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Post by misssunflower on Mar 13, 2011 17:05:56 GMT -5
(Sequel to What Happened in Boston)
What Happened in Dublin
Madison Kilkenny hated the term ‘groupie’. Someone called her a groupie and they would greatly regret it, despite her being mistaken for a 16 year old constantly. It was an underestimation that they would never repeat. But, that made her sound violent. While really, in reality, aside from that, it took a great deal to anger her. So, as long as the word groupie was not in her description, she was the most laid back, quiet, happy, 22 year old ever. Or so friends told her. She could see it, sometimes, and was glad that people saw her that way. However, right then, she knew she probably did fit the term she despised, and was trying not to. Though it was VERY hard not to be groupie-ish when your best friend was marrying a member of one of your favorite groups in well, ever. And to now be sitting at a reception table in between all of those men, laughing and talking… she felt terribly giddy and terribly like a groupie. They weren’t acting like she was a fan though, course that was probably because none of them knew she was. To the eyes of the six men at that table, counting Cleo’s husband, Maddie was a mutual friend. All the same, she could not get over her shyness. She’d never been good at talking to people she didn’t know, and they were so much more attractive in person. Paul spoke to her the most, though he was the type to speak the most to anyone at any time at any place in any situation. Being his wife’s only good friend only added to it, she guessed. That was good, as he was the only one Maddie felt completely comfortable with yet anyways. He was also hard to be uncomfortable around. “So, are you Cleo’s age then? 23?” He asked at one point while Cleo spoke to the other bridesmaid there, Paul’s sister. He was only trying to draw her out of her shell, she knew, but it was still very… strange… to have Paul, Paul BYROM, asking her about her life. She had tried not to go too silent, and had failed at that. She was clearly going to have to get used to this. So she gave the best smile, “Only 22.” She brushed back wisps of hair that had fallen loose. She hated her hair up. “Thank you for being the first person to guess too high.” He laughed. He had an open laugh, hard to be shy around. No wonder he and Cleo worked so well together. She’d always been the more outgoing one in high school… well… she had up until a certain event shook her into self imposed isolation from the second she graduated up until a few months ago, actually. Maddie could not explain how grateful she was to that man for bringing her best friend back into her life, as he was happy for her help in reuniting him and Cleo when they were separated for months after their affair earlier that year. An affair that resulted in Cleo’s second child. “Yeah, I can see people taking you for younger. Take it as a compliment, Mads.” She grinned at ‘Mads’, “Trust me, Paul, I try. Oh, your baby appears to want you.” Without skipping a beat he asked, “Which one?” “The 2 week old.” Maddie giggled, “Though I’m willing to bet the 23 year old one will want to talk to you soon too.” She watched as the infant Molly was being fussed over by plenty of people she didn’t know, and saw her expression scrunch in soon to be tears. Paul turned to watch the scene himself, and turned back to give her a ‘gotta run’ smile, before obediently turning to his child, just as Cleo reached her as well. The couple laughed, and Cleo scooped her daughter up while her husband talked the friends into giving the child space. She wanted to keep watching the scene, which looked like it had come straight out of the credits of a romantic movie. Especially when 7-year-old Chris, the beautiful result of an admittedly idiotic move by her best friend when she was 17, joined in and was requesting holding his baby sister. What a family they made. She WOULD have kept watching but a voice shook her out of her thoughts, “Wish ye had a camera?” She turned to face Neil Byrne’s deep brown eyes, glinting with laughter, while only the tiniest twitch of his lips at the corners to show that he was smiling. He was the other one to talk to her casually among the lot of boys. She grinned at him, not even having to try. He was adorably sweet, and as far as she’d been able to tell, pretty shy as well. Always a relief in a lost situation like she was in. “Oh, you bet. But I can imagine there will be plenty moments to come.” He glanced at the pair for a moment before grinning back at her, still in that no-teeth-smirk that made her giggle a little. “I can see t’at, definitely. T’ey do look happy toge’er, don’t t’ey?” “Happy being the understatement of the year.” She said dryly. “So, how long have you known Paul?” She through in the awkward question to keep conversation going. It sounded like an interview now, and she hid a sigh; She’d never been a good conversation starter. He chuckled though, “A few years now. Longer t’an I’ve known a lot of people here. But we’re not real old friends as I’ve heard you ‘an Cleo are.” “Oh yes, Cleo and I have been friends since well, elementary school. I’ll miss her when I have to go back home and she stays here. We’ve finally gotten contact with each other up again.” “Really?” He looked interested now, adorable, “Cleo didn’t really tell me about t’at. I mean – if ye don’t want to talk ‘bout it I understand…” Oh good, she wasn’t the only awkward one here, “No, I mean, it’s nothing. You just know how it is, right? Losing contact with a friend after you graduate high school and things…” He nodded, “Yeah. Doesn’t make it better t’ough.” “Well, it’s better now.” Attention embarrassed her too. She so failed at this, and she was MORE comfortable with Neil. She hoped she didn't have to carry on conversation with, say, Ryan. She'd probably not even be saying educated words. “Maddie!” Cleo called suddenly, interrupting the conversation between herself and the guitarist. She glanced over at her friend, holding a sleeping child in her arms, “You want to hold her now?” Well, she HAD been asking to hold her little Goddaughter for sometime now. And she was kind of looking forward to talking to the only person she was not at all awkward with - Cleo. She turned back to Neil, and tried to convey all those emotions in a sheepish smile. He laughed, even more pleasant than Paul’s. And she pretended to sigh in a dejected way. “Well, I suppose I need to go hold my little ‘niece’, Mr. Byrne. You don’t mind, right?” But he was standing up from the reception table with her, “I don’t think I’ve met my friend’s daughter yet, meself. YOU don’t mind, do ye?” “Um… um… I think that’s Cleo’s position to mind or not… but she does think your sweet.” “So she’s told me. I’m sure she won’t.” He was laughing with his eyes again, clearly at her flustered expression, which she could not help, “Anyways, Mads, I’d like to get to know ye a bit more – keep me from momentarily forgettin’ ya at our next meeting.” She laughed, already letting her blush fade, his casualness was helpful for her. So helpful. “I wasn’t upset about that you know! I knew it was – was only because I do look different right now… I didn’t ca- I mean…” “You’re a bad liar, did ye know t’at?” He laughed. And with that began to walk toward her best friend and her baby. Blushing again, she followed.
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Post by misssunflower on Mar 14, 2011 21:43:23 GMT -5
Madison was the youngest in a family of two. She’d never been friends with people with younger siblings nor had she ever babysat as a teenager. For those reasons that the idea of even holding a child terrified her. These thoughts and similar filled her mind as she was awkwardly given her best friend’s infant daughter. Cleo didn’t seem worried, but Cleo rarely was, externally at least. And Molly was just so – so TINY. Well DUH she tiny, her mind scoffed, she’s two weeks old. Smart one. But, it wasn’t as though she knew anything about the correct size of a two week old, were they supposed to be this small? Was she smaller than normal, bigger than normal? Was she supposed to hold her this way or that yet? She was flipping out. “Mads, honey.” Cleo laughed a little, “You look as though you’ve never seen a baby in your life.” “Never held one.” She replied weakly, sounding as scared as she was. She’d never been one to hide emotions. The redhead’s eyes widened, “Really? I never let ya hold Chris?” Maddie took a deep breath, “I – um… never saw Chris until that one afternoon when I ran into you downtown, while Paul was there.” Cleo had obviously forgot this fact. Obviously, as the hazel eyes widened further, and she looked truly upset. “Oh, Maddie! I didn’t- I swear- you never got to see him? Not even back the- I forgot…” “I understand you weren’t exactly wanting to show him off to the public at the time, and so I never asked.” She replied, trying to make her feel better. She shouldn’t have brought it up. “I know you would have let me if I had.” Cleo nodded silently, then looked at Molly. “Well, you’re doing just fine.” “Really?” “You really a-“ “CLEO! You’re letting AUNTY hold Mollsie, but you won’t let ME!!?” Chris’s dejected voice rang out, stirring the child in her arms. For that Cleo still was calm, laughing and picking up her rusty haired son. Kissing his forehead and appeasing his anger. Maddie winked at him and he giggled. “Now, now, if you were holding your sister, your mommy couldn’t hold you, could she?” Chris considered, than giggled more, no child anger remaining. Cleo mouthed ‘thank you’ while the child spoke again, “I guessssss. But Cleo thinks I’m too little to hold a baby. She isn’t made of glass though!!” “No, mate, but babies much more breakable t’an glass in some ways.” Neil commented where Maddie had forgotten he was standing beside her. He seemed good at being unassuming, on disappearing practically until speaking. She thought she was the only one who did that. “You may not be trying to hurt her, but it’s ver’ easy to do on accident.” He smiled. Another moment of considering, “So I can hold her when I can’t hurt her on accident?” “Or when she’s old enough when she isn’t as easily hurt.” Chris approved of this. He loved Paul, obviously - as, according to Cleo the boy had started calling him 'daddy' before the two had even had a first kiss - but Neil was the boy's second favorite. Always called guitarboy and always treated Chris like a minature-adult, which he clearly appreciated. Maddie smiled, maybe he should be the one babysitting the children. “Neil’s right.” Cleo was saying to her son, grinning. She glanced up at the young man, “Speaking of, hun, do you want your turn with Molly?” He looked at Maddie, and answered smoothly, “Ah, but she looks so comfortable wit’ Maddie. And you’re the one who wants practice right?” She nodded, and then asked without thinking, “And you don’t? Not planning on kids in the future?” What kind of question was that for someone you were really just meeting!? Oh, yeah, how old are you, what do you do for fun, do you plan on having KIDS. Ah, her social-ineptness was rearing its head yet again. But for all that Neil only laughed, “No, I just mean that I don’t need the practice. Got a niece and nephew, bo’ of t’em just gone one year of age. See ‘em pretty often.” “You never told me that!” Cleo laughed, setting her son down to play. “Never came up.” He shrugged, “Do you have any siblings?” “Only child.” She answered, happily. Maddie sighed and stopped paying attention to the conversation she could contribute nothing too. As she appeared to disappear from conversation and listened to Cleo’s laughter and Neil’s lovely replies she felt like she was in high school again. Cleo was the talkative one, the funny one, the smart one… the pretty one. The one every teacher and student loved and had more than one friend in every group. Sure, the two of them were known mostly for being conjoined at the hip nearly, but Cleo could be and was known for plenty more, before Chris even. And after Chris, too. Cleo, of course, was humiliated by the fact that she’d gotten pregnant late in her junior year, and feared greatly what awful rumors and lies and talk would be spread about her after it. And true, there were the small number of people who did say the things she’d feared. Never to her, but Maddie heard the rumors at one point or another. But they were the minority, while many people, nearly the entire class, now had Cleo down as the strong one too. She never dropped high school, nor did she let her grades even remotely drop. She’d been able to support herself and a newborn without anyone’s help. She was practically wonder woman. Maddie didn’t like to think she was jealous. Because, she really wasn’t. She liked the friends she’d had in high school, the ones she made in college and the life she had now. She was happy to be able to catch up with her best friend again now, and feel like nothing had changed at all. But well, at the same time, nothing had. And again Maddie was in her best friend’s shadow. “Mads? You alive, lass?” Neil’s pleasant lilt snapped her out of her thoughts. Focusing again, she realized the best friend in question was not before her anymore. “Where’s Cleo?” Neil laughed, looking like he was trying hard not to be laughing at her but failing. “You really were out of it, weren’t you? She said she was going to get a bottle for Molly, and you nodded. You weren’t listening at all?” She blushed, “I kinda… space out a lot. Thinking, daydreaming, that kind of thing.” This was embarrassing. “No problem, no problem.” He smiled his unique smile at her, and again the awkwardness faded enough for her to smile back, “I do t’e same more than I really want to admit to. Practically perfected t’e art of making people t’ink I’m listenin’ when I’m thinking of somet'in else. Jus’ so I’m not bein’ completely rude.” “I’ll remember that next time I’m talking to you to make a quiz afterwards. See how much you were really listening.” She teased. More laughter. He appeared to find her simply delightful, she thought. That was one thing she seemed good at. “Well, so far Maddie, you don’t seem like an easy person to ignore.” Were all Irishmen flirts too? She tried not to roll her eyes, and failed, “I think you have Cleo and I confused.” “Ah, but Cleo I know most about, and what I don’t she’s plenty happy to share, y’know? Wi’ you, you’re quiet. Mysterious.” He winked at that, teasing her, “I always want to hear what you’re saying ‘cause you talk so rarely.” “I don’t talk because I have nothing interesting to say, you know?” She felt her face going it's blotchy. dang flirtatious, attractive man. “If I talked as much as Cleo, I’d bore you to death.” He beamed, “I doubt t’at.”
