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Post by misssunflower on Feb 27, 2011 23:19:58 GMT -5
Keith decided then and there that Hannah’s laugh was the most beautiful sound in the world. Far better than the ocean waves rushing to shore, or a perfect tuned guitar. And for that it was good that it didn’t take much to get her laughing, especially at the time. He’d lost track of what drink she’d been on around the time the last of their other mates had left – they’d promised to not be out an hour more – but he highly doubted it had been many. Still, she was gigglier than he’d ever heard her. And that was saying something. Most of the conversation, if one could call it that, consisted of him grinning like and idiot at her and soaking in whatever goofy comments she was rattling off to him, not caring if they made any sense or what they possibly meant – just enjoying the sound of her voice. And it was a good thing he wasn’t paying much attention to her words, because a lot of it was about Damian. “Y’know,” She drawled, “He’s gon stay in Ireland for his whol’ life. Which is good cause I don’ want to raise Lily an-“ “Lily?” He asked, taking a moment to understand that whole comment, then he laughed, “Yer namin’ your future children already, Hannah girl?” She blushed and giggled, “Just an idea.” “Do ye have a wedding date set too?” She gave him a half hearted push to show she didn’t appreciate the teasing, but then she answered softly, “No, not YET anywayss…” A pause, “You would be Damo’s bes’ man of course.” He struggled to keep from laughing bitterly at that. Be the best man at the wedding of the girl he was in love with and his mate. Weren’t there like SEVERAL chick flicks with that theme? Most with cheesy happy endings. He couldn’t keep his scoff inside. She looked him in the eyes, her brown ones deep and wide and wounded, “You don’t want to be?” He shrugged, feeling guilty about wiping that brilliant smile of her face, “Don’t know, Hannah girl. I’m more the type to crash a weddin’ than be part of it.” That successfully got her laughing again, “’’kay Keef, ye have me permission to crash me and Damo’s weddin’ or be in it. Yerchoice. But y’have to come. I wouldn’t be happy if you weren’t there.” “Ah but ye’d be marryin’ the lad you’ve loved all yer life.” “Not all of it!” Hannah giggled, “For two and half years he wasn’t even alive yet!” “Most of it.” He amended, “I’d think that’d make ye pretty happy with or without me.” She poked his nose with her finger tip, still grinning, “Yer silly, Keef. I wouldn’t be happy without ya.” She repeated. “Glad I have that affect on ya…” He said slowly, trying not think too much about the comment. She was drunk, mostly, and wasn’t thinking right. And she’d still be marrying Damian. “Oh you know that you do.” She said, still laughing a little. She finished the last of her some numberth drink, and set it down. Eyeing his empty glass she met his eyes again, “Y’wanna go back now?” “Not really, no.” He said, then shook his head, “But if yer ready, I’ll escort ya back.” He stood up from the bar. She nodded, and pushed herself up too. However she was clearly not used to standing on solid ground while her mind wasn’t properly behaving, and so she stumbled a considerable amount and promptly fell against him. He was feeling a little light headed himself from drinking and standing and all that, and so not much registered in his fogged mind other than Hannah’s body against his. He forgot that they were heading back and wrapped his arms around her, knowing there was nobody there to care about it. She didn’t mind either and shifted a little to lay her head on his chest with a tiny sigh. He rested his chin on her head and quietly inhaled the scent of her hair. She smelt beautiful, he wasn’t even sure what it was specifically, he just knew it was amazing. She was amazing. And he was holding her – offstage too. He couldn’t be happier. “You smell good.” Was his intelligent comment to her. “You smell like Guiness.” Was her equally witty reply. He shifted a bit, and held her tighter, “There are worse things to smell like.” He murmured into her hair. He felt her nod and pull away to look at him. Brown eyes still a bit wide, and, for all her drunkenness, completely focused. It may have been wishful thinking but Keith was pretty sure those eyes were focused on his lips. He knew his were on hers. “I’ll – I’ll bet-“ Her voice faltered as he unconsciously began to lean into her, “ye taste like Guiness, too.” For having not a moment ago been talking about marrying another lad, Keith was willing to bet at that moment she didn’t have a thought about him. “There are worse things to taste like.” He said, helplessly. “Mmmmm” She agreed softly before her lips were pressed against his. The kiss was short but oh so sweet. He eyed her warily as he pulled back, their faces still only inches apart, and she did the same to him. And with an unspoken mutual agreement, he pulled her in again. The second kiss was slower, longer, with Hannah’s arms wrapping around his neck and her fingers running through his hair. He tightened his arms around her, practically crushing her against him as he fully realized how long he’d wanted this. Finally he let her go, gasping for air, and set her down, as he realized he’d literally lifted her off the ground during the embrace. They both stared at each other, waiting to find thoughts that could become intelligent words of any kind. Therefore, they were silent for a good few seconds. Hannah broke it first, “… W-wow.” She let out a breathless giggle. The sound of her laugh made a smile form again, probably a ridiculous overly happy one, but he didn’t care. “Wow.” He replied. Finally Keith was able to tear his eyes from her to glance around the pub, which was now mostly empty. Hannah followed his gaze, “You think we shoul’ we go now?” “Prolly.” He answered, stroking her hair again. He kept that arm firmly around her shoulder, partially for her own support, and began to lead her back. Not even out of the pub and the two were talking again. So, they returned from a night neither would likely remember laughing as though nothing had happened worth remembering at all.
*whistles and runs away*
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Post by misssunflower on Feb 28, 2011 17:25:42 GMT -5
Keith awoke on the bus the next day with something he usually didn’t after a night out with mates. A clear memory of the previous night’s events. It was so unusual that he briefly wondered if the memories he had were actually just foggy memories of a dream he’d just woke up from. In fact, when the memories did come, he almost hoped they were. No, he really hoped they were. But they weren’t dreams. He had really truly kissed Hannah O’Bryan. Well, actually, more like Hannah has kissed him, but there was absolutely no denying that once she had he’d made no move to stop her. He hadn’t wanted to stop her. heck, he’d wanted to kiss her like that for the rest of his worldly life right then. He’d kissed Damian’s girl. The excuse that they weren’t officially together wouldn’t matter here. They both loved each other; THAT was what mattered. The excuse of being drunk didn’t help either. Drunk actions were sober thoughts, or so some people said. It was certainly the case for him. He couldn’t say it without admitting that he was crazy for her. He groaned and shut his eyes again, wishing to wake up a second time to yesterday with all of that as some very messed up dream. “Are you gonna sleep straight up tomorrow’s show, Keith?” Damian’s, of all people’s, voice got him up. “What time is it?” He said, ignoring the way his stomach was knotted. “Half noon.” He replied, with a laugh. “We’re apparently gonna be stopping for a rest in a bit. Thought I’d try and get ye up. Again.” He pushed himself up and adjusted his shirt; he must not have felt like changing when he’d gotten back. It smelt like Hannah and Guiness, or he was losing his mind. Both options seemed equally likely. “When’d Hannah and I get back last night?” Damian shrugged, “I’d already been asleep, I figure. Late. What’d you both do?” He pretended to yawn, to keep the atmosphere casual. “Can’t really remember. Laughed, drank –“ “Normal pub night?” “Exactly.” He said, probably too quickly. Hannah. Oh God, what if she remembered everything as well? If he did, which was a rarity, it was possible she would too. She wouldn’t want to talk to him… she wouldn’t want to be NEAR him for- for the rest of her life, surely. And, they still had half a tour left. He groaned and moved straight to one of the couches. His mate appeared to find the hangover amusing. Keith knew this wasn’t the worst Damian had seen him, and that made him feel a little better. His miserable attitude wouldn’t be suspicious. “Want tea?” Neil asked, ignoring Damian’s laughter. He nodded at the band mate, with the smallest smile. Tea drank, his head was still giving him heck and the guilt was still boring a hole in his conversations with the lads, especially the youngest. So he made a convincing yawn and said he’d try and nap off the hangover for a while. He didn’t know if he actually fell asleep or not. He hadn’t planned too, but after so long the lads’ conversations disappeared from his consciousness. He tried to keep Hannah from entering it, but it was a losing battle and he knew it. She’d been in his dreams enough BEFORE their kiss. “Ke-ith.” Oh great. And