FIC Marry Me
6/3/10 22:45![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
shanachie_quillTitle: Marry Me
Characters: Chris Kane/Royal Douglas OFC
Fandom: RPF AU
Summary: Chris wants to keep Royal but keeps fucking up the process.
Rating: R
Warnings: Swearing, Real People involved
Disclaimer: I don't know any of the people involved; no offense is meant by using them in this story. This is purely for entertainment purposes.
Author's Note: This was supposed to be a Christmas or a birthday or a something present for![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
ctrokj , but since both of those are in December...obviously I majorly fail. Thankfully she's a semi-forgiving person and likes the end result...at least I think she does. Thanks to both her and serenelystrange for help with finishing this up. Also starhawk_writes for help in all the different ways Chris messes up.
“I hate this shit,” Chris said as he dropped his tray onto the table across from Royal. He pointed at the objects in front of him. “That is not food.”
“Just eat it, Chris,” Royal responded without looking up from her laptop. “There aren’t many choices around here and it’s not like you can cook while we’re on the road.”
He snagged a fry from her bag, looking at her in confusion. “I don’t get why you buy a salad and fries. I mean is there a point to that?”
“I happen to like McDonald’s French fries,” she answered. “But not much else here so hence the salad. And go get your own if you want them, stop stealing mine.”
“Just wanted one or two.” Chris leaned over and stole a kiss from Royal. “Mmm tastes better that way.”
Royal grinned, ducking her head a little as she blushed. “Anyway…” she started, then smacked his hand as he reached for her fries again. “Stop it.” Sighing she dumped them out and divided them in half, handing part to Chris. “I started to say…I’m almost done with the stuff for work and once I send it, I’ll be good for another couple of weeks.”
Chris nodded. “I didn’t realize you’d gotten that much done.” Picking at his food, he continued, “Although I’m glad you’ve been able to get things accomplished.”
“I have some stuff that needs to be okayed before I can go any farther, but I’ve sent it so it’ll be a few days before I get a response.” She turned her attention back to her laptop as she went back to eating.
Chris nodded as they both continued eating. Neither of them felt significantly motivated to try to keep up a conversation although it was the first time they had spent more than a few moments alone for weeks. The long days on the road had worn them both out and although Chris appreciated Royal being with him, he knew it was a lot of sitting around and doing nothing for her. Not to mention finding places that she could actually sit down and work. It had made him think and made him appreciate her more. And lately the idea that he might want to spend the rest of his life with her had been on his mind. With that thought, his brain disengaged and he blurted out, “Marry me.”
Royal looked up from her computer. “What? Seriously you did not just say that to me. I mean do you really consider that a proposal?”
“What? I mean…I was just…No, Royal, I was just saying…we’ve been together for a while and I more meant let’s get married sometime soon.”
Royal slapped her laptop shut and glared at him. “Consider a real proposal, Christian.” Gathering up her things, she stormed out of the restaurant.
“Fuck,” he groaned.
Steve looked up as Royal blew into the tour bus and glared around. “Where’s Chris?” he asked.
“Probably still back at McDonald’s,” she snapped and stormed into the back of the bus.
“Oookay,” Steve replied as the door bounced open from the force of her slam. When she slunk back out a few moments later and dropped onto the couch beside him, he quickly set his guitar aside. “What happened, angel?” he asked.
She leaned up against him. “Why did I turn you down all those years ago?”
“Um, because you had the total hots for Chris and eyes only for him? What’d he do? Cuz I’d be happy to offer to kick his ass.”
“Thanks, Steve, but I don’t think this is something you can fix. Chris was just being a guy and since he was being a guy…you’d more than likely side with him.” She heaved herself to her feet. “I’m gonna go call Sarah and bend her ear. If Chris comes back, tell him I’m not ready to talk to him yet.”
Steve leaned his head back on the couch as she disappeared into the back room again, closing the door more gently this time. “Oh, yeah, we’re all screwed now,” he muttered. When the door to the RV opened a moment later, he turned his head enough to make sure it was Chris before asking, “So do I ask what you did to Royal or do we just go get drunk?”
Chris flipped him off, even as he looked around the living room. “Where is she?”
“She doesn’t want to talk to you. What the hell did you do?” Steve sat up; running his hands through his hair and looking at his best friend, realizing the other man looked a little wild eyed.
“Where is she?” Chris ground out. “You didn’t do something to her, did you?”
“What’dya think I’m stupid, Kane?” Steve replied, keeping his voice even so he didn’t set Chris’s temper off more. He wasn’t really afraid of his friend, but he knew egging Chris on at this point wouldn’t help anyone. “She slammed in here, asked me a question, and then said she didn’t want to talk to you and she was gonna call Sarah.”