It's strange, how I can hear Neil's accent when I type his lines.
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Post by misssunflower on Mar 15, 2011 21:13:15 GMT -5
Looking back, Maddie’d been described as a lot of things in life. A lot of good things, really. A few bad, obviously but mainly good. Never had she been called ‘mysterious’. She wasn’t new to being flirted with either… if that was really what Neil had been doing. He didn’t SEEM the flirtatious type. Well, maybe he did. She could see him making such purposely heart-fluttering comments to any friend of the female gender, just for fun. He probably did with Cleo too. He wasn’t the type to SERIOUSLY flirt, then, her mind amended. And so he hadn’t been with her. Which was good. Still, it was made Maddie happy to feel that he considered her a friend enough to include her into this. She’d never thought she’d been very good at making new friends right off the bat. But… mysterious? That hadn’t sounded like some typical flirt line… Was he serious? She was shy, and awkward about talking, that didn’t make a person seem mysterious, that made them seem anti-social. Never in the furthest reaches of her mind had Maddie ever thought her inability to hold a conversation would be taken as a good thing in someone’s eyes. It didn’t make her like it any more, though. It was much too late in the reception and everyone was having WAY too much fun, for Maddie to get Neil alone and set him straight with this ridiculous misconception. Her mind laughed sarcastically at this. Oh heaven forbid anyone have a good view of you, Maddie. They’ll only be disappointed. Well it was true! She shot back. Flattering as it was, she was no mysterious person with deep layers to unravel or whatever he may think. She was just… Maddie. Boring, simplistic, socially awkward Madison. At this point everyone appeared to have had a few drinks as well. Fair enough, this WAS Ireland after all. No one was being particularly insane, yet, she thought, aside from the groom and his men having an impromptu karaoke session thing… with no karaoke machine. Only Keith and his guitar. For being drunk he was actually still able to get a tune out. Maddie supposed that came from practice. Cleo was laughing and clapping along – having left and returned from putting her two children to bed the mother in her was momentarily buried by the newlywed 23 year old she was. Still watching the 6 men singing some tune she didn’t know she figured out they really all weren’t that drunk, most of it was just them. She laughed harder at this discovery and took a sip of her own drink. What would any thunderhead PAY, and here she had it for free. Finally as they finished up, to much applause by the diminishing group of people who didn’t have lives to wake up to the next morning, Neil plopped himself into the chair next to her, grinning to her, about nothing in particular. He looked sober enough. More than some of the others, at least. He just looked to be enjoying himself. That made her laugh even more, before finally choked out, “Bravo. Lucky, I can’t sing when I’m sober, much less when I’m not.” “You call t’at singing?” He laughed, “I’m happy to know you have low expectations wi’ us.” She rolled her eyes. True, compared to the beauty of their voices on CDs or DVDs this had been pretty… average. But still, their average was AMAZING for her, at least. And so she told him that. He grinned, “Well, I’ve been doin’ it most of my life. Sing, t’at is. Same wi’ guitar. Music is just like life, y'know?” "Dream job?" She added. He chuckled, "Very much. And yours?" Her dream? Maddie’s mom had always been pretty big on giving dreams to her kids. Her brother had gone to a good college, became an engineer and was now happily engaged. Her mom wanted and got the same with her mostly… despite her job being a bit more on the artistic side. She didn’t have much in the way of dreams that were hers. She shrugged. Neil wasn’t having that. “Everyone has a dream. Jus’ stat wi’ what you’re good at. Everyone’s good at somet’ing.” All the ‘good at’s’ were taken too. Between her smart and gorgeous best friend and her smarter and athletic brother… she didn’t have much to call her own. There was ONE thing she thought herself good at, but it was something she still hadn’t figured out how to phrase, and the last time she’d tried she’d been laughed at for the way it had come out. So she said the one thing anyone had ever complimented her on. “I’m good at being good.” “I have no doubt you are." He laughed, "But t’ere’s gotta be more t’an t’at. Somet’in you can make a dream, y'know?” Maddie sighed. Neil never seemed the type to laugh at someone’s expense, true. But he was certainly gonna find this one strange. And she had to be sure, “Promise you won’t laugh.” “I swear.” He looked amused already. “I’m good at seeing things." She said, aware her voice sounded way too serious. Not laughing, he replied with an equally, overly serious, “Tell me more.” Maddie pulled away and looked for an example. “You see that lantern over there? What does it look like to you?” “A lantern.” He answered, truthfully. “Ah, for me I see a lantern… but not at first. I see it like a caged animal, the fire inside the lantern. And do you see how the light that does escape looks softer… happier?” She'd always been able to do this, see more interesting and wonderful things in mundane and average objects or scenes. She had an eye for beauty or so art teachers told her. Most everyone else thought her talent of 'seeing things' as she called it a little strange - those she told anyways. He’d pulled away too, looking at her, not like she was crazy, but like she was fascinating, then found something else to point out, and she obediently answered what she saw in her eyes. Once he got the hang of it, Neil was pretty good at seeing too. It got her laughing again, to see how into it he got, like a contest. No one else had done this with her before. As the reception was really reaching it’s close it occurred to both that Neil was actually the only guest left, save Maddie who was staying with the couple. He was in no hurry to leave either, as Cleo and Paul were chatting… or something, and weren’t exactly kicking him out. He’d begin to stand, say “I really should be going…” then be back in his seat asking her opinions of what this or that looked like. On his third standing up, he laughed, “I’m bein’ such an eejit. Here we’re talking and I haven’t even asked ya about what yer doin’ after today, wi’ t’e wedding done an’ all or if ye plan on stayin’ at all…” “I’ll be here for two weeks to a month after this. I’m watching Molly and Chris while our newlyweds have their honeymoon.” “Do sound excited don’t you?” He teased. “I’m just… nervous.” She confessed, “Never had to watch kids before.” Neil patted her shoulder, “Well, I need to go now, but if anytime in t’e next weeks ya need any help, I’m less t’an 20 minutes away. Here.” Maddie stared as he quickly jolted a phone number on a napkin. Oi, what a thunderhead would do for this, she could hardly believe it. “Not’in’ much else to do anyways. I’m going to say night to Mr and Mrs. Byrom. It was great to see ya again, Maddie.” He grinned, handing it to her and doing just that.
