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Post by misssunflower on Feb 16, 2011 23:26:05 GMT -5
So readers of Castles in the Air who wanted a sequel... I'm sorry I have nothing of the sort in the woodwork, so to keep ye occupied I give you; this.
According to Plan
Hannah O’Bryan was rarely nervous. But she was right then. “You sure that you won’t get sick of me?” Her best friend laughed and tugged on a dark amber piece of hair, “Hannah, I’ve not been sick of you in 18 years. I’m not ever going to be sick of you.” She sighed, and leaned back against the café chair; their after-college place. Usually there were more of their mates with them, but that day she was glad it was only Damian and herself. His words were nice to hear, but she really wanted to make sure she wasn’t going to be a bother for him. “You sure?” “Hannah.” He leaned across the table a little to give her his serious look – bright blue eyes gazing at her under dark lashes. The seriousness only lasted a second before he pretended to tap on her forehead, “Is my normal Hannah up there? Helloooo?” She laughed a little, and glanced away from his stare, flustered. He WOULD know when she wasn’t acting herself. “She is.” She admitted, “And she doesn’t know what she’s worried about.” “Then stop being worried.” Was his practical reply. “I wish I could.” She grinned, “But what if I don’t make it in, D? What if I’m not good enough?” He rolled his eyes, “I’ve seen you; you’ll be good enough.” “Your confidence is flattering.” “Your lack of confidence is startling. Normally I’m needing to bring you DOWN to reality, not pullin’ ya up to it. You’re amazin’ and you know it.” “Thanks Damo. Really. I guesss I just really, really want this.” She sighed another time, “You don’t know how happy I got when I heard about these auditions.” “I dunno.” He drawled, “I was pretty happy when you told me about auditioning for it.” Hannah smiled most convincingly at that, hoping that he may just be as happy as she was. And that it just might… JUST might be for the same reason she was. She didn’t know her chances of that, but she always hoped that any of her feelings were mirrored in his. Because Hannah O’Bryan had been in love with the man sitting across from her for as long as she could honestly remember. So, it hadn’t STARTED as love. But then again, love rarely did. Their parents had been close friends, hanging out fairly often. When Damian had reached 7 and Hannah, 9 was when she first thought him cute. And he had been then, wide blue eyes and a wider grin. Not concerned with her being a girl, and an OLDER girl too, he laughed and talked to her and as they grew older the laughter and talking grew less kiddie, and so did Hannah’s feelings. Throughout schooling and hanging out at their parents continual get-togethers Hannah had watched him go from simply cute to most likely the most attractive young man she’d ever seen. She’d been by his side in music classes, watched his first concert, squealed in delight at hearing his acceptance in a project by Phil Coulter of all people! She’d heard his voice drop, watched his DVD’s and missed him like mad when he was touring. She knew he didn’t know. They’d never dated though their mates teased them about it to no end – they’d be waved off with laughter. They were just the closest of friends. That didn’t mean it wasn’t requited. So many things the lad did… it just… it just pointed to it, she knew it. So, they may not have mentioned it… That didn’t keep Hannah from dreaming, and so she did. And so, when the auditions came up to tour with Celtic Thunder as one of their dancers for the fall tour, she’d jumped on it just like that. Damian had been ecstatic when she told him her plans. And whatever the feeling behind that joy was, it made her happy too. “I guess you would be.” She finally said, “I mean… all tour! I’ll get to chill with ya ALL tour!” He laughed, and gave her a friendly punch in the shoulder, “And you’ll get to meet the other lads!” She blinked, having forgotten that. Another level of worry sunk in on her. “Will they like me?” He groaned a little and looked at the ceiling. More laughter following, “Hannah, Hannah, Hannah! The lads’ll LOVE ya! You’re treatin’ all this like I haven’t mentioned you before!” “You have?” She said, a little too quickly. He grinned, “Have to explain my 3 AM phone calls, don’t I?” Now she blushed, “I always ask you if you have to leave…” “And I always say ‘Nah, O’ Bryan, I can let you keep me up a little bit longer…’” “Which turns into several more hours.” “Which has me absolutely knackered the whole next day.” “Which is all your fault!” “Exactly!” He laughed, “So, it’s all ME fault, not yours. Which means the lads will love ya!” He pretended to sigh in an exhausted manner. “There! We’ve cleared that one up.” Hannah laughed, loving the playful conversation. She sipped at her tea, “This is only if I GET the part, after all.” “Aaaaand we’re back to that.” He shook his head. She loved how animated he got when he spoke to her. She knew she was being difficult, but she could see by the spark of laughter in his stunning eyes – he was enjoying this too. “I’m not gonna celebrate this till I’ve actually gotten it, for obvious reasons.” She told him seriously. His wicked grin faded, just enough to show that he was taking her seriously, “Alright, you ARE right. But bein’ realistic and pessimistic are two very different things and ya know that… and that second one not much like the Hannah I’m used to.” “The Hannah you’re used to isn’t normally this nervous.” “You’re goin’ to be epic, I know ya are. And,” He quickly added before she could press on, “If not, we can have our 3 AM phone conversations again. We can live with that, can’t we?” She liked the ‘we’ in that, more than she wanted to say. He described them as a ‘we’ and a ‘us’ fairly often, but it never ceased to make her absurdly happy. Them. Together. For a whole tour…
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Post by misssunflower on Feb 17, 2011 23:13:53 GMT -5
“I got a caaaaaaaaallll baaaaaaaaaaack!” Hannah shrieked, practically throwing herself into Damian’s arms. A difficult thing to do while sitting.. The call came only seconds earlier as the two of them ate lunch. College was out, finally and already the summer seemed too long. Hannah could hardly believe it – her chances of being his dancer just got that closer! He laughed standing up and pulling her up with him, without another he picked her up and spun her around, laughing. Hannah’s heart pounded in her chest. She’d expected him to be happy, but this… this was happier than she’d dreamt of! Setting her down, he was still laughing gleefully, “What – WHAT did I tell ya?” She giggled a little, trying to fight her blush, “Okay, okay, yes. You told me I’d do fantastic…” “And I’ll bet you did!” “I hope I did!” He rolled his eyes, and plopped back on the ground. It was uncharacteristically sunny; they were eating outside. “O’ Bryan, have some self confidence, will ya?” She sighed but pretended to salute, “Yes sir!” Damian laughed and pushed back his dark hair, “Did they tell you who you’ll be with?” “What do you mean?” “I mean, Ryan, Keith and I all have a dancer in this show you know… which one did you audition for anyways?” Hannah blinked at him. That question had not been asked when she was auditioning. Nearly every other question in existence had been. She tried to remember exactly how the more question filled portion had gone. “You come with high regard from Damian.” The lovely Sharon Browne had told her, grinning. Earlier she’d been made to demonstrate a bit of dancing for both Sharon and the choreographer, Belinda Murphy. THAT was the part she’d been worried about. She’d blushed, “Do I?” “Very.” She chuckled, “I had to wonder if you both are sweet on each other…” A wink. “Oh.” Her voice came out very small. How to answer that, “No, I mean, we’re just really good friends. But- But we get that a lot. It’s not true.” “I’m only teasing you, Hannah.” She said warmly before returning to business. “How long have you been dancing?” “Since age 3.” “And how old are you now?” “Nin- 20. Just yesterday.” She said. “Happy birthday.” She smiled a little, “Thank you.” “So, 17 years or so.” Sharon said slowly, “How tall are you?” Unsure what that to do with anything she answered, “5’4” and a half.” She nodded and wrote it down. “Can you sing, Hannah?” “Decently.” She said, “I’ve been in the same choir as Damian in college and we both get the same grades… generally, on ability.” “Then I’d say that’s more than decent.” She laughed. “That’s all my questions, Hannah. Thank you.” “Thank you.” She replied quickly, fingering a loose strand of hair. She couldn’t help adding, “Um… when will I learn if I make it?” “Call backs will be called in a week.” The woman answered, “We have to pick through for each lad.” Hannah had been too excited to catch that bit at first. “I think they’ll tell me at the call back.” She shrugged, “Do you think personal preference plays into it in any way?” She asked without thinking. Damian laughed, “Like which of us you WANT to dance with? Do ye have personal preference?” “Do you have to ask?” His grin grew a bit, and she knew that had flattered him. “Dunno, O’Bryan… you haven’t met Ryan or Keith yet…” He winked. She blushed more, “I didn’t mean – I just – I’d feel more… comfortable with you, ya know. Cause we’re mates.” “Was only slaggin’ ya, Hannah. I knew what you meant.” He shrugged, “Sharon’s big on bringing us out of our comfort zones though… you know.” “Great.” “Oh c’mon. Keith or Ryan would be great to work with, I promise ya. Ryan is a total gentleman, seriously. And Keith, Keith would keep ya laughin’ throughout rehearsals without fail.” He shook his head, “But I wouldn’t mind if you were my dancer.” “I’m glad.” She groaned. He messed her hair up, “Relax, Hannah.” Hannah hid a sigh. Worry about making it now shifting to worry about being with Damian or not. He wanted to be with her though – that was what he’d been saying. That alone made her happy. She would be with him, she told herself. How many other people had auditioned? And would have the chemistry her and Damian would have perfectly. Sharon would certainly know that. She would. She went to the callback with a fair amount of butterflies. She was asked again some of the simple questions. She was asked TO sing. Sharon looked pleased with her. And the butterflies began to fade. She was called back in at the end, and Sharon was still grinning. “You’re in, Hannah O’Bryan.” Her heart soared, but she had to ask it, “Um… which- I mean who am I-“ Sharon chuckled, “I’ll be honest with ya, Hannah, I was plannin’ on pairin’ ya with your friend…” That just SCREAMED for a ‘but’… and it soon followed. “But, you’re just, you were the very best one for Caroline’s part – with Keith. It’s more work, but you get a whole song to yourself and it would give ya a lot more scope for your talents. Besides, none of the other auditions for her part came anywhere near you. You don’t mind that, do you?” Hannah’s heart felt like it had dropped into her stomach. Did she mind it? Well, she didn’t know how to answer that. Until a few days ago she’d paired going on tour to being in Damian’s arms EVERY single night of that tour. And… she wouldn’t be. She’d still be with him though, wouldn’t she? She tried to smile an appropriate amount at the, truthfully, VERY complimentary speech she’d been given. “No, t-this is – this is great.” She said, “Thank you so, so much.” And with that she exited to tell Damian, hoping to sound happy enough.