Chris dropped onto the couch opposite him and put his head on his hands. “I’m screwed.”
“What exactly did you do?”
“Sometimes my mouth talks without consulting my brain and this was just one of those times. Royal really didn’t appreciate it.” He heaved himself to his feet. “I’mma gonna see if I can repair some of the damage.” As he walked over to the door, he almost felt like he was on his way to his last meal. He didn’t think Royal would call it quits over something like this, but he wasn’t sure how badly he had screwed things up.
* * * * * * * *
After attempting to pace around the small room for a few minutes, Royal gave it up as too cramped and threw herself on the bed when she quickly ran out of space. Digging her cell out of her pocket, she thumbed it open and dialed.
“Borne,” a familiar and welcome voice answered a moment later.
“He asked me to marry him,” Royal blurted out.
“Chris?” Sarah guessed. “Chris asked you to marry him? Royal, what did you say?”
“I told him no! Or well rather I told him to propose the right way. Sarah, he just blurted it out as a demand in the middle of McDonalds! I mean…he didn’t even ask me…he just kinda…demanded.”
“Oh…ouch. I mean I don’t know what exactly you were looking for, but…”
“I don’t even know if I want to marry him,” Royal admitted.
“Wait…what?!” The sound of breaking glass came over the line. “Shit. Hang on, Al.”
“Are you okay?” Royal demanded, sitting up as she tried to figure out what had happened. “Sarah? Sarah, what happened?” she asked when she didn’t get an answer.
“Sorry, Al. I dropped a glass. I’m fine. No blood.” Sarah sounded a little harried, but otherwise unharmed when she came back on the line. “What do you mean you’re not sure you want to marry Chris?”
“I don’t know. I mean…what if he decides in a couple of years that I’m not what he wants? I’m the first long term relationship he’s had or well the first one he’s been serious about. I know he’s dated other girls long term, but he hasn’t re-arranged his entire life for them. He hasn’t taken them on tour with them, hasn’t made a point of making it clear he’s taken to the fans, hasn’t lived with them. Sarah, he’s already broken so many of his rules…what if he decides in a couple of years or even months that he’s made a mistake?”
Sarah was quiet for a few minutes. “I think if he was going to decide he was making a mistake, he would have decided that before now. He’s kinda crazy in love with you, Royal.”
Royal smiled happily. “Yeah, he is, isn’t he?” She sighed after a moment. “He’s also kinda an idiot too.”
“Well, yeah…male,” Sarah pointed out.
Royal lay back on the bed, considering her man. “Sarah, what am I gonna do with him?”
“You could always fuck his brains out,” Sarah suggested.
“Sar-rah!” Royal yelped as someone knocked tentatively on the door. “I gotta go. Either Chris is braving my wrath or someone else is at the door.”
“All right. Call me if you need me.”
“I will, Sarah, thanks.” Royal slid her phone closed, then stared at it for a few moments, before calling out, “Come in.”
Chris poked his head into the room. “Is it safe?”
“I’m not gonna yell at you if that’s what you’re worried about. I’ve calmed down, Chris.”
He edged into the room and closed the door behind him, deciding it would be better not to smile at her. He knew he’d get her to agree with him if he smiled or charmed her or called her ‘darlin’’. He’d learned over the years what things made her weaken to him, just like she knew what made him weaken; although he had to admit everything about her made him bow to her wishes. “Royal, I…” he started.
“Don’t, Chris. You’re just gonna manage to screw it up again. Do me a favor?” When he nodded, she continued, “Just agree with whatever I say…”
He raised his eyebrows, but didn’t say anything, waiting for her to start. He trusted her enough to know that she was probably not going to say anything he didn’t agree with anyway.
"I love you," she told him softly.
He smiled, he certainly agreed with that. His love was not in question. "Yes, Royal."
"I didn't mean to upset you."
Kneeling on the bed, he looked down at her, not daring to reach for her yet. "Yes, Royal."
"I'll do better next time," she finished.
"Yes, Royal," he admitted. He would do better because the girl lying on the bed in front of him meant the whole world to him.
"Now come cuddle me," she ordered, opening her arms.
His grin widened. "Yes, Royal." He crawled up the bed to her, snuggling down so his head was resting on her breasts and throwing an arm over her stomach. “I do love you, you know.”
“I know…but you’re kinda a screw up at times, too.”
He kissed the skin that was revealed by her shirt, licking gently at the valley between her breasts and grinning as she squirmed. “Well, yeah…male.”
“You know Sarah said the exact same thing.”
“Oh, ew that just killed my mood,” Chris said and they both laughed as he rolled their bodies over, pulling her so she lay on top of him.
