Captivated

Girlfriend

A big chapter for a big night, I suppose. Who else is having a good time following Taylor's Nashville show??!! I know am! There's a little reference to the Rep Tour that may or may not be picked up on in here, so keep your eyes peeled for that!
Don't forget to comment and vote on this one! Xxx
-ab

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July 30, 2024

Patrick

Hopping off of the train at the Leicester Square station, flowers in hand, I make my way to the Queen's Theatre, my end destination to surprise Harper for our one month anniversary. Sure, it isn't the biggest deal, but it is important to us. We have been counting down the days for the last week, and she has no idea that I'm not only coming to the show, but have something little planned for tonight afterwards.

Inside of the theatre, I decide to buy a few little things from the booth selling show memorabilia, so that I can show my support for both Harper and Finn. Purchasing a program, tote bag, water bottle, and '24601' shirt just like the one that Taylor bought when we first came to see the show, I'm given a big clear bag with the show's logo on it, full of everything I've just bought. After that, I look at the seat on my ticket, high up in the upper circle, then ask an usher for directions. She directs me, so I follow where I'm pointed and make my way up to my seat.

Sitting down, a family next to me looks at my giant bag of merchandise and laughs. "Are you a fan of the show?" the dad asks, clearly an American tourist.

"Oh... I guess so," I laugh. "This is only my second time seeing it, but I have some friends who are in the cast, so I really got this to support them."

"That's amazing," he replies. "Karyn and I saw this show on our honeymoon, but this is my daughter, Hannah's, first time seeing it."

"You'll love it," I assure the young teenage girl, who smiles and thanks me.

I page through the program that I've purchased for a few minutes until the lights dim and 'Look Down' begins.

Before I know it, the interval has arrived, so I check my phone for a few minutes, scrolling through my few notifications, then tuck it away for the second act.

Before I know it, the show is over. I cheer for the cast, then, as soon as the lights in the theatre come up, I pull out my phone and send Harper a quick text.

Patrick: Meet me by the gate outside of the St. Anne's Churchyard after you stage door. Oh, great show today, by the way xxxxx

Almost immediately, I get a reply.

Harper: Patrick Alwyn what are you talking about?

Patrick: Just meet me, alright?

Harper: Okay.

I tuck my phone back into my pocket, then gather my bag and bouquet of flowers, heading down the staircase and out of the side door of the theatre, where I cross the street to meet Harper. I know I'll have to wait a few minutes as she cleans up her things and signs autographs, but eventually, I see her figure walking towards me.

"You were amazing tonight," I wrap her in a hug.

"You have some explaining to do, mister," she giggles.

"Well, first of all... these are for you," I say, handing her the flowers, which are clearly starting to need water. "Sorry, they're nearly dry... I was thinking that I could bring you home for a bit and we could celebrate our anniversary?"

"You're amazing, did you know that?" she tells me, kissing my cheek. "How am I going to get home, though, love? They shut off the tube at midnight."

"Taylor's going to send her car to take you. Don't worry love, I have this all thought out."

"I low how close you are with Taylor and Joe," she replies.

"We have always been super close... Joe, my whole life, and Taylor, for as long as we have known each other."

"It's so sweet."

"Thanks... now, let's get back to my place, shall we?"

"We shall," she giggles, taking my hand as we walk to the tube stop and catch the train.

Once we are back at my apartment, we sit down in my living room and I run over to the little kitchen area, grabbing a bottle of sparkling cider out of the fridge.

"I know you don't fancy champagne... or drinking in general most of the time, so I got some of this instead," I tell her, handing it to her, "and some fruit and ice cream, because I know those are your favorite."

"You're too good to me," she sighs.

"I just give you what you deserve... and you deserve all of this," I insist.

"I don't deserve you."

"It's me that doesn't deserve you, love," I tell her, cuddling up next to her. "Happy one month."

"Happy one month."

At that moment, neither of us quite know how it happens, but we both turn our heads toward each other, and the next thing we know, our lips are pressed together in a sweet, tender, glorious kiss.

Our lips only meet for a few seconds, though it feels both much longer and shorter at the same time. After we break apart, Harper's eyes meet mine.

"I liked that," she says with a small smile. "It was my first one, you know."

"Mine too," I tell her. "I don't have a lot to compare it to, but you know, I think that was one of the greatest kisses ever, though."

She giggles. "I think I could agree to that."

"So, um, there's a question that I've been meaning to ask you for a bit now," I tell her.

"What's that?"

"I was wondering... would you maybe want to be dating... officially? I want to be able to call you my girlfriend... I still think we should stay private... but when we do decide to go public, I mean... whenever that happens-" I find myself rambling, until Harper cuts me off.

"I'd love that," she tells me, "boyfriend."

She pecks my lips again with another kiss, quicker this time, and I wrap my arms around her, pulling her into my lap.

"You're just so gorgeous," I murmur to her. "And you're so talented and sweet... and I just can't believe that I get to call you my girlfriend."