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Post by misssunflower on Feb 18, 2011 17:59:39 GMT -5
Months passed and Hannah tried to be excited. As it got closer it got easier. She’d be on tour with him, whether she was dancing with him or not. She’d be on tour, and that by itself was amazing! On tour with a group that had some of the most DIE-HARD fans in the history of fandoms. She’d have to live up to that. It would be difficult. It would be incredible. And as the tour inched closer, Hannah realized she could hardly wait. “Oh my gosh, Damian!” She tried not to squeal too loudly on the phone, on the bus ride from Derry to Dublin. The plane wasn’t heading out until two days from then, but Sharon had wanted them all there before that day. The lad she’d been hoping to enjoy the trip with had gone a few days early, to visit family for a second 18th birthday celebration – probably MUCH more contained than the one she had attended, as they happily welcomed the young man into official adulthood. Hannah thought again of the little less than two-year difference between them, with her as the older. It had never mattered to either of them though, at any age. He was laughing, “Hannah, breathe. You’re not allowed to die before going to the states.” The states. It’d be her first time in the states! See, Hannah, her mind repeated, this is good. This is amazing. This is the best experience of her life. She didn’t need to be brought down by the one petty fact that they wouldn’t dance together. “Yes sir!” She chuckled, “I’m breathing. What’re the states like?” He laughed more, and she knew she sounded like an excited little child. But really, she had never left Ireland in 20 years. She got to be a little hyped up about this. “Huge. Sunnier. Bigger cities and more highways, and a lot of people.” He sounded like he would have shrugged. Hannah imagined him next to her. “Sun is nice. Everything else sounds a little hectic.” “Very hectic.” He clarified, “But it’s great craic to visit and hang around for a few months, y’know?” “Not a place to move?” A short pause, “You thinkin’ of movin’ away, O’Bryan?” She blushed, “Not a chance! I just wonder if you – with all your goin’…” “I’m plannin’ on living in Ireland my whole life.” He answered for her. “May travel a lot, but never move.” She sighed a little and rested her head on the bus seat, “Good. Same here.” She wanted Damian to stay in Ireland his whole life… if she was. Hannah knew it was an unlikely dream, but she still had it. A dream that she and Damian, who had never parted save for touring in 18 years, would NEVER part. Like, never ever. She imagined she’d spend her whole life with him, and that image never failed to make her happy. The two chatted a bit longer, Hannah a bit distracted by the imagery in her head. But Damian didn’t catch it, and finally she hung up. With another sigh she turned to her iphone, and began flipping through the It’s Entertainment videos. She tried to ignore Standing on the Corner, the one she’d much looked forward to, and found Just Like Jesse James. As lip-sung by the… well, fairly sexy Caroline Torti. How was she supposed to live up to THAT? She thought in wonder, watching the fierce young woman give the two men on stage a look that could freeze boiling water. Sharon thought she could be her? She couldn’t. She couldn’t. She shut the video off and began to murmur to herself, as though rehearsing, “Sharon, I’m flattered that you think I’m the best for the part of Caroline but I – I don’t think I can do it. I mean, I just don’t believe I can. If it were possible to switch roles so I could work with Damian, I think that would be better – for the whole show that is. Cause I do want to be apart of it, just not in the role I-“ “Ye have somethin’ against workin’ with me?” A voice cut her off. She blinked and opened her eyes, glancing around the bus until she met the gaze of a blonde young man across the isle and one seat up. He had loose messy blonde hair and an absent, but amused smile on his face. She knew that face, she’d only JUST been watching it on her screen. She’d forgotten that Keith Harkin lived near Derry also. Hannah’s heart stopped for a second. Of ALL people to overhear that – it had to be HIM? She felt herself go beat red and stammered for a reply, “No- No, no, no, no, no. It’s – It’s not- it isn’t YOU. I mean I –“ She stared at her hands, unable to speak while looking at him. She truly wanted to hide in a corner right then. He was suddenly laughing, loud, delighted laughter. She still wouldn’t look at him, “I’m not angry with ya, Hannah.” Now her face shot up to his grin. “You know my name?” The blonde shook his head and got up to sit beside her. Once sitting he gave her an appraising look, “Hannah O’Bryan. Damian’s best friend, gonna tour with us in the fall, funny, sweet, epic craic, cute, amazin’… that you?” She blushed darker, “I forgot he talks about me.” She said in a small voice. “I’m sorry.” She repeated. “I really, really, didn’t mean it like that – I just… Damian and I – I’d be…” “You’d rather be with him than me?” “Only caus-“ “Only cause you’re mates.” Keith laughed, “I know. I get it.” “Really?” She said, slowly. “You forget how Damo talks about ya. He hasn’t said it, but I’m sure he’d rather be with you than Haley as well. You’re takin’ me too seriously, Hannah.” She looked down again, “I do that. But um… thank you.” “Not a problem.” He paused, tilting his head a little, causing blonde hair to fall over one eye, “Are you goin’ to actually give that speech to Sharon?” “Probably not… why?” “Good. It wouldn’t have worked in the least. Sharon doesn’t change her mind when she’s found something that works – she thinks your right for Caroline’s part, I’m gonna bet your perfect and she won’t give ya up unless your saying you want to LEAVE.” He shrugged, “And Haley is Belinda’s’ daughter, and was Damian’s dancer in the DVD too, she wouldn’t want to switch that up.” Hannah groaned a little, “Of course… well, that was a waste of ideas.” Keith laughed at her depression, “You’ll be on tour with him won’t you? That ain’t bad. Also keeps him off the phone at stupid o’clock in the morning.” He winked at her, charmingly, and she felt a small smile rise up. “It’s HIS fault.” “Don’t doubt it.” He laughed, “So, you think you can deal with being stuck with me, if it gets ya to spend tour time with your sweetheart?” “We’re not sweethearts.” She said quickly. He raised a dark eyebrow and she felt herself blushing, “Riiight. Anyways, you’ll put up with me then?” He teased. She smiled sheepishly. Still embarrassed whether he was upset or not, “Keith, I’m- I’m really sorry that it ca-“ “Relax, Hannah.” He gave his wide grin, proving his complete ease with this, and reluctantly, she did.
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Post by misssunflower on Feb 19, 2011 0:47:34 GMT -5
Keith had trouble not laughing at Hannah. She was so… so serious, so worried that he’d been truly upset with her. For what? For wanting to be partnered with the guy she loved. He’d known from the first time Damian had ever mentioned Hannah’s name that the two of them were a two. A duo. A pair. No questions asked, no slagging needed. Except when the phone calls came – that was always fun. Especially when Damian was absolutely dead the next day. No ‘we’re just good friends’ worked, no matter how the lad said it. He’d figured there was SOMETHING else there. And talking to Hannah only confirmed it. He had heard plenty about the girl, but never seen a picture of her, so it wasn’t till he’d heard her say Damian’s name that his head had swiveled around to see her. She was chatting so happily to his mate on the phone – looking like just hearing his voice had her in absolute heaven. He’d smiled, then. And was smiling at her now, as they continued to talk, now sharing the same bus seat. He hadn’t planned to stay next to her, but she’d brought up another subject with him and it just kept going. And once he got the young woman past her fear of… what? Hurting his feelings? He still wasn’t sure what went through her head there… she was great craic to talk to. Full of questions of touring and the songs the two of them would be sharing. “I still am not sure I’ll be able to do that.” That being… be Caroline. Act out her part in Just Like Jesse James. Keith had been telling her a bit about rehearsals for the DVD and she’d gotten a bit worried about her role. Again. Keith cocked his head and looked her again, she was smaller than Caroline was, but not by much, and a fair bit younger. Paler skin, but similar dark hair, she was smiling, a wide but slightly nervous smile. Of course, right THEN, she didn’t look like she’d be capable of the ‘fury’ Caroline could pull off in her song. But… “Ah, I’m sure ya can.” He chuckled, “You don’t much act like it now, but neither did Care. It’s one of those roles ya just shirt in to. Like, there’s Ryan who you would never think HE’D be able to do the role he does. I’ll bet you’ll do fine.” Her smile lost its nervous quality, “Thanks. I’m not usually this nervous – I just – it’s finally hittin’ me y’know? I mean auditioning I never expected to really get it, or, or get such a MAJOR part!” She ran a hand back through her dark hair. “I’ve never performed in anything much larger than a feis.” He laughed a bit more, “You’ll get used to it quick enough. And if Sharon thinks ya can do it, most likely you can do it. Whatever your thinkin’ aside.” She laughed a little and continued to play with her hair, “I’m glad. I guess there was SOME reason she didn’t put me with D.” She blushed after saying that, and he guessed that was meant to stay in her head. “I mean – dang. I’m not often this tongue-tied either.” He was enjoying the tongue-tied Hannah a great deal, “Still nervous?” “Guess so.” She said with a small embarrassed sigh. When she sai nothing else Keith decided to put her out of that misery and change the subject. He gave her another look over, taking in the wide, bright brown eyes of hers, “How old are ya, anyways?” “20.” He raised an eyebrow and she laughed, “Yes, I’m 2 years older.” The eyebrow raise had been that she looked younger than that, but her reaction made him laugh. “Damo won himself an older woman, did he?” She whacked him in the arm lightly, giving him a very serious look – his laughter died, for only a second before it came back for a different reason, “Well, now, you look like you could pull of Jesse James without a problem.” The glare evaporated, “Really? I didn’t think- I wasn’t tryin’.” “If that was ya not tryin’, Hannah, I’m lookin’ forward to seeing when you do.” Her expression 180’d; she was glowing. It was easy to make her smile, wasn’t it? “Thank ya.” “Is there anythin’ else you’re worried about? Or is it just… being Caroline?” She shrugged, looking out the window briefly before back at him, eyes still lit with more excitement than worry, “The latter, but talkin’ with ya is helping a lot.” “Well, I’m glad I can help. Damo said somethin’ about you bein’ worried about us not liking ya.” He said slowly. Hannah blushed, “He told you all that?” She groaned. “You’ll learn on tour, nothin’s sacred. We all hear everything.” “Great.” Keith laughed and gave her shoulder a squeeze, “Does it help to know the lad never said anything but good things about you?” She laughed a little breathlessly. Embarrassed but pleased, “A little, yeah.” He moved on again, “So, are you really worried about that too?” “Not anymore.” He grinned, pleased with that a great deal. Damian had never described her as shy, but he supposed with him, she wasn’t. He had to admit he was looking forward to talking her out of this apparently un-Hannah-like shell she was in. Even more so now that he knew he was apparently good at it. “Well that’s great to hear. It’d be no good if ya disliked me. After all, I DO have to hold you every single night we tour this show, you know.” He winked. He wondered what kind of reaction saying that would have – of course, AFTER he’d said it – but she only laughed, the most open he’d heard her yet. “I suppose ya do. At least you sound excited.” He blinked at her, before laughing, “Do I?” She nodded, giggling, “Well, this is me first tour with a girl.” She beamed, “Well… congrats? Hope I can live up to whatever expectations you have for that.” She giggled more again. He watched her cover her mouth trying not to laugh too hard and failing, and answered completely truthfully, despite not having expectations, “I bet you will.”
