|
Post by orinocoflow on Feb 14, 2011 1:12:02 GMT -5
loved it! now please update soon!!!
|
|
|
Post by misssunflower on Feb 14, 2011 19:44:40 GMT -5
Ryan had met Will… once maybe, or twice, in the whole two and a half years of he and Shannon’s dating. But she had talked about him often, as was expected of someone with a close childhood friend. She’d talk about him, how she missed seeing him as much as she did when she was younger, maybe describe his humor or his sweetness. She’d go out with him and Carrissa back then as well – not often, but she still would. Ryan wasn’t jealous in those days. Though Will was obviously incredibly close to his girlfriend there was no doubt in his mind that Shannon was his girl, and he knew she loved him, in a much different way, if not more than she loved this old friend. There was nothing to even be concerned about. But Shannon WASN’T his anymore, and he couldn’t deny that. She was free to be with anyone else in the world – it truthfully wasn’t a surprise that that was Will. Will who probably had stayed and comforted her after he’d let her go. Will whose arm was now firmly around the girl close to both their hearts and smiling so warmly at her, it made Ryan’s fists clench unconsciously. Especially when she returned it. The conversation he’d been having with Shannon alone was certainly awkward, but he hadn’t seen her in 8 months, it made sense. He was actually very pleased by how it had been going. She looked less… frightened by the idea of seeing him, and that was certainly a good thing. He didn’t know why she had asked him about who he was there with, even more he didn’t know what possessed him to return the question. He shouldn’t have been so curious about her life when he was out of it. And wasn’t the point of this whole pub visit to get his mind away from her? Shannon finally looked away from the taller man’s face and back at Ryan, and answered the question posed right before the intrusion. Who was she here with? Though it had clearly already been answered. “You remember Will, don’t you?” He stayed silent, having no idea how to answer that. It should have been simple, an easy ‘yes, I remember.’ But his mind was in such turmoil and he didn’t dare open his mouth for fear he wouldn’t control what came out of it. He attempted a kind of shaky nod in reply. Will, of course, was perfectly articulate, “I think we met twice maybe, it’s been a while though.” The smile he was giving him, while small, was actually genuine. Ryan had no idea what to say to that, either. More silence, and he noticed Shannon watching both of their faces carefully, as if worried what would happen if she left the two of them alone. He decided he didn’t want to know what she was thinking of, and even less what WOULD happen if he was left alone with the man who now held his Shannon’s heart. Finally that man spoke a bit again, “Y’know where Carrissa is?” The off topic question was soft and directed for Shannon. “She’s getting another drink.” She replied with an attempt at laughter, though it was clearly forced. He knew the difference. After all, he would know what forced laughter sounded like. Will glanced between the two of them then muttered something, “Should probably help her…” But looking at Shannon as he trailed off turned the comment into a question. Ryan was pretty okay with idea of him leaving them for a while, however stupid that feeling was. No mater how awkward the conversation had been, he had been alone with the woman he still loved, and even if it did nothing, he wanted to be alone with her again. So much he very nearly said something of the sort out loud. But Shannon’s hands were now resting on his shoulder as though to stop him, “No!” She said, loud and quick, “N- I- I mean…” Her cheeks flushed a bright red as she appeared to realize her own panic, and how ridiculous she thought she must have looked and sounded. Will laughed a little and qave her shoulder a squeeze – he had not yet lifted his arm from her, “Alright, alright. I’ll stay here, Shans.” She didn’t want him to leave. Ryan shouldn’t have been surprised or hurt by that, but he was both. Of course she wanted Will there, of course she didn’t want to be alone with him any longer than she was forced to be. Though he thought she was doing better around him, it didn’t mean anything. The already impossible idea of ever getting back with her grew even farther from grasp. “I should probably being getting back to the other guys anyways.” He heard himself say softly. This whole outing was to get his mind off of the beautiful girl who wasn’t his. He needed to get away again, get his mind off her… if possible. Shannon turned her wide green eyes to him at that. She didn’t seem happy by the idea of him leaving her anymore. But she didn’t try to stop him like she did with Will. “Oh.” She whispered. He was once again a bit speechless, unsure of what to think about her reaction. But felt he couldn’t just walk away without saying more to her. But what else could he possibly say? “Yeah, so…” He took a deep breath, “It was great- I mean- I’m glad- It was nice to see you again.” “I-It was nice seeing you too Ry- ah- Ryan.” She blushed again, and he felt himself do the same. She stretched out her hand awkwardly. Shaking it, Ryan tried to ignore the spark in him. He didn’t need to be feeling that about her right then. She probably didn’t feel it anymore, herself. He didn’t need to be thinking that either. He heard himself make some generic comment of similar to Will, but didn’t pay attention to the reply. He was still looking only at Shannon, who was looking just as intently at him. Finally he tore his eyes away from her, giving the pair a small wave and pushing himself back through the crowds of people, ready to tell his friends that, while this idea had been great, they needed to go. Right then. Reaching them, Neil was apologizing, of course. Though, Ryan thought, it wasn’t his fault that he happened to have befriended Shannon’s best friend. Carrissa was likable, Neil was likable; it was neither person’s fault. It wasn’t anyone’s fault that they ended up in the same pub. As Carrissa had put it earlier, fate just loved to torture him. That was all. The other guys were sorry as well, as the night to get his mind away from his aching heart had only injured it more. But he didn’t want them to be sorry, he wanted them to think him okay. He wanted to BE okay. But when the idea of another pub came into conversation he shook his head, though trying to keep a smile going, “No, I really should probably get home.” Without trying he looked back where he had come from and located Shannon and Will… even through the crowd. Her eyes already lighter without him there. He shook his head, the sooner he got out of that place the better. Thankfully, his mates seemed to understand it. And still trying to convince them he was alright, he grinned and bid them all a goodnight. Hoping to go and put the encounter, and all the feelings with it, behind him. At least for the moment. ~~~
