#It is now half past one int eh afternoon

[frogsmulder]

Me: *is depressed*

Me: .... Oh! I haven't taken my meds this morning

[turtle-steverogers]

Government Affiliated Love Affairs

idk @fuck-your-fandoms suggested this and i vibed with it so yeee here we are

soulmate au! kinda!

ship: ralbert

warnings: none i dont think, but if i missed something lemme know

word count: 2600 ish

editing: eh kinda idk

-

“Well, this is stupid.”

“Yeah, tell me about it, pal.”

Race sighs, looking down at his hands as he fiddles with the cup sleeve of his grande americano.  

It was common knowledge that the “Formulated Love Act of 2023” was not the most foolproof of laws passed by the government in the past 5 years (not that anything the government did anymore was foolproof, but he’ll digress), but Race couldn’t help but at least appreciate that it wasn’t trying to push any heteronormative bullshit.  

That didn’t make this asshole any more bearable.

Granted, the notion of solving the ‘loneliness epidemic’ (which apparently was a thing and was causing the US enough damn trouble that the government fucking stepped in) through means of systematic soulmates was sweet.  Everyone gets a match based off a stupid fucking questionaire they completed when they were 21, like “oh, you can drink now! Here’s a shot of vodka and also your future partner is gonna be determined by this thick ass packet, go ahead and fill that out, no pressure!” And by the time you’re 25, a soulmate’s been hand picked for you.  By law, you’re required to marry them within a year of meeting, and then you’re set to live your life happily ever after. 

It was nice in theory.  But in practice?  Not so much.

Then again, wasn’t the government usually like that?

Race wished he had some whiskey to pour into his americano like those edgy movie characters.  Or Jack Kelly.  Jack Kelly did that sometimes.

When he’d gotten the email a week ago with his soulmate’s information and their established ‘meet-up arrangements’- which were really just fancy words for ‘forced date, have fun’- Race had been tentatively hopeful that maybe he’d be one of the rare cases.  The ones you read about on Buzzfeed where it really is love at first sight and maybe those few, poor FBI Agents who were stuck with the ‘Pairing Process’ had done something right for once.  

The ounce of a Disney fan within him had even entertained the thought of some miraculous meeting, where sparks fly and eyelashes are batted and smiles are exchanged.

But no.  Instead, Race is sitting at some random Starbucks in the middle of Manhattan with an obnoxious (and upsettingly pretty) redhead, who’s first words to him were, “I fucking hate coffee, I’m gonna get tea.”  To which Race had tried to cover his scowl, but failed miserably.

He hated tea snobs.  Don’t get him wrong, he enjoys tea as much as the next 25 year old guy, but those dudes who fucking made a point to openly despise coffee in favor of tea like some sort of pompous jerk?  Yeah, they killed his boner.

Race toys around with his coffee cup for another moment, before the silence gets too thick and he breaks, “Albert, right?” he asks, because even though it’s been a good half hour since they’d met up, the guy still hasn’t properly introduced himself.    

It had said Albert’s name and age in the email last Saturday, but come on.  It’s basic human decency to at least offer your name and maybe a handshake.

Albert scrunches his nose, taking a long sip from his iced peach green tea lemonade.  Fucking asshole.

“Yeah,” He says.  He sounds bitter and uninviting.  Race tries not to shrink in his seat, “And you’re Antonio.”

“Race,” Race interjects.

Albert’s eyebrows draw together, “Race?  What the fuck kinda-”

“It’s a nickname, just-” Race scrubs a hand down his face, “Just, don’t question it, but it’s Race, got it?”

Albert leers at him, “Fine.”

The silence settles over them once more, except this time, they’re maintaining eye contact.  Albert looks like he’s trying to size him up and Race’s neck prickles uncomfortably.

I mean, seriously, this is the guy Race has to marry?  Yippee fucking ki yay.

“Listen,” Race says slowly, “This- I mean,” he blows out a breath, starting over, “I hate to break it to you, but we’re stuck together and you’ve gotta move in by,” he pauses, checking the date on his phone, “Wednesday, so we could either work something out or suffer.”

Albert’s glare doesn’t falter, “I’ll suffer.”

Race sighs again.

XXX

“And down the hall here is my room and that,” Race gestures to the door opposite his room, Albert trailing behind him, “Is yours.”