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Post by misssunflower on Feb 19, 2011 16:55:07 GMT -5
as you wish.
It was to no surprise who was waiting as the bus pulled in front of the Dublin hotel. Hannah still jumped a little in the seat, practically landing in Keith’s lap. He laughed and watched Damian wave ecstatically at the girl and her wiggle her fingers in reply. And just like that she bounded up to her feet. Keith laughed harder and stood up, letting her through to make a move for the bus door. “Forgettin’ yer bags, there, Hannah?” He asked her dryly as she reached the front. There was a place for baggage in the back of the bus. She paused, looking at him, then the back of the bus, then out the door and back. He could see the shy smile from where he stood, “Do you think y-“ He rolled his eyes, “I’ll grab them. Go out before ye burst.” Hannah jumped happily and with a quick “Thank you Keith!” she was out the door. Keith glanced out the window, after hoisting up the young woman’s – fairly light – suitcase, just in time to see her launch herself into the young man’s arms. He caught her with the sureness of years of practice and spun her off the ground. He smirked, and carried down the two suitcases. She had stopped hugging the dark haired lad and was now talking to him in excitement when he set hers down. “Your bags, m’lady.” He teased her. Hannah laughed, and turned slightly to give him a very impish smile, and Damian, of course was in hysterics. “One bus ride and you’ve already got Keith fetchin’ for ya like a puppy? HIGH FIVE!” Keith rolled his eyes at that and at Hannah’s following giggles and high five. He gave the younger man a small shove, “Dare I ask what that makes you?” “HEY, now.” Hannah waved, still laughing. “Your both not allowed to fight!” Damian struggled to contain his laugh but finally did, “Best get used to the constant slaggin’, O’Bryan. It happens a lot.” She sighed, “I’ll be referee then, won’t I?” “Have fun trying.” He replied, before flicking his eyes to Keith. He could see the glow in his eyes; he was happy to have her there. Of course. “So, what do ya think of blondie?” She glanced at him, also, and Keith raised an eyebrow at her expectantly. She laughed, “Like I’ll be sayin’ when he’s right there?” He laughed and tugged on her dark hair, “I told ye nothin’s sacred, Hannah. Be careful what ya say when I’m not right here, I’ll here it anyways.” “Well, now I’ll keep that in mind.” She winked. “Aaand now you won’t be telling the truth, is what you’re saying.” “Your lack of trust is heartbreaking.” “And you’re accusing US of fighting?” Damian cut in, chuckling. She giggled, “He’s knows I’m not serious.” She paused, looking at him, “I hope you know. I’m not seri-“ “Hannah.” Keith cut her off and laughed also, giving her hair another tug for good measure. “Well, at least I won’t have to worry about you both… or do you two fight also?” Hannah didn’t have to have answered, but she did, “Never!” “Well there was that one time…” Damian began. “A misunderstanding.” She finished. “And the other time…” “I was only slaggin’ ya.” The two’s conversation became more like mumbles as Hannah lifted up her bags and the two began their way into the hotel lobby. She turned her head back one brief second though to send Keith yet another glowing smile. He shook his head, smiling, and followed them in. The whole crew had already made it, and was sitting sprawled on chairs and couches in the lobby talking amongst themselves. But by the time Keith was in, they were all looking at the newest member of the touring crew. Hannah’s back was to him, but he could just see her worried smile and light blush. He DID see her hand tighten on Damian’s. And Damian was the one to speak. “Guys, this is Hannah O’Bryan. She’ll be –“ “I’ll be doin’ ehm… Caroline’s part in the show.” She finished softly. Ryan spoke first, “Pleasure to meet ya, Hannah. I figure you know who all we are, but should we do the introductions anyways?” She laughed a little, “No, no. I know who y’all are from Damo braggin’ about this non-stop at home. And I’ve been told you all know a pretty large deal about me, also…?” “’Hannah would love this?’ ‘Hannah thinks this about that’ ‘Oh I’ll have to tell Hannah that when I get back.’ ‘Hold on, Hannah texted me.’” Paul laughed from his seat, “I’d say we’ve heard of you.” “You weren’t lying.” She murmured to Damian. Keith had taken his seat in a couch by Neil and Brendan. Paul was right. Hannah this and Hannah that was how a lot of tour days were spent. Damian didn’t seem to know how to go a full 24 hours without something reminding him of his best friend at home. Truthfully, it had always had Keith wanting to meet her, and now that he had he could understand why his mate found her hard to get off his mind. And she wasn’t as shy as she’d been with him on the bus he realized, watching her laugh, talking to Paul, to Neil, to Ruth and Joyce, to everyone. Expressing her excitement to be apart of this, and sending Damian a smile as often as she could. She smiled at him too, telling him how happy she was without having to say a word. He’d grin or wink back, letting her know he was happy that she was. Finally she yawned, “Well, I’m going to go up to the room I’m going to assume I have…” The redheaded sisters raised their hands. “Your rooming with us!” Ruth said gleefully. Joyce added, “That’s alright?” Hannah laughed, “That’s perfect! Thank you!” Joyce produced the extra key to the room, and the lobby produced a loud chorus of goodnights. She returned all of them, but only Damian got a hug. She waved them all off and headed up the stairs. There was a brief silence before Paul whistled and some of the girls clapped a little. All directed to the dark haired lad. “What?” He asked. Paul, of course, was the one to say it, “Of all the times ye mentioned Hannah I’m surprised you didn’t tell us more… physical descriptions.” Damian blinked, “What? She’s pretty cute, I know.” Keith made a scoff sound without thinking, and he turned to him, expectant. He shrugged, “You’re 18, Damo. I’m pretty sure your vocabulary has grown.” “w- Hannah? Nah, I can’t – I mean, we’re mates.” Several groans. “We are. You can ask her!” Keith shook his head but didn’t push it anymore, and certainly didn’t mention that he had asked the ‘cute’ – more like downright gorgeous – young woman… more or less. And that he knew HER answer was likely the true one.
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Post by misssunflower on Feb 20, 2011 20:00:57 GMT -5
Hannah had apparently never been on a plane in her life. Something she continuously repeated as they meandered through the airport before heading to the states. “Ohhhh my God. Keith, I’m going on a plane! A PLANE!!” She shook his arm a little, as though in complete hysterics. “What if it crashes like –like LOST!?” She was grinning though. Teasing him after he had told her a little earlier that she was going a bit too crazy over all of this. He was enjoying her playing it up now, and she knew that. Damian joined in as they boarded, grinning widely at his mate, “That’d be epic Hannah!!!” “Epic!? I do recall a LOT of people dying in that show!” She exclaimed, hitting him on the shoulder. “Oh God, I’m on a plane.” She murmured in finally as they were, now, on the plane. She glanced at her seat number, then at the seats, and then at Damian. He shrugged, “Seating charts are kinda vague on here. Especially in first class.” She beamed and plopped down on the one nearest to her actual number, squeezing to the window. She grabbed Damian’s hand and pulled him down, “You’re protecting me if we crash, Mr. LOST.” Keith rolled his eyes, but smiled an appropriate amount when Hannah sent him a ecstatic beam and a wink. She was mad for him, wasn’t she? He sat down across an isle from them, close enough to still hear her happy chatter to him, but too far to be included in it. He wasn’t sure if he minded that or not. He enjoyed talking to her… he enjoyed it a lot. But if Damian was there it was obvious that that’s where Hannah’s attention would be. And eavesdropping on their conversation was no better, so soon enough, once in the air at least, the ipod headphones were in and the rest of the world disappeared for a good while. It had to have been several hours into the flight when the Bon Iver song he was more or less blasting was fading off and he awaited the next shuffle song to pop up that he heard Damian’s voice ask it. “So, you going to tell me what ya think of Keith, then?” Without thinking, he’d already pressed pause. Hannah laughed a little, and then was silent, as though looking for the right words for him, “He’s – he’s great. You know, really great… I suppose he seems easy to work with. Nice and funny and all that.” “Good. You like him?” “Well, yeah. He made me feel a lot more comfortable with… all this. He thinks I’ll do grand” Keith could hear her smile. Damian laughed now, “So I tell ya you’ll do grand and it doesn’t change a thing, but when KEITH says it…” “You’re biased!” “He could be flirting.” ‘Flirting!?’ Keith mouthed incredulously to the back of the chair in front of him. Damian was lucky he supposedly had not heard that. Flirting? With – with HANNAH!? “Flirting?” Hannah’s voice said in a slow disbelieving voice that matched his thoughts. “You know, telling a girl she’s amazing, in general or at somethin’ to please her…” Damian answered as smooth as he could while covering up laughter. “You sound as though you’ve had experience.” She told him, dryly, “So, when you’re telling ME I’ll do prefect, or how I’m good dancer…” She trailed off, in a tone Keith could see paired with a raised eyebrow. Damian laughed, and probably gave her a shove because soon she was laughing also. When that died, she continued, “I know that Keith’s not flirting with me, Damo. He’s like… totally honest, ye know. I bet he doesn’t know how to.” She giggled a little, “But it’s nice – I’m really, truly, looking forward to the show, now.” “What’d I tell you about doin’ better when you met your partner? You need to start belivin’ me more, Hannah.” “I’ll work on that.” Keith shook his head a little and pressed play again, unsure what his mood was, and what it should be after that. The rest of the flight was uneventful when it came to the flight and two friends’ conversations. He’d glance over now and then to see Hannah babbling away with a ridiculously happy smile. But it made her whole face light up quite nicely, making her look, again, like she was a bit younger – like a 5 year old on Christmas morning. She caught him looking at one point, and made a little face at him. He made one back and she had to struggle to keep from laughing. He couldn’t hear her but saw her shake her head at Damian, who was no doubt asking what she had been doing. The headshake saying ‘nothing’. By the time the plane landed, time change had made it still only mid-afternoon, while to everyone ON the plane it felt closer to midnight or later. Music had kept Keith awake and he’d expected Damian to have helped Hannah, or vise versa. But when he again glanced at the pair, Hannah’s head was snuggled into Damian shoulder. The lad gently shook her, but she only groaned a little. Keith laughed and got up – as they were now free to move about, and walked the isle to the two of them. “Tired, is she?” Damian looked at him and grinned a little, “She did tell me she’d been getting VERY little sleep this past week. Nerves and all.” He grinned at the sleeping girl, before speaking a bit louder, “C’mon, Hannah, girl. Yer not allowed to sleep yer way back to Ireland now.” She groaned louder, and mumbled “Daaamo.” In a complaining tone, like telling her mom to let her sleep 5 more minutes. He hid a sigh at being called Damian, but watched her finally sit up and rub her eyes. “We here?” Damian answered, “We’re here, sleepin’ beauty. Now we have rehearsals to do, so let’s get ya off the plane already.” “Can we have naps first?” She complained, laughing a just a bit. Keith laughed a little, “Nope, but I think we can do a bit of sight-seeing first.” Her eyes lit up at that; THAT woke her up. “Oh! Really?” “We usually do, a bit.” She grinned at him, “That’d be great! I’ll need a tour guide or two or more…” She trailed off slowly. “Like we were plannin’ on lettin’ ya off here alone, O’Bryan!” Damian laughed, guiding the tired, laughing, lovely girl off the plane. Keith shook his head, for about the tenth time that day, at the two of them. He was understanding more and more why Hannah would rather work with her mate. Once together, they never parted, like a pair of magnets – they didn’t know how to… It would be interesting to see when they did.