* * * * * * * *
For the next four weeks, Royal felt like she was living in a remake of candid camera. Chris had obviously taken to heart her instructions to propose the right way, but was also having difficulties actually doing it.
The first time, he had just pulled her into his lap after a show. As she snuggled against him, his face turned decidedly green. He shoved her forward and she hit the floor, just before he vomited all over the place. Since half the band got sick soon after, they decided it was a stomach bug and not too much alcohol. Royal had to admit she had more sympathy for him after learning that.
A few days later, Chris told her that he had something for her. Royal walked in to find him ripping the RV apart and cussing up a storm. When she finally got him calmed down, he explained that he had lost her gift. Royal had smiled and helped him put the place to rights again, pointing out to him that she didn’t need an expensive gift to know he loved her. He’d sighed, opening and closing his mouth a few times, obviously at a lost for how to explain things to her. In the end, he’d gathered her into his arms, kissed her tenderly and started to lead her into the back. A glance at the clock had started a new round of cursing as they both realized he was late for the sound check.
A few days later, Royal looked up as Chris came into the RV and dropped onto the couch next to her. He snuggled up next to her, slinging his arm around her waist, and mumbling into her side. She looked down at him, wanting to ask what he had said, but he had already fallen asleep.
When they finally got a break in the schedule and were going to be in the same place for a few days, they stayed in a hotel like usual. This time though he and Royal had a suite with a small kitchenette. So she wasn’t really surprised one day to return from running errands (and now she understood why Steve kept finding ‘just one more thing, Roy’ that needed to be done) to find Chris fussing over the small stove, but she was a little confused why there was a bottle of wine breathing on the counter. He’d slipped an arm around her easily enough when she’d stopped by him, but then shooed her away to sit at the table. A few minutes later, he was dishing something out and insisting she take the first bite.
It was as they were relaxing and she was picking through the last few bites that she realized his mistake. She’d never thought to tell him she was allergic to peppers, had always just avoided them if he cooked with them because they were just apt to make her sick not actually cause anaphylactic shock, but with as many as she’d probably just eaten…she was going to be sick for quite a while. As he looked at her in horror at her confession, they both agreed it was something that they were never going to mention again.
During a sound check the next week, Chris called her up onto stage. Pulling her against his body, he’d kissed her tenderly before saying, “I’ve gotten used to you being around.” As she pulled away, he stammered something out, but she was already shoving past Jason and Will, refusing to listen to him.
Steve clapped his hand on Chris’s shoulder as the other man bowed his head and then smacked himself in the forehead. “You, my friend, have truly screwed it this time.”
“Fuck off, Carlson,” Chris replied. He shrugged off the hand and stepped away.
“Chris…think about Royal…what does she mean to you?” Steve asked as his friend started to walk away.
Chris’s step stuttered, but he continued walking, and the band exchanged looks. It was going to a long few days.
* * * * * * * *
Royal dropped onto the bench that lined the wall of the bar the band was playing in that evening, waving off the attentions of the waitress that was hovering. She was beginning to regret joining the band on this tour since it hadn’t been one of the most fun. All of the boys had been sick at one time or another and Chris had managed to piss her off more than once. Although she had to admit, she was pretty sure they were becoming amused at his attempts to propose to her.
Leaning back against the wall, she closed her eyes, letting the familiar sounds of set up wash over her. Even though this wasn’t their home bar, the sounds and smells were close enough that for a moment she could pretend.
She must have dozed off because the next thing she was aware of was the discordant sound of three different guitars trying to pick a song. She cracked her eyes open, trying to decide if it was worth yelling at them to make a decision, but realized that Steve wasn’t even on stage yet. Chris, Will, and Jason each had a guitar and were messing around. After a moment, she decided she was glad Ryan hadn’t joined in. A few more cords though and she’d had enough. “Hey!” she yelled. “Could we pick a single song?! Please?”
Chris grinned down at her. “Sorry, darlin’. Have you heard from Steve yet?”
“Their plane landed and he’s met the girls. They’re on their way back.” She frowned. “I still don’t understand why both of them are coming.”
Chris shrugged. “I just thought you might want company for the next couple of days other than us guys.” Turning to Will and Jason, he said something in a low voice before setting his guitar down and hopping off the stage. Crossing over to Royal, he dropped down on the bench beside her and slung his arm across the back. She glared at him for a moment before snuggling against him. “I know it’s been a rough few weeks,” he started, “and I know I’ve screwed up a little.” He winced at the look she gave him. “Okay a lot,” he corrected. “So I thought having Sarah and Claire here might make you feel better.” He kissed the side of her head. “I’m sorry, darlin’. I’m not sure what to do to make it up to you, but…I am going to try.”