After their disaster of a first date last Saturday, Race had relented and cleaned out his office, turning it into a guest room and moving his desk and file cabinets into his own room.  It was a tight squeeze into his relatively small space, but he wasn’t about to share a room with Albert.  But he was a nice person and wasn’t gonna condemn him to the couch, either.  So, guest room it is.

Albert hefts his box of belongings higher into his arms, shrugging his right shoulder to adjust the duffle bag on his back before inching into his room.

“Thanks, I guess,” He calls bluntly behind him before kicking the door closed, leaving Race standing dumbly on the other end.

Race blinks.  Then, blinks again.

“Man, fuck you!” He calls in a sudden surge of anger.  He hadn’t done a damn thing to Albert, what fucking right did he have to hate him?  He didn’t even give him a chance!

“Nah.”  Albert calls back.

“I didn’t mean it like that you fucking ass- you know what?  Nevermind.”  He storms into his own room, slamming the door shut behind him.

XXX

Later that night, Race is curled up in front of the TV, cradling a bowl of Panang curry and watching some random documentary about koalas.  He spoons some fried tofu into his mouth, frontwardly considering getting a koala, because they’re fucking adorable, and distantly wondering if Albert was ever going to come out of his room.  

He hadn’t heard from him all afternoon and the only indication that he was still in the house had been the distinct sound of a toe being stubbed, followed by a loud, ‘fuck me!’, which Race didn’t laugh at.  He didn’t.

His question is answered a moment later when Albert’s door creaks open down the hall and he pads into the living room.  Race can feel him lingering in the doorway, watching him, and he groans a little, placing his spoon back into his bowl and muting the television.

“What,” he says, turning to face Albert, who looks sheepish for a moment before replacing the scowl on his face.

“Nothing, just-” he purses his lips and glances towards the kitchen.

Race softens a little, “Are you hungry?  I didn’t know your order, but I got you some pad thai, 

‘cause it’s pretty standard…it’s in the fridge if you want it.”

Albert looks back at him, a strange look on his face, “You got me something?”

Race shrugs, “yeah?”

“Even after I-” Albert shakes his head, “Thanks.” 

Race watches as he seems to go through some internal conflict before stalking off towards the kitchen.  A moment later, the microwave starts up.  

“Alrighty,” Race mumbles to himself, unmuting the television and picking his spoon back up.  

A couple more minutes pass with the remote sounds of Albert putzing around in the kitchen and the narrator’s accented voice droning on.  It feels weird to have someone else in the house, but Race shrugs it off.  He never loved having roommates, but it was no different than his college days, really.  Even though he couldn’t just forget Albert after the year was over.  He had to marry the damn guy.

He’s surprised when Albert comes back into the living room and even more shocked when the other end of the couch dips.  Glancing over, he finds Albert sitting with his legs tucked underneath him, twirling rice noodles around his fork and staring fixedly at the TV.  He forces himself to relax and finish his curry.

They don’t say anything and eventually, Race lets his guard down a little.  An indiscernible amount of time passes and the program turns to a show about domesticated hedgehogs and how to care for them.  

Race feels himself nodding off, and he’s about to let sleep take him over completely when he feels his bowl being lifted out of his hands.  He cracks open an eye in time to see Albert get up and clear their dishes.

He comes back a moment later and looks mildly startled to see Race awake.

“I thought you were out out,” he says, and Race notes that the hostility that’s been ever present since they met is curiously absent.

“I woke up when you took our stuff,” Race admits.

Albert hums and sits back down on the couch, clicking off the TV and bracing his forearms on his knees.  He looks like he might want to say something, so Race waits patiently.

“Look,” Albert starts, sounding a little strained, “I’m sorry for how I’ve been acting.  I’m not trying to justify my behavior, but this whole,” he gestures a little wildly, “soulmate thing freaks me out and I kinda panicked over it and totally took it out on you even though it’s not in any way your fault and,” he lets out a humorless chuckle, finally looking at Race, “I’m sorry.  Really.”

Race offers him a tired, but reassuring smile, “Listen, bud, I’m like half asleep so only, like, a fraction of this conversation is getting comprehended, but it’s okay.  I mean, you were an asshole, but I get it.  This whole system is fucked.”

Albert laughs for real and Race finds that he likes it.  Just a little. ��He can appreciate a nice laugh, okay?

“Sure is,” Albert agrees.

There’s a pause, but it’s not as charged as before.

“Where did the nickname ‘Race’ come from?”

“Uhhh,” Race yawns, stretching, “I dunno, my little sister always called me that and it stuck?”

“Cool.”