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Post by misssunflower on Feb 21, 2011 16:48:23 GMT -5
“I wonder, Hannah girl, if you haven’t ever seen a picture of New York…?” Keith’s voice filtered into Hannah’s ear as she gazed in wonder at the lights of Time Square and she’d squealed a little bit too loud. For about the 10th time. She sent the blonde haired man her best glare, but was too happy to make it convincing. “Of course I have.” She glanced back at all the lights and people, “It’s just – they don’t do it justice y’know?” Ruth, who, with her sister had joined the split up crew of her, Damian and Keith, laughed a little, “Oh we all know perfectly well. I love it here more than anywhere else.” Hannah glanced at the tall redhead, tall both naturally and plus a pair of classy heals. She fit in New York – she wouldn’t have been able to tell she wasn’t from there, until she spoke. “You look like you would.” She grinned. Joyce giggled, “Thanks. We’re not gonna leave.” “What?” “Ruth and I. Once tour is done we’re staying here.” They both looked ecstatic and she smiled back. “Really?” She remembered Damian saying he didn’t think America was really a great place to move to… but she supposed not everyone shared his opinion. She was just glad it was his. Well, if he moved to the states, she could always go with, couldn’t she?. He’d miss her. She knew he would. She knew he’d be happy to have her with him, as they traveled across to the states together. And she wouldn’t mind not being Ireland… much. Well… less if Damian was with her. If the two of them were together, then she wouldn’t mind. The image was a grand one. “O’Bryan, you’re gonna be hit by a car!” Damian cut her out of her thoughts of him, and grabbed her arm to pull her faster across the street they were crossing. Barely safe, she saw the flash of a yellow taxi as it turned down the street without a care or notice of anyone. She stared wide-eyed at him. He gave her a gentle smile, “Rule of NY, Hannah. Taxi drivers are blind of us, so stay sharp.” She laughed breathlessly, and nodded as firmly as she could for having nearly been run over . Keith laughed too, “You’re definitely not a City girl, are ya?” She smiled at him. He was very good at understanding her, for only knowing her a day. She liked that. She hadn’t been lying in the least when she told Damian that she liked him. Already touring as the man’s ‘girl’ seemed easier. At least it wouldn’t be awkward. “I guess you could say that. This is my first time in a major city. Well, a MAJOR city… “ She gazed around the sky scrapers, “I’m not sure Dublin counts anymore.” He laughed, “Very different cities, aren’t they?” “Very!” She grinned. The chatter continued as they shopped a while. It was strange to have Damian there, but be talking more to Keith. She waited for her friend to cut in with some comment or another, but he appeared to be wanting to let Hannah get to know her dance partner more. That was sweet of him, she guessed. She didn’t know much else to think about it other than that. She did wish he spoke up a wee bit more. Quiet and him didn’t usually go together. That said she had to admit that she did enjoy getting to know her dance partner better. She told Keith about her parents and when she started dancing and things Damian knew by heart but Keith not so much. It was fun to have someone asking her questions about her life. And she liked hearing about his life too. “Oh, she’s amazing. I mean, she’ll tell ya the same thing about me but, well, ye get what I mean…” He was describing, quite animatedly, his younger sister Rebecca, and her musical talents. Hannah laughed at the pride in his voice. He really cared about her. “God, makes me wish I had a sibling. Or at least, someone to care about me like a sister or somethin’.” He grinned, “Shall I call ya ‘sis’ from now on?” Her eyes lit up, “Aw, that’d be grand, Keith!” She gave him an awkward hug, while walking. “Damo!” She gushed, “Keith’s made me his adopted sister!” She winked back at Keith and he rolled his eyes. She’d figured at this point that meant she’d made him happy but he was trying not to give her the pleasure of showing it Damian gave her his gorgeous grin, “That mean I’m NOT like a brother to ya, Hannah?” Hannah blinked. What kind of question was like that – and how was she supposed to answer it? This wouldn’t be the time or place to tell him that she certainly did NOT think of him as a brother to her. Was that the answer he was looking for? Did he know there was more there, and wanted to hear her say it? Was he hoping for that? That didn’t change that she wasn’t about to say it THERE. Giving him the most convincing smile she could muster she answered, “Aw, D! You’re my best mate! No making me feel bad about this!” Thankfully it worked and he simply mussed up her hair, “Not my intention, O’Bryan.” “Good.” Hannah said, firmly. “Now, are we goin’ to actually rehearse today or were ye just makin’ that up?” “You think you’ll be able to stay awake for it?” “Keith will help me stay awake, won’t ya?” He chuckled, “Givin’ permission for me to slap ya if ye dose off?” He teased. “Don’t get used to it,” She answered, smiling warmly at him. He returned it and she looked back at Damian. “I think we’re safe. I want to have my first rehearsal.” “This from someone so nervous about all this days ago…” He said dryly. But he winked one blue eye at her and she giggled happily. “Keith’s helped with that too.” “I seem to do a lot of helpin’ ye, Hannah girl.” “Ah! I’m being teased from both sides! Ruth! Joyce! Give me a hand here!” She turned to Keith with a little pout, “And stop callin’ me Hannah-girl, it makes me sound like a dog.” He pet her hair and smiled a horrendously teasing grin, “Whatever ya say, Hannah… girl.” With that the two redhead’s were on either side of her, leading her away from the playful teasing, “No tormentin’ the newbie, Harkin.” Ruth laughed, with the easy familiarity of a close friendship, “Maybe this is why you haven’t gotten a girl in a show yet.” She turned and Hannah saw her stick her tongue out at him. She tried to turn her head fully to look at Damian and see what his expression was. She couldn’t. But Keith’s laughter was heard, “What? Me? Damo’s the one claimin’ she’d fall asleep!” “That’s different.” Damian was joking. “We’re mates – we understand it.” She finished with more laughter. “And SHE’S the tormented one?” He asked dryly. The two laughed, and as they continued their walk, still with Hannah safely tucked between two girls talking about current purchases and song lyrics and stuff like that. And they headed back to their -well, HER- first rehearsal.