“I’m sorry, oh Shannie, I’m so sorry.” “Don’t be. Carri, it isn’t your fault he was there.” Carrissa shook her head and took Shannon’s shaking hands in her own. The warm touch was a welcome distraction to the memory of Ryan’s handshake. Silly that a touch as simple as that still made her heart stop. It had been minutes after he’d left, but the effects of seeing him again still lingered. “No,” She continued, “I completely abandoned you… left him with you after that. Should have stayed…” She tried to smile to that, though she was in no mood, “Its ok- well I mean, I’m alright. I think. It wasn’t – it wasn’t that bad.” “Only cause I told Will to go find you, the very second I saw him. I didn’t want this any harder than it probably was.” Shannon blinked, “Wait, you TOLD Will to come rescue me?” The ‘rescue’ had slipped out, but it well described what she’d needed standing alone in a crowded bar, attempting to converse with her ex-boyfriend. An ex-boyfriend she was still in love with. “I would have anyways! Had I saw on my own!” Will cut in hastily, indignant about her doubt of his concern. Though there was no real doubt in Shannon’s mind, “I didn’t know he was there, though. Carri comes up to me suddenly, and tells me sternly ‘go to Shannon NOW’. No idea why I went, and found you, with him. Shannon, did he say anything, before I came?” “Wha- No!” She was a little surprised at his tone, “Why do always think he’s done something? His just BEING there is what upsets me… you know? And you saw him, he hardly said a word. I just over-react… but he didn’t do anything.” He sighed, but before he spoke Carrissa put a hand on his shoulder as though to restrain him from saying something. Shannon looked between the two of them in confusion. “What?” Carrissa answered softly, “Will doesn’t appear to believe these chance encounters are chance. On his part, at least.” She blinked, and blinked again. And again. What? What on earth was THAT supposed to mean? “What? What – you think he’s, like, planning on running into me like this!?” The idea was so impossible she nearly laughed, if she wasn’t so surprised, “He had no idea I was working at your restaurant, Will, or that I was at this pub! How would he!?” “You’d be surprised what a person can figure out when they have the inclination to do so…” “The inclination?! Will, he’s not a stalker!” She was surprised her friend could even begin to assume such things about Ryan. He sighed another time, running a hand back through his russet hair and looking to Carrissa as though for back up. She looked from him to Shannon, giving a sheepish expression, like she didn’t want to take sides. That meant part of her did agree with Will though. “He’s not a stalker!” She repeated stubbornly, looking between the two of them in near exasperation. Her mind replayed the way his eyes widened so much at seeing her. He couldn’t have known where she was, he couldn’t have pulled that reaction otherwise. Shannon knew he couldn’t. And Carrissa had spoken to him after the restaurant day, and he’d apologized. But he hadn’t apologized for being there…. Just for upsetting her. But Ryan…he just- He couldn’t be. How could Will possibly think that?! “Never said he was, Shans.” He said, a little quieter, but still serious “I’m just- you know I’m just- I can’t help wondering. You can’t blame me when he’s shown up twice in one week. After 8 months too…” “Yes!” She snapped without thinking, “After 8 months! Why would he suddenly be so INCLINED to go and look for me – to go and purposely run into me places? Will, we ended things! He let me know it was done and for 8 months he’s stood by that! Why would he find me now?! He wouldn’t – he doesn’t care!! Not like that.” Tears welled up in her eyes, and she wiped at them with the back of her hand, furiously, “He doesn’t care, and he’s not going to ever again.” Even through her blurred vision she could see Will’s face showing the deepest regret for his own words, and Carrissa nearly in tears herself. Within a second of her tirade, she was in an embrace by both friends. Will’s voice was muffled in her hair, “I’m sorry, Shans. I didn’t mean to make you cry. I should have shut up.” “I should have shut him up.” Carrissa added, with a small laugh. Shannon shook her head as much as she could in her position, “D-don’t apologize… I don’t know where that all- I shouldn’t be dumping all my depression on you both. You take so much time worrying about me. You’re always worried. Worried that I’m always upset, worried that I’m getting stalked.” She attempted to joke. He pulled back a little, looking her in the eye, “Look, if you believe he’s not, I’ll believe you. But if he shows up aga-“ “Will.” Carrissa said softly. “I know, I just don’t want her to feel she needs to protect him because sh-“ “Will.” She said it louder. He shut up for a full few seconds, having a full wordless argument with Carrissa. Finally he sighed, shook his head and looked back at her, “You know, I only worry because I love you, Shannon.” Shannon nodded a little. It was a great, warm, yet melancholy feeling, knowing she was loved. She knew Will loved her. She knew Carrissa loved her, too. She knew, no matter her irritated or depressed snaps, she was loved. It was really the only thing that kept her going. But the three words were seldom spoken, not because they weren’t true, but because when she heard them she could only think of Ryan. How she loved him, how he’d loved her. How, no matter how often he told her it – and he had told her often – the three words ‘I love you’ still made her heart glow. She wasn’t going to start crying again, not in front of them both. Not after she’d worn them down with her crazy moods that night. They really didn’t deserve any of this, even if they loved her. The moodiness is what she had put Ryan through, as well. However unintentionally, she still had. And she didn’t need to ever be reminded about how that had worked out. These thoughts were what would cause her to cry again, so she shook them away. Shannon schooled her features into small forced smile, “I know,” She said quietly, “I love you too, Will.” She sighed, “I think we should head home. I’m burnt out.” Carrissa smiled, ruffling her hair, “I’m the first to agree with you on that one. And you have every right to be.” She yawned, “Home it is, then, darling.” She sighed linking arms with both as they exited, and softly teased, “What say you both on tomorrow night’s ‘distract Shannon’ event being a stay-home deal?” Her two friends simply laughed.
|
|
|
Post by misssunflower on Feb 16, 2011 22:25:51 GMT -5
no one commented. Sad.