Royal laced her fingers through his hand and pulled him closer towards her. “I know. Just stop trying so hard.”
“I just want it to be perfect for you, babe,” he admitted softly.
“It doesn’t have to be perfect, Chris. It just has to be right. For both of us.”
He kissed the side of her head and started to speak, but was interrupted as the door to the bar was thrown open and the girls spilled in, followed by Steve. The two girls made a beeline for Royal, edging Chris out of the way and sitting down next to her. Sarah waved the two guys off. “You two have a show to set up for,” she pointed out. “We’ll keep Royal company.”
Chris started to protest, but Steve grabbed him and dragged him towards the stage, reminding him that they were being paid to play and needed to get ready.
As soon as they were out of earshot, Sarah turned her attention to her best friend. “Well?” she demanded.
“A well is deep and you get water from it,” Royal answered seriously.
Sarah glared at her friend, then grabbed her left hand. “Okay, he didn’t ask you yet. Or he didn’t ask you the right way yet.” She leaned back against the wall. “What are we gonna do with that boy of yours?”
Royal looked towards the stage where the guys were finishing the last minute set up for the show. “I don’t know…but I don’t want to get rid of him.” She grinned at Sarah. “I’ve almost got him trained right.” The two friends leaned their heads together, giggling softly as Claire looked at them in confusion.
* * * * * * * * * *
Chris grinned as they finished up the song, tossing his hair back from his face. “Having a good night, y’all?” he asked as the band moved around behind him, setting up for the next song. “We’re gonna do something a little different right now.” He glanced over his shoulder, nodding at Steve who had picked up an acoustic guitar and was checking to be sure it was in tune. “Those of you who’ve been around for a while have seen my girl, Royal.” He grinned as Sarah led her onto stage, trailed by Claire who was carrying a stool. “Hey, babe,” he greeted her as the girls set the stool up and helped Royal sit on it. He leaned over and kissed her gently. “So I’ve been trying to do something for the last few weeks,” he explained, “and probably the entire band and half the tour can tell you I’ve been fucking it up royally,” he smiled ruefully at the laugh that got, “pun not intended. A few years ago, I sang a song for Royal to tell her what she meant to me. That time, she was in the audience and no one but she and I knew it was to her. This time, I want her on stage with me while I sing it and maybe…”
“Are you intending to talk us all to death tonight?” Steve broke in. When Chris looked over his shoulder at him, the other man continued, “Come on, man.” Sarah nudged Claire, motioning for the other girl to follow her off-stage and the two girls edged around and towards the edge of the stage. As they passed the guitarist, he snagged Claire’s belt loops and pulled her towards him, kissing her deeply before releasing her to follow Sarah off the stage. “You ready to sing now?” Steve asked when he turned back to the other couple.
Chris blinked and opened his mouth to say something, but Royal tapped him lightly on the back of the head, glaring at him when he turned to look at her. “Behave,” she mouthed at him.
Cowered by her directions, Chris nodded at Steve who picked the opening cords to the song. Taking Royal’s hand in his, he kissed her lightly on the knuckles, before singing,
“Mhmmm, Yeah
Livin' with me, it ain't easy
But I do it every day
Sometimes even now
I wanna run away
But there you are
You're tryin' to please me
Yeah you stand your ground
It's more than I deserve
I've taken more than I've been given
I've taken for granted this life I'm livin'
I don't know why heaven above
Blessed me with your sweet love
Though I never tell you what you're worth
It's more than I deserve
It's just your style to wear a smile
Oh baby you wear it well
If I had my way, I'd dress you in nothin' else
So come on here and lay down, a little while
'Cause you right now
You're more than I deserve
As he finished the song, Chris eased himself down on one knee, looking up at Royal. “I know I’ve kinda fucked up the last few weeks,” he admitted. “And I think part of the reason is that sometimes you make me really nervous. I don’t deserve you, but I do love, I think I always have, even before I met you. Now will you make me the happiest man in this room, forgive me my stupidity, and be my wife?”
Royal stared down at him. “This is what you’ve been trying to do?”
He nodded, looking up at her. “I love ya, darlin’. I’m sorry I screwed up so badly.”
Royal slipped off the stool, wrapping her arms around his neck as he got to his feet. “You didn’t screw up,” she whispered. “I love you. And yes. Of course yes.”
Chris fumbled the ring out of his pocket, almost dropping it in his eagerness to get it on her finger, then slipped it into place, and kissed her. Both of them had almost forgotten the audience who broke out into loud cheers as the ruby caught the lights. Royal tucked her face into his shoulder as their friends congratulated them. Chris tucked her against him, knowing she wasn’t as comfortable with being the center of attention and looked at Steve. “Now will you fucking stop calling her angel?!”