“Yeah.”

Race props his head up on his hand, sleepily watching Albert fidget.  Albert seems to sense him staring, because he looks at him again, offering a small smile.

“You’re tired,” he points out uselessly, “you should sleep.”

Race nods, standing, “Yeah, I think I’m gonna,” he starts towards his room, “You should, too.”

Albert salutes him, “I will.”

“Goodnight, Al.”

“‘Night, Race.”

XXX

After their little impromptu apology session, things change between Race and Albert.

They hang out more, heading into the city to browse through museums and stroll aimlessly through Central Park.  Albert brings Race to a planetarium and Race, in turn, takes him to an ABT performance at Lincoln Center.  It’s nice, Race finds, and his initial opinion of Albert is rapidly changing into something entirely different and ten times more positive.

He discovers that Albert’s favorite ice cream flavor is stracciatella, even though it’s hard to find in the States.  Albert tells him that he graduated from Pratt with a film degree and dreams to one day participate in the Sundance Film Festival.

In turn, Race confesses that even though he grew up dancing and always thought he’d be a professional dancer, culinary school had ended up being his calling.  

Little things about Albert start to filter into Race’s awareness.  Like the way he quirks one side of his mouth a little higher than the other when he laughs, or how he scrunches his nose a little and furrows his eyebrows when he’s filming.  He’s got that kind of charming, self-deprecating humor, where he’s always cracking jokes, but only at his own expense, making him approachable and likable.  When he’s telling stories, his voice always pitches a little different, captivating whoever’s listening.  But when someone else is talking, he gives his full, unwavering attention.  

It makes Race feel interesting and important.  Like what he has to say matters.

It’s a sunny Friday and the two of them are sitting in a small sandwich shop in Brooklyn.  Albert is retelling some ridiculous story about how he got a cab driver to bring him to a veterinarian for free, because he found an injured pigeon.  His meatball sub is long since forgotten and Race notices that he has a little sauce on his cheek.

He’s just about to reach out to wipe it off when he realizes it.

He’s kind of in love with Albert Dasilva.

Huh.  Crazy.

XXX

“Hey, so I was thinking we could go try out that new bubble tea place over on 14th?”

Race lifts his head from his pillow, blinking blearily at where Albert’s leaning against his doorframe.  It’s Saturday and they’d spent the night previous in some club getting spectacularly drunk and naturally, Race is hungover as shit.  But Albert doesn’t get hungover, the motherfucker.

He scrubs a hand down his face and Albert watches with a smirk as he struggles to sit up.

“Yeah,” Race says, “Yeah, I’m down, just,” he rolls his stiff neck, wincing as it cracks, “gimme a few minutes to freshen up.”

“No prob,” Albert says, sidling out of the room, “We can grab greasy breakfast for you somewhere as well!”

“You’re a saint!” Race calls back.

A half hour later, they’re bumping shoulders as they venture through The Village, keeping an eye on Albert’s google maps as they look for ‘Bubbleology’, the new fangled cafe Jack and Katherine had been insisting they try.

“So, the Air and Space Museum in DC is having an exhibit on Mars next weekend and I was thinking we could pop down to see it?” 

Albert perks up, looking away from his phone to give Race an excited smile, “Really?  Wait, how did you know about that and I didn’t?”

Race blushes a little, shoving his hands in his pockets, “It’s your birthday coming up, so I was looking for things to do and...yeah.”

“Aww,” Albert nudges him, but Race can see him flush, “That’s sweet, I’d love to- shit, Race, careful!”

Race gasps, freezing as a car speeds towards him.  The only unfrozen part of his mind is screaming that the crosswalk says they can walk, so why isn’t that car fucking stopping and-

He feels a hand grip his bicep, yanking him back towards the sidewalk and all cognition slams back into him as he and Albert fall onto the pavement.

“-Fucking ASSHOLE, watch it!” Albert’s screaming uselessly after the car, but Race isn’t registering it.  Not completely anyway.

He takes a moment to assess himself, breathing deeply as he becomes increasingly aware that he almost fucking died, but he didn’t thanks to Albert.

Albert looks down when Race tugs on his sleeve, “Are you okay?  Jesus, that was- mmph.”

Race pulls him down, crashing their lips together.  For a moment, Albert’s frozen against him, then he relaxes into the kiss, reaching up a hand to cradle Race’s jaw.  They kiss for a while, until Race remembers that they’re quite literally sitting in the middle of a sidewalk and pulls away.  

