you soon, mommy!” Neil laughed a little, “’Guitarboy’… must say t’at’s a new one.” He lifted the boy out of Maddie’s arms and gestured a direction, which they headed before turning and adding over his shoulder, “Paul will be just a second, Cleo.” And a wink. Paul? PAUL!?!?! Oh why in God’s freaking name had she NOT seen this one coming? Oh someone wants to see her, that Neil knew who she was, that he needed to meet her alone… oh… oh… oh God. She fiddled with her braid, panicking, not even sure her throat would accurately bring out a ‘hi’ when it came time for that. She’d turned away from where the three had exited. She was pacing, trying to find words, trying to find thoughts, when behind her came footsteps, and then, “Cleo?” Wheeling around in surprise she met Paul’s bright blue eyes, about two feet away from her. He was smiling, hesitantly, like he didn’t know if he should be happy or scared, or both at the same time. Happiness appeared to be winning though. Oh, she loved his smile. She raised her hand to try and wave. Giving it her very best effort, “Pa- Paul – um hel-“ It turned out she didn’t need to have made herself say hi to him because before the word was even half off her lips, Paul had cleared the distance between them in two strides, took her face between both his hands and kissed her, so fiercely she felt her heart falter. And just like that, Cleo felt whole.
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Post by misssunflower on Mar 7, 2011 21:52:59 GMT -5
Cleo was stiff, surprised, at first of course. But not even 5 seconds into it Paul felt her whole body relax and kiss him back, winding her arms around his neck and urging him closer. He happily obliged, moving his hands from her face to circle her waist and continued kissing her until the need for air arose. Even then they only parted for about half a second before his mouth was on hers again. He heard a small sigh come from her, and he smiled, glad she was enjoying this reunion as much as he was. It really had been far too long, too long since he’d seen her, too long since… well, this. There was another millisecond break in which she softly murmured his name before being cut off by their lips being otherwise occupied. Finally, when they broke apart again, Cleo dislodged one hand from behind his head, and gently laid her fingers on his lips, effectively stopping the embrace. “Paul,” She whispered, breathing heavily, “I take it you wanted to – to talk to me, too…” Right. He loosened his hold on her so he was still holding her, just not so close as to make conversation impossible. She dropped her hand and moved it to adjusting her jacket back on her shoulder, as just before being stopped, Paul realized he’d been in the process of sliding it off her. He felt his face heat up, “I’m sorry…” God, she was good at making him forget things. Like that they weren’t very far backstage, during intermission, with only about half an hour… a third of which had probably been used up already. She smiled a little, her face slowly working down to a healthy color. She did look as tired as she sounded when he spoke to her. Like she wasn’t sleeping well, or something. He couldn’t quite place it. “No, it’s – I mean, it’s alright… I mean…” Ah, Cleo. As inarticulate as ever. Needing some way to begin, he smiled, “I missed you, love.” “I noticed.” She replied softly, but she began to give him that grudging smile he loved. That one where she looked like she wanted to be serious, but just couldn’t be. “I missed you too.” This seemed like a good time to re-offer a certain thing. He hadn’t even been planning to, but seeing her again… he never wanted her away from him anymore than absolutely needed. He wouldn’t give up on it, no matter how often he may be refused. But before he could figure out how to phrase his proposal, Cleo was talking again, “But I guess you’ve noticed at this point, that you didn’t completely leave me…” She smiled something that looked like it could have been a smirk if in a better mood. He blinked. What on earth did that mean? He didn’t completely leave her…? “What?” She sighed a little, the unhappy looking smile remaining. She took a few steps back, and he let her go, and looked dramatically down at herself, than back at him, one eyebrow raised. Trying not to feel awkward about it Paul looked her over, from her messily braided hair to her black sandals and back, taking in the large shirt she wore under her jacket. She looked different. Still gorgeous beyond belief but… his concentration was stuck on her torso, on the way the shirt fell around her, around her stomach… when suddenly, finally, it clicked. “Cleo…” His voice came out whispered, as he was trying to wrap his mind around what he thought, “Cleo… you- you’re-…?” He wasn’t sure he could say the word. She didn’t seem able to either, so she skipped it and nodded for him, “About 5 months.” She added. 