Characters: Chris Kane/Royal Douglas OFC
Fandom: RPF AU
Summary: Chris wants to keep Royal but keeps fucking up the process.
Rating: R
Warnings: Swearing, Real People involved
Disclaimer: I don't know any of the people involved; no offense is meant by using them in this story. This is purely for entertainment purposes.
Author's Note: This was supposed to be a Christmas or a birthday or a something present for
ctrokj , but since both of those are in December...obviously I majorly fail. Thankfully she's a semi-forgiving person and likes the end result...at least I think she does. Thanks to both her and serenelystrange for help with finishing this up. Also starhawk_writes for help in all the different ways Chris messes up.“I hate this shit,” Chris said as he dropped his tray onto the table across from Royal. He pointed at the objects in front of him. “That is not food.”
“Just eat it, Chris,” Royal responded without looking up from her laptop. “There aren’t many choices around here and it’s not like you can cook while we’re on the road.”
He snagged a fry from her bag, looking at her in confusion. “I don’t get why you buy a salad and fries. I mean is there a point to that?”
“I happen to like McDonald’s French fries,” she answered. “But not much else here so hence the salad. And go get your own if you want them, stop stealing mine.”
“Just wanted one or two.” Chris leaned over and stole a kiss from Royal. “Mmm tastes better that way.”
Royal grinned, ducking her head a little as she blushed. “Anyway…” she started, then smacked his hand as he reached for her fries again. “Stop it.” Sighing she dumped them out and divided them in half, handing part to Chris. “I started to say…I’m almost done with the stuff for work and once I send it, I’ll be good for another couple of weeks.”
Chris nodded. “I didn’t realize you’d gotten that much done.” Picking at his food, he continued, “Although I’m glad you’ve been able to get things accomplished.”
“I have some stuff that needs to be okayed before I can go any farther, but I’ve sent it so it’ll be a few days before I get a response.” She turned her attention back to her laptop as she went back to eating.
Chris nodded as they both continued eating. Neither of them felt significantly motivated to try to keep up a conversation although it was the first time they had spent more than a few moments alone for weeks. The long days on the road had worn them both out and although Chris appreciated Royal being with him, he knew it was a lot of sitting around and doing nothing for her. Not to mention finding places that she could actually sit down and work. It had made him think and made him appreciate her more. And lately the idea that he might want to spend the rest of his life with her had been on his mind. With that thought, his brain disengaged and he blurted out, “Marry me.”
Royal looked up from her computer. “What? Seriously you did not just say that to me. I mean do you really consider that a proposal?”
“What? I mean…I was just…No, Royal, I was just saying…we’ve been together for a while and I more meant let’s get married sometime soon.”
Royal slapped her laptop shut and glared at him. “Consider a real proposal, Christian.” Gathering up her things, she stormed out of the restaurant.
“Fuck,” he groaned.
Steve looked up as Royal blew into the tour bus and glared around. “Where’s Chris?” he asked.
“Probably still back at McDonald’s,” she snapped and stormed into the back of the bus.
“Oookay,” Steve replied as the door bounced open from the force of her slam. When she slunk back out a few moments later and dropped onto the couch beside him, he quickly set his guitar aside. “What happened, angel?” he asked.
She leaned up against him. “Why did I turn you down all those years ago?”
“Um, because you had the total hots for Chris and eyes only for him? What’d he do? Cuz I’d be happy to offer to kick his ass.”
“Thanks, Steve, but I don’t think this is something you can fix. Chris was just being a guy and since he was being a guy…you’d more than likely side with him.” She heaved herself to her feet. “I’m gonna go call Sarah and bend her ear. If Chris comes back, tell him I’m not ready to talk to him yet.”
Steve leaned his head back on the couch as she disappeared into the back room again, closing the door more gently this time. “Oh, yeah, we’re all screwed now,” he muttered. When the door to the RV opened a moment later, he turned his head enough to make sure it was Chris before asking, “So do I ask what you did to Royal or do we just go get drunk?”
Chris flipped him off, even as he looked around the living room. “Where is she?”
“She doesn’t want to talk to you. What the hell did you do?” Steve sat up; running his hands through his hair and looking at his best friend, realizing the other man looked a little wild eyed.
“Where is she?” Chris ground out. “You didn’t do something to her, did you?”
“What’dya think I’m stupid, Kane?” Steve replied, keeping his voice even so he didn’t set Chris’s temper off more. He wasn’t really afraid of his friend, but he knew egging Chris on at this point wouldn’t help anyone. “She slammed in here, asked me a question, and then said she didn’t want to talk to you and she was gonna call Sarah.”