Albert opens his eyes, looking slightly dazed, “Whoa.”

Race bites his lip, suddenly unsure, “Sorry?”

“No,” Albert’s eyes widen, “No, don’t apologize, that- no, that was okay.”

“Yeah?”

“Yes,” Albert says, hoisting Race to his feet and pulling him in for another kiss, “Very okay.”

When they break apart again, they’re both laughing, foreheads resting against one anothers.

“Hey,” Race whispers, waiting until Albert’s eyes meet his to continue, “I like you.”

Albert rolls his eyes, but it’s fond, “I like you, too, dumbass.  Maybe those FBI guys actually were onto something.”

Race smiles, goofy and genuine, “Yeah, maybe.”

They stand there for another moment, enjoying each other’s embrace.  Then, Albert steps away abruptly, grabbing Race’s hand and pulling him down the street.

“C’mon, I still want bubble tea.”

It’s Race’s turn to roll his eyes, “Idiot.”

“Yeah, butcha love me.”

“You got me there.”

-

do we want a part 2 with fluffy dating stuff/wedding?

lemme know!

thanks for reading, chiefs

hmu to be added to my tag

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[fallen029]

Crush.3

Previous Chapter

"Alright, so yes, we can both admit, right here and now, that you, Lisanna, are a major failure in all things involving this plan and should be forced to buy me dinner, probably, if not just pay my half of the rent for the month, given that I had my heart set makin' things right with the boss only for your shitty ability to get anything done ruined that."

She sat there, Lisanna did, on the couch as Freed, who'd been the one to let her in, frowned at how Bickslow was addressing his supposed friend.

It was him, thankfully, that spoke. Because Lisanna had a few things she wanted to say, but none that would have sounded too in form for her. But Bickslow was slowly breaking down every ounce of composure she had in those days.

"Remember your tone, Bickslow," the letter mage reminded. "Not to mention, I have grown curious as to what the two of you are doing together. Did I hear you mention Laxus' name?"

"Nope." Bickslow even shook his head. "Not his name."

Lisanna made a face at him, but Freed merely sighed.

"Perhaps, one day, Lisanna," he remarked as he walked off, no doubt back to his bedroom, "you tell me what sort of friendship you could possibly find with Bickslow."

"You'll be in for a tale," she offered back, but Bickslow only snickered, finding this hilarious for some reason.

"Got me good, kid," he continued as, with Freed gone, she only came to take a seat on in the chair as he stayed flaked out on the couch. "Getting better at it. Wit."

"I'm getting better at it?"

"You have none of it, actually. Or at least ya didn't, before. But now, oh, man, I'm the best influence on your life currently. You've learned so much, kid. Almost makes the fact that you completely wasted these past few days by screwing up the plan-"

"How did I screw up?" She huffed, deciding to focus on that. Bickslow had a thing about derailing conversations and she didn't wish to allow him to continue. "You're the one that screwed up."

"Ah, no, Lissy, I didn't. Can I call you Lissy?"

"No."

"Lissy, listen," he went on as she only glared. "I'm a man of action. I saw the boss, I acted. You saw me, you acted. That's the problem. Me and you, we're one and the same."

"We're nowhere close to being the same. And my eye's fine, by the way. Thanks for asking."

"Your eye's golden." He waited. Then he frowned over at her. "Get it? I hit ya with a gold coin, yer eye's golden? Ah, you'll get wit someday, kid."

"I doubt you will."

He laughed. Or at least it seemed like a laugh. He let out a sharp, "Ha!" and that was all, but Lisanna figured, for him, that counted as expressing humor. Maybe. The man had a large spectrum.

"So I made," he said as he sat up then, fully, to look at her with a bit of a serious gaze, "a mistake. Sue me. I'm a tragic, dark knight. It happens to us. Our own hubris is always our downfall. We start to believe that we can make no wrongs. But we can. The natural conversation was derailed because rather than fostering it, I decided to hit ya in the eye with a coin. My mistake. Jokes are my one weakness. I enjoy entertaining others."

She was silent for a moment, taking in the most sincere he could be, before saying slowly, "You've not entertained me once since we teamed up on this."

"Don't lie to yourself, kid. I'm way more fun than any other other lame stuff you spend your days doing." Falling back again, he said, "But enough apologies. You're not a big enough person to give one to me, like I just did you, and that's understandable. The young and their hubris."

