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Post by misssunflower on Feb 7, 2011 22:40:30 GMT -5
Work with me here, my dear readers. In Keith's mind currently (which is where you need to be when reading); Keith loves Kenz and Dana is his best friend. Damian was a fast learner. That was the upside. The downside was, though he was fast at picking up and trying out any of the tips Keith through at him he still could not quite get over his serious lack of balance. He tried to smother his laughter as the poor lad went through one wipe out after another, getting more comical each time. He was a good sport too, though, and that was grand. No one could get anywhere in something like surfing if they went in with a doubting attitude, maybe that’s what Keith liked so much about it. It was very freeing, very calming, and you couldn’t do it while worrying about anything else in your life. It was an escape. He needed that right then. When surfing he forgot that he couldn’t do this as often anymore, at least not daily. He forgot that he was upset Mackenzie hadn’t come, or that he was hoping to see Dana again today, or tomorrow, or whenever. He just thought about the surfing, the ocean, the air. Damian made great conversation too. He had nothing but the usual worries of a teenage boy in school, and he didn’t groan about them either. It almost made Keith wish to be 18 again… things were a fair bit simpler for him back then. But Damian looked up to him, he knew, and he liked to think that he was living up to the Keith the young lad had in his mind. “Can water leave bruises?” He mumbled, rubbing his right arm, which had taken the brunt of the last fall. Keith laughed and pushed his wet hair away from his eyes. “Oh yeah, mate. Better be getting used to it.” “And here I was hoping this was a pretty non-painful sport.” He rolled his eyes. “All sports are painful, I think that’s like in the definition.” “I suppose that’s true. Are we done for the day then.” He rubbed his arms again. Keith didn’t want to be done, but if his mate was getting tired he wouldn’t force him for his own sake. “If you want to be, aye. You gonna head home then – I may stay out here a bit longer.” He did occasionally just surf on his own. It wasn’t quite as much craic as with mates, but it was good for relaxation. Damian grinned, “Might as well. Have fun, man.” “Don’t crash, Damo.” “You’re confidence astounds me.” He laughed. The teen had gotten his license a week before. “That’s what I’m here for. Laters!” He laughed in return, “Later, Keith – oh!” He looked a little past Damian on the rocky shore, “Someone is waving at you… so you know.” He sounded confused. Keith was confused too. He turned around to see a little ways off a girl in a white dress and deep blue jacket, sitting herself down on the wet shore, but looking at him, waving one arm in the air wildly. He didn’t even have to guess. “Dana?” He whispered, more to himself, incredulously. Damian laughed again, “All the more reason to go. Tell her hey for me, Keith.” Keith nodded and waved his friend off before making his way over to Dana. Trying to fight down the happiness seeing her gave him, and failing. He HAD been hoping so much to see her this visit – so she’d know he had taken her advice and decided TO visit. When he was a little bit from her, he saw she had a wooden case next to her and a wide folder in her lap. He didn’t ask, yet. She spoke first, “Well, lookie here! It’s Mr. Keith Harkin. Fancy meeting you here!” He rolled his eyes, unable to keep down his smile under control and gave her a grin that matched hers in brightness. “Could say the same, Dana! What’s brought you out to the Atlantic?” She laughed, “Oh, well, I just wanted to check it out. Never lived by the ocean. It’s beautiful. Seeing you is an added bonus, I must add.” He laughed, feeling somewhat proud to be a bonus. She was certainly a bonus coming out here. He decided to tell her that too, “You were too, Dana. Glad to see you again. How was Dublin for you?” “Dublin was everything I disliked about Chicago.” She said in the cheerful voice of someone commenting about something completely trivial. “Very bright very busy, but I enjoyed being there for a little while – like a tourist. I’m sorry you have to deal with it all the time.” It was awkward getting her apologizes for something that Keith supposed her really should have been happy about. But he couldn’t lie and say he was happy in Dublin, not to Dana. “Well, at least I can come out here, right?” “Mackenzie was okay with it?” “She was fine! She seemed upset I ever doubted her to begin with!” He laughed. “Well that’s good.” She giggled, then paused, taking in the we suit and board, “I didn’t realize you could surf in Ireland.” She commented softly. His grin grew, “Well now you do. It’s really amazing…” he paused, “you should try it.” She gave him that ‘are-you-kidding-me’ expression and then laughed, “Trust me, I can hardly stand on solid ground half the time, can’t imagine standing on a surfboard.” “You can’t be worse than Damo.” He said, warmly. “Damo?” “Damian. The guy I was with when you saw me just now.” Her smile brightened, “Yes! Oh yeah, you introduced us back at the pub, didn’t you?” “I did, I did.” They smiled at each other for a moment, neither knowing what to say. Then Keith re-focused on what she was sitting around. “What is all this anyways?” She blushed the tiniest bit, “Paint supplies.” She glanced out at the rolling waves, “I thought it was a good subject.” He looked at what she was looking at, and beamed. He supposed it was a good subject indeed. “You like painting nature then?” “A lot of the time yeah… I actually had an idea the other day for a painting, you actually inspired it.” She paused looking again at the water and then at him, “Do you want to see it?” “I’d love to.” He laughed, “Do you have it with?” “No, no it’s home. If ya don’t want to go, it’s cool-“ “Dana.” He grinned, “I’d love any excuse to be back near my old home. Lead the way.” He took the wooden crate of paint supplies and helped her to her feet, and with that followed her back to his old home.