Chris dropped onto the couch opposite him and put his head on his hands. “I’m screwed.”
“What exactly did you do?”
“Sometimes my mouth talks without consulting my brain and this was just one of those times. Royal really didn’t appreciate it.” He heaved himself to his feet. “I’mma gonna see if I can repair some of the damage.” As he walked over to the door, he almost felt like he was on his way to his last meal. He didn’t think Royal would call it quits over something like this, but he wasn’t sure how badly he had screwed things up.
After attempting to pace around the small room for a few minutes, Royal gave it up as too cramped and threw herself on the bed when she quickly ran out of space. Digging her cell out of her pocket, she thumbed it open and dialed.
“Borne,” a familiar and welcome voice answered a moment later.
“He asked me to marry him,” Royal blurted out.
“Chris?” Sarah guessed. “Chris asked you to marry him? Royal, what did you say?”
“I told him no! Or well rather I told him to propose the right way. Sarah, he just blurted it out as a demand in the middle of McDonalds! I mean…he didn’t even ask me…he just kinda…demanded.”
“Oh…ouch. I mean I don’t know what exactly you were looking for, but…”
“I don’t even know if I want to marry him,” Royal admitted.
“Wait…what?!” The sound of breaking glass came over the line. “Shit. Hang on, Al.”
“Are you okay?” Royal demanded, sitting up as she tried to figure out what had happened. “Sarah? Sarah, what happened?” she asked when she didn’t get an answer.
“Sorry, Al. I dropped a glass. I’m fine. No blood.” Sarah sounded a little harried, but otherwise unharmed when she came back on the line. “What do you mean you’re not sure you want to marry Chris?”
“I don’t know. I mean…what if he decides in a couple of years that I’m not what he wants? I’m the first long term relationship he’s had or well the first one he’s been serious about. I know he’s dated other girls long term, but he hasn’t re-arranged his entire life for them. He hasn’t taken them on tour with them, hasn’t made a point of making it clear he’s taken to the fans, hasn’t lived with them. Sarah, he’s already broken so many of his rules…what if he decides in a couple of years or even months that he’s made a mistake?”
Sarah was quiet for a few minutes. “I think if he was going to decide he was making a mistake, he would have decided that before now. He’s kinda crazy in love with you, Royal.”
Royal smiled happily. “Yeah, he is, isn’t he?” She sighed after a moment. “He’s also kinda an idiot too.”
“Well, yeah…male,” Sarah pointed out.
Royal lay back on the bed, considering her man. “Sarah, what am I gonna do with him?”
“You could always fuck his brains out,” Sarah suggested.
“Sar-rah!” Royal yelped as someone knocked tentatively on the door. “I gotta go. Either Chris is braving my wrath or someone else is at the door.”
“All right. Call me if you need me.”
“I will, Sarah, thanks.” Royal slid her phone closed, then stared at it for a few moments, before calling out, “Come in.”
Chris poked his head into the room. “Is it safe?”
“I’m not gonna yell at you if that’s what you’re worried about. I’ve calmed down, Chris.”
He edged into the room and closed the door behind him, deciding it would be better not to smile at her. He knew he’d get her to agree with him if he smiled or charmed her or called her ‘darlin’’. He’d learned over the years what things made her weaken to him, just like she knew what made him weaken; although he had to admit everything about her made him bow to her wishes. “Royal, I…” he started.
“Don’t, Chris. You’re just gonna manage to screw it up again. Do me a favor?” When he nodded, she continued, “Just agree with whatever I say…”
He raised his eyebrows, but didn’t say anything, waiting for her to start. He trusted her enough to know that she was probably not going to say anything he didn’t agree with anyway.
"I love you," she told him softly.
He smiled, he certainly agreed with that. His love was not in question. "Yes, Royal."
"I didn't mean to upset you."
Kneeling on the bed, he looked down at her, not daring to reach for her yet. "Yes, Royal."
"I'll do better next time," she finished.
"Yes, Royal," he admitted. He would do better because the girl lying on the bed in front of him meant the whole world to him.
"Now come cuddle me," she ordered, opening her arms.
His grin widened. "Yes, Royal." He crawled up the bed to her, snuggling down so his head was resting on her breasts and throwing an arm over her stomach. “I do love you, you know.”
“I know…but you’re kinda a screw up at times, too.”
He kissed the skin that was revealed by her shirt, licking gently at the valley between her breasts and grinning as she squirmed. “Well, yeah…male.”
“You know Sarah said the exact same thing.”
“Oh, ew that just killed my mood,” Chris said and they both laughed as he rolled their bodies over, pulling her so she lay on top of him.
