THANK YOU and WOOT WOOT!!!!
So last night I discovered just why I love being a part of the Jolie fanbase so much.
After being reminded of the V-Day poll by my darling Katie, we both went to work on recruiting voters. It seemed at times as though it were hopeless, but then we tied with Jammy and even passed them! The Jammies came back in full force, but in the end the Jolies won 61-58!!!! GO JOLIE!!!
You can go HERE to read the congratulations thread, but that wasn't the real reason behind this post. The real reason is because I was reminded last night of just how nice this fanbase is.
After my campaigning I was being kicked off the computer for the night and was complaining to Meredith about how I wasn't going to be able to sleep until I found out who won. She told me that I could call her when the voting ended if I could, but I had a better idea. Text messenging really can be a pain, but it was useful last night!
So I got off the computer and headed upstairs, with about 40 minutes to an hour to wait. I finished up my Valentine's Day story (which I will be posting momentarily) to try to distance myself and once it was done, I texted Meredith to find out if they had won yet. Soon after that I was lying down, freaking out and trying to decide if I thought they had won or not when my phone vibrated. My heart was thumping, my pulse was racing and I scrambled to grab it. That was when I read the text that they had won!!! I literally wanted to scream, but my room is just above the grandparents' so couldn't without dying.
So, in conclusion I LOVE MY FANBASE! It's truly the nicest I have ever been a part of, and all of the people who make it up are very sweet, supportive and willing to help anyone out if they need it. (Yes I know there are probably exceptions to this rule, but I have yet to meet them.)
Okay, now that my moment of fangirl-ness is over, I'd like to report that I think my Humanities test was a success. The terms may have screwed me, but the artwork hopefully will be enough to score me a passing score.
AND NOW, THE MOMENT YOU ALL HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR! (do I sound conceited or what?)
Disclaimer: I own nothing; all OLTL characters are trademarks of their respective creators and ABC Daytime. The wonderful song is by Nickelback!
Author’s Notes: I hate Valentine’s Day because I’m single and well it’s just a bitter reminder of that fact. But I decided in the end (or rather the muse decided for me) that Jolie was worth it.
Title: Far Away
John McBain looked around Crossroads one final time, making certain that everything was perfect. Finally satisfied (or as satisfied as his nervousness would allow), he walked outside to wait for Natalie. His heart sped up and he smiled as the small, red convertible pulled into the parking lot and parked. He hurried over to open the door and help her out. His reward was the dazzling, warm smile she graced him with.
He didn’t release her hand as he led her to the door of the abandoned bar, and she was secretly pleased. She hadn’t realized just how much she missed the warm security of her hand in his until this moment. They stopped in front of the door and suddenly John turned to give her a quick kiss on the cheek. He smiled shyly and opened the door. Natalie felt as though she was floating on air as he moved back and let her walk in first.
Her audible gasp made John’s heart speed up as he followed her in, shutting and locking the door behind him. He had really gone all out for this very special day. The bar’s electricity had been turned on for this one night, but it wasn’t for the lights. No, the only light were the dozens of scattered candles throughout the room. The table in the very center had a vase, complete with six roses-three red, and three white. There was also a small red plush bear sitting in front of one of the chairs.
“You really outdid yourself, John.” He heard the smile in her voice before she turned and he saw it on her face. She threw her arms around him, hugging him tightly. “Thank you.” His arms wrapped around her and he kissed the top of her head lightly before stepping back. “This is just the beginning,” he promised. “Now, you go sit and I will be right back.” She smiled and did as he asked, picking up the small teddy bear as he disappeared from her view.
A few minutes later, he returned with a large pan and two bowls. Natalie took one sniff and began to laugh. “Oh, John. You didn’t-“ He uncovered the pan to reveal macaroni and cheese. “Mac and cheese!” He smiled at her. “It’s what we had the first time you ever opened up to me, so I thought it seemed appropriate.” She smiled brilliantly at him as he filled the bowls and set them down. “Thank you, John. Honestly, I was afraid for a second that you had fixed some big gourmet-type meal that I would have to pretend to like.” She wrinkled her nose and they both laughed as they began to eat.
Their spoons were soon clinking against the empty bowls, but Natalie protested seconds. “I’m full. That was really good, John. I can’t wait to see what else I have in store for me.” He smiled at her and took the serving cart back to the kitchen, returning a moment later. “I guess now is as good a time as any for this.” He smiled and walked over to the CD player. “May I have this dance?” he asked, holding his hand out. She smiled as she let him pull her to her feet and lay her head on his chest as the first strains of music filled the room.
This time, This place
Misused, Mistakes
Too long, Too late
Who was I to make you wait
Natalie sighed softly as John rubbed his cheek against her silky hair. She knew at that moment that she had forgiven him for everything long ago.
Just one chance
Just one breath
Just in case there’s just one left
‘Cause you know,
You know, you know
John smiled as he heard Natalie sigh and felt her relax into him even more. This song said everything he had been feeling, and he was anxious to see what she would do with the revelation.
That I love you
I have loved you all along
And I miss you
Been far away for far too long
I keep dreaming you’ll be with me
And you’ll never go
Stop breathing if
I don’t see you anymore
He had heard Natalie’s sharp intake of breath as he had sung the chorus in her ear, and he found himself having to blink back tears as she moved to look at him. “John--?” she asked, her voice thick with hope and fear. “I love you, Natalie. I’m so sorry.” He pressed a gentle kiss to her lips, and she threw her arms around his neck as she kissed him back.