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Post by celticbear on Feb 7, 2011 23:44:14 GMT -5
CP THE DAY KENZIE BECOMES A DONEGAL COUNTRY GIRL IS THE DAY YOU KNOW WHAT FREEZES OVER! And I bet Kenzie dumps Keith before he dumps her! KEITH,DANA AND DONEGAL FOREVER! Tangy! UPDATE SOON,PLEASE!
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Post by misssunflower on Feb 8, 2011 7:50:15 GMT -5
As usual, it felt weird to be entering Dana’s house as a guest. Everything did still smell nearly the same and gave Keith strange nostalgic feelings though he’d really only left a few weeks ago. Dana was laughing at nothing in particular, dragging him in by the hand that wasn’t holding her supplies. They were conversing, obviously but Keith wasn’t really paying attention to it all. He was just happy to see her – everything seemed good in the world when Dana was there. Once home… well, in HER home, he glanced down at the case he had carried for her. “Where do you want this?” “With all my other painting stuff, clearly.” She grinned at him. She appeared to be just as happy to be around him as he was to be with her. That made him happy too. “And where is that?” “Follow me.” Laughing a little, he did just that. It was the furthest room in the house. The one that had actually been his bedroom when he’d lived there. She beamed at him for a moment and then gently pushed open the closer door, and flicked on a light switch. Keith had never seen where his girlfriend painted – she never let him look, saying it was embarrassing – so he had nothing to base what Dana’s studio looked like, no way to tell if that was what all art studios looked like – or just her. He could easily see it being just hers, though. Everything about that room fit the girl perfectly. It looked smaller, than it had when he was its occupant – but then, he’d never thought to put much in it. The room was full, or appeared so. The only pieces of furniture were two easels and a table between them, all splattered with dried paint. Both easels were COVERED, with paintings, paint, and photographs taped across them. Photographs and magazine and newspaper clippings hung from the walls everywhere. Dana grinned at him, and took the crate from him, setting it on the table and opening it up. Tubes of watercolor paint in two-dozen or so colors were set there, and dried paint covered everything there as well. He looked up from that to see her setting her large off-white folder on the easel, and opening it up, causing about 20 or more photographs to fall out. He laughed and bent to pick them up with her, and began to look through them. “Didn’t know you were a photographer too.” He commented as he glanced at photo after photo of Dublin that she must have taken the days she was there. She took the photo’s he gathered back, smiling and blushing a little, “Just inspiration for the paintings – speaking of, here.” She thrust a rather small paper into his hands. “It’s not finished yet.” She added in a small voice. He glanced at it, and then back at her, then back at the painting. Aside from a third of it still being in white there was no possible way that could have been painted, in his mind. It was amazingly detailed, perfect almost, showing off the view from behind the house, where he’d first met Dana, which faded into what looked to be the beginnings of the Dublin skyline, but then cut off into white. “I’m working on it…” She said. “Dana, it’s – geez!” He ran his hand back through his hair, “That’s incredible.” He tilted his head a little, “Kind of depressing, but amazing all the same.” She laughed a small laugh, twisting her own pale hair in between her fingers, blushing a little deeper, “Well, you inspired it a bit.” “That doesn’t make it ANY less depressing, you know?” The painting was very clearly contrasting where he lived then and now. Something he did enough in his head, already. The smile faded and she took it back, “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to upset ya, or I wouldn’t have shown you. I should have – I just – You make very nice inspiration for – “ She shook her head, “Never mind.” He laughed, “I’m not upset, Dana!” He mussed up her hair good-naturedly. “And, to be totally honest, I’m liking the idea that I’m such inspiration to you.” She gave him a playful shove, but all worry appeared to have faded from her face, “Don’t let it go to your head, Mr. Harkin.” “I’ll try not to.” He winked. She laughed a little more, and shook her head, “I suppose that’s all I can ask. Now do you want something to eat?” “Oh, so you can offer me food just fine, but if I do for you I get yelled at? That how this all works?” “Oh hush, I’m just being polite.” “You are SO like Kenzie.” Dana blinked, “Am I?” Keith paused, then laughed, “Not in a lot of ways, I can tell you that. But when you’re trying to be all hostess-like you are. But for Kenz it just comes naturally I think. You’re obviously trying.” “Oh, obviously?” She sniffed. “Oh, it’s not bad!” He defended, grinning, “I think it’s cute actually.” “… Thank you?” He laughed at another blush, “You’re very welcome.” She gave a little sigh, shaking her head at him, “So do you want something to eat or not? Or… how long are you staying here anyways?” “Not sure, probably the weekend.” “Where are you staying then…” She paused, “I do- I mean, I’ve got an extra bedroom I’m not doing anything with if y’know you need someplace… but that may be kinda strange…” “Just a little.” He laughed, “Nah, I think an inn will be fine.” He didn’t like the idea of sleeping in an inn in his old home, but he couldn’t even IMAGINE sleeping in a guest bedroom of HIS old house. In the same house as Dana. “Well since you won’t accept my offer of housing, will you at least let me buy ya dinner – don’t make me feel like I’ve been flat out rejected after OBVIOUSLY trying so hard. Besides I still need to pay ya back for buying me a drink all those weeks ago” She winked at him. Keith laughed again, and having happily slipped back into the warm familiar atmosphere he was always in around Dana there was no possible way he could say no to that.
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Post by Deleted on Feb 8, 2011 11:04:35 GMT -5
I love Damo when Keith was out with him, hilarious! And yes, we can see. After all, it's a well known fact that opposites attract, and Kenz is definitely NOT like Keith...or perhaps, she's TOO MUCH not like him? Hmmm...chew on that peeps!
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Post by meg_cahill21 on Feb 8, 2011 14:46:36 GMT -5
“All sports are painful, I think that’s like in the definition.” hahaha sooo true!!! i loved both updates and Keith and Dana belong together!!!! who cares about Kenzie!!!! now update SOOOOOOOOON!!!!!!!!!!
