"Wish" update! *finally!*5-12-10

[Mars]

‘Chaotic’ didn’t even begin to describe the events of the next week. I worked frantically to get everything done and somehow still managed to make time to call Apolo every night.
One night, though, I forgot about everything but painting. A few hours after sunset I heard a knock on my door and came back down to planet Earth.
“Uhm..Be right there!” I yelled. Then I caught a glimpse of my reflection and cringed. My hair was a disaster. I was wearing a paint-covered tank top with pajama bottoms, and on top of that, there were little splotches of paint everywhere. This included a large blue spot over my right eyebrow. Oooh…Crap!
So I did the only thing I could do. I took a deep breath, opened the door, and hoped for the best.
“Hi.”
“Hey. Is that paint?” A gesture towards my eyebrow. I moved my own hand to the spot.
“Y-yeah, it is. Sorry. Gimme a minute and I’ll go wash it off.” I tried to walk off. He touched my shoulder, though, and I stopped in my tracks.
“You don’t have to. I think you look good, paint and all.” A pause as he glanced down at the bag he was carrying. “Are you hungry, by any chance?”
“Yes. Very.” This was a colossal understatement. Whatever was in that bag smelled downright delicious. Too good to be mere takeout, I realized. “Wait..you cooked for me?”
“”No, I cooked for us. There’s a difference.” He smiled, a cute, just plain boyish grin as he closed the door behind him. “By the way, I made sushi.”
THAT did it. I wanted to squeal for joy. I settled for hugging him, kissing his cheek, and whispering a quick “Thanks” into his ear. In an instant the cute grin softened.
“You’re welcome. C’mon, let’s eat before everything gets cold.”
“Okay. Just one question.”
“Shoot.”
“What do you want to drink?”
“Good question..” He thought for a minute as he worked on setting things up, then flashed a smile. “Surprise me.”
----
More to be posted soon! Happy valentine's day

[mellie]

All caught up. Waiting for when you have time to post more. =)

[Mars]

I eyed the contents of my fridge for several minutes before deciding that wine coolers suited the evening perfectly. Kicking back. Relaxing. Enjoying the company after a rough week….Yeah. That sounded pretty good to me.
With that logic firmly in place I grabbed two bottles, nudged the fridge door shut with my foot, and marched back into the living room. I felt better than I had all week, but at that moment I had no idea how he’d react.
Needless to say, I was relieved when he glanced up and smiled.
“Nice choice.”
“Thanks. So..what’d you make?”
“A lot.” Smug and sweet at the same time. Before I could respond he handed me a plate and a fork. “Dig in.”
I did what I was told, took several bites…and smiled.
“Hmm. Not bad.”
“Does that mean you like it?”
“No…that means I LOVE it. It’s delicious. Thanks, Apolo.”
“I’m glad you like it. Wait, I mean love it.” Sincerity in each word as well as in his smile. He squeezed my shoulder gently and I felt like I was in heaven.
“You didn’t have to do this, y’know..”
“I know. I wanted to.” He paused long enough to take a drink. “Mostly because I know how hard you’ve been working lately.”
“True, true. Thanks…again.” Our eyes met. He tilted his head, then lifted a hand to touch my cheek.
“Is everything alright?”
..How did he DO that? How did he always know whenever something was bothering me? I had no friggin’ idea, but decided it didn’t matter. He knew. I was grateful. I took a deep breath before responding. Relax, girl. Breathe.
“I’ve been thinking. That’s all.”
“Go on, Marlise.”
“What I mean is…this is all so…surreal. It’s like, wow. Everything’s going so well. I should be totally happy. I am…but at the same time I can’t help wishing…”
“..That your father was still around to see it.” A statement, not a question. Each word was accented by his fingers stroking over my skin. That was when I realized I was crying.
“Exactly.” I took another deep, shaky breath. “d**nit..Sorry. I feel like such a baby right now.”
“Don’t be sorry. You’re fine. Hell, I’d be worried if you weren’t getting emotional right now.”
“It..it’s been so long, though..”
“Time doesn’t matter. You miss him. It’s perfectly normal. Listen…” He shifted closer so we were practically eye-to-eye. “You’ve come a long way in the past few years. I bet he’s proud of you.”
At first I couldn’t respond so I did the only thing that made sense: I hugged him and buried my face in his neck. He didn’t mind at all.
“Thanks..” I finally whispered. Then, a side thought. “I bet he probably would have liked you.”
“Oh, really? What makes you say that?”
“Well…you’re not lazy. I mean, you work hard at every opportunity. Besides that…I think he’d be glad I found someone who’s as much of a pig as I am.”
I glanced up and tried my hardest not to crack up. He blinked for a second, taking in what I’d said. Then…He laughed, and in a second I was snickering right along with him.
“That’s definitely true. Good call.”
“Y-yeah. Definitely.”
We laughed for a few minutes. Personally, I was pretty glad the mood had brightened considerably.
No complaints there.
-

Figured that was a good place to leave off for now Any questions, just tweet me. Don't really feel like author's notes right now, TBH *shrugs* Anyway, more ASAP!