A week passed. A week or thereabouts. Ryan had a tendency to lose track of the day or date when he wasn’t recording or touring with the guys – as that had finished a few days prior. Then again dates mattered little when he was on tour as well. He was never really sure of the day anymore, then. The thought made him smile a bit. But he had a lot of free time now. He still went out with mates, but most of them had real jobs, the usual 9 to 5. Ryan was usually beyond glad he’d left the boring desk job… but sometimes, when the days were long and spent alone – it wasn’t the greatest. But even then he wouldn’t trade what he did for anything in the world. He tried to occupy himself. He ran, longer everyday. He wrote, played guitar, recorded, scrapped and started over. Shannon used to help him with that; he’d play a song for her and she’d tell him her thoughts. She was never biased with him, and was sometimes almost too brutally honest. But he liked that – he’d always liked that quality about her. But in any case, he did a lot to keep himself busy during the day, and then out with his mates in the evenings. And that was always craic, as he didn’t get to see them all too often when on tour. His friends were really all great sports about the whole thing. They’d slag him about his heartbreaker status in Celtic Thunder, or about the throngs of fans he and the other men got. Shannon’s name was never mentioned, though, and he was thankful for that. Because, against all of Ryan’s internal reasoning, she was still ALWAYS, in some way shape or form, on his mind. He didn’t try to think of her, obviously. But he’d wake up, remembering blurry images of the one girl who inhabited his dreams. He’d be shopping, or out to eat, or in a pub with his friends and a flash of blonde hair in the corner of his eye would distract him – this quite bad when he’d be out with Keith. It was awful, completely utterly awful. He had never imagined letting her go would be this hard, this agonizing and impossible. If he had he would have never tried. He would have taken her in his arms not 5 minutes after their final fight had ended and swore they could make it through. He’d have ignored her jealous moments, their silly arguments, and would have repeated he loved her until it got through. But it had been 8 months since that fight. The idea of him trying to do something so rash and thoughtless was ridiculous. Especially since she’d moved on enough to have Will. Love made people do stupid thinks, but Ryan had retained enough of his head to know that he couldn’t, simply COULD NOT, do something like that. So it was a week later, and this is where his thoughts were. Playing a dozen scenarios of what would happen if he were to run into Shannon, again. After the two times in the week prior the idea was not incredibly outlandish. He imagined everything; her fighting with him again, slapping him, crying and running off – to Will, of course. Or running TO him, letting him hold her again… kissing him. God, the good options were almost enough to out weigh the bad ones. But those had the added weight of being the PRACTICAL options, and the ones that most likely if not certainly would happen. But that didn’t keep his mind from fantasizing. He was in a pub, in fact the same one he’d run into Shannon at less than 7 days ago, trying not to think about that. His friends were a good and more than welcome distraction, if not to talk to, to at least listen to the buzz of their familiar conversation and not think about how he was aching inside. He wasn’t intentionally looking for her, of course not. But with his mind still daydreaming of her in his arms again he could not help himself from scoping out the slightly less crowded pub. He shouldn’t have been. He’d seen her, like he’d wanted to, and decided she was okay… or as okay as she could be… well, better than he was in any case. Embarrassing as it was, though, seeing Shannon had been like being reintroduced to some kind of addiction. The kind he may have been in rehab for, trying to get away from – nearly succeeding and then BANG! It was back in his life and he could get enough again. He’d seen her and only wanted to see her again, speak to her again - and his mind only kept going with the hopeless wants. “Will!” He heard a female voice exclaim joyfully as he had been searching for any glimpse of his ex. He stiffened almost visibly at the name of someone he already wasn’t terribly fond of. Was he really in the same pub as the two of them, while they were on a date? Oh God… He honed in on the exclamation, and the young mans following laughter, and he found Will easily enough. But from what he could tell, the young woman whose arms were wound tightly around his neck was NOT Shannon. Not unless Shannon had suddenly grown 4 inches, curled her hair, and gotten a deep tan. Ryan blinked, still trying to keep the shock off his face, lest his mates notice and make him explain. But his mind just wasn’t quite processing what he was seeing relatively close to him. The looks he’d given Shannon, the warm smiles and comforting embraces. He wasn’t imaging the meaning behind those. That wasn’t something a person took lightly. Especially someone like her. If Will didn’t like her like that he shouldn’t have been showing her those signs. She would read too deep into everything her close friend was doing… she was setting herself up to be heartbroken again. Or worse, he thought, still staring blankly at the now quite passionately embracing couple, he wasn’t just leading Shannon along on accident. If he was daring to cheat on the most soft hearted, vulnerable, beautiful woman on this earth… Ryan couldn’t even think of something bad enough to do. He wasn’t exactly being rational, but it was hard to be rational when the man your ex loved was now making out with an unknown woman. That was enough to make a person a little less than smart. Shannon had to know. That was all he could think of, then. Of course she would never listen to him… and where would he find her and tell her. But those thoughts didn’t matter. He would have to find her, and tell her. He never wanted to see her heartbroken again, and especially not in an idiotic way like this. “Ryan, you alright?” A friend asked, a little concerned. He shook his head, “No, well, I mean… I don’t feel good.” His voice faltered a little there, easily making him sound a fair bit unhealthy. “Yeah, it’s late after all. You be fine going home on yer own?” “Y-yeah, I’ll be fine. Thanks guys, this was great…” He turned and got up to leave, right as an unfocused figure brushed past him. Ryan only barely caught the flowing blonde hair as it passed him, unconscious of his standing there. He whipped his head around in shock and almost fear. That Shannon, Will and his unknown lover were in the same building – would he have to witness her heart being crushed, before he could warn her? But suddenly the red-headed man’s stunning secret of a girl was no where in sight. He was grinning quite freely at Shannon walking toward him, and in the last few steps came forward to take her in an embrace. He heard her delighted laugh as he picked her off the ground for a moment. Still, absolutely dumbfounded and more than certain that Shannon was being two-timed by the young man, he moved quickly out before doing something he may have regretted. Shannon had to know. He had to tell her the truth, one way or another.