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Post by CelticPrincess24 on Feb 8, 2011 16:08:13 GMT -5
Great update! I love how Damian wanted Keith to teach him, that was so cute! Please update soon!
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Post by misssunflower on Feb 8, 2011 17:12:39 GMT -5
Dinner with Dana was just as wonderful as Keith imagined it would be. The pub/restaurant was one he had taken Mackenzie to when she had first visited his home early in their relationship. He remembered it was one of the few things she truly liked about the small town he’d lived in. Though she’d never admit to that and would still tell him she liked everything just fine. Dana adored it. He could tell, watching the smile that never left her face the entire dinner. It was one of those places that nearly everyone knew everyone, at least the regulars who came every other night. It seemed everyone who came in was someone’s mate, or a friend-of-a-friend, in any case conversation was loud and fun and the atmosphere was great. Dana laughed a whole lot that night, at something he said, either to her or another person in the place, trying to keep her in the conversation as much as possible. Some people remembered her from his birthday, and were happy to see her out again, which was great. He wanted her to have as many friends in her new home as he had when it was his. It was a Saturday night, and for that there was live trad music playing while they were there. She loved that too, laughing and clapping along at all the right times, trying to figure out the lyrics that were sung not only by the group, but by many of the people just sitting around as well. Keith couldn’t help but grin at her. She was so… so cute when she was having fun like she was. Well, she was always cute, he had to correct himself, but – “Why are you grinning at me like that?” She snapped him out of his thoughts, “Do I have food on my chin or something?” He laughed, “Not allowed to smile, am I? Not sure I can do that.” “Not at me!” “I’m not laughing at ya, Dana.” He winked, “I just enjoy watching people have fun, and you are, aren’t ya?” Now she smiled, “Oh I am! If going out is this much fun I don’t see myself eating in for quite some time!” “Great craic, isn’t it?” “Great what?” Keith tried not to laugh to hard at her confused expression, “Craic. C-r-a-i-c. Means good fun. You’ve lived here this long and haven’t heard that expression yet?” She made a face at him, “I haven’t exactly been incredibly social.” She said softly. “I can’t say I can see you being shy.” He commented dryly. “That’s only because I’m not shy around you.” She beamed, “And it’s very hard to be shy around you.” “Was that meant as a compliment?” “As always.” “Well, then thank you.” He smiled, and then glanced at their empty plates and glasses – Dana had decidedly declined any alcoholic drink, making him laugh. “Do you want to go?” “Certainly.” She said. He laughed and paid and the two of them got a generous amount of goodbye’s from the people there. Dana blushed and he only grinned and returned them. Taking his friend’s arm he led her out into the night again. The sun had just barely set when they’d gone in for dinner, washing the surprisingly cleared off sky in a deep blue. Now hours later, Keith remembered what Dana had said about how many stars were visible here versus in Dublin. But there was a rather large difference in hearing and seeing the difference. He’d never really paid attention to the sky of his home at night to begin with. Now that he was the sky looked like something his girlfriend painted – taking a white paint and just flicking over a black background, falling in no real pattern. He had to admit the scene looked a million times more fantastic in reality than in painting. He let out a low whistle. Dana sighed quietly beside him, obviously looking at what he was. “Not something you get used to, is it?” She said softly. “Not something you pay attention to normally.” He replied. “Have you ever star gazed?” He blinked, tearing his eyes away from the sky to look at her. It wasn’t that the question surprised him. It was just… it didn’t sound like a question. More like an invitation. “When I was younger… probably.” He truthfully didn’t remember, “Don’t- Didn’t really have anyone else who’d want to.” He shrugged. “Not Kenzie?” “You know her well enough, Dana. Do you THINK she’d like something like that?” She shrugged, “I suppose not. I never really had the chance to, personally. Would have loved it.” “Somehow that doesn’t surprise me.” He took a breath, “Well some night you just gotta go out and star gaze. Not that hard seeing as probably the best spot is in your backyard practically.” He thought about the hill where they first met at this time of night. The view was probably even more amazing than standing outside the pub just then. She gave him a small smile, “Maybe. It’s probably not as much fun alone…” Keith sighed, “Are you going to keep beatin’ around it or ask me already?” Dana blushed, “I don’t – I mean, that’s kinda awkward though, y’know?” “Two friends star gazing for the first time.” He shrugged, “I don’t see anythin’ awkward about it.” She exhaled a little, “How long are you planning to stay again? The weekend?” “That’s the plan.” “Tomorrow night then. I mean – would that work?” She was still blushing at the suggestion. He laughed a little. “That’d work fine, Dana. Night!” He took a step away, ready to find the hotel he planned to stay in. She blinked, looking confused that he was going another direction. He smothered another laugh. Not a drop of alcohol in her and she was still out of it. “Hotel.” He reminded her, grinning. “I knew that.” She said, much too quickly. He laughed harder and she made a face. Giving him a quick hug, her face smoothed into her usual, lovely smile, “Night, Keith.” Goodnight’s said, they both separated on the small town streets outside a pub and under a starlit sky. “Star…. Gazing...?” This was sign already that this was going to be a very interesting phone conversation with Paul. It was the next afternoon, and Paul had called to see if his mate was free for the night. They could go see a movie or something of that sort, though that was hard to do because the two of them had very different cinematic tastes. Still his