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Post by fallingn2ct on Mar 21, 2012 7:43:57 GMT -5
The conservatory was a large, domed, white building; glass surrounded every inch of it allowing the sunlight to pour in, but it was temperate. The sounds of small waterfalls and trickling streams surrounded people as they walked among the different plant life and flowers that grew. It was November, so that meant most of the people were locals out for the day, that also meant that it was quieter.
"This is something", Keith said gazing at the expanse around him.
"This was always one of my favorite places", Alli said stopping to smell a flower,"When I was about five I actually got lost in here."
"I'm sure it's easy to do, specially being a girl and getting excited over the flowers."
"Gee thanks", she laughed.
"Any time", he winked as they continued to stroll,"It's like a whole other world in here."
"See, I told you I could stay in here for days," she sighed,"It's an escape from everything else," she sat on a bench,"Just close your eyes and just listen to the water and you can feel everything just lift away."
"Okay then". Keith sat next to her,"Do I have to chant or something?"
"Shut up", she pushed him playfully,"Just be quiet and close your eyes."
"Okay, okay", he laughed. Taking a deep breath he closed his eyes, listening to the soft gurgles of the water, inhaling the mixing scents of the flowers and trees, the sun streamed through the glass warming his up turned face. Alli was right, he could feel himself relaxing, the burdens he had been carrying slowly slipped away. Without thinking his hand found hers and linked their fingers together.
Alli looked at Keith, his eyes still closed, she looked at his hand in hers. They had held hands before, but something was different in it now. The way his thumb made soft circles over the back of her hand, the easy way in which he breathed. It was contentment, she didn't want to ruin this moment for him, but her heart was ready to beat out of her chest and she needed space,"Had enough meditation?"
"Why are you so eager to go?", he opened his eyes focusing on her face.
"No reason", she pulled her hand from his and began looking through her bag,"But there's a lot more of the park to see."
"Thought this two week break was supposed to be relaxing?", he stood up.
"Hasn't it been?", she unwrapped a piece of gum as they walked.
"More or less", he shrugged,"We have just done a lot, that's all."
"I thought that's what you wanted?", she looked at him as they stepped into the afternoon sun.
"Oh, it is", he said quickly,"But I also enjoy just spending time with you, not out all over the place."
Alli didn't know how to respond, why did he say things like that? Why did she have to pause to consider what he had said,"I....I'va had fun with you too," she tucked her hair behind her ear,"Let's go see the Japanese Tea Garden."
Keith sighed a ran his hand through his hair,"You don't like me saying things like that do you?"
"What do you mean?", she said as they walked.
"That I like spending time with just you, or that your hair looks nice when it's down."
"I think it's very sweet of you, but I don't want to confuse things."
"Confuse what things?"
"You and me Keith", she looked at him,"We're friends, best friends. You are wonderful and we have a great time together and I don't need that confused."
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Post by fallingn2ct on Mar 21, 2012 9:21:19 GMT -5
"What if it's confusing in a good way?", Keith followed her as she walked ahead of him.
"Not possible", she answered not looking back.
"Alli-cat, come on", he took her arm gently,"I like being with you, when I'm with you, it's like I finally know who I am. Being out like this or just hanging out at your apartment, it doesn't matter. It's being with you that matters. Are you going to stand there and tell me you feel nothing?"
Alli couldn't meet his eyes, if she did it would be the end. She would throw her arms around him and submerge herself into the ocean that was lapping at her feet,"Keith", she began,"You just lost someone you loved very much. You're vulnerable right now, you may even be lonely. It doesn't mean that I am suddenly the long, lost love that you have been searching for."
"Then what does it mean? You seem to have the answers, so you tell me," he said softly.
"It means that I happen to be here when it all happened and now you feel a connection to me, but it doesn't mean that it's real."
"Are you going to deny that you felt anything that first night when I almost kissed you? Or just this morning in the kitchen? Are you saying you felt nothing at all?", he was trying not to let his frustration get the better of him.
Alli sighed and looked up into his eyes,"I won't deny it Keith, I can't because I would be lying to myself."
"Then what's the problem Alli-cat?" he placed a hand gingerly against her hip trying to pull her closer.
