Short Kings Anthem

Part 19

"How long did this beard take to grow and how do you feel about getting rid of it?" Lauren asked tentatively. Her new make up range is now due to be launched in a couple of weeks and as part of the promotion for it she decided rather than try it on herself she would try it on Chris, with the angle the products are so good even for novice faces and not just people who wear makeup all of the time.

"About two weeks? Will it look shit if I don't get rid of it?" Chris asked with his hand stroking his chin.

"I mean I can work around it. I'm not going to tell you to shave it off if you're not comfortable with it. Maple down!" Lauren instructed the still tiny puppy who was currently trying to jump up to the table with the makeup brushes on. Maple had fit in with them both perfectly, she was mischievous as most puppies were but Lauren and Chris were simply overjoyed at having her with them. She played a lot but she also cuddled a lot and some of the couples favourite moments were when they snuggled on the sofa watching Netflix as the dog slept peacefully on their laps.

"You know what, I'll take one for the team."

"Are you sure?" Lauren asked picking the puppy up in an attempt to move her from any danger. Maple had yet to have her video or social media debut, they knew she was bound to appear on screen at some point in the video either being seen or heard but they didn't want to make a habit out of shoving cameras in her face, especially as she was still so young and getting used to everything.

"Yeah, I'd hate for the company to go under like number 10 clothing and it was my fault for making it look like shit," Chris half joked referring to his company which had gone into liquidation.

"Can we make it clear I did not force you to do this!" Lauren could hear the outcry and could imagine the comments about her as the evil girlfriend making Chris do things he didn't want to and changing him in some way or another. She was used to misogyny from the comments from Sidemen videos which often migrated over to her videos and social media, usually she could shrug them off but with her and Chris it was more personal.

"I will. You know people will always have something to say though right?" Chris asked as he got up from the chair, glancing at the table full of makeup and wondering what he was getting himself into slightly. He was happy to do it but it didn't mean he wasn't a little bit scared about it. He wasn't as scared as Lauren was however, if there was one thing he could change about her if he had to then it would be her perception of herself including how she thought others saw her. He wanted nothing more than for her to have more confidence in herself and give less of a damn about what other people would think.

"I know," Lauren frowned wondering why on earth Chris put up with her sometimes.

"Here in front of me I have a table full of my brand new make up range Virtual Rose and also in front of me I have my guinea pig for the day football Youtuber royalty Mr Christopher MD. Today we will find out what happens when I try these amazing new products on a makeup novice." Lauren went through her intro with ease as Chris smiled at her proudly, she was such a professional as soon as the camera was rolling. Chris's nerves were apparent but so was the connection between the two as they chatted mindlessly while Lauren painted Chris's face.

"No not the wire!" Chris exclaimed loudly as he was mid sentence explaining why he liked Lord of the Rings so much. Lauren looked behind over her shoulder and sure enough the cheeky canine was about to munch one of the cables for the many lights in the makeshift studio office.

"Sorry," Lauren muttered before disappearing out of shot for a few seconds, coming back with Maple in her arms. "We've not long got a dog. This is Maple. She's an eight week old Corgi and just loves to chew everything at the moment." Lauren then placed her down again not wanting to lose the focus of the actual video but maple went straight over to the wire again, Lauren looked at the camera and sighed "See?"

"Wanna see if the guys downstairs can keep an eye on her for a little while?" Chris suggested. Harry and Cal have been itching to meet the little pup. Lauren nodded and Chris text them, Lauren made a mental note to edit this part out of the video as they waited for their dogsitters.

"What the fuck is this!" Harry asked his voice going high, he was just amused at the sight of Chris with a headband pushing back his dark blonde hair back, face was full of foundation and some contouring had been drawn out but not yet blended.

"Nah mate that is mad!!" Cal added, Lauren simply stood with her hand over her mouth trying not to laugh. She had to admit things looked a little bit silly at the moment, but most faces did in this stage of makeup, it was the worst point for Harry and Cal to see.

"Alright can we just go back to the real reason why you're here," Chris said negating the need for blusher at that very moment.

"Aww look at the little thing!" Harry squealed as Maple came bounding over, squeaking excitedly as she went.

"Oh no, excited wee!" Lauren sighed then got some make up wipes out to clean the newly created mess on the floor.

"Uncle Harry getting in all of the puppy time before you all abandon us," Cal said as he watched his friend and roommate fuss over the small dog. After some small talk, Harry and Cal took Maple to the living room allowing Lauren and Chris to continue filming the video.

On the video's release Maple stole the show somewhat with a flurry of comments about her. There was one in particular though which stood out.

Quite sad to see a guy who loves football and had a cat be reduced to wearing make up and forced to get a dog.

Reply- I highly doubt he was forced, why is it always the womans fault? SMH
Reply- She's been chasing clout for years, couldn't nab a sideman so moved onto Chris.

Reply- Yeah that's why she's got half a million more subscribers than him.....

"That's not good for your mental health," Chris commented seeing Lauren scrolling. She was sitting on her office chair as it was the only place she read comments, preferring to keep her phone a comment free zone. Chris placed his hands on Lauren's shoulders and slowly drew circles with his thumbs. Lauren smiled and leaned back into his touch a little.

"I know. I just want everyone to get on,"

"And bake a cake full of rainbows and smiles?" Chris joked and Lauren laughed.

"Something like that. I think that's enough of that for now." Lauren announced before turning her chair to face Chris.

"Good, you need to relax," Chris moved his hands from Lauren's shoulders to cupping her face.

A/N quite a short chapter apologies for that but the next one is very exciting!!  Also as I'm finishing this story (DW there's going to be about 50 chapters but I've written most of them now) I'm going to hopefully be doing some other Youtuber one-shots.