"My hubris? You just said you're the one with-"

"And then to interrupt. Disrespectful. You know, you and your sister both-"

"I thought that we came here to regroup. Bickslow."

He tossed a punch in the air. "That's the plan. Well, that's what we're gonna come up with. A new one. Boss won't take to the bar again for a bit, I imagine."

"Yeah, you kind of saw to that."

"Whatever you say, DNR."

"DNR!" The babies had been rather bored up to that point, but enjoyed circling around the woman then. She ignored them though, int hat moment, unbothered by this, and instead just glared over at their father.

"So what," she insisted, "should we do then? Bickslow? What's next? If we don't force them into a conversation up at the hall-"

"We...we… We make 'em meet up! Somewhere. Yeah, just happen upon one another, you know. Fateful encounters. Faithful encounters. Chance encounters. Lucky encounters."

"Enough," she griped, "encounters."

"Just one encounter, Lisanna." The babies were desperate for some attention from the woman. "Just one."

"I know," she told them, finally, and that got a cheer from the wooden dolls. Still, to their father, she kept up, "But it has to be one that means something. Mira didn't seem to think anything weird was happening, or at least no more than usual, but Laxus didn't as-"

"Dumb? Idiotic? Stupid?"

"Trustworthy. That's my sister, you know."

'Oh, I know. I know a lot about Mirajane."

"What does that mean?"

He had no idea. But if he said it in the tone he had, well, it sure sounded dirty, eh?

Still, Bickslow bounced up then, to stalk around the room. Rather than speaking to the woman, he asked his dolls, "Where do you think the boss and the Strauss should meet up? Babies? Has to be somewhere that doesn't look setup. So some place the boss would go, normally. With me, of course. Where would the boss and I go?"

"Park!" If there was anywhere their papa went, it was there. "Park, Papa!"

"Ah-ha!" He snapped his fingers too, coming to stand before Lisanna. "You think you could get your sister to go to the park with ya? Kid? You and your sis, out on a stroll, while me and the boss are...are… Oh! Hey, I could tell him that I wanna go trainin'! Or to go practice some tricks, yeah? Show 'em off to 'im. There ain't a good chance he'll go with me, but if I just goad him a bit, promise him somethin' in return, and oh, will I return, once he finally gets to lay with the, uh, Lord of Darkness, yeah?"

"Your sister she's Satan, ain't she? Got his soul?" Bickslow whistled then. "She could book herself that way. Make a lot of jewel. A night with the Ruler of Darkness himself. Or should she book it as herself? Both, I think. Attract more customers."

"Are you...asking me to tell my sister she should be a prostitute?"

"That is a harsh and unnecessary- Oh, I thought you said whore. Yeah, though, to both."

As Lisanna fumed though, there was someone far less in the know that overheard that and became extremely concerned. Freed had the misfortune of walking out of his room at that exact moment and, well, it wasn't the best conversation to just suddenly find yourself thrust into. As he quickly turned and rushed back into his bedroom, Freed felt his mind begin to race out of control.

Just what were Bickslow and Lisanna doing together?

And how soon would he be forced to act upon his insider information? He could not stand by and let Mirajane Strauss be...pimped out by...Bickslow.

What a horrible sentence to even consider.

Out in the living area, Lisanna wasn't even entertaining it. As she stormed off, out of the apartment, Bickslow only reminded her that they should enact their new plan (the non Mirajane going into business for herself, selling, well, herself) the next afternoon.

Strike while the irons hot!

And because the boss might head off to who knows where soon and, well, honestly? By the time he returned, there was a good chance Bickslow wouldn't even care anymore.

But it was all he could think about, the next morning, when he awoke. Well, closer to noon, but who was counting?

Lisanna.

Who he was supposed to meet at noon, in the park, with Laxus.

"So," Mira prompted as they walked about the open area together, arm in arm. She was far more excited, her sister inviting her out in the middle of the day, to 'talk' as Lisanna put it. Yeah. Sure. Talk. "What was it that you wanted to talk about? Lisanna?"

She thought she knew, Mirajane did. And oh, she was excited. She'd waited for a long time for this moment. This very one. Her baby sister. All grown up. Wow. To think, only a few years prior, she would have thought that this never could have come. That it was lost along with Lisanna herself. But no, here it was, present as the girl was. No. The woman.

"W-Well," Lisanna began slowly as she tried to think of something to talk about her sister with. She'd had an idea, the night before, as she went to sleep. It was such a good one too. What they could speak on. She was so excited, for some weird reason, to get to the very moment she was dreading in that second, because she knew exactly what they would speak on and it would just feel so natural. All of it. The way that the setup back at the bar was going to. They would just happen upon the guys, fate and all, and then bam!