5 months ago was when they’d… Oh. God. Her smile completely faded at his stunned silence. “I- I’m sorry.” …Huh? “Cleo, baby, what are you SORRY for?” Things were slowly working there way through his brain, beginning to clear up. Cleo was pregnant. He couldn’t quite explain it, but something in knowing that made him happier than anything that had happened that day combined. Her eyes widened at the large and goofy grin that had effortlessly made it’s way on his face after asking that, “Well, it’s just that- you aren’t- you’re happy about this?” Oh. Right. The last time Cleo had to tell someone she was pregnant the idiot had freaked out and left her alone to care for the child for 6ish years. He could imagine why she was confused about his reaction. He shook his head, gently stroking her arm. “Of course I am, love. I don’t see how anyone could be unhappy about t’is. But I understand, and this is all t’e more reason for you to come back, love….” He took a deep breath, “and get married.” Cleo literally gasped a little, apparently not having seen that coming. She raised a hand to cover her mouth, and the lowered it a little. She still looked sad. Paul braced himself; he knew what was coming. “Paul… Paul I- I would love that. I really would. But, but just because I’m pregnant, you shouldn’t-“ “Just because…” Paul cut her off. He’d been playing back all her arguments from the past, and a thought hit him. “You think that’s why I want this?” She blinked, but nodded, “Well, that is isn’t it? All you tell me is you don’t want to be like Chris’s dad, and leave me with him, and after we- and now that I’m- you think you need to…” “Cleo!” “What?” “My God… I don’t want you to come back with me because of Chris, even less cause of his father. I don’t want to marry you because we slept together, or because you’re pregnant, or because I feel I HAVE to in any way shape or form – Cleo Mahoney, I want to marry you because I am madly and helplessly in. Love. With. You.” He watched her beautiful eyes widen, and now he did laugh. “Really?” Pulling her close again, he kissed her forehead, “Do I really have to answer t’is, love? I don’t know how you could have t’ought any different.” She gave him a shaky smile, tears in her eyes, “I’m not sure myself – but I didn’t want to think… if you didn’t…” “I DO love you, baby. I promise you.” He grinned, “Now I would kinda like to know if my proposal has been accepted of rejected here…” “What proposal?” She teased, her stunning purely happy smile finally lighting up her face, “You never actually asked me, you know?” He laughed, “Well, I have yet to get a ring an’ all… t’is was kind of on a whim just now. But okay. Cleo… middle name?” “Alexis.” “Cleo Alexis Mahoney, will you return to Dublin, and marry m-“ He was cut off as Cleo Alexis Mahoney leaned in and kissed him again, passionately. He lost track of anything else he’d planned on saying and let it continue. He wondered how much longer they could be back there… and found he didn’t care. Finally she pulled back grinning, and simply answered, “I’ll have to ask Chris first, you know?” And that was a bigger ‘yes’ than anything else she could have said. omigawd I crossed a line again. SOWWY. None of my other stories do, I swear. XD Epilogue later.
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Post by misssunflower on Mar 8, 2011 17:10:52 GMT -5
“You look amazing.” “I look huge.” “You had a baby two weeks ago. You aren’t gonna have the supermodel body you did so soon, hun.” Maddie chuckled, good-naturedly. “And I’m 100% sure Paul isn’t gonna care about something like that.” Cleo laughed, and fumbled with her hair. Why was she so nervous about this? Maybe cause she’d never even BEEN to a wedding before. She didn’t know what exactly occurred. What if she messed something up? She knew Paul wouldn’t care but still… More likely, it was because less than a year ago, she had thought she would never get married. Not in her entire life. She couldn’t even entertain the idea of someone wanting to marry her. She’d say it was a dream come true, but it was so much more than that, because she hadn’t even bothered dreaming of this. She smiled at her maid of honor though. It really was so sweet of Madison to have traveled all the way to Ireland for this, and after all, she had helped SO much in reuniting her with her fiancé back before he was her fiancé. She supposed the young woman also wanted to go to the wedding of which the members of the group she loved would be attending, and not as a fan, but a mutual friend. That had to be special. “Thank you, Mads.” She said gently, “I don’t know why I’m so freaked right now.” “Pre-wedding jitters.” Maddie replied, gently combing back her red hair, and grabbing at a bejeweled hairpin the size of her fist to pin the hair to frame her face. “I’m told everyone gets them, not that’d I’d know from experience. How’s this?” She added, talking about the hair. Cleo looked at her mirrored self. Her red hair harshly contrasted her paler skin and pure white dress. While it mildly bothered her to have it all down as it was she knew Paul would love it. She grinned and nodded, “Perfect, thank you. And I’m sure you’ll know someday.” Heck, if she’d found a man to marry, the beautiful, shy but witty Madison could too. She laughed, and played with her own dark hair – tied back behind her in an intricate bun. “I don’t know, Cleo. No men in Boston have ever caught my eye.” “Oh? Hm… I didn’t think we were in Boston right now…” She winked. That got her blushing, and then she rubbed her eyes. For about the hundredth time. “Screw this, where’d I put my glasses?” She laughed. “I think I recall you being all for the contacts before…” Cleo said, handing them over to her friend. She was already taking them out, “Well that was before I knew what a bothe-“ She stopped as there was a knock on the door of the back room where they were getting ready. “Paul? You know you can’t see your bride, yet!” “Ehm no.” A voice that was not Paul came through, “I was sent to tell Cleo and any bridesmaids in t’ere, t’at you have about 15 minutes