ooh, it's good christina!! :nice:

thanks! i know it's weird. :D!!

A Warning Sign

Rating: PG-13/R

 

This chapter contains use of flashback. It's sort of a continuation of the flashback seen in Chapter 5 only in April's POV. If you need to reread anything it's here ;)

 

 

Chapter Seven

 

 

 

 

 

April, 2009– Burbank, California: April POV

 

I had received a frantic phone call from Chris about an hour ago, something about wanting to surprise Gwyneth with a night out at one of their favorite hotels. Their babysitter had fallen through and their dinner reservations were for 9 and he was afraid he was going to have to cancel the whole thing.

 

The guys had been off tour for a few weeks, Chris, still on studio ban had come to LA to spend time with Gwyneth and the kids while Jon, Will and Guy headed to the Bakery to work with Brian.

 

I had kept busy with work, putting in long hours in the writer’s room but it was getting hard being away from Jonny for so long.

 

"I'd be happy to help," I say as soon as Chris asks, not really having anything else to do, I didn’t know anyone in this town except the people I worked with.

 

There was now a loud knock on the door and I make my way from the small office off of the bedroom to the hall to answer it.

 

Chris comes in once I open the door; one child in each arm, Apple fast asleep against his shoulder and a small bag that I can only assume is filled with movies, snacks and pjs for the kids dangling from one of his fingers. I take the bag from him as he let’s Moses down onto the floor.

 

“I’m sorry this is such short notice, thank God you didn’t have to be at work early tomorrow. Our au pair had a family emergency and had to fly back to London right away.”

 

“You’d better hurry if you want to make your reservations,” I remind him and he motions to Apple asleep in his arms.

 

“Here you can lay her down in my room” I lead Chris past the small living room and into the even smaller bedroom and pull back the comforter.

 

Chris bends down to give Apple a kiss goodbye and we make our way back to the entranceway. After opening a small bag of dried fruit for Moses to munch on, Chris leans down to give him a kiss on his round little cheek before kissing mine quickly, apologizing again for leaving the kids.

 

“It’s completely fine, don’t worry about it. You guys just enjoy a nice quiet evening alone. We’ve got everything under control. Right cutie?” I scoop Moses up in my arms and he giggles sweetly, his blonde curls swirling about his face.

 

“Bye Daddy!” Moses says as Chris heads for the door.

 

“Bye Mo! Thanks April!” he calls back, shutting the door behind him.

 

“Okay so what should we do first?” I ask Moses as he takes a piece of dried peach from the bag.

 

“Movie!” he yells excitedly.

 

“Okay, okay, we’ll watch TV but try to be a little quieter, your sister is sleeping remember?” I steal a bite of his peach and he laughs, apparently amused by the gesture.

 

“You’re funny!” he tells me putting a hand on my cheek, his bright blue eyes shining and it’s as if I’m staring at a tiny version of Chris.

 

“Gosh, you’re adorable. All right, now what movie shall we watch?” I ask as I place him gently on the couch and retrieve the stack of movies from the bag in the kitchen.

 

“Ooh, you have Shrek, can we watch that?” I ask as I rifle through the pile. He nods sleepily, sucking on his thumb.

 

“You sleepy too? Do you want to go lie down with Apple?” I brush the hair off his forehead and he shakes his head ‘no’.

 

“No? Okay well let’s put on your pajamas just so you can be comfortable when we watch the movie.” I tell him and he nods in agreement.

 

As soon as I’m finished dressing him the doorbell rings.

 

“You start watching without me, I’m just gonna answer that.” I press play on the DVD and hurry to get the door.

 

“What’d you forget?” I smile, opening the door, expecting to see Chris but instead my eyes fall upon a certain six-foot-two, green-eyed boyfriend standing at the bottom of the steps.

 

“Oh my God!” I shriek, nearly leaping off the stoop into his arms.

 

“Surprised?” he asks, grinning widely.

 

“Yes!” I say squeezing him even tighter. “How are you here? I thought you were supposed to be visiting your parents on your week off,” I say leaning back to look at him.

 

“I did, three days was more than enough and I don’t have to be in the studio for two weeks so I figured I’d spend most of the time here,” He kisses me sweetly and pulls me into the house.

 

“You are so sneaky” I tell him tugging on his hand and causing him to turn around. I push him lightly against the wall and kiss him again, giddy with excitement from seeing him.

 

“Whose is that?” he asks pointing to the bag filled with Apple and Moses’ stuff.

 

“Did we have kids that I forgot about?” He smiles down at me.

 

“Something happened to Chris and Gwyneth’s nanny so the kids are spending the night,” I tell him and lead him into the living room where Moses has already fallen asleep on the couch, his cherub-like face serene as his head rests on his plush elephant.

 

“Are they both asleep?” he asks lifting me in his arms and I have no choice but to comply, wrapping my legs around his waist as he carries me to the bedroom.

 

“Jonny stop. There’s an innocent child sleeping in my bed.” I whisper frantically trying to get him to put me down.

 

“Are you serious?” he places me on the carpet and stares at Apple in disbelief.

 

“What’s she sleeping there for?” he asks bewildered.

 

“I told you already, now lower your voice” I peek my head around his shoulder to find Apple still sleeping soundly.

 

“Come on, before you wake her up” I take his hand and walk back to the living room.

 

“Can you carry him to my bed? Just lay him in the middle next to Apple and put a pillow on the other side so he won’t roll off.” I say keeping my voice low and taking the Shrek DVD out of the player.

 

“Yes Ma’am.” He lifts Moses gently, making sure to cradle his head and grabs the plush toy from the couch, carrying him to my bedroom.

 

I make my way around the apartment flicking off the lights as I go, turning off all but a small table lamp in the living room.

 

“Did you remember the pillow?” I ask when he returns from the bedroom.

 

“Yes, I put two just incase.” He smiles pulling me next to him on the couch. We reposition ourselves so that we’re lying down, my back against his chest and his arm around my waist.

 

“Tell me a story,” he says nuzzling my neck and running his fingers along my stomach.

 

“What kind of story?” I ask, shifting my hips so that I was more comfortable.

 

“Tell me about the first time I had you in my bed, the first morning we woke up together” he says positioning his face under my jaw and kissing lightly.

 

“You mean you can’t remember every sordid detail?” I ask smiling.

 

“I remember it, trust me, I just want to hear you tell it.” He says, not allowing me to change the subject.

 

“If you remember it as well you say you do then you’d know it was my bed I had you in.” I tease him.

 

“Wait, what are you talking about?” and I can just picture the puzzled expression on his face.

 

“The first time we slept together…in New York. My apartment…” I say trying to jog his memory. Could he really not remember?

 

“Oh well, I didn’t mean the first time we had sex. I meant when we fell asleep in the same bed at the hotel in Toronto.” He says almost innocently.

 

“Oh thank God, I was terrified for a sec, I thought you couldn’t remember.” I say closing my eyes and just enjoying the feeling of having him there. The rise and fall of his chest was comforting as we lie in silence for a few moments.

 

“Are you gonna fall asleep on me now?” he asks quietly, running a hand along my arm.

 

“Hmm, would it be the worst thing?” I mumble sleepily, my thoughts now occupied with the memory of the first morning in Toronto.

 

He laughs, his chest rumbling against my back and moving me along with him.

 

“I guess I’ll tell the story then,” he whispers.

 

“You were barefoot by the time we got to the hotel” he says, beginning the story.

 

Instantly I’m taken back…

 

 

Toronto – August 2005, April POV

 

We had walked almost 20 blocks; the hotel quite a bit further than either of remembered from earlier that night.

 

I was carrying my shoes now, the damn heels beginning to cut into my feet. Jonny had suggested we get a cab but I told him I was fine. We made it most of the way anyway.

 

My stockings were ripped a bit and as we passed the concierge desk, the clerk gave me a once over. They upheld a strict shirt/shoes policy and apparently with my bare feet I was violating it thoroughly. Jonny explained that he was a member of the band staying on the premises, which prompted a series of strong apologies; the clerk’s face flushed bright red with embarrassment.

 

“But my good Sir, I’m with the number one soft rock band called Coldplay. We’re staying here at your fine establishment and we’d hate to have a reason to not return, surely you catch my drift,” I say once we’re out of earshot of the desk clerk, putting on an English accent. My exaggeration causes Jonny to shake his head at me, grinning abashedly.

 

“I was nowhere near that bad, besides it worked didn’t it?” he says reaching for my hand, pulling me into the elevator and pressing the button to our floor.

 

When the doors open I start to look for my room key but he takes my hand again and leads me in the opposite direction, to his suite at the end of the hall. The gesture is almost intimate like we’ve done this hundreds of times before and at the same time my stomach flips nervously at the prospect, I wasn’t quite sure where this might lead. His answer to our little game and the kiss leading up to it had left me with butterflies that still refuse to settle.

 

He opens the door with his keycard and with my hand in his we enter the room. He doesn’t turn on the lights but instead leans me softly against the now closed door, pressing his lips to mine in agonizingly slow motions.

 

I sigh against his mouth, trying to memorize the feel of him should this all be some cruel manifestation of my imagination.

 

I feel his hands in my hair and then on my neck as they slide down my shoulders and the lengths of my arms where he finally grasps my hands and pulls them against his chest all the while still kissing me.

 

“It’s beating embarrassingly fast,” he says catching his breath.

