BLUE SKIES • RICHARD MADDEN

real life

Eleanor, Richard and Taron all sat at the dining table sipping away at their alcoholic beverages. The three decided to spend the night together in hopes get their minds off the fake messages from the media.

Eleanor and Richard sat next to each other while Taron was across from Eleanor. "How are things going?" Taron asked the two.

"If you are intending towards the media, we're okay. I've managed to get over it. Richard's really taken my mind off it all," Eleanor replied.

"It's weird that the media have to take things so far. Eleanor and I are both pretty hurt by the situation, as you've seen, but we haven't allowed it to ruin who we are," Richard added on.

Taron nodded at the two and took another sip of his drink. He could sense a bit of uneasiness in the room and quickly changed the subject.

"So, Eleanor, you have a few more days in London; What do you plan on doing?"

Eleanor had been enjoying herself too much to realise how fast time had gone. Taron's reminder stunned her.

Did I really have a few days left?

She didn't want her time with Richard to end. He had been so kind and generous with her the past week that she didn't want to say goodbye.

"Well, firstly, I don't want to leave. I've had so much fun with you guys. London is already growing on me."

Taron studied her facial expression as she spoke. He knew she was mostly referring to Richard as he saw the light come to her eyes when she looked at him. He knew their feelings towards each other was more than 'friends' but neither could admit it.

"I hope that with the time I have left in London that I can continue to spend time with you two. When I go back, I won't be able to see you two for months and it really saddens me. I mean, Taron, I've known you for so long but honestly not seeing your face for that amount of time is really upsetting."

"You know I will keep in contact with you. I won't allow you to not see my face for months. That's torture for the both of us!"

Eleanor let out a small laugh at Taron's remark. She then turned to Richard who sent her a bright smile.

"We met a week ago and as cliché as it sounds, it feels like I've known you for longer than that. You've given me so much joy and happiness that I didn't realise I needed. I thank you for everything you've done so far."

"No need to thank me, Eleanor. You deserve it."

Both shared a smile that expressed happiness. Eleanor couldn't describe how thankful she was for Taron and Richard. The two were people she didn't want to let go in her life. The three continued to chatter and sip at their drinks.

Taron took a glance at his watch and his eyes slightly widened.

"I am very sorry to cut this night short but I have to get going. I have an interview in the morning."

"That's all good, mate. Have a safe drive home," Richard states as he stands and gives Taron a hug. Eleanor also stands and hugs Taron, bidding him a goodbye.

Once Taron left, Richard and Eleanor stood next to each other not saying a word. The silence between them was thick, however, both didn't understand why they haven't spoken. Eleanor looked at the clock situated next to the front door and saw how late it was.

"I'm going to head to bed."

Richard nodded and they shared a quick hug then went to their bedrooms.

~

Like last week, Eleanor lay awake in her bed. Although this time, she wasn't hurt , she was confused. A certain Scottish man clouded her mind and the fact that he was in the room next door made her heart beat faster.

Richard was in the same situation. His eyes were focused on the ceiling but his mind wandered to Eleanor. After their many adventures together, his attraction towards her grew stronger. He couldn't deny that he was tempted to kiss her on many occasions. He knew that he couldn't bring up his feelings, his gut telling him that Eleanor did not feel the same.

Eleanor grew tired of her mind and decided to go to him. She opened up her door and walked next door to Richard's. As soon as she was about to knock, his door opened. They were both shocked to see each other, none of them expecting this. Eleanor was first to speak.

"What I said at dinner was only a small part of what I feel towards you. Yes, you have made me a happier person and I cannot thank you enough for that. The past week has made me realise that what I feel for you is more than friends. You make me feel so special and loved. I can't deny it anymore but I like you, Richard. I really like you."

Richard was stunned. There was no way he was expecting her to feel the exact same.

"I can't deny it either, Eleanor. I really like you too. I'll admit I find you extremely attractive however, that's not the only reason. You bring so much life and positivity and spread it to everyone around you. You are gentle but strong. You are confident and loyal. No one can change who you are and that's the girl I've come to feel this way towards. It's you, Eleanor. It's you."

It was Eleanor's turn to feel shocked. Her and Richard were fixated on each other's eyes but their eyes quickly adverted to their lips, then back to their eyes. Eleanor stepped closer to Richard, who snaked his arms around her waist. His head leaned closer to hers. She closed her eyes and placed her arms around Richard's neck.

Their lips were only centimetres apart. Both were nervous but longed for the feeling. Richard moved closer and lightly placed his lips on hers. They were still for a moment, taking in the feeling of their lips against each other's. Eleanor leaned closer, deepening the kiss. Richard quickly responded and moves his lips with hers in perfect sync.

To them, the kiss felt right and they didn't realise how much they wanted it, until now.

They soon broke for air, their eyes still closed. Eleanor opened her eyes and smiled.

"Wow."

"Definitely."

Silence then fell between them. Eleanor couldn't say a word, she was speechless.

"Stay with me tonight?" Richard asked her. He didn't want her to leave his side. Eleanor nodded and followed Richard to his bed. They both climbed in and instantly wrapped their arms around each other.

"Goodnight, beautiful."

"Goodnight, prince charming."

They both smiled and shared one final kiss before drifting off to sleep.