now he was hearing her voice. He squeezed his eyes, keeping them shut. “Keith, c’mon. I didn’t wander all the way over to watch ye sleep. Waaake uppp…” Suddenly there was the spark, the feeling of lips lightly on his cheek. That wasn’t a dream. His eyes shot open to meet Hannah’s. She looked exhausted, and was still the most stunning person he knew. She laughed a little, “Like sleeping beauty, are ya? Kiss gets ya up…” He blinked more, still trying to adjust to the sight of Hannah on the men’s tour bus. That wasn’t moving. Right. A rest stop. But why- why did she-… “What’re ya doin’ here?” “Well, hello to you too.” She said, smiling. At this point Keith knew she didn’t remember. She was smiling WAY too much to have. “And I came to talk to ya.” “Really?” He said slowly, carefully. “Really.” She eyed the tea, “Helps, doesn’t it?” “What?” “The sore head.” She answered. “I’ve never had one this bad before, to be honest. Ruth told me we were both absolutely HAMMERED when we came back. What’s worse is I couldn’t tell her what happened! I don’t remember… and I figured you might,” She paused nervously, “Did- Did I say anything stupid?” She didn’t remember. She wouldn’t know. She’d be able to stay with Damian… and as much as he wanted to be with her, he knew that was the way it was meant. And he’d get to keep that kiss in memory. All his fear and most of his guilt evaporated. He remembered he was supposed to answer, “Well,” He said slowly, “Nothing awful.” Not a lie, she hadn’t said anything awful at all. “You did invite me to you and Damo’s wedding.” He said, truthfully. She colored immensely, “And you don’t think that’s awful?” “Not compared to other things people have said drunk. And it certainly wasn’t surprisin’.” “Oh.” She paused, then nodded. “Anything else?” “You told me I smelt like Guiness.” He chuckled a little. “I’m sorry!” She said quickly, and he laughed louder. God, he was so eased around her. No matter what had happened. “Hannah girl, I’m don’t think ye were meaning it as an insult at the time, so I didn’t take it as one.” He watched her exhale and smiled. “Feeling better?” “Mentally yes.” She said, rubbing her head a little. “Why is it you always make me feel better?” she laughed, squeezing into the seat beside him. It reminded Keith of sitting on the bus with her when they first met. “Could ask ye the same thing.” He said. Her smile glowed, and she leaned her head on his shoulder, moving in a little closer. His heart pounded. “Where’s Damo?” “Outside, getting food.” Hannah yawned, “We only have another half hour before we get to the venue. Do you think I could just stay here?” “I- If ye want to.” She laughed, quieter now, “I do. You make a nice pillow, K.” “Thanks…?” He couldn’t help but smile, even though his head was telling him this was all sorts of wrong. She didn’t answer, and by the time anyone else came back on the bus, she’d fallen asleep.
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Post by misssunflower on Feb 28, 2011 23:04:30 GMT -5
Paul, the first one on the bus, blinked several times at Hannah passed out on Keith’s shoulder, and then back in the direction of the girl’s bus, and back. His expression over-the-top and humorous. “Did we get a teleporter and didn’t tell me?” He rolled his eyes, “She came over during the rest stop to interrogate me about last night.” He said in a loud whisper, “Apparently she’s not used to not remembering her nights out.” Paul laughed a little and moved to a different seat, “Poor thing.” Damian had climbed on at this point, and Keith had to fight back cringing at how his mate’s eyes widened at the sight. Finally he let out a little laugh, “Still tired is she?” “More so with a sore head an’ all…” He said casually as he could. “We don’t have long until we get there, right? She said something about another half hour…” “Driver said half hour -45 minutes.” Ryan answered, being the only one of the other lads considerate enough to have lowered his voice for the sleeping girl’s sake. He was still watching the sleeping girl as oddly as any of the lads. The bus had already started so the next question was pointless, “Suppose we’re lettin’ her stay for the rest of it…?” Keith gave the tiniest shrug, “Don’t really want to wake her, y’know…” “Makes sense.” He replied. Keith wondered if the youngest lad realized that everyone was flicking their eyes from Hannah to him, as if waiting for something. Damian, however, didn’t notice or didn’t care. He fished out his ipod and took a seat across from Keith, giving his girl a soft smile before tuning it all out. Keith fought back a sigh. This was going to be interesting when Hannah awoke. He smiled down at her also. She looked so beautifully peaceful right then. And he had a fleeting sense of pride or even triumph that she was laying on HIM and not Damian. But that was quickly replaced with guilt and he looked back up at the lad, but he was now looking out the window at nothing. At a bump in the road, Hannah spoke again for the first time, “Keith…” “Yeah?” He asked without thinking. When he got no response he glanced down at her again. Her expression hadn’t changed in the slightest. She was still asleep. He almost groaned; talking in her sleep would NOT be a good thing at this point. But that wasn’t enough to completely cover up the pleasure of Hannah murmuring HIS name. He wondered if maybe she was dreaming about him. Unconsciously he played with her hair again. She let out a quiet ‘mmmm’ and snuggled herself in even closer to him. God, it was going to be interesting when she woke up. “Aaand there’s that look again.” Damian’s voice snapped him out of foolishly smiling at the sleeping young woman. His mate had the tiniest quirk of a smile. “What?” He let out a small chuckle, “When yer talkin’ to her… you always have this look like…” He made a small hand gesture and pulled his ear buds out, “Like you’ve never seen a girl before.” Well, this was awkward. How on earth did one answer a question like that? Figures Damian would notice though, but he didn’t sound well… upset. He wasn’t sure what the lad’s tone was, but he was goin’ to try and stay safe. “I do?” He raised a dark eyebrow, and Keith sighed. He’d never been very good at lying – this wouldn’t be the first time that got him in trouble. But he had no time to try again. Damian just shook his head, “You like her.” He didn’t bother this time, “Yeah.” “Like, for serious…” He didn’t meet his eye, “Yeah.” Then suddenly there was a little laughter from him, and he looked up. He was smiling, a somewhat confused smile, but still a smile. “What?” He asked to surprise on Keith’s face. He didn’t know where to begin, “I just didn’ think you’d be oka- I mean likin’ yer gir-“ “Hannah’s not my girl.” Damian sighed. “Well, not yet-“ He began. “Not ever!” He let out an exasperated laugh. “Why do you all think that!?” It took a lot for Keith not to stare, or roll his eyes. Oh, why would they ever think that? “Well ye- ye like her-“ “Well, of course I like her! But I’m not in love with her!” He’d used this excuse constantly when slagged about Hannah, and they’d all shrugged him off. There had been no question of it – he loved her. Whether he said so or not. But looking at him now, and the strength in his tone then, he was NOT lying. Keith stared. “Really?” Another laugh, “So, you’re going to believe me finally? I don’t love her, well I mean in that way. Y’know, like, she’s great. Closest friend I have, but I can’t see her any other way.” Almost exactly what he’d told Hannah about he and Ruth. He was telling the truth, as well, it was perfectly clear – now, of course. He glanced back down at the sleeping girl, blissfully unaware of the conversation being held about her. Damian’s tone softened, catching something in his expression at her, “So, what? Were you worried that Hannah and I were together and ye were fallin’ for my girl?” Keith smiled a little nervously and he rolled his eyes, “Well, you DON’T have to worry about anythin’ like that, Keith. She and I are best mates, but I know that’s all we’ll ever be. And as her best mate, I totally approve of ya. She’s all yours.” His heart skipped a bit at the thought of Hannah being ‘all his’ and he grinned like an idiot at his band mate. He laughed, and put his ear buds back in. All his guilt was gone. He wasn’t in love with Hannah, he never had been… But Hannah was in love with him. His souring spirits lost wind and plummeted back to reality. She was mad for him, and always had been. Just being near him made her glow more than anything Keith thought he could do. She’d talked about their future wedding, she dreamed of spending her life with him… had all sorts of plans. Damian thought the two of them were only mates. He had no idea she felt that way for him. And she had no idea it was unrequited. and
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Post by misssunflower on Mar 1, 2011 16:43:32 GMT -5