"The problem is that you aren't over Emily yet", she took his hand and pulled away from him,"And that's okay, it's to be expected. But I won't be a rebound Keith, I can't let my heart get hurt like that."
"Haven't you been listening to anything I have said?", he stopped her,"It's not about Emily anymore, it hurts that she died. It hurts that I didn't get to tell her goodbye, but those are things I have been working through. And do you know who has helped me through all of it?"
"Don't please", she whispered shaking her head.
"It's been you Alli, every step of the way it has been you. Every day, every moment. Times when you could have walked away and told me to bugger off, you didn't. I don't now why you can't see or understand what is happening here."
Alli shook her head trying to stem the tears that were stinging her eyes,"You think you feel more for me than you do Keith", she tried to take in a breath of air,"but it wouldn't be fair to either one of us to start this right now. Not when you're still dealing with Emily, the tour still has to be finished, and then what happens when you leave for Australia?"
"Alli, can you stop over thinking it for just a few seconds?"
"I'm not", she was cut off as his lips came crushing down on hers. She put her hands against his chest attempting to push him away, but her fingers curled themselves into his shirt pulling him closer, his hands were like fire after the cold wind against her cheeks. Her lungs were beginning to burn, but air didn't matter, she only wanted to breathe him in.
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Post by fallingn2ct on Mar 21, 2012 14:37:11 GMT -5
"You are not a rebound Alli",Keith breathed still holding her face in his hands.
"I really don't like you right now", she gave a slight laugh taking his hands in hers,"That was completely unfair by the way."
"What was I supposed to do? Let you keep rambling on?"
"Maybe", she looked up at him,"So what now?"
"Wasn't there some garden thing you were talking about?"
"I don't mean that", she rolled her eyes.
"We don't have to make any big decisions," he wrapped an arm around he waist,"Can we just enjoy the rest of our day together? Maybe get some food somewhere?"
"Wow! Kiss a girl and then you want food, so romantic", she dislodged herself from his arm.
"What?", he called catching up with her,"I thought that whole kiss thing was pretty romantic."
"You are such a guy!", she laughed sarcastically,"You kiss me like that and then say we don't need to make decisions, let's eat. What am I supposed to do with that?"
"Alli, what are you talking about?"
"Nothing, let's just go," she sighed.
"Fine", he attempted to take her hand and was surprised when she pulled away from him. The cab ride back to the apartment was potently silent. Keith paid the driver and followed Alli up the stairs,"How can I know what I did wrong if you won't tell me?"
"It's not obvious?", she turned the key in the lock.
"Apparently not", he shot back,"I kissed you, you kissed me back. I thought we were on the same page!"
"Keith, you don't get it! You don't just kiss a girl like that and then expect her to go get lunch and not want to talk about it!"
"What is there to talk about? We kissed Allison, a right proper kiss to if I say so myself!"
"Where do we stand then? That's what I want to know, you said I'm not a rebound, so where do we stand?"
"I thought I made that obvious", he said coming towards her.
"It would be nice to hear you say something, rather than act it", she felt the wall meet her back. The blood pounding in her ears with the her heart pumping wildly.
"What do you want me say Alli?", he placed his hands against the wall, trapping her between his arms,"Because I thought I said it all at the park."
Alli swallowed hard trying to keep her eyes away from his and attempting not tilt her head towards his,"Am I more than just a kiss in the park? Do we keep this between us or tell others? What happens we have to be back on the road in a week?", she was rambling and she hated that fact.
"You are more than a kiss in the park Alli-cat", he leaned into her,"So much more."
"I hate you", she murmured as their lips finally met.
"As for the rest" he wrapped his arms around her waist pulling her against him,"We'll just have to see."
"I still don't like you at the moment", she grinned.
"We'll just have to change that", he captured her lips in a long, slow, lingering kiss.
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Post by fallingn2ct on Mar 22, 2012 15:53:38 GMT -5
After dinner Alli set about cleaning the kitchen while Keith started a fire in the fireplace. Soon the apartment was warm and glowing as the orange and yellow flames licked at the logs. Keith watched Alli to make sure she was busy as he tossed throw pillows on the floor along with a few blankets. He had finally gotten her to admit what she didn't want too and he didn't want any of their moments together to slip past without Alli knowing just how much he cared for her. He had never been good at the whole romance thing, that had always been Emily's department; Emily, he had to stop thinking of her when he and Alli were together. They were two different people and two different relationships.