explanation for declining sounded a lot sillier now. But he tried to ignore that, “Yeah. With Dana.” “Dana.” He repeated incredulously. “Yes. Dana.” There was a brief pause, “And you’re going stargazing with Dana because…” Did there need to be a reason? “We wanted to.” “I hope you realize what this sounds like, you know?” “Not really, no.” Paul laughed without much humor, “Seriously? Just listen to yourself. You’ve traveled out to spend a weekend away from your girlfriend, and spend it by laying out at night with another girl you’ve known less than a month. You’re an eejit sometimes, Keith, but I know you’re not naïve.” Keith rolled his eyes dramatically, despite that Paul couldn’t see. “Okay, when you’re saying it like that I get what you mean. But it’s not like that. And it’s not just like another girl… it’s, you know, it’s Dana.” “That did not make that sound ANY better.” “Paul.” He said, more seriously, “She’s Dana. She’s- She’s great an’ all that. She really is. But she’s not Mackenzie.” Another pause. “Maybe that’s just it.” Keith sighed loudly, very much sick of having to repeat himself, “Geez, mate, what’s that supposed to mean? Mackenzie is… I love her. I do. Dana is great, really great. She’s a friend, though. That’s all. I still don’t see why it’s strange to be spending time with her. I know she’d only a friend.” “Does SHE know she’s only a friend, though, Keith?” Paul was being very uncharacteristically serious. It was beginning to bother him. “Yes. I promise, she does.” This was getting to be incredibly awkward, “Look, I’m glad you’re like… concerned about my personal life an’ all… but um… trust me on this. I’m just hanging out with her like I would with any of you guys.” “I’m pre-tty sure you wouldn’t go stargazing with any of us…” He pushed on before Keith could possibly reply to that, his voice a bit lighter “But alright, you say it’s not like that, it’s not like that. I just want to make sure you know what you’re gettin’ into, if Kenzie asks about this.” “Kenzie and Dana have met already.” He grinned, “She wouldn’t care that I’m spending time with her.” Paul laughed a bit, “Alright then, so I guess all my scolding was for nothing then. Don’t I feel smart now? Thanks for putting up with it.” Keith sighed again, smiling though, “No problem. I guess I should thank ya for, like –“ “Making sure you don’t get into more trouble with your girl than you could possibly handle?” “Yeah. That. Thanks.” “It’s nothing. Have fun, ehm, stargazing…” He laughed and hung up the phone. He had no doubt he would.
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Post by laurenne on Feb 8, 2011 21:29:19 GMT -5
Loved Paul's incredulousness. More soon, please.
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Post by celticbear on Feb 8, 2011 22:37:14 GMT -5
Love how all Big Brother Paul got with Keith about his *FRIENDSHIP* with Dana! I hope in the end Keith either dumps Kenzie or she dumps him! KEITH BELONGS IN DONEGAL WITH DANA!
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Post by misssunflower on Feb 8, 2011 23:01:35 GMT -5
“Which one is the north star?” “Yer asking me like I’d be able to tell you.” Dana made a face at him, and laid back against the grass staring skyward once again. “Well, I can say this much,” She mussed aloud, “in Chicago I could at least pick out the constellations. There are just so MANY here…” Keith smiled at her over the small campfire she had had going when he’d shown up. Though they never did set up a time, she was completely ready when he came, as though she’d been waiting all day. He had been too. She had two flannel blankets wrapped around her, after he’d declined one, and she still looked cold. He tore his eyes away to look up again at the mostly clear sky. He didn’t think he could pick out any constellations either, with how many stars that lit up the night. Then again, he’d never really been able to. “True. Hard to pick anything out with this many.” He paused, “We could make our own.” “Our own?” She sat up on her elbows and looked at him again, blue eyes lit in the fire’s glow. “Constellations.” He laughed, “Y’know… didn’t like the Greeks or Romans or whoever just make ‘em up to match their stories.” Dana nodded, “Yeah. So we could just… pick our own? That seems too easy… like we’d need our own myth to go with it. I’m no good with making up stories either.” He laughed a bit more, “Me neither. Song writing isn’t much different though, but at the same time it is.” “You write songs?” “Yeah. Working on getting an album out, actually. Can’t believe I hadn’t told you that…” She absolutely beamed at him, her whole face lighting up. “That’s fantastic. I’d love to hear you play sometime.” She laid back again with a tiny, content, sigh. “I’d love to play for you.” He replied, laying back on the grass as well. He thought about bringing a guitar the next time he visited, thinking about what songs Dana would like. Probably all of them, he laughed to himself. “dang clouds.” Dana murmured next to him. He blinked out of his thoughts to actually concentrate on the stars. Only to realize that there were none anymore. A few clouds had dotted the night already, but one appeared to have completely taken the sky. “Ye better get used to clouds if you’re livin’ in Ireland, Dana.” She sighed, but he could hear her smile, “Yes, yes. I mean, I do love rain an’ all that… but not tonight.” He shook his head a little, not sure if she could see. “This doesn’t have to be the only time we do this. Could be a tradition every time I come out here.” “You sound as though you’ll be coming out often.” “I want to come out often.” He replied, “I love being with Kenz, but it’s great to see home, visit me friends.” “Am I one of those friends?” She asked. He laughed. What kind of question was that? “I’m visiting you now, aren’t I?” She laughed in reply, and he heard her sitting up, “Fair enough, Mr. Harkin. And this sounds like a lovely tradition to me.” Keith pushed himself up to, though he wasn’t sure what to say anymore. He just smiled at her, and her back at him over the sparks of fire flying up toward the cloudy sky. It was exactly then that his phone rang. Dana’s smile faded, and right then he seriously wanted nothing more than to ignore it, ignore anything apart from sitting out with Dana, enjoying the