~~~
Shannon laughed at the ecstatic hug she was in at that moment, and was thankful that Will was in a very good mood. Happy was good. She wasn’t sure why he had called her to come to the pub she really didn’t much want to visit ever again. But he’d sounded happy then as well, and very pleading, Shannon found she could not say no to him. And he was certainly happy to see her there now, she thought, as he finally set her down and beamed at her. She laughed again. “Well, gosh Will. Someone is in a chipper mood I see.” She giggled a little, “So tell me, what’s brought it on?” His boyish grin grew, “You don’t think just your being here is enough to make me happy?” She blushed, “And you’re being awfully flattering today, too. I think trying to convince me nothing’s happened to bring all of this on is a losing battle, so you can drop it.” “Okay,” He admitted, “Let’s just say that today is just a really, really good day. I don’t think I’ve been happier than I am today.” If he grinned any larger his face would probably break in two, Shannon thought with a bittersweet laugh. It was great, more than great to see Will so happy. He deserved to be happy and carefree. But she could not hide her jealousy at his un-bashed cheer. She had not felt a feeling like that in too long. She was probably never going to feel it again. Taking a breath and hoping her bitterness wouldn’t show she changed the subject a bit. “Well, good! Is Carri here?” Will made a little face, “Can’t it just be the two of us for once? It doesn’t happen often.” Normally, Shannon knew, she was out with the three of them, so he did have a bit of a point. She shook her head, still smiling, “Does Carri know you feel this way?” He ruffled her hair, “’course she does. That’s why she isn’t here actually. She agreed that what I needed to tell you, I could tell you alone.” “Tell me about what?” “About why I’m in such a good mood.” “I thought that was just because of my presence.” She teased. God, Will made her so happy sometimes, she was glad he was there, right then. Laughing, he moved to sit along the bar, and she did the same, “That’s part of the reason, of course. But there is more.” Shannon rolled her eyes. Will was king of long drawn out explanations, purposely killing his audience with anticipation. She loved him, but she couldn’t stand that sometimes. Nonetheless, she got a drink and waited on his story. “Go on…” “Well, ea-.” He stopped short suddenly, “You have to be kidding…” He said in a low voice, a low, far less than happy voice. He was looking past her now. Shannon turned her head around to look at whoever had cut Will off. Only to see someone briskly making his way to the exit the small pub. Ryan. Her breath stopped momentarily, but then she let it out and sighed. He hadn’t come up to her, or anything. He was probably leaving because he’d seen her, though she didn’t like that thought. He hadn’t been with a girl, though. She didn’t know if she should be relieved or sad for that. Will was neither. He was mad. She remembered his words about Ryan, his accusations. As well as the beginnings of a threat. “If he shows up one more time…” He’d began. “Will…” She whispered defensively, trying to keep his anger at bay. He looked back at her, surprised, “Shannon, how can you keep defending him? This is more proof than anything.” “Proof? How is this proof, Will? He was here before I came and is leaving now! He probably didn’t even see me come in!” “I highly doubt that.” Will murmured. She shook her head angrily, “Oh come on!! Will you stop this!?” “I’ll stop the moment he stops-“ “Stops what, Will, stops WHAT!? He didn’t do anything!!” “Why are you always protecting him!? Shannon, I know you were in love with him but it’s been-“ “Shut up! Just- just shut up!!” “Shannon…” He had noticed the tears that were filling her eyes again. She couldn’t deal with this. Her feelings for Ryan were mixed up as was. For Will to hate him also added only one more complication. She hadn’t ‘been in love with him’, either. She was still, and despite the sadness she knew came from it, she always would. She stopped yelling, but her anger, sadness and confusion didn’t die away. “You were in such a good mood when I came here…” She said in a low voice, “and it’s already ruined.” “I haven’t ruined anything! I’m only trying to watch out for you – Shannon, you KNOW that!” “You don’t have to watch out for me because NOTHING is going to HAPPEN!” After a silence she sniffed, then sighed, “Keep going.” He blinked, “With what?” “With whatever you were going to tell me.” “You’re hardly in the mood for it now.” He commented dryly. Almost joking if he weren’t still irritated with her. She was good at angering people, wasn’t she? She was good at ruining a perfectly happy moment with her moods and arguments. Every fight was always her fault, she could never deny that. She was always pushing away the people she cared for. The night had started so well. Will hadn’t ruined it, Ryan hadn’t ruined it. She had. “Alright then,” She whispered, “Then I’ll just go home.” “Shannon.” He took both her arms and had her look at him, “Shannon, listen. I’m sorry, I want to talk to you – I do.” “So Carrissa knows? What you wanted to tell me?” He opened his mouth, then closed it, paused and opened it again. “Yes… but… tell you what… Do you want to come over tomorrow night? I can tell you then, we’ll both have had a day to cool off, and there won’t be anything or anyone-“ “Will…” “Or anyone,” He continued, “to be distracting from the conversation.” Shannon sighed, “Would be much easier for me to just call Carri.” Will actually smiled a bit then, “I know it would be. But I really want to be the one to tell you, you know?” “I do.” “So you’ll come, tomorrow night?” She looked in his pleading eyes again and sighed, “I suppose. Now, I’m going home, Will.” “I’m sorry I ruined the night, Shans.” He added as she walked away. “You didn’t.” She murmured, though he couldn’t hear, “It was my fault. Always is.” And with little goodbye, and a million different emotions in her mind, she left the pub.
omigawd things are happening!
|
|
|
Post by laurenne on Feb 17, 2011 0:39:35 GMT -5
I absolutely loved the update. I did try to comment on the last one but it wouldn't let me. More soon, please.
|
|
|
Post by celticbear on Feb 17, 2011 23:38:02 GMT -5
Things are realy starting to heat up! I wonder who the mystery Woman is and what is going to happen tomorrow! UPDATE SOON! PLEASE!