"What is this?", Alli smiled at the scene Keith had created.
"Trying to be a bit more romantic", he scratched his head,"Is it okay?"
"It's sweet", she smiled,"And yes it's okay."
"I mean, I can..........ya know."
"Keith", she wrapped her arms around his waist,"This is very romantic," she stood on her toes to kiss him softly,"You don't have to impress me."
"I just want to make things special for us, we only have the rest of this week alone."
"It will be special", she took his hand pulling them both down to the pillows,"I am a little worried though."
"About what?", he asked as she settle into his arms.
"The other guys finding out, namely my cousin."
"What does your cousin have to do with it?"
"You know he can't stand the fact that you and I are close to begin with, so for him to find out about this. It could be a little crazy."
"It's none of his business, you're an adult."
"Yeah, but he gets this whole attitude that I got the job because of him and that I am ruining everything by running off to hang out with you. Blah, blah, blah and so on."
Keith couldn't help but laugh,"Alli-cat you worry far too much. But if it will make you feel better we'll keep things under wraps for a bit."
"It would make me feel better, plus I like the idea of having you as my secret", she looked up at him through her lashes.
"Forbidden romance", he laughed brushing her hair away from her face.
"I think I could be happy right here for the rest of the week", she yawned.
"That makes two of us", he kissed her, letting his fingers tangle in her thick hair. The warm, sweet scent of her lotion filled his senses as he tasted her neck and her arms came around him.
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Post by fallingn2ct on Mar 23, 2012 13:57:25 GMT -5
The rest of the week was passing far too quickly for the new couple's liking. Soon it was Thursday and Thanksgiving, they only had one more day before they had to rejoin the others to get the Christmas tour under way. Alli was almost dreading having to go back out on the road. While she loved what she did and the places they got to visit, she knew it would limit any time she and Keith would have together. Her cousin had a way of always finding out where she was or what she was doing. Instead of being the woman of twenty three that she was, she felt like a child waiting to be scolded by him. As she looked at Keith, with his newly cut hair she smiled and knew that what Declan thought didn't matter. What she and Keith had found with each other was something much bigger than what he thought.
"What are you looking at?", Keith said coming interrupting Alli's thoughts.
"I just like your hair", she smiled kissing his cheek.
"Figured it was time for a new look", he leaned against the counter popping an apple slice into his mouth.
"Hey, no cheating", she slapped his hand playfully,"You have to wait until they are cooked and in the pie."
"But they are delicious", he said sneaking another one and scooting away quickly.
"Did you ask Matt and Lindsay if they needed anything else for dinner?"
"Yeah, Matt said they had everything, but I promised him a case of Guinness."
"Still boggles my mind how you or anyone else can find that stuff worthy of drinking", she began pouring the apples into the pie crust.
"It's like...........nectar of the Gods", he grinned.
"I don't think I would go that far", she laughed,"But you and him may as well drink up, because you will be on the road in a few days and he is going to be a father by Christmas."
"No more parties for him, poor lad."
"I'm sure that's exactly what he's thinking", she shook her head with a laugh as she opened the oven to put the pie in,"That's the last thing, should be done in about thirty minutes."
"Thiry minutes hmmmm", Keith wrapped his arms around her from behind.
"Nice try", she wriggled away from him,"I need to get a shower and find something to wear."
"You're not dirty", he said grabbing her around the waist.
"Knock it off Harkin", she squealed as he tickled her,"You asked for it", she grabbed a handful of flour off the counter and dumped it in his hair.
"Oh lass, you shouldn't have done that", he kept an arm locked around her reciprocated the act.
"That's not fair", she finally squirmed her way out of his grip.
"You started it," he shook his head trying to get the flour out.
"I'll finish it too", she cracked and egg and laughed as it dripped down his face.
He sputtered in shock and spied the can of whip cream on the counter,"Truce?", he wiped the egg and remaining flour with a towel.
"Truce", she tried to not keep laughing as Keith turned the sink on. A moment later she was being doused with the can of whip cream,"It's so cold!"
"Never turn your back on your enemy", he pinned her against the counter as she tried to ward him off.
