Truly, Madly, Deeply - Sequel to Affirmation Part 2
Geting almost done with the Whose Line AMV Hell. Most of the clips are finished, just need to work on the rest and figure out how I'm gonna construct this thing.
Anyway, here's part 2 of "Truly, Madly, Deeply" - a very long chapter in which everyone starts to arrive for the wedding, a party is held, ships are teased, Christine shows her 'fan-girl' side, and Ryan confides in Greg about some worries.
Title: Truly, Madly, Deeply
Author: Shinigami518
Rating: PG-13, but with some bits of R in it.
Main Character(s) and/or pairings: Ryan/Colin, Tony/Paul, Josie/Richard, Jeff/OFC, Stephen/Hugh (growing near the end)
Summary: Taking place in early-mid June of 2007, Good news rings out through the Whose Line community: Ryan and Colin are geting married! (YAY!!!) But with all weddings, there's always problems along the way. From plane rides to Bachelor parties to relationships either gonig sour or rekindling to relatives. This includes Ryan's father, who wants Ryan to call off the wedding, saying that he's ruining everything he ever had with Patty. Will there be a happy ending around the corner?
See previous chapters here to get refreshed:
View Affirmation here:
Epilogue, but with all parts linked
View Against All Odds here:
Epilogue, but with all parts linked
View last chapters here:
Part 1
Part 2: I'll be your dream, I'll be your wish, I'll be your fantasy
June 10th
Vancouver, British Columbia
Courtyard Marriott
4:28 P.M.
The Sanders, London, and Andersons entered the large hotel with a wide variety of luggage and suitcases. All of them had various looks of surprise, amazement, and awe as they stared at the interior of the large hotel.
“Look at the size of this place! We could fit the whole first floor of our house in this room!” Christine exclaimed, spinning around in amazement, gazing up at the ceiling of the building.
“It’s just the lobby, Christy.” Melissa muttered, dragging her and Christine’s suitcases behind her, the younger of the two sisters having been stuck carrying their luggage.
If Melissa was called by the guys ‘one of the crazy, but slightly more subdued Whose Line fan girls’, then Christine Anderson was ten times as worst at times. The oldest of the two, Christine was in training to be a nurse and was often very strict and proper. She had one major flaw, though: just like her sister, she loved Whose Line, but only the American version and, unlike her sister, only preferred the ‘younger’, good looking Whose Line males Jeff, Wayne, Brad, and Chip over the older ones like Ryan, Colin, Greg, and any of the British-Only players.
“Not bad. Very similar to the one I stayed at when I first went to California.” Robert nodded, carrying his laptop bag and his travel bag.
“Are you sure were at the right place?” Stephanie asked, a bit worried as she clung to Martin’s arm.
“It’s the right address.” Will replied, staring at the sheet of paper in his hands.
“Looks like the right place.” Janet noted, looking around the lobby.
“Large enough of a place to hold a wedding, too.” Lennie agreed, walking a bit stiffly due to the long flight over.
“Yeah…” Julie muttered softly, her face a bit paler than usual. The flight over was a nightmare for her. She nearly had three panic attacks during the flight due to her growing phobia of flying. Once they landed, she nearly fell down the plane stairs, trying to get off the plane and onto solid ground as fast as she could.
“I can’t believe I’m gonna meet Chip and Brad and Wayne and-!” Christine giggled, bouncing up and down in excitement. Samantha and Julie groaned while Lennie shook his head in annoyance.
“Chris, knock it off!” Melissa snapped. “We’ve got to be on our best behavior here. Remember, we’re not teenagers anymore.” Melissa went on, strictly and sounding like a teacher. Samantha and Julie just stared at each other, wondering when Melissa became so reasonable.
“‘Best behavior,’ huh, Lissy?” the voice of a very familiar man asked from a short distance away. Melissa’s eyes lit up, the voice causing her to drop her suitcases and spin around.
Standing at the entrance to one of the main halls were Jeff and Greg, wearing casual clothing and smirks on their faces since they had been watching everyone’s actions.
“Jeffrey!!” Melissa exclaimed joyously, running over to the raven haired man and nearly tackled him with a hug, which the raven haired man graciously accepted.
“‘Best behavior’, indeed.” Julie muttered aside to Samantha, who was rolling her eyes in annoyance over Melissa’s actions. Lennie, Janet, Will, and Robert were groaning in annoyance as well, while Stephanie and Martin just stared at the incident in confusion. Christine, however, was back to bouncing up and down in excitement.