|
|
|
Post by misssunflower on Feb 19, 2011 11:29:59 GMT -5
Ryan felt like a stalker. Alright, so he’d never thrown away her address. Her cell phone, and home phone numbers never got deleted from his phone. That wasn’t too strange, was it? It couldn’t have been… even though traditionally most exes trashed every reminder of their previous love. He couldn’t bring himself to do that. Not with how he still loved her as he did. After all, even if he HAD gotten rid of them, they would have stayed in his mind, whether he wanted or not. But in heartbreak he had stashed away the address, somewhere under a bunch of papers, in a crowded closet, behind the fridge, in some case under lock and key… or something. Well, it was somewhere where it would take a lot of will power to go to all the trouble of searching for it – and even then would probably give up before the treasured numbers were found. And, he supposed, that was the point. He couldn’t bring himself to call her. He didn’t think Shannon would truly believe him if he didn’t tell her. To her face. Though, the hurt it would show when she did get it, Ryan knew he would not enjoy that. He had to it, though, he couldn’t let her go on thinking Will loved her when he did not, or didn’t love ONLY her. That much was clear in what he’d seen. So he was more or less tearing apart his house looking for where on earth he’d put her address. That was admittedly fairly creepy. She had been his, Shannon had, but she wasn’t anymore. He didn’t really have right to be tracking her down. And he knew showing up unannounced at her place wasn’t going to be the most comfortable of moments either. As he searched, trying to lighten his frantic mood, he began to hum a song that very much fit the situation. “The Police!? Ryan, that’s epic! I love The Police!” “I know.” “What song?” “Every Breath You Take.” He answered his girlfriend with a smirk. Shannon blinked and then her expression grew even more delighted, from where she was looking over her shoulder at him, “’Oh can’t you seeeeeee’” She sang-laughed, as she was stirring pasta in his kitchen some odd Sunday afternoon. He had been sitting watching her, telling her about the new songs they’d been given for a recent show at the time. But at that he got up, walking slowly to her and suddenly placing his arms around her waist, “You belong to me.” He sang back to her, softly. “Ry-an!” She squeaked, turning to him and nearly toppling the pot over, “Give me a heart-attack why don’t you?” But her laughter got in the way of any anger, as did the bright blush on her cheeks. Ryan smiled at her, and, realizing they were only inches apart leaned in and kissed her. He’d expected her to make it quick, pull away and return to the stove with some witty but sweet comment. However, she seemed to momentarily forget her cooking obligations and lifted her hands to come around his neck, kissing him longer. And he, of course, wasn’t objecting. Finally she broke away with a breathless giggle, “I don’t mind that at all.” She teased, turning back to the boiling water. “Don’t mind what?” He asked. His mind temporarily shut down from kissing her. This happened pretty often and it typically would be a few minutes before either could coherently function again. “Anything in that song,” She said, “’You belong to me’ ‘I’ll be watching you’… any of that. Wouldn’t mind in the least.” Ryan laughed. He’d expected that kind of reaction from her, “I don’t know… you don’t think it’s stalker-ish at all?” “Didn’t say that. Oh, well, if anyone else were singing it, yes, it probably would be. But it’s only you, Ry.” “Is that meant as a compliment, love?” She laughed, “Of course. I don’t want any man watching me but you.” She hummed the song softly distracted by the meal she was making and Ryan returned to doing just that. Watching her. Thinking about how he wouldn’t mind doing so for the rest of his life, knowing she loved it – she loved him. He snapped out of the warm memories in a jolt. He always hated when thoughts like that uncontrollably filled his head. He always loved it too. He’d been so happy with her… Trying not to concentrate on the memories and the conflicting emotions they gave him, Ryan put his full mind on the fact that he was now holding a small paper in his hand – a paper with a scribbled address on it. She’d written it down for him after one of their first dates when he’d promised to pick her up later. It was things like that he knew he probably should have been tossed if he ever wanted to move on, because they only brought back memory after memory… but Ryan just could never be rid of it. He could never, ever be rid of her, could he, if he could not even scrap the small paper? He momentarily stopped his continued humming to commit the address, again, to his memory before stuffing it in his pocket. It was late afternoon just the day after he’d seen Will with the other woman. Just one single day. And he truly could not believe he was doing this. It wasn’t any of his business, well, it wasn’t supposed to be. Who she dated and what he was like – and whom he may have been dating. It was her life, their life, he wasn’t meant to have any part of it, any longer. But the idea of Shannon, lovely Shannon finding out on her own that her new boyfriend had a secret lover… the image of her complete anguish nearly tore his heart in half. Ryan couldn’t let that ever happen to her again. He’d left her once, completely breaking both their hearts, nearly shattering them with it. He would not, COULD not, let something like that happen to her again, not if he could do anything at all about it. And he could leave her life after that. After he’d made sure her life was no longer in pieces… after Will… he told himself to leave her life again. He wasn’t doing this to try and return to where they had been – that wouldn’t do any good for her, he knew. He was doing it to protect her slowly healing heart and that would be that. Content with his plans to tell her the truth and not hurt her by staying in her life anymore than she wanted him to, Ryan made off for his Shannon’s house. Humming the song in his memory and bracing himself for whatever may come.
|
|
|
Post by laurenne on Feb 19, 2011 17:07:48 GMT -5
What's she going to say when he shows up? Update soon, please.
|
|
|
Post by celticbear on Feb 19, 2011 23:00:57 GMT -5
Tangy! I'm with Laurenne! I wonder what Shannon is going to say and do! REALLY LOOKING FORWARD TO THE NEXT UPDATE!