quiet evening. But he had a strong idea as to who was calling and knew not to ignore that. Giving her a helpless, sheepish smile, he answered. “Keith! How’s home?” Mackenzie’s voice was as cheerful as ever over the speaker. It was also loud, and he could see by Dana’s change of expression that she knew who was calling. He expression confused him though. She looked worried, and it confused him. He tried not to think about that expression and what brought it on and tried to concentrate on his girlfriend on the phone, “Kenzie, hey! Home’s great, obviously. How’s the craic with you?” He heard her laugh a little, “Craic is great, though lacking a fair bit without you.” “Aw, now that makes me feel important.” He smiled, “You should have come with then.” “Keith, we’ve been through this… besides even if I wan- I mean, even if – I couldn’t with work and everything.” “Getting busier?” She, as always, was happy with this subject, “Oh yes! It’s really great, it is. This could keep goin’ for a few months still though so…” She trailed off. He sighed, trying to be happy for her. This meant he could come out here more often. He tried to think of that. This was good. “Don’t worry about it Kenz. I’m glad you’re enjoying your job. Not everyone can say that.” “Says the lad who gets to travel the U.S. twice a year at least.” She laughed. “Hey, I never complained about it!” He laughed, sparing Dana a glance. She was sitting with her knees pulled up to her chin, arms crossed at the ankles, staring into nothing. Not looking incredibly happy. Keith very much wanted to ask her what was wrong right then, but didn’t want to just end the call with Mackenzie. “Fair enough, you don’t.” Mackenzie replied, then paused, “So what did you do today? More surfing?” He was still watching Dana, who had now turned to look at him, having heard his girlfriend’s question. “Nah, Damo had to deal with schoolwork today so I just kinda hung around town, y’know…” He wondered if he should mention where he was and whom he was with, or if he should wait and see if she asked. It turned out she asked. “Have you seen Dana at all? I mean two full days home, have you two run into each other.” Glad to have been given a prompt to this, he laughed, “I suppose you could say I’ve seen her. Looking at her right now actually.” He gave Dana a grin, only to have it fade at her expression. Her eyes widened and she gave him a look like he’d done something very out of line. He put his hand over the speaker and mouthed/whispered ‘what!?’ to her. Only to have her shake her head furiously at him so that her blonde hair fell in her face. He couldn’t keep concentrating on her though, as Mackenzie was speaking, “…Oh. You’re out with her… now?” “Yeah, we’re just – we thought it was a nice night to see just how many stars you can see from here…” “Isn’t it cloudy though?” He shrugged, despite it being over the phone, “It wasn’t earlier.” She paused, “You’re having fun then, right now? I mean- I’m not interrupting…” Keith blinked and Dana sank her face into her hands hopelessly. He was attempting to converse with two girls right then, and neither were making any sense. “No, you’re not interrupting anything, love. We were, I think we were kinda wrapping up.” The blonde girl’s head shot up again but her expression was now unreadable. Thankfully this made his girlfriend smile, “Well, alright then. I should be going anyways though. Tell her I say hello. I miss ya.” “Miss you too, Kenz. Love you.” And with that hung up the phone, looking at Dana for a long moment before saying, “Now what was that about?” “Keith…” She began, her voice low, “You’re – You probably shouldn’t be spending as much time with me, you know.” He blinked, taken completely aback, “Dana… what?” She looked away from him, “And I mean, even if we’re spending time out like this you shouldn’t I mean… Kenzie doesn’t need to hear every detail…” “What do you mean?” “I mean, Keith, that if our friendship gets in between you and Kenz-“ “It’s not going to!” He had no idea where this was all coming from. His girlfriend had sounded perfectly fine with him being with Dana, in fact she’d practically asked for it. Dana shook her head wildly again, “It will if you keep talking so freely about everything like- like that!” She made a random gesture. “Trust me,” She sounded pleading, “you can tell her you’ve seen me, but you just gotta… tone this down.” “I don’t want to tone this down, Dana!” He almost wanted to laugh at how ridiculous this was. Nothing had happened, what was she upset about. “There is no reason for me to have to tone anything down. You’re my friend, and Kenzie doesn’t care.” “Oh she doesn’t care now.” Her voice dropped and she looked at her feet, “But- but if you keep telling her every little detail of our friendship… harmless as it is, it’ll happen. Everyone gets jealous, it’s just – It happens. And then, that only grows and grows and then, what started out harmless and- and wonderful ends up ruining your l-life.” Her shoulders had started shaking and it was then Keith remembered what the situation of her past relationship had been. And how that had ended and what that had done to her. He also realized she had begun to cry. Wordlessly, he tugged her over to wrap his arms around her gently, comfortingly, and felt her tears wet his shoulder. He didn’t care. “I don’t want to ruin your life.” She whispered, hoarsely. He shook his head, lightly stroking her hair, “Dana, you’re not gonna ruin my life, I promise you. I know what yer thinking but trust me. Mackenzie is not your ex boyfriend. She’s understanding, and she already loves ya.” He pulled her at arms length, looking in her deep blue eyes that swam with tears and glowed in the fire. “And,” He continued gently, “I don’t think you like the idea of ending our friendship anymore than I do.” She sighed. “Of course I don’t – I just-“ She blinked out of her words at something. He was about to ask when he felt a large wet raindrop hit his head. He gave her a smile. “That’s Irish weather for you.” She gave a weak attempt at returning the grin and he helped her to her feat. “Let’s get inside then. I should probably go anyways.” She sighed again but nodded, “Right. Um.. thanks for this, Keith.” His smile softened, “It’s nothing.” And with that the two parted for another night.