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Post by misssunflower on Mar 16, 2011 21:06:25 GMT -5
Cleo was overjoyed. “He gave you his NUMBER!? Maddie, seriously!!” She laughed cheerfully. It was the morning after the wedding and its reception. With her two kids asleep and her husband at the gym it appeared giving instructions about watching her children took second seat after other events were explained. Maddie wished she hadn’t brought it up. She sighed, trying not to dwell on it, “Yes, love, he did. But it’s not like, I mean, it’s nothing like that. He's being polite.” Thankfully her friend didn’t push that, “No, I mean, I wasn’t saying it was, hun. Just that,” She giggled, “Did you EVER dream that a member of Celtic Thunder would give you his number?” That was better. Maddie laughed, “No. No I really didn’t. And I suppose I really have to thank you for that.” “We’re even then aren’t we? You helped Paul and I get together, well, get BACK together. And through that I’ve got you closer to these guys than you ever dreamed.” “You’re making me sound like a groupie.” She warned. Cleo’s smile didn’t fade, “I know you aren’t honey, and you definitely show that. I don’t think anyone could ever tell you were a fan if they didn’t already know.” “That’s nice to know.” She sighed a bit. It was so great to talk to Cleo, it would stink that she was leaving for a few weeks, and that when she returned SHE would be leaving. She wondered if Cleo would keep better contact. She wondered if Neil would want to keep contact with her while she was in the states. But mainly right then, she was thinking of her best friend. She caught the faded smile, and got back to business. “I’m not gonna be gone long. I was able to get my lovely husband to shorten it to two weeks. That isn’t too bad. Chris’s old enough to understand why we’re going, but not quite old enough not to get upset about it. That’s why I’m glad you’re watching them. He’ll be happier with someone he cares about watching him.” “And Molly?” “She’ll know you’re not me, and that may be upsetting, but I think she’s still too young to REALLY mind that, as long as whoever is watching her is doing all the right things.” Maddie sighed, “That’s what I’m afraid of.” Cleo put her hands on her shoulders, “Mads, you’re fine. I wouldn’t have asked if I didn’t trust you to handle this. I’ll keep my cell on ALL the time if you need anything.” “No, you shouldn’t do that.” She argued, “Cleo, it’s your honeymoon, I don’t want to be a bother for ya.” “You’re NOT gonna be a bother. I’ll probably be calling more than once a day anyways. Won’t be able to truly enjoy this if I’m wondering about how my babies are doing all the time.” “And this is why weddings normally come BEFORE children.” She winked. That got her friend laughing again, “Not too much I can do about that, though, at this point.” “Try to have fun though.” “I don’t think Paul will make that very hard.” She giggled, her cheeks a little pink at nothing in particular. Maddie giggled also. “So when are you leaving? “In a few hours.” “WHAT!?” Cleo laughed, “You sound like Chris. Yes. Sooner I’m gone, sooner I’ll be back, right? Maddie, baby, you can handle this I promise.” “Yes ma’am.” She said dully. “And if you don’t think so, and freak,” She added, “need I remind you who offered his services if needed.” Maddie giggled a little into her hands, “True, true. But I don’t want to bother HIM.” “Mads, if he offered, you aren’t gonna be a bother. I’ve kinda learned you always think you’re a bigger bother than you ever are.” A wry smile for that, and Maddie knew she was thinking about how that was the whole reason that she didn’t return to Ireland with her love the first time he’d asked. “Fair enough, you would know. I ju-“ She was cutoff by the sounds of said love returning. “You packed already, Cleo, baby?” He asked, having noticed the bags she’d set in the entryway. Cleo laughed, getting up from her seat at the kitchen table, “I suppose that answers whether you have or not.” Paul emerged to meet her where the foyer met the kitchen. He looked a little hot, and a little tired, but was smiling warmly at his wife, which was likely all that mattered to her. She seemed ready to kiss him but he held her back slightly. Maddie almost giggled at Cleo’s pout. “Love, you don’t want to do that. I smell awful.” He grinned. “I don’t care.” She murmured in reply and kissed him anyways. Of course, then he didn’t seem to care anymore either and soon Maddie had to clear her throat loudly and look back at her hands. SHe felt like she was interrupting something. But then it was just breaking up to. Paul chuckled and ran a hand through his hair, “Ehm… Good morning Maddie.” He said in an awkward but cheerful tone, “T’anks for doing this, by the way.” “No problem.” She smiled, “Anything to make sure you to have the most… um… fun alone.” He laughed harder, “I wouldn’t worry ‘bout that.” Cleo blushed and gave him a light whack on his shoulder. He kissed her cheek. Maddie rolled her eyes. “Ewww Cleo and Daddy are being mushy!” Chris’s yawning voice entered the room as he emerged from his own bedroom. He was dragging the blanket Maddie had made as a baby shower gift for him. It was nice to know he treasured it. Paul grinned at his stepson. “THAT’s mushy for you, kiddo? You may not want to watch t’is t’en.” With that he drew Cleo in again and kissed her full on the mouth, longer and more passionate than the first. “EWW!” Chris exclaimed, scrambling onto her lap, “Auntie! Make them stop!!” Maddie simply covered his eyes, “I think you’re a little young to watch this, sweetpea.” Cleo laughed as she pushed her husband away, “Sorry about that, honey. Now, do I get a goodbye hug?” “You’re leaving already!!” “Not for a few hours yet.” She calmed, “But Auntie Maddie is watching you, remember? That’s not so bad, is it?” He blinked, “Auntie Maddie?” He turned in her lap look at her for a long moment before hesitantly smiling. “That’s…. kinnnda okay then. If it’s Auntie.” Maddie beamed at him. Having Chris’s approval seemed all she needed. If he thought she’d be a good babysitter, she knew she could be. And would be.
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Post by misssunflower on Mar 17, 2011 16:16:54 GMT -5
To call… or not to call. That was the question. So, she DID want to see Neil again. He was already like a good friend to her, so much more than any of the other guys, while they were nice too… Neil was just… she didn’t know if she could put it into words. He was just so genuinely nice to her. He was one of the only people to actually get her talking. That was special. She did want him to come help. Chris liked him too, didn’t he? His best guitarboy-friend And she wasn’t sure how good she’d be at watching Chris AND Molly alone. She was afraid her attention would stay on one for too long and the other would… she didn’t even want to imagine her worst fears. At that, Maddie almost wanted to laugh at her worry, as it was fairly ridiculous. She SHOULD be able to handle this without him. Besides, this was two whole weeks. She couldn’t very well call Neil over every day to help. SHE was the one her best friend and her husband had asked to watch their kids. Not him. She needed to suck it up. Cleo would want her to call though. But then again, Maddie had a feeling Cleo wanted to play matchmaker. And she wasn’t going to have that. Sure, Neil was handsome, VERY handsome, and sweet and all that. But he’d already become like a friend to her. To think of progressing any further would be… strange. Besides, she was a fan – just because he didn’t know it didn’t make it any less true. True, the men of CT were close to their fans… but fans and the object of their fandom weren’t meant to get THAT close. That was just like… an unspoken rule. It would be hard, but Maddie was lucky enough to have him as a friend. She wanted him to come but was pretty sure she shouldn’t. So that was a lovely situation. She worked in her mind ways to maybe have him come every other day, but that still seemed too often to bother him. So, right then she promised herself she’d have him come ONCE that week, if needed, and once the nest week regardless. “Auntie?” Chris murmured from where he sat on the living room floor playing with Lincoln Logs and watching an old Celtic Thunder DVD, and she was rocking Molly to sleep. Really the 2 week-old girl was surprisingly well behaved, at least all that afternoon. She’d napped when she was supposed to, and was good about eating too. Chris had been doing wonderful too, though he was being uncharacteristically quiet. “Yes, honey?” “It’s passed my bedtime, you know?” Maddie glanced at the clock. Indeed it was a little bit after 8:30, which Cleo had mentioned was when the 7-year-old Chris was to get to sleep. She wanted to stay on best terms by letting him stay a wee bit later than his parents might normally. Still, she didn’t want to TERRIBLY spoil the child. She smiled, “Well, I suppose I can let you stay up until the DVD is over. Just tonight.” But Chris shook his head, “No, I want to go to bed.” Maddie blinked. THAT was a new one. Didn’t kids usually complain about bedtimes? Showed what she knew. She sighed internally. “Sure thing, love. Can you get your things together for bed, or do you want help?” “I can do… most of it.” He said, “Can you brush me teeth?” She smiled sweetly, “Of course. Tell me when you’re ready for that, I’ll put your sister in her crib.” And with Chris’s okay, she got up and did just that. A couple minutes later Chris called from the small bathroom that he was ready, and Maddie came in to help the boy with his before-bed duties. He still wasn’t being his usual bubbly self and it was starting to worry her. Still dragging the blanket behind him he shuffled to bed, and, feeling useless, Maddie followed. Despite not being asked, she helped tuck him into his star wars themed bed sheets anyways. “Hey, sweet pea, are you feelin’ okay?” She asked gently, unable to resist laying a hand on his forehead. No, he felt fine. He sniffed a little, “I miss my mommy.” That was the first time Maddie had ever heard Chris call Cleo ‘mommy.’ “Oh honey,” She pet his hair down, “Your mommy misses you too.” “Noooo she doesn’t. She’s too busy with daddy right now.” “Christopher. I promise, your mommy misses you very much. And will miss you the whole time she’s gone. And you know what else, I’m sure your daddy misses you just as much.” He sniffed again, “Then why did I have to stay here?” Maddie kissed his forehead, “Because they have to be alone.” She racked her mind for the best explanation with out really explaining, “It’s a... ehm... tradition that after a couple gets married they have to go somewhere alone or else… um… they won’t be able to stay together afterwards.” Or something… “Really?” Chris’s eyes widened and looked fascinated. Thankfully - Maddie had just made that up. “Yes. And you want your mommy and daddy to stay together don’t you?” “Course I do! Cleo lovvvves daddy. She tells him allll the time.” Maddie laughed. She could see that. “So you understand why they’re gone?” “I guess.” He sighed, then he paused, “Auntie, are you gonna get married and have to go away for a while too?” More laughter, “I don’t know yet, sweets. No one has asked me to marry them yet.” “Then you ask them!” “I don’t have anyone I want to ask, yet.” She blushed, “Now, that’s enough questions, Chris. YOU’RE the one who wanted to go to bed, remember?” He giggled and snuggled into his blankets, “Yes, Auntie Maddie. Goodnight! Oh!” “Yes?” “Cleo gives me a kiss goodnight to help me sleep. Could you, please?” She smiled at the child. So cute. “Yes, sir.” She kissed his cheek softly. He giggled again. “You missed.” And pointed most adorably to his pouting lips. Which Maddie obediently gave a tiny kiss. “You, mister, have the pleasure of being my first kiss.” She added, winking. He laughed at that, looking delighted. “Now, goodnight.” “Goodnight Auntie Maddie.” He yawned, “I love you.” Already having lost a majority of all her fears within her first night, she beamed, “I love you too.”
CHRIS. I love him.
