The Devilstone Registry: Epilogue
Title: The Devilstone Registry: Epilogue
Rating: PG
Pairing: Kris Allen/Adam Lambert
Summary: This oughta wrap her up nice and neat-like.
katekat1010 did this awesome banner. *hearts in my eyes*
Prior Chapters:
Chapter One: Head of the Trail
Chapter Two: The Tale of Matty The Mute
Chapter Three: The Foundation
Chapter Four: Turning Blue
Chapter Five: Among the Fragments
Chapter Six: Snoop and Ye Shall Find
Chapter Seven: A Distant Bell
Chapter Eight: Female Troubles
Chapter Nine: The 3:10 to Little Rock
Chapter Ten : The Western Boys
Chapter Eleven: What Lies Beneath
Chapter Twelve: From These Great Heights
Word Count: 2,478
a/n: This fic has been rated R because it's a western, and our Arkansas is the slightest bit shy about his private time with Adam. However, it's been brought to my attention by Dr. Adam Lambert that he's been taking very detailed notes on some of his more memorable evenings with Kristopher. While Kris is a bit more shy, Dr. Adam wants to make sure you can re-create his experiments at home, so keep an eye out in November for "Excerpts from the Mostly Scientific Journals of Dr. Adam Lambert" brought to you by scarlettlynn for the Charity Auction.
Beta Thanks to bamberrific
The Epilogue
“You told me this was some sort of scientific presentation. You didn’t say nothing about no-“ Kris fiddled with his wardrobe, trying to loosen his collar.
“Shh!” Adam hushed Kris, straightening his ascot. “Kris, I’m going to have to retie this, you made a mess of it.” Adam pulled out the knot and hastily redid it.
“I’m not wearing the hat. I look ridiculous.” Kris protested as Adam dropped the top hat on his head.
Adam stepped back to survey the effect. It was a formal occasion, so Kris was clad in head to toe black and white, with only a hint of color on his ascot, a small burst of deep blue on a black field.
“I think you look striking.” Adam said, adjusting his own cufflinks. His own outfit was a little more eccentric but still as formal. His coat was a plain black, but made of a satin blend so it gave off a little shimmer. The pants where black, hatched with dark blue to match his waistcoat and ascot.
“I look like a brownie.” Kris complained, holding the hat in front of him disdainfully.
“Kristopher Neil Allen. You are accepting an award from the President of the United States of America. You are going to wear a top hat. You are going to carry a cane. You’re also going to wear this.” Adam pulled out a small pasteboard box, tied with a ribbon, from his pocket and handed it to Kris.
“What’s this?” Kris asked, looking suspicious.
“Just open it.” Adam said, biting his lip a little. In truth, it was probably more Adam’s style, but he had wanted Kris to have something that reminded him of Adam. Kris opened the box and pulled out the ring Adam had placed there an hour prior. It was simple, brushed silver with a vein of deep cerulean running through the center.
“It’s…” Kris said, at a loss for words.
“We exchanged promises, sort of-” Adam explained. “-on the Zeppelin, but I wanted to have something to make it a little more official. Even if it’s not a church wedding-“
“It’s perfect” Kris cut him off. “You’re perfect. Where’s yours? Should I get you one?” Kris said, looking terrified at the prospect of having to pick out something Adam would wear every day.
“I took the liberty of having a matching set made.” Adam laughed, dropping a second ring into Kris’s hand. “If you would do me the honor.” Adam held out his left hand and Kris placed the ring on his finger. Adam repeated the gesture, murmuring “As long as we both shall live.”
“You may now kiss the, uh, Kris.” Kris said, laughing into Adam’s mouth.
“You guys almost ready?” Allison called through the door. “I don’t think it’s polite to keep the President waiting.” Adam chuckled, brushing Kris’s lips one last time before tossing him a cane and pulling on his own overcoat.
“Your coach awaits, Mr. Allen.” Adam said, affecting a posh east coast accent.
“Thank you kindly, Doctor.” Kris replied, tilting the brim of his top hat with his left hand, so that his ring caught Adam’s eye.