For the next four weeks, Royal felt like she was living in a remake of candid camera. Chris had obviously taken to heart her instructions to propose the right way, but was also having difficulties actually doing it.
The first time, he had just pulled her into his lap after a show. As she snuggled against him, his face turned decidedly green. He shoved her forward and she hit the floor, just before he vomited all over the place. Since half the band got sick soon after, they decided it was a stomach bug and not too much alcohol. Royal had to admit she had more sympathy for him after learning that.
A few days later, Chris told her that he had something for her. Royal walked in to find him ripping the RV apart and cussing up a storm. When she finally got him calmed down, he explained that he had lost her gift. Royal had smiled and helped him put the place to rights again, pointing out to him that she didn’t need an expensive gift to know he loved her. He’d sighed, opening and closing his mouth a few times, obviously at a lost for how to explain things to her. In the end, he’d gathered her into his arms, kissed her tenderly and started to lead her into the back. A glance at the clock had started a new round of cursing as they both realized he was late for the sound check.
A few days later, Royal looked up as Chris came into the RV and dropped onto the couch next to her. He snuggled up next to her, slinging his arm around her waist, and mumbling into her side. She looked down at him, wanting to ask what he had said, but he had already fallen asleep.
When they finally got a break in the schedule and were going to be in the same place for a few days, they stayed in a hotel like usual. This time though he and Royal had a suite with a small kitchenette. So she wasn’t really surprised one day to return from running errands (and now she understood why Steve kept finding ‘just one more thing, Roy’ that needed to be done) to find Chris fussing over the small stove, but she was a little confused why there was a bottle of wine breathing on the counter. He’d slipped an arm around her easily enough when she’d stopped by him, but then shooed her away to sit at the table. A few minutes later, he was dishing something out and insisting she take the first bite.
It was as they were relaxing and she was picking through the last few bites that she realized his mistake. She’d never thought to tell him she was allergic to peppers, had always just avoided them if he cooked with them because they were just apt to make her sick not actually cause anaphylactic shock, but with as many as she’d probably just eaten…she was going to be sick for quite a while. As he looked at her in horror at her confession, they both agreed it was something that they were never going to mention again.
During a sound check the next week, Chris called her up onto stage. Pulling her against his body, he’d kissed her tenderly before saying, “I’ve gotten used to you being around.” As she pulled away, he stammered something out, but she was already shoving past Jason and Will, refusing to listen to him.
Steve clapped his hand on Chris’s shoulder as the other man bowed his head and then smacked himself in the forehead. “You, my friend, have truly screwed it this time.”
“Fuck off, Carlson,” Chris replied. He shrugged off the hand and stepped away.
“Chris…think about Royal…what does she mean to you?” Steve asked as his friend started to walk away.
Chris’s step stuttered, but he continued walking, and the band exchanged looks. It was going to a long few days.
Royal dropped onto the bench that lined the wall of the bar the band was playing in that evening, waving off the attentions of the waitress that was hovering. She was beginning to regret joining the band on this tour since it hadn’t been one of the most fun. All of the boys had been sick at one time or another and Chris had managed to piss her off more than once. Although she had to admit, she was pretty sure they were becoming amused at his attempts to propose to her.
Leaning back against the wall, she closed her eyes, letting the familiar sounds of set up wash over her. Even though this wasn’t their home bar, the sounds and smells were close enough that for a moment she could pretend.
She must have dozed off because the next thing she was aware of was the discordant sound of three different guitars trying to pick a song. She cracked her eyes open, trying to decide if it was worth yelling at them to make a decision, but realized that Steve wasn’t even on stage yet. Chris, Will, and Jason each had a guitar and were messing around. After a moment, she decided she was glad Ryan hadn’t joined in. A few more cords though and she’d had enough. “Hey!” she yelled. “Could we pick a single song?! Please?”
Chris grinned down at her. “Sorry, darlin’. Have you heard from Steve yet?”
“Their plane landed and he’s met the girls. They’re on their way back.” She frowned. “I still don’t understand why both of them are coming.”
Chris shrugged. “I just thought you might want company for the next couple of days other than us guys.” Turning to Will and Jason, he said something in a low voice before setting his guitar down and hopping off the stage. Crossing over to Royal, he dropped down on the bench beside her and slung his arm across the back. She glared at him for a moment before snuggling against him. “I know it’s been a rough few weeks,” he started, “and I know I’ve screwed up a little.” He winced at the look she gave him. “Okay a lot,” he corrected. “So I thought having Sarah and Claire here might make you feel better.” He kissed the side of her head. “I’m sorry, darlin’. I’m not sure what to do to make it up to you, but…I am going to try.”
