BLUE SKIES • RICHARD MADDEN

real life

Eleanor and Richard were backstage at Ellen. Richard was due to walk on stage and Eleanor was invited to watch from the green room.

"You nervous?" Eleanor asked.

"Of course. This is my first time on Ellen."

Eleanor wrapped her arms around Richard's neck in which he wrapped his around her waist.

"You'll be fine, baby, I promise you."

"I love you."

"I love you too."

A backstage crew member approached the two.

"Richard Madden, you're on in two. Miss Mitchell, if you could follow me, please."

Eleanor gave Richard a quick kiss and followed the crew member to the green room. The crew member opened the door and Eleanor walked in.

"There's food and refreshments for you and of course, the tv to watch the interview. Once Richard is finished, I will bring him here."

"Thank you."

Eleanor made herself comfortable on the white couch and looked at the screen as Ellen's face appeared.

"Our next guest today is the star in the new Netflix series Bodyguard. I'm sure you've all heard of the series. I, of course, love the show. It's up for two Golden Globe nominations. Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome, Richard Madden."

The audience cheered and Eleanor smiled. Richard emerged from backstage and walked over to Ellen, giving her a hug. They both sat in their chairs and the audience cheers died down.

"Hi," Ellen greeted.

"Hi!" Richard replied, nerves evident, however, did his best to hide it with a smile.

"Nice to meet you."

"Nice to meet you!"

"Congratulations on the show, on the nominations. Where were you when you got the news that you were nominated?"

"Eh, I was in the studio do a voice recording a voiceover for a World War II drama which is very serious. Yeah, it caught me by surprise and I kind of tried to bring myself down."

"Yeah, I bet. First of all, the show is amazing."

"Thank you very much."

"You deserve it and if you haven't seen Bodyguard, it's incredible!" Ellen directed at the audience.

Eleanor couldn't keep her eyes off Richard. She saw how nervous he was but he knew how to compose himself.

"Where are you from?" Ellen asked.

"I'm from Scotland, a little village called Elderslie."

"So you're family's still over there?"

"My family are still there, yeah."

"They must be so excited."

"Yeah, they're pretty excited."

"Someone else who must be very excited is Eleanor Mitchell, your girlfriend."

Eleanor was shocked.

Ellen mentioned me?

It was dream of Eleanor's to hear Ellen say her name.

"Aye. As soon as I found out, I immediately messaged her. I sent her the pictures of the nominations. I was ready for a reply from her but in return, her sister, Kylie, messaged me through Eleanor's phone. She told me that Eleanor was on the floor screaming and crying. She was screaming 'He has done it. He is amazing.' Eleanor then retuned a message all in capitals saying how proud she was."

The audience awed and laughed at his story. Eleanor's face fell into a deep blush at the memory.

"She must be very special to you."

"Of course. I love her. I don't where I'd be without her."

His comment earned many screams and awe's from the audience. Richard couldn't help but let out a laugh.

"I hope for the best with you two. You have captured many hearts around the world."

"Thank you very much."

Eleanor wished she could go out there and hug Ellen, thanking her for the kind words.

~

Richard and Eleanor entered Eleanor's hotel room. Ethan rose from the sofa and greeted them.

"How did the interview go?"

"Oh really great. Ellen is so lovely."

"Richard did really good. I'm so proud of him."

Eleanor gave Richard a side hug and smiled at him.

"Man, I wish I could meet Ellen. I think it's everyone's dream to be on Ellen."

Eleanor nodded in agreement.

"What did you do today?" She asked Ethan.

"Met up with Jeremy and we hung out."

Eleanor let out a joking gasp.

"Without me? How dare you not invite me!"

Ethan laughed at her.

"Don't worry, Jeremy said he wanted to meet up with you soon."

"And that can be arranged! Do you guys want a drink?"

"I'm okay," Ethan responded.

"Beer for me please," Richard told her, followed by a kiss of her temple.

Eleanor grabbed two beers and joined the boys on the sofa. The three sat in comfortable silence, enjoying the sound of the wind outside and the cool breeze that followed through the back door, tickling their skin.

Eleanor shivered slightly at the sudden coolness on her skin. Richard noticed her shiver and instantly wrapped his arms around her body, pulling her into his chest so she could warm up. Eleanor nuzzled her head into his chest and shut her eyes. Richard planted a light kiss on her forehead and wrapped his arms tighter around her.

"I love you."

"I love you too."