|
|
|
Post by misssunflower on Feb 20, 2011 23:26:46 GMT -5
“Hello lovely, to what do I owe this phone call?” Carrissa asked, as little confused to say the least. Shannon laughed as she exited the local store, and headed home a few solid hours before she was to go to Will’s. In the crook of her left arm was a heavy brown bag of groceries, shopping bags and her purse hanging off her shoulder. In her right hand she held her cell phone. “Hey, Carri.” She replied smoothly, “Will invited me over tonight. I’d like to know what the deal is.” Now she was greeted with laughter, “Oh, yes, that. A little development was made yesterday evening. Will’s been wanting to tell you all about it.” “But I want YOU to tell me.” “No can do, Shannie.” She sighed, exasperated, “Well, why not?” “Would YOU tell Will something, if I had specifically told you I wanted to be the one to tell him?” Shannon opened her mouth to reply, then with a thought, closed it. “Alright, fair enough. But, well, I’m just really not in the mood to see him again. Not for a while at least.” Carrissa made a clicking noise with her tongue, “Aye, yeah, I heard about that.” “He told you!?” He’d told Carrissa? She was a little miffed, but she supposed Carrissa knew everything about her anyways. There was nothing wrong with him sharing it. She just wasn’t sure she wanted to know how exactly that tale had been told. “Aye, aye, and I’m sorry. And trust me – I WANT to tell you, I really do.” “Then tell!” Her friend was silent and Shannon grinned. She was getting through to her, at last. “Well,” She said, softer now, “I probably shou- I definitely shouldn’t… but it is really very… no.” “Carri!” “Alright! Alright! …Where are you? You may want to sit down for this…” She stalled. “Carrissa. Spill. It.” A sigh from her end and just as she was certain her friend was going to begin she felt the over flowing bag of groceries slipping in her hold. Too tied up to save them, they slipped and fell, spilling on the sidewalk. That hadn’t stop her from trying, causing her cell phone to drop as well. Cursing her self she crouched down. Setting down her other bags, she picked up the phone in one hand, and began gathering the groceries with the other. “Shannon?” Her friend asked, concerned. “H-hey…” She murmured. “Shannon did you drop something again?” She laughed a bit despite her serious blush, “…Maybe.” God, she was such an uncoordinated person – she hated it. “Carri, sweetie, can I call you back? Once I’m done gathering my mess? You can tell me, then.” A laugh, “I’d prefer you didn’t, you know?” “I do,” She giggled, “Regardless, I AM calling you in a few minutes, Carrissa. Talk to you soon.” She closed her phone and stuffed it in her pocket, freeing both hands to stuff the food back into the bag. She didn’t know how long it was taking but suddenly she heard a voice in front of her. A disturbingly familiar voice. “Shannon? Are you alright?” Oh dear Lord. He was making it VERY hard not to believe Will’s words. She was ready to look up, but Ryan was already crouched before her, handing her discarded fruit and other things, smiling. When she was dumbfounded into silence Ryan spoke again. His tone was warm and pleasant. Conversational. “Well, this is the second time we’ve been in this position in two weeks. Is it just me or is your balance getting worse?” He’d been so silent the first two times she’d seen him… so shy and awkward and now he was being chatty? Her heart pounded as she racked her mind for an intelligent reply while he continued to hand her produce. Numbly shaking her head, she took the last bit of food and placed it in the bag. Gathering it in her arms she stood up, but hadn’t gotten half way there before Ryan had taken the bag from her. “Need help?” Really, he NEEDED to stop this. Her heart was simultaneously melting and aching at the love that was boiling inside of it. He was so considerate to her, even after she’d ruined everything for the two of them. Feelings were supposed to fade after a break up, not grow stronger, she thought bitterly. She took the bag back, “No, t-thank you, Ryan. Really… but I- no, I’m fine. I need to be heading home right now. So…” She continued, “So, thank you and all…” She had taken all of a half step forward before Ryan reached out and touched her arm. The spark that ran through her was nearly painful, and she turned her eyes back to him, surprised and almost a little scared. His smile had faded a little to match the concerned quality of his eyes, almost intensely concerned, “Shannon… can I talk to you for a second?” Her face went red. Oh Lord, oh dear sweet Lord… what?! She could not ‘talk to him’, no. She didn’t even want to begin to consider what he may have to say to her… why he would so seriously want to speak to her. Maybe….No, he couldn’t be wanting that, she told herself firmly. Wishes were getting in the way of reality again. “Ryan, I- I’d love that.” She lied, “But I really- I need to go.” She shrugged out of his grip and took off in a fast walk away, ignoring any protest for her to stay. If there had been any. Thankfully, talking to Carrissa back home not only helped calm Shannon after that scare, that terrifying moment… No, it also completely flipped her mood – hearing what it was Will had wanted to say. “I can see why he wanted to tell me.” She said, stunned, “I can see why you couldn’t contain it too. I want to tell everyone now!” Carrissa was still laughing, “Well now, you can’t tell him! Act excited.” “That won’t take much acting!” She laughed, “And you should come over, too!” “But then he’d know I told! Silly! So, you go. We can all chat about it later.” “I imagine we will! Talk to you later, honey! Thank you for telling me!” Shannon beamed at the phone after the conversation finished and brushed her hair, getting ready to head over soon. When the doorbell rang. “You left this.” Ryan, yes, RYAN, said, holding out a shopping bag she had left on the sidewalk. Her face hot and shock running through every nerve Shannon grabbed the bag from him, gaping. For a moment she considered slamming the door in his face, but could not bring herself to do that. “Will thinks your stalking me, you know?” She said softly moving inside with the bag, knowing she’d unintentionally left an invitation for him to come in. But he didn’t. “I really couldn’t care less what he thinks of me.” He replied, and she turned to him, surprised at how serious he was now. “Shannon, I need to talk to you.” She shook her head, “I don’t care… I’m going out right now. We can talk some other day.” She took her purse and moved to leave. “Shannon.” He was leaning in her doorframe, looking absolutely unmovable. “Ryan.” She said stubbornly, trying to push past him. He stopped her with his hand on her arm, and his intensely serious eyes on her. Her thoughts and heart were still. “Shannon,” He repeated, his was voice angry, sad, worried, hurt, and a million other things, “He, Will – he’s not... He has another girl, Shannon. He’s cheating.”
zomg cliffhanger!
|
|
|
Post by laurenne on Feb 20, 2011 23:34:49 GMT -5
I loved the update. I can't wait to find out what she says. Update soon, please.
|
|
|
Post by celticbear on Feb 21, 2011 0:30:36 GMT -5
Tangy! you and your cliffhangers! I already have an Idea that Will was going to tell Shannon all about his love! BOY OH BOY HAS THE DARK DESTROYER PUT HIS FOOT ROYALY IN HIS MOUTH THIS TIME! AND HERE I THOUGHT ME KEITH WAS THE ONLY ONE WHO DID THAT!