On my knees, I’ll ask
Last chance for one last dance
‘Cause with you, I’d withstand
All of hell to hold your hand
I’d give it all
I’d give for us
Give anything but I won’t give up
‘Cause you know,
You know, you know
Natalie was crying as John broke the kiss and got down on his knees, holding onto her hands like a life preserver. “This is me, Natalie. I’m on my knees, begging for one more chance. I know I’ve screwed up a lot of things along the way, but I need to know if you can forgive me. I can’t go through another day without knowing where we stand.” He pressed a gentle, reverent kiss to the palm of her hand.
That I love you
I have loved you all along
And I miss you
Been far away for far too long
I keep dreaming you’ll be with me
And you’ll never go
Stop breathing if
I don’t see you anymore
So far away
Been far away for far too long
But you know, you know, you know
Natalie sank to her knees and their fingers brushed away each other’s tears as their lips met in a soft, passionate kiss. This time she was the one to break the kiss as she whispered, “John, I love you and I want to be with you. I tried to hate you-“ “But it didn’t work?” he finished for her, smiling. “I seem to remember that, but in the end it seemed to work out for the best.” She smiled. “I think it did this time, too.”
I wanted
I wanted you to stay
‘Cause I needed
I need to hear you say
Natalie sighed in contentment as John stood, pulling her up and into his arms. Their lips touched again, and she opened her mouth to his. They needed proof that this was really happening, as neither could quite believe it otherwise. Suddenly John broke the kiss, knowing that the evening was going to end all too soon if he didn’t.
That I love you
I have loved you all along
And I forgive you
For being far away for far too long
So keep breathing
‘Cause I’m not leaving
Hold on to me and never let me go
Natalie pouted as John broke away, and he smiled before brushing one more kiss across her lips. “I’ll be right back,” he whispered, turning around and walking into the kitchen before she could change his mind. She smiled and made her way back to the table, hugging the small teddy bear to her chest as a small smile lit up her face.
She was totally unexpected for the black bundle of fur that came bounding into the room moments later, chased after by John. She had immediately moved to the floor and was playing with the black Lab as he finally caught up. “Surprise!” he said, smiling widely at the sight of Natalie on the floor playing with the small puppy.
His smile grew even larger at the look of utter joy that lit up her face at that moment. “Oh my god! John, is he for me?” “She,” he corrected, taking out the small red collar. Natalie’s hand flew to her mouth as he handed it to her and she saw the small pool table dangling from it. The name “Bella” was engraved on the piece of silver, and when she turned it over there were both she and John’s addresses. “Her name is Bella,” he needlessly supplied. “I thought it seemed appropriate, considering how gorgeous her owner is.”
“I-I don’t know what to say,” she whispered, mouth trembling as she embraced the trembling mound of fur again and placed the collar around her neck. He smiled as Bella broke free, seeming to want nothing more than to run around the empty bar. John shook his head and ran a hand over her hair. “Your smile is thanks enough.” He leaned in to kiss her, but suddenly Bella leaped between them, knocking Natalie to the floor.
They both laughed as Bella bounded away again and John leaned over Natalie, smiling softly. “You’re so beautiful,” he whispered, his lips just above her own. She pushed up off the ground just enough to begin their kiss, and her arms went around his neck as she deepened the kiss.
The kiss left them both breathless, and John panted as he helped her to her feet. “I love you so much Natalie Buchanan.” She smiled, tossing her hair back as she pressed a quick kiss to his lips. “I love you too. Happy Valentine’s Day, John. I’ve never had a better one.” “Neither have I.” He leaned in and kissed her passionately. Suddenly a crash rang from the kitchen and Natalie reluctantly pulled back. “We’d better go check on her.”
John tightened his grip, not wanting to let her go just yet. “She’ll be fine.” “But-“ Her protest was smothered as he captured her mouth in another kiss. She lost herself in the warm glow of the moment until it was broken by another crash. John pouted when she pulled back and began to walk to the kitchen. They both laughed helplessly when Bella came trotting back into the room with a pool cue in her mouth.
“How on earth-“ Natalie began, but she saw the twinkle in John’s eye. “Did you plan this?” He shrugged. “All I did was hide the pool cue and teach her to go get it.” She hit him lightly on the shoulder, and he grabbed her hand, using it to pull her closer. “Up for a game?” She smiled up at him. “Always.” She kissed him, then turned to take the cue from Bella.
Natalie leaned over the pool table, carefully lining up her shot. John was standing on the opposite side enjoying the view. Just as she took the shot, Bella jumped up on her legs, causing her to scratch. She looked down at the dog and she stared lovingly back at her with chocolate brown eyes. Nat shook her head and patted her a few times before glaring at John. “You are your daddy’s dog, aren’t you?” He smiled as he moved to take his shot.
He had just made the eight ball in and won his first game against Natalie when he turned around to see Natalie standing at the CD player. He smiled as she started the song that he had played for her earlier and turned around to smile at him. She held her hand out, and he walked over to her. Taking her hand he pulled her against him and smiled.
He had to be the luckiest man alive.
~~FIN
EDIT: I just uploaded brand new userpics, kept I think two old ones but the other 4 are brand new! Go check 'em out and lemme know what you think!