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Post by celticbear on Feb 8, 2011 23:20:01 GMT -5
Tangy! Something tells me, Kenzie is starting to fall out of love with Keith! I mean what Girlfriend in her right mind would alow her Boyfriend to do what Keith is doing! LOOKING FORWARD TO THE NEXT CHAPTER!
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Post by misssunflower on Feb 9, 2011 21:49:07 GMT -5
CP and to whomever it may concern, please, call me Tangy. Leaving home felt harder this time. Go figure. Keith didn’t know what it was about Dana, but she made leaving every bit as bad as the first time he had to. Leaving her was worse than having had left all his friends combined, and he had no idea why. She was funny, and warm, and quiet but outgoing. She was bubbly and smiley and rarely upset. He hated having made her cry the night before, and desperately didn’t want to leave on that note. Maybe that’s why he was having trouble with leaving this time around. Maybe. But that’d be how he left, it seemed, as he tried to give her a goodbye call the next morning, as he prepared his departure for Dublin yet again. “Hey-yyyy you’ve reached Dana’s ce-ell pho-one!” Her voice practically sang most cheerily, “Sorry I’m not picking up for one reason or another but if ya’d just leave your message I’ll be sure to give it a listen, maybe call even call back.” Laughter. “Laterz!” Keith grinned at his friend’s message. So like her. But he didn’t like that he had to leave a message for her, and just wished she’d have picked up for him. But with a small sigh he tried to leave the best message he could. “Hey, Dana, love! I’m heading back to Dublin in about an hour, and was hoping to get to see you again before I go. So, y’know, if ya want to drop by, or you want me to drop by, or somethin’ just call back. Talk to you laters!” He sighed a bit louder and hung up, wishing with all his might she’d have answered for him – he didn’t have long to just sit and wait on her reply. Though he would have. Most unfortunately, an hour later he had received no call from his friend, and had no choice but to leave her without a personal goodbye. Making his leaving seem even worse than it had been. Which was pretty hard to begin with. It shouldn’t have been that hard. Why was it this hard? He was technically going home, wasn’t he? He lived with Mackenzie, didn’t he? But home – it just was not- it wasn’t Dublin for him, whether he was with Mackenzie there or not. He wished he could be open and tell her that, like he was with Dana. He didn’t really even have to tell Dana, she just knew. She just knew him. And the more he thought of his girlfriend the more he realized she didn’t. Not fully. But for that she was ecstatic to see him home again. Keith laughed at the nearly tackling hug she threw on him, glad he at least had one thing, one person worth returning here. If it weren’t for Mackenzie he wouldn’t leave. Course, then, he wouldn’t need to. He shook that aside, “Glad to see you again, too, Kenz.” She blushed a little, pulling back the littlest bit, so she could look at him without putting much space between their faces. “I missed you Keith.” She said simply. “I was gone a weekend not a month, love.” She shook her head a little, a soft smile on her lips, which weren’t particularly far from his, “You say that as though it changes anything.” Nothing to say to that, Keith leaned in and gently kissed her. Almost surprisingly, she responded with more enthusiasm than expected, tightening her arms further around his neck. He smiled through the kiss, longer than they had shared in a while now. This, alone, made leaving seem easier. Neither really felt like pulling away from the kiss, it seamed. Not that he had anything wrong with that. But as it seemed to only continue and continue he heard his phone ring. Which wouldn’t have normally deterred him except for the fact that he was waiting on a certain friend’s call. “Who…” Mackenzie murmured, against his lips, noticing his lack of response suddenly. “Dana.” He mumbled, pulling away slowly. Reluctant but happy at the same time. “Hm?” Either she hadn’t heard him right, or her mind was too jumbled to comprehend. He shook his head and pulled back a little more. But by this point the phone had stopped it’s ringing. He glanced back at his girlfriend sheepishly, curious if they were going to pick up again, or if he should call Dana back. Mackenzie, however, only gave him a small peck on the lips, “You just saw her yesterday, why would she need to talk to you today…?” She sounded confused, not really upset. Not… REALLY. Still, with Dana’s words from the previous night in his head he tried to stay off thin ice. “We kind of… didn’t leave on the best foot yesterday.” He shook his head, “I accidentally upset her, and I’ve been wanting to apologize. But haven’t got a hold of her.” She smiled, thankfully, and shook her head, “On the wrong… Ah, Keith, you can be a right eejit sometimes.” “So I’ve been told.” She laughed, laying her head on his shoulder, “It can’t have been that bad, though. What did you do?” He wasn’t entirely sure Dana would want him sharing that situation with Mackenzie, but he needed to tell her something. And lying would NOT do anything, “She was upset that I told you that I was spending time with her. She’s afraid you’re going to be upset with it and either leave me or hate her, or both.” He sighed. “She thought-“ Mackenzie pulled away to look him in the eye, “She thought I’d- what? Keith, how could she even think that! I don’t care that you two are friends! I think it’s great really!” He laughed, “That’s what I kept trying to tell her, but then she brought in her old relationship-“ “Oh… right. That would give her reason to think…” “Yeah, and that made her cry, and then it started raining and we both had to go.” He shook his head, trying to clear Dana’s tear stained miserable face out of his mind. “It was really an awful time to leave her, y’know. She needs a friend, or two.” She smiled gently, “Well give the girl a call back then. I’ll be here all day, everyday.” She winked a little and pulled away fully. “I think I’ll be painting, if ya need me!” Keith grinned at her retreating form before digging out his phone. He had two missed calls it said, and he listed the two of them. One from Rosy, and the other from… Damian. It hadn’t been Dana who called him back. She was still either away from her phone, or just wasn’t returning his call. He wasn’t sure which seemed worse. Both upset him, and feeling out of communication with Dana. Sunny, lovely Dana. Dana he’d made cry. It made leaving 10 times worse than it had been.