 

I feel the drumming against my hands as he holds them there, mind reeling at the fact that I’ve had this affect on him, my own heart racing wildly.

 

I take one of his hands and press it to my chest so he can feel the frantic hammering.

 

“I think I win,” I say smiling at him through the dark.

 

“It’s a tie,” he decides.

 

He kisses me again, softly this time and pulls away, walking farther into the room. My eyes have adjusted to the dark and I can see the silhouette of him kicking off his shoes near the end of the bed.

 

I follow him shedding, my torn stockings as I go and make my way onto the bed, positioning myself in the middle and lying on my back.

 

I stare up at the ceiling through a sheer, taupe colored canopy. The bed is more comfortable than the one I have at home but I force myself to stay awake, I don’t want to miss a minute of this.

 

He stands by the foot of the bed, looking at me. I can barely see his face in the dark at this distance but the pale moonlight from the partially opened blinds glints off his eyes and the butterflies flit shamelessly in my stomach.

 

“Are you going to stand there all night?” I ask, breaking the silence.

 

“I’m just taking in the view, that’s all,” he says softly.

 

“Can’t you do that from over here?” I prop myself up on my elbows to look at him but he doesn’t move.

 

“- I’ll keep your spot warm.” I roll over on my side to face the window, close my eyes and wait.

 

It seems to do the trick, he makes his way over and I feel the bed give slightly from his weight as he lies down.

 

My eyes flutter open when I feel him drape an arm around me from behind as he moves closer. I turn around to face him, and I bury my face in his chest, breathing him in.

 

I could get used to this.

 

“So - what does this mean exactly…?” my words are slightly muffled against his shirt.

 

He tilts my chin upwards with his hand and kisses me fervently, his tongue and lips catching my bottom lip and sucking lightly. His kisses trace a line from my jaw to my ear and he lingers there, making me shiver.

 

“I’m falling for you April,” he says.

 

I pull his face closer to mine, kissing him again and again while he rubs his hand along my leg stopping at the hem of my dress, the loose fabric now pushed up and pooling around my thighs. He skims his fingertips against the exposed skin of my upper thigh as I kiss his neck, driving a sigh from his lips.

 

“I’m falling for you too,” I say, leaning my forehead against his. His hand slides farther up my leg, around my hip and coming to a rest on the small of my back.

 

He closes his eyes as we lie there, I can see the appearance of a smile cross his features and I can’t help but sweep a kiss against his forehead. I run a gentle hand across the spot where I kissed him and down the side of his face as my eyes take in every detail.

 

His nearly blonde eyelashes rest on his cheeks; his full lips slightly upturned, a light scruff covering his chin, jaw and upper lip, the small birthmark on his cheek and one just below his eyebrow. I’m contemplating a series of adjectives to describe him but none of them fit just right.

 

“Beautiful,” I muse aloud to myself but his eyes open from the sound my voice.

 

“Hm?” he asks and his hand slides to rest on my hip, rubbing softly.

 

“Nothing…” I tell him, blushing wildly.

 

“You should stay-” he says moving his face lower and I feel the tickle of his stubble against the crook of my neck.

 

“After the gig in Connecticut, you should stay with us on the road,” he clarifies, his breath warming my skin.

 

“How is this going to work?” I ask quietly, wrapping my arms around his shoulders, my fingers running through the curls at the nape of his neck.

 

“This.” He laughs lightly against me. “You keep saying that,” he pulls back, sweeping my hair behind my shoulder to look in my eyes.

 

“Where do you want this to go, April? Us?”

 

“I didn’t have any expectations to be honest. I hoped you felt the same way…and I think you do but - ” I stop, not sure what to say.

 

I didn’t want to push him away but I couldn’t get hurt, not by him. He was one of my best friends; I didn’t want this to ruin anything but after tonight I wasn’t sure how we’d be able to go back…I didn’t want to go back.

 

“Okay,” he takes a deep breath.

 

“I’m just going to put this out there…” he pauses, his eyes searching mine.

 

“I love you,” he finishes.

 

“You… love me?” I stammer, completely taken aback and astonished by his words.

 

“I’m in love with you, and I’m pretty sure there’s not much you can do about it to be honest,” he says holding my hand against his heart again. I’m in a state of utter disbelief…he loves me.

 

“Say something...please?” he says breathlessly, his forehead creasing with worry as I stare at him in silence, my eyes pricked with tears.

 

“I love you too. I’m just in shock I think,” I say pulling him by the fabric of his shirt, crushing his lips against mine.

 

“I love you,” I say again softly, settling myself into his arms and smiling against his shoulder.

 

“What will the guys say?” I ask, remembering then that he was at the very beginning of a nearly forty-date North American leg and it would be practically impossible to keep this to ourselves for any significant stretch of time.

 

- - - - - -

 

“Well it’s about fucking time – excuse my language,” Chris says when we arrive at breakfast the next morning, Jonny holding my hand as we walk up to the table.

 

“What, are we that late?” I ask, pretending to be completely oblivious to what he was talking about.

 

“You guys….are - you’re…together. Right?” he stares at us wide-eyed, his cup halfway to his lips, stopping in midair.

 

“I don’t think it’s any of your business if they are Chris,” Will says, his glasses perched on his nose and he doesn’t even bother to look up from his newspaper.

 

“I don’t know what you’re talking about…” I say grabbing a scone and asking Chris to pass the butter while Jonny sits silently next to me, trying to hide a smirk, his hand on my thigh under the table.

 

“Okay, so you and Jon just stroll in here together…holding hands like it’s no big deal and you have no idea what I’m talking about.” He then tells me he’s holding the butter hostage until I admit something weird is going on.

 

“Yes Chris, something weird is going on. You’re acting like a total nutter,” Jonny says finally kicking him under the table.

 

“Right here comes Guy, he’ll know straight away. Oy Guy, tell me there’s not something strange going on with them.”

 

Guy rubs his eyes drowsily his hair still tousled from sleep as he plops down next to Will, stealing a section of his paper, a sleepy grin on his face.

 

“Well good morning sunshine,” Will remarks sarcastically and Guy’s smile is replaced with a moody glare in everyone’s general direction.

 

When Chris is busy looking out the window Jonny leans down to kiss me quickly but it’s not fast enough as Chris whips his blonde head around to face us.

 

“AHA! I knew it! I said it didn’t I, Will? I told you last night would be the night. I win.” He pumps his fist in the air and Will rolls his eyes.

 

“Win what exactly?” I ask raising an eyebrow at Chris and he avoids my eyes, suddenly the pancakes on his plate seem to capture his full attention.

 

“Win what Chris?” I repeat giving Jonny’s hand a squeeze under the table, fully aware of the hilarious bets they had taken on Jon and I.

 

“Erm, I didn’t mean actually win, I just….I like being right. Y’know, I could just tell something was different….that’s all.” He stutters.

 

“Mmhm, and what exactly is it that you think you’re right about?” I prop my chin up on my other hand, staring at him.

 

“I’m not an idiot, I saw you guys come in together last night.” His eyes pass between Jonny’s and mine, searching for some kind of answer.

 

“We’re just having a go Chris, you can relax,” Jonny says, deciding that we had pushed his buttons enough for the moment.

 

“So is that confirmation then? Congrats man. That’s awesome, I knew you’d get the nerve eventually,” He stares at Jonny with a proud look and leans back in his chair stretching his arms behind his head at an unsettling angle.

 

“Not at breakfast mate, c’mon” Guy groans averting his eyes from Chris’ double-jointed limbs.

 

“What?” he asks, not even noticing.

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter 8 will be up later tonight...hopefully

Ahhhh thats so sweet i love it ! xxx

it's short, but, it works. :P

 

brand new fanfic!

 

SLEEPING SUN

PROLOGUE:

 

 

We’re not imaginary. You adults just choose to believe we are. Sometimes kids need us "imaginary friends" to lighten up their day. Most of the kids that choose to see me don’t have any friends, and are just looking for someone to color with, play with, and bring to birthday parties. And you think it’s annoying when your kids bring us home for dinner? How about getting called eight different names in ten minutes? And you never give us any food at the table. You say we can share with your child. And, of course we’re not going to eat any of their food.

We get hungry too, ya know.

 

 

 

CHAPTER 1

 

 

A perfect summer day in July. I was wearing my freshly washed navy blue polo, jeans and Converses. It was my favorite outfit. My hair was getting to long and curly, though. Get a hair cut, and soon. I reminded myself.

School had just gotten out, and kids were crawling the streets. I decided to venture into a little street in West London. The sun was beating down onto my head, making it hard for me to concentrate on what I was here to do. Find a new friend. My old friend Benny had just gotten a new mountain bike, so one day I just vanished to him. His new friend was that bike. I didn’t mind, though. He liked karate a little too much.

There was this small row home I was particularly attracted to. It was hot pink and had lime green windows. It reminded me of a watermelon. There was a little stoop covered in flowers outside if it. I thought it’d be the perfect place to sit and wait for an opportunity to meet a new friend.

The pavement was hot on my jeans. I scraped a piece of dirt of my converses and waited, staring at that house. There was something about it that made me smile. Maybe the fact that all the other houses on that street were made of brick. This one was the party house. Just like me. Hah, not really.

Suddenly that lime green door flew open, and out came a tiny little boy. He couldn’t have been more than three or four years old. He had big brown eyes and his skin was as pale as paper. English, of course. His hair was long, and cinnamon colored. Like mine. Maybe I should say something. The little boy now sat down next to Chris on the stoop, playing with a Power Rangers doll. He looked up at me, then back down at the ground. "Hi." I said nervously.

"Hi!" He said. His voice was scratched and rusty.

There was a silence for a few seconds. "You like Power Rangers?"

He had such a bright smile. "Yeah! Do you watch the show?"

"Mmhm." I nodded intently. "My favorite is the blue one."

"Me too!!" He smiled. "I’m Luke."

"Hey Luke, I’m Chris!"

 

 

 

enjoy!!

 

I'm confused. Is Chris supposed to be young? or is it present-day Chris?

A Warning Sign[/size][/font][/color]

Rating: PG-13/R

 

This chapter contains use of flashback. It's sort of a continuation of the flashback seen in Chapter 5 only in April's POV. If you need to reread anything it's here ;)

 

 

Chapter Seven

 

 

 

 

 

April, 2009– Burbank, California: April POV

 

I had received a frantic phone call from Chris about an hour ago, something about wanting to surprise Gwyneth with a night out at one of their favorite hotels. Their babysitter had fallen through and their dinner reservations were for 9 and he was afraid he was going to have to cancel the whole thing.

 

The guys had been off tour for a few weeks, Chris, still on studio ban had come to LA to spend time with Gwyneth and the kids while Jon, Will and Guy headed to the Bakery to work with Brian.

 

I had kept busy with work, putting in long hours in the writer’s room but it was getting hard being away from Jonny for so long.

 

"I'd be happy to help," I say as soon as Chris asks, not really having anything else to do, I didn’t know anyone in this town except the people I worked with.

 

There was now a loud knock on the door and I make my way from the small office off of the bedroom to the hall to answer it.

 

Chris comes in once I open the door; one child in each arm, Apple fast asleep against his shoulder and a small bag that I can only assume is filled with movies, snacks and pjs for the kids dangling from one of his fingers. I take the bag from him as he let’s Moses down onto the floor.

 

“I’m sorry this is such short notice, thank God you didn’t have to be at work early tomorrow. Our au pair had a family emergency and had to fly back to London right away.”

 

“You’d better hurry if you want to make your reservations,” I remind him and he motions to Apple asleep in his arms.

 

“Here you can lay her down in my room” I lead Chris past the small living room and into the even smaller bedroom and pull back the comforter.

 

Chris bends down to give Apple a kiss goodbye and we make our way back to the entranceway. After opening a small bag of dried fruit for Moses to munch on, Chris leans down to give him a kiss on his round little cheek before kissing mine quickly, apologizing again for leaving the kids.

 

“It’s completely fine, don’t worry about it. You guys just enjoy a nice quiet evening alone. We’ve got everything under control. Right cutie?” I scoop Moses up in my arms and he giggles sweetly, his blonde curls swirling about his face.

 

“Bye Daddy!” Moses says as Chris heads for the door.

 

“Bye Mo! Thanks April!” he calls back, shutting the door behind him.

 

“Okay so what should we do first?” I ask Moses as he takes a piece of dried peach from the bag.

 

“Movie!” he yells excitedly.

 

“Okay, okay, we’ll watch TV but try to be a little quieter, your sister is sleeping remember?” I steal a bite of his peach and he laughs, apparently amused by the gesture.

 

“You’re funny!” he tells me putting a hand on my cheek, his bright blue eyes shining and it’s as if I’m staring at a tiny version of Chris.

 

“Gosh, you’re adorable. All right, now what movie shall we watch?” I ask as I place him gently on the couch and retrieve the stack of movies from the bag in the kitchen.

 

“Ooh, you have Shrek, can we watch that?” I ask as I rifle through the pile. He nods sleepily, sucking on his thumb.

 

“You sleepy too? Do you want to go lie down with Apple?” I brush the hair off his forehead and he shakes his head ‘no’.

 

“No? Okay well let’s put on your pajamas just so you can be comfortable when we watch the movie.” I tell him and he nods in agreement.

 

As soon as I’m finished dressing him the doorbell rings.

 

“You start watching without me, I’m just gonna answer that.” I press play on the DVD and hurry to get the door.

 

“What’d you forget?” I smile, opening the door, expecting to see Chris but instead my eyes fall upon a certain six-foot-two, green-eyed boyfriend standing at the bottom of the steps.

 

“Oh my God!” I shriek, nearly leaping off the stoop into his arms.

 

“Surprised?” he asks, grinning widely.

 

“Yes!” I say squeezing him even tighter. “How are you here? I thought you were supposed to be visiting your parents on your week off,” I say leaning back to look at him.

 

“I did, three days was more than enough and I don’t have to be in the studio for two weeks so I figured I’d spend most of the time here,” He kisses me sweetly and pulls me into the house.

 

“You are so sneaky” I tell him tugging on his hand and causing him to turn around. I push him lightly against the wall and kiss him again, giddy with excitement from seeing him.

 

“Whose is that?” he asks pointing to the bag filled with Apple and Moses’ stuff.

 

“Did we have kids that I forgot about?” He smiles down at me.

 

“Something happened to Chris and Gwyneth’s nanny so the kids are spending the night,” I tell him and lead him into the living room where Moses has already fallen asleep on the couch, his cherub-like face serene as his head rests on his plush elephant.

 

“Are they both asleep?” he asks lifting me in his arms and I have no choice but to comply, wrapping my legs around his waist as he carries me to the bedroom.

 

“Jonny stop. There’s an innocent child sleeping in my bed.” I whisper frantically trying to get him to put me down.

 

“Are you serious?” he places me on the carpet and stares at Apple in disbelief.

 

“What’s she sleeping there for?” he asks bewildered.

 

“I told you already, now lower your voice” I peek my head around his shoulder to find Apple still sleeping soundly.

 

“Come on, before you wake her up” I take his hand and walk back to the living room.

 

“Can you carry him to my bed? Just lay him in the middle next to Apple and put a pillow on the other side so he won’t roll off.” I say keeping my voice low and taking the Shrek DVD out of the player.

 

“Yes Ma’am.” He lifts Moses gently, making sure to cradle his head and grabs the plush toy from the couch, carrying him to my bedroom.

 

I make my way around the apartment flicking off the lights as I go, turning off all but a small table lamp in the living room.

 

“Did you remember the pillow?” I ask when he returns from the bedroom.

 

“Yes, I put two just incase.” He smiles pulling me next to him on the couch. We reposition ourselves so that we’re lying down, my back against his chest and his arm around my waist.

 

“Tell me a story,” he says nuzzling my neck and running his fingers along my stomach.

 

“What kind of story?” I ask, shifting my hips so that I was more comfortable.

 

“Tell me about the first time I had you in my bed, the first morning we woke up together” he says positioning his face under my jaw and kissing lightly.

 

“You mean you can’t remember every sordid detail?” I ask smiling.

 

“I remember it, trust me, I just want to hear you tell it.” He says, not allowing me to change the subject.

 

“If you remember it as well you say you do then you’d know it was my bed I had you in.” I tease him.

 

“Wait, what are you talking about?” and I can just picture the puzzled expression on his face.

 

“The first time we slept together…in New York. My apartment…” I say trying to jog his memory. Could he really not remember?

 

“Oh well, I didn’t mean the first time we had sex. I meant when we fell asleep in the same bed at the hotel in Toronto.” He says almost innocently.

 

“Oh thank God, I was terrified for a sec, I thought you couldn’t remember.” I say closing my eyes and just enjoying the feeling of having him there. The rise and fall of his chest was comforting as we lie in silence for a few moments.

 

“Are you gonna fall asleep on me now?” he asks quietly, running a hand along my arm.

 

“Hmm, would it be the worst thing?” I mumble sleepily, my thoughts now occupied with the memory of the first morning in Toronto.

 

He laughs, his chest rumbling against my back and moving me along with him.

 

“I guess I’ll tell the story then,” he whispers.

 

“You were barefoot by the time we got to the hotel” he says, beginning the story.

 

Instantly I’m taken back…

 

 

Toronto – August 2005, April POV

 

We had walked almost 20 blocks; the hotel quite a bit further than either of remembered from earlier that night.

 

I was carrying my shoes now, the damn heels beginning to cut into my feet. Jonny had suggested we get a cab but I told him I was fine. We made it most of the way anyway.

 

My stockings were ripped a bit and as we passed the concierge desk, the clerk gave me a once over. They upheld a strict shirt/shoes policy and apparently with my bare feet I was violating it thoroughly. Jonny explained that he was a member of the band staying on the premises, which prompted a series of strong apologies; the clerk’s face flushed bright red with embarrassment.

 

“But my good Sir, I’m with the number one soft rock band called Coldplay. We’re staying here at your fine establishment and we’d hate to have a reason to not return, surely you catch my drift,” I say once we’re out of earshot of the desk clerk, putting on an English accent. My exaggeration causes Jonny to shake his head at me, grinning abashedly.

 

“I was nowhere near that bad, besides it worked didn’t it?” he says reaching for my hand, pulling me into the elevator and pressing the button to our floor.

 

When the doors open I start to look for my room key but he takes my hand again and leads me in the opposite direction, to his suite at the end of the hall. The gesture is almost intimate like we’ve done this hundreds of times before and at the same time my stomach flips nervously at the prospect, I wasn’t quite sure where this might lead. His answer to our little game and the kiss leading up to it had left me with butterflies that still refuse to settle.

 

He opens the door with his keycard and with my hand in his we enter the room. He doesn’t turn on the lights but instead leans me softly against the now closed door, pressing his lips to mine in agonizingly slow motions.

 

I sigh against his mouth, trying to memorize the feel of him should this all be some cruel manifestation of my imagination.

 

I feel his hands in my hair and then on my neck as they slide down my shoulders and the lengths of my arms where he finally grasps my hands and pulls them against his chest all the while still kissing me.

 

“It’s beating embarrassingly fast,” he says catching his breath.

 

I feel the drumming against my hands as he holds them there, mind reeling at the fact that I’ve had this affect on him, my own heart racing wildly.

 

I take one of his hands and press it to my chest so he can feel the frantic hammering.

 

“I think I win,” I say smiling at him through the dark.

 

“It’s a tie,” he decides.

 

He kisses me again, softly this time and pulls away, walking farther into the room. My eyes have adjusted to the dark and I can see the silhouette of him kicking off his shoes near the end of the bed.

 

I follow him shedding, my torn stockings as I go and make my way onto the bed, positioning myself in the middle and lying on my back.

 

I stare up at the ceiling through a sheer, taupe colored canopy. The bed is more comfortable than the one I have at home but I force myself to stay awake, I don’t want to miss a minute of this.

 

He stands by the foot of the bed, looking at me. I can barely see his face in the dark at this distance but the pale moonlight from the partially opened blinds glints off his eyes and the butterflies flit shamelessly in my stomach.

 

“Are you going to stand there all night?” I ask, breaking the silence.

 

“I’m just taking in the view, that’s all,” he says softly.

 

“Can’t you do that from over here?” I prop myself up on my elbows to look at him but he doesn’t move.

 

“- I’ll keep your spot warm.” I roll over on my side to face the window, close my eyes and wait.

 

It seems to do the trick, he makes his way over and I feel the bed give slightly from his weight as he lies down.

 

My eyes flutter open when I feel him drape an arm around me from behind as he moves closer. I turn around to face him, and I bury my face in his chest, breathing him in.

 

I could get used to this.

 

“So - what does this mean exactly…?” my words are slightly muffled against his shirt.

 

He tilts my chin upwards with his hand and kisses me fervently, his tongue and lips catching my bottom lip and sucking lightly. His kisses trace a line from my jaw to my ear and he lingers there, making me shiver.

 

“I’m falling for you April,” he says.

 

I pull his face closer to mine, kissing him again and again while he rubs his hand along my leg stopping at the hem of my dress, the loose fabric now pushed up and pooling around my thighs. He skims his fingertips against the exposed skin of my upper thigh as I kiss his neck, driving a sigh from his lips.

 

“I’m falling for you too,” I say, leaning my forehead against his. His hand slides farther up my leg, around my hip and coming to a rest on the small of my back.

 

He closes his eyes as we lie there, I can see the appearance of a smile cross his features and I can’t help but sweep a kiss against his forehead. I run a gentle hand across the spot where I kissed him and down the side of his face as my eyes take in every detail.

 

His nearly blonde eyelashes rest on his cheeks; his full lips slightly upturned, a light scruff covering his chin, jaw and upper lip, the small birthmark on his cheek and one just below his eyebrow. I’m contemplating a series of adjectives to describe him but none of them fit just right.

 

“Beautiful,” I muse aloud to myself but his eyes open from the sound my voice.

 

“Hm?” he asks and his hand slides to rest on my hip, rubbing softly.

 

“Nothing…” I tell him, blushing wildly.

 

“You should stay-” he says moving his face lower and I feel the tickle of his stubble against the crook of my neck.

 

“After the gig in Connecticut, you should stay with us on the road,” he clarifies, his breath warming my skin.

 

“How is this going to work?” I ask quietly, wrapping my arms around his shoulders, my fingers running through the curls at the nape of his neck.

 

“This.” He laughs lightly against me. “You keep saying that,” he pulls back, sweeping my hair behind my shoulder to look in my eyes.

 

“Where do you want this to go, April? Us?”

 

“I didn’t have any expectations to be honest. I hoped you felt the same way…and I think you do but - ” I stop, not sure what to say.

 

I didn’t want to push him away but I couldn’t get hurt, not by him. He was one of my best friends; I didn’t want this to ruin anything but after tonight I wasn’t sure how we’d be able to go back…I didn’t want to go back.

 

“Okay,” he takes a deep breath.

 

“I’m just going to put this out there…” he pauses, his eyes searching mine.

 

“I love you,” he finishes.

 

“You… love me?” I stammer, completely taken aback and astonished by his words.

 

“I’m in love with you, and I’m pretty sure there’s not much you can do about it to be honest,” he says holding my hand against his heart again. I’m in a state of utter disbelief…he loves me.

 

“Say something...please?” he says breathlessly, his forehead creasing with worry as I stare at him in silence, my eyes pricked with tears.

 

“I love you too. I’m just in shock I think,” I say pulling him by the fabric of his shirt, crushing his lips against mine.

 

“I love you,” I say again softly, settling myself into his arms and smiling against his shoulder.

 

“What will the guys say?” I ask, remembering then that he was at the very beginning of a nearly forty-date North American leg and it would be practically impossible to keep this to ourselves for any significant stretch of time.

 

- - - - - -

 

“Well it’s about fucking time – excuse my language,” Chris says when we arrive at breakfast the next morning, Jonny holding my hand as we walk up to the table.

 

“What, are we that late?” I ask, pretending to be completely oblivious to what he was talking about.

 

“You guys….are - you’re…together. Right?” he stares at us wide-eyed, his cup halfway to his lips, stopping in midair.

 

“I don’t think it’s any of your business if they are Chris,” Will says, his glasses perched on his nose and he doesn’t even bother to look up from his newspaper.

 

“I don’t know what you’re talking about…” I say grabbing a scone and asking Chris to pass the butter while Jonny sits silently next to me, trying to hide a smirk, his hand on my thigh under the table.

 

“Okay, so you and Jon just stroll in here together…holding hands like it’s no big deal and you have no idea what I’m talking about.” He then tells me he’s holding the butter hostage until I admit something weird is going on.

 

“Yes Chris, something weird is going on. You’re acting like a total nutter,” Jonny says finally kicking him under the table.

 

“Right here comes Guy, he’ll know straight away. Oy Guy, tell me there’s not something strange going on with them.”

 

Guy rubs his eyes drowsily his hair still tousled from sleep as he plops down next to Will, stealing a section of his paper, a sleepy grin on his face.

 

“Well good morning sunshine,” Will remarks sarcastically and Guy’s smile is replaced with a moody glare in everyone’s general direction.

 

When Chris is busy looking out the window Jonny leans down to kiss me quickly but it’s not fast enough as Chris whips his blonde head around to face us.

 

“AHA! I knew it! I said it didn’t I, Will? I told you last night would be the night. I win.” He pumps his fist in the air and Will rolls his eyes.

 

“Win what exactly?” I ask raising an eyebrow at Chris and he avoids my eyes, suddenly the pancakes on his plate seem to capture his full attention.

 

“Win what Chris?” I repeat giving Jonny’s hand a squeeze under the table, fully aware of the hilarious bets they had taken on Jon and I.

 

“Erm, I didn’t mean actually win, I just….I like being right. Y’know, I could just tell something was different….that’s all.” He stutters.

 

“Mmhm, and what exactly is it that you think you’re right about?” I prop my chin up on my other hand, staring at him.

 

“I’m not an idiot, I saw you guys come in together last night.” His eyes pass between Jonny’s and mine, searching for some kind of answer.

 

“We’re just having a go Chris, you can relax,” Jonny says, deciding that we had pushed his buttons enough for the moment.

 

“So is that confirmation then? Congrats man. That’s awesome, I knew you’d get the nerve eventually,” He stares at Jonny with a proud look and leans back in his chair stretching his arms behind his head at an unsettling angle.

 

“Not at breakfast mate, c’mon” Guy groans averting his eyes from Chris’ double-jointed limbs.

 

“What?” he asks, not even noticing.

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter 8 will be up later tonight...hopefully

 

:dance: this is really good! and I'm not just saying that because you're my sister.

Wow, you're a nice sibling. If my brother ever complimented me, I'd die of shock. :P

Ahhhh thats so sweet i love it ! xxx

 

glad you like it! :blush:

 

:dance: this is really good! and I'm not just saying that because you're my sister.

 

haha, thanks :nice:

Okay! I've something for you all!

 

One I Love, Chapter III

 

 

Arlene couldn't believe what she was hearing.

 

"What?!"

 

"Yeah, come on! It'll be funny; we'll give them a nice little surprise and Chris'll be grateful because the cameras will be off him for once. Then we won't have to deal with the Drama King for the ride to our hotel!"

 

"Are you sure you want to do this? I mean, then the paparazzi will start spreading rumors and your fan girls won't be too happy either..."

 

"I really want to, Arlene! Please, won't you do it? For me?" Guy gave her the puppy dog face and she caved. She couldn't resist his pleading brown eyes.

 

"Okay, I'm in," she said with a smile. Guy flashed her his sexy smile in return. The plane began to make its final descent into Perth and Guy took Arlene's hand and held it until they landed. He remembered her mentioning once that landing was her least favorite part of a plane trip; he was the opposite, he thought taking off was the worst. Finally the plane stopped. Both donned a pair of stylish shades and found their bags. They followed out Jonny, Chloe and little Violet; their hands still intertwined.

 

They went through customs, of course, showed their passports and the fun began. Arlene hooked an arm around his shoulders and he loved the feel of her skin on his neck. This gesture made him produce a huge, gorgeous smile and he could see the first few camera flashes go off. She whispered sweet nothings in his ear, just to give an allusion but Guy wished that she truly meant them. More cameras went off and the Coldplay boys looked over at the fondling couple. They didn't know it was a facade, and Chris threw Guy a look of "I told you so!" It had worked quite well, thought Guy.

 

Their caravan of cars were on their way. Guy and Arlene had stopped their canoodling and separated; Guy went with the band and Arlene tried to find her management people.

 

"So, are you two together?" asked Jonny, while offering Chloe to let him hold Violet for awhile.

 

"What? Oh, no! We're not."

 

Arlene stopped to hear this.

 

"Then what was with the love fest in the airport?" asked Chris.

 

"Oh, um, we thought it'd be funny to pull a fast one on the paparazzi and give them something new to gossip about, rather then make them say things about yours and Gywn's marriage, Chris."

 

"No wonder the photographers left me alone. Thanks, Guy! But are you sure you're not together?"

 

"Yeah, because you looked pretty legit to me," said Will.

 

"No! We're not together! We're just friends and that's it!"

 

God, she hated that term. Just friends... Arlene made eye contact with Guy, whom had a face of 'Oh shit' and she turned away, pretending to act like if she hadn't noticed. She found a distraction by talking to Franksy. The cars arrived and a line had been drawn. As good as friends as they were, there could never be nothing more. She couldn't cross that line. Guy had been rumored for dating Helena Christensen and Jo had been very posh and stylish; very fitting for a musician's wife. And they had been together before Coldplay had made it big.

 

The Coldplay crew back on land; everyone got down to business. Arlene made sure everything was set and ready for the shows in Perth with Franksy and Miller. She tried not to think about Guy's comments while working. She got back to her hotel room, ready for a nice night in front of the television after a soothing bath...perhaps call up room service for a bottle of merlot when she saw Guy, standing in front of her door with a flustered look set upon his gorgeous face.

 

 

Hope you all enjoyed it! :D

 

Chris, Guy, Jonny, & Will, like BFFs gossiping:

:gossip:

 

A Warning Sign

Rating: PG-13/R

 

This chapter contains use of flashback. It's sort of a continuation of the flashback seen in Chapter 5 only in April's POV. If you need to reread anything it's here ;)

 

 

Chapter Seven

 

 

 

 

 

April, 2009– Burbank, California: April POV

 

I had received a frantic phone call from Chris about an hour ago, something about wanting to surprise Gwyneth with a night out at one of their favorite hotels. Their babysitter had fallen through and their dinner reservations were for 9 and he was afraid he was going to have to cancel the whole thing.

 

The guys had been off tour for a few weeks, Chris, still on studio ban had come to LA to spend time with Gwyneth and the kids while Jon, Will and Guy headed to the Bakery to work with Brian.

 

I had kept busy with work, putting in long hours in the writer’s room but it was getting hard being away from Jonny for so long.

 

"I'd be happy to help," I say as soon as Chris asks, not really having anything else to do, I didn’t know anyone in this town except the people I worked with.

 

There was now a loud knock on the door and I make my way from the small office off of the bedroom to the hall to answer it.

 

Chris comes in once I open the door; one child in each arm, Apple fast asleep against his shoulder and a small bag that I can only assume is filled with movies, snacks and pjs for the kids dangling from one of his fingers. I take the bag from him as he let’s Moses down onto the floor.

 

“I’m sorry this is such short notice, thank God you didn’t have to be at work early tomorrow. Our au pair had a family emergency and had to fly back to London right away.”

 

“You’d better hurry if you want to make your reservations,” I remind him and he motions to Apple asleep in his arms.

 

“Here you can lay her down in my room” I lead Chris past the small living room and into the even smaller bedroom and pull back the comforter.

 

Chris bends down to give Apple a kiss goodbye and we make our way back to the entranceway. After opening a small bag of dried fruit for Moses to munch on, Chris leans down to give him a kiss on his round little cheek before kissing mine quickly, apologizing again for leaving the kids.

 

“It’s completely fine, don’t worry about it. You guys just enjoy a nice quiet evening alone. We’ve got everything under control. Right cutie?” I scoop Moses up in my arms and he giggles sweetly, his blonde curls swirling about his face.

 

“Bye Daddy!” Moses says as Chris heads for the door.

 

“Bye Mo! Thanks April!” he calls back, shutting the door behind him.

 

“Okay so what should we do first?” I ask Moses as he takes a piece of dried peach from the bag.

 

“Movie!” he yells excitedly.

 

“Okay, okay, we’ll watch TV but try to be a little quieter, your sister is sleeping remember?” I steal a bite of his peach and he laughs, apparently amused by the gesture.

 

“You’re funny!” he tells me putting a hand on my cheek, his bright blue eyes shining and it’s as if I’m staring at a tiny version of Chris.

 

“Gosh, you’re adorable. All right, now what movie shall we watch?” I ask as I place him gently on the couch and retrieve the stack of movies from the bag in the kitchen.

 

“Ooh, you have Shrek, can we watch that?” I ask as I rifle through the pile. He nods sleepily, sucking on his thumb.

 

“You sleepy too? Do you want to go lie down with Apple?” I brush the hair off his forehead and he shakes his head ‘no’.

 

“No? Okay well let’s put on your pajamas just so you can be comfortable when we watch the movie.” I tell him and he nods in agreement.

 

As soon as I’m finished dressing him the doorbell rings.

 

“You start watching without me, I’m just gonna answer that.” I press play on the DVD and hurry to get the door.

 

“What’d you forget?” I smile, opening the door, expecting to see Chris but instead my eyes fall upon a certain six-foot-two, green-eyed boyfriend standing at the bottom of the steps.

 

“Oh my God!” I shriek, nearly leaping off the stoop into his arms.

 

“Surprised?” he asks, grinning widely.

 

“Yes!” I say squeezing him even tighter. “How are you here? I thought you were supposed to be visiting your parents on your week off,” I say leaning back to look at him.

 

“I did, three days was more than enough and I don’t have to be in the studio for two weeks so I figured I’d spend most of the time here,” He kisses me sweetly and pulls me into the house.

 

“You are so sneaky” I tell him tugging on his hand and causing him to turn around. I push him lightly against the wall and kiss him again, giddy with excitement from seeing him.

 

“Whose is that?” he asks pointing to the bag filled with Apple and Moses’ stuff.

 

“Did we have kids that I forgot about?” He smiles down at me.

 

“Something happened to Chris and Gwyneth’s nanny so the kids are spending the night,” I tell him and lead him into the living room where Moses has already fallen asleep on the couch, his cherub-like face serene as his head rests on his plush elephant.

 

“Are they both asleep?” he asks lifting me in his arms and I have no choice but to comply, wrapping my legs around his waist as he carries me to the bedroom.

 

“Jonny stop. There’s an innocent child sleeping in my bed.” I whisper frantically trying to get him to put me down.

 

“Are you serious?” he places me on the carpet and stares at Apple in disbelief.

 

“What’s she sleeping there for?” he asks bewildered.

 

“I told you already, now lower your voice” I peek my head around his shoulder to find Apple still sleeping soundly.

 

“Come on, before you wake her up” I take his hand and walk back to the living room.

 

“Can you carry him to my bed? Just lay him in the middle next to Apple and put a pillow on the other side so he won’t roll off.” I say keeping my voice low and taking the Shrek DVD out of the player.

 

“Yes Ma’am.” He lifts Moses gently, making sure to cradle his head and grabs the plush toy from the couch, carrying him to my bedroom.

 

I make my way around the apartment flicking off the lights as I go, turning off all but a small table lamp in the living room.

 

“Did you remember the pillow?” I ask when he returns from the bedroom.

 

“Yes, I put two just incase.” He smiles pulling me next to him on the couch. We reposition ourselves so that we’re lying down, my back against his chest and his arm around my waist.

 

“Tell me a story,” he says nuzzling my neck and running his fingers along my stomach.

 

“What kind of story?” I ask, shifting my hips so that I was more comfortable.

 

“Tell me about the first time I had you in my bed, the first morning we woke up together” he says positioning his face under my jaw and kissing lightly.

 

“You mean you can’t remember every sordid detail?” I ask smiling.

 

“I remember it, trust me, I just want to hear you tell it.” He says, not allowing me to change the subject.

 

“If you remember it as well you say you do then you’d know it was my bed I had you in.” I tease him.

 

“Wait, what are you talking about?” and I can just picture the puzzled expression on his face.

 

“The first time we slept together…in New York. My apartment…” I say trying to jog his memory. Could he really not remember?

 

“Oh well, I didn’t mean the first time we had sex. I meant when we fell asleep in the same bed at the hotel in Toronto.” He says almost innocently.

 

“Oh thank God, I was terrified for a sec, I thought you couldn’t remember.” I say closing my eyes and just enjoying the feeling of having him there. The rise and fall of his chest was comforting as we lie in silence for a few moments.

 

“Are you gonna fall asleep on me now?” he asks quietly, running a hand along my arm.

 

“Hmm, would it be the worst thing?” I mumble sleepily, my thoughts now occupied with the memory of the first morning in Toronto.

 

He laughs, his chest rumbling against my back and moving me along with him.

 

“I guess I’ll tell the story then,” he whispers.

 

“You were barefoot by the time we got to the hotel” he says, beginning the story.

 

Instantly I’m taken back…

 

 

Toronto – August 2005, April POV

 

We had walked almost 20 blocks; the hotel quite a bit further than either of remembered from earlier that night.

 

I was carrying my shoes now, the damn heels beginning to cut into my feet. Jonny had suggested we get a cab but I told him I was fine. We made it most of the way anyway.

 

My stockings were ripped a bit and as we passed the concierge desk, the clerk gave me a once over. They upheld a strict shirt/shoes policy and apparently with my bare feet I was violating it thoroughly. Jonny explained that he was a member of the band staying on the premises, which prompted a series of strong apologies; the clerk’s face flushed bright red with embarrassment.

 

“But my good Sir, I’m with the number one soft rock band called Coldplay. We’re staying here at your fine establishment and we’d hate to have a reason to not return, surely you catch my drift,” I say once we’re out of earshot of the desk clerk, putting on an English accent. My exaggeration causes Jonny to shake his head at me, grinning abashedly.

 

“I was nowhere near that bad, besides it worked didn’t it?” he says reaching for my hand, pulling me into the elevator and pressing the button to our floor.

 

When the doors open I start to look for my room key but he takes my hand again and leads me in the opposite direction, to his suite at the end of the hall. The gesture is almost intimate like we’ve done this hundreds of times before and at the same time my stomach flips nervously at the prospect, I wasn’t quite sure where this might lead. His answer to our little game and the kiss leading up to it had left me with butterflies that still refuse to settle.

 

He opens the door with his keycard and with my hand in his we enter the room. He doesn’t turn on the lights but instead leans me softly against the now closed door, pressing his lips to mine in agonizingly slow motions.

 

I sigh against his mouth, trying to memorize the feel of him should this all be some cruel manifestation of my imagination.

 

I feel his hands in my hair and then on my neck as they slide down my shoulders and the lengths of my arms where he finally grasps my hands and pulls them against his chest all the while still kissing me.

 

“It’s beating embarrassingly fast,” he says catching his breath.

 

I feel the drumming against my hands as he holds them there, mind reeling at the fact that I’ve had this affect on him, my own heart racing wildly.

 

I take one of his hands and press it to my chest so he can feel the frantic hammering.

 

“I think I win,” I say smiling at him through the dark.

 

“It’s a tie,” he decides.

 

He kisses me again, softly this time and pulls away, walking farther into the room. My eyes have adjusted to the dark and I can see the silhouette of him kicking off his shoes near the end of the bed.

 

I follow him shedding, my torn stockings as I go and make my way onto the bed, positioning myself in the middle and lying on my back.

 

I stare up at the ceiling through a sheer, taupe colored canopy. The bed is more comfortable than the one I have at home but I force myself to stay awake, I don’t want to miss a minute of this.

 

He stands by the foot of the bed, looking at me. I can barely see his face in the dark at this distance but the pale moonlight from the partially opened blinds glints off his eyes and the butterflies flit shamelessly in my stomach.

 

“Are you going to stand there all night?” I ask, breaking the silence.

 

“I’m just taking in the view, that’s all,” he says softly.

 

“Can’t you do that from over here?” I prop myself up on my elbows to look at him but he doesn’t move.

 

“- I’ll keep your spot warm.” I roll over on my side to face the window, close my eyes and wait.

 

It seems to do the trick, he makes his way over and I feel the bed give slightly from his weight as he lies down.

 

My eyes flutter open when I feel him drape an arm around me from behind as he moves closer. I turn around to face him, and I bury my face in his chest, breathing him in.

 

I could get used to this.

 

“So - what does this mean exactly…?” my words are slightly muffled against his shirt.

 

He tilts my chin upwards with his hand and kisses me fervently, his tongue and lips catching my bottom lip and sucking lightly. His kisses trace a line from my jaw to my ear and he lingers there, making me shiver.

 

“I’m falling for you April,” he says.

 

I pull his face closer to mine, kissing him again and again while he rubs his hand along my leg stopping at the hem of my dress, the loose fabric now pushed up and pooling around my thighs. He skims his fingertips against the exposed skin of my upper thigh as I kiss his neck, driving a sigh from his lips.

 

“I’m falling for you too,” I say, leaning my forehead against his. His hand slides farther up my leg, around my hip and coming to a rest on the small of my back.

 

He closes his eyes as we lie there, I can see the appearance of a smile cross his features and I can’t help but sweep a kiss against his forehead. I run a gentle hand across the spot where I kissed him and down the side of his face as my eyes take in every detail.

 

His nearly blonde eyelashes rest on his cheeks; his full lips slightly upturned, a light scruff covering his chin, jaw and upper lip, the small birthmark on his cheek and one just below his eyebrow. I’m contemplating a series of adjectives to describe him but none of them fit just right.

 

“Beautiful,” I muse aloud to myself but his eyes open from the sound my voice.

 

“Hm?” he asks and his hand slides to rest on my hip, rubbing softly.

 

“Nothing…” I tell him, blushing wildly.

 

“You should stay-” he says moving his face lower and I feel the tickle of his stubble against the crook of my neck.

 

“After the gig in Connecticut, you should stay with us on the road,” he clarifies, his breath warming my skin.

 

“How is this going to work?” I ask quietly, wrapping my arms around his shoulders, my fingers running through the curls at the nape of his neck.

 

“This.” He laughs lightly against me. “You keep saying that,” he pulls back, sweeping my hair behind my shoulder to look in my eyes.

 

“Where do you want this to go, April? Us?”

 

“I didn’t have any expectations to be honest. I hoped you felt the same way…and I think you do but - ” I stop, not sure what to say.

 

I didn’t want to push him away but I couldn’t get hurt, not by him. He was one of my best friends; I didn’t want this to ruin anything but after tonight I wasn’t sure how we’d be able to go back…I didn’t want to go back.

 

“Okay,” he takes a deep breath.

 

“I’m just going to put this out there…” he pauses, his eyes searching mine.

 

“I love you,” he finishes.

 

“You… love me?” I stammer, completely taken aback and astonished by his words.

 

“I’m in love with you, and I’m pretty sure there’s not much you can do about it to be honest,” he says holding my hand against his heart again. I’m in a state of utter disbelief…he loves me.

 

“Say something...please?” he says breathlessly, his forehead creasing with worry as I stare at him in silence, my eyes pricked with tears.

 

“I love you too. I’m just in shock I think,” I say pulling him by the fabric of his shirt, crushing his lips against mine.

 

“I love you,” I say again softly, settling myself into his arms and smiling against his shoulder.

 

“What will the guys say?” I ask, remembering then that he was at the very beginning of a nearly forty-date North American leg and it would be practically impossible to keep this to ourselves for any significant stretch of time.

 

- - - - - -

 

“Well it’s about fucking time – excuse my language,” Chris says when we arrive at breakfast the next morning, Jonny holding my hand as we walk up to the table.

 

“What, are we that late?” I ask, pretending to be completely oblivious to what he was talking about.

 

“You guys….are - you’re…together. Right?” he stares at us wide-eyed, his cup halfway to his lips, stopping in midair.

 

“I don’t think it’s any of your business if they are Chris,” Will says, his glasses perched on his nose and he doesn’t even bother to look up from his newspaper.

 

“I don’t know what you’re talking about…” I say grabbing a scone and asking Chris to pass the butter while Jonny sits silently next to me, trying to hide a smirk, his hand on my thigh under the table.

 

“Okay, so you and Jon just stroll in here together…holding hands like it’s no big deal and you have no idea what I’m talking about.” He then tells me he’s holding the butter hostage until I admit something weird is going on.

 

“Yes Chris, something weird is going on. You’re acting like a total nutter,” Jonny says finally kicking him under the table.

 

“Right here comes Guy, he’ll know straight away. Oy Guy, tell me there’s not something strange going on with them.”

 

Guy rubs his eyes drowsily his hair still tousled from sleep as he plops down next to Will, stealing a section of his paper, a sleepy grin on his face.

 

“Well good morning sunshine,” Will remarks sarcastically and Guy’s smile is replaced with a moody glare in everyone’s general direction.

 

When Chris is busy looking out the window Jonny leans down to kiss me quickly but it’s not fast enough as Chris whips his blonde head around to face us.

 

“AHA! I knew it! I said it didn’t I, Will? I told you last night would be the night. I win.” He pumps his fist in the air and Will rolls his eyes.

 

“Win what exactly?” I ask raising an eyebrow at Chris and he avoids my eyes, suddenly the pancakes on his plate seem to capture his full attention.

 

“Win what Chris?” I repeat giving Jonny’s hand a squeeze under the table, fully aware of the hilarious bets they had taken on Jon and I.

 

“Erm, I didn’t mean actually win, I just….I like being right. Y’know, I could just tell something was different….that’s all.” He stutters.

 

“Mmhm, and what exactly is it that you think you’re right about?” I prop my chin up on my other hand, staring at him.

 

“I’m not an idiot, I saw you guys come in together last night.” His eyes pass between Jonny’s and mine, searching for some kind of answer.

 

“We’re just having a go Chris, you can relax,” Jonny says, deciding that we had pushed his buttons enough for the moment.

 

“So is that confirmation then? Congrats man. That’s awesome, I knew you’d get the nerve eventually,” He stares at Jonny with a proud look and leans back in his chair stretching his arms behind his head at an unsettling angle.

 

“Not at breakfast mate, c’mon” Guy groans averting his eyes from Chris’ double-jointed limbs.

 

“What?” he asks, not even noticing.

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter 8 will be up later tonight...hopefully

 

 

sooooo great!!!Thanks for the update.Didn't even have to crack my whip too many times

excellent work¡¡¡¡

 

I just read it, and I'm waiting for chapter 4......

Nice job strawberry_swing! (I'm sorry I don't know your name, I'm Sarah btw) I really like 'One I Love', wonder what's up with Guy and his flustery-ness :D...

 

 

 

 

Thanks Marie! And look, no whip cracking at all for Chapter 8 TADAAA :escaping:!!

 

A Warning Sign

 

 

Chapter Eight

 

 

 

 

 

April 2009 – Burbank, California April POV

 

My dreams twist into a series of odd events, Chris runs past me yelling something about needing to find Will’s hairpiece that he had misplaced or there would be hell to pay. I’m about to tell him that Will doesn’t even own a hairpiece but I’m awakened by the sound of a child crying loudly.

 

I had fallen asleep on the couch and it was morning now but Jonny was gone. Not having time to question it, I stand up and make my way to the bedroom to find the source of the cries.

 

“He lost his elephant,” Apple tells me pointing to Moses who is still crying hysterically.

 

“It’s not lost honey, it’s here in the bed somewhere; we’ll find it. Apple could you check the living room for me to see if he dropped it there please?” I say making my way towards the bed to check under the blankets and pillows.

 

Jonny emerges from the steam filled bathroom a worried look on his face and shaving cream still dripping from his chin.

 

We find the elephant ten minutes later wedged between the headboard and the mattress, his long nose somewhat rumpled and Moses insists on Jon bandaging it with all five Batman band -aids that I find in the bottom of the kids’ overnight bag.

 

“See mate, good as new” Jonny says handing him his stuffed toy and Moses hugs it tightly to his chest pressing a kiss onto its bandaged trunk.

 

Jonny answers the door when Chris arrives for the kids and they make plans to meet up later in the week while Gwyneth and I are both at work.

 

“A boys’ day out!” Chris grins excitedly, nodding his head in a farewell as he makes his way to his rented car, Moses in his arms and Apple holding onto his hand as she waves shyly back at us.

 

“Well that was fun, those kids are so sweet” I say closing the door behind him once they’re gone.

 

“We should try making a few of our own,” he says a cheeky expression on his face as he follows me into the bedroom while I start to make the bed that was still a mess from the search for Moses’ toy elephant.

 

“Maybe we should get our priorities straight first?” I raise an eyebrow at him, shaking my head.

 

“What does that mean?” he’s suddenly serious, frozen with a pillow hanging limply in his hands.

 

Taking it from him I shake my head again and arrange the pillow in its proper place.

 

“You’re really going to play dumb about this? Again.” I say the last word mostly under my breath but I know he can hear me and don’t really care; I was just tired of it.

 

Tired of him constantly acting like it wasn’t a big deal whenever I brought up the idea of marriage. I had tried to push the thought of the ring I had found to the back of my mind but it was hard to escape, especially after a comment about having kids.

 

“Hold on, are you honestly upset?” he tries to take my hand but I walk over to the other side of the bed to fix the pillow.

 

“If I tell you how I really feel we’ll just end up arguing and I haven’t seen you in almost a month…” I trail off.

 

“You can tell me how you really feel, April, why would that lead to an argument?” he asks softly, sitting on the edge of the bed and patting the spot next to him.

 

I take a seat beside him and let out a long breath, knowing I had to choose my words carefully.

 

Jonny was pretty level headed for the most part, he knew how to work things out calmly and definitely wasn’t one for yelling. I on the other hand, let my emotions get the best of me all too often.

 

“I feel like you’re running…” I say honestly, “What I can’t figure out is why.” My eyes catch his for a moment and he’s staring back, listening to me. I know he knows what I’m talking about.

 

“I’m not going anywhere,” he says, still looking at me. I break his gaze and glance out the window.

 

“Promise” he says, taking one of my hands in his.

 

“You say that Jon, but we’re not on the same page. I want a life with you. The whole thing, not just bits and pieces…not just weekends in LA or a few weeks in London, a few weeks in New York.”

 

“I can’t really control the touring April…” he says.

 

“No it’s not that, it’s not the touring, it’s not the hours in the studio. I mean, look at Will and Marianne. You’re in the same band Jonny, he can make a family work. I know we can do this if it was what you wanted.”

 

“Of course it’s what I want. But I’m not him. I’ll never be Will. I’m nowhere near as good a man as he is, I can’t give you what they have. I’m not him.” He’s shaking his head back and forth.

 

“Augh,” I let out a frustrated sigh.

 

“I’m not saying that I want you to be Will, I love you. I just want you to realize that we can be that happy, it can work.”

 

“I’ll propose right now if it’ll make you happy…if that’s all it’ll take” he brushes my hair behind my shoulder, twirling the ends between his fingers.

 

I feel my eyes prick with tears, not from joy but from frustration.

 

No.

 

It wouldn’t make me happy. I didn’t want him to ask me just to shut me up. I wanted him to want to start a life with me. Start a family and properly move in together. Why did I feel like he would never understand?

 

With a shaky breath I force the tears back.

 

“I think you know the answer to that one.” I say and I get off the bed leaving him sitting there in the bedroom alone.

 

I replay the argument in my mind, “I’m nowhere near as good a man as he is, I can’t give you what they have”. He doubts himself too much and now the only thing standing in his way is his own insecurity. I stand in the empty kitchen just thinking. How could I make him see what I saw?

 

 

 

 

 

May – Mid-Atlantic: Jonny POV

 

The past two weeks spent with April in LA were filled with constant fighting, the worst of our arguments happening only hours before I left to catch my plane. She wouldn’t even open the bedroom door to say goodbye to me.

 

I’m an idiot, of that I’m sure. I know I want to marry her. I have the ring. It’s the right decision so what the hell is wrong with me? Why couldn’t I just go through with it?

 

I’ll make a right mess of things. That’s why.

 

I guess I already have fucked up royally in most ways but she was right when she said I was running. I just hadn’t realized it until I heard her say those words. I was running away when I should be running in the opposite direction. Running towards her, towards a future together.

 

The other passengers riding first-class are mostly asleep but I pretend to focus my attention on an in-flight movie. It’s some daft romantic comedy with that actress from Knocked Up, Chris would enjoy it, no doubt.

 

I think back to my and Chris’ conversation in LA. Our “boys’ day out” he had called it.

 

It wasn’t a boys’ day out so much as it was me tagging along as he took the kids out for a day at the park.

 

 

One Week Ago - LA

 

“You’re such a fucking wanker,” Chris says once the kids are out of earshot.

 

“Right, thanks.” I reply solemnly, watching as Moses picks a dandelion and offers it to Apple. She politely declines and he comes running to Chris, attempting to pawn off his rejected flower for Chris’ sunglasses.

 

“Oh, c’mon Jay. Either marry her or break up with her because it’s not fair to her, it’s really not.”

 

“I know.”

 

“She’s basically said she’ll be there no matter what and by acting the way you do, it’s like you’ve told her to fuck off – don’t repeat anything Daddy says…ever” he hands Moses his sunglasses and the child nods smiling, returning to the swing where his sister was still sitting.

 

Present

 

It was becoming more and more evident that nobody would be able to fix this situation but me. April had definitely put in her fair share of effort and now it was my turn make things right. Maybe a few more weeks in the studio would clear my head and I’d know how to at least get her to want to speak to me.

 

 

 

Nice job strawberry_swing! (I'm sorry I don't know your name, I'm Sarah btw) I really like 'One I Love', wonder what's up with Guy and his flustery-ness :D...

 

 

 

 

Thanks Marie! And look, no whip cracking at all for Chapter 8 TADAAA :escaping:!!

 

A Warning Sign

 

 

Chapter Eight

 

 

 

 

 

April 2009 – Burbank, California April POV

 

My dreams twist into a series of odd events, Chris runs past me yelling something about needing to find Will’s hairpiece that he had misplaced or there would be hell to pay. I’m about to tell him that Will doesn’t even own a hairpiece but I’m awakened by the sound of a child crying loudly.

 

I had fallen asleep on the couch and it was morning now but Jonny was gone. Not having time to question it, I stand up and make my way to the bedroom to find the source of the cries.

 

“He lost his elephant,” Apple tells me pointing to Moses who is still crying hysterically.

 

“It’s not lost honey, it’s here in the bed somewhere; we’ll find it. Apple could you check the living room for me to see if he dropped it there please?” I say making my way towards the bed to check under the blankets and pillows.

 

Jonny emerges from the steam filled bathroom a worried look on his face and shaving cream still dripping from his chin.

 

We find the elephant ten minutes later wedged between the headboard and the mattress, his long nose somewhat rumpled and Moses insists on Jon bandaging it with all five Batman band -aids that I find in the bottom of the kids’ overnight bag.

 

“See mate, good as new” Jonny says handing him his stuffed toy and Moses hugs it tightly to his chest pressing a kiss onto its bandaged trunk.

 

Jonny answers the door when Chris arrives for the kids and they make plans to meet up later in the week while Gwyneth and I are both at work.

 

“A boys’ day out!” Chris grins excitedly, nodding his head in a farewell as he makes his way to his rented car, Moses in his arms and Apple holding onto his hand as she waves shyly back at us.

 

“Well that was fun, those kids are so sweet” I say closing the door behind him once they’re gone.

 

“We should try making a few of our own,” he says a cheeky expression on his face as he follows me into the bedroom while I start to make the bed that was still a mess from the search for Moses’ toy elephant.

 

“Maybe we should get our priorities straight first?” I raise an eyebrow at him, shaking my head.

 

“What does that mean?” he’s suddenly serious, frozen with a pillow hanging limply in his hands.

 

Taking it from him I shake my head again and arrange the pillow in its proper place.

 

“You’re really going to play dumb about this? Again.” I say the last word mostly under my breath but I know he can hear me and don’t really care; I was just tired of it.

 

Tired of him constantly acting like it wasn’t a big deal whenever I brought up the idea of marriage. I had tried to push the thought of the ring I had found to the back of my mind but it was hard to escape, especially after a comment about having kids.

 

“Hold on, are you honestly upset?” he tries to take my hand but I walk over to the other side of the bed to fix the pillow.

 

“If I tell you how I really feel we’ll just end up arguing and I haven’t seen you in almost a month…” I trail off.

 

“You can tell me how you really feel, April, why would that lead to an argument?” he asks softly, sitting on the edge of the bed and patting the spot next to him.

 

I take a seat beside him and let out a long breath, knowing I had to choose my words carefully.

 

Jonny was pretty level headed for the most part, he knew how to work things out calmly and definitely wasn’t one for yelling. I on the other hand, let my emotions get the best of me all too often.

 

“I feel like you’re running…” I say honestly, “What I can’t figure out is why.” My eyes catch his for a moment and he’s staring back, listening to me. I know he knows what I’m talking about.

 

“I’m not going anywhere,” he says, still looking at me. I break his gaze and glance out the window.

 

“Promise” he says, taking one of my hands in his.

 

“You say that Jon, but we’re not on the same page. I want a life with you. The whole thing, not just bits and pieces…not just weekends in LA or a few weeks in London, a few weeks in New York.”

 

“I can’t really control the touring April…” he says.

 

“No it’s not that, it’s not the touring, it’s not the hours in the studio. I mean, look at Will and Marianne. You’re in the same band Jonny, he can make a family work. I know we can do this if it was what you wanted.”

 

“Of course it’s what I want. But I’m not him. I’ll never be Will. I’m nowhere near as good a man as he is, I can’t give you what they have. I’m not him.” He’s shaking his head back and forth.

 

“Augh,” I let out a frustrated sigh.

 

“I’m not saying that I want you to be Will, I love you. I just want you to realize that we can be that happy, it can work.”

 

“I’ll propose right now if it’ll make you happy…if that’s all it’ll take” he brushes my hair behind my shoulder, twirling the ends between his fingers.

 

I feel my eyes prick with tears, not from joy but from frustration.

 

No.

 

It wouldn’t make me happy. I didn’t want him to ask me just to shut me up. I wanted him to want to start a life with me. Start a family and properly move in together. Why did I feel like he would never understand?

 

With a shaky breath I force the tears back.

 

“I think you know the answer to that one.” I say and I get off the bed leaving him sitting there in the bedroom alone.

 

I replay the argument in my mind, “I’m nowhere near as good a man as he is, I can’t give you what they have”. He doubts himself too much and now the only thing standing in his way is his own insecurity. I stand in the empty kitchen just thinking. How could I make him see what I saw?

 

 

 

 

 

May – Mid-Atlantic: Jonny POV

 

The passed two weeks spent with April in LA were filled with constant fighting, the worst of our arguments happening only hours before I left to catch my plane. She wouldn’t even open the bedroom door to say goodbye to me.

 

I’m an idiot, of that I’m sure. I know I want to marry her. I have the ring. It’s the right decision so what the hell is wrong with me? Why couldn’t I just go through with it?

 

I’ll make a right mess of things. That’s why.

 

I guess I already have fucked up royally in most ways but she was right when she said I was running. I just hadn’t realized it until I heard her say those words. I was running away when I should be running in the opposite direction. Running towards her, towards a future together.

 

The other passengers riding first-class are mostly asleep but I pretend to focus my attention on an in-flight movie. It’s some daft romantic comedy with that actress from Knocked Up, Chris would enjoy it, no doubt.

 

I think back to my and Chris’ conversation in LA. Our “boys’ day out” he had called it.

 

It wasn’t a boys’ day out so much as it was me tagging along as he took the kids out for a day at the park.

 

 

One Week Ago - LA

 

“You’re such a fucking wanker,” Chris says once the kids are out of earshot.

 

“Right, thanks.” I reply solemnly, watching as Moses picks a dandelion and offers it to Apple. She politely declines and he comes running to Chris, attempting to pawn off his rejected flower for Chris’ sunglasses.

 

“Oh, c’mon Jay. Either marry her or break up with her because it’s not fair to her, it’s really not.”

 

“I know.”

 

“She’s basically said she’ll be there no matter what and by acting the way you do, it’s like you’ve told her to fuck off – don’t repeat anything Daddy says…ever” he hands Moses his sunglasses and the child nods smiling, returning to the swing where his sister was still sitting.

 

Present

 

It was becoming more and more evident that nobody would be able to fix this situation but me. April had definitely put in her fair share of effort and now it was my turn make things right. Maybe a few more weeks in the studio would clear my head and I’d know how to at least get her to want to speak to me.

 

 

 

Hey, thanks! BTW, I really love "A Warning Sign" I think it's so amazing! And, my name is Katie, so you guys don't have to refer to me as strawberry swing. I will update soon!

Thanks Katie, glad you like the story :nice:

I loved the part where you said that Chris would enjoy watching 27 Dresses...and the sad part is, he probably would. :D

He would, right? Chris seems to like some pretty cheesy things :laugh3:

YAY!!!Thanks for Chapter 8 (so quick...Good girl *patting your head*).

Sad chapter :/

Yeah...he really does! He's such a cute little geek! :cheesy:

it's short, but, it works. :P

 

brand new fanfic!

 

SLEEPING SUN

PROLOGUE:

 

 

We’re not imaginary. You adults just choose to believe we are. Sometimes kids need us "imaginary friends" to lighten up their day. Most of the kids that choose to see me don’t have any friends, and are just looking for someone to color with, play with, and bring to birthday parties. And you think it’s annoying when your kids bring us home for dinner? How about getting called eight different names in ten minutes? And you never give us any food at the table. You say we can share with your child. And, of course we’re not going to eat any of their food.

We get hungry too, ya know.

 

 

 

CHAPTER 1

 

 

A perfect summer day in July. I was wearing my freshly washed navy blue polo, jeans and Converses. It was my favorite outfit. My hair was getting to long and curly, though. Get a hair cut, and soon. I reminded myself.

School had just gotten out, and kids were crawling the streets. I decided to venture into a little street in West London. The sun was beating down onto my head, making it hard for me to concentrate on what I was here to do. Find a new friend. My old friend Benny had just gotten a new mountain bike, so one day I just vanished to him. His new friend was that bike. I didn’t mind, though. He liked karate a little too much.

There was this small row home I was particularly attracted to. It was hot pink and had lime green windows. It reminded me of a watermelon. There was a little stoop covered in flowers outside if it. I thought it’d be the perfect place to sit and wait for an opportunity to meet a new friend.

The pavement was hot on my jeans. I scraped a piece of dirt of my converses and waited, staring at that house. There was something about it that made me smile. Maybe the fact that all the other houses on that street were made of brick. This one was the party house. Just like me. Hah, not really.

Suddenly that lime green door flew open, and out came a tiny little boy. He couldn’t have been more than three or four years old. He had big brown eyes and his skin was as pale as paper. English, of course. His hair was long, and cinnamon colored. Like mine. Maybe I should say something. The little boy now sat down next to Chris on the stoop, playing with a Power Rangers doll. He looked up at me, then back down at the ground. "Hi." I said nervously.

"Hi!" He said. His voice was scratched and rusty.

There was a silence for a few seconds. "You like Power Rangers?"

He had such a bright smile. "Yeah! Do you watch the show?"

"Mmhm." I nodded intently. "My favorite is the blue one."

"Me too!!" He smiled. "I’m Luke."

"Hey Luke, I’m Chris!"

 

 

 

enjoy!!

Aww, I love it!!! :wacky::D:D

I am really sad that Schoolboys is over but I love all the new FanFics popping up :D

I'm confused. Is Chris supposed to be young? or is it present-day Chris?

 

present day. sorry. i should've made that clear. he just kind've acts like a kid since he's always around them. :P

Guys, I have a question. Is my siggy too repetitive? I'm thinking maybe I should just make it a picture instead. (Of the same scene, of course.)

I cant stop staring at it :)

It's great!!

Okay, I guess I'll keep it then. :D