Hannah woke up most uncomfortably. Not to say she didn’t mind waking up. In fact, she was very relieved to feel her consciousness restored to her, no matter how it had occurred. Consciousness meant that what she’d thought WAS, was, in fact, a terribly detailed dream. How had she been able to so easily know the feeling of his lips? Or the way his hands caressed her where she stood held tight against him – like one person nearly. She should not have been able to see it all so clearly, so brilliantly in her head. She’d wanted out of that dream just as badly as she wanted it to last the rest of eternity. It HAD been a dream though. She hadn’t ACTUALLY kissed Keith Harkin, so heatedly like her mind tortured her with. It was so vivid, though. Nerve-wreaking enough that it almost made her never want to sleep again. It was a relief to be awoken. However to feel someone’s hand on her bum without warning or consent, was a bit of a rude awakening – literally. She jerked her head up, instantly awake, and instantly blushed to find she’d been asleep on Keith, when dreaming such vivid dreams of him – and that that wandering hand belonged to him. Controlling her heart she forced her features into a cold look, “Keith Harkin. What in God’s name do you think you’re doing?” He was, of course, unperturbed, “Stretchin’.” He said simply, moving his hand back where she could see it, and holding it up in surrender, “Not me fault you sat on it.” He winked. “Sat on…? I did not!” She blushed deeper. “Not at the start, no ye didn’t.” He chuckled, “But ye kept squirmin’ all about it your sleep and at one point or another…” She looked away, from his bright eyes and his warm smile, trying to keep her dream’s images from returning her. Of course, the one dream she DIDN’T want to recall was the one she remembered perfectly. Kissing him had felt too real. “Sorry.” She finally said, not even sure if that was the correct response. More laughter, “Nothin’ to apologize for, Hannah girl. We’ll be in Charlotte in a wee bit anyways, good to have ya up.” She gave in and smiled at him, “Good to be up, I guess. What’re we going to do today…?” It was late November and more than a bit colder, but Hannah still imagined touring the city would be the main event. It didn’t hurt to ask, though. “I don’t know meself.” He stood up, “Can I squeeze past ya for a sec Hannah girl?” “Sure.” She stood to let him pass by her to a mini fridge in the bus. She glanced away from him at last again. However, what she finally did look at, while sitting back down, was no comfort. Damian looked at her, with a warm smile and music blasting from his ears and waved a little. Blushing red, Hannah returned the wave, and he looked back out the window completely casually. Still Hannah flipped. He had been sitting across from her the whole time she’d been asleep? The whole time she’d been all but passed out and on Keith – and- and having that DREAM! Oh, she just hoped he didn’t think- he wouldn’t infer that she had anything for Keith. Because she didn’t, of course, have anything for Keith. She didn’t. She wouldn’t. That dream was a stupid, stupid result of being overly hungover or something like that. That was all. That was it. No matter how realistic it had been. There was no way she had actually kissed Keith, at any time... Keith came back then, and this time she squeezed in so he could sit beside her. In his hands was a small container of pineapple. She laughed a little and he did too… at nothing really. His whole presence made her happy, really. She didn’t quite no what to do with it. “How’d you sleep?” He asked finally, taking a piece of fruit and popping it into his mouth. “Fine.” She lied, trying to keep from watching his mouth and his lips and remembering how they felt. Or how she IMAGINED they’d felt, that is. She moved on, “How’s yer head?” Another piece disappeared, “Better.” He said. She reached for a piece from the container and he pretended to shield it from her. “Hey! No keepin’ it all to yourself, K!” He laughed as she tried to reach over to him to grab the container. He’d lift it into the air and she’d reach for it like a cat would swipe at something, making him laugh harder. She tried to be mad at him, but was having too much fun. She heard Damian’s deep laughter, but tried not to think about what this may look like through his eyes – practically climbing on the blonde lad, giggling and blushing. At last when she finally was about to throw her hands up and give up, Keith poked a piece of pineapple into her partially opened mouth. She blinked at the unexpected treat, but happily accepted. “Well, finally.” She said. He laughed, “Yer too much fun to slag, Hannah girl.” “Gee, than-“ She was cut off with another pineapple bit. “Are you tryin’ to keep me quiet, Harkin?” He tussled her hair, grinning, “Now why’d I do that? Love listenin’ to ya talk.” “So you’re sayin’ I talk alo-“ Now she was cut off by him laying his finger on her lips. She blushed a deep red and he continued his gleeful laughter. “Really, Hannah girl, yer the first girl I know who wasn’t mollified by a line like that.” She wanted to say all sorts of things to that but knew she’d be shushed again, most likely. But her thoughts all centered on one thought. ‘So, you’ve used that line before, huh?’ She wondered if when he and Ruth had been together he’d used it then. She was sure he loved listening to her talk; he did so fairly often. Good lord, Hannah O’Bryan… she was JEALOUS. Why in God’s name was she getting jealous…? Keith cocked an eyebrow at her, catching something she hadn’t meant to show in her expression. “What?” “Yer quite the ladies man, are ya?” She slipped out. He blinked at her, taken aback, and there was a little pause before he cleared his throat little, and spoke in tight casualness, “Me? Nah. Far as I know there’s only one girl for me. I think ye may know her. Her name’s spelt the same forward and b-“ Now Hannah’s hands flew to cover his mouth before he could mumble out the final word that’d change everything for her. She’d have to stop her make-believing and admit that there was part of her that wanted him in a way much closer to friendship. That she’d dreamt more about Keith in the past week than she had of Damian in her life, and that every plan for her life was being uprooted and twisted around and she wouldn’t know what to do if that happened. Less than a second later she coughed, choking on a small piece of pineapple that had still been in her mouth at the time. The coughing grew into a full fit until she had to take her hands off Keith’s mouth to hold on to something for support. Keith eyed her worriedly and then Damian’s voice spoke up, taking his ipod earbuds out, “Keith, you know I heard something once about someone dyin’ by coughing… do you think we ought to build a coffin?” “It’s a pity, but I think ye should.” Both lads would tell her later that her face was absolutely priceless. But her choking stopped, and she’d kept Keith from saying her name.
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Post by misssunflower on Mar 1, 2011 23:12:13 GMT -5
Hannah felt immature, but from that afternoon onward she avoided Keith as much as she could. As much as one possibly could when they played love interests in the show. As soon as Home was over she was backstage talking to Haley or Julianne or Damian or even some of the other lads she’d become friends with on this whirlwind tour. She was pretty sure that he knew she was purposely avoiding him, and it hurt to think it might hurt him. But she just- she just couldn’t deal with the feelings that were messing with everything she’d thought she knew. She needed space from him. And at least, if he knew, he seemed to respect that. At least, until the last week of the tour. “You okay, O’ Bryan?” Damian asked her casually before the show began. His tie was crooked, she rolled her eyes and fixed it for him before replying. “Course, I’m okay. Why wouldn’t I be?” He laughed a little and ran a hand through his dark hair, “You just haven’t been actin’ yourseld for a while…” Crap. “I haven’t?” She asked innocently. “You haven’t.” He replied, not having any of her attempted lies. Of course, he knew her better than anyone, he wouldn’t believe her a second. There was a pause, “Why’ve you been avoiding Keith, anyways?” “I haven’t been avoiding him!” He raised his eyebrows, “Hannah, you were gettin’ to the point where you spent nearly every moment possible with him… and now none at all.” God, he did know. He had noticed how often she spent time with him now. He didn’t sound upset, but right then he didn’t sound happy either. She wasn’t used to having a serious conversation with him. He paused, when she said nothing to that. “Keith noticed too, y’know.” She sighed, “It isn’t- I mean-“ What was she supposed to tell him? ‘I can’t be around him because when I do I feel drawn to him like a stupid magnet when I shouldn’t be because I love you’? Certainly not. Damian shrugged, then ruffled her hair, “Sorry I’m bein’ harsh to you, Hannah. Keith’s just worried and has been houndin’ me to talk to you about it.” He reached into his jacket and pulled out a piece of folded up paper. She took it, then looked at him. “I have no idea.” He answered her questioning gaze. “Oh.” He laughed, “Well, I gotta run and sing now, O’ Bryan. Talk to you after Home – and talk to Keith too, okay?” She sighed. If Damian wanted her too… she’d do it for him, “Okay.” Happy with that he left. Hannah gazed at the paper and with another sigh opened it. She’d known it was from Keith from the start so it was not surprising to find his handwriting on the small paper. ‘Sorry?’ Hannah couldn’t help but smile. That was so like him. She’d have to talk to him, just so he didn’t feel guilty anymore. Nothing of this was his fault. Unless his fault was being too handsome and sweet –that was hardly a fault at all. It was a definite case of ‘it’s not you, it’s me.’ She went through the songs she had to be on stage for with ease. As had become regular she attempted ignoring the way her heart skipped at him holding her at the end of his song. That made her want to hide away again, but she wouldn’t that day. Damian wanted her to talk to him. Talk to him she would. As they moved to their bench for Home she whispered, “I’m not angry with you, you know.” He looked at her, but simply held a finger to his lips and motioned for her to watch the song. She hid a sigh, and did so. As it ended, she knew Damian wouldn’t come talk to them as he often did. “I’m not angry with you.” She repeated to him, standing far too close already for her mental health. Keith shook his head, “Well, yer not happy with me either, Hannah girl.” “You don’t know that.” “I know you won’t talk to me, and I know what I said to ya that caused it.” She didn’t like to think about what he’d said. About how he’d basically told her that she was the only girl for him when he knew how she felt about Damian. He’d known it longer than she’d known him. And she hated to think that she’d be breaking his heart over all of it. It added to all the reasons she couldn’t be around him more than she was. When she said nothing, he knew what was going on in her mind, “I knew I was right.” “That doesn’t mean I’m an-“ “Hannah girl, I’d personally rather have you angry with me than ignorin’ me.” She sighed, glancing away from his stunning eyes, then back, “I should be the one saying sorry then shouldn’t I?” He sighed also, rubbing her arms that until that moment she hadn’t known he was holding, “I’d rather you’re not upset with yerself either.” “What do you want me to do then?” She asked, though the helpless tone of voice greatly wiped out any bite in those words. Keith opened his mouth, then closed it quickly. Hannah wondered what he was really going to say first, because it clearly wasn’t what he DID say, “Long as yer talkin’ to me ‘gain Hannah…” He smiled hesitantly, more hesitantly than she was used to from him. “I’ll work on that.” She said truthfully, trying to smile back, “You should get ready for Hallelujah.” “Do I get a good luck?” He asked. She knew what he meant, and almost said no. But she very much longed for the comfortableness she felt with him, and denying that would be one step in the wrong direction. She nodded, and pushed herself to kiss his cheek. And missed. Whether by accident or design – and she would never be sure who’s design it was – Hannah’s lips landed on his. She felt only a millisecond of shock before fire raced through her body and he pulled her closer. Her mind shut down and she moved her arms around his neck, kissing him back with everything in her. She didn't know how or why, but it felt so purely... RIGHT to do so. And so she did and he certainly wasn't complaining. She wasn’t sure how long they stood there, pressed against each other, their lips letting out all sorts of pent up tension that had built up that entire tour. But suddenly there was the loud sound of someone clearing their throat and the pair reluctantly enough pulled away. Looking at the speaker, Hannah felt her slowly recovering heartbeat sputter to a stop yet again. “Well, I see this all worked out.” Damian said, “Keith, you're on in 2.” And turned to leave with no more words than that.
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Post by misssunflower on Mar 2, 2011 20:39:54 GMT -5
Ivy, I'm still not sure, it's been over a year since I wrote that story and my writers block never un-blocked. XD
For the longest second of Hannah’s life, there was absolute silence – outside of the echoing sound of George’s song on stage. “Y-You better go.” She stuttered to Keith, quietly, pulling herself out of his embrace. He thankfully, let her go. She looked at him. He didn’t look how she expected he would. He didn’t look happy, but he didn’t really look unhappy, to have been interrupted by his younger band mate and Hannah’s love. He was nearly… expressionless. That was new for him, as far as she knew. In any case, he gave her a small nod, “Right.” She, of course, was the one to leave, though. Soon as the words left him she turned from him, and rushed, more like ran, after where Damian had exited. Her mind was in utter turmoil. How could she have been so unfaithful? Why had kissing him felt that good – that amazing? She wasn’t supposed to want him the way she knew, at that moment, she did. But she did. Even then, a large part of her knew she wanted to turn back into his arms and never separate. Not feelings one in her position should have been having and she knew it. But it was far too late now, and she knew that too. The feelings surrounding all that just happened left everything in her shaken, and she knew nothing of what to do anymore. She had to talk to Damian. But what in God’s name did she say? She couldn’t say much of anything. She didn’t know what had come over her? Well, that was true. She still wasn’t sure, actually. But something had. Something had come over her long ago, and she had no idea what she could do about it at this stage, and what her love would think about this. That was, if he hadn’t already guessed. His tone had been so unreadable. Calm, very calm, but completely unreadable; he hadn’t been surprised. How upset he was Hannah had no idea, but he hadn’t been surprised. That hurt a bit, to know he’d suspected this… whatever the heck ‘this’ was. She didn’t want him jealous over her. She didn’t want him to hate Keith, or her, over it all. It was like stupid Twilight or whatever, a series she already hated and now she had herself in her least favorite character’s part. Her face was red, and she could feel embarrassed tears welling up in her eyes. What a situation. What a stupid situation she had put herself in, and she could find no one to blame but herself. She found Damian soon enough, pulling on his sweater for Standing on a Corner. He was before her in a second. “Hannah? Hannah, what’s the matter?” He was asking her slowly, carefully, “I thought everything was- I mean I saw ya both-“ She sniffed loudly without thought and suddenly her love’s eyes narrowed, looking at her. “Keith didn’t- He didn’t do… that- that is, that wasn’t without you wantin’ it… right?” His voice had lowered and had a bit of a dangerous edge to it, with more clearly being held back. Hannah’s face colored immensely and she shook her head quickly. She couldn’t have him hating Keith anymore than he may already by thinking THAT. “No! No- I- I- I did want it. That is I-“ She stuttered, trying to think of how to say it. All tenseness in her friend evaporated, “Then, what is it, O’ Bryan? Oh, shoot! I really need to run.” He put his hands on her shoulders, “Intermission. We’ll talk about it?” She nodded weakly, and then he was gone. That show was doubtlessly the LONGEST she’d ever had to put up with. And Hannah was stuck wondering how Damian could still be… well, somewhat happy after that. She was confused and lost and just seriously needed to talk to him. Finally he was backstage, unsmiling and sitting beside her. Silently waiting explanation for her unhappiness. “Damo, I’m- I mean, I’m sorry we-“ “Sorry?” He cut in instantly, his voice incredulous. He didn’t believe her. “Why are you sorry, Hannah?” She was still blushing, “I mean, Keith and I- and you- and I-“ How was she supposed to say this? Damian blinked a little at that, “Me? What about me? You thought-“ A pause as he was thinking, “You think I wouldn’t approve of you and Keith together?” Now Hannah blinked. “You- you do?” He did? But she was sure- how could he approve? With- with all the two of them had been through, he didn’t mind? She was so confused. He laughed now, actually looking relieved, “Dangit, O’ Bryan! That’s what’s upsetting you? I mean I’m flattered you want me to, like, approve this and whatnot- but seriously, Keith’s my mate, you’re my best friend. How could you even think I wouldn’t?” His best friend. Hannah’s heart began a slow fall to her stomach while he continued. “And I mean, this would mean the lads would FINALLY lay off about the two of us. Finally hit everyone that we’re just mates and it’s never going to happen.” He ran a hand back through his hair, and chuckled, “God, that’ll be a relief, right? Got tired of repeatin’ meself.” Never. It was never going to happen? She felt a lump in her throat and couldn’t speak. For years, heck, for decades, the two of them had told everyone they knew ‘we’re just friends’, and Hannah had always been lying. But she always thought- she swore that he was too. He’d meant it? This whole time, there was nothing more for her than a friend… and that would never change? She fought back tears that began to form. She couldn’t cry in front of him, not over this. She couldn’t let him know she was upset. None of that was his fault, and she couldn’t be upset with him. She wasn’t upset with him. She was upset with herself. She’d wasted almost her entire life in love with someone that she would never be with. She nodded best she could at him, “Y-yeah. Right. Thanks Damian… I’m just – I don’t even know.” Damian smiled softer at her and pulled her into a quick hug, “I’m here to help, O’ Bryan.” He said, oblivious to how Hannah nearly broke down then and there. “Talk to you after the show, okay? I probably better be gettin’ ready again.” He ruffled her hair, and took off. Leaving Hannah there, no longer confused, but wishing that she were.