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Post by celticbear on Feb 9, 2011 21:58:24 GMT -5
Tangy! Keith is starting to doubt his relationship with Kenzie! And Me Thinks Kenzie is starting to have second thoughts also! I know you want to be realistic! But This a CT Fan Fic! So please try to hurry things along so that Keith and Dana can be together! I hope Keith get's a hold of her to tell her he is sorry for making her so upset! UPDATE SOON,PLEASE!
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Post by misssunflower on Feb 10, 2011 8:10:28 GMT -5
It was a full two days later that Dana finally called back. Keith, in near desperation, had decided to try calling her another time, just to check on her, see if she was in fact ignoring him. He didn’t like that idea, even less because it could very well be the case. And he probably deserved it for some reason or another. Still, he imagined she only didn’t want to call him because he was with Mackenzie and she was still uncomfortable with being close to him with her in hearing distance. Which was, in his opinion, absolutely ridiculous. But calling it that is what had upset her to begin with, so he wouldn’t argue it anymore. He just wanted to talk to her. So he’d called again, just to ask how she was, hoping to get some response from this, but quickly losing that hope. It was evening. Dana hadn’t answered. Mackenzie was at work, but she promised that when she got home the pair would go out to dinner. That would be nice, as it had seemed he and his girlfriend spent less time together since he’d moved in, instead of the other way around. Not on purpose obviously, but at least she was happy still when she was away. Keith was bored at best, and miserable at worst. There wasn’t much in Dublin to really keep him occupied. And so he sat outside on the balcony, strumming one of many guitars, staring at the skyline and ending of a sunset and the brightest stars dotting here and there. He didn’t bother checking the number when his phone did ring. He couldn’t imagine it would be her. “Hello?” “Keith! Hey! You called?” Keith very nearly dropped the phone, off the balcony, at the sound of Dana’s cheerful, laughing voice. As though nothing at all had occurred between them days ago, as though he hadn’t been waiting with baited breath for this call. Nearly all concern and mild depression evaporated, he laughed, “Aye, yeah, I called Dana! Finally stopped ignoring me, did ya?” That had slipped out a bit, and he hoped it didn’t offend her. She seemed in too good of a mood to be offended anyways. He was happy to here the smile in her voice again. And she laughed, to his relief, “Did I hear right? Me ignore YOU, Mr. Harkin? I’m pretty sure YOU were the one who left ME without so much as a ‘goodbye Dana. I’ll talk to you later’. Who’s the ignored one?” “What?” Keith asked, taken aback. What did she mean? He had DEFINITELY called before he left. SHE was the one who didn’t call him back. “You never said bye.” She repeated, in a less cheery tone. “Dana…” He shook his head, leaning his back on the balcony and gazing up at the few stars he could pick out, “I DID call you.” “You did?” He laughed a little, “Yes! Called an’ left a message and everything. Was hopin’ to see you before I had to leave. But I never got a call back from ya, so it never happened.” Dana was silent for a moment, then in a small voice said, “I – I swear I didn’t get that ca- OH! When did you call me?” “Monday morning, 8-ish I wanna say…” She groaned aloud, “Oooooh, of all times… you had to call the day I was… um… not taking calls.” He blinked, “What?” “Parents…” She sighed, as though it answered everything, “They still aren’t happy that I moved to Ireland. And I knew they were calling to try and talk me into coming home and well, I really wasn’t in the mood to hear it.” “Why don’t they like you living here?” She laughed, “I really, truly, don’t know. They just… don’t get what I love about this place.” “I always thought it was because you had some Irish in you.” He chuckled. “Oh yes! Nothing says ‘Irish’ like the last name of Kretchmer.” The sarcasm in her voice made him laugh more, so happy TO be laughing with her again. “Well, alright,” He said, “I still don’t see how that got to ignorin’ MY call, Dana.” “Well, I inherit stubbornness from them, y’know. And so they called several times and so really when I checked my phone it’d only say ‘5 missed calls’ or something of the like. I, stupidly, figured all of them were from my parental units and would delete them on the spot. So, I must have pitched yours in the lot of them…” Keith sighed in complete relief, as though some weight had been lifted off his shoulders, or his heart. Dana heard that sigh, “And you thought I was ignoring you, Keith? What kind of friend do you think I am!?” “Well I didn’t know!” He defended, “I’d upset you the night before, even made ya cry – I couldn’t imagine you really wanting to talk to me much after that.” “Upset me…? Keeeef,” She laughed, “I wasn’t upset with YOU, eejit! I was upset with me. Thinkin’ I was gonna hurt you and Kenz…” “Which you’re not.” She sighed, sounding like she wanted to argue but didn’t want to change the carefree quality of this conversation, “Yes, yes. In anycase, I promise I was NOT ignoring you Mr. Keith Harkin. Even if I had been upset I wouldn’t have. You always seem to make me smile, even if you were what made me need to smile to begin with.” She laughed a little. He laughed too, “You have difficulty with straight forward compliments…” She only laughed harder. Over the sound of her giddy laughter he heard the door opening inside. Mackenzie was back, finally. He wondered how long she had been gone, and when they should leave for dinner. He didn’t really want to stop talking to Dana though, as he was just so glad to be talking to her. But at least he’d had the weight of possible ignoring pushed away. He could stand leaving the conversation. Knowing that he could pick it up anytime during their time apart. “Dana, Mackenzie’s here, so I should probably go.” He said, waving to his girlfriend inside, who beamed back at him. “Where was she?” “Do you have to ask?” Dana laughed a little, “Well, you go then. I’ll talk to you later.” “If she asks, I am telling her I was on the phone with you, okay?” He told her, more seriously. She was silent, and then sighed a little. “I suppose I can’t deter ya from that. Tell her I say hey.” “Will do. Talk to you later, Dana, love.” “Later Keith.” Mackenzie looked at the phone as he entered, then up at him, still smiling, “Dana called back?” He laughed, “She did. How’d you know?” She tilted her head a little, but shrugged as if it was nothing, “You just look happy.”