TANGY UPDATE SOON! PLEASE!
|
|
|
Post by misssunflower on Feb 21, 2011 23:20:44 GMT -5
It had been painful enough to force the words out of his mouth. It had been painful enough to tell her the truth. It was torture when she didn't believe him. Shannon's eyes widened like green saucers, and her mouth opened in an unintentionally adorable 'o' shape. But she shook her head slowly. “What?” “Shannon, he's cheating. He has another girlfriend.” “No…” She said softly. Ryan didn't know what to do now. In the scenario in his head he'd expected her to accept the fact. She'd be hurt, but she'd have accepted it. “I'm sorry… I just - I had to tell you.” She was still shaking her head, “No, no… Ryan, you're wrong.” Her voice was shaking but firm. He knew this tone from past arguments. He had never looked forward to hearing it again. “Shannon, I- I saw him with a girl. I saw them, and trust me they weren't just friends.” “How do you know?” If it were anyone else he would have scoffed, instead he shook his head in almost wonder, “Oh, do you have make-out sessions in pubs with someone who is just a friend, then?” Shannon gave him a cold, hurt look and he regretted his sarcasm right away. “I'm sorry,” He repeated, “I know it's probably hard to believe…” “No! Ryan, I know Will. He would never do anything like that! He'd never cheat - not in his life!” “Then how else do I explain what I saw?” She let out an exasperated huff, “It must not have been him! You only saw two people and assumed…” “She said his name.” He said softly. Shannon looked like she got hit a little in the stomach and took a step back. He tried again, “I know… I knew you wouldn't want to hear this. I can't imagine anyone would, but you have to trust me on it. He WAS with this girl yesterday.” “He wouldn't… I know for a fact he wouldn't.” She was whispering. Her arguments becoming repetition, like she was trying to convince herself more than him. His heart was aching. Why couldn't she just believe him so this didn't have to be any more painful? “I know for a fact he was. Shannon, please… just trust me on this, I'm telling you this for you. Trust me.” She was still shaking her head slowly, eyes wide and face pale. Ryan didn't want to think of her expression, her reaction, when he did get through to her. She turned away from him, and he wondered if she was crying. She took a few steps into the house and, without thinking, he numbly followed her. “Shannon…” He began quietly again. Suddenly Shannon had wheeled to face him. Her green eyes still open and her face still white. But her face was set in something like a sudden burst of determination. Ryan gulped, hoping she wouldn't set off on another argument with him. This was only making it harder. “You said this was yesterday, Ryan?” She said softly. Unsure what that mattered, he only nodded. “And it was at a pub, yes?” “Yes… Shan-“ “What time?” “This an interrogation?” He asked, a little drier than he planned. She almost smiled, “Well, you said you were a witness. So, what time did you see this?” He sighed, “I don't remember…” Something struck him then though, “Well, you came in. After.” He wondered if he imagined the spark in her eyes at that, “Did I?” “Yes. I saw you come in, and then when I looked back at Will the girl was gone.” Well, this sounded a whole lot more ridiculous out loud. Shannon appeared to think so too, that or her sanity had snapped. Suddenly she was in gales of laughter. Beautiful, hysterical, beautiful, scary laughter. He almost took a step away from her. “Sh-Shannon?” “You eejit!!” She laughed, “You need a new set of eyes! That was CARRI! That was after he'd just proposed to her! He's not cheating on anyone!!” Huh? Ryan blinked, “Carri? Carrissa?” “Yes!!” Shannon's laughter faltered, suddenly tilting her head to look at him, “but hadn't I ever told you that…” “Told me what?” He asked stupidly. “Carri and Will have been dating since high school.” She shook her head. Ryan was silent, staring at her, though not really seeing her. He imagined the embracing couple he had seen. Tall, tan, and dark haired… Carrissa. How had he not thought? How hadn't he guessed? He supposed he'd seen Will with Shannon and Carrissa with Shannon… but he'd never seen Will and Carrissa. And Shannon HAD never told him. Will and Carrissa. He wasn't with Shannon. He never had been. All the jealousy that had built up in him dissolved instantly. Her mind appeared to be spinning with thoughts to, though she was thinking aloud. She often did. “But… you didn't know Will and Carrissa were dating, then? So why were you warning me about Will cheating on he-… Oh!” She literally gasped aloud, hand over mouth as his thoughts concluded and he focused in on her again. “Oh, Ryan you thought that I - that he and I-… and, and when you saw him with… you thought- oh!” She shook her head slowly, looking away and blushing slightly. She glanced back up at him, “And- and you went- you went this far out of your way to tell me?” He couldn't help but feel foolish for doing all that, now that the answer had been so clearly obvious. But he nodded, taking a deep breath, “I didn't want to see you heartbroken… not again.” He sighed, “Not after 8 months.” “9 months.” She whispered suddenly. Her emerald eyes had filled with tears, then. Ryan had still managed to make her cry. “What?” “It's been 9 months. 9 months a- and 4 days.” She shook her head, trying to still the falling tears, to no avail. In an unexpected blur of motion, a crying Shannon was suddenly in his arms. He stiffened trying to comfort her as much as he could without putting any meaning into the embrace. Trying not to concentrate on how small she was, how she smelt beautiful - like fresh cotton, and definitely not how he'd dreamt of holding her this way for 9 months and 4 days. But here he was, not an inch between him the thing he'd been restraining himself from for over half a year. It was like being handed his first meal after starving himself for so long, having it before him and being told he couldn't have it. It was so tempting, too tempting. And he broke. Ryan's arms circled around her pulling her in tighter than he thought possible. Her arms, already wound around his neck, gripped the fabric of his shirt as she clung to him, letting him just stand there and hold her. She tried to lift her head to say something once only to lay her head on his shoulder again, still crying. “Shhh…” He whispered, cursing himself for having no will power once so ever around her. How in God's name did he expect to brush himself off and walk out of her life after THIS? But it was as though this was his body's natural reflexes- so used to this woman's body in his arms, he had no control once she was there. She shook her head against him and pulled away a little, keeping her arms around him. But she was now looking into his eyes, their faces less than an inch apart, their noses touching. He had a natural reflex in this situation too - and while somewhere in his mind he knew it was a bad idea, he shook it away, leaned in and kissed her lips.
went faster than I thought. Sorry folks, just about over. XD
|
|
|
Post by laurenne on Feb 21, 2011 23:58:19 GMT -5
Awww, so cute. I loved it. I loved her confusion, then sudden comprehension. I can't wait for more.