“Oh-migod, is that Jeff Davis!?!?” Christine asked, launching back into fan girl mode.
“Yes, Christy, that’s Jeff and Greg Proops.” Samantha replied, annoyed by Christine’s actions and that she was, like usual, only focusing on the ‘more attractive’ of the men.
“And I thought the girls on tour were insane, what’s her deal?” Greg sighed, walking over to the small group and pointed at Christine.
“That’s Christine Anderson, Melissa’s big sister, and one of the worst Drews-Line fan girls in the world.” Samantha replied. Greg winced.
“Shit. So, how are you guys doing? The flight over not a problem?” Greg asked.
“We’re fine, Greg. Glad to see you again.” Janet smiled. Julie muttered a few choice words under her breath, glaring at both Anderson sisters.
“What’s her problem?” Greg whispered to Robert.
“She didn’t have a good time on the flight down.” Robert replied.
“Air sickness?” Greg asked. Robert shook his head.
“Aerophobia.” Janet stated. Greg nodded, letting out a soft “Ah” in recognition.
“Just like Ryan…” Greg muttered to himself, a slight smile on his face.
“I’m just not all that comfy being too high in the air, especially when I’m already not 100%.” Julie stated loudly, still glaring, but now just at Christine.
“Greg Proops, right?” Stephanie asked, walking up to Greg. Greg jumped slightly before turning to face the woman.
“Yes, and you are?” Greg asked, attempting to regain his composure.
“I’m Stephanie London, Samantha’s mother. We meet back in December.” Stephanie introduced herself, extending a friendly hand. Greg accepted it, shaking the woman’s hand.
“Yeah, I remember you. And that,” Greg pointed once his hand was free at Martin, “Is Sammie’s old man, right?” Greg asked.
“Martin London, Mr. Proops, and I assume that there won’t be any funny business at this wedding, correct?” Martin asked sternly. Samantha buried her face in her hands, embarrassed over how serious her father was acting.
“I’m certain, Mr. London, everything will be alright.” Greg stated. He then turned to Julie and her parents. “The party’s at Colin’s pad, I’m sure you guys got the address, right?” Greg told the others.
“We got it, Gregory.” Lennie told the San Francisco native, stepping forward.
“Good. Now, if you don’t mind, Jeff and I have to-.” Greg paused, turning to look for the man in question. He groaned when he saw Jeff and Melissa in the middle of playing tonsil hockey, both still clinging to each other like horny teenagers. Oh for the luva- JEFF!” Greg groaned and then shouted, startling the two lovebirds.
“What!?” Jeff asked, annoyed and breaking the kiss. Melissa, glaring at Greg, smoothed out her hair and shirt, pulling away from Jeff reluctantly.
“We gotta get to the airport, remember? For the pickup!” Greg snapped, hands on his hips.
“OH! Yeah, forgot about that.” Jeff slapped his head in remembrance.
“‘Pickup?’ Who’re you picking up?” Stephanie asked, not understanding what Greg meant.
“Oh, just some of our friends from across the pond.” Greg smirked in response, winking at Julie and Samantha. Julie finally smiled for the first time since landing; she knew who Greg was talking about.
“You mean Josie, Sandi, and the guys?” Julie asked in confirmation. Greg nodded yes.
“Alicia, too?” Will asked, a bit shyly, earning a snicker from both Robert and Julie.
“You betchya love-sick heart, Will-O. Now if you don’t mind,” Greg replied, walking over and grabbed Jeff by the back of his t-shirt, “Romeo and I got a plan to wait for.” Greg continued. He, dragging Jeff behind him, then left the group, making his way to the main entrance of the hotel.
“See ya at the party!” Melissa shouted, hands cupped around her mouth to make sure Greg and Jeff heard her message. Jeff waved at her as he and Greg left the hotel.
“Oh WOW!!” Christine gushed, a big smile on her face, “I was in the same room with Jeff Davis!!” She exclaimed, clasping her hands together and rested them under her chin in a typical love-struck pose.
“Grow up!” Will groaned, glaring at the woman.
“Can we go to our rooms now?” Julie asked. Christine glared at the brother and sister in annoyance.
“You guys are no fun.” She pouted, crossing her arms. Robert and Martin then cleared their throats, getting the attention of everyone.
“We got out keys to the rooms, so let’s get our things and get there, freshen up, and head for the party.” Robert announced, holding up the keys in his right hand.
“Good idea, dad,” Melissa nodded, before turning to her older sister, “Come on, Chris. We’ve got time to fan girl later; let’s get to our rooms before someone thinks there’s something really wrong with you.” Melissa told her sister, grabbing her by her arms.