Bam.

Mira and Laxus would…

Wait, why was she even doing this all again?

"Can't we ever just go for walks?" Lisanna asked her sister then and Mira considered it, but only for a moment.

"You said talk though, when you wanted me to take off work and leave Kinana short handed, during the lunch rush, just to come out here."

Mira wasn't as dense as they all thought. Her sister was well aware of this fact, of course, but sometimes she just had to be reminded was all.

"It's okay, Lisanna," she was quick to insist then as she picked up on her younger sister's hesitance. "You know, it was a really big shock to me, when you first came back, that you didn't immediately, like, start dating around. It's what I would have done. Gone for two years? It's a whole new world."

Lisanna remembered then. Exactly why she was going to completely embarrass her sister (and innocent Laxus) with this whole charade. Mira, recently, had begun to incessantly insist that she should start dating or oh, isn't that a nice guy to get to know or, oh, you sure are spending a lot of time with so and so.

It was annoying.

The time had finally come for Mirajane to see what it was like, when you had someone else trying to pull background strings in your personal relationships. Relationships that didn't even exist.

Lisanna didn't fight her sister on a lot. Mira, honestly, was more like her mother than her own had been. She had no real memories of the woman. Not truly. Whether from the trauma or just the memories fading with age, anything she knew of her true mother was from stories her sister told she and Elf when they were growing up. While the Master definitely served as a huge figure in her life, it was far more like a kind grandfather.

Mira was the only parental figure she knew.

And gosh was she killing her with the dating, falling in love shit.

So yes, Lisanna was going to trick her into dating Laxus, which would no doubt go sour and then she could lord it over her sister that she'd been the one to bring this awkward relationship about and then…

Well…

Crap.

Lisanna forgot to think of a true endgame.

"But," Mira was going on as Lisanna was stewing over the fact she'd been hammering home to Bickslow the past few days about how important planning was only to, you know, not plan at all, "to see you now, spending so much time with...well, Lisanna, I have to admit it's a bit shocking, but I think the two of you are endearing together. Have you gone on an actual date yet?"

"Have we- What are you talking about?"

"Don't play coy." Not when Mira was the master at it. "You and Bickslow."

"Me and… Mira, no, we're not-"

"Oi, boss, did ya see me? How many flips was that? Did ya count? Did ya? Babies, did you?"

Lisanna could only pale some as they stumbled across Bickslow and Laxus in the park. It had been a mad dash for the seith, getting there on time. He happened upon Laxus, actually, on the way, and it really was fate, when you thought about it.

Or maybe he'd actually kind of known that on that specific day of the week, the slayer normally ate lunch alone, in the park, at noon.

One or the other.

He chose to believe in fate though. It's how he got away with being a shitty person all the time. Blame fate and not yourself.

The true trait of a dark knight.

On top of sacrificing big moments for jokes.

Lisanna felt like her whole life was a joke as Mirajane was grinning like mad then and dragging her over that way. Bickslow was on the ground once more, after balancing on his babies and flying high up in the air, only to do some impressive tumbles back down to the ground. He smiled too, at the grinning Mirajane and scowling Lisanna. She matched Laxus, who'd more than become suspicious, after the previous day, and now felt as if everyone else was in on a joke he wasn't.

And they were. Kind of. More like each person had their own agenda that didn't quite add up just right, but maybe, intercepted at certain points. The problem was that they were all going to continue to run over one another, following this, and though Laxus couldn't quite figure out what was going on just yet, he could spot trouble from miles away.

"Hi, Bickslow," Mirajane greeted with a wide smile. Then she glanced over at the slayer and added, "And you too, Laxus," which was enough to make the man forget all about all about figuring things out as he just kicked at the ground and grumbled something.

"Interrupting again, I see," Bickslow griped in reply. "You know, every step a Strauss takes, they regress. You can't seem to quite get the hang of this, Lissy here, can't quite seem to just accept that she's the one who-"

"Bickslow," Lisanna hissed at him because he was doing it again. Sacrificing the plan for the sake of something that might resemble wit, maybe. Ah, the plight of the accursed.

"Lissy?" Mirajane let go of her sister's arm as she threw her hands over her mouth. "Is there something that the two of you, uh, want to tell us?"