[Mars]

After a few minutes the laughs subsided. He took my hand, tracing gently across my palm as he spoke.
“Feel better now?”
“M-hm. Talking with you helped. A lot, actually.” Almost a ramble, but not quite. Phew. If he noticed, he didn’t mind.
“Glad to hear it. Like I said, let me know if you need anything.”
“Even if it’s just a kiss?” I couldn’t resist teasing him a little. To my delight he went along with it.
“Especially if it’s just a kiss.”
There wasn’t even time for my breath to catch in my throat. He kissed me, and suddenly little things like breathing seemed trivial. Then, a million years or so later, I regained my senses. Barely.
“Wow….Thanks. Yet again.”
“No problem. No problem at all.” He ate a mini crab roll and took another drink before glancing back at me. That smile..Wow. Pleased? Satisfied? No, that didn’t quite describe it. Perfectly content? Yeah, I thought, that was it. I smiled, rested my head against his shoulder, and sighed. The content little sigh transformed into a yawn. I wasn’t really surprised. Neither, it appeared, was he.
“Still need a shoulder to snore on, huh?”
“Uh-huh.” Another yawn. I was so sleepy, and his shoulder was so comfy... "Sorry about this. I know you have an early meeting tomorrow."
"It's not a big deal." With each word I felt his hand stroke casually through my hair. "I have to wake up a little earlier, that's all. Nothing I'm not already used to."
"Yeah..guess so." At that exact moment I felt my eyelids droop. This time I didn't fight it, mostly because there was no point.
Before I dozed off I remember that he hugged me close and kissed my forehead. After that...Nothing. Lights out. Goodnight, world.
***
Suddenly it was ridiculously early. I woke up, squinted at a nearby clock....aand immediately buried my face into my pillow. Five thirty?! YUCK!
I realized that Apolo was awake, getting ready for his early-as-hell meeting, and couldn't help a twinge of sympathy. I opened an eye in time to see him walk into the room. Then I yawned.
He glanced up, momentarily distracted from adjusting his sleeve, and smiled at me. Even half-asleep, I couldn't help admiring his early-morning look. Shirt half-buttoned, hair a wet, freshly washed scruff, eyes still kinda cloudy from sleep...Wow. Just plain wow.
"Morning."
"Hey. Did I wake you up?" Genuine concern.
"Nah. I randomly woke up, that's all. Happens all the time." I yawned as I spoke, then shrugged. "I'll fall back asleep in no time. No worries."
An amused smile played his lips and eyes, clearing away the last of their tired-cloudiness.
"In that case...great." He kneeled and leaned closer to me. His mouth brushed against mine just as drowsiness set back in. Good timing, huh? "Sleep well."
"..gotcha...See you tonight."
He might have smiled and waved before he left. I'm not positive about that. I am sure that I was asleep within a few short minutes, unable to stop smiling for anything.
--
(More soon! Would have more now but was tired of messing with network fails. Grr!)

[mellie]

Nice nice & will wait for more. =)

[chibichan118]

awww i love your story and have read it all. I love following their relationship it is just so cute ^_^. Can't wait for another update!!!!

[quietpirate]

Your story is amazing. I can't wait for more.