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Post by misssunflower on Mar 18, 2011 20:35:43 GMT -5
It was no lie that Neil was highly anticipating a call from Madison when he’d given her his number. It was hardly a secret either. So, it did get a fair bit of laughs when he checked his messages about the 10th time at the pub where he and a few of the other lads were out the odd afternoon a couple days after the wedding. True, it was quieter without Paul, but it was still craic to see some of the lads he normally didn’t see outside tour season. “Who’s he waiting on?” Damian asked at that point. Keith laughed, “He apparently gave his number out to Cleo’s Maid of Honor with higher expectations than he should have.” He ignored that and stuffed the phone back in his pocket, and listened to the 18 year old’s reply. “Maddie?” He grinned, “She was pretty cute. And she’s shorter than Neil, too, that’s a plus for him.” “It isn’t like t’at.” He laughed. True, the petite little Madison was more than a little attractive. Not only in her bridesmaids dress and pulled back hair, but he recalled her looking lovely their first meeting, with her hair down and messy and, if he remembered right, a simple t shirt and PJ pants. So, yes, she was pretty. But that didn’t change anything. Now Ryan added his laughter to the group, “You know, the second someone says that, the more people think it is.” “What IS it like, then?” Keith added. “Do ye always give your number to random girls – that’s not much better y’know?” He rolled his eyes a bit. “She’s watching Paul and Cleo’s kids while t’ey’re honeymooning, y’know. She said she was nervous about it so I offered to help if she wanted.” He shrugged. It wasn’t anything huge, was it? “Awfully chivalrous of ya, Neil.” Damian clapped him on the back. “Doesn’t explain why your checking your phone every 5 seconds though. She’s not calling; she doesn’t need help.” “Or doesn’t want any.” Ryan gave Keith a little punch. “Give him a bit more credit. She did looked pretty charmed by him at t’e reception.” He winked at Neil there. He rolled his eyes another time in reply. Not bothering to make any sort of useless argument and add fuel to this. Really? He supposed he should have seen the slagging coming, especially as, when he thought about it, a majority of his time at the wedding reception had been spent talking to Maddie. And he did find her a rather fascinating young woman, but not really anything more. Keith pretended to rub his arm in pain. “Well, I’d think she’d be charmed with talkin’ to any of us. What, wi’ bein’ a thunderhead an’ all.” Now Neil jumped back in, surprised, “Wait. Wait, wait… Maddie’s a T’underhead?” “That’s what Paul said. Were you not there for that?” Damian asked slowly. Truthfully, he hadn’t been. He thought back to talking to her, that night. Maddie… a thunderhead? “She doesn’t act it.” “No.” Ryan confessed, “I didn’t really think she was either. But apparently that’s how she was at our show in Boston last October. She’s pretty calm though, yeah.” “She can’t be a big thunderhead, or else I’m sure we’d have met her before.” Damian nodded, knowingly. “Or, there’s the possibility of a thunderhead that hasn’t had M&G’s yet.” “Those exist!?” Keith laughed, earning another hit from Ryan. Neil laughed, but was too busy thinking of Maddie to make any kind of reply. She was a thunderhead? He couldn’t see it. And why hadn’t she mentioned it? He wouldn’t have treated her differently for it… at least he didn’t think he would have. Maybe she just forgot, or maybe she thought he knew… he wasn’t sure. The whole idea was just one he was still wrapping his mind around. And for some strange reason… this made him want to see her again, more than he had already. Now that he knew she knew about CT he wanted to know her thoughts, if she had a favorite song… a favorite member… Oh, that’d be awkward. Neil supposed he could understand why she wouldn’t have mentioned it. She wanted them to treat her like a friend first, and not a fan. He wondered if it would be better not to tell her he knew. That was, if he talked to her that while she was there. Oh God, he was really over-thinking this, wasn’t he? “Neil? You okay?” Ryan chuckled a little, “Your pocket is ringing.” He blinked. He hadn’t realized he’d spaced out. And by the time he’d dug his phone out again the ringing had stopped. “It her?” Damian asked. “I don’t recognize t’e number.” He replied truthfully. The teen laughed, “Well, call back n’ find out!” “Wi’ you guys wi’ in hearing distance? No chance!” He laughed, hopefully covering up a little excitement. “Oh so you’d ra’er be alone…” Keith nodded, grinning wickedly, “Yet it’s ‘not like t’at’?” He shook his head, still smiling, “It’s not.” “Yet.” Now, he laughed, “I’m not planning on gettin’ in a relationship wi’ a fan, mates.” He said, perfectly sincere. And that was true. He’d never even entertained a possibility of becoming anymore than the typical close to any thunderhead. Though for thunderheads and them, that close was PRETTY close. Still, that’s where he’d always imagined a line, as did most of the lads. But already, Madison Kilkenny had stepped so far over that line Neil wasn’t even sure where it was anymore. She was pretty, funny, and that mysterious quiet he found unusually interesting. He knew very little about her, and always wanted to know more. While he was sure it was no more than friendly, it was a much closer friendly than he’d ever thought he would be with a Thunderhead. He had no idea what would happen if he started feeling any closer than he did already, like the lads all thought he would. But it was already too late to turn back.
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Post by misssunflower on Mar 19, 2011 14:13:45 GMT -5
It wasn't until the next morning, though, that he finally decided to call her back. He knew it would be... interesting. Just the two of them, watching two children…but he’d try and make it the least bit so, Maddie was good at making awkward situations seem less so. But the awkwardness of knowing she was a fan… that would be difficult. But in the end, Neil found he didn’t care much about it, and so it was easier not to think of it. He’d help her out no matter what. He just had to make sure and not get… too close to her. That was all. “Hello?” She asked, rather hesitantly upon answering the phone. She’d obviously either forgotten to save his number, or forgotten it in general, or, most likely, both. He laughed, “Hello Maddie. You called?” There was a brief silence, and then she was laughing also, “Oh, Neil! Good!” “Expecting someone else?” “Didn’t know the number, I didn’t know WHO to expect.” She chuckled, “Anyways, yeah I did call.” He waited for her to continue, but she did not. “Well?” “Well?” Now he laughed, “Well, do I get to hear why you called?” She giggled, “I thought it was obvious.” Could she BE more vague, he thought good-naturedly. Maddie wasn’t the type to spell something out unless asked to. “Don’ wanna assume t’ings, y’know.” “Good idea.” She said, “In that case. Neil, I was wondering if you’d be willing to come over this afternoon.” Neil couldn’t help but smile at this. “Certainly. So ye did end up needin’ help?” “Not as much as I expected I would, actually. But Chris wants to go out today, and I wouldn’t be able to navigate downtown Dublin if my life depended on it. You sounded like you came out here often, so… I mean… it would help to know the area…” “Tour guide, t’en?” He chuckled. “That’s… I mean, is that okay?” “Mads, o’ course it’s okay! Like I said, I got not’in much else to durin’ t’e day anyways.” He said, “I’d love to show you around Dublin.” He didn’t know why she’d have to have asked. But she certainly sounded relieved, “Thank you so much! Chris will be happy too, you know. He got all excited when I said I was going to invite you out. He seems to like you quite a lot.” Neil’s smile grew, “Well, he’s quite likable himself. How’s he doing?” “Misses Cleo like crazy, but isn’t moping about it anymore. He’s strong… like his mom.” She sighed a little. “You okay, Maddie?” “What?” She asked, “No. I mean yes- I’m fine.” A little laugh for that, and Neil had an idea she wasn’t telling the whole truth there. But though he wanted to, he wasn’t going to pry. “Alright.” He said, willing to drop it if miss mysterious did too, “When do you want me to come over?” She seemed thankful for that too, and the usual cheer was back in her voice, “Um… could you be here in an hour. We’ll go out for lunch too, if that’s cool.” He laughed, “Sounds perfect, Maddie. I’ll be t’ere soon.” “See you soon!” Hanging up, he gave the phone a little smile. Well, this was good. He’d get to spend an afternoon with the girl he’d been wanting to see again. Despite her being a fan, and despite him wanting it to remain just that. He WAS only helping her with Chris and Molly, after all. The fact that she was a fan re-entered his mind. Did she get on the forum, or any of the thunderhead networking deals…? Say she did… would she have been telling any other CT fan friends she had – ALL thunderheads were friends as far as he could tell, distance and age making no difference – about this? No one online had talked anymore than what would be considered normal about Paul’s sudden engagement to an American girl. So, she’d never spoke about that… But what if… this got mentioned about? He wouldn’t blame Maddie for wanting to tell someone, this was basically a thunderhead’s dream she was living. And once someone knew… everyone knew. But he didn’t think he was giving her enough credit. She was so calm, even for a thunderhead. She was – he still couldn’t really believe she was. But, if she was, he wasn’t going to think about it. Neil decided he was gonna trust her. Trust her to know what got said to other fans and what didn’t. Anyways, he couldn’t say no to her, not because she was a fan. Actually, there were very few scenarios in Neil’s mind where he thought he COULD possibly say no to her. She wasn’t a local here, and didn’t know anyone else to help. And he was already heading over, when these thoughts were playing around in his head. Again with the over-thinking – what WAS it with Madison and making him do this? “Auntie MAAADDDIEEE!! Guitarboy is here!!!” Neil hadn’t even rang the doorbell, and the young Chris’s exclamation was heard inside. A second later the door opened to Maddie. Dark brown hair stick straight passed her shoulders, glasses on her nose, smiling with both her mouth and her eyes. She was dressed in a plain black t-shirt and… One eyebrow quirked up at the design of her PJ pants. And she replied before he could say anything, "Yes, it's Hello Kitty - I'm eternally 5 years old." She was blushing a little. “Wasn’t gonna say anyt’in’.” He answered smoothly, trying to hide his amusement. She looked more like a 17 year-old than however old she was. Early 20’s like Cleo, probably Still, he added, "I like it.” That surprised her a little, but she smiled. “Whatever. Now, c’mon. I’ll round up the kids and you figure out where you want lunch. You are our walking map after all.” And with another beam the girl disappeared into the house, and Neil had already forgotten she was a fan.