Adam couldn’t resist. He took Kris’s hand in his and kissed his knuckles, feeling very much like a besotted husband on his honeymoon.
***
The ceremony was brief, but Adam was thankful it was over. It was nice, of course, to be in the center of attention for awhile; he couldn’t pretend he didn’t enjoy being the toast of the town. Kris, however, looked slightly uncomfortable. Maybe it was just the outfit, maybe he was just nervous about being in such prestigious company, but Kris looked positively relieved when they climbed into the coach in L’Enfant Plaza after a celebratory dinner with the rest of the Westport Regulars, as the papers were all calling them now. Todd had come along as well, feeling awkward in Scott’s place, but Adam had insisted. He had even offered Todd Scott’s position as his assistant, but was relieved when Todd declined the offer, wanting to stay close to home for awhile.
The dinner had been a wonderful time, sharing stories and trading surprises. Megan announced that she and Mac were going to be parents, and Matty got down on one knee and proposed to Allison, who flushed as pink as her hair. Adam even exchanged winks with Lil, who was sitting much closer to Reverend Gokey than polite society would dictate, but really only Kris was surprised when Danny turned his head and gave Lil an after dinner peck on the lips. Apparently they had been quietly courting for a few weeks. They made an unusual pair, but as Adam had discovered himself, sometimes unusual pairs were the best sort.
“Back to the hotel?” Kris asked as they relaxed against the coach seats, sounding like he was begging more than being inquisitive. “These clothes need to come off now.”
“Ordinarily I wouldn’t try and dissuade you from divesting, Kristopher, but we have another stop.” Adam said, trying to conceal his glee.
“You’re kidding me. Did you sign us up for post-dinner drinks with some Senator or something?” Kris looked so genuinely dismayed at the prospect that Adam didn’t even have the heart to tease him. He pulled out two tickets from his vest pocket and offered them to Kristopher for a look.
“A Midsummer Night’s Dream?” Kris asked, tilting his head curiously. “At Ford’s Theatre?”
“You could use a bit of culture.” Adam said, teasingly. “There’s more to life than riding across the prairie with train robbers shooting at you.” Kris looked doubtful.
“I’ve never read Shakespeare.” He confessed. “Cheated off Katy for my tests.”
“Well then you owe it to her to pay extra attention.” Adam said, biting back a grin. “Besides, we have to go, we’re meeting people.”
“Why so cryptic tonight, Adam?” Kris said, daring to lace his fingers through Adam’s as they sat close in the covered coach.
“What’s life without a little mystery?” The coach stopped and Adam got out, turning to offer Kris a hand down. “Ah! There they are!”
“Uncle Adam!” Twin shouts from twin boys echoed across the cobblestoned street and Adam laughed as Chris and Allen Jones raced towards him. He knelt so they could give him hugs, and was pleased to see Kris do the same. He had never felt entirely comfortable with the boys, reminders, perhaps of the life he could have led. Kris seemed wary of them developing too close a bond and tried to keep them at arm’s length less he lead Katy to believe that he was her knight in shining armor after all. However, since Katy had discovered the truth about he and Kristopher’s relationship, Adam was pleased to see Kris open up towards the lads that had been unwittingly named for him.
“What are you doing here?” Kris asked Chris, ruffling his blond hair.
“Adam’s taking us to watch Mama. You wanna come?”
“Mama?” Kris asked, looking towards Adam in confusion. Adam laughed and pointed out the marquee, which bore the name “Katy O’Connell” in Bluefire block letter lights.
“You’re kidding!” Kris said, throwing his head back in disbelief. “You…she lives here now? You sent her here? To be an actress?”
“I told her to live her dream, and that she didn’t need a man to make her happy. She’s got two good ones right here. I called in a favor and got her an audition.” Adam admitted. “But she got the part on her own merit. I hear she’s quite the ingénue.”
“Then by all means, lead on.” Kris said, allowing the boys to tug him into the theatre by both hands.