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Post by misssunflower on Mar 2, 2011 23:12:49 GMT -5
Keith had never felt so confused. Well, almost never. Of course half of the reason was probably that his mind was not properly functioning after that kiss. That brilliant and amazing kiss he had shared with Hannah. He still wasn’t completely sure who had initiated it that time around. Had she intended to kiss his mouth, or had he subconsciously redirected her? Whatever the case was, he had been perfectly happy with how it had worked out – and, for the time being, she had been too. Well, at least she certainly wasn’t trying to pull away… God, the memories of that… she definitely hadn’t been pulling away… And they’d both been completely sober at the time. That was always a plus. But… Really? Really Damian? Of all times to just- just SHOW up! He was meaning well and there wasn’t a touch of malice in that tone about it all working out – but Hannah wouldn’t know that. Hannah didn’t know that. So, after him she’d run, expecting to have to explain her ‘cheating’ no doubt. Cheating when they’d never been together. She’d learn that… and God knew how she’d take that news. Not well surely, not knowing how long she’d been in love with the eejit who had no idea. He sighed and continued Hallelujah, knowing he’d have to wait until the end of his part in Ryan’s song before he could possibly talk to Damian about it, and not sure if he would want to see Hannah after something like that. Damian came off stage, threw a compliment at Haley and then noticed him there. He came over, grinning. That was… good? Well, he hoped so… “Well, I already gave YOU me ‘blessin’ didn’t I? I wouldn’t think you’d be comin’ askin’ too.” Keith blinked, his level of confusion deepening. And that was saying something, “Wait, Hannah asked for…” He laughed, “Most nervous I’ve ever seen her! Even before the first show, y’know. She was apologizn’ and everything.” Oh. He thought that meant she was-… oh, geez, could that lad BE anymore dense!? All this and he still hadn’t the faintest idea about the girl’s feelings. He ,who knew more about her than any of them – even Keith. He was an absolute eejit! “So, what’d you tell her, then?” “Told her I had no idea why she was askin’ – that of course I didn’t mind or whatever.” He sighed, “Means we both don’t have to get the constant slaggin’ anymore.” He ran a hand back through his hair. “And what’d she say to that?” He asked, carefully, wishing his younger friend would just. Take. A. Hint already. Damian paused, “Well, we had to leave just after that, but she thanked me. I’d assume she was happy, what?” “Nothing.” He said quickly. Well, that was like the beautiful girl – she learnt the feelings were unrequited and put on the front of not caring in the least. Keith wondered how long she’d be able to pull that one off. She wouldn’t be able to with him, though – she never tried. He wondered if he’d be able to talk to her before the busses rolled out for the night. She needed to let it out, he was sure of it. “Well, ye don’t look very happy despite all of it.” The younger lad was saying, confused, “I’m really beginin’ to wonder if I’m missing something here.” “You are. I’ll tell you when you’re old enough to understand.” He rolled his eyes, his attention now more towards finding and talking to his Hannah girl. “What makes you think I can’t?” He was instantly antagonized, as always when age was thrown in. The 18 year old was technically an adult, but that didn’t mean any of the lads had to treat him as such just yet. Knowing him at wee 14 would make it hard for them to ever truly let him grow up, in their eyes. It bothered him to no end. Age, in this case, meant nothing, really. Just a bit of well meant idiocy that in this case was causing a few of people a lot of trouble. He was suddenly remembered that he was on next, and said slightly more rushed, “Let me just say, I do.” And with that disappeared for his next act. The show, like everything that day, was taking too long. There was never enough time between his songs to run to Hannah’s dressing room and find her. The next time he saw her was her curtain call before Ireland’s Call. She gave a smile to the audience, and one to him too. But he could see the make-believe in it. She was pretending to be alright, just pretending, and the act couldn’t last longer. He’d been dreaming of Hannah being his for a long time, but even right then she wasn’t. Her heart was still Damian’s and now it was just broken as well. Sure, after that- that kiss- it was clear part of her felt the same for him… but he wasn’t sure that’d still wipe out her feelings for the man she’s loved most of her life. Keith sighed internally as they finished their bows and got set for Ireland’s Call. He’d just be there for her, and wait. “Where’s Hannah?” He asked Damian instantly as they got off their last song. The younger lad shrugged, still grinning, “Dunno, Harkin She’s YOUR girl isn’t she?” That got him a hard punch in the shoulder, “Ow! Geez! I’d bet she’s in her dressing room, always is. What was that for anyways!” He rubbed his arm. Keith rolled his eyes, “Just thought you were overdue for that.” He called, turning and breaking into a fast walk. Waling he passed Haley and Julianne with a simple nod, and then there she was, just exiting the dressing room with her dress bag over her shoulder, closing it up behind her. She turned to meet his eye, and he saw her absent fake smile fade. He bet she’d been keeping that on for a few hours. “Keith…” She said softly. He wasn’t quite sure what he said then, probably something smart like, “Are you alright?” But whatever it was, it got a bit more of a reaction from her. She let out a little cry and dropped everything to run to him. He caught her, and held her, not caring how long they stood and whether or not they had to get to their buses.
Don't think I'm leavin' ya without a bit more drama now... just you wait.
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Post by misssunflower on Mar 3, 2011 16:34:29 GMT -5
Well, Keith had to admit, she was doing quite well… under the circumstances. She wasn’t even really crying. Practically hyperventilating though, her breath coming out in dry, shaky sobs. He pet down her hair and tried to think of something to say. He wasn’t used to comforting people. Most of the people he spent all his time with hardly got upset, especially to the point of tears. And Hannah was never- well, until this point, he’d never seen her even mildly hurt. He’d never dealt with a broken heart, either. How was one supposed to treat it? What words would the person want to hear? Was he supposed to say it’d all be alright? It would, after all, be alright. In the end. In his opinion, at least. But would Hannah believe that? Would now be a time to tell her he loved her? Would she take him seriously? He couldn’t honestly expect her to just transfer all her left over feelings from Damian to him, then and there. No, that would take time. He’d tell her he’d wait. He would wait. He knew she loved him, and now she’d know that she could… He just… he didn’t want to hurt her more than she already was. Hannah, of course, didn’t actually know that he knew what was upsetting her. In her eyes, she’d just started sobbing to him with no reason. And so, she was attempting explanation, as he held her, trying to lift her head off his shoulder and say what had happened but unable to force it out, only to collapse again, shuddering. “Keith- Keith-“ She seemed to like saying his name, though, which he didn’t know was good or not. “Keith, he- he doesn’t-“ She drew in a breath, “He doesn’t-“ she didn’t seem to be able to get out anymore words then that, though the meaning was clear enough without her finishing her sentence. That didn’t keep her from continuing to try. Keith shook his head, though she wouldn’t know with her face buried into him. He wanted to kiss the top of her head, but figured that’d help nothing. So, simply resting his head on hers, he ‘shh’d her continuous whispers. “Shh- shhhh Hannah girl.” He murmured, “Shhh. You don’t have to tell me anythin’. I knew this was goin’ to happen.” He added bleakly. Which, looking back on it later, was probably the absolute WORST thing he could have possibly said. Hannah stiffened, just little. She hadn’t exactly been very casual as they were. Still, he noticed. When he was thinking to ask what, she said, “What?” When he was thinking to repeat himself she said again, “Wait, what do you mean, you knew?” When he was thinking of how to answer, she began to push herself away, hesitantly, “You knew this was going to hap- you KNEW?” When he was still thinking of how to answer she looked him in the eye, “Why didn’t you tell me?” And Keith couldn’t think of anything to say to that. She pulled back further, as he tried to draw her in, wishing that he’d said anything else. Anything else to her! Now what was he supposed to say… certainly not the truth. Because the truth was, he’d been an idiot and simply had not ever. Even. Thought of it. How was he supposed to tell her that? “Hannah…” He began. “Why?” She whispered, “Didn’t you think- didn’t you- I mean, all this time- you never found a spare moment to maybe share that with me?” Her voice grew a bit stronger, “You know, no time when you could have pulled me aside and told me I was wasting my time and that it was never going to happen? You had to wait for HIM to tell me that?” She pulled fully out of his grasp and began a little pace, running her hands through her hair, “God,” She said, agonized, “How often did I talk about him? RAIL about him, and you never- you wouldn’t- oh God, I must have sounded so fanatical!” Her voice cracked, “I must of looked like a total eejit to ya! Railin’ on an’ on about him when ye knew. Must have been hilarious.” “Hannah. Don’t- ye don’t think-“ She shook her head, and he saw tears fall. All this time, she hadn’t cried yet, and this was the last straw. God, all this and HE was the one to make her cry. “Well then, why?” She squeezed her eyes, trying to fight off crying. “You didn’t think I would like to know?” “Oh so you like knowing?” He asked without thinking Hannah shook her head again, “You know that’s not what I mean! Keith, I’ve spent so much of my life absolutely, uselessly in love, and- and- I just- I just think YOU would have realized that- that I wouldn’t want anymore of it wasted then I had already, that you would have been the one to- to tell me to get out. Get out because one of the men you love won’t care.” Keith looked at her, seriously. He knew what she meant, and when she said it like that, it made very perfect sense. But he couldn’t have been the one to tell her that. It hurt bad enough to have seen her as was, to have been the one to break the news… he couldn’t. He found his mind concentrating on that last phrase of hers. More than, he probably should have at that case and time. Still it slipped out. Lots of things were slipping out for him that evening. “And the other man…?” She shot him a cool look, obviously as unhappy about him slipping it out as he was about letting it out. She debated it a long second before whispering, “Must not care either.” That did it. He cleared the distance she had put between them in the blink of an eye, “Hannah girl, how can ye think I don’t care!?” He demanded, hands on her arms, almost wanting to shake her. Taking a deep breath he looked at her, she was regaining composure quickly, but her eyes were still wide, and glossed over from crying, leaving her face washed out. And she was still gorgeous. Perfectly stunning. Keith couldn’t help himself from leaning to her, with no more thought than that she certainly couldn’t believe he didn’t care if… he… She let a little shriek and pulled back as far as she could, with his hands still on her arms. She struggled out of that, and before Keith could say a thing she slapped him hard across the cheek with a rather loud smack. Keith dropped her other arm to raise a hand up to his stingy cheek, wincing. God, she was so small, he never thought THAT would come out of her – he never thought it would have to. By the time he opened his eyes, with a small groan, Hannah had picked up her things and had took off in a sprint for the door and the buses.
