Captivated

Permission

Y'all I have two huge tests tomorrow and I'm stressed. But it's fine, everything's fine. Love how all of the teachers try to cram things in before Christmas break. well, enough about my life, I've got a big chapter for you all today! Enjoy this one- it's time to get excited!! Comment/vote x
-ab

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September 5, 2025

Patrick

As I sit in my flat with Harper's parents, Cooper and Audrey, and try to make small talk, nerves bubble up inside of me. I know that now is the time when I need to have the conversation with them. Now is the time that I need to ask them for permission to marry their daughter.

The problem is, I'm terrified. I can't imagine how scary it must be to actually propose, if asking her mum and dad is this scary.

As they're talking to me, they don't seem to notice my nerves, or if they do, then they pretend that they don't.

The time ticks past, and before I know it, there is only about an hour until Harper typically comes home. I know that she may be home before her usual time tonight, as well, since she will be hurrying back to see her parents. She usually takes her time after the show and just hopes that she will be able to make it home before the tube is shut off at midnight.

I know that it is now or never. I don't know if I'll be able to get her parents alone for the rest of their visit without causing Harper to question the situation.

"Cooper, Audrey, I've been wanting to talk to you about something..." I begin, taking a deep breath.

The look that they share with each other tells me that they may have an idea of what is coming. I just hope that, if they know, they are planning on answering with a 'yes.'

"As you both know, your daughter means a lot to me. We have been dating for over a year now, and I love her very much."

I pause, unsure for a moment of where to go from here. I just decide to take the blunt route.

"I guess what I'm trying to say is... I'd like to ask for permission to ask for your daughter's hand in marriage."

Cooper and Audrey break out into smiles. "We were wondering how long it would take until you asked," Audrey informs me. "Of course you can have our permission."

"Just promise me one thing," Cooper says. "Promise me that you'll never hurt my daughter."

"Absolutely not, sir," I tell him. "I would never dream of it. I love her so much, and I want to spend the rest of our lives together. When I picture my future, I can't picture it any way except for with her by my side."

Audrey smiles sweetly. "I'm so glad that she has found you, Patrick. She was quite a lonely child. Sure, she had friends, but not a lot, and she was rather shy. We worried about her sometimes, if I'm being honest, but I think that you've brought her out of her shell a little bit. She just seems so completely happy now. I'm sure that it has something to do with being in Les Mis, but I also know that it has to do with you. Every time that she calls us, she is telling us some new story about you. Patrick, she's fallen for you hard. Thank you for taking care of her for us."

I find myself blushing as Audrey tells me all of this. "Well, thank you for allowing me to do so," I tell her, with utmost sincerity. "She's an incredible girl."

"And she deserves somebody who knows that," Cooper smiles at me. "I have no doubt in my mind that she will leap at the chance to marry you. Knowing my daughter, she's going to want to run off and elope five minutes after the proposal."

I laugh. "That does sound like her."

"So when were you thinking of doing the proposal?" Audrey asks.

"I'm not quite sure yet, honestly," I reply. "I still have to go pick out the ring and everything, so not for a while still, but I figured that since I didn't know when I would see you two again, and my life is about to get insane with my job starting, it would be best to ask now."

"That's fair," Audrey replies. "Let us know when you know more details about it, though, will you?"

"I will," I assure her.

I talk to them about the proposal a little bit more, explaining how Taylor and Joe have been helping me with plans and such, before we realize that Harper is going to be home very soon.

We change the subject in the nick of time, becuase just a minute later, Harper bursts through the door to the flat.

"Harper, love!" Audrey exclaims, jumping up to smother her daughter in a hug, with Cooper following closely behind.

"Mum! Dad!" she exclaims, returning the hugs that they give her.

"How was the show?" Cooper asks.

"It was good. I can't believe that there's only two left."

"You had an amazing run, sweetie," Cooper tells his daughter.

The three of them chat for only a few more moments before Audrey announces that she's going to call an Uber so that they can get back to the hotel. "You two have a nice night, alright? We will see you tomorrow."

"Bye," Harper says. "Goodnight!"

Her parents leave just a moment later, leaving Harper and I alone.

"Was it good?" I ask her. "Seriously?"

"It was fine," she shrugs. "My performance was no better than usual, but everything offstage was super emotional. Especially Megan and I in the dressing room."

"That's natural."

"I'm going to cry so much tomorrow night."

"As you should," I tell her. "This role has been your life for over a year now. Letting go of it is going to be hard, but it is also going to open the door for amazing things coming your way."

She smiles and thanks me.

"Now, we need to have you all rested up for your big day tomorrow. Let's get to bed."

"Let's do that," she replies. We walk into our room, change into pyjamas, and climb underneath the duvet.

"It's the last night that I'm going to be cuddling with Cosette. From tomorrow night on, I'm going to get Harper," I tease her.

"And you'll get me at a much more reasonable hour of the night," she giggles. "Goodnight Patrick."

"Goodnight."