The performance was riveting. Katy played Titania the Fairy Queen, majestic and spellbinding in her green dress and blue makeup.
“If you’re still trying to convince me to leave you for her, I might take you up on it.” Kris murmured to Adam in their box , nipping his ear so Adam would know he was only kidding.
“I don’t think so.” Adam quipped. “You seem a little too fond of Bottom if you catch my drift.” Adam said, laughing as the boys howled at their mother winding her fairy arms around Bottom with his donkey head. “She looks gorgeous, though. Happy. “
“She does.” Kris agreed. “You can tell that’s not an act. She’s more like the Katy I knew. Thank you, by the way. For tonight, and for helping her get here.”
“Shh.” Adam said, hushing him and squeezing his hand. “It’s her big scene.” Adam watched, riveted as Oberon removed the charm from her eyes and the two fairy lovers reconciled. After the curtain fell, Adam made the boys rush downstairs to present their mother with a huge bouquet of roses. They pointed up at the box where Adam and Kris were applauding, and she waved, face lighting up. Adam was sure that she blushed a little too, and was glad that he hadn’t told her Kris would be there.
They gave Katy and the boys a ride home in their hired coach, catching up as the boys fell asleep on the seat. Katy had rented out a lovely flat close to a modern school where the boys were getting a first rate education. Kris was happy to hear that the boys had inherited their mother’s smarts and not their father’s - or their namesake’s- tendency to get into trouble.
“Did you like the performance?” Katy asked Kris, hesitantly. “You were never much for Shakespeare.”
“I have a new appreciation for it.” Kris said, honestly. “You were brilliant, and I loved the show. It seemed like…it seemed like the point was that sometimes love surprises you in the form it takes.”
Katy flushed, and Adam had to suppress a laugh.
“I am not sure if that’s what the bard intended, Kris, but it works for me.” Adam said, taking Kris’s hand. Katy saw the gesture, and her eyes went wide.
“You..oh my goodness let me see!” She reached across Adam’s lap and picked up Kris’s left hand, cooing over his ring.
“It’s not official, obviously.” Adam said, chuckling at her response.
“Of course it is.” Katy insisted. “It’s as official as it needs to be. My marriage wasn’t official either. Doesn’t make it any less a part of my life.”
“I’m glad to hear you say that, Katy.” Kris said, giving her hand a squeeze.
“I think I’m going to be alright. You don’t have to worry yourself over me anymore, Kristopher Allen. But I’d like it if you dropped by when you’re in the neighborhood. Both of you.”
“Same.” Kris laughed. “Though I think we’ll have to make a point of it. We don’t live close enough to leave it to chance.”
“Actually, Kris, I’ll be making lots of trips to the Capitol.” Adam said. “And of course I’ll need my bodyguard. Where would I be without my trusty sidekick?”
Katy laughed as the carriage halted, and Adam and Kris carried the boys inside for her. She kissed them both fondly before they set out for their Inn.
“I really do think she’s going to be alright.” Kris said, leaning against Adam’s arm for the short ride.
“She’s a strong woman. I think she’ll be even better than alright. In fact, I think all of them will be alright.” Adam said, thinking fondly over their friends. “Everyone we saw tonight. Even Todd. I feel like this whole experience changed everyone for the better.”
“Well, gee, you say it like that and now I think maybe we should have thanked Simon instead of shooting him.” Kris said sarcastically, and Adam poked him in the side.
“You know what I mean.” Adam kissed the top of Kris’s head, relishing the thrill of being able to demonstrate affection for Kris just barely out of the public view. Though he and Kris were so beloved by the public right now, Adam probably could have kissed Kris on the steps of the Capitol and people would have still cheered for them. Maybe I should have, he thought idly. It would be a shame to let all this political capital go to waste. For tonight, though, he was more than happy to kiss his Kristopher in private and as many times as possible.
***
“Nice of you to see us off.” Kris shook Anoop’s hand as the rest of the Westport Regulars filed aboard The Susan. “You sure you don’t want a ride back?”