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Post by misssunflower on Feb 10, 2011 23:03:22 GMT -5
Dana and Keith began to exchange phone calls more regularly, now that their friendship had only gotten stronger his last visit. If he wasn’t with Mackenzie, he was on the phone with Dana, unless she was also busy. Sometimes for hours, he’d just sit out on the balcony or on the white living room couch, and talk about this or that with her. He remembered one afternoon, watching rain pelt outside, enjoying yet another conversation with the charming girl. “Ah, Keith! I forgot to tell you! Yesterday, I heard this really, really amazing group!” Dana tried to keep her voice serious but broke into a string of laughter by the end. Already somewhat sure he knew where she was going with this, he laughed, “Really? What was this really, really amazing group?” “Ohhh, I can’t remember…” She drawled, trying to be “bout 5 men, singing some celtic- oh yes! Celtic Thunder!” She burst into more giggles. “Heard of them?” He rolled his eyes at her goofiness, but continued to play along, “Yes, I think I’ve heard of them. What did’ya think of them?” She paused, “Oh, quite lovely, quite lovely indeed. They all had really good voices too. Not bad to look at either.” She added coyly, “Especially that blonde one…” Keith knew she was only teasing him. It was something very like her to do, and something she did rather often. But her teasingly flirtatious tone, which was really more convincing than she probably gave herself credit for, caused his heart to suddenly do a back flip or two. THAT had never happened before. He kept his tone casual, and joking, trying not to think of that, well, random occurrence, “Really? And here I always thought everyone went for Ryan.” “That black haired one? Yeah, I met him too, didn’t I?” She seemed to debate, “Oh I suppose he’s not bad either – then again, I haven’t seen an Irishman yet who is bad looking.” Rolling his eyes he remembered something Mackenzie had mentioned once, “So, have you gotten any more social then? Any of these not-bad-looking Irishmen come on to you?” She laughed, “None that truly catch my interest.” “So have any caught your interest?” “Are you playing protective father, here?” She teased, “Or maybe big brother is more accurate.” He laughed but shrugged. It fit well enough, “Sure, protective older brother fits me nicely, don’t ya think? Want to make sure your going with the right lad – and I know most lads in that town, I can tell ya.” “Oh because I’m certainly incapable of choosing mr. right for myself. Is that what you’re saying?” “Fair enough, that’s not it.” He grinned, “But I’m just doing what friends, or ‘brothers’ do.” Dana let out a small sigh, “And you’re doing a grand job at it, Mr. Harkin. A grand job.” “You okay?” He asked. The cheer had slipped out of her voice. “Oh, no. I mean yes, yes I’m fine, Keith. Just a little tired, that’s all.” He wasn’t entirely sure he believed her on that. Usually, even when tired she was upbeat, or at least more so than that. “You sure?” “Positive.” She said, “All our phone conversations are depriving me of sleep, y’know.” “Oh you’re the one who keeps them going.” He defended. “Only because you’re too much fun to talk to!” He rolled his eyes again, “Seriously Dana – your compliments always come out like insults and the first insult you’ve given me is a compliment. I think I need to start teachin’ ya the differences.” There was a silence and he heard Dana’s insane giggles start up again, and exhaled. She was being herself again. When she couldn’t say anything for her laughter, he continued, “And if the phone conversations are botherin’ ya I suppose I’ll just have to come out again.” Another silence, and the laughter faded, “Keith, don’t. Don’t come out just to see me.” He sighed, mildly irritated again, “Dana, why not? Mackenzie travels out to see friends all the time, and I don’t care!” “Are any of her friends male?” “Ye-“ He paused, “I don’t know! She doesn’t tell me. But point is, I wouldn’t care if she was.” He didn’t think he’d care. ‘Course it had never happened to him. But he didn’t see himself as a jealous person, if she wanted to be friends with guys she could. She probably did. Dana wasn’t his only friend that was a girl either. Dana sighed again and Keith continued, “Do you not WANT me to come out?” “Oh, now you have to pull THAT card on me, Keith? Could you at least play fair here?” “Could you answer?” She laughed a little, “Okay, okay, YES. I would love for you to come visit out here again. To be totally and completely honest I have missed you since you left. Happy?” Keith couldn’t keep down a smile at this, “To be honest, yes. So, I’ll talk to Kenz about comin’ out again. I miss the other guys to, if I need another reason.” “You are the most infuriatingly stubborn man I have ever met. I hope you know that.” “There ye go!” He was laughing now, “That was actually pretty insulting. Yer gettin’ better.” “Oh shut up.” But he could hear the smile breaking into her voice now, “Just bring your guitar this time. Don’t think just cause I heard you play on TV means you can get out of playing for me.” “Didn’t think it did.” He replied, grinning. “Plan for next weekend then.” She sighed again, “Will do, will do. Oh! And I finished your painting too! Or, I mean, the one you inspired.” She giggled a little, “You inspired the title too, or one of your songs did… one that I heard.” He laughed. Did he inspire everything for this girl? “And that title is?” “Castles In The Air.”
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