sloane's study abroad mix

crush // owen denvir

Since Natalia and Colm had an early morning ahead of them, the couple went to sleep after the group helped Tom's intoxicated self to his bed. Since Tom drank most of their beer at the pub, Sloane poured herself a glass of wine and offered Tom one as well. He obliged and the two made their way to the couch.

Sipping their wine, they talked about music and brought up the singer at the bar.

"I couldn't remember his name! But I remember him saying he was a Bon Iver meets Bach and I dig that. I love indie music like his. It was the perfect first artist to see in the local scene in Belfast", Sloane remarked.

Oliver walked over to the coffee stand with the record player and Bluetooth speaker. He connected his phone to the bluetooth and replied, "Oh, Owen Denvir. I've heard him play a few times when I've hung out in Belfast whilst visiting Colm. We went to an EP release of his at the Sunflower Bar actually the last time I was here."

Oliver started to play a song that sounded similar to Owen's voice.

"That's rad! Wait, is this him?"

"Yeah. This is one of my favorite songs by him. I was thinking since we didn't get to finish our dance at the bar, we could do so right now."

Sloane put her wine glass down and made her way to where Oliver was standing. She reached for his hands and intertwined their fingers together.

"I'd like that."

As they danced, Sloane asked, "What's this song called?"

"Crush."

She smiled, leaning into his chest even more. She couldn't believe what was happening.

I know we met tonight, but I think you 'otta know / If you'd ask, then I'd say / You're still my crush / And I'd be lying through my teeth cause you mean much more

Oliver felt like this was the perfect song to play in this moment because although he was crushing on her, he related to the lyrics. He knew she already meant much more to him than just a crush.
---

"I think the time change has got me messed up. I'm wide awake", Sloane noted.

"Do you wanna watch a movie?", Oliver suggested.

"Yeah, I'm down."

Oliver set up the projector and opened up Netflix. He went to his list.

The first film that Sloane saw on his list was  Begin Again.

"Oh, I love Begin Again! Have you watched it yet?"

"Not yet! I haven't used my Netflix in months and just added it when it started streaming again on here. Let's watch it."

As Oliver sits backs on the couch, he puts his arm around Sloane. She moves closer to him, their bodies now right beside each other.

---

The two continue to react to the film. As Oliver is talking, Sloane can't help but think about what is going on between the two of them. Is he just doing this to play me? Or just hook up? Or is he just really affectionate as a person? Is this how British people are? She needed to clear the air before she started misinterpreting things or got her hopes up.

"Hey Oli?"

"Yes?"

"What's this? Like uhm... Are you into me or is this just like a hook up or? Because I don't wanna jeopardize our living situation if we're not honest with each other."

"I agree. I just want to say that I think you're amazing. I love the way you carry yourself and your mind. Might I add, you're also really beautiful."

"Wow, uh thank you. I think you're amazing too and I want to get to know you but if you see this as more than friends or like a hook up, I want to see where this goes."

"I do too. I like you, Sloane. I want to see where this goes too", Oliver said as he held her hand with his other arm still wrapped around her.

"Cool."

"Cool."

---

"I love this little montage and set of scenes! Mark Ruffalo and Keira Knightley's characters listening to the same music with two pairs of headphones plugged into one audio jack converter on a phone is so cool and cute at the same time! My brother and I have both talked about how we would want to do that on a date."

"On a date with each other?!", Oliver said jokingly.

"Shut up! Hell no! You know what I mean. We've both had that idea for a date. He even bought the audio jack before airpods were invented but now I guess you can just each listen to an airpod each. And he even told me when I'd go on that date, he'd let me use it."

Oliver laughed, "Oh, so how was that date? Did you ever use it?"

Sloane's smile went away. She wasn't sad. More like she felt nervous and awkward for what she was about to say.

"Uhm, I've never been on a date."

"Really?", Oliver said stunned more than anything. He couldn't believe that someone as incredible as her had never been on a date. It was baffling to him.

He continued, "Well then, do you wanna go on a date with me on Saturday? You can rest tomorrow and since we have orientation on Friday and will probably be burnt out by that."

This was so exciting for Sloane. She had really gone all of these years never dating yet her first night in Belfast, this happens. She couldn't wait.

"Of course."

Their eyes shifted away from each other to continue to watch the film until Sloane fell asleep with her head on Oliver's shoulder. He laid her down onto the couch and went to his room to look for a blanket she may have packed for her bed. He couldn't find it, as it seemed that she may have not brought one. He went back to the living room to carry her to his bed and put his comforter over her. As he took off his beret, he looked at the side table that newly comprised of their joint hat collection and smiled. He topped it off by placing his beret on top of the rest of hers. He turned off the lights and made his way to the couch to go to sleep.