"That was supposed to be for dessert", she collapsed against him with laughter.
"Guess we'll have to get some more", he squirted some into his mouth,"Look at it this way," he kissed her,"You taste delicious."
"Mmmm, so do you", she wrapped her arms around his neck. Her fingers slid against his shoulders causing her to laugh.
"What?", he said with his forehead against hers.
"We are both a mess!", she giggled.
"Go get showered", he kissed her forehead,"I'll clean up."
"We have to take a picture first", she carefully pulled her phone out.
"No one sees this", he said pressing his cheek to hers and grinning.
"I'll send it to you, but that is it," she looked at the photo approvingly,"Be out in a few," she kissed his cheek and headed off to the bathroom.
Keith scratched his matted head and then started wiping his hands and arms with a washcloth. The kitchen was a disaster zone and he had no clue where to start.
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Post by fallingn2ct on Mar 25, 2012 15:00:37 GMT -5
"That picture of you two with flour all over you is hilarious!", Elena said as she and Alli worked on setting the wardrobe for the show that night.
"I promised Keith I would only send it to him, but I had to share it with you", she replied with a smile," Why does Thanksgiving seem forever ago when it was barely two weeks ago?"
"Because we are busy as all get out", Elena sighed,"With the short break before the Australian tour and then the promos right after, it's nuts."
"Has Sharon asked you to go to Australia?"
"Not yet, but sometimes us assistants are the last to find out."
"It's just, these few weeks back out have definitely not been easy on Keith or I as far as seeing each other goes. So I think of him going to Australia and it just feels like we'll never have a moment."
"Alli", Elena gave her shoulder a squeeze,"It would be a lot easier if the two of you came clean about it. No one would care, well almost no one."
"Exactly my point", she said threading a needle to make a small fix,"I didn't think it would be a big deal, but with rehearsals, meet and greets, television spots, we're lucky to have five minutes to sneak away."
"It will be worth Alli, trust me. The right one always is."
"I know he's worth it, but when you start seeing someone while out on tour," she shrugged,"Not one of my smarter ideas."
"Thought it was his idea?", she teased.
"You know what I mean", she laughed. They finished the wardrobe and then made their way to the craft services area for something to eat. Alli saw Keith as they entered the small room, he was seated at a table with Emmet, Neil, and Ryan. What ever they were discussing was serious, she knew by the look on his face. He looked up catching her eye and flashing a smile.
"Be back guys", Keith excused himself walking towards Alli.
"Hey there", she said looking over his shoulder,"Everything okay? You all looked deep in conversation."
"Everything's grand, we were talking about the promo tour. Gonna be booking some of my own gigs."
"In addition to everything else?"
"Yeah, remember did the same 'bout a year ago."
"I remember", she popped the top on the soda she had grabbed,"That's great."
"Apparently not", he looked at her.
"No it is", she smiled,"I should um....get back."
"Did you eat?"
"Not really hungry", she shook her head,"I'll see you later."
"Alli-cat",Keith followed her,"What's wrong?"
"Nothing's wrong, I just have work to do."
"Stop it", he pulled her into a side room that was open.
"You know I don't like that", she pulled her arm free.
"Well, I don't like when you walk away and leave me wondering what I've done," he countered.
"It's just me having a selfish, girly moment and I prefer to do it alone."
"A selfish, girly moment?", he raised an eyebrow.
Alli sighed leaning against the vanity in the small room,"We have both been so busy over the last few weeks that we have hardly had any time together. Then with the promo tour I thought we would finally have some time because it would just be you and Emmet. Then to find out you'll be doing solo gigs...." she trailed off shrugging her shoulders.
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Post by fallingn2ct on Mar 25, 2012 20:35:34 GMT -5
"I know it's been hard Alli", he said crossing his arms,"but both of us knew it wouldn't be easy. What would make it easier is if everyone knew. That way I wouldn't be trying to sneak a few minutes here and there, we could just be together."
"It's not that easy, Keith. It would become an inquisition and you know it."
"From who? Declan? Why are you so scared of him?"
"I'm not scared of him", she said defensively,"But I care about my job and your career and us dating could throw a wrench in both if people find out."
Keith took her hands in his,"Alli-cat I don't understand how that could happen. We care about each other and want to support each other. How does that complicate things?"