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Post by misssunflower on Mar 3, 2011 23:12:09 GMT -5
eejit is a more british slang way of saying 'idiot'. Just a generic insult. I like using it.
“Well, there he is.” Ryan stated as Keith finally climbed his way on to the bus, still rubbing his cheek, “We were debating sending a search party in after you.” Then he paused, “What’s wrong?” He groaned a little in reply, really having no idea where to begin. The whole day had just been too complicated. The other lads began to join in, “Yeah, Keith, you look pretty bad – somet’in’ happen?” “What were you doin’?” “Did you hit something?” “More like someone hit me.” He sighed at last, taking his hand off his cheek at last. By the eyebrow raising it appeared Hannah’s slap had left a mark. He groaned again, “She’s a wee bit stronger than I gave her credit for.” He explained, without making sense. Damian, who hadn’t spoken yet, was instantly alert. None of the other lads would have known what that meant, but he did, “Hold on a sec, Keith – HANNAH did that? OUR Hannah?” He ignored him, “Really, Ry… how did ye deal wi’ Zara slapping ya every other night for those tours?” Ryan shrugged, confused. Damian spoke up again, irritated, “Keith!” “What?” “Why did Hannah slap you? What. Did. You. Do?!” Keith wanted to roll his eyes, or smack the lad, or both. But decided on neither. That’d do nothing. He sighed, exasperated, and tugged the lad by the arm to an empty few seats on the bus, and said in a low, quick voice, “Ye are probably one of the most unbelievably dense people I’ve ever known.” He continued before he could say anything, “So, I’ll explain this to ya best I can. Yer not gonna believe me, though.” “I think at this point I’ll believe anything.” Damian replied, rather agreeably. “I hope so.” He replied, before pausing, waiting for his mate to show he was ready. Damian nodded. Finally he said, “Hannah is in love with you.” He was silent. He continued a little more casually, “Least she was in love with you… for a good while, y’know…” “Yer not serious.” Damian choked out at last. He sighed, “Told ye you wouldn’t believe it.” He shook his head, “No, Hannah’s like my sister – she’s no-“ “She’s like a sister to you, Damo.” He explained, “That feelin’ wasn’t exactly mutual from her to you. Ye can believe it or not. But, she is. Or was.” Damian blinked, things falling into place at last, “But when I told- I told her- and you- what about you, then? How is she in love with ME when she’s with you?” He shrugged, trying not to think much about that… it reminded him that she hated him now… that she didn’t think he cared about her… not things he wanted to think about. “She… she likes me, I know… but she didn’t- doesn’t really know what to do with it, you know – she’s loved YOU all her life, after all.” “Then why did she slap you?” Well, at least he was asking smart questions. “If I’m the one who- oh, good Lord, she’s gotta hate me now. I told her- and she’s- dang.” He ran his fingers through his thick hair, miserably. “Why’s she angry with you?” “I was an idiot.” Keith said simply. Damian let out a humorless laugh, “Least I’m not alone in that then… that’s comforting.” “Glad I can comfort ya.” He laughed a little also, “So, well, she figured out that I’ve known your feeling weren’t the same as hers for… well, it has to have been a few weeks… but anyways, I never told her- and she didn’t get that.” “Well, why didn’t you tell her?” “I don’t know!” He sighed, “I mean, I should have been wantin’ to tell her. I mean, take you out of the picture an’ all… but I hardly think she would have been wantin’ a relationship with the man who told her THAT, anyways…” “You really love her?” Damian asked, kind of awed. Keith shrugged, “Don’t really know how it happened, to be honest, but yeah. I do.” “I’ll talk to her.” “I hardly think she’ll want to talk to you.” He shrugged also, “Well, she’ll have to deal. She’s my sister, she’s miserable, and I’m an eejit about all of it.” He gave Keith a small smile, “She needs to know that ya did not’ in wrong, cause if anything’s comin’ from this – I’m making sure you both come out of this together.” “Good luck.” He said. “Oh have some confidence in me, Harkin.” “You understand why I don’t though.” He teased, smiling the most he could. He still couldn’t see that Damian talking to Hannah would do anymore than upset Hannah more. “At least, don’t like… text her or anythin’ tonight.” He compromised, “Let her cool down a bit… I don’t know if you’ve ever seen her upset…” “Of course I have.” “Of course ye have.” He agreed, “Then you’ll know it ain’t the nicest thing to see. Just, let her calm down, before ye possibly hurt upset her anymore.” “Not my plan.” Damian said. “Wasn’t mine, either.” He replied. He debated that, “Fair enough, it wasn’t. But just…” He paused, for a long moment, obviously thinking about everything that he’d been told in the last few minutes. Obviously not often you got this dropped on you, “Just, don’t worry about it, Keef. It’s not yer fault.” He smiled at the eejit lad, “Not yours, either, mate. Best of luck with Hannah.” Damian laughed a little, “Should be saying that to you. I’ll talk to her tomorrow. Night.” And with that slightly more cheerful note, the buses rolled out for the night, and ended one of the most stressful nights in Keith’s life. He just hoped tomorrow would be better.
Explanations! YAY!
