𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬 «« Matthew Gray Gubler.

2.7

The Bigger Picture.

2nd of September, 2011.

Princess Coraline and Matthew Gray Gubler's New York Residence.

"I don't think it's supposed to look like that." Coraline squinted, head tilting as she tried to find a way to justify what was before her.

Matthew huffed, walking back to stand next to her, viewing the abnormally wonky fireplace they'd built. "Do you think it's going to fall apart?"

She toyed with the charm on her bracelet, leaning against their new sofa. "Possibly." She placed the container of knee screws in the little compartment they'd made on the side with a proud smile. "Maybe the power of the knee screw will hold it up."

He laughed, pulling her close, encircling his arms around her waist. "You're leaving tomorrow."

September had approached quickly, sneaking up on the pair as they'd spent weeks on their home renovation, the house looking perfect in their eyes despite the wonky fireplace and odd coloured sofas and cushions. Coraline's Lady Kensington Foundation tour had hit them hard. "I know, but you'll see me in four weeks. In Australia."

Humming, he nodded. "Australia. Another continent we can tick off."

She rolled her eyes, placing both hands on his cheeks before placing a kiss on his lips. "I better go get ready."

Ჲ

4th of September, 2011.

Apartment 8, Kensington Palace - Princess Coraline's Residence.

With much convincing, Matthew had agreed to fly to the UK with his girlfriend before flying to LA to begin shooting season 7 of Criminal Minds. 

He'd said goodbye to Coraline, promising to see her during his free weekend in a month before arriving back at her flat. "Hi, mate." He almost jumped at Harry's abrupt greeting.

"Hey, Harry."

The ginger smiled, opening his sister's cupboards and ripping open a pack of biscuits. "I'll buy her some new ones, just as long as you keep the whole Clyde thing quiet.

He furrowed his eyebrows. "Who's Clyde?"

"Oh, shit, well. I'll tell you, but you have to promise not to tell her you know." Matthew nodded intently. "So, when Cora was 16, she came home from Benenden."

Ჲ

20th of July, 2003.

Clarence House.

A 16 year old Coraline had returned from school, her suitcases trailing behind her and school jumper carelessly tied around her waist. She'd already greeted her brothers due to their earlier arrival, Harry had just graduated from Eton.

After searching the entire house, she just couldn't find him. Where was he?

She entered the drawing room she knew her father would be in. "Dad!"

Charles perked up, opening his arms and reciprocating his daughter's hug. "Oh, hello, my darling!"

She turned, a confused smile on her face when she kissed her grandmother hello. "Hi, granny." She did a quick curtsy.

"Hello, darling. We do have something we would like to talk to you about."

Coraline hesitantly sat down on the seat Elizabeth gestured to. "What is it?"

"We know of your special friendship with Clyde, and we are very upset to say that he will not be returning, he's chosen a different path."

That was why she couldn't find him anywhere. Clyde had been her boyfriend of a year who had obtained a part time job working as a footman at Clarence House, spending almost every minute with her whenever she was home from Kent. "What? Please, please don't. He's the only thing that keeps me happy, please." She begged.