Royal laced her fingers through his hand and pulled him closer towards her. “I know. Just stop trying so hard.”
“I just want it to be perfect for you, babe,” he admitted softly.
“It doesn’t have to be perfect, Chris. It just has to be right. For both of us.”
He kissed the side of her head and started to speak, but was interrupted as the door to the bar was thrown open and the girls spilled in, followed by Steve. The two girls made a beeline for Royal, edging Chris out of the way and sitting down next to her. Sarah waved the two guys off. “You two have a show to set up for,” she pointed out. “We’ll keep Royal company.”
Chris started to protest, but Steve grabbed him and dragged him towards the stage, reminding him that they were being paid to play and needed to get ready.
As soon as they were out of earshot, Sarah turned her attention to her best friend. “Well?” she demanded.
“A well is deep and you get water from it,” Royal answered seriously.
Sarah glared at her friend, then grabbed her left hand. “Okay, he didn’t ask you yet. Or he didn’t ask you the right way yet.” She leaned back against the wall. “What are we gonna do with that boy of yours?”
Royal looked towards the stage where the guys were finishing the last minute set up for the show. “I don’t know…but I don’t want to get rid of him.” She grinned at Sarah. “I’ve almost got him trained right.” The two friends leaned their heads together, giggling softly as Claire looked at them in confusion.
Chris grinned as they finished up the song, tossing his hair back from his face. “Having a good night, y’all?” he asked as the band moved around behind him, setting up for the next song. “We’re gonna do something a little different right now.” He glanced over his shoulder, nodding at Steve who had picked up an acoustic guitar and was checking to be sure it was in tune. “Those of you who’ve been around for a while have seen my girl, Royal.” He grinned as Sarah led her onto stage, trailed by Claire who was carrying a stool. “Hey, babe,” he greeted her as the girls set the stool up and helped Royal sit on it. He leaned over and kissed her gently. “So I’ve been trying to do something for the last few weeks,” he explained, “and probably the entire band and half the tour can tell you I’ve been fucking it up royally,” he smiled ruefully at the laugh that got, “pun not intended. A few years ago, I sang a song for Royal to tell her what she meant to me. That time, she was in the audience and no one but she and I knew it was to her. This time, I want her on stage with me while I sing it and maybe…”
“Are you intending to talk us all to death tonight?” Steve broke in. When Chris looked over his shoulder at him, the other man continued, “Come on, man.” Sarah nudged Claire, motioning for the other girl to follow her off-stage and the two girls edged around and towards the edge of the stage. As they passed the guitarist, he snagged Claire’s belt loops and pulled her towards him, kissing her deeply before releasing her to follow Sarah off the stage. “You ready to sing now?” Steve asked when he turned back to the other couple.
Chris blinked and opened his mouth to say something, but Royal tapped him lightly on the back of the head, glaring at him when he turned to look at her. “Behave,” she mouthed at him.
Cowered by her directions, Chris nodded at Steve who picked the opening cords to the song. Taking Royal’s hand in his, he kissed her lightly on the knuckles, before singing,
“Mhmmm, Yeah
Livin' with me, it ain't easy
But I do it every day
Sometimes even now
I wanna run away
But there you are
You're tryin' to please me
Yeah you stand your ground
It's more than I deserve
I've taken more than I've been given
I've taken for granted this life I'm livin'
I don't know why heaven above
Blessed me with your sweet love
Though I never tell you what you're worth
It's more than I deserve
It's just your style to wear a smile
Oh baby you wear it well
If I had my way, I'd dress you in nothin' else
So come on here and lay down, a little while
'Cause you right now
You're more than I deserve
As he finished the song, Chris eased himself down on one knee, looking up at Royal. “I know I’ve kinda fucked up the last few weeks,” he admitted. “And I think part of the reason is that sometimes you make me really nervous. I don’t deserve you, but I do love, I think I always have, even before I met you. Now will you make me the happiest man in this room, forgive me my stupidity, and be my wife?”
Royal stared down at him. “This is what you’ve been trying to do?”
He nodded, looking up at her. “I love ya, darlin’. I’m sorry I screwed up so badly.”
Royal slipped off the stool, wrapping her arms around his neck as he got to his feet. “You didn’t screw up,” she whispered. “I love you. And yes. Of course yes.”
Chris fumbled the ring out of his pocket, almost dropping it in his eagerness to get it on her finger, then slipped it into place, and kissed her. Both of them had almost forgotten the audience who broke out into loud cheers as the ruby caught the lights. Royal tucked her face into his shoulder as their friends congratulated them. Chris tucked her against him, knowing she wasn’t as comfortable with being the center of attention and looked at Steve. “Now will you fucking stop calling her angel?!”
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