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Post by misssunflower on Mar 19, 2011 19:21:38 GMT -5
It was becoming more and more clear throughout the afternoon that the pair of them looked like a family. True, neither child looked like Maddie or Neil. Chris had Cleo’s features near exactly, save for slightly darker hair. Molly had a shorter replica her mom’s hair, the same pure red, and Paul’s dark blue eyes. There was no doubt of whom the children belonged to. But for people who’d probably not met Paul or Cleo to see two young people and pushing around two little kids, laughing and talking, things could be assumed. Neil tried not to think about that before he started massively over thinking things like he had in the past. Maddie, thankfully, didn’t notice and was talkative, or at least, what was considered talkative for her. True, she only talked when he, or Chris spoke TO her. But it was past one word, quiet answers. That was refreshing. At one point, Chris felt like being carried by miss Maddie, and was attempting to converse, in her arms. He bent over her shoulder, glanced at Neil and then loudly whispered, “Auntie Maddie, you should ask him.” She giggled, giving Neil a smile that said she had no idea what he was talking about but was amused anyways. Turning back to the boy, she played along, “Ask him what?” She asked in an equally loud whisper. “To marry you.” Neil cleared his throat loudly, wondering he hear that right. Maddie’s face went a couple shades closer to red than he’d ever seen it. “What’re you askin’ me, Maddie?” She cleared her throat as well, “Ah, Chris… Chris has been a little fascinated by the prospect of weddings ever since he saw his mom’s. He thinks it’s something I should do too…” She sighed, and looked like she was trying to find a way to phrase it to the boy that she wasn’t going to be marrying him. He smiled a little at her flusteredness, like she was worried he’d take something like this too seriously. So he saved her the trouble, “I t’ink it’s usually t’e guys who ask t’e girls, lad.” He said. “Then you can ask her!” Chris cheered. “Not t’at easy, mate. You don’t just marry someone you know, but you have to be in love wi’ em too. Just like your mom and da.” He explained. Maddie sent him a relieved smile. But he wasn’t done yet, “You don’t love Auntie Maddie?” “Chris…” Maddie was blushing again. This was probably one of the most awkward conversations either adult had ever been in. Neil struggled to find the right words. No, he didn’t LOVE Maddie… not in the way the boy meant, anyways. He just needed to say that, in someway that made it clear he still did LIKE her. He liked her a great deal. But he didn’t know if Chris would understand that difference enough. And he wasn’t sure poor Madison could handle any more awkward questions about love and marriage. “It isn’t t’at,” He said, already phrasing it wrong, “I – let’s see… do you love your sister?” Chris paused, “Of course I do!” “But, do you t’ink you would marry her.” “… Ew no. I don’t love Molly like Cleo and Daddy love each other.” He said, making a face at that idea. He grinned, “Exactly. I erm love Maddie, but not like your da loves Cleo. So we wouldn’t get married, ye understand?” He nodded, seeming to actually understand. That was good. He looked at Maddie and she gave him another smile. This one he couldn’t completely read, but before he could, she’d looked away to set the boy down, telling him something about not running too far ahead. When he was down, she walked a little closer beside Neil. “Don’t you think Chris and Molly wouldn’t get married because there are, you know, laws about that?” She winked. He laughed, “True, but he got t’e point, didn’t he?” “He did, thank you. And, sorry about that. I never thought he’d say anything like that.” “Don’t worry ‘bout it. He’s only 6, makes sense for him not to understand t’ese t’ings.” He smiled. “I doubt Cleo t’ought to explain to him yet, y’know.” She nodded, “He’s 7 now, but I get what you’re saying. Nice to know I'm loved anyways,” She added, sending him a wry smile, "Even if it's not in the 'marrying' way." “Is there anyone, t’ough, t’at’s wantin’ to marry ya?” He asked without thinking, “Back in Boston?” “Do I look like I’d have a boyfriend?” Yes, he wanted to say. Yes, she really did. All small and petite and adorable. She looked like she would have someone, probably someone who looked her opposite, tall and strong like an american football player. Big guys liked to have smaller girls, it seemed, and vise versa. He imagined her with the kind of person he’d thought of, and found he didn’t like it. Not because it didn’t fit, really, more because it did… “Should I be taking this silence as a compliment or insult?” She added, when he’d said nothing. He blinked out of his thoughts, “Ehm… I don’t know. I mean, I don’t know if ya look like ye’d have a boyfriend or not.” He tried to shrug, “I guess I kinda expected ya to…” He didn’t know if that was true or not. Maddie laughed, “I suppose I’ll take that as a compliment then. Thank you very much.” “Ehm… you’re welcome.” After a moment, Maddie sighed again. It always worried Neil when she sighed, because he truly had absolutely NO idea what that meant. For her mood, that was. It could mean anything, and she never did tell him. But before he could ask, or not ask, or whatever, she’d said something else, watching Chris skip ahead of them, “There’s really only been one guy I really liked. But I don’t like thinking about him anymore. It was a long time ago.” “Who was he?” He had to ask. “Chris’s father.” He blinked, “You liked Paul?” She looked at him, and her expression spoke for her. Neil realized what he’d said versus what she’d meant. Chris’s BIRTH father… oh. He turned to also look at the cheerful young boy. This conversation just got a lot more awkward.
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Post by misssunflower on Mar 19, 2011 21:54:29 GMT -5
Cp- you has PM Was he supposed to ask? He couldn’t imagine he was. She’d JUST said she didn’t like thinking about this man, and Neil could imagine why. Talking about him would probably be all the worst. But she HAD just dropped that on him, basically opening it for questioning. At this point though, he wasn’t sure what he would even ask. Everything he thought of was pretty out of line, seeing as he really knew very little about Cleo. Or about her or Maddie’s lives before Paul had met his now-wife. He’d really KNOWN Maddie for only a day or two. He was practically a stranger, what could he ask? But before he could stop himself the incredulous, “Really?” Had left his mouth. Great. Maddie’s expression was unreadable. Figures. “Cleo and I were best friends, well, we are still, but you know what I mean. In any case, we liked the same things. The same bands, brands, boys…” She ran a hand through her dark hair. “She didn’t know I liked Eric though, still doesn’t. I was plenty happy for her when he asked her out. At least I wasn’t surprised; Cleo WAS the popular one.” She went silent and he didn’t push her on. Finally she did continue, “People always hear what happened and think he took advantage of her. He didn’t. He just – he never planned on Chris. Of course she didn’t either, but they had very different ways of dealing with the unexpected, and his wasn’t exactly nice.” She gave a forced smile, “All my respect for him died there, and so, obviously, did my affections.” “I’m sorry.” He said, quietly. Why did he have to have brought it up, she obviously hated talking about it. He would hate talking about it. The smile turned genuine, “No, it’s, I mean… It was years ago. Cleo is over it, I’m over it, and you were just curious. It’s fine.” “Can’t blame me for being curious, y’know?” He tried to lighten the mood, “You being so quiet and mysterious and all.” “I still don’t get that.” “What?” She laughed a little, “You really think I’m ‘mysterious’? I’m used to my silence being seen as anti-social.” He laughed with her, “Anti-social?” He supposed he could kind of see it… but. “You’re too warm to be anti-social.” “So I’m warm AND mysterious, now? Dare I ask what other adjectives you have for me, Mr. Byrne?” Neil felt his face heat up a bit as he realized he’d been progressing far beyond an already too-close relationship with Madison. He hadn’t even thought about it, but he’d been on and off flirting with her all afternoon. And enjoying it. This was interesting, to say the very least. Too late to stop now. “Oh t’ere are more, yea. But all of ‘em are pretty well summed up in ‘warm and mysterious’, Miss. Kilkenny. I hope ye don’t mind t’ose two.” “Despite not understanding that second one, I think I like them just fine.” She giggled. The sun was setting at that point, which looked awfully lovely, really. The whole ‘family’ had been out the entire afternoon, without even thinking about it. Maddie noticed the same time Neil did. And so did Molly. The baby seemed suddenly aware of how tired she was and, having no better way to express it, promptly burst into tears. Suddenly seeming a fair bit more panicked Maddie lifted the child out of her stroller, and into her arms, ‘shhh’-ing her to not much avail. She glanced up at him, giving a weak smile of someone incredibly worried and unsure of herself. Poor girl. “Time to head back?” He asked, smiling. She nodded, “Could you get Chris?” The boy was several paces ahead of them. “Certainly.” And, leaving her alone to soothe the sputtering baby girl, though he didn’t want to, he did just that. Chris came first right then, he supposed, as the sooner they got him, the sooner the whole crew could get home, and Molly could be put to her bed, and Maddie could relax again. Always good. She, Maddie, had done amazing. For claiming that she did no good with kids, she was handling everything very well. She didn’t really need any help, She didn’t really need him. He was being bothered about things that weren’t worth being bothered about. Again. This was slowly, or quickly, becoming a reoccurring theme. Same with over-thinking things. Both things that were usually very unlike him. He reached Chris who, unlike his sister, still was perfectly bubbly. But, he went willingly enough, “Can we watch you guys when we get home?” He asked, holding Neil’s hand as they returned to Maddie and the now sleeping baby. “Can we watch what?” He couldn’t deny that the original plan of dropping them off at home after the day out and heading home himself had flown out the window pretty early in the afternoon. “You guys.” Chris repeated simply. “He means Celtic Thunder.” Maddie answered smoothly for him. “He’s become quite the fan since last October.” Fan. That word woke Neil up again. Maddie was a thunderhead. A thunderhead. A fan. God, what was he doing? It was already very clear that the idea of staying safely distant from her had failed almost completely. But he was hoping it wouldn’t get any… worse… But Maddie, Maddie in all her warmth, shyness, and quiet conversation. Her blushes, smiles, dark but beautiful eyes… her way of making him think too much yet speak before thinking at all. Maddie had a way… of uprooting his plans.
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Post by misssunflower on Mar 20, 2011 17:27:35 GMT -5