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Post by misssunflower on Feb 23, 2011 18:16:47 GMT -5
Slagging didn’t stop there. Of course. The dark haired Belinda spoke first; “Well there you all are! Sharon was getting’ ready to send a search party.” Keith laughed, from behind her, “I wouldn’t put that past her.” And called out to the loud, mostly empty theater. “Sorry Sharon!!” The blonde woman came onto the stage a few seconds later, holding a clipboard. Hannah could hear her sigh from where she stood, “So y’all finally returned?” She said in a dry voice, but Hannah could tell she wasn’t truly angry, and smiled. “I’m sorry, Sharon.” She said sweetly, “This is my first time here, and I guess I got a bit distracted.” Sharon laughed a little, “Oh that I understand – just wondering why your escorts didn’t do anything to remind you of time.” Damian cleared his throat and Keith laughed. “Sorry Sharon.” He repeated. A bit more laughter, “Oh whatever – now we may as well get started. Hannah’s first show is tomorrow, and she hardly knows what she’s doing.” “Hey!” Hannah cut in, “I know what I’m doin’! I’ve only watched It’s Entertainment 8 million times comin here!” Damian chuckled, “Did you count, O’Bryan?” “Yes. I. Did.” She made a face at him and he grinned. Belinda and Sharon looked at each other. “May as well run through the whole thing…” The choreographer said, with a tiny smile. Damian’s arm was now around her shoulder, “C’mon O’Bryan. It’s backstage for ya.” “I don’t get to watch you?” She said in a mock pout. “You need to meet your fellow dancers first. Felt like flying over early with Sharon and Belinda, they did.” She blushed a little, thinking about meeting Haley-Jo. She wasn’t bitter of the woman – well, not consciously. She still couldn’t deny her envy of the pretty dancer for having the part she’d been dreaming of. She just hoped she’d think before she spoke and not let anything stupid slip out. “Do I get to watch after that?” “If ya want.” He answered simply, still guiding her back stage. Two young women sat at a table directly behind the Radio City stage – which still hadn’t quite hit Hannah that that’s where they were – playing a game of war or something similar. The older, blonde, of the two looked up first. “You must be Hannah!” She laughed, already looking delighted. She laid her cards down and stood up, “I’m Julianne – you can call me Juli, though. I’m Assistant Choreographer. If ye need any help at all I’m here.” Damian laughed a little behind her, “I’ll talk to you later, Hannah.” He said softly, before letting the girls alone to talk. She wished he’d stay, but it was too late for that. She smiled hesitantly at Julianne. “Um… thank ya. You’re also – “ “Mrs. Leroy Brown?” She winked, “Aye, I am.” Hannah tried not to groan, “What was the point of there being multiple audition parts if I’m the only new one?” There was soft laughter, which came from Haley. She was smiling though, just as hesitant. Julianne’s laughter was less hidden. “To be honest, I wasn’t supposed to be up front this tour. But Sharon was absolutely convinced that none of the auditions could compare, so she asked me to do it again – I saw no reason why not.” “Mum pulled for me to stay in the show.” Haley admitted, “Which I mean, I don’t MIND that… I mean, this is a really great opportunity and things and I-“ The blonde smiled and cut in, “Boyfriend back home.” She explained. Haley blushed. Instantly Hannah’s world brightened. “Oh, I can tell you I know how THAT is.” She laughed a little, “That’s kinda why I wanted to- I mean- Damian…” She grinned, “You’re together?” “Not- not REALLY…” She blushed, “Not like officially.” She glanced out toward the stage where the sounds of Take Me Home were playing. “I just – we’re very close. And I miss him a lot when he’s touring.” “Well this is great then. Good luck in your not-official-ness.” She laughed. Hannah smiled back – this was already looking worlds better for her. Julianne spoke again, “So, according to Sharon, you were our perfect Jesse James girl.” She blushed, still not sure why everyone thought that. She’d watched the show 8 million times, trying to see herself bitching to Keith about screwing something up between them. How was she going to be able to be that mad at him too? He’d never done anything to her, and they weren’t together so… She just didn’t think she’d be able to accurately pull it off. “According to Sharon.” She said quietly, “Keith’s said the same, but I’m still not sure.” “You look like Caroline.” Haley offered, “Well, kind of like her. I think you’re prettier.” She added, purposely lowering her voice like it was some secret she shouldn’t share. Hannah laughed, “Well thank you then. That’s not exactly the part I was worried about.” “What ARE you worried about, maybe I can help?” Julianne offered, warmly. She remembered Bad Bad Leroy Brown and the fact that Julianne had a bit of an act to keep up in that one herself, “I’m not sure how I’m gonna be able to sound… convincing.” She sighed. “You won’t have to SOUND anything.” She reminded her, “You won’t be singing.” True, she was only miming for the track by Charlie Bird. Caroline had done the same – but you could hardly tell. “Okay, I don’t know how to ACT convincing.” She laughed, “Just… convince yourself Keith did something to upset you…” “But he wouldn’t!” She giggled, “He’s always so nice to me.” “I’m sure you can think of something he could do to make you mad.” Haley said, “Besides, we have a few run-throughs before the show to work up to it. Just give it a go.” Hannah sighed, but smiled and nodded best she could. “Alright, so I will.” Julianne grinned, “Good, because I don’t mean to panic ya, but you’re up now.” “I’m what!?” The dancers laughed, “Don’t worry! You’ll be grand!” They both waved her off and pushed her in the direction of the stage. The music was already beginning. Taking a deep breath, she took her spot on stage to perform her act for the first time.
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Post by misssunflower on Feb 23, 2011 22:11:29 GMT -5
Play pretend, Hannah, her mind coached her as she stepped out on to the stage - intro music playing. Play pretend, you're usually so good at it. True, she and Damian had spent lifetimes as children playing made up games. Creating their own names and lands and powers and stories and rules. True, she loved acting in college more than a lot of her other courses. But this was different. She was not used to having such short notice, with people she barely knew, and such high expectations placed on her. This was harder. She would be set for the first verse. She would be all alone for the first part. She didn't TRULY have to look angry for that part... just sassy. She could do sassy. Hannah knew if she really thought about it, she'd be able to be mad at Keith. If she were his girl would be easier. But she wasn't. He was her friend - practically a brother. And she had Damian. She couldn't possibly have a convincing make-believe lovers quarrel if she couldn't make-believe him her lover. As she began to 'sing' she worked on that. Damian was the main block... say... oh say he was- HE was the one who was a 'brother'... they did look alike. Pretend Hannah hadn't loved him for years and years. Now, introduce Keith into her life, again. He WAS handsome, and funny, and charming, and nice to her. She wouldn't mind. Say, oh just say, he liked her. Well, really liked her. In a few seconds, thought it felt longer, Hannah admitted that she wouldn't MIND being his girl. In fact, hard as it was at first, the image was rather nice. Now that THAT was done, the easy part came in. There were all sorts of ways for a boyfriend to piss his girl out. The more dramatic, the better. As she worked her mind around the possibilities, Keith and Damian had made their entrance. Seeing Damian almost ruined it, but she concentrated on Keith - her mind beginning a sort of silent movie. She saw herself walking into some pub her 'boyfriend' frequented. And yes, there he was. There he was with some black haired exotic beauty wound around him like ivy on an oak tree. The outfit on her hardly leaving things to the blonde man's imagination. Hannah felt a spark of annoyance at this display as Damian made his frantic exit leaving Keith alone to face her. Her mind- theatre continued, figuring she STILL wasn't mad enough. She saw HER young man grinning foolishly while the faceless girl twirled a strand of his loose blonde hair around her fragile index finger, giggling. She tired of that and flicked the strand aside wrapping her arms around his neck, placing her mouth on his. She snapped her theatre off, appropriately fuming, and concentrated on the young man's quite panicked expression as she went through the second verse, her expression swearing that he touch her and she would be perfectly willing to bite his hand off, or worse. He took the message, and she was glad. Eejit. Did he not realize how much effort she'd put into pretending she was his girl? She was finally kind of enjoying the notion and then, and THEN, he had to do that. She, or her song, finished the rant and she finished her death-glare. But she wasn't done yet. The chords of Keith's song began and he made to pull her to look at him, looking more apologetic than she'd ever thought she'd see him. Well, she thought, thinking back to her earlier convincing chat she'd been giving her self, handsome was a bit of an understatement. But she shook her head and jerked out of his hold and made for the other side of the stage. Waiting long enough to hear her 'boyfriend' begin some kind of apology in song format. She sighed, shook her head again, and exited. The song was muffled but still heard in the background while Haley and Julianne both asked how her song had gone in quick, laughter filled whispers. She hardly got through a reply before she was slapped hard on the back and a deeper whisper laughed, "dang, O'Bryan! You looked like you were gonna pull a knife on the two of us then and there! I pity the man who ticks ye off!" Enough of real-Hannah returned to her for her to be enormously happy with this statement. "Thanks, I guess." She whispered back, listening to Keith continue his song. It occurred to her right then that while her song had been a recording his was not. That stunning voice was his at that very moment. Wow. Damian smirked a little, having caught her wonder-filled expression, "Gonna forgive him?" He asked. She hadn't forgotten the anger she'd made-believe was inside her. Pretend-Hannah could feel it fading, though. "I suppose I must." She sighed, "He does sound very sorry." Damian found that hilarious and laughed silent laughter and Julianne was pushing her out again. Already? Seemed he'd just began! But she didn't have time to think about that, as Keith had already taken her hands in his and sang his plea for forgiveness, while in Hannah's re-opened play theatre they were in the same position, and in her mind she heard the first audio. "There's no excuse for what I did, Hannah girl." His voice was as soft and sorrowful as it had been singing, "But I promise, I swear that I love ye. I do." The 'I do' came just as he sang it, and she let him turn her so he could wrap his, rather strong, arms around her. She let her eyes close and rested her head on his shoulder - liking how comfortable it was right there. The last note faded into silence, but Hannah didn't really care. But when their came a small cadence of applause came from Sharon and Belinda and a few of the lads,as Keith released her, keeping one arm around her, and guided her to a bench with a proud, brotherly punch on her shoulder, and as the beginning of Home surrounded all of them, Hannah finally shut off her make-believe for this rehearsal.