"Whatever it is," Laxus complained as he glared at Bickslow, "I ain't interested. I came here for lunch. Not for whatever this."

"This is purely coincidental, boss. Fate, but coincidence. Can those coexist? Who am I to judge? The status quo is hardly something a mere mortal, a man of such little worth such as myself, can judge." Then he paused. "Now, someone who is also both Satan himself and dimwitted as a doorknob-"

"Hey," Lisanna complained again, but the doorknob- err, Mirajane, was too blissed out to care.

"You two," she giggled as Lisanna glared and Bickslow wagged his tongue in response, "are so cute together!"

"Come again?" Laxus asked because everyone else was ignoring her and though he couldn't look the woman in the eyes, he still felt the need to respond to her.

"Yes, boss, that's it!" Bickslow was quick to nod. "Come again!"

"Come again," the babies agreed. "Boss!"

"Well, I was thinkin' the doorknob," Bickslow mused, "but I guess-"

"You're," Lisanna told him in no uncertain words, "the worst."

"This is the best day of my life," Mira gushed and she bounced then, clapping her hands excitedly. "Oh, Bickslow, Lisanna, I can't believe this. I really can't."

"Neither can I," Bickslow assured her with a grin. "Mostly because I don't know what it is."

"That you and Lisanna are dating, silly, of course."

"You're what?" Laxus growled in anger, suddenly animated, as he turned to his lackey.

"I'm what?" Bickslow asked in astonishment, looking to his supposed date.

"I'm not," Lisanna insisted in annoyance, as she glared at her sister.

"I've never been happier," Mira went on with little shame. "Never. At all. Not once. I can't think of a single moment. Out of the many."

There was a brief pause where the two guys both found themselves looking to Lisanna, but she was too busy trying to figure out how to damage control the situation to notice.

"We're not-" she began, but enough seconds had passed that Bickslow, that slick dog, that slay feline, on, man, always thinking on his feet, he was already doing what he did best; completely forfeiting the idea of a plan and just going with his gut.

It never led him wrong!

"Oh, man, me and the kid here? We're fuckin' like rabbits," he proclaimed loudly and proudly as Mira blissed out, Lisanna looked ready to slug him, and Laxus mostly tried to understand why any of this was happening.

Still, he did offer the sage advice to Bickslow, "I really wouldn't put the word kid in that sentence. Especially in a park, full of them."

"Oh, boss, you. Always looking out for my best interest."

"I mostly don't want to be associated with you when you say shit like that."

"Why," Mira was insisting then as she took to bouncing some more, "did no one tell me about this? For so long? Oh, man, I can't believe this. I honestly can't. You guys have to tell me, honestly, was your first date magical? Was it? I hope it was. Are you in love? Are you going to get married?"

"Does she ever shut up?" Bickslow was tired, it seemed, of enthusiasm. Or at least he wasn't used to it in response to his antics. Usually disdain and annoyance. "Hey, Mirajane, tell ya what."

"Anything," she insisted.

"We can tell ya all about it, me and the ki- woman, here, Lisanna, all womanly and shapely and other things that make someone a woman-"

"Mostly," Laxus griped with a frown, "a uterus."

"Mostly," Lisanna sobbed miserably into her palms.

"But not only," Mira offered, helpfully.

"Well, whatever it is that Lisanna has, that makes her one of those," Bickslow went on, undeterred, "me and her will tell you all about it and how we got together. Tomorrow. For dinner. A date. A- Oh, wow, boss, you standing there all silently, I almost forgot about ya. Say, hey, now that I'm takin' these two ladies here out, on a date, why don't you slip in? Huh?"

"Come again!" his dolls yelled and Lisanna felt it then. Real tears, running down her very red cheeks.

"W-What?" Laxus took a step back, but just as quickly one forwards as he glared at his friend,. "Damn it, Bickslow-"

"Oh, yeah, that would be cool." Mirajane stopped bouncing and clapping just to grin at Laxus. "Like a double date."

"I don't-" the slayer tried, but Lisanna was finally fucking useful (Bickslow swore, he did all the heavy lifting of the pair) as she let out a long breath.

"Come on, Laxus," she got out around her clearly stricken choked sobs. "What's the worst that can happen?"

It was happening.

The worst thing.

"Don't tell me I'm not your type, Laxus?" Mira went on with a giggle and he growled again, the slayer did, before stomping off. There was a yes though, in the growl that he left them with and as Mira took to cheering along with Bickslow's babies, the man himself was grabbed by the shirt collar and drug slightly away by Lisanna.