Well, Madison thought, this was an interesting day. From Chris playing matchmaker with her and Neil, to accidentally letting slip what she’d never told ANYONE, about her little high school infatuation with the idiot who gave Chris to Cleo and then ran away, to unconsciously flirting with the man she was trying to keep a… a safe distance from. And now, to be sitting in Cleo’s living room, watching Celtic Thunder with Chris, and that man. That man who was one of its members. She sighed, why did she always have to put herself in these situations? She wondered if Neil knew she was a fan. She wondered if there was a casual way she could find out. She wondered, most of all, what he would think if he didn’t know, and found out. She decided she didn’t really want to know… in the end. So, Maddie went silent. Which was nothing new for her, so thankfully, Neil didn’t ask. Besides, he and Chris were having enough fun talking about this song or that. She tried not to get her usual fan-giddy while watching, and attempted to distract herself by absentmindedly braiding sections of her hair. Her hair was past her shoulders, but still too short to get a real good braid, like the kind Cleo did. She smiled thinking about Cleo’s hair, and her husband’s near obsession with it. That had always been cute. She wondered what it was like to have someone be fascinated by something about you. Neil was fascinated by something about her, her mind reminded her. Oh yes, her ‘mysteriousness’. That didn’t count, he wasn’t even right. And she supposed, vain and petty as it was, she wanted someone to be interested in something… physical about her. Nothing big, just like Cleo’s hair… her eyes or her smile or something. Like Maddie, for instance, adored Neil’s smile AND his eyes… and the way they worked together when he was amused. So adorable… Without thinking she sighed a fangirlish sigh, aloud. Embarrassingly, Neil noticed, and turned away from saying something to Chris to turn to her. He was still smiling, “Like the song?” He asked. She blinked, and concentrated again on the DVD. It was the end of the song Hallelujah. Her favorite on the whole DVD. That was kind of relieving. No need to lie. “Oh yes. I um…” How to phrase this without sounding like an insane fan, “I just think it’s really gorgeous, for being a really overdone song, this was really good.” She smiled gently. He chuckled, “Well T’ank you very much. It’s such a great song, it was amazin’ to sing.” “No kidding.” He grinned. “I’m glad you like it.” “I’m sure plenty of people like it.” She said, as seriously and dryly as she could. That kind of failed and he was laughing again. “Well, I don’t really care what ‘plenty of people’ t’ink about it.” He said in reply. There was a second of silence and then both of them were blushing at that. Trying to keep cool Maddie kept the dry tone, “So, that’s how you feel about your fans then…?” But she knew what he’d meant, and so her heart was still pounding. And he was still blushing, “I meant t’at, I mean, I do care what ta fans t’ink about everyt’ing…” He paused, “I just t’ink t’at your- your opinion is a wee bit more important to me.” What? HER opinion. HERS? What made HER opinion special… to him? The only reason she could ever think of was- was more than impossible. Finally she got out a breathless, “Why?” More silence, and the two only looked at each other, neither paying the slightest attention to the music blasting from the TV, or even Chris. Nothing but brown eyes looking into brown eyes. He looked embarrassed, and confused. Basically the mirror of her own emotions. “I – “ He began weakly, “Well, I-" Molly’s crying from a baby monitor woke the pair of them up. She was still too young to sleep all through a night. Maddie blinked out of the staring contest she’d found herself in. “Um… I’ll um…” Neil was already pushing himself to his feet, “I’ll get her back to sleep, Mads.” She blinked, “No- no, Neil, I can do… it…” She trailed off, realizing he was in just as big of a need to get his thoughts cleared as she was. She sighed. “Never mind. Thank you.” “No problem.” He said softly, before disappearing back into the crying baby’s room. More silence. “Aunty, do you feel okay?” Chris suddenly asked. He’d not heard or at least paid attention to any of the earlier conversation between her and Neil. That was good; she didn’t need his commentary on it. “Ah, yes, hun. I’m fine.” He shook his head, “You’re face is all read and blotchy, Auntie…. Are you sick?” He crawled over to where she sat and went as far as to place his hand on her forehead. “You’re warm too. Cleo says when you’re warm, you’re sick. Don’t be sick, Auntie!” Maddie smiled, calming down already. Praise Chris for his unshakeable cheer. “I’m fine, honey. Don’t you worry about me, ‘kay? Anyways, sweetie, it’s bedtime for you.” “Awwww!” Now that was more like it, Maddie thought, with a muffled giggle. “Can I wait till the DVD is done?” “What time do you go to school tomorrow?” “8:30.” He answered with a little pout. She smiled. “That’ll do for one more song, okay? Sound fair?” Chris paused, and then sighed, “Okay, Auntie Maddie. It’s got guitarboy too!” He turned his attention back to the screen. Looking also, Chris was right. It was Keith’s song, the surfer one, but at the moment she looked up it was where he and Neil had their little guitar solo part. It was strange for her to be MORE used to the suit on him, than the blue jeans and navy sweater he’d wore that day. Neil was out a few minutes later, just as the song was wrapping up. He looked surprised at her shutting the DVD and TV off. “Time for bed.” She replied softly. He nodded, trying to smile convincingly at her, but she could tell he was still embarrassed, as was she. Trying not to think of it though, she went through the bedtime rituals with young Chris. “Love you, Auntie.” He yawned as she shut his door. She beamed, “Love you, too.” With that she turned back to Neil. Who was looking like he was getting ready to head out… made sense, Maddie thought. He’d only come to help her with Chris and Molly, right? He smiled at her, and her back at him for a moment. It was clear both didn’t know what to say and was waiting for the other to start. “Um… Thank you for coming out, Neil.” She said softly. “No problem, Maddie. It was fun, really.” “I’m glad.” She paused, and then pressed on without thinking, “Do you think you could come out again… tomorrow?” What on earth was she saying? What she really needed was for him NOT to come out, so she could gather her thoughts and quit thinking about him… how she was thinking of him at the moment. “I thought with Chris at school, you wouldn’t need my help as much.” He pointed out quietly. His expression not changing from the polite smile. “Um… yeah… I mean…” She mumbled into silence. “I wouldn’t be able to get out tomorrow, not for a day or two.” He added. She tried to smile, “That’s fine if you can’t, I mean – I didn’t think… I mean- I don’t know why I-“ He chuckled a little, his own smile growing. “But, I t’ink, Wednesday. Is t’e offer still open for Wednesday?” Yes. Oh God, yes! She felt her face heat up as well as a smile crack on her face, “um… Yes. Wednesday is- is fine.” He grinned. “Great. I’ll – I ‘ll see you Wednesday, Mads. Goodnight.” “G-goodnight Neil.” And with that he left. Leaving Maddie feeling a heck of a lot more giddy than she probably should have. And NOT in a groupie way.
Epic long update of epicness. XD
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Post by misssunflower on Mar 20, 2011 22:22:01 GMT -5
She shouldn’t have been so happy. She shouldn’t. But telling herself that was slowly… or quickly becoming pretty useless. Saying she SHOULDN’T be, wouldn’t make her any less. Neil, dash it all, Neil MADE her happy. Without even trying. His laughter, his conversation, heck even his accent! It just made her whole world glow and she couldn’t even put it into words why. It was just… it was just him. And there was nothing she could do about that. She would stop being so… ecstatic by his very presence the moment he would be able to stop being so amazing. And seeing as he was being totally amazing without trying once so ever, that was probably never. Maddie could deal with that. She’d gone to bed not long after he left. Children were certainly tiring. But all the same it felt nice to wake up not feeling exhausted like she normally did. She’d really been feeling a lot more relaxed and happy here in Ireland than she had in a good while back at home in Boston. The city of Dublin, from what she could see, was less than half as busy as downtown Boston. She loved it. So feeling awake, feeling good, and still dealing with her less confused, but still confused thoughts on Celtic Thunder’s guitarist, she went to wake up young Chris for school. It was Monday. It was her 5th day as Chris and Molly’s babysitter. “Auntie Maddie,” Chris began over a bowl full of cereal. He’d woken up early enough to where getting him breakfast was no trouble before he went to catch the bus for his 1st grade class. “When do Cleo and Daddy come back home?” He was doing better, MUCH better, with his missing his mom and step-dad. But Maddie knew he would still be asking this question in his head and eventually out loud. She smiled and ruffled his uncombed copper hair. “Not too long, sweetling. Just a little over a week at this point.” He nodded weakly, “Cleo hasn’t even called yet.” He added with a childish pout before taking another spoonful of his breakfast and dribbling milk a little in the process. Maddie couldn’t help but still smile. “I t’ink that’s because she and Paul have been keeping busy everyday.” Maddie had seen this coming. Cleo had probably thought to call, but was just too busy, both with actually DOING things… and then… just with Paul. She vaguely wondered if this honeymoon would result in another sibling for young Chris. She wouldn’t be surprised. He giggled suddenly, “T’ink.” He giggled. “What?” “You said t’ink, and not think. Guitarboy and daddy say it like that too.” He giggled louder. Maddie laughed a little, “Yes, yes. I suppose it’s rubbing off on me.” Did Cleo start getting the accent that early into her time in Dublin with Paul? She never heard it, but then Cleo would never sound anything like Cleo to her. “Can you call her today?” He added, back to pouting. He stacked his now-empty bowl and successfully stacked it by the sink. Maddie sighed, and stood up to set aside her own dishes. Chris was such a well-behaved kid. Much credit to Cleo for that. “Chris, honey, I don’t want to bother her right now…” “But you said that Cleo and daddy missed me too!” He defended, in a practical, very Cleo like tone. Fair enough, she had. She sighed again. Now would be a very good time to have Neil there to help calm the child down. But Neil wouldn’t be over until that Wednesday… She could do this. “I’ll tell you what, sugar.” She said, getting his bag for him, “I’ll call your mommy while you’re at school and see if you can talk to her tonight. Does that sound like a deal?” The young, but mature, child considered this for a long moment. “Alright.” He gave in. “Tell Cleo I miss her, pwease?” “What about your daddy?” “I miss him too!” He said, smiling again. Thankfully. With that he took his bag and looked at the clock. “Do I need to go?” Maddie glanced at the clock also. “Probably, hun. I’ll see you at 4:00, then.” His school let out at 3:30 and he had a little afternoon program afterward also. She really didn’t have much work with him, as a babysitter. That and Molly, who slept and then ate, and then slept again… Cleo had been right. She COULD handle this. After the adorable young boy gave his ‘auntie’ her obligatory kiss on the cheek and skipped out the door, Maddie sank back down into a kitchen chair and debated what to do with her free time again. She couldn’t see how people were stay-at-home parents without going nuts just from boredom. She wanted to call Cleo but she almost wanted to call Neil too. He said he was busy though. Which was strangely, and stupidly, upsetting. He lived here; he had friends here, PLENTY more people than she did. She knew she shouldn’t feel bad that he was busy. He had every right to be. And she needed to not… be so dependant on his company. After all, once Cleo’s honeymoon was over. She would be going back to Boston. And aside from some later fall tour, she wouldn’t see Neil again. So? Her mind thought. Her mind had started getting into routine arguments recently. It was both amusing and infuriating. But anyways, her mind was arguing. She could still keep contact with him, even when she was gone. He liked her, at least enough to consider her a close friend and hold HER opinion higher than any other fan’s. He wouldn’t mind that. Then again, this was thinking that Neil didn’t know she WAS a fan… she sighed. Why was this so complicated? Things were more clear when Chris was there. He made everything better and less awkward and all that… So, trying not to think of it, she did as she promised and called Cleo’s cell. “Hello, you’ve reached Cleo - “ “And Paul-“ “We’re both sorry we can’t answer right now-“ “But if you leave your number, and who you’re calling for-“ “The person of your choice will get back to you as soon as possible!” “Bye!” Maddie stared blankly at the phone for a long second. Dear LORD, just how many chick flicks were being fed into this relationship? Really…. But, it was cute. She couldn’t deny that. Sweet enough to make a person’s teeth rot, yes. But cute. Stifling about her 10th sigh that morning. She left her message.