“Nah, Arkansas. I’ve got to stay in the city a while longer. I’ve got an interview with a publisher about my book - a real publisher this time, not my crappy little press in North Carolina. I need to expand it, of course, to tell the full story.” Anoop added, a bit nervously, looking from Adam to Kris as if waiting for something.
"So I take it that I can count on two exclusive interviews now that this is all said and done." Anoop said, lighting up a smoke. "In return for my priceless aid and information. Besides, I think the public has a right to know all the details. This is history, you know. History in the making. This is one of those moments that people in the future will point back to and say "Because of these men, the world changed for the better. Your story needs to be-"
Kris threw back his head and laughed, giddy from the heights that Anoop's words had delivered him to. "Of course, Snoop. Anything we can do to help you out with your book. I hope you sell a million copies."
Adam's gaze remained level, however, when Anoop turned to him.
"You can have my interview, Snoop. As long as you promise to tell the whole truth."
"Oh I will. I won't - you know - I'm sorry if my past embellishments caused you any trouble."
"I just want to make sure you don't leave anything out." Adam said, reaching for Kris's hand. Kris took hold of it, feeling a slow flush spread over his face as Anoop's eyebrows went up. "Especially not this."
Adam lifted his free hand and turned Kris's face towards his own. Bending low, he matched his mouth to Kris's and kissed him; softly at first. Relief flooded through Kris; it was over, at last, and nothing in the world could come between them now. Not secessionist group, not the changing tide of public opinion. History would know the truth: All people are capable of greatness and deserving of love. He laughed into Adam's mouth as he heard Anoop ferociously scribbling on his notebook, no doubt searching for words to describe their kiss, and hoped that this moment would change the world just as much as Adam's inventions.
After all, it was love, and love is the greatest thing that’s ever happened in the world.
*****
A/N 2: I hope you enjoyed the Schmoop ;) Also, because they need to be seen as many times as possible, here's the art again.
/FLAIL. THANK YOU SO MUCH hai_world THESE LITERALLY MADE ME CRY!
I'll catch you all next time! Love,
Elle
Rating: PG
Pairing: Kris Allen/Adam Lambert
Summary: This oughta wrap her up nice and neat-like.
katekat1010 did this awesome banner. *hearts in my eyes*
Prior Chapters:
Chapter One: Head of the Trail
Chapter Two: The Tale of Matty The Mute
Chapter Three: The Foundation
Chapter Four: Turning Blue
Chapter Five: Among the Fragments
Chapter Six: Snoop and Ye Shall Find
Chapter Seven: A Distant Bell
Chapter Eight: Female Troubles
Chapter Nine: The 3:10 to Little Rock
Chapter Ten : The Western Boys
Chapter Eleven: What Lies Beneath
Chapter Twelve: From These Great Heights
Word Count: 2,478
a/n: This fic has been rated R because it's a western, and our Arkansas is the slightest bit shy about his private time with Adam. However, it's been brought to my attention by Dr. Adam Lambert that he's been taking very detailed notes on some of his more memorable evenings with Kristopher. While Kris is a bit more shy, Dr. Adam wants to make sure you can re-create his experiments at home, so keep an eye out in November for "Excerpts from the Mostly Scientific Journals of Dr. Adam Lambert" brought to you by scarlettlynn for the Charity Auction.
Beta Thanks to bamberrific
The Epilogue
“You told me this was some sort of scientific presentation. You didn’t say nothing about no-“ Kris fiddled with his wardrobe, trying to loosen his collar.
“Shh!” Adam hushed Kris, straightening his ascot. “Kris, I’m going to have to retie this, you made a mess of it.” Adam pulled out the knot and hastily redid it.
“I’m not wearing the hat. I look ridiculous.” Kris protested as Adam dropped the top hat on his head.
Adam stepped back to survey the effect. It was a formal occasion, so Kris was clad in head to toe black and white, with only a hint of color on his ascot, a small burst of deep blue on a black field.
