The Prince's Pursuit (David Walliams)

Chapter Two

"That was uncalled for, David. For goodness's sake, she just got back and you're already acting like a dick."

He didn't deny it. "I know, I just...sort of freaked out."

Simon snapped his head towards his friend and rolled his eyes in exasperation. "I've known you for seven years, Dave. Storming off like that isn't called 'freaking out'."

It was Sunday and David opted for a peaceful morning in his house, maybe write something to get his mind off of things but was disturbed by Simon, who came barging in earlier and had bombarded him with his stupid stunt he pulled two nights ago.

David rubbed his aching temples and sat down on the sofa, still garbed in his robe, a freshly-brewed coffee in hand.

Simon clicked his tongue, staring at David's left wrist where a familiar bracelet dangled. He felt the corners of his lips lift and crossed his arms. Catching Simon's stare, he felt heat racing to his pale cheeks before clearing his throat and setting the cup down on the glass table.

"Simon." He warned dangerously, eyes squinted.

Simon chuckled. "Not doing anything, Walliams."

"But it's pretty clear that you're still in that web you put yourself through." He added.

David groaned. "Obvious?"

His friend bobbed his head. "Terribly."

"What am I supposed to do? I messed it up, again! That was a good first impression."

"First in a long time." Simon corrected.

"You're not helping, Si."

Simon frowned and sat down next to him, nudging him playfully. "Listen, what made you fall for her in the first place?"

"I don't think—"

"Just answer the damn question."

David's eyes grew but wondered about it. What did Callie do to make him fall in love with her?

Simple.

She was very adamant to get what she wants. She would do almost everything when she puts her heart into it. She's absolutely funny and David would find himself laughing at her jokes, even if they're all a poor attempt. She would make anyone laugh.

"She's weird." He sums up, rubbing his hand on his stubble and chuckling when he reminisced how Callie would claim to pepper it with kisses three years ago, and David would scrunched his nose in disapproval and feign gag noises.

"Absolutely hyperactive, quirky, mad, and has a very bad dancing skill." He smiles fondly, twirling the bracelet between his fingers. "She's considerate, fucking selfless, her cooking skills are also terrible."

Simon smirked, letting his friend do all the talk because as oblivious as David was, he was madly in love with her.

"So, you're basically saying you love her."

David nodded without a second thought. "Callista. Yes."

There was sudden pause that hovered like a hornet in the air. If it wasn't for Simon's smug expression, David would truly miss his point.

"I'm in love with her?" He asks, mouth agape.

Simon laughed, patting David on the back.

"And it took you, what, three years to figure that out? David, you hold on that bracelet wherever you go and whenever we bring Callie up, your whole face would brighten like the fourth of July."