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Post by misssunflower on Mar 21, 2011 13:28:08 GMT -5
The person who called her back that evening, however, was not Cleo. Or Paul. She was still surprised Cleo hadn’t returned her call. Maybe they were busier than she thought, but Maddie had been almost certain that if SHE made the first move to call, her best friend WOULD call her back. Poor Chris was missing his mommy. Again, why weddings and all that were meant to occur before children. She wondered if she should call again, later the next day. She wondered when and if she should mention it to Chris. It WOULD be easier if he didn’t know, before he thought his mom was purposely ignoring him. Something Maddie knew quite clearly was as far from the actual case as possible. But this was all beside the point right then. The point was, right then, that it wasn’t Cleo or Paul that was returning her call. But someone she hadn’t expected to talk to for another few days. “Neil?” She asked in complete surprise. Chris had gone to bed minutes ago and she was watching random junk on evening TV, and listening to the light rain pound on the ceiling. Neil. Yes, Neil. Neil, who had said he would be busy all day. Or something to that general effect. His laughter echoed through the phone, that very, very lovely relaxed sound. “You sound very surprised.” “Well can you blame me?” She said, unable to contain her own laughter. “I’m pretty sure you said you were too busy for anyt’ing today, you know!?” “Ah, never said t’at.” He answered smoothly, “I said I wouldn’t be able to come out today or tomorrow. T’at’s not te same as being to busy for anyt’ing. Nice accent yer gettin’ by t’e way.” She blushed, and was glad he couldn’t see, “It’s your fault, you know?” “I’m glad. I t’ink it’s cute.” More blushing for that one, “Whatever, whatever. Did you call for a reason?” “Didn’t know I needed a reason to call ya.” He said slowly. Oh goodness… She stifled a sigh. Did he not know her at this point? She could hardly hold a face-to-face conversation, and now he was trying to just chat with her over the phone. This was going to fail most miserably she could see it already. So she decided to warn him, “um… you do know I’m not exactly one for talking in person… phone won’t make it any better.” “Oh yes, wi’ you being ‘anti-social’ and all.” He laughed. “Don’t say I didn’t warn you.” “I didn’t plan on it. I still don’t agree wi’ you on t’at, anyways, Madsion.” Maddie didn’t know why, but being called ‘Madison’ made her heart pound. Maybe cause people never called her that… and it made him sound more serious… or something like that. Ah, she was being ridiculous, wasn’t she? She tried to remember what they’d been arguing about so she could answer him. It took a second. “Doesn’t make me t’i- THINK it’s any less true, Neil.” He laughed at her attempting to sound more like the American she was. True, she’d been told by non-Boston-er’s that she had a bit of an accent, from living in the highly Irish populated city. But next to an actual Irishman, it was still clear that this was not her home. Or it HAD been clear. “Well, I suppose I got me work cut out for me, t’en. But I’ve got ya conversin’ t’is long, anyways.” “I’ve been arguing this whole time.” “Still conversation, love.” ‘Love’. That was a new one. She wondered whether or not she wanted to comment on it or not. She remembered earlier awkwardness, when he’d said something that made her heart stop or beat too fast. That’d probably be worse over the phone. “Whatever.” She said, again. “Arguing wouldn’t be how I want to spend a conversation, really… can we talk about somet’ing else?” “Name a topic.” He replied. Maddie made a face, despite him not being able to see, “Please remember who you’re talking to. Not good at topics…” Neil laughed, “Ehm… let’s see… How are Chris and Maddie doing today? What did you occupy today with? Have you talked to Cleo and Paul recently?” “Thanks.” She said, truthfully. “Um… They’re fine. Chris misses him mom more again. Chris had school so I took Molly for a walk.” “And didn’t get lost.” “And didn’t get lost, yes.” She laughed, “Anyways, and no, I have not talked to Cleo and Paul yet.” “At all?” He sounded as surprised as she had been. She giggled a bit, trying not to think about it, “No, but it’s fine. Just means they’ve been keeping occupied.” “And you were worried t’ey wouldn’t be?” “Fair enough. Point is, I’m alright wi’ it… but,” “Chris?” He asked. She laughed a little, “Exactly. He does better when there is more to distract him from his parents being away. But I’m no better at being distracting than I am at holding a conversation.” “Which you’re better at t’an you t’ink.” “Whatever.” He laughed. As always, he found her more amusing than she planned on being. But she loved hearing him laugh, so she didn’t mind being unintentionally hilarious. “Well, I’ll try and help wi’ t’at on Wednesday, Mads.” “That would be fantastic, thank you. Um… so what are you doing tomorrow, t’at’s keeping you…?” That sounded weird, and it made her sound more dejected about not spending a day with him, than she really wanted to sound. He either didn’t notice, or didn’t care, “Music. Recording and t’ings wi’ o’ter groups, y’know?” Well, at least it was something productive. “Well, that’s nice! Oh! You should bring a guitar on Wednesday.” She said without thinking, “Chris would adore that.” And so would she. Oh would she ever. Neil laughed harder, “I see no reason why not. Love to give ye... and Chris, a concert so to speak.” Pause, “Anyways, Maddie, I’ll let you go now.” He continued, “T’anks for t’e conversation, or supposed lack t’ere of.” “Um… you’re welcome?” “I’ll talk to you on Wednesday, t’en.” He said, warmly. “Later, Madison.” AGAIN with the full name. Her heart thudded, “Um… later Neil.” Hanging up, she sighed. Wednesday was looking to be quiet interesting indeed. Then again, it was becoming apparent that any time spent with Mr. Neil Byrne was.
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Post by misssunflower on Mar 21, 2011 22:57:40 GMT -5
Your wish be my command. It was Wednesday afternoon. Chris was still at school and Maddie had NO idea what to do. Well, what to do with NEIL that was. Chris had always been a fabulous conversation starter. That and he and Neil could hold their own conversation without a single word from her. That was nice, and she loved listening. She shouldn’t have invited the man over when the one thing that helped keep her sane was at school. So, without Chris, she began to try and work through conversation topics between herself and Neil. Neil who was due by any moment then. She was good at memorizing people, and their character. So it was easy to pretend what he would say if he were there right then. While she had her mental conversation with a man who wasn’t there yet, she dully colored some of the drawings she’d made for young Chris on blank paper. She debated calling Cleo again. She was really wanting to talk to her, for obvious reasons. Part of her wanted to wait until Chris was home. But most of her couldn’t stand to wait that long. That was assuming she answered right then. She didn’t want to call while Neil was there though. But out of the two options, talking to Cleo with Neil in the background was better, for all the questions she wanted to ask her friend. It rang only once. “Maddie! Honey, what’s up?” She sounded surprised, mildly breathless, and mildly concerned also. “Everything okay?” She couldn’t keep in a laugh, “Cleo, I t’ink I’m the one to be askin’ you that! After all, I would kinda like to know what business got in the way of returning my call.” “Your… call?” “Monday morning.” She said. There was a brief silence and then suddenly Cleo was talking in one huge flow of words. “Omigoodness! I am SO sorry! Oh Maddie, I’m so, so, so sorry. I haven’t even looked at my phone until, like, now. Oh I should have thought about calling – I did think about calling, but something always- oh never mind. Oh Mads, Mads, Mads…” “Cleo!” Maddie cut in, “Breathe.” She exhaled, but lost no panic, “I’m sorry. I really am. Oh, honey, oh, how are my babies? Are they doing okay? How is my Chris? Does he miss me? Oh I can’t believe I haven’t called yet! Is everything okay!?” “CLEO.” “Okay. Okay. Sorry.” “Chris is fine. He misses you a lot, which was really the whole reason I was calling on Monday. Just to see if you could chat with him later. But no, he and Molly have both been just darling.” Another exhale. “I’d love to talk to him tonight. I miss him and Molly so much.” “Even with Paul there?” She giggled. Cleo giggled louder than Maddie had expected and she imagined she was definitely missing something. “Oh Paul does VERY well at distracting me from it, but that doesn’t mean I miss them any less. He misses them too.” “Oh obviously.” “So how’s everything been going though, has Neil been over, yet?” How had Maddie known this would come up? “He has, in fact. Which was plenty ni-“ The doorbell rang, “nice.” She finished as she got up to get it. Neil was standing there, guitar case in hand, grinning, and raised his eyebrows at the phone she was holding. “Cleo.” She mouthed to him and he nodded. She then gestured for him to come inside, which he did, still grinning. “Oh I’m sure it was.” Cleo teased, happily. Maddie rolled her eyes, and Neil chuckle, a sound her friend embarrassingly caught, “Oh, is he over now? Oh goodness! Don’t let me interrupt!” “Cleo!” Maddie was now blushing, “I think I should be the one saying this. I’m not interrupting any honeymoon activities am I?” Her friend burst into hysterical giggles again, and this time she was certain it was over something on her end of the line. Even more clear, as she tried to choke out a “N-n-no. You’re fi-INE!” She squeaked into giggles toward the end of it. Followed a couple seconds later by the final dead give-away. “Paul! S-Stop! Will you let me finish talking to he-mmmMMmm.” She was cut off as Maddie assumed her lips were momentarily occupied with something else. Neil was in silent hysterics over whatever story her expression was telling him. After a moment of silence from Cleo’s side, Maddie finally took action, “A-HEM.” She said loudly. Cleo’s giggle was heard again, more breathless, and in the background she heard Paul say “Oh, hullo Maddie!” goofily. “Hello Paul!” She called loud enough for him to hear through the speakers. “I’ll um… I’ll leave you to your wife now. I’ll have plenty of time to interrogate her about t’is later.” And boy, would she have a field day with that! “Tell Chris I’ll call him tonight!” Cleo added through her laughter. “You two crazy kids have fun.” Maddie replied dryly, before hanging up and giving Neil a sheepish smile. “Um…” He laughed aloud now, “I’m not even sure what question to ask. Should I assume t’e pair of t’em are enjoying t’ere alone time?” “Yeah, let’s um… let’s leave it there.” She said, a more amused smile winning on her face now, but first she had to add in her dry tone, “I believe they’ve both forgotten t’at they both HAD child a few weeks ago.” He chuckled, “Well t’at does go wi’ t’at term, y’know.” “What term?” “Do ya know what it’s called when two kids are born less t’an 12 mon’s apart?” Maddie was silent for a moment, trying to figure out if she’d heard this one before. But nothing came up so tentatively she said, “No…” “Irish twins.” He replied, putting just enough emphasis on the nationality mentioned. She blinked, expressionless, while processing that. And he winked. “Oh… God.” She muttered, before laughing. “Figures. Watch them have like Irish triplets.” He grinned the close-lipped grin she just adored. “I don’t t’ink t’at’s possible.” “They’d find a way.” The smile barely grew but now his eyes were lit up with amusement, “Won’t ask why ye say t’at. Where’s Molly?” “Napping,” She said, snapping herself out of near-swooning over him. It was hard to do, when she used to do it ALL the time, upon seeing him on a DVD screen. “Um… She’ll be asleep for anot’er hour, I think.” He didn’t notice, “Well,” He glanced at the guitar case, “I was plannin’ on savin’ t’is for when Chris came back, but if ye don’t mind hearin’ t’e same tunes twice… “ He trailed off suggestively. To go from getting a private ‘concert’ for her and Chris, to a private concert for JUST her? To let him sing, just. For. Her. One of those things that she had unconscious daydreams about… Did he honestly think she’d say NO to that?I didn't make up the Irish Twins bit, my dad and uncle are and he told me the term. Got a giggle out of me, it did.