“Like there wasn’t anything already wrong with her in the first place.” Will whispered to his sister, who just snickered in response.
<<<<<<>>>>>>
After checking into their rooms, assigning which bed belonged to whom, and dressing up, the three families made their way in their rental cars over to Colin’s house. The party in question was a pre-wedding/bachelorette-esq party, according to the e-mail the families received before leaving home a few days earlier.
Once they arrived, the three families were feeling excited and happy to reunite with their new friends, especially the three youngest women of the group. Melissa, especially, was feeling rather elated, but not as much as Christine, who was bouncing up and down in the seats, ranting about meeting all the ‘good looking Whose Line guys’ as she called them.
As they approached the door to Colin’s house, Melissa and Lennie were trying their best to keep Christine calm, but the young woman was proving to be quite a handful. Julie, meanwhile, now looked a bit more calm and relaxed once she realized she was seeing the guys that she idolized again. Samantha was the only one who was remaining calmer than her two friends, except for the butterflies in her stomach as she wondered how her parents would react to actually meeting her ‘new, older friends’.
Janet was the first to reach the door and gave the doorbell a ring to signal the occupants that they had arrived.
The door opened after a few seconds of waiting, where Julie and Will quickly checked their glasses and gave them a quick cleaning with the bottoms of their shirts, revealing…
“Brad, hey!” Samantha greeted with a smile.
“Hey, girls.” Brad grinned. “How was the flight o-?” Brad couldn’t get to finish his question when a loud “EEEEE!!!!!!!!” broke everyone’s train of thought. Everyone turned to the screecher, who happened to be Christine.
“BRAD SHERWOOD!!” Christine squealed, shaking her fists like a hyperactive teen girl many would see on “TRL”. Lennie buried his face in his hands, embarrassed over his oldest daughter’s actions.
Melissa, meanwhile, took action. Before Christine could get past everyone and began to hug - or molest, in Melissa’s and Julie’s minds - Brad, Melissa reached out and grabbed her sister by her long blonde hair, pulling her back so she stood next to her.
“Knock it off, Christy! What’re you, twelve?!” Melissa snapped. She then muttered “I can’t believe I’m being the mature one out of the two of us,” before stating loudly “He’s already married!” while releasing her sister’s hair. In truth, Melissa was right. Brad had gotten married to Sean’a in February of that year.
Samantha turned to face Julie, a look of amazement on her face. “Wow, Melissa being reasonable and responsible.” She exclaimed softly.
“Everything’s relative.” Julie whispered to her friend before joining her parents and brother as they entered the large house. Samantha and her parents followed, with Melissa, who was dragging Christine behind, and her father close behind. While passing Brad, Melissa mouthed an “I’m sorry” to him.
“Can’t believe Lissy was right, Christine really is worse than her.” Brad muttered, closing the door.
Once inside, like during the New Years party, everyone went their own ways and started to mingle and talk with the guests.
Janet and Robert soon found themselves talking with Drew, who was hanging out with Nicole, Craig Fergison, Kathy Kinley, and Diedrich Badler. The former “Drew Carey Show” cast members were invited in Ryan suggestion due to the fact they were still old and dear friends. Besides, Craig and Diedrich wanted to rib Ryan for how long it took him to hook up with Colin. Samantha, meanwhile, began leading her parents around to introduce them to the men, starting with Chip, who was with Patty, Mandie, and Sean’a. Melissa, after telling Christine to behave herself, walked back over to Brad, who was talking with Wayne. Christine and Lennie soon joined her, but the latter ended up having to scold the former when she started falling back into her ‘hyperactive-fan girl’ mode. Julie and Will soon found Ryan and Colin, who were hanging by the snack table with Luke and Mackenzie.
“Hey guys, where’re Ethan and Lea?” Will asked, once the two had joined the four.
“Oh, we put them to sleep for their naps before everyone started coming over. They’ll probably be up in…,” Ryan paused to check his watch, “Probably a few minutes, sooner if the noise wakes them up before then.” He continued, a smile on his face.
“I remember those days with Sam and Claire. That’s why I’ve been so well-prepared this time around.” Mackenzie laughed.
“You’re lucky. This is an all-new experience for me.” Luke sighed. The curly haired young man then turned to face Julie. Julie blushed slightly. Ever since they officially met after the “Lolita incident” they had become friends, but Julie, who still harbored a small crush on Colin, couldn’t get pass how much of his father Luke resembled.