“I think you look striking.” Adam said, adjusting his own cufflinks. His own outfit was a little more eccentric but still as formal. His coat was a plain black, but made of a satin blend so it gave off a little shimmer. The pants where black, hatched with dark blue to match his waistcoat and ascot.
“I look like a brownie.” Kris complained, holding the hat in front of him disdainfully.
“Kristopher Neil Allen. You are accepting an award from the President of the United States of America. You are going to wear a top hat. You are going to carry a cane. You’re also going to wear this.” Adam pulled out a small pasteboard box, tied with a ribbon, from his pocket and handed it to Kris.
“What’s this?” Kris asked, looking suspicious.
“Just open it.” Adam said, biting his lip a little. In truth, it was probably more Adam’s style, but he had wanted Kris to have something that reminded him of Adam. Kris opened the box and pulled out the ring Adam had placed there an hour prior. It was simple, brushed silver with a vein of deep cerulean running through the center.
“It’s…” Kris said, at a loss for words.
“We exchanged promises, sort of-” Adam explained. “-on the Zeppelin, but I wanted to have something to make it a little more official. Even if it’s not a church wedding-“
“It’s perfect” Kris cut him off. “You’re perfect. Where’s yours? Should I get you one?” Kris said, looking terrified at the prospect of having to pick out something Adam would wear every day.
“I took the liberty of having a matching set made.” Adam laughed, dropping a second ring into Kris’s hand. “If you would do me the honor.” Adam held out his left hand and Kris placed the ring on his finger. Adam repeated the gesture, murmuring “As long as we both shall live.”
“You may now kiss the, uh, Kris.” Kris said, laughing into Adam’s mouth.
“You guys almost ready?” Allison called through the door. “I don’t think it’s polite to keep the President waiting.” Adam chuckled, brushing Kris’s lips one last time before tossing him a cane and pulling on his own overcoat.
“Your coach awaits, Mr. Allen.” Adam said, affecting a posh east coast accent.
“Thank you kindly, Doctor.” Kris replied, tilting the brim of his top hat with his left hand, so that his ring caught Adam’s eye.
Adam couldn’t resist. He took Kris’s hand in his and kissed his knuckles, feeling very much like a besotted husband on his honeymoon.
***
The ceremony was brief, but Adam was thankful it was over. It was nice, of course, to be in the center of attention for awhile; he couldn’t pretend he didn’t enjoy being the toast of the town. Kris, however, looked slightly uncomfortable. Maybe it was just the outfit, maybe he was just nervous about being in such prestigious company, but Kris looked positively relieved when they climbed into the coach in L’Enfant Plaza after a celebratory dinner with the rest of the Westport Regulars, as the papers were all calling them now. Todd had come along as well, feeling awkward in Scott’s place, but Adam had insisted. He had even offered Todd Scott’s position as his assistant, but was relieved when Todd declined the offer, wanting to stay close to home for awhile.
The dinner had been a wonderful time, sharing stories and trading surprises. Megan announced that she and Mac were going to be parents, and Matty got down on one knee and proposed to Allison, who flushed as pink as her hair. Adam even exchanged winks with Lil, who was sitting much closer to Reverend Gokey than polite society would dictate, but really only Kris was surprised when Danny turned his head and gave Lil an after dinner peck on the lips. Apparently they had been quietly courting for a few weeks. They made an unusual pair, but as Adam had discovered himself, sometimes unusual pairs were the best sort.
“Back to the hotel?” Kris asked as they relaxed against the coach seats, sounding like he was begging more than being inquisitive. “These clothes need to come off now.”
“Ordinarily I wouldn’t try and dissuade you from divesting, Kristopher, but we have another stop.” Adam said, trying to conceal his glee.
“You’re kidding me. Did you sign us up for post-dinner drinks with some Senator or something?” Kris looked so genuinely dismayed at the prospect that Adam didn’t even have the heart to tease him. He pulled out two tickets from his vest pocket and offered them to Kristopher for a look.
“A Midsummer Night’s Dream?” Kris asked, tilting his head curiously. “At Ford’s Theatre?”