"Maybe not for me, but for you. Your solo career is taking on more and more a life of its own, which is great. But that means a lot more demand on you and not a lot of time for....well."
"For what?", he tipped her chin to bring her eyes to his.
"For us and for me," she answered.
"I will make the time Alli, I promise you that. But you need to promise me something too."
"What?"
"That every time something is bothering you, or you are having doubts about us or about this whole thing. You have to promise to stop walking away from me or thinking that some sort of silent treatment is the answer."
"It's just easier for me I guess", she gave a slight laugh.
"I'm serious Alli-cat," he gazed into her eyes,"We can't solve anything if you are content to just be upset."
"I promise", she smiled,"I promise I will talk to you."
"One more thing", he said kissing her.
"You're not fighting fair", she murmured.
"Promise you will come home with me for Christmas."
"Wait, what?", she looked up at him.
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Post by fallingn2ct on Mar 26, 2012 10:36:51 GMT -5
"I want you to come back to Ireland with me and spend Christmas with me and my family."
"Keith", she pulled away from him,"That's a lot at once, I mean we just started dating and you want me to meet your family. Not just meet them, but spend an extremely important holiday with them?"
"Do you have plans?"
She paced the room avoiding his eyes,"No, but that's not the point."
"Then what's the point Allison?", he said irritably. He thought she would have jumped at the idea of spending Christmas together, at the idea of uninterrupted time with each other and instead she was pacing and mumbling about it being too soon.
"I don't..........I don't", she stopped and took a deep breath,"The point is what if something happens and we don't work out? Being in another country together could make things a little weird."
"Alli, love", he gathered her in his arms,"Just because we have had a few arguments or may not have all the time we want together doesn't mean we won't make it work," he pressed a kiss into her hair,"Besides, I'm only asking you to spend Christmas with me, I'm not proposing marriage."
"At least not yet", she laughed laying her head against his shoulder.
"Bit presumptuous there", he teased holding her at arms length.
"Way to give a girl hope", she grinned as they headed for the door.
"And you find me irresistable still", he slung an arm around her shoulders.
"That may be pushing it", she laughed opening the door.
"See you in a bit?", he kissed her.
"Yeah, I'll be the one repairing your rips and tears."
"Always taking care of me", he kissed her cheek as he jogged towards the dressing room.
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Post by fallingn2ct on Mar 27, 2012 14:48:52 GMT -5
Finally, December fifteenth had come, the last night of the tour and then everyone would be headed off for the holidays with their families. Alli knew that she had to tell Declan now that she wouldn't be spending Christmas with the family. She had kept putting it off and putting it off, but she knew she would have to face him sooner or later. She made her way to the stage where she heard the steady beat of his bass drum.
"Hey Alli", Declan said as he spotted his cousin.
"Hey Deco", she forced a smile,"Can I talk to you for a sec?"
"Sure, what's up?", he turned on the small stool to face her.
"It's about the upcoming holidays."
"What about them?", he eyed her suspiciously.
"Well, I have been thinking things over and I think this year I may not fly back."
"No, Alli", he scoffed,"You barely come home to Ireland as it is. You know mum and da' look forward to this time of year."
"I know they do", she searched for the right words,"It's just things are different now. I'm not in school, I have a career, my own place. I'm making my own way."
"This isn't you Allison", he said angrily,"What is going on?"
"Nothing is going on", she said exasperated,"It's my business where I choose to spend my holidays. Why does every conversation have to end in a fight?"
"I'm just trying to figure out why; why you don't want to spend Christmas with the people who raised you after your parents died, why you are so secretive about everything."
"Maybe because I know if I say or do the wrong thing, this is what will happen! You act like some over protective brother about everything! I am just sick of it Declan!"
He paused staring at her,"My parents took you in when you had no one, I was there when you had no one. Then one day you decide to head off to the US like it's nothing. You barely come home, you keep secrets, you don't act like you."
Alli tried to stop the threatening tears,"I didn't have a say when I was eight years old and I do now. I wanted to come back to the US, to San Francisco because it had been my home. It doesn't mean I love any of you less. It was something to prove to myself.
If you want the truth about this, I need for you to understand and to not judge myself or the other person involved. I need you to accept it and move forward, no matter what you think or how mad you get."