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Post by misssunflower on Mar 4, 2011 17:17:10 GMT -5
Hannah didn’t want to do the show that night. Really she never wanted to do a show again. She was an idiot, a complete and utter idiot. Why couldn’t she have just stuck back home while Damian toured, like she always did? Things would be easier then. Of course, then she’d still be mad for him, no idea that she was wasting her time with it. Then she wouldn’t know Keith. But maybe that was good. Oh, listen to herself thinking! She groaned at her image in her dressing room mirror. She was nutty, pathetic and nutty and completely lost with what she was supposed to do with herself from that moment forward. She was in love with two people. One who would never see her as more than a friend, and another who lied to her. What was she supposed to do? She was supposed to move on… of course that’s what people tell you when you have a heartbreak… move on. She wasn’t sure she could. “Hannah?” Haley said, softly. She’d left once she was ready to talk to the gang before show time. Hannah had stayed. Haley had wanted to, after all, out of all the people, Haley was the only person who she’d told everything to. She glanced at the dark haired young woman. “Yeah?” Haley shook her head a little, smiling almost pityingly. That was just great. “Um… someone wants to see you.” “Don’t let Keith in please.” She said, her head dropping to the table with a small thud. She didn’t need that. She needed the tour to end so she could get back and go out with mates and pretend nothing had happened and maybe get used to the idea of being Damian’s friend and sister. It wasn’t a BAD thought, when she really thought about it – she just needed him not to know. “Alright.” She said, agreeably and disappeared again. There was a bit of silence, much shorter than Hannah had hoped. A short silence before she heard someone softly drumming their fingers on the table where her head stayed buried. She groaned, “I told Haley not to le-“ “Yea, I heard that bit.” Keith said in Damian’s voice. She shot her head up and yes, there he stood, dark haired, with bright blue eyes and a serious expression, suited up and ready for the show in about an hour. She was momentarily speechless. “Oh, um… I didn’t think it was-“ She tried to smile at him, but it just wouldn’t come. “Yea, heard that too.” Finally a smile cracked, a small, hesitant one, “Sorry I’m not very talkative today. Tired, and yeah.” Damian shook his head, smiling a little himself, and grabbed another chair in the room, pulling it to sit in front of her. He looked at her for a long second, “Keith told me, Hannah, how ya feel.” Somehow, that didn’t surprise her. She scoffed a little and looked away quickly, “Great.” She muttered, “Great, so he tells YOU things?” He gave a somewhat childish sounding sigh, “Ah, O’ Bryan you know how I am – I wouldn’t give him a break when he comes on the bus looking like he did. I have ways of getting’ people to tell me things.” “Meaning you annoyed the life outa him until he told.” She said softly, a small smile forming. He laughed, “Or ye can put it that way.” This was so strange, to be laughing with him again. Making up wasn’t supposed to be that easy… or at least, she’d never imagined it that way. The laugher faded and Damian’s voice grew a bit serious again. “He’s more upset than I’ve ever seen him.” “Great that makes two of us.” “Why are you mad at HIM, Hannah?” He asked in his typical confused tone, “I’d think I would be the one earning the anger from you… the… rather frightening anger.” That got another laugh from her, though she didn’t like being scary. “Ya can’t help that I’m a friend – I’m okay with being a friend… a sister even maybe… if you li-“ “I’ve always thought of you as a sister, O’ Bryan. A twin, nearly.” She smiled a little, tears forming, “But Keith lie-“ “Did you ever ask him if I felt the same?” Damian asked dryly. “No.” She whispered. “Then he never lied.” “Then why wouldn’t he tell?” “What would make you want to break the person you loves heart?” She blinked at that, flashing back to kissing him, to him holding her and soothing her tears. Her friend continued, “God, Hannah, he’s crazy about you – he- you can’t believe he doesn’t care, okay? As yer best mate, I’m not lettin’ ya be that blind!” He laughed and tussled her hair. “Talk to him. Whether you love him or not.” “I do.” She said, and then looked around to see who’d spoken. A grin broke out on the lad’s face, “Great!” “But I was so mean.” She whispered. “You tell him that, and he’ll hardly care.” He gave her hair another tussle. “Ya both are great for each other. And ye’ll always be my best mate.” “Sister?” “Twin.” He leaned in and hugged her, kissing the top of her forehead, “I’m sorry. I’m an idiot.” “So am I.” She murmured. “And so is Keith.” He chuckled, “What a great group we make!” He pecked her hair again and got to his feet, “I’ll talk to you at intermission, and after the show and- and- well y’know.” He grinned and she returned it genuinely. And with that he left. Haley came back in a few seconds later, to find Hannah smiling softly, choking back tears and, attempting to do her hair. “I wonder… she said softly, “Ye know, once, I had a boyfriend who broke up with me, Hannah. Awful, awful thing – but I wouldn’t cry about it. I told myself I was weak if I cried about it. So, to avoid it, I got angry and cried about everything but that – which only made it all worse, cause all that feelin’ was still in me, y’know…” “I’m not angry at Damian.” “I know you’re not.” She agreed. “But his feelings are the ones that hurt you to begin with, and ye pushed them all away.” She sighed, pulling Hannah to her feet, “And that’s not gonna help if you don’t let it out.” And somehow, in the course of that speech, Hannah started crying. Tears beginning to slip down her cheeks. Haley smiled a little and pushed some aside with her finger. “D loves ya, Hannah.” She wrapped her arms around the girl who’d become one of her closest friends, tears falling faster, “Not the way I want him to.” She cried at last. Haley ‘shh’d her gently but let her cry. And cry, and cry, she did. She didn’t know how long they stood but finally she pulled away, and gave a shaky smile because… well, “Better?” She asked. She nodded weakly, “Yeah- Yeah…” “A good cry will do that.” She said quietly. “Now, we have to re-do you’re make-up. And you will be talking to Keith after this, right?” She added trivially. “Yes.” “Good.” She said, cheerily, “Cause, you love him.” Not a question that time. The tiny smile grew, as her friend gathered the scattered make-up, “I do.”
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Post by misssunflower on Mar 5, 2011 0:45:48 GMT -5
Just Like Jesse James was not going to be fun to do, and Hannah knew it. She was going to be mad at Keith, after JUST getting over being mad at Keith. The last thing she wanted to do was relive those feelings. The idiotic anger she’d placed on him just because she hadn’t wanted to admit to herself that Damian had broken her heart. She’d snapped at the last person who would ever snap back. And now she had to be mad again. She couldn’t do it convincingly, she just couldn’t. And even if she did, his sorry expression would probably cause her to burst into tears, whether HE was acting, or not. She couldn’t handle this. “I can’t do this.” She muttered to Julianne, picking at the sequined embroidery on her dress, “Juli, I can’t. I can’t. I. Can’t.” “Sweets, you’ve done amazing every single night of this show. Brilliant. It’s just play-acting.” She smiled softly, “You can make it all up when it’s over.” She added gently. “But what if-“ “I know what you need to do, if you can’t wait.” She replied. A few seconds later she was pushed out onstage, and began her act. Without make-believing, though. She couldn’t risk bringing back her anger at him. She tried to glare the best she could without any imaginary reasoning. She was just… doing the best she could. Keith and Damian, on stage nearly ruined it. But she kept her features calm and continued. The two of them weren’t treating it any different than they had any night. Maybe Damian had told him some of the things she’d said. That’d be nice, though she still hoped he hadn’t. She had to be the one to talk. The younger lad sent her a wink as he abandoned her with Keith. Or, to the audience’s eyes, vise versa. She wanted to smile at her blonde love, but knew that would certainly throw people in the front rows off, and after months of flawless performance, her pride wouldn’t let herself do that then. So, she continued on her angry tangent, watching Keith’s wounded expression and continuously chanting in her head ‘it’s just play-acting. Only play-acting.’ If he still believed her truly angry she’d talk to him afterward. But it was getting too much as she finished up and the next song began. He, like every night, pulled her to look at him – and she could tell the hurt wasn’t play-acting for him. So she did the only thing she could do without breaking the show’s stride. She winked. Without cracking the smallest smile, she closed one eye quickly and jerked back as she always did. Once off stage again, she began to giggle quietly. “Took my advice, did you?” Julianne asked, with a cheeky smile. She nodded, beaming widely, “Ah, Juli! His face! I’m afraid I made him miss his cue!” The blonde nodded toward the stage where singing was heard, “Well, doesn’t sound like you did – now, if you don’t hurry, YOU will.” “Yes, Ma’am!” She said, “And, thanks for that, by the way.” She nodded, “Do it all the time to Ryan in Every Breath You Take. Drives him nuts.” “Poor Ryan.” She giggled, and took off before she did, indeed, miss her cue. He was grinning, absolutely beaming at her, as he sang that last bit of his song, with her in his arms. And she’d never felt more comfortable in that position. Making a move for the bench he opened his mouth, and she shushed him quickly and he nodded – though not happy about it. After home, now, off stage, he abandoned all restraint and pulled her to him, but she pulled back. “Hannah?” He asked nervously. “Not enough time.” She murmured, kissing his cheek and adjusting his suit like a housewife would to her husband before work. She liked that image, but shooed it out. The future would come as it would, they could plan forward later. “After.” “I love you.” He said, seriously. She shook her head, smiling softly, “I know.” She kissed his nose now, “After.” She repeated. He mimicked her headshake, but was now smiling, exasperated, “Alright, alright. First, though,” He bent a little and kissed her firmly on the mouth. Hannah felt her whole body relax into it just as he pulled away. She blinked helplessly at him for a second. “For luck.” He clarified. “Of course.” And then he was gone again. The remainder of the show took a second and a lifetime simultaneously. Damian came to see her at intermission, but Keith didn’t – thankfully honoring her command of ‘after’. He kissed her lips again, to numerous screams from the audience, during her and the other dancers’ curtain calls. She couldn’t find it in her to scold him. And after finally arrived, to more deafening cheers, the lads all climbed down to the backstage area. Hannah had already gathered her things to go, and was instantly swept to her feet by Keith. Setting her down, they sat on the steps of a backstage later, while everyone else changed and got ready. “I’m so sorry.” She began. “Ye and I both, Hannah girl.” He shook his head, “"There's no excuse for what I did – trust me, I’ve been lookin’ for one. But I promise, I swear that I love ye. I do." Almost exactly what her mind-theatre had had him say during her first shows. Thinking back that far… she’d loved him that long. She hadn’t known it – but God, she really had. She rested her head on his shoulder again. “I love you.” She replied softly. “Really?” She pulled her head up to look at him. He was staring at her, looking, well, a little shocked. “What do you mean, really?” She asked, with a small laugh, “You don’t believe me?” He laughed a little, himself, “Well, I mean, I don’t doubt ya, Hannah girl. I just- I wasn’t expecting it.” His voice dropped to a heavily accented mumble. She tried to keep up, “I mean, I figured you did, kinda but y’know I always though’ you- and Damian- and for a little longer you wouldn’t want- and we wouldn’t-“ “Keef.” She cut him off. “Yea-?” He was cut off by her reaching up and kissing him again, to which he responded with appropriate enthusiasm. There’d be a quick break for breath before another kiss or two or three before they both broke off for good. “Doubt me now, Harkin?” She teased. He grinned his most gorgeous, impish grin, “If I say yes, do we get to go through that again?” She laughed, harder and happier than she had in several days, and tossed her arms, awkwardly around him in a sitting hug. He laughed and played with her hair, as he always did. Finally he stood, pulling her with him like she’d latched on to him. She practically had. “C’mon, Hannah girl. Two more shows left of this tour – let’s get ye back to your bus.” She laughed, “And after the tour?” “Live 20 minutes from Derry – I’ll take you for a drink sometime.” He winked, “Maybe get to hear you tellin’ me OUR kids names.” Hannah blinked, “I… didn’t…?” “Hate to say it – ya did. Don’t worry,” He added, chuckling, “I like Lily.” She rolled her eyes, “Great. Well, we can talk about her, then. Let’s just finish the tour.” “Aye, Hannah girl. Lets.” And still holding her close, to the buses, and the end of the tour, and God knew what after… they went.
Epilogue - later. ♥
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Post by misssunflower on Mar 6, 2011 20:55:44 GMT -5
EPILOGUE
Lily Harkin had made a rather fabulous discovery. “Mark!” No answer, “Mark, ye eejit, get yer bum in here and look at this!” A few seconds later her brother, a year and a half her junior, scampered into the tiny storage room. He gazed around the slightly dusty room then attempted to glare at her, “Lil-yyy, what are ya doin’ in here!” “I got bored.” She defended haughtily. “And look! Look what I found!” Mark squinted at the DVD she held – the 5 year old couldn’t read properly yet, but he knew faces, and could connect things. “Aww! That’s nothin’ excitin’ Lily! That’s Da’s ol’ group – we’ve got those back in the main room!” He rolled his eyes the best a little boy could. Lily stuck her tongue out at him. “It’s not the usual ones though, silly! Mum is in this one!!” She pointed excitedly at the name listed. “This must have been that one time when they met or how she tells that story…” She paused. “Lillian! Mark!” Hannah Harkin’s voice called them, opening the creaky door. “Put it back!” Mark whispered. “You kidding?! We’re watching it!” “Watching what?” Their mother laughed, dragging them both out by their collars. Lily’s mother still looked young, then again, she’d been fairly young when she’d married and had her two children. Her amber-brown hair still shone and her pure brown eyes still sparkled. She taught primary school theatre and choir, and still performed whenever she could. Lily beamed at her pretty mom, similar brown eyes but her father’s sandy brown hair and dimples. “Mum! Muuuuuum! You never saaaid it was on DVD!” “What was on DVD?” She asked, lightly, tugging the case out of her daughter’s grasp. “oh.” “It’s when you were with them, right? When you were little!” Hannah laughed a little, “Hardly very little, I was 20 years old.” She stared at the DVD cover. It was the cover of the group’s show It’s Entertainment – only it was a home printed copy, slipped in a blank DVD case. All the lads names, and hers, were listed at the bottom. She couldn’t recall ever seeing it before. “Can we watch it, Mum?” Lily tugged on her sleeve, so excited about her clever find, “I want to see you perform with Da! Please, please PLEASE!?” She paused, glancing at her son, “Do you want to watch it too?” “Yes, please!” Mark giggled. “What’re we watchin’ then – oh look, everyone’s gotten toge’er – what’re we watching?” A second later, Hannah’s husband was lifting Lily into his arms, grinning an identical grin at his beautiful daughter, “What’d you pick out, darlin’?” Hannah spoke, though, “Lily found a CT DVD.” Keith laughed before she finished, “Didn’t we just watch those silly lads a few days ago, beautiful?” “But Daaaa-“ His son complained, “You ARE one.” “So I’d know.” He replied, “Yer mum can tell ya if you don’t believe me – idiots, right, Hannah girl?” “I fit in perfectly.” She winked. “Don’t you even.” He shook his head, “But anywho, ye really want to watch them agaaaain?” Lily nodded frantically, “Da! Da! Mum’s in this version too! Why didn’t you show us the one with Mum in it!?” Keith Harkin blinked at the DVD cover that Lily had grabbed from her mom, and then looked at his wife, grinning. Hannah smiled hesitantly, “When’d we get that?” He gave a little shrug, “Don’t know – appeared by magic, I’d bet.” “Keeiiith.” “Alright, alright, Hannah girl, I’ll be honest with ye. A fan filmed one show, an’ had given it to Damian… one of his fans, y’know. He had no need for it anymore and thought you’d like the copy. Gave it to me, to give to ya.” He smiled. “Then why was it sittin’ back there?” She asked, ignoring the way her children’s heads swiveled back and forth, watching the conversation like a tennis match. “Hidin’.” “Keith,” She began again. He set his daughter down and held his hands up in surrender, “Nah, Hannah girl, it was hidin’… from you actually.” “Dare I ask why?” She knew the behavior was annoying, but she was laughing anyhow. Only Keith could do that to her. He paused, keeping a playful expression, “Well, guess there’s no point in hidin’ that at this point…” Hannah raised her eyebrows and he chuckled, “Open it.” She did, and a small note lay over the DVD itself. “Merry Christmas, Hannah girl.” She read softly. She blinked a few seconds, “Keith it’s-“ “June, I know.” He laughed. “Reason for hidin’…” “I’m sorry!!” Lily squeaked. “Told ya you should have put it back!” Mark shot at his older sister. She pouted. “Ah, no slaggin’ yer sister Mark.” Keith picked the boy up now, “Now, Lil, ye still want to watch-“ “But-“ “No ‘buts’,” Hannah said, lifting the 7 year old into her arms now, “I’m just as impatient as you are now, sweetie. Haven’t seen this show since the last day of touring – can’t wait to see how ridiculous I look.” She kissed her darling’s cheek and set her back down, “Now, want to get it started.” “Yes mum!” She was grinning again, and Keith set the boy down to chase his sister to the TV. “Well, that didn’t go according to plan.” He murmured, to her softly, placing his arms around her. She rested her head back on him and watched her children mess with the DVD player, giggling. “Life rarely does, y’know? But that’s usually better than whatever was planned to begin with.” She sighed happily. “We still talking about a Christmas present, Hannah girl?” She didn’t answer, only turned and gave him a chaste kiss on the mouth, and winked. He shook his head at her, and followed her to the TV where both children had successfully got the start of it playing, and together watched the show from the tour that had started all of it.
So THAT was the fluffiest tangle of POV's I've ever written. I just hopped from person to person here. XD *loves Lily and Mark*
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glow
Wicked Fan
Posts: 73
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Post by glow on May 22, 2014 15:53:59 GMT -5
Like it
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