“You could use a bit of culture.” Adam said, teasingly. “There’s more to life than riding across the prairie with train robbers shooting at you.” Kris looked doubtful.
“I’ve never read Shakespeare.” He confessed. “Cheated off Katy for my tests.”
“Well then you owe it to her to pay extra attention.” Adam said, biting back a grin. “Besides, we have to go, we’re meeting people.”
“Why so cryptic tonight, Adam?” Kris said, daring to lace his fingers through Adam’s as they sat close in the covered coach.
“What’s life without a little mystery?” The coach stopped and Adam got out, turning to offer Kris a hand down. “Ah! There they are!”
“Uncle Adam!” Twin shouts from twin boys echoed across the cobblestoned street and Adam laughed as Chris and Allen Jones raced towards him. He knelt so they could give him hugs, and was pleased to see Kris do the same. He had never felt entirely comfortable with the boys, reminders, perhaps of the life he could have led. Kris seemed wary of them developing too close a bond and tried to keep them at arm’s length less he lead Katy to believe that he was her knight in shining armor after all. However, since Katy had discovered the truth about he and Kristopher’s relationship, Adam was pleased to see Kris open up towards the lads that had been unwittingly named for him.
“What are you doing here?” Kris asked Chris, ruffling his blond hair.
“Adam’s taking us to watch Mama. You wanna come?”
“Mama?” Kris asked, looking towards Adam in confusion. Adam laughed and pointed out the marquee, which bore the name “Katy O’Connell” in Bluefire block letter lights.
“You’re kidding!” Kris said, throwing his head back in disbelief. “You…she lives here now? You sent her here? To be an actress?”
“I told her to live her dream, and that she didn’t need a man to make her happy. She’s got two good ones right here. I called in a favor and got her an audition.” Adam admitted. “But she got the part on her own merit. I hear she’s quite the ingénue.”
“Then by all means, lead on.” Kris said, allowing the boys to tug him into the theatre by both hands.
The performance was riveting. Katy played Titania the Fairy Queen, majestic and spellbinding in her green dress and blue makeup.
“If you’re still trying to convince me to leave you for her, I might take you up on it.” Kris murmured to Adam in their box , nipping his ear so Adam would know he was only kidding.
“I don’t think so.” Adam quipped. “You seem a little too fond of Bottom if you catch my drift.” Adam said, laughing as the boys howled at their mother winding her fairy arms around Bottom with his donkey head. “She looks gorgeous, though. Happy. “
“She does.” Kris agreed. “You can tell that’s not an act. She’s more like the Katy I knew. Thank you, by the way. For tonight, and for helping her get here.”
“Shh.” Adam said, hushing him and squeezing his hand. “It’s her big scene.” Adam watched, riveted as Oberon removed the charm from her eyes and the two fairy lovers reconciled. After the curtain fell, Adam made the boys rush downstairs to present their mother with a huge bouquet of roses. They pointed up at the box where Adam and Kris were applauding, and she waved, face lighting up. Adam was sure that she blushed a little too, and was glad that he hadn’t told her Kris would be there.
They gave Katy and the boys a ride home in their hired coach, catching up as the boys fell asleep on the seat. Katy had rented out a lovely flat close to a modern school where the boys were getting a first rate education. Kris was happy to hear that the boys had inherited their mother’s smarts and not their father’s - or their namesake’s- tendency to get into trouble.
“Did you like the performance?” Katy asked Kris, hesitantly. “You were never much for Shakespeare.”
“I have a new appreciation for it.” Kris said, honestly. “You were brilliant, and I loved the show. It seemed like…it seemed like the point was that sometimes love surprises you in the form it takes.”
Katy flushed, and Adam had to suppress a laugh.
“I am not sure if that’s what the bard intended, Kris, but it works for me.” Adam said, taking Kris’s hand. Katy saw the gesture, and her eyes went wide.
“You..oh my goodness let me see!” She reached across Adam’s lap and picked up Kris’s left hand, cooing over his ring.