|
|
|
Post by celticbear on Feb 21, 2011 23:58:47 GMT -5
TANGY! HOORAY! RYAN AND SHANNON BACK ON THE ROAD TO ROMANCE! HOW ABOUT LET'S MAKE IT A DOUBLE WEDDING! WILL/CARRI AND RYAN/SHANNON! CAN'T WAIT TO SEE WHAT HAPPENS NEXT! UPDATE SOON! PLEASE!
|
|
|
Post by misssunflower on Feb 23, 2011 20:43:14 GMT -5
The idea… the plan of pulling away, quickly ending the kiss he’d placed on her mouth… it had been lost before it had even formed completely in Shannon mind. And with her mind not properly functioning she was soon kissing him back with more passion that she had shown in far too long. He didn’t complain, though she didn’t expect him to. In fact, after she’d reacted positively, to say the least, he began to put more into his side of the kiss as well. Before she knew it she had her back against the now closed front door letting him kiss her harder. They broke for air every few seconds, but only for the least amount of time possible before delving back in as though in some paradox. It was when separated that neither could breathe. Ryan began to try and speak a little, in between, hardly getting out a word before his lips were occupied with hers. But the words weren’t just anything. “I love you.“ He said, seriously before another kiss. “I’ve loved” kiss “you all” kiss “9 months and” kiss “4 days.” Her eyes opened at that declaration, but before she could say anything he was kissing her in that way that made her mind foggy and unable to function. Still, somewhere in that oh so jumbled head, a voice was screaming. What was she DOING!? She needed to stop – why couldn’t she stop? Why could she not bury the joy his words had given her? But he loved her… Ryan had loved her this entire time. These months and months he’d loved her and had been heartbroken, and he never once considering moving on. She couldn’t deal with that, she couldn’t. It was her fault, all of it was. She’d left him and broken his heart and now to know that even after this much time passing, it never healed… it was agonizing. How could she have ever put him through this? How could he still love her? He did love her though… he loved her and he wanted her back. That was clear through the way he kissed her, the way he held her so surely against him. He wanted her back, and honestly, she knew inside of her, she would take him back without a single question or thought. And they would be happy. For a time. They had been happy. For a time. But Shannon knew she was impossible, hard to handle, moody, and at times downright insufferable. So Ryan loved her, he’d loved her when they had first been together. Still it had been too much after a time and thus their split had occurred. He may still love her, but it did not mean the second try at a relationship would turn out any better, any less painful, than the first. She couldn’t do that. She couldn’t bring him back into her life knowing that somehow, someway she’d unintentionally ruin it all again, as she always did… some day in the future. It would kill him, and in turn, her. But she could not turn him away now. This is why she had not wanted to talk to him. Finally at another break for air, she forced herself to end it there. He blinked at seeing the tears still in her eyes, unsure about the cause for them. His eyes seemed full of conflicting emotion also, though, and had lost none of their intensity looking at her. It took a great deal of restraint to refrain from kissing him again, then. But she did. Before Ryan could speak she quickly shook her head, “Ryan- Ryan, I – this is- I mean… We can’t- didn’t we try this once? It didn’t work.” He blinked another time, but no hurt seeped into his expression. He looked like a million feelings in one, but none hurt. Yet. “You didn’t mean anything you said then.” He stated. Shannon looked away from him, “Well of course I didn’t! But- But that’s just it! I say things I don’t mean – I always do! And I hurt you! And – and I – “ “Shannon.” Ryan said, “I was the one who actually left. I shouldn’t have, I knew the fights were silly and yet I let them-“ “Ryan don’t you dare blame yourself for this!” “Then you don’t do the same, Shannon! I don’t blame you for anything so you don’t need to either!” She sighed, “You should, though! Ryan, don’t you get it? I’m always going to be moody, I’m always going to have a jealous streak and I’ll always going to be getting us both into arguments and getting you upset – and then you blame yourself and- “ Tears stung her eyes but she wasn’t going to cry in front of him again, “And it’s always my fault, I know it is. Trust me, I just – I’m always pushing away people I love.” “Shannon,” He began, his expression and tone set to argue with her. To argue. “You see!?” She practically wailed, “We’re fighting already!” “Shannon.” She closed her mouth at the raise of his voice, though it had sacrificed none of its gentle quality to get so. There was a brief silence as they stared at each other, waiting for some kind of cue. Finally she whispered, “Yes?” His voice lowered again, “I’m going to ask you one thing. I only need one answer, too. No explanations, no ‘buts’, just one answer.” She let out a tiny sigh, “Okay.” “Do you love me, Shannon?” Her heart ached a little at the stupidity of that question. How could he even ask that? But she knew what he was after asking this. She knew Ryan knew that as soon as she told him that she wouldn’t be able to deny it from herself any longer. Her contradictions would lose a great deal of their flame and even her strongest of arguments would not phase him. But she could not lie, “Yes.” “Yes what?” “Yes, I love you.” She breathed, looking back at him. He was neither smiling nor frowning but there was a light in his eyes she hadn’t seen in nearly a year. He was trying to hide it, but he was overjoyed. He couldn’t be, “But Rya-“ He almost laughed, “I said no ‘buts’, love. I just needed that answer.” “Ryan,” She tried again, “I’ll – we’ll fight.” “Everyone fights.” He replied, slowly letting an irresistible smile creep across his face. Her face flushed and she tried to look away from him, and failed. “And for the record, I’d happily argue with you everyday for the rest of my worldly life if that meant that’s how long you’d be apart of it.” With that Shannon felt her heart basically turn to mush. “I-I’d rather try and find a way to spend my life with you, with as little fights as possible.” She didn’t even care what she’d suggested, anymore. It was useless, absolutely useless. Now he laughed, literally laughed aloud. “Well, I’m certainly not going to object to that!” He brushed some of her hair out of her face and absolutely beamed at her. As he leaned in, touching his forehead to hers, she gave one more terribly weak comment. “Ryan, I want this to work… I do.” “I love you.” He repeated gently before claiming her lips yet again. His tone, so firm, happy, confidant… he’d said the words as if love answered and fixed everything. And maybe it did.
THE END
|
|