"It's Keith isn't it?", he crossed his arms.
Alli nodded,"Since right before Thanksgiving, neither one of us planned on it happening. But we care a lot about each other and he asked me to spend Christmas with he and his family."
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Post by fallingn2ct on Mar 29, 2012 8:43:32 GMT -5
Alli waited for Declan to respond, she watched as he sat quietly twirling drumstick between his fingers, staring at the floor,"You could say something ya know?"
"What do you want me to say Alli? Congratulations, what a catch? It's your life not mine", he placed the drum stick across the snare and stood up.
"You could stop acting like a child for one!", she said heatedly.
"I'm acting like a child? That's funny because it seems to me that I am the only one being honest here."
"Why can't you just be happy for me Declan? Why is it so hard for you?"
"You don't know these guys like I do", he began,"There are thousands of women every night clamoring for a shred of attention from anyone of them. Keith could have his share if he chose too, what makes you think he won't?"
"What makes you think he will?", she countered.
"I'm trying to protect you from getting hurt!"
"I would never do anything to hurt her", Keith said stepping from the shadows at the side of the stage.
"Maybe not intentionally", Declan said.
"You and I have been friends for a long time Declan", he continued,"We've been like brothers, all of us. Then Alli came out on the road and you suddenly got a complex."
"She's basically my little sister, I think I have right to be protective."
"But she's not a child anymore, she can make her own decisions."
He shook his head and sighed,"You know what Alli, go ahead and do what you want, but if you get kicked off the tour or don't get asked back, don't say I didn't warn you."
"You just love to hold this job over my head don't you?", she fumed,"I am a fashion designer and I have other opportunities for work, trust me. I don't need you to get me anything!", she stormed off away from the stage tears blinding her.
"You couldn't let it go could you?", Keith looked at him.
"If she's out on the road with us and something goes wrong between you two, guess who gets to deal with it? That would be me. She came to live with us when she was eight and I was already almost fourteen. She was so fragile and broken, I was a teenager with this little girl who was scared of everything. I could have been a jerk and let my parents deal with and not care, but my heart broke for her because I had my parents. So I helped piece her back together and now here you come, I just don't want to see her broken like she was before. She already lost the two most important people in her life and I wouldn't be able to stand if she lost someone else that trusted and loved, yes I said love."
Keith took in what Declan had been saying and started to have more of an understanding of why the two fought like they did. Decland had been there when Alli had no one else, he had seen first hand what the loss of her parents had done to her,"I never meant to cause any issues, but I care for her. I may possibly love her, but that is for her and I to talk about. All I want is what is best for her and if what's best is being with me then fine, but if it's not then that's fine too. But it is up to her, not to me or to you. She's not that little eight year old any more, she's a woman Declan and it's time you realized that", he left the stage to go in search of Alli.
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Post by fallingn2ct on Mar 29, 2012 20:46:01 GMT -5
Alli slammed the door on the bus, not caring who saw or who heard. She yanked her small carry on case from her bunk and began shoving things into it. She had to leave, it didn't matter that this was the last show, it didn't matter that after tonight she would have a break. She felt like the walls were closing in on her and she had to escape. She ripped pictures from the wall of her bunk and as she pulled one down of her parents she began to sob uncontrollably.
"Alli-cat?", Keith said softly as he climbed on the bus.
"I can't do this any more", she shook her head,"No matter what I do I am hurting someone I love," she choked on a sob,"I don't even have someone to talk to about any of this, they're gone."
"Alli, you do have someone to talk too", he sat on the floor next to her,"You know you can tell me anything."
She shook her head,"I have hurt Declan, my aunt, my uncle. I am so determined to be able to make it on my own, that I hurt those closest to me. There are so many nights I wish I could hear my mom's voice, or listen to my dad talk about his next big account," she covered her eyes as a new wave of sorrow fell over her,"But I can't and it hurts."
Keith carefully pulled her sobbing form into his arms,"You can tell me about them", he whispered pressing a kiss against her hair.
Alli allowed her tears to soak into the soft material of Keith's shirt, his arms were warm and safe, they eased her trembling,"I......I......I will, but", she hiccuped,"This is a side of me", she hiccuped again,"that doesn't come out."
