Shadow-Dancer: We're Not So Different [ALTERNATE UNIVERSE VERSION]

Chapter 3: Welcome to Ireland

*September 22, 2016*

Becca's POV

(I won't bore you with the details of the plane ride to Ireland. I literally just read Miss Peregrine's Home For Peculiar Children [it was in my backpack] and listened to music.)

When we landed in the airport in Dublin, there was a car waiting for us. Mr. Stoe had gotten a rental. I listened to Hamilton all the way to Jack's apartment. I started wondering what it was going to be like living with him. I felt like I already knew him from his videos, but actually living with him? It would obviously be different. I should probably keep my music down while he's recording.

"We're here," Mr. Stoe said, "Are you ready?"

"I think so." I took my earbuds out my ears and got my backpack out the trunk. Everything I had (except for Luna, who was in my arm) was now in there. We walked up to the apartment. Mr. Stoe took out a piece of paper that must have had the floor and door number on it. We went up to the fourth, and stop at the first door on the left. Mr. Stoe knocked on the door. It opened.. There he was, green hair and all. Jacksepticeye. I have dreamed of meeting him for 3 years. Now he was right there in front of me. If only it wasn't because of... that.

"Good afternoon, Mr. McLoughlin. I'm Mr. Stoe. We talked on the phone. This is Becca." Mr. Stoe motioned for me to say something.

"Hi," I said. It was all I could get out without simultaneously fangirling and bursting into tears.

"Hey," Jack replied.

There is a moment of silence between us.

"Well, this isn't awkward at all," Ob said snarkily.

"Shut up," I thought.

"Well, I hate to just drop you off and run, but I have to catch my plane back to America," Mr. Stoe said. He handed me a card with a phone number on it. "If something comes up, let me know." He walked away.

"Mr. Stoe," I called out, "Thank you. For everything."

"You're very welcome," he said with a sad smile on his face. That was the last I ever saw of him.

"So... care ta come in," Jack said, trying to lighten the mood. I walked through the door.
"I'm uh... uh... I'm sorry about..." Jack started.

"Stop," Ob interrupted, taking control. "I don't get why people apologize when someone dies. If you didn't start the fire that killed my parents, you have nothing to be sorry for. Other than that, I do appreciate your concern." I was so tired from the ride here and everything had been going on, that Ob had come out. Not that I didn't agree with her. I took a second to regain control.

Becca: Great way to express yourself, Ob. 😂

Ob: Oh hush, you. ☺️

Becca: Anyway, let's get back to the story.

Ob: Yes, let's do that.

"Sorry," I said. "It's been a long day."

"I get it," Jack said. "I'll show ya ta yer room."

We walked down a short hallway, "my room" at the end of it. The walls were painted blue, the same color on the bed. A black desk was in the corner.

"If ya need anythin', let me know," that was the third time someone had said that to me in 24 hours. "An' please call me Seán. Ya don't hafta be formal with me."

"Would... would you mind if I called you Jack instead?" I knew that as soon as I said that, he would know I watch his channel. I didn't know how he would react, but he just smiled.

"O' course. I'll letcha get comfortable."

When Jack closed the door, everything started crashing down on me. I suppose that a part of me thought that this could just be a nightmare. Standing in a different bedroom, in a different country, something clicked that this real. I dropped down to my knees and cried right there on the floor. It was the first time I had properly cried since I heard about the fire.

Author: Yet another chapter complete!

Becca: And don't forget to absolutely mash that star!

Ob: And while you're at it, recommend this story to as many of your friends as you can.

Author: The song up top is "Earth" by K-391 feat. Gjermund Olstad.

Lyrics:

When you want to get off the darkest ground
But gravity pulls you straight down
Earth from a bird's-eye view
You should grow feathers, and see this too

When you want to get off the darkest ground
But gravity pulls you straight down
When you want to get off the darkest ground
But gravity pulls you straight down

Clear skies
Over the earth
Where am I?
I'm right here

When you want to get off the darkest ground
But gravity pulls you straight down
Earth from a bird's-eye view
You should grow feathers, and see this too

When you want to get off the darkest ground
But gravity pulls you straight down
When you want to get off the darkest ground
But gravity pulls you straight down

Clear skies
Over the earth
Where am I?
I'm right here