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Post by misssunflower on Feb 24, 2011 19:26:30 GMT -5
Hannah was- she was- was- Keith didn't quite have the vocabulary to describe the performance he'd just witnessed. She was so perfectly furious. So unnervingly brilliant at looking like she wanted to rip his heart out like Charlie sang he'd done to her. He never wanted to be in a situation where that glare didn't have that acting to explain it. And she'd been WORRIED!? He couldn't believe her. But the dagger-glaring was worth it, a simple price for the soft, bright eyed gaze she gave him as he held her at the end of Hard to Say I'm Sorry. While he didn't want to have her pissed at him every single night he couldn't say he'd much mind her in his arms just one song later. Acting aside. The thought had come and gone before he had enough time to wonder where on earth it had come from. At that moment, Hannah sighed. Keith glanced at her and could see the love-sick smile and remembered that Home was being sung by Hannah's love. It wasn't that he didn't know, he'd just - not been paying much attention to him, to be completely honest his mind had mainly been on replaying Hannah's acting. He tried to avoid sighing as well, and leaned in to the girl who was leaning against his arm still, "Don't forget to breathe, Hannah-girl." She tore her eyes away from the dark haired singer and gave him a mock glare, far less convincing as she was smiling, still more at Damian than him - clearly. "I'll try." "I don't think Damo would want his girl dead." "Not his girl." "But you wouldn't mind bein' so, would ya?" Hannah blushed furiously and looked back at Damian, who was still singing his heart out - making HERS all but melt into a puddle. "Shut up." She finally murmured at last. He struggled not to laugh triumphantly, hard to do look at her blushing embarrassed face. So, he too turned to watch his mate's performance and whispered to her, "Don't be so embarrassed, Hannah. You act like I haven't been able guess. I've known for as long as Damian's mentioned ya." Keith saw her swivel to look at him so he mirrored her actions. Her brown eyes were lit with amazement, and he wasn't sure if he should laugh or... he didn't know what, at that. "Really?" "D talks about you all the time, I've told ya. A person guesses thin's." She blushed a pretty pink and gazed back at her love. She looked like she should be lighting up with how that smile made her glow. He shook his head a little, he supposed hearing that the object of her mad affections returned them would do that to a person. He wouldn't know. With the hand that was firm around her shoulder he fingered her brunette waves thoughtfully. Thankfully, she didn't mind. The song ended and he guided the practically floating woman off stage, as Damian exited also. "HANNAH! You were AMAZING!" "I WAS!? YOU WERE!!" The two were piling on the squeeing complements back and forth laughing. Hannah was still red but Damian didn't seem to notice. And Keith more or less disappeared from the two's world. Or so he thought. Suddenly Hannah turned bright brown eyes on him, "And KEITH! Ohmygosh! You were fantastic! I had no idea your voice was so great!" He was surprised into a laugh, "I thought you watched this 8 million times Hannah-girl?" "I told you to stop callin' me that." She complained. "And I would if I thought you meant it." She made a face but dropped it, "Fine, and yes I have. But I don't much pay attention to your songs, usually." Of course. "Ouch, O'Bryan. Ouch." Damian laughed. Hannah blinked, looking back at him. Really, it was rather comical to see her head swivel between the tow men she spoke to. Keith couldn't help but want to leave Damian and Hannah to their squealing. Or talk to Hannah alone. Or something. He wasn't used to being a third-wheel, and he wasn't sure he liked it. "What?" She asked innocently. Keith rolled his eyes, "Well since that wasn't intended to be insulting, I won't be insulted." Another blink, but she shook her head, "Okay. Won't ask." Damian howled with laughter, "Come on O'Bryan, want to see anythin' else backstage, before we have real showtime..." She sent Keith another delighted smile and linked arms with him, "Certainly." "Like what?" "Oh just be a tour guide, McGinty." She babbled and the two made a move for where the costumes were and the little chatter continued. Keith rolled his eyes and headed the other direction to watch the other acts before his next turn. It seemed their one bus ride would be the only time off stage he would ever have Hannah's full attention.I won't say anything about Hannah's feelings for Keith, CB, but the reverse is pretty obvious.
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Post by misssunflower on Feb 25, 2011 0:01:58 GMT -5
t was a good few hours until the Radio City show actually began, and Sharon had decided they were good enough with fewer rehearsals than they were really used to. That was uncommon, to say the least. So, everyone was at a bit of a loss of what to do. Hannah had actually separated from the inseparable pair of she and Damian. But not to speak to Keith. No, she’d gone off to talk with the younger but lovely Haley-Jo. Keith had to admit he was very realized that Damian’s girl in reality got on with Damian’s girl in the show. The lad himself had sought Keith out backstage, where they were all a little bored. “What d’ya think of her?” He’d asked the question to the entire group more than once already, and Keith had since suspected that’d he’d asked everyone he could find one-on-one also. As though the answer would change. Still he teased, “Hannah?” “No. Sharon.” He rolled his eyes, “Of COURSE, Hannah.” He’d expected the answer to come easy. But he still had to pause and think of the correct phrasing. “She’s – She’s great. You know, really grea- What?” Damian had begun to chuckle at the answer being given. “N-Nothing just- she said the exact same thing about you.” He said, laughing. He was right. He HAD been quoting Hannah’s thoughts on him, nearly word for word. And he wasn’t supposed to have heard Hannah talking about him either. Oops. “Well that’s good.” He changed the subject a bit, “We both like each other, then.” The younger lad grinned, “That is good, yeah. Didn’t she do great earlier?” Well, this was awkward. Or, well, it was for him. Thinking about it, he didn’t even know why he found it so awkward to hear Damian happily gush about his best mate – he did so all the time. But right then, Keith didn’t know what to say to that. He agreed with him, oh did he ever agree with him, but he wasn’t sure how to phrase that to him without… he didn’t even know. Finally, as casually as he could he answered, “Yeah, she did. Where is she?” He asked, quickly moving on. He laughed, “She texted me a couple minutes ago.” Of course she did. “She says it’s close enough to the show that all the girls are gettin’ ready and all that. She’s worried she won’t fit in Care’s dress.” “Hannah? Worried? That’s new!” Keith laughed and relaxed a bit more at that. Damian grinned, “She usually isn’t, really. But I can understand, I was worried when we first started this.” He laughed a little also, “We all were, I think. Except maybe Paul, but that’s an exception.” “He’s an exception to a lot of things.” “I’m going to pretend that’s a compliment.” Paul’s voice made it’s way over to where the two younger lads talked, soon followed by the rest of the lads. “Good plan.” Keith laughed, before glancing at the gathered crew. He’d lost track of the time. Ryan caught the look, “Sharon told us to get ready. We still have another hour, though.” Keith nodded and Damian spoke up, “I’m gonna go tell Hannah.” And began to leave and do just that, before Keith caught his arm. “You ARE a naïve eejit, sometimes.” He said before Damian could ask what he was doing, “What did you just tell me Hannah girl was doin’?” He paused, remembering, and then literally blushed red. But still he jerked out of the hold on his arm, “She’s probably ready already.” He said simply, digging out his phone, and before anyone could stop him, headed in some random direction. Keith rolled his eyes. His lovesick mate probably didn’t even know where he was going. And he was barely gone a minute before Hannah’s voice came behind him, “THERE you all are! This place is SO confusing! Where’s Damo?” He turned to face her, and just stared. Since he’d met her, he’d never seen her in anything fancier than blue jeans and tshirts. And there she stood in Caroline’s red and black dress, grinning a little nervously. For all her worry, she looked brilliant. Beyond brilliant. Her hair was combed back and gently waved past her shoulders. And the dress did fit her. Perfectly. So perfectly forming around every curve of her, admittedly curved, body. He blinked a few times, trying to will intelligent thoughts back into his mind. It wasn’t exactly working. Hannah didn’t appear to notice, and laughed a little, “Let me guess, you don’t know.” “What?” The laughter grew, “Where Damo is.” Oh. Right. “He went looking for you. Sharon said there’s an hour before show time and we need to be ready – he went to tell you.” “But I told him I WAS gettin’ ready.” She rolled her eyes, “Eejit.” “That’s what I told him.” She laughed at that, then glanced at the other guys there, who had smiled at her arrival and were now talking to each other. None had stared like he had. He looked back at her and her back at him. “So…” She said at last, awkwardly “What do you think?” She held her arms out, indicating she was asking about the dress. He tried not to pause too long, thinking of the correct word, “It’s- I mean ya look- ehm…” “Hannah!” Damian was back, hugging her without pause, “I thought ya were lost somewhere! Geez!” He pulled her at arms length and grinned, “And you were worried? You look great!” Hannah’s face was as red as her dress and she beamed her glowing smile at him. Great? Keith thought, that was the best word Damian had for her? Great had to be the dullest compliment possible. Then again, he wasn’t sure what’d he’d said if he weren’t interrupted. She HAD to turn to him then, too. Not before a ‘Thank you’ to Damian, though. “What were you going to say?” He shrugged, “Nothin.” “’Ya look…’ That’s not nothin’ Keith!” She complained, and he saw the other lad’s eyebrows raise. “I guess I could ad-lib it. Insert the adjective of my choice. Would I rather you call me ‘perfect’ or ‘stunning’?” “Perfectly stunning?” He offered, unable to help smiling. “Brilliant. Now finish yer sentence then.” He cleared his throat and tried not to look at Damian before telling his girl, “Hannah girl, ya look perfectly stunnin’.” She laughed, not even embarrassed at that. But she certainly looked no more delighted than when her love said she looked great. “Thank you, Keith.” She glanced around again, “Well, I should probably head back to where Haley and Juli are. Just wanted to wish ya lads luck!” “Good luck!” They chorused back. Keith ruffled her soft hair and Damian gave her a pat on the back, and she disappeared. “Perfectly stunning?” Damian asked slowly. He shrugged again, “Her words not mine.”