"Maybe it needs too", he stroked her hair,"Seems like you have a lot bottled up that even you didn't realize."
"I don't want to hurt you like I have hurt my family or disappoint you like I have them."
"That's pure rubbish Alli, you only think you have because your cousin put a guilt trip on you."
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Post by fallingn2ct on Mar 30, 2012 9:13:14 GMT -5
Alli allowed herself a few moments before pulling away from Keith,"I'm sorry", she said quickly,"After what you have been through, you don't need this added to it."
"Don't apologize, you are only human", he carefully tucked her hair behind her ear,"Were you planning on going somewhere?", he gestured to the open case on the bunk.
She shrugged,"I just felt like I needed to go, like the walls were closing in and I couldn't breathe. Figured if I just got away from everything then, I would be okay."
"That's what I said back in November, remember?"
"You had a better reason than I do", she laughed with a sniff.
"Reasons don't matter Alli-cat, what matters is that you are okay and that you're still coming home with me."
She looked at him,"After all this, you still want me to spend Christmas with you?"
"Why wouldn't I?", he stood up pulling her to her feet,"You had a break down, it's not the end of the world. Plus, I get kinda bored without you around."
"So you just want me for entertainment purposes?", she smiled.
"Well that and you are easy on the eyes", he kissed her softly,"and kissing you is nice."
"You are a regular prince charming", she laughed as he pulled her close.
"I do my best", he held her tightly,"Both of us are going to be okay, know why?"
"Why?", she gazed into the aqua pools and nearly lost her breath.
"Because we're together and we have both been through tremendous losses. We know what the other feels and that it's perfectly fine to have those feelings."
"Thank you", she whispered pulling his face to hers. His arms tightened around her as he deepened the kiss,"You'll be late if you're not careful."
"It's the last show", he silenced her with another kiss,"It's okay if I'm a little behind."
"And get me into trouble, I don't think so."
"Fine", he sighed stealing another kiss,"Wrap party tonight right?"
"Yep! Pick me up at my hotel room."
"Guess it's time for work", he kept her hand tightly in his as they exited the bus and made their way back into the building.
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Post by fallingn2ct on Apr 1, 2012 9:43:23 GMT -5
Donegal, a town by the sea in Northern Ireland. The cold wind whipped in from the gray north Atlantic. Waves crashed against the sandy shores and few people were out and about in the small town.
"I must have been crazy agreeing to this", Alli complained pulling her coat tighter around her.
"Relax Alli-cat", Keith laughed putting an arm around her waist,"We're almost to the pub."
"If my fingers don't fall off first", she grumbled,"I thought San Fran was cold, but this is ridiculous!"
"Look, there it is"he pointed to a sign reading "The Castle Bar"
"Thank God", she sped up her walk looking forward to the warmth.
Keith opened the door allowing Alli to enter first as he surveyed the Pub looking for his sister,"There's Rebecca", he pointed to a young strawberry haired girl who was waving excitedly,"Hey Becs!", he hugged his sister.
"Bout time boy'o", she laughed,"Starting to think you forgot."
"Just been a while", he smiled,"Alli, this is my sister Rebecca Harkin."
"Nice to meet you", Alli smiled.
"Finally great to put a face to the famous Alli he goes on and on about", Rebecca hugged her,"He was so hung up on Emily that no one thought he would move on."
"Not now Becs," he eyed his sister.
"Anyway, let's have a bite and you two catch me up on everything."
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Post by fallingn2ct on Apr 1, 2012 17:30:43 GMT -5
"So you're actually able to stand my brother for long periods at a time?", Rebecca teased as they ate.
"He's not too bad", Alli laughed casting the man at her side a smile,"I would actually rather say he is tolerant of me. I'm not always the easiest to get along with."
"She's worse than you Rebecca", he gave Alli a squeeze around the waist.
"That's quite something", his sister grinned,"How did you two end up together anyway?" she watched and listened as both Keith and Alli talked about meeting and when he had gotten the news about Emily and then about the trip to California. She saw something in him that had been missing for years, a smile that actually radiated through his whole being, he was genuinely happy with Alli, yes they had already had a thread of disagreements, but it was bound to happen. Her brother had finally healed after the split with his first love,"You know Alli looks a bit like Emily actually."