before you need to be ready.” Maddie’s eyes widened considerably at hearing Neil speaking to them, and Cleo laughed, trying not to think about how little time was left. “Hey Neil, my maid of honor is nearly ready. You can come in if ya want.” A second later the door cracked open and from the mirror Cleo saw the handsome young man take no more than a half step through the door, looking embarrassed about it. Cleo knew little about Paul’s friends but she liked all of them. Neil and Ryan especially, Ryan was fun and kind, and Neil was shy but oh so sweet. “Well, you look stunning, Mrs. Byrom.” He said, beaming. She laughed, “Thank you, hun. But I’m not a Mrs, just yet.” She glanced at Maddie who had gone her usual Shy-Maddie-silent. Neil followed her gaze, taking in the stunning brunette who was wringing the glasses in her hands so much that Cleo wondered if they’d break on her. “Ah, hello.” He added, politely, “I don’t believe we’ve met, yet. I-“ Maddie’s eyebrows raised and Cleo had to cover her mouth to keep from cracking up at the poor lad. “We have. I suppose it was 5 minutes, and months ago. I don’t blame you for not remembering.” She stopped squeezing the glasses and put them on awkwardly. Apparently that was all it took. Neil blushed, literally blushed. “Maddie! I’m sorry, I didn’t recognize you wi’ out- I mean-“ He stopped trying and smiled again, “You look wonderful.” Now there were two people blushing. “Th- Thank you…” She said softly, giving her that shocked smile, before glancing back at Neil, “I gue- guess I should go then…?” Looking back at her it turned into a question. Cleo beamed, “No, go! Go! I’m ready anyways.” She winked dramatically. Maddie blushed darker and made a small ‘cut’ signal, embarrassed. She laughed harder. “Oh one second though, Mads.” Neil nodded and took a step out, “Honey, you don’t have anything ya have to be home for, for a while, right? I mean you could stay here… for a while... I mean, I need someone to watch Chris and Molly, and Chris knows you so…” “While you…?” She blushed, “Honeymoon, sweets. Paul wouldn’t let me get away without one, and Chris was begging to come with, which you know… I mean… I don’t mind but it would… um… limit our… activities.” Maddie laughed and held her hands up, “Oh say no more, love. I’d be happy to watch the wee ones for you. Will Molly care…? I mean…?” “She’s 2 weeks old. She won’t care if her auntie is watching her, so long as someone feeds her an’ all that.” She did feel bad leaving her little baby for a short while… but she tried not to think of it. She nodded, and looked back outside where Neil seemed to be waiting for her, contemplating. Cleo laughed and added, “Who knows… you may need some help every so often while I’m gone… I don’t think he lives very far away either.” Red faced again, Maddie actually nodded though, “I just may… See you soon, hun!” And with that she disappeared out the door. Leaving a much calmer, happy Cleo to finish getting herself set for the happiest day of her life.
It didn’t feel like however long it really was before Cleo was out on the isle. The wedding was outdoors on what was apparently a rare sunny day in a Dublin park. It was strange, very strange to see Paul at the end of that isle, giving her that smile that never failed to make her heart flip. She was going to marry him, she thought, amazed. She was REALLY going to MARRY him. God, when did her luck get so amazing? He looked just as dumbfounded and happy as she must have, and could do nothing but grin when she reached him. When he did finally open his mouth, to say God knows what, the ceremony was already beginning, and so nothing could be said. She hid a giggle. The ceremony itself flew by also. She must not have made any mistakes, because suddenly they were being told to kiss, and Paul was drawing her in. “You look gorgeous, baby.” He whispered before he was kissing her, and people were cheering. She wanted to cheer too, but then she’d have to stop kissing him. Finally she broke away, blushing, and smiled at him before looking out at their fairly good-sized audience. Mainly his mates, but all lovely looking people. The front seats were for the groomsmen and bridesmaids. Maddie was sitting next to Neil, and gave her friend another thumbs up. On her other side was Chris, decked out in a full suit and bowtie, for his job as ring bearer. And on his side was baby Molly, in her carrier looking around with no idea what was happening but looking happy all the same. She had Cleo’s bright red hair already, something her now-husband never failed to comment on, always grinning. Looking out at everyone, then back at Paul, Cleo wondered how on earth she’d gotten it so well. From six and a half years of living set on being alone forever, to getting married to a man more amazing than ANYONE she’d ever known. All to do with some volcanic ash, and what happened in Boston.
The End
BABIESSS!!!! lol
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Post by celticbear on Mar 8, 2011 22:56:54 GMT -5
Hey Tangy I see a sequel in this staring Neil and Maddie! Molly is such a sweet name. Love this Epilouge! Can't wait to see what you come up with next!
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Post by meg_cahill21 on Mar 9, 2011 15:39:43 GMT -5
i LOVED this soooooooooo much!!!! it was sooo sweet and oh my gosh was it amazing!!!! and CB is right, u should start a sequel with Maddie and Neil... jus' saying...
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