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Post by misssunflower on Feb 25, 2011 18:40:23 GMT -5
Hannah did the real show perfectly. Absolutely. Just as Keith knew she would. Judging by the applause received the audience didn’t appear to know or care in the least that Hannah wasn’t Caroline. In fact, aside from people in the front rows, it was probably hard to tell she wasn’t. And she was amazing. If fans did know, he couldn’t see them caring. Once again she got so into her role he was almost worried he HAD upset her. Once again he felt himself enjoy holding her more than he probably should have. He supposed he was just getting into that part of the song – just like she did. Made sense. And he couldn’t help saying it, as they came off stage after home. Damian had left to change with a quick compliment for his girl, and for once Keith could talk to Hannah alone. For a bit. “I can’t believe ye were worried about not bein’ able to pull off Jesse James, Hannah girl! You may be better than Caroline.” She giggled happily and gave him a little shove, “Oh, that’s flatterin’ Keith, but I SO am not.” “Yer close and you know it.” He said, seriously. “You certainly know how to look angry wi’ me. You’re almost TOO good at that.” Her laughter grew, which made him smile again, “Oh that part is pretty easy, for me at least.” “Do I want to know why?” “It’s simple, for me. I just have to make-believe that I’m your girl, and you did something wrong. Normally it’s that I caught you kissin’ another woman.” She shrugged, simply. Keith blinked at her, not sure what to say to that odd speech, “That seems more difficult than you make it sound.” She beamed, proud, “I’ve always been good at make-believe. The thinkin’ of myself as your girl is the harder part, but once I’ve got that, it’s pretty easy for me to be pissed at ya.” “I suppose.” He still wasn’t sure what to think of all that, “So, you can picture me kissin’ another girl?” He asked without thinking. He didn’t know what he was supposed to think. Another shrug. For usually being so easily flustered, THIS topic had no effect on her, “Yep. The girl changes sometimes – either it’s some girl who looks nothin’ like me… or” Now the slightest color brushed her cheeks, “She looks disturbingly like Caroline.” “Caroline?” He said, surprised into a small laugh. Hannah nodded and laughed, now a little nervously. “Well, that’s real… great that ye can do that – I guess. It works.” “I’m glad.” He paused, trying to lighten the topic a bit – still feeling strangely awkward with this one, “I bet it’d be easier, this make-believin’, if Damo were in my place. As yer already his girl.” “I’m not his girl.” She laughed. “Yet.” That got her glowing more. He loved when he was able to do that. But she shook her head a little, “I don’t think I’d want to imagine Damo kissin’ another girl – whatever the reason was.” “Do I have to ask who the girl would look like?” He said. “Nope.” She would obviously imagine Haley. It was a good thing that young woman had a lad of her own back home. Keith smiled at her, while his mind worked to make-believe like Hannah did. She made it sound like the easiest thing in the world, but he bet it wasn’t. If Damian’s dancer came up in Hannah’s mind, he couldn’t help wondering if that would work vise versa. If… it was he and Hannah kissing… The image came in his mind before he could shake it out, more vivid than he thought it would. He could see himself pulling Hannah’s small form to him and claiming her lips, could feel her winding her arms around his neck, pulling him closer and kissing him back. “Keith?” Hannah’s hand was on his shoulder, her gaze confused. “Spacey today, are we?” “A bit. Nothin’ huge, though.” He muttered. Spacey was better than… he just hoped that the thoughts that had so quickly came and left his head hadn’t shown on his face. She was smiling though, and if it had, she wouldn’t be. He exhaled a little. WHERE on EARTH had- had- had THAT come from? No, scratch that. He didn’t want to know where it had come from or what it had meant. He didn’t want to give it anymore thought than he already had. He just hoped it never happened again. She wasn’t officially Damian’s girl, but she may as well have been – he was supposed to consider her like a younger sister. He wasn’t supposed to- “Good – you know you’re up again in a few. Shouldn’t you be gettin’ ready?” Indeed his next song wasn’t far away. He gave Hannah the best smile he could, “Right. Yeah.” “You sure you’re ok? You’re worryin’ me now, K…” Her glowing smile was wiped off her face. She looked worried indeed. He didn’t need her worrying about him, “I’m fine Hannah girl. Promise ya.” The smile came back, slowly, and she squeezed his shoulder, “Well, alright. I’m gonna go wish Damo and Haley good luck before they’re up. If you don’t feel good, let me know. I have cold meds.” He grinned at her now. Talking to her was helping him right then – though talking to her was what caused him to need help to begin with, “Sounds grand, so it does. Do I get a good luck from ya also?” Keith has asked it without a thought, and even when he thought about it, he’d have only meant it in teasing. And would have expected Hannah to catch that. And maybe she had. Either way, she paused with a considering expression. Then she placed her other hand on his other shoulder and she pushed herself up to him. For a split second he felt her lips so lightly touch his cheek and then she was down again, smiling as though nothing had happened. “Good luck, K” She said. Turning around she called over her shoulder a few steps away, “If you need any medicine let me know!” And with that she was gone. Leaving Keith to gape after her, with barely enough time to recover when the first person – George – asked him if he was okay and breathing properly.
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Post by misssunflower on Feb 25, 2011 21:58:45 GMT -5
Hannah was only a few feet away when George’s song had finished up. And still close enough to here him ask if Keith felt okay, and the blonde lad’s quiet reassuring reply. She didn’t know if she should have felt relieved that someone else had caught her friend’s uncharacteristic distantness, or worried about it. Until that moment she’d been making attempts at convincing herself she was being ridiculous about it. But that someone else, someone else who’d known him longer and probably better, was concerned as well… maybe she wasn’t. She began to wonder what could be wrong, and then thoughts of Keith were gone from her mind. “Hannah! Hey!” Damian laughed, adjusting the white sweater he wore in his next song. The outfit made his short dark hair look almost black and his eyes look like the noon day sky, sparkling as he grinned at her. Haley was a little ways behind him, and grinned at Hannah – making a little grimace at the dress she worse, showing her own distaste for it. For once Hannah was glad she DIDN’T have that part. “Hey!” She said, breathlessly, almost losing track of why she’d come looking for him, “Just- ah, just wanted to wish you good luck!” She thought to kiss his cheek, like she had with Keith, but she couldn’t make herself do that. With Keith it had just been quick and casual, no more meaning than a handshake or a pat on the back… she wasn’t sure she could replicate that with Damian. “Thanks O’Bryan!” He laughed, giving her a quick hug, which, in Hannah’s opinion, was just as good. “You know you did great earlier, by the way.” “So I’ve heard.” She giggled. Between him and Keith there were no more doubts in her mind about pulling off her acting in Just Like Jesse James. Damian laughed, and ruffled her hair. With another thanks, he and Haley were taking their turn. She was surprised how casually she’d been able to talk to Keith about her make-believe. How comfortable she’d been with telling him that she could pretend to be his girl, that she could picture him kissing another girl… all of that. He’d seemed more embarrassed than she had, though she couldn’t blame him. He’d not treated her like she was crazy though, as some did, so she was happy. Keith made her happy. More than a lot of people she’d known for a long time. No, it wasn’t hard to please her, or make her smile, but Hannah knew few people who could completely turn around a bad day. Already, Keith Harkin was one of them. She didn’t know how she’d ever been upset about performing with him. Well, she corrected, she’d only been upset because he wasn’t Damian. But, throughout rehearsals, she decided that was actually a good thing. She figured, dancing with Damian – she’d be so nervous and flustered she’d do terrible! Her blonde partner was so easy to work with, and so much fun too. She enjoyed it much more than she had ever thought she would. The show reached its end peacefully, and she, and Haley and Julianne got applause of their own. Hannah felt herself glowing, despite the tiniest jealous stab of knowing that Damian got to kiss Haley. But Keith sweetly kissing her cheek wasn’t bad – not that she thought it would be. In fact, the touch actually made her blush a little. Which it shouldn’t have… after all she’d kissed him, on the cheek, only a little bit earlier. He winked at her as he pulled away. At least he looked like himself again. She and the other dancers got escorted off and a few minutes later the guys were back, laughing and grinning. Hannah knew she didn’t have time to say anything cause they all had to change. Still she placed her hand on Keith’s shoulder as he walked by. He turned to her. “Feeling better?” She asked, as casually as she could. He laughed a little and she relaxed more, “Told ya I’m fine, Hannah girl.” He paused for a moment, “And thanks for the kiss earlier. Helped.” Hannah felt her face heat up more than expected. Something in how he phrased that was quite embarrassing. She glanced to find that Damian was too far gone ahead to have heard that. “N-no problem.” He laughed again, and she let him go. “You kissed him?” Haley laughed. Her blush went deeper, “On the cheek! As like… a- a good luck thing. You know…?” God, this was awkward. “Did you kiss Damian too?” She asked innocently, “I wasn’t paying attention really.” “N-no. But that’s cause you know… it’s different c-cause…” “Cause you REALLY like him, right?” Haley finished, linking arms with her and leading the embarrassed woman off to their dressing rooms, where Julianne had already left for. “I know how that is.” “I’m glad.” She said wholeheartedly. She giggled and changed the subject, “So, we have another thing in common too – this is both our first times actually touring. I mean I was in the filming for IE but I was never on the busses or anything. The orchestra girls have been telling me it’s a lot of fun, so I’m more excited than nervous.” She paused, “And I’m glad you’ll be there too.” Hannah relaxed into a warm smile at the younger girl who’d already become a close friend. “I’m glad you’re glad.” She laughed, before a thought hit her. “We’ll be on separate buses, won’t we? I mean, us and the lads…” She hadn’t thought of that until then. Oh of course they would be, Sharon wouldn’t put so many people on one bus and co-ed too. It made perfect sense, and probably pleased everyone. But not her. Her friend caught it, “Yeah, we will. Obvious reasons, y’know?” She brightened, “But we have rest stops pretty often, and really, from the looks of the schedule there aren’t many large drives between the venues. You’ll have plenty of time with him I’m sure.” She laughed at how easily read she was, and gave Haley a casual hug, “Thanks, Hales. I’ll probably be textin’ him non-stop anyways.” “I’ll bet he’ll enjoy that.” She paused, pulling on a light jacket, “You should text Keith too. Send him virtual ‘good luck’ kisses.” “HAL-EY!” She squeaked. The young woman winked and Hannah gave her a light shove until they both collapsed into laughter. Beneath the sound of it, Hannah could hear the crowd screaming and cheering for the lads’ finale song. And with laughter and cheers, the first show of the fall tour had ended.