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Post by misssunflower on Mar 22, 2011 21:49:13 GMT -5
Christopher Byrom’s day had been made. Anyone could see that. Maddie laughed as, in his pajama’s, he spoke to his mom on the phone. He was grinning ear-to-ear explaining what he was doing in school and how earlier that afternoon Neil Byrne had played his guitar just for HIM. And how he wanted to learn guitar now, too, but only if ‘Guitarboy’ taught him. Which… “I’d be more t’an happy too. Don’t know how good of a teacher, t’ough.” He murmured, as he too was eavesdropping on the phone conversation. Maddie smiled up from where she was still coloring her drawings, “You’re patient enough wi’ him. I can see you being a fine teacher.” “T’ank you.” He tilted his head, watching her, “What are you coloring?” She giggled, “Oh it’s just um… I was drawing t’ings for Chris.” He blinked, picking one up, “You drew t’is, Maddie? T’at’s really good, y’know” “Um… yeah, I did. Guess I never told you t’at, did I?” “What?” “That I’m an illustrator.” She giggled, “I do, um… greeting cards, and kids books.” She blushed a little. “For a living?” He was genuinely interested, picking up another drawing and studying it, before sending her another grin. “Yeah. I always told Cleo I’d do the cover art for her first novel too… but for a while her author dreams were put on hold… so that never really happened.” “Well, t’at’s still fantastic, Mads. You’re really ver’ good. Learnin’ more about you wi’ everyt’ing you say.” He laughed a little. Maddie was still blushing, and now concentrated on peeling the wrapper off a crayon, and without thinking said, “Well, now I’m worried you’ll learn all about me, and I’m not gonna be your ‘mysterious Maddie’ anymore.” She meant it was a joke, but it had come out less so. Really, much less so. She wasn’t looking away from her dark pink crayon she was undressing, so it came as a complete surprise when she felt Neil’s hand take one of hers from its absent unraveling. Suddenly her face was the mirror pigment of that crayon. She shot her head up to look at him, the crayon falling from her hand and rolling off the table to hit the floor with a garishly loud ‘thud’, and waited for him to say SOMETHING to go with that action. He seemed to be trying to find words for it himself. By the time he’d softly, shyly, said, “Madison… I really don’t t’ink t’at’ll ever happen.” She’d forgotten what they’d even been talking about. “Goodnight Cleo!! I miss you too!!” Chris’s voice seemed to register in her ears yet again, and she was able to quit staring at Neil’s eyes to look back at the child, just hanging up the phone, and turning to grin at them both. More than thankful for the boy’s interruption, Maddie stood up, awkward as she realized her hand was still in his. He stood up with her, and freed her from the grasp at last. Dropping his hand like he didn’t know what to do with it then. “Um… You get yourself ready for bed, Chris, honey. I’ll be there in a moment. Say goodbye to Neil…” He waved happily, “Goodnight Guitarboy! Cleo said you can teach me guitar and we can see each other all the time!” He giggled and took off for his room. Oh, to have pleasure of seeing him all the time. She smiled weakly. “Thank you so much for helping. Again.” Maddie said softly as the two stood just inside the doorway before Neil left. As always, he wasn’t really rushing to be away from her. He stood there like they were expecting to chat for another hour or so. “Not a problem, Mads. You seem pretty able to handle yourself wi’out my help t’ough. Didn’t do anyt’ing t’is time ‘round.” She giggled, “That’s flattering, but I’d probably still be scared to death wi’ out you. You’re a godsend.” Now he looked flattered, “T’ank you very much. Does t’at mean you’ll be needing my help again?” Tease. She thought with no infliction. She loved his playful flirting with her – she’d never had that much fun with it in the past. But Neil was… was much sweeter with it than other men who seriously came on to her. He knew where to draw a line, which was great. “I can it imagine it does. That is if you are up for that.” “I see no reason why not.” He laughed for a second and then lowered his voice, forgetting that there were small children finally settling down further in the house. She covered her mouth to hide a giggle at his worried expression. Finally when no sound of stirring came, they both exhaled. “I probably ought to go now.” He added in a whisper, still smiling. He turned and opened the door, before turning back to her again. More of his issue with leaving, “Talk to ya later, okay, Maddie?” She loved how he sounded like he was asking permission. Like she might say no. She grinned, “’Kay. Night Neil.” Then without thinking, like, at ALL – like more than her usual lack of thought – she rested her hand on his shoulder for support as she pushed herself on tiptoes to kiss his cheek, only to accidentally find his lips instead. She could feel him stiffen completely at what she’d just done and felt herself go bright red. Way to go Maddie, way to go. She pulled herself away quickly, her wide eyes looking at his. God, she was an idiot. Here, she’d built up a nice friendship with him, and she had to go and ruin it. She waited for him to say something, but he appeared to be speechless… great. So she stuttered out, “N-Neil I’m- I’m sorry. I – I don’t know what I- I mean- I didn’t mean to-“ She sighed and looked down, bracing herself for what on earth he’d say in reply to that. Still silent, suddenly she felt Neil’s hand tilt her chin up to look at him again. Maddie didn’t get enough time to read his expression, for a second later he’d leaned in and kissed her another time, and her eyes were closing, having no desire to stop him. And now, being the one who initiated it, he didn’t seem to feel like stopping it either. So with neither pulling back it only kept going and going. All thoughts were gone from her mind right then. She wanted to… do something. Wrap her arms around his neck… or something to that effect. But she couldn’t make her arms move. She was stunned. All she could think about was that HE was kissing HER. Oh wow. At last he pulled away. He looked a little shaken, and flushed, and she knew she must have looked the same. That smile of his slowly worked it’s way back on his face, hesitant. “Goodnight Madison.” Before she could even possibly find a response, he had gone. ... yum.
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Post by misssunflower on Mar 23, 2011 18:53:38 GMT -5
Neil Byrne spent the entire next day trying to justify what he had done the night before. By what he had done, he meant kissing her. Kissing miss Madison Kilkenny. And it was a heck of a lot harder than he thought it would be. Which was why the more logical part of him was saying he never should have. But… what else was he supposed to have done? After she’d so sweetly placed her lips on his, so unexpectedly too, sending warmth spiraling through him but ending it before it had made its way completely through. Then she was blushing, and apologizing and he couldn’t think at all. And what else was he supposed to do? The warm feeling hadn’t completely left, but was fading fast, and he certainly wouldn’t have minded feeling it again. Maddie being a fan was the furthest from his mind, anyways. Was he supposed to smile, tell her ‘it’s okay’ and just leave? He didn’t think any warm-blooded male in the world could do that in his situation. And so neither could he. And so he’d kissed her. And, for the moments of it’s occurrence, the however many seconds it had lasted – over a minute maybe? – it had been amazing. Amazing enough for him to have absentmindedly wondered why he hadn’t done this long ago, and find he was unable to find a good enough answer. Thinking about it, right then, he still wasn’t sure he could… So, with enough warmth in him to have appeared feverish was how he remained for most of the night post-kiss. And though he didn’t have the kind of dreams he remembered, Neil was willing to bet that it had been a part of it, and if not the kiss itself, definitely Maddie. It probably would not have been the first time. He’d kissed a thunderhead, part of his mind was logically scolding him, as the warm emptiness of his mind faded the next day. This was the last thing he’d been planning to have happen. The VERY last thing, and yet it had. And despite how insane, and well, just insane, as it was into the next day, he still couldn’t regret it. Couldn’t truly justify it, but certainly could NOT regret it. While his mind was still arguing it, his heart had completely thrown out her thunderhead-fan-status as trivial when it came to his feelings… and he’d fallen for her. Hard. Now, having cleared THAT up… there only left what in God’s name he was going to do about that. So, Neil had fallen head-over-heels for the American best friend of his friend’s wife, a girl who was going to be going back to the states in a few days, when the married couple returned. How was he supposed to deal with that? Paul and Cleo had pulled off the long distance relationship deal, for a time, hadn’t they? Of course, neither had enjoyed being separated in the least. But then, in the end, that had resulted in her staying with him forever, hadn’t it? Staying with him and… and marrying him. An image flashed in his mind before he could stop it. An image of Maddie in all white, her hair pulled back like it had been at the reception, beaming at him, blushing slightly… He shook it away as quick as it had occurred. God, ONE kiss and already he was dreaming of marrying her? Was he THAT far gone? He needed to talk to someone about this, really. It was hard to get his mind full around the feelings that just sort of popped up without anyone to tell it aloud to. Neil debated anyone of the lads, trying to figure out who’s slagging would be the least. Before deciding to call up the only one who’d been through the closest to the same. Honeymoon or no. “Neil? Hey…” The confused voice didn’t belong to Paul, but instead his wife. That wasn’t bad or anything, though. Cleo certainly would know plenty about this kind of thing too. And Maddie was HER best friend after all. “Ehm… hey Cleo. Is Paul around?” The two, obviously, could not be far apart. They were on their honeymoon… She laughed a little at nothing really, “Um… he went for a run this morning, but he should be back soon-ish. Is this about you and Maddie considering item-hood?” She added. He blinked, “What?” He tried to think of how she’d possibly know about that. Had Maddie called about it afterwards? Was she as confused about it all as he was? He didn’t know if this should relieve or worry him. But Cleo’s laughter had grown. “I’m only teasing, Neil. Unless, of course, that is why you’re calling…?” “So…” He had to clarify this, “Has Maddie talked to ya since yesterday afternoon?” “No…” She jumped on it though, as he kind of expected she would, “But, what? Did something happen since then?” He could imagine her grinning in excitement and tried to keep from rolling his eyes, even if she couldn’t see. He debated dropping it, before remembering his need to talk to someone, “I um… I kissed her.” He stated simply, “Or, ehm… she kissed me, but I-“ He wasn’t sure how to phrase who had initiated it or how exactly it had happened. “So we’ll sum it up in ‘You and Maddie kissed’, then, shall we?” Cleo’s voice was surprisingly calm, with just the slightest undertone of complete surprise. “Ehm… yeah. T’at.” “Well, Neil that’s GREAT!” Now she sounded more like herself. “I mean, I assume you think it’s great too… you do don’t you?” ‘Great’ being the understatement of the year, to quote Maddie. “Well, I- Yeah. Yeah. It’s just I really wasn’t expecting t’is… or really wanting it eit’er.” He said truthfully, “It just kind of… happened.” She made a clicking sound, “Trust me on this, things rarely happen when and how you think you were wanting them.” And she would know. Neil exhaled a little. But, he wasn’t really done with his confusion yet. “True… I’m just worried… I’m not sure what I’m worried about, actually… but I still am” He still was indeed. Though when he thought about it he couldn’t really find specific things that worried him about having fell in love with her. It went with why it bothered his mind to think he’d fallen in love with a thunderhead. There were no real reasons he could form about why, but it was just there… He wasn’t worried it was unrequited… well not too much. She HAD kissed him back. Though to kiss someone and love someone were different things, more different in different people. But Maddie, he doubted she was one of those who separated the two. It was- it was just- What if she only loved him for CT? It was the most ridiculous thought. The most unrealistic fear he could possibly have had. But there it was, floating in his mind, and taking root. She wouldn’t- she wasn’t that type of person either. She was hardly a thunderhead at all. If she loved him, she loved HIM… Didn’t she? He knew somewhere, externally, he was happily enough ending the conversation with Cleo. While internally he was over-thinking more than he ever had about Maddie before. She did, she didn’t, dang ‘what if’ questions… All he knew at this point was that that ‘what if’ question had definitely come too late…
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