"Not really". Keith looked at his sister and then at Alli.
"Different eyes and height, but few other similarities", she nodded.
"I've only seen a couple of photos of her, so I don't know", Alli shifted uncomfortably.
"I didn't mean anything by it", Rebecca said quickly,"Just observing."
"You know, I am really full", Alli began,"You two finish up and I'll see you at home."
"Are you sure?", Keith looked at her.
"Positive", she forced a smile,"I'll get a cab", she kissed his cheek and grabbed her coat.
"What the heck was that Rebecca?"
"What?", she asked wide eyed,"You have to admit she looks like her."
"Alli isn't Emily, in case you hadn't noticed."
"Are you sure you're not trying to find a replacement?"
"I'm not! Alli and I were friends before I even knew Emily had died."
"And suddenly after her death you find comfort with her? I'm just saying, maybe you're not seeing things clearly."
"Have a good night Becs", he threw money on the table. He buttoned his coat as he made his way outside. The frigid wind biting at his face as he walked. It may have been true that Alli and Emily share some physical similarities, they were not the same person. Alli was emotional, stubborn, passionate, and had stood by his side. Emily had been hot headed and quick to react, she had been the one to end it with him, she had made the decision to walk away. Then here his sister was comparing the two, his head was suddenly spinning as he climbed the stairs to his flat. He opened the door to see Alli staring blankly at the television, her hair was pulled into a loose ponytail, she wore her glasses and a pair of old sweats,"See you made it back okay," he said as he removed his jacket.
"Yep, cab ride was short, but better than the cold", she answered not looking at him.
"Alli", he began as he crossed from the door.
"I'm tired", she stood up clicking off the television.
"Don't, please", he reached for her.
"No, I don't want to talk about it. Your sister said I look like your dead ex-girlfriend. I think that says it all."
"She knew Emily nearly as long as I did. She didn't mean anything by it."
She shook her head and tugged at her ponytail,"I don't want to talk about it okay?", she kissed his cheek,"Good night", she padded off to the bedroom.
Keith said,"Guess I'll be on the couch."
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Post by fallingn2ct on Apr 2, 2012 7:52:40 GMT -5
Alli pulled back the quilt on the bed and slid between the cool sheets. Her mind was nearly numb as she lay and stared into the darkness. Yes, she had seen a few photos of Emily, but had never thought about any resemblance, the thought had not even crossed her mind until Rebecca's comment. She closed her eyes as the door opened and a soft shaft of light sliced the room.
Keith sat on the opposite side of the bed and removed his shoes,"Faker", he said turning towards Alli.
"I would be asleep, but someone opened the door", she turned onto her side facing the door.
He sighed,"I know you're upset Al, I get it, but I didn't do anything."
"Your sister said I look like your dead ex-girlfriend and you sat there, you didn't say anything to contradict her or to make me feel better. You sat there."
"I was as shocked as you were", he said quickly,"Why do you think I came back as quickly as I did."
"To avoid a worse fight?", she quipped.
"Alli, stop, come on," he lay down putting an arm around her,"I'm sorry."
She lay silently feeling his breath aginst her neck,"Do you think I look like her?"
"What kind of question is that?"
"An honest one", she rolled over and faced him,"Just tell me."
"You are you Alli-cat", he stroked her face,"So you have the same color hair that she did, what is the big deal? A lot of girls have brunette hair, but you are the only brunette that can put me in my place", this caused her to smile,"You are the only brunette that I want to hold in my arms,"he kissed her softly,"and kiss as often as I want too."
"Now you're just sucking up", she laughed feeling a relief sink into her.
"I'm so sorry Alli, I am."
"To be told you look like someone's dead ex is not very comforting", she brought her eyes level with his,"We got over one hurdle with Declan and I just don't feel like jumping over anymore, not right now."
"Well, you do have to meet the rest of the family, I can't make any promises."
"You still have to meet mine too", she grinned,"Plus deal with Declan on a regular basis."
"And the moment is ruined", he laughed with his forehead against hers.
"Sorry love", she giggled before bringing her lips to his,"Does that help?"
"Kind of, try it again", he pulled her into his arms as she combed her fingers through his hair and down his neck,"I think that worked", he breathed.
"Good", she kissed him again,"Time for sleep."
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