“It’s not official, obviously.” Adam said, chuckling at her response.
“Of course it is.” Katy insisted. “It’s as official as it needs to be. My marriage wasn’t official either. Doesn’t make it any less a part of my life.”
“I’m glad to hear you say that, Katy.” Kris said, giving her hand a squeeze.
“I think I’m going to be alright. You don’t have to worry yourself over me anymore, Kristopher Allen. But I’d like it if you dropped by when you’re in the neighborhood. Both of you.”
“Same.” Kris laughed. “Though I think we’ll have to make a point of it. We don’t live close enough to leave it to chance.”
“Actually, Kris, I’ll be making lots of trips to the Capitol.” Adam said. “And of course I’ll need my bodyguard. Where would I be without my trusty sidekick?”
Katy laughed as the carriage halted, and Adam and Kris carried the boys inside for her. She kissed them both fondly before they set out for their Inn.
“I really do think she’s going to be alright.” Kris said, leaning against Adam’s arm for the short ride.
“She’s a strong woman. I think she’ll be even better than alright. In fact, I think all of them will be alright.” Adam said, thinking fondly over their friends. “Everyone we saw tonight. Even Todd. I feel like this whole experience changed everyone for the better.”
“Well, gee, you say it like that and now I think maybe we should have thanked Simon instead of shooting him.” Kris said sarcastically, and Adam poked him in the side.
“You know what I mean.” Adam kissed the top of Kris’s head, relishing the thrill of being able to demonstrate affection for Kris just barely out of the public view. Though he and Kris were so beloved by the public right now, Adam probably could have kissed Kris on the steps of the Capitol and people would have still cheered for them. Maybe I should have, he thought idly. It would be a shame to let all this political capital go to waste. For tonight, though, he was more than happy to kiss his Kristopher in private and as many times as possible.
***
“Nice of you to see us off.” Kris shook Anoop’s hand as the rest of the Westport Regulars filed aboard The Susan. “You sure you don’t want a ride back?”
“Nah, Arkansas. I’ve got to stay in the city a while longer. I’ve got an interview with a publisher about my book - a real publisher this time, not my crappy little press in North Carolina. I need to expand it, of course, to tell the full story.” Anoop added, a bit nervously, looking from Adam to Kris as if waiting for something.
"So I take it that I can count on two exclusive interviews now that this is all said and done." Anoop said, lighting up a smoke. "In return for my priceless aid and information. Besides, I think the public has a right to know all the details. This is history, you know. History in the making. This is one of those moments that people in the future will point back to and say "Because of these men, the world changed for the better. Your story needs to be-"
Kris threw back his head and laughed, giddy from the heights that Anoop's words had delivered him to. "Of course, Snoop. Anything we can do to help you out with your book. I hope you sell a million copies."
Adam's gaze remained level, however, when Anoop turned to him.
"You can have my interview, Snoop. As long as you promise to tell the whole truth."
"Oh I will. I won't - you know - I'm sorry if my past embellishments caused you any trouble."
"I just want to make sure you don't leave anything out." Adam said, reaching for Kris's hand. Kris took hold of it, feeling a slow flush spread over his face as Anoop's eyebrows went up. "Especially not this."
Adam lifted his free hand and turned Kris's face towards his own. Bending low, he matched his mouth to Kris's and kissed him; softly at first. Relief flooded through Kris; it was over, at last, and nothing in the world could come between them now. Not secessionist group, not the changing tide of public opinion. History would know the truth: All people are capable of greatness and deserving of love. He laughed into Adam's mouth as he heard Anoop ferociously scribbling on his notebook, no doubt searching for words to describe their kiss, and hoped that this moment would change the world just as much as Adam's inventions.
After all, it was love, and love is the greatest thing that’s ever happened in the world.
*****
A/N 2: I hope you enjoyed the Schmoop ;) Also, because they need to be seen as many times as possible, here's the art again.
/FLAIL. THANK YOU SO MUCH hai_world THESE LITERALLY MADE ME CRY!
I'll catch you all next time! Love,
Elle