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Post by misssunflower on Feb 26, 2011 11:38:32 GMT -5
Hannah had fallen in love. With touring. They got easier as the dates and venues sped by, and there were clearly days she was exhausted and didn’t feel like doing maybe two shows in one day. But the thrill of being on stage kept her going. She enjoyed getting applause for something she was doing. She enjoyed spending time with Haley, and Julianne, the O’leary sisters, Megan, and Nicole. Though she was still unhappy about the whole bust deal she enjoyed texting Damian, getting off at rest stops and stretching with him, laughing about this or that or just talking. After this she wasn’t sure she’d ever be able to survive a tour season separated from him. She couldn’t deny her enjoyment when talking to Keith as well, though Hannah had that experience less often. After a while she’d learnt that Keith didn’t often come talk with her if she was talking to Damian. She admired that he gave her space with the boy she loved – but she wouldn’t mind having more conversations with him. She loved them so much. It seemed the most of their conversing came on stage in the short period of time between when Home was done and Hallelujah began, or the occasional rest stop when Damian was busy or asleep. It was a few weeks into the tour when one of those lucky rest stops came by. She’d considered napping too, especially when Damian had texted her that he was planning to and that’s why he wouldn’t be replying. For her love of touring she did have to admit she wasn’t big on sleeping in a moving bus. She’d been sleepier those past weeks than she ever had been. But as the buses pulled into a truck stop, more for gas than anything, Hannah watched her blonde friend get out, and instantly was to her feet. He grinned, seeing her stumble down the stairs, stretching. “Afternoon, Hannah girl.” “Good afternoon, Keef.” She smiled back. His smile grew at the nickname she’d begun to call him. It wasn’t a new one, he’d told her, but she knew he liked it. She liked calling him it too, and very much liked getting that smile from him when she did. They stood there, happy just smiling at each other before Keith moved on, “How are ya?” She laughed, at nothing really, “Same as ever.” “Tired but happy.” “Exactly.” She giggled, “Damian still asleep?” He blinked, “How’d ye know Damo was a-“ She raised her cell phone up and he rolled his eyes with a chuckle, “Seriously, Hannah girl, how long can ya go wi’ out contact with the lad?” Hannah rolled her eyes back, “When we were kids we only saw each other every few weeks. We weren’t in school together until college.” She shrugged, “Once we got cell phones, I think the longest has been about 1 week.” “And the most awful one week of yer life, I’ll bet.” She made a face, “Well, I HAVE loved him my whole life.” “Not yer whole life.” He corrected, “For two- two an’ a half years he wasn’t alive yet.” She struggled to not laugh at that and failed, “Okay, okay, most of it then!” “Fair enough. And you’ve never been interested in anyone else?” He asked carefully. “Not that I can truly recall.” She answered truthfully, still smiling up at him. His expression back was momentarily unreadable but then he pet down her hair. “Well, good for ye, then. Damo’s gettin’ a faithful girl.” He looked back at the bus where the lad in question was. She glanced at the buses also and asked slowly, “So, are you interested in anyone?” She saw him glance at her, “What?” “You know, no girl back home you haven’t mentioned?” She teased, then looked at him, “In fact, I’ve wondered about you and Ruth…?” “Ruth?” He asked so incredulously it was impossible to doubt him. The older of the redheaded sisters got along very well with Keith, and quite often while she was chatting away with Damian, at this stop or at that time before rehearsal, she could see the two laughing about something. Hannah couldn’t have helped but wonder, and wish she could hear their discussions. “Well, you both seem close…” “Oh we are.” He said quickly, then paused with a glance at the young woman who, with her sister and Megan were getting snacks at the rest stops vending machine. “And we’ve been close for a while. We tried once… you know, to see if we could be more than what we were.” He shrugged, “Didn’t really work out.” “I’m sorry?” He chuckled a little and turned his eyes back to hers, smiling her favorite smile, “No, no, it was cool. We just slipped back into friendship like the little episode never happened. She’s too much like Rebecca, like a sister, you know… can’t see her any other way.” “Like I am?” He laughed a bit more, his gaze admiring, but didn’t say anything for a good few seconds. “Yeah.” She looked at him for a moment, unsure what to answer that with. But just as she opened her mouth her phone buzzed from where she still held it. She nearly dropped it. Giving Keith a quick smile, she gazed down at the text, then laughed. “What?” He asked. “Damo’s up.” She answered, “Told me to go get him somethin’ to eat while I was out here. Eejit.” She murmured as she typed back to him. “I’m telling him if he wants something, to just get his bum down here then.” Keith laughed, a little quieter at that. She was looking at the phone so she couldn’t see his expression though. However she looked up at his next comment, “I’ll probably head back up then.” “Aww.” She complained, “Why? We still a have a few more minutes before hitting the road. And I hardly get to talk to ya, you know!” “But you’d rather talk to Damian.” He said pointedly. He didn’t look upset, but then he never did. “Can’t I want to talk to the both of you?” He chuckled, “You’d try to, but in the end he’d win your attention. He always does.” She blinked at that strange comment, “Wait – Is that why you never come to talk to me when he’s around? Keef! Why didn’t you say something!? I don’t mean to ignore you!” He laughed more, and kept that warm smile on his face, “I know ye don’t, Hannah girl. Don’t mean to make ya feel bad about tryin’ to talk to us both when you’d rather talk to him... that’s why.” “But there are times I’d rather talk to YOU, you know!” She argued, a little annoyed, and more than a little embarrassed. “I’ll keep that in mind, Hannah.” He was still laughing before taking a step toward the bus, “I’ll talk to you at the show tonight.” And with a little salute he turned back to the bus, leaving her sputtering after him. And for the first time in her memory, talking to Damian didn’t do much to help the mood Keith had put her in.
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Post by misssunflower on Feb 27, 2011 12:09:30 GMT -5
Hannah spent a lot of her time at venues napping. She was never usually this tired. But she had good reasoning this time around. And thankfully, no one bothered her when she was tired. Most of the time. However, time at the venues was usually the only time she got to talk to Keith. If she slept through that, they got even less time than they already did. She didn’t know what to think about Keith not liking her talking to Damian. Well, he never said that. But he didn’t come to talk to her when Damian was, he HAD told her that much. Because he didn’t want to bother her or something – that made no sense to her. In the period of time she’d known him he had NEVER been a bother. And in her opinion, he never would be. She understood, that it was hard to talk to Damian and him at the same time… but she could talk to her mate all the time. She so rarely got to talk to him. And he was so fun, and nice, and- and- Hannah didn’t know adjectives for him. She liked him. She liked him a great deal. “Hannah girl? Ignorin’ me and Damo’s not even here as an excuse.” Keith teased, and she groaned and opened her eyes. She’d fallen asleep in her dressing room in the time between rehearsals mid-tour. He was grinning, happily at her. Still in blue jeans and a Pink Floyd t-shirt, her next question was kind of pointless. “How much time before the show?” He laughed, and pet down her hair like he often did, “Still another hour, don’t worry. You feelin’ alright?” She laughed a little, “Just sleepy. Where’s Damo?” “Backstage, waiting to say ‘I told ya so’… he knew you’d be asleep.” He explained. Hannah sighed and pushed herself to her feet, “He would know that, wouldn’t he?” “Oh, I didn’t disagree with him.” He added, catching her mid stumble, as her vision had blurred with some remaining sleepiness, “I just figured I’d wake you anyways.” She expected him to let her go, after steadying her. But he didn’t. “Gee, thanks.” She muttered. “Yer very welcome.” He teased, talking completely casually for holding her – as though they conversed like this all the time, “Actually I had to ask ya somethin’” “A-ask away.” She was stuttering a little, still a little surprised by their position. She could feel him chuckle a little. God, why was HE so casual about this but she couldn’t be. He’d never held her like this. He’d never held her PERIOD off stage. DAMIAN had never held her… well, not like this. Of course, growing up, he had held her. If she was hurt or upset, her best mate would take her in his arms and let her cry into his shoulder. But she wasn’t crying now. He was holding her, for no reason other than to hold her. And, well, it felt nice. She gave up and rested her head on him more as he answered. “Tomorrow we have a day off again,” A rare thing, “And a couple of us were gonna go to a pub after the show tonight. Some of us are goin’ through withdrawl.” A little laugh, “Wonderin’ if you wanted to come.” “I’m not drinking age here, though.” “It’s an Irish pub,” He teased, “They won’t care. Though if ye want to stay back with Haley… Well, I know Julianne and Nicole aren’t goin’ either…” She thought about it, for only a second, “I’d love to.” She said, thinking of pulling back, just a little, but never actually doing so. His body shook with a bit more laughter, and she felt his hand playing with the ends of her hair. He probably didn’t even know he was doing it, she thought with a smile. There was many a show when, during Home, he would begin to absent-mindedly play with her hair. She thought it felt nice, so she never mentioned it. It certainly felt nice there. “How long we plannin’ on standing here?” He finally teased. Longer, her mind instantly thought and then felt herself blush at her own thought. She wasn’t interested in Keith. Not in- in THAT way… no. Of course not. He was just a mate, just- just- like a brother. She’d already clarified this with him- and he definitely saw her as a sister. And that’s all this was… a- a sibling embrace… thing. She’d been enjoying it more than a ‘sibling’ should though, her mind said calmly. And she couldn’t say anything back. She was right. She pulled away, smiling hesitantly. “You okay?” He asked right away. “Fine.” She lied, smiling as much as she could. As fine as one could be when beginning to feel things she shouldn’t be feeling toward one of the last people she should be feeling them for. He’d have to hold her again tonight, and for… tens of other nights before the tour was done. She wasn’t sure she’d be able to handle it. She didn’t need to be getting all flustered and nervous around him now. He’d notice. Damian may notice. Oh, she wouldn’t know what to do if Damian noticed. She loved Damian, Hannah reminded herself, Damian. “I’ll go ask Damian.” She added, quickly finally pulling herself away from him completely. He grinned his gorgeous grin at her, “Already asked him, Hannah girl.” He tilted his head a little at her, before continuing, “He said he’d stay back. Said he didn’t feel like it, but I’m betting he just can’t hold alcohol yet and doesn’t want to admit it.” Hannah couldn’t help it, she laughed. He was absolutely right, “That’d be it.” Poor Damian. Another pause, “Do you want to stay back with him?” She rolled her eyes, “Why do you always think I’d rather be with him than you?” His lips were still curved in an ironic smile, and she knew a well-meaning sarcastic comment was not far away. “I dunno, Hannah girl. What would ever give me that idea?” He answered, lightly enough. “Oh you know what I meant,” She laughed tightly. “I see him all the time, you know… and- yeah…” He chuckled a little and again pet down her hair, “I know, I know.” He told her gently. They both looked at each other for a moment before he ran his hand back through HIS hair, “Should probably be getting ready now. I’ll- ehm- I’ll talk to you later.” Another pause, “Sure ye still want to go tonight?” Hannah was tempted to change her mind… so tempted. But that’d be silly, absolutely ridiculous. Besides, it wasn’t like it’d just be the two of them. The whole crew, minus only a small fraction, would be there. “Of course.”
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