[Mars]

I woke up pretty easily that morning. The alarm chimed, I opened my eyes. Easy as that. I was well rested but still anxious enough for a few evil butterflies to flit around. Oh well, I thought. At least insomnia hadn’t been an issue.
With that blast of optimism I prepared for an extremely busy day. Hoping, as always, for the best.
---
By five those butterflies had worked their way into a fluttering frenzy. After work I changed, carefully fixed my hair, and applied an unusually shaky layer of lip gloss. I took a deep breath and made up my mind to relax.
At that point the doorbell rang. I took yet another deep breath, forced myself to be positive, and opened the door.
The first thing I noticed was how he looked. As usual he was well-dressed. His hair was combed back, except for a few strands that had escaped. Apolo was in ‘Star’ mode, for sure, and he looked amazing.
Then I noticed the single rose he was holding. It was white, with each petal tipped in pink as if it had been painted.
“Hi. Got an extra vase? This baby needs a home.” His eyes? WOW. To put it lightly they were sparking. Every single little flicker of color was visible. He grinned, biting his lip, and handed me the flower. Instantly I felt my knees wobble a little. Just a little. Yeah, that’s all.
“I…I’m sure I can find something.” I closed my eyes and took a moment to take in the rose’s sent, to feel how soft its petals were. “Thanks, Apolo.”
“You’re welcome.” A kiss, no more than a feather-soft touch on my cheekbone. To an unknowing observer it might have looked insignificant, maybe even casual. Personally, I knew there was more to it than that.
As I put the rose in water, I reflected on how one little kiss could mean so much. Care…support…Love. My fingers brushed against the petals again. I couldn’t help smiling, not even if it had been to save my life.
“So beautiful…”
“I agree.” He wasn’t talking about flowers. His gaze was locked on me. “You look like a star tonight.”
His words made me blush. I took a second to regroup, then managed to smile.
“Thanks. I guess that means we match again.”
“You’re right. So, shall we?” The pleased grin resurfaced as he offered his hand. I took it and grinned right back at him.
“Definitely. Let’s go.”
So what if I was a little nervous? That didn’t matter. This was my night. My time to shine. Like I always said, nervousness could screw itself.
---
(More as soon as I get it typed up =) )

[chibichan118]

another great chapter ^_^ they are just so cute together, and so in love. can't wait for the next installment. Happy writing!

[mellie]

Really cute chapter. Waiting for more. =)

[Mars]

thanks, guys ^_^ i'll keep ya posted. With any luck another should be up soon.
It's funny, the more I write 'Lise, the more I like her =)

[Mars]

I expected a crowd of curious guests. I even expected a little bit of media attention. What I didn’t particularly like was the paparazzi mobs that dogged Apolo from the moment we got out of the car.
I tried to shrug it off. Really. I did. But as soon as the first crowds dissipated I couldn’t help sighing.
“What’s up?”
“It’s nothing. I just wish they’d lay off you for once, that’s all.” I bit my lip, not sure how he would react. To my surprise he nodded and smiled.
“I understand completely. Follow me, we’ll sort this out.”
He might have understood, but I sure didn’t. What was he up to…?

--
Short post, preparing for a bigger chapter soon!

[Mars]

Big Update Part 1! Part 2 coming soon!

Before we got into the gallery I got my answer. Another horde of reporters approached. We were immediately assaulted with flashing cameras and shouted questions. With two words, though, all the commotion stalled.
“Excuse me!” Instantly everyone nearby (even me) stopped and stared. I was shocked. Incredulous, to put it mildly. “I appreciate the attention, but tonight’s not supposed to be about me.” He paused long enough to take my hand. “This is Marlise. She’s the artist we’re honoring here, so show her some respect, alright?”
A murmur of consent rippled through the crowd, then they backed off. I stared at him in total astonishment.
“Wow. Thank you!”
“No problem, baby. No problem at all.” He grinned and draped his arm across my shoulders. “C’mon. Your fans are waiting.”
I nodded, all too aware of the blush coloring my cheeks. Despite that, I felt pretty comfortable knowing that one of my biggest fans was standing beside me.
--
For the first time EVER my confidence seemed to match his. I talked, smiled, and avoided any nervous actions…except maybe blinking too much. Still, though, I couldn’t help feeling relieved when the audience wandered around, perhaps to see what all the fuss was about. I glanced around and realized that one particular guest was strolling towards me. Casual strides, an immediately pleased expression, and, of course, butterflies galore.
“H-hey.” I waved. “Want to take a tour?”
“You bet.”
I held out a hand. He shook his head, smiled, and wrapped his arm around my waist. An all-out onslaught of butterflies ensued…but I was determined not to let any nerves show. Not tonight. No friggin’ way.
***

edit: Tonight I had to choose between posting more and studying for a French exam that's got me pretty nervous. Hopefully the rest of this section will be ready by tomorrow night at the latest. Keeping my fingers crossed there!!!
Ciaos for now =)

[chibichan118]

this was short but really sweet. I loved the way he stood up for her ^_^ I hope you did or do well on your exams .....can't wait for the next chapter ttyl

[Mars]

Here we go! Pretty sure the exam went well...now on to the weekend, lol!
--
The atmosphere was light. Easy. We walked and talked, not once breaking the contact between his arm and my shoulder. As our little tour wound down I thought I noticed a hint of distraction in his eyes. Just a hint, nothing more, but still noticeable. I turned the conversation around to him and hoped my tone came across as casual rather than worried.
“How was your meeting?”
“It went well. Very well, in fact.” We sat together. Our eyes met and his hand shifted so that it was covering mine. “I have to spend next week in New York for more meetings. You know, sealing the deal, publicity, that sort of thing. I don’t want to, but I have to. I’m sorry.” He frowned.
“No, it’s fine. I’ll still be here when you get back.” I squeezed his hand, tilted my head at him, and smiled. My reward was a full-fledged Ohno-smile, complete with eye sparkle. “Are you doing anything this weekend, though?”
“Not really. Packing, preparing, resting up, that’s all. Why? Did you have something in mind?”
“I was thinking…Maybe we could, I don’t know, spend the weekend together. Go out. Have a blast. Something like that?”
Once again I didn’t know how he would react. Right when I was about to get anxious his smile morphed into a grin.
“That sounds great. How about Saturday, at around six thirty?”
“Perfect.” At first I couldn’t think of anything else to say or do. Then I hugged him. “Always a bright side, right?”
“Right.” The hug lingered for a while. On a whim I looked up and had to fight to keep from swearing loudly and creatively. A woman with a camera was approaching us with a determined look on her face.
“Not again…” I whispered. Apolo was more optimistic.
“She might want to talk to you. Ya never know.” A hand squeeze as we stood up.
“Hello. Could I get a few photos of you?”
“I…um…you mean him, right?” Easily the stupidest thing I’ve ever said. I mean, duh! She was looking right at me with a knowing smile. “Um…Okay.”
I couldn’t move at first, even though I tried. I felt his hand, warm and reassuring, press against my lower back in a clear “go ahead” gesture. That was all the motivation I needed.
For the next several minutes I stood, smiled, posed, and basically did what the photographer wanted me to. It was kind of boring, to be honest. Repetitive. On top of that she didn’t seem to be happy with a single picture she took.
At least…until Apolo did something that caught my eye. In the space of a heartbeat he pulled a goofy face, holding it just long enough for me to see and start giggling.
“That’s more like it!” The photographer exclaimed, getting as many shots as she could. At long last she replaced her lens cap and regarded us with interest. “How long have you two been together?”
“About…um….a little less than a year. Eleven months or so.” I looked at him for confirmation, which came in the form of a nod and a smile. “It feels like it’s been a lot longer, though.” I didn’t mean it negatively. His hand reclaimed mine, and I knew he understood what I meant.
“It shows. You make a sweet couple.” As she spoke she finished packing up her camera. “Thanks for being so patient. Have a good night.”
Just like that, she was gone. The rest of the night was uneventful but not unenjoyable. Far from it, in fact. By the time the festivities wound down I felt satisfied. Exhausted, sure, but still satisfied.
When he walked me to my door it was sprinkling. Kind of like a soft mist descending from the sky.
“This is perfect..” I mused aloud. “Thanks for being here tonight.”
“I wouldn’t have missed it for anything.” I wanted to hug him, BADLY, but felt irrationally shy. Hesitant enough to glance down at my feet.
In a little less than a minute a lot happened. He tilted my head upward with his hand, made sure our eyes met, then shifted his fingers to my cheek. My heart was pounding at this point, but not loudly enough to drown out the sound of his voice.
“I love you.” Three powerful little words were followed by an equally powerful kiss. ‘Wow’ didn’t even begin to cover it. Incredible, maybe. Perfect? Perhaps. Anyway, words really didn’t matter in this case.
“Love you too,” I whispered, as soon as I could breathe and think clearly.
“See you Saturday, then?”
“M-hm. Night, Apolo.”
“Night, Marlise. Sweet dreams.” We held hands for a moment or two despite the farewell. An indescribably beautiful smile graced his lips as he regarded the contact. It was simple, yet personal at the same time.
At long last we let go, exchanging waves like we always did. He turned to walk back to his car, running a hand through his hair, the smile never fading.
Sweet dreams? You bet. I wasn’t positive, but I had the feeling I’d see that smile in my dreams. I didn’t mind that at all.
---
More ASAP