“Nice shirt.” Luke commented. Julie blinked several times before looking down at herself. Her shirt was a camouflage print t-shirt with a gold star in the middle of her chest, which went with her olive green Capri’s. Her blush deepened as she played with her watch strap.
“T-thanks, it’s one of my favorites.” Julie replied, blushing. Ryan chuckled, noticing the young woman’s reaction, as did Will and Melissa. Colin, however, was smiling gently.
“Right. Hey, Uncle Ryan, where’s the extra soda? We better stock up before the rest of the guests arrive.” Luke nodded, and then asked Ryan.
“They’re in the basement in the extra fridge. Lemme give you a hand.” Ryan replied as he and the younger teen left. Julie watched them leave, a slightly loop-sided smile on her face. Mackenzie was now giggling and Will had ceased chuckling.
“What?” Julie asked, confused as she turned to face them.
“You just don’t get it, don’t you?” Melissa stated from behind Julie. Julie spun around to face her friend.
“Excuse me?” Julie asked, annoyed but still bewildered.
“It’s obvious, even to us.” Mackenzie replied.
“You like him.” Will noted, in a teasingly sing-song voice.
“No I don’t!” Julie exclaimed, still blushing.
“You like him, as in you like him-like him!” Will repeated, still speaking in sing-song.
“I think he likes you-likes you too, Julie.” Colin noted, making Will snort.
“Obviously.” Will nodded.
“R-really?” Julie asked shyly, her blush deepening. Melissa let out a flurry of giggles. “Oh shut up!” Julie snapped at her friend.
“Pathetic. You were able to notice that Ryan and Colin were missing and that Paul had a crush on Tony, but you don’t notice love when it’s directed towards you.” Melissa sighed, shaking her head.
“I think it’s sweet.” Colin remarked, a warm smile on his face.
“Whatever.” Melissa stated, rolling her eyes.
“Well at least I don’t dream of a ménage à trois with Jeff and-.” Julie began, but was cut off by Melissa slapping her hands over Julie’s mouth.
“Julie, PLEASE don’t say another word!” Melissa cried out frantically. Julie glared at her friend in response.
“Now who’s being pathetic?” Will whispered to Colin. Then both men laughed, soon joined by Mackenzie.
<<<<<<>>>>>>
Meanwhile, across the room…
“Chip, what’s going on with Wayne and Mandie?” Samantha asked, walking up to the brunet.
“I don’t know. I- I guess their marriage has been a bit rocky since the…,” Chip paused and shuddered, “the “you-know-what” happened.”
“The abduction?” Samantha filled in the blank. Chip nodded grimly.
“I’ve been hoping it’s nothing serious, but, don’t tell anyone I told you this, apparently they’ve been talking about … the d-word.” Chip went on. Samantha gasped softly.
“You mean a divorce? You sure?” Samantha asked with concern.
“Married guys can sense this thing. I mean, they haven’t been talking a lot since they got here.” Chip replied with a nod.
“Great, bad news for every- Oh shit.” Samantha frowned, then gasped suddenly.
“What?” Chip queried.
“If Wayne ends up single, Melissa and Christine, the latter especially, will be all over him like flies on horse shit.” Samantha explained. Chip shuddered.
“You’re right about that, I’ve seen how crazy Melissa can be.” Chip nodded.
“If you think she’s bad, Christy’s ten times as worse.” Samantha remarked, making Chip shudder again.
As if on cue…
“OH-MI GOD, IS THAT CHIP!?” The familiar shriek of Christine in full fan girl mode came from a few feet away.
“Shit!” Chip stated bluntly, and took off, leaving Samantha alone. A few seconds later, Christine ran past her, a giant smile on her face.
“Like I said. ‘Ten times as worse’.” Samantha sighed, shaking her head.
“You better run, squirrel!” Drew exclaimed as Chip ran past him, Christine hot on his trail.
“Anyone got some horse tranquilizers?!” Melissa shouted in annoyance, getting up to chase after her older sister.
“Perhaps Elephant tranquilizers would be better!” Chip shouted as he ran.
<<<<<<>>>>>>
A little later…
Once Christine had been subdued and told to calm down, the party went back to its normal pace as everyone returned to their regular activities, along with waiting for Greg and Jeff to return from the Airport with their English friends.
Julie, meanwhile, had retreated to the bar counter, a bottle of ginger ale in her hand, to get away from Melissa, who was still teasing her about her reaction to Luke’s comments. Sitting on a bar stool, she blocked off as much of the interactions going on while she fumed over Melissa and Will’s comments.
“Stupid Melissa, stupid Will. They should talk about crushes. We all know Will’s in love with Alicia. And Melissa, hah! First Brad, now Jeff; plus, she’s still flirting with all the still single, ‘cute’ guys like Richard. If she starts hitting on someone else this year like that Alan Davis guy Stephen knows, I swear…” Julie muttered, occasionally taking a sip from her Ginger Ale.
She then felt the presence of someone standing behind her. A few seconds later, much to her sudden surprise, she felt her glasses were yanked off her face.
“Hey, what the-?!” Julie exclaimed when a pair of hands then covered her eyes. Julie realized that the hands belonged to a male and let out a groan. “Whoever is doing this, I’m not in the mood to be bugged.” Julie stated in annoyance.
“Oh, I’m insulted! She doesn’t want to see us!” a familiar voice exclaimed, acting insulted when it was obvious that the person was the opposite.
“Well what’d you expect? You heard what she was saying when we walked up to her. That bloody flirt’s at it again.” A second, also familiar, voice noted.
“Causing trouble once again, I see. At least we’re safe from her love-bombs.” The first voice remarked.
“Wait a minute!” Julie blinked several times, and then smiled. Now she knew who the two were. “Is this the two guys I’m thinking of?” Julie asked, grinning.
“If you’re thinking what I think your thinking, then I think your thinking the right thing to think.” The second voice replied. The first one let out a small giggle.
“Now I think you’ve given us away, darling.” The first voice noted, giggling. Julie, still smiling, pulled the hands off from over her eyes and turned to face the two that had been talking to her.
“Tony! Paul! I knew it!” she laughed joyously.
“Told you.” Tony remarked to Paul, still giggling a bit. Paul rolled his eyes and handed Julie back her glasses. Once she had her glasses back on, she hugged both men while smiling and still laughing.
“I’ve missed you guys so much! When did you get here?” Julie asked, pulling back after hugging both Paul and Tony.
“In the country or here at Colin’s?” Tony asked back.
“Either or, I don’t care.” Julie replied, still smiling and letting out a joyful laugh.
“We landed here about an hour ago. Plane ride was hell, though.” Paul replied, frowning.
“That’s because you got vertigo. I didn’t have any problems.” Tony noted. Julie raised an eyebrow in surprise after hearing this new information. Paul shook his head before turning back to face the young woman.
“Bit of advice, though kid. Never ride with Greg Proops.” Paul told Julie.
“Why?” Julie asked curiously.
“He drives like he has to wee and he doesn’t have a place to go.” Paul replied, making Julie cover her face, trying to conceal her giggles and slight embarrassment.
“That’s a little TMI, Paul.” Julie stated, lifting her head from behind her hands, her cheeks a bit red.
“I don’t think he’s that bad of a driver.” Tony remarked innocently.
“What makes you say that? You weren’t in the car with him.” Paul asked his boyfriend.
“That kid, Jeff Davis, he drives like one of those downhill racer blokes.” Tony answered, pointing over to Jeff, who was walking over to Ryan. Julie saw Jeff as well, but then grimaced when she saw a familiar blur of blonde hair as Melissa ran over and jumped into Jeff’s arms.
“Guess some things still haven’t changed.” Paul remarked, deadpan.
“Yeah.” Julie groaned, covering her face once again.
“Who’s that woman walking over to Jeff? She looks like an older Melissa, but with a larger set of ti-.” Tony asked, gesturing at his chest with both hands, but was cut off by Julie letting out another groan.
“THAT is Christine, Melissa’s older sister, and the worst kind of Whose Line fan girls. She makes those boy-band girls look like amateurs.” Julie replied, burying her face deeper in her hands.
“Should we be worried?” Paul asked, remembering how Melissa acted back in December when they first landed in Albany. Julie lifted her head up from her hands and shook her head in response.
“She only goes for the ‘younger’ US-only boys like Jeff, Brad, Wayne, and Chip. God, she’s such an annoying bitch. Anything that doesn’t have those four, she claims it’s not worth watching!” Julie sighed, sitting back on the stool she had been occupying and took a drink from her Ginger ale. “She doesn’t know what she’s missing.” Julie added after drinking.
“I hope that’s nothing alcoholic you’re swigging back there, kiddo.” Tony remarked, pointing to her drink of choice.
“No, staying away from that stuff. This is just Ginger Ale.” Julie stated, laughing slightly. She then let out a soft gasp and pointed to someone that was now talking with Ryan and Colin.
“Is that Clive Anderson?” she asked, her eyes wide in surprise. Paul and Tony followed the path of her hand and saw who she was pointing.
“Yup, that’s Clive alright. Looks like he’s giving the newlyweds his praise or something.” Paul nodded.
“Wow. He really DOES have no neck! Or much hair for that matter” Julie remarked, tilting her head slightly. This time, Paul joined Tony in laughing, remembering all the “no-neck” and “bald” jokes Clive endured during the time they’ve known him.
<<<<<<>>>>>>
Meanwhile, Greg climbed on top of the couch next to the entertainment center and cleared his throat. Since everyone was now there, it was time to officially start the party. Unfortunately, no one was listening or paying any attention.
“Fuck, this is getting nowhere…” Greg muttered. His thoughts were interrupted by a tug on his sleeve and the clearing of the throat. He looked to his side and was surprised to see Stephen Fry standing next to him.
“Perhaps I can be of assistance.” Stephen offered. Greg shrugged and gave a “go ahead” gesture. Stephen walked over to the karaoke machine, grimaced at it, and grabbed the microphone. Turning on the speaker system to the machine, Stephen cleared his throat and turned up the sound of the machine.
Stephen then made a sound that sounded like a duck with a hernia quacking over the microphone, startling everyone.
“The fuck was that?!” Will asked, startled. Paul, Tony, Julie, and Melissa were laughing, the two females hysterical over what happened.
“That, I believe, was a duck sneezing, as interpreted by Stephen Fry.” Clive replied, walking up to Will.
“Oh my god.” Josie whispered, shaking her head while trying not to crack up hysterically like Richard, who was next to her, was currently.
“Sorry, everyone, but Gregory required everyone’s attention and, well…” Stephen apologized, handing the microphone over to a laughing Greg. After a few seconds, and after wiping away several tears, Greg straightened up and cleared his throat.
“I’d just like to announce that Ryan and Colin gave me the official word that this party has officially started, so let’s ROCK THIS MOTHER-.” Greg announced over the speakers, grinning.
“Hush your mouth!” Stephen exclaimed, cutting Greg off. Greg rolled his eyes.
“Let’s ROCK THIS PLACE TONIGHT!” Greg shouted, dropping the mike. There were several cheers, laughs, and a couple “About time.” scattered among the guests.
“And your actually friends with these lunatics?” Martin asked Samantha. Samantha just nodded, blushing.
“I don’t think they’re all that insane, Martin.” Stephanie remarked.
“But being a bit crazy doesn’t hurt, though.” Hugh put in, walking up to the small family. Stephanie let out a loud gasp as she blushed.
“Y-y-y-y-you-you’re Dr. House!” Stephanie gasped in awe.
“Erm, yes, I play Dr. House, and you are?” Hugh corrected, a bit nervous over Stephanie’s reaction.
“Mom, dad, Hugh Laurie. Hugh, my parents Stephanie and Martin London.” Samantha introduced the three to each other.
“Charmed, I’m sure.” Hugh grinned. Stephanie just lets out a soft “eep” before she fell back on the chair behind her, passed out in an oozing blob of fan girl euphoria. Martin just shook his head, embarrassed over his wife’s reaction.
“Pleasure to meet you.” Martin just said, shaking the tall man’s hand.
“Right, erm, is she alright?” Hugh asked, pointing at Stephanie with his free hand.
“She’ll be fine; she’s just a big fan of your House character.” Samantha replied, shrugging. Hugh just grimaced.
<<<<<<>>>>>>
As the party kicked off, everyone went off to do what they usually do: Dance, sing, talk, drink, eat, or relax. New friends meet and bonded, old friends reminisced, and couples stayed close together. Conversations ranged from current events to past stories to thoughts about the up coming wedding. Everyone that wanted to went up to sing for fun or for a bet. Overall, it was an enjoyable pre-wedding party…
…with a few little bits of occasional insanity and sillyness sprinkled in it.
“No, no, absolutely not!” Melissa fumed, shaking her head.
“Come on, you’ve been hogging Jeff the whole damn night. Let someone else dance with him AND you!” Christine said, crossing her arms. The two sisters were standing near the karaoke machine and Christine had simply asked her younger sister for a chance to dance with Jeff.
“Because I know you, Chris, and I know you’ll be all over him like-.”
“I’ll do no such thing!” Christine was offended.
“He’s one of the guys you’re obsessed with AND the only one of the four who is still single.”
“Ah, so you and him are NOT officially together then, hm?” Christine smirked.
“THAT’S NOT WHAT I MEANT!!!” Melissa snapped, blushing furiously.
<<<<<<>>>>>>
“So, erm, how long do you know all these guys?” Will asked, tugging at his t-shirt collar. He was hanging out by the drinks with Alicia and he was very nervous around her.
“My mom and Aunt introduced me to them during a taping in ’88. I remembered Paul walking up to me and ruffling up my hair, Josie thinking I was adorable, and John Sessions calling me a ‘Half-pint’,” Alicia replied, blushing. “John was such a prat back then and, even now, he still is one.” She smirked.
“I have no idea who that is, but I’ll agree with you.” Will remarked, making both of them laugh. They then both blushed in realization that they laughed at the same time. They stayed silent for a minute, watching their friends and families mingle and dance.
“Uh, would you like, ah… would you care to- erm.” Will began, gesturing to the dance floor, a bit nervously.
“I’d love to.” Alicia replied, cutting off Will. Will extended his left hand, which Alicia accepted and the two walked onto the dance floor, both still blushing shyly.
<<<<<<>>>>>>
“Did you have any idea they were that close?” Janet asked curiously.
“Well, I kinda saw something whenever Colin guest-stared on the Drew Carey Show.” Diedrich remarked. He, Kathy, Craig, Drew, and Nicole had been talking pleasantly with Robert and Janet.
“Remember that first “Drew-live” special when Colin had to kiss Drew?” Kathy remembered. Drew covered his face in embarrassment.
“Don’t remind me…” Drew muttered.
“Well I’m gonna, ‘Pig’. Anyway, when that scene came up, I saw Ryan looking a bit more than just annoyed while watching Colin kissing Drew.” Kathy went on, casually calling Drew the old, familiar nickname her character called him on the show.
“Jealous?” Robert asked.
“Bingo.” Kathy nodded.
“I remembered the glare he gave John when he had that scene with Colin from that same episode. It was even caught on camera as well. He never really could hide his jealousy well.” Craig nodded in remembrance.
“But at least all that denial and pain is over for them.” Janet remarked.
“Right.” Drew nodded in agreement.
<<<<<<>>>>>>
“Enjoying yourself, dad?” Samantha asked, walking over to her father with Clive, whom she had started talking to. Martin just shrugged, holding a can of root beer in his hand.
“It’s ok, I’m still not convinced that these so-called ‘new friends’ of yours are alright to be around.” Martin replied, a bit crossly as he stared at Clive.
“I assure you, Mr. London, that there is no one here that would purposely hurt your daughter or her friends. They maybe odd - even I have to admit it sometimes - but they would never hurt anyone here in the way your thinking.” Clive reassured. Martin still frowned, looking at everyone in the room until his gaze fell on Stephen Fry, who was talking with the soon-to-be-married couple and smiled slightly.
“I think I know that man over there. Samantha, wasn’t he in that “V for Vendetta” movie we saw the other day?” Martin asked, pointing at Stephen. Samantha just nodded, a bit surprised. Martin said nothing in response and proceeded to walk over to the man in question.
“That was… weird.” Samantha remarked, slowly turning to face Clive. She blinked several times and looked pass Clive, her eyes wide in surprise. “Then again, speaking of weird, who is that?” Samantha asked, pointing behind Clive. Clive turned and saw whom she was pointing to.
“The one chatting with Brad? That’s Steve Frost.” Clive replied.
“What are those things on his face? Are those supposed to be his eyebrows?” Samantha asked, surprised.
“Yes, unfortunately they are and they are real.” Clive nodded with a grimace.
<<<<<<>>>>>>
Tony followed Paul outside, concerned over the brunet. When the latest song started playing, Paul turned pale and left the room in a hurry. Tony, surprised by his actions, was a bit hesitant to follow until about a minute passed while the long instrumental introduction played on. He found Paul standing on the veranda by himself, the wind gently blowing through his short hair and making his navy blue jacket flap softly in the breeze. His head was lowered and his arms were crossed.
“Paul? Are you alright?” Tony asked, walking over to him.
“The song. You know what this song is?” Paul whispered once Tony stood next to him. Tony shook his head until he heard the somewhat recognizable guitar intro.
“Is this that “Wonderful Tonight” song? The one Clapton wrote about Pattie Boyd?” Tony asked. Paul nodded slightly as Eric Clapton’s voice was heard over the speakers as the recorded concert audience cheered.
“It's late in the evening
She's wondering what clothes to wear”
“What’s wrong with the song? It’s not like it’s about-.” Tony began, but Paul silenced him, and then pointed up. Tony paused, raising his head slightly to listen to the lyrics.
“She’ll put on her makeup,
And brushes her long blonde hair”
“Oh.” Tony whispered. He understood clearly. The song brought back past memories; memories of Sarah.
“Yeah, oh.” Paul nodded, turning away once more.
“And then she’ll ask me
Do I look all right?
And I say yes, you look wonderful tonight.”
“I’m sorry.” Tony replied softly. “I… I didn’t know.”
“Not your fault. It’s just… the song reminds me a bit of Sarah. It was our song when we were dating. Hearing it again after all this time, it…” Paul sighed, blinking back a few tears. Tony was silent during the small break in the lyrics. He didn’t know what to do. How can he help Paul and his memories? He got in when the second verse started.
“We go to a party
And everyone turns to see
This beautiful lady
That's walking around with me”
“Wanna dance?” Tony asked, a bit casually. Paul stared at him as if he was just asked if they should score some ‘H’.
“What? Tony, you know I can’t dance.” Paul stammered slightly.
“Please?” Tony asked, almost pleading. Paul stared at him in silence. Surely Tony knew how this song made him feel, unless…
‘He wants me not to hate the song anymore…’ Paul thought to himself
“And then she asks me
Do you feel all right?
And I say yes, I feel wonderful tonight”
“Alright, but only just out here, not in there, ok?” Paul compromised, sighing.
“Fine by me.” Tony nodded, extending his arms for Paul to embrace him. They wrapped their arms around each other, leaning into each other and began to slowly dance, rocking back and forth to the rhythm of the music.
“And I feel wonderful
Because I see the love light in your eyes
And the wonder of it all
Is that you just don't realize
How much I love you.”
Paul rested his head on Tony’s as he listened to lyrics once more. He had heard the song so many times, but each time he did, he kept remembering the story behind it and the version that was playing, the “24 Nights” version, was even more haunting than the original.
Lifting his head, he stared down at Tony, whose head was resting against Paul’s chest, listening to his heart beat. Paul gently raised his hand up the small of Tony’s back and placed it on the back of Tony’s neck, his fingers entwining in the shorter man’s graying black hair.
“It's time to go home now
And I've got an aching head
So I give her the car keys
She’ll help me to bed”
Tony looked up at him, feeling the warm touch. Paul smiled down at him and nodded, letting him know everything was alright.
“And then I tell her
As I turn out the light
I say my darling, you were wonderful tonight”
Paul and Tony ceased moving to the music, still holding each other and staring into each other’s eyes. Tony closed his eyes and kissed Paul’s lips softly. He pulled back after a second, smiling sheepishly. Paul cupped Tony’s face and mouthed the last line of the song.
“Oh my darling, you were wonderful tonight.”
And returned the kiss with much passion.
Unbeknownst to the two, but on the other side of the veranda were Richard and Josie, who had been slow dancing to the song as well. The two former lovers had fallen under the slow and romantic rhythm and lyrics and began dancing. During the final verse, they pulled apart and stared at each other, uncertain over what to do.
Then, as the final words were sung, they unknowingly mimed Tony and Paul’s actions and kissed.
<<<<<<>>>>>>
“Ryan, what’s the deal?” Greg asked after Ryan pulled him away from a conversation with Jen, Clive, and Mike, stating that he needed to seriously talk with him.
“It’s about my dad.” Ryan began.
“What, is he sick? Not coming to the wedding?” Greg asked, raising an eyebrow. Ryan shook his head.
“He’s… not really looking forward to the wedding, even though mom is. He doesn’t really approve of the whole thing.” Ryan went on. Greg raised his other eyebrow in surprise.
“Ryan, did he said that?” Greg asked.
“Not directly, but I kinda got it from the last conversation we had, which was a few days ago. He and mom are arriving tomorrow and I’m… I’m a little worried.” Ryan replied. He sighed, fiddling with the engagement ring Colin got him days after Ryan proposed to him. “I love Colin so much, if anything goes wrong… if dad tries or says anything to him…” Ryan didn’t finish. He just left Greg alone, returning to Colin, who was with Mackenzie, Luke, and Sam.
Greg pursed his lips together and furrowed his brow. He didn’t like what Ryan told him. From the way he understood what he heard, Sonny Stiles was completely against the wedding and he was probably gonna try to get his son to change his mind.
He didn’t like it one bit.
More to come soon, so please read and review.