Her tears were gone and all she had now were glares as she told him harshly, "The idea of dating you, even pretending, is so gross."

"Oh, give it time, Lissy," he snickered back, but from behind his visor, she could see his eyes were turned into just as hard stones. "I can get a lot grosser."

.

Next Chapter

[strawberryfiction]

Two Tones (part 5)

Pairing: Raywod

Warning: heterochromia!Ryan

Summary: Ray was working nights at probably the safest bar in Los Santos. One night a man comes in not looking for alcohol, and its the first thing Ray’s never seen int he bar before. The second is the mans eyes, one green and one blue. They haunt Ray until he meets the man again in different circumstances.

“A comedy,” Michael gave Ryan the run down.

Ray took his seat next to Ryan sinking down into the couch getting comfortable. The movie went on and he kept looking up at Ryan’s new shiner, he’d really punched himself good. Ray felt bad there was nothing he could do for it.

The movie felt like it was winding down to Ray, it couldn’t have had more then fifteen minutes to it. He was already trying to formulate a way to try and talk Ryan into staying for a little longer.

Ryan turned his head and Ray could feel himself blushing as a goofy smile spread across Ryan’s lips. He was busted. Ray almost jumped when he felt Ryan’s arm go around his back. He actually did jump a little causing Ryan to pull back just a little. Quickly Ray dropped his body against Ryan’s arm to keep it there by force. He was sick of sending out the wrong signals.

The credits rolled and Michal stretched his arms into the air, “That was a pretty good movie, eight out of ten.”

Gavin mumbled leaning against Michael.

“I guess we’re getting old,” Michael checked his phone, “Nine o’clock and we’re calling it a nigh.”

“We’re really turning into adults,” Ray laughed.  

“You guys are lame,” Ryan pulled Ray into his side.

It took every ounce of Ray’s will power not to snuggle against Ryan, at least not until the others left.

Ray walked Michael and Gavin to the door wishing them a safe travel home before closing the door and looking at Ryan still sitting on the couch. His heart leapt into his throat threatening to burst out of his wind pipe.

“Good movie huh?” Ray looked at his socks.

Ryan stood from the couch and Ray was biting through the skin on his lip.

“I was kind of distracted,” Ryan smiled as he walked the short distance from the couch to the front door.

Ray could feel himself leaning towards Ryan, “What could have possibly been cooler then those stunts?”

“Not you,” Ryan rolled his eyes before wrapping his arms around Ray quickly, “Please don’t crush my arm this time.”

“No promises,” Ray laughed, it was cut short by Ryan’s lips against his.

Ray was content with never laughing again if it meant Ryan was cutting him off every time with a confident kiss.

When Ryan pulled away Ray felt light headed like he’d run down a flight of steps. He almost fell into Ryan not realizing how heavily he’d been leaning into the kiss. Ray tried not to trip over his feet using every ounce of balance he had to plant his feet on the floorboards.

“R-R” Ray tried to bring up sensible words, but his brain was firing in over drive.

Ryan’s response was to rub his thumb across Ray’s bottom lip stopping any small train of thought in Ray.

They stood in silence for another heartbeat before Ryan’s face broke into a half smile, and his cheeks bloomed bright red.

Ray started laughing letting his voice ring off the apartment walls breaking the romantic silence. Comfort started to move through his bones, things fell back into a normal pace.

“It’s getting kind of late,” Ray pretended to check a watch he didn’t have, “Are you sure you want to go home?”

“Asking me to stay the night on our first date?” Ryan rose a brow.

“I’m bold,” Ray was feeling hot, he’d never even dated properly before, and here he was skipping past what he felt were several steps. He blamed the happiness coursing through his veins.

Ryan looked like he was think for a few seconds, biting his lip and looking towards the ceiling, “I think tonight I’m going to decline, next time.”

Ryan kissed Rays forehead before Ray could try and make a case for getting him to stay. It stopped Ray short making him smile and look towards his feet instead.

“Goodnight Ray,” Ryan headed for the door.

Ray nodded, “Goodnight, Ryan.”

Ray waved as Ryan slowly shut the door. His heart was starting to slow, before it got too slow he pulled out his phone typing to Michael. He couldn’t wait to show off his skills, and he was going to explode if he didn’t tell his best friends.

He played music on his phone while trying to avoid skipping down his hallway to his room, but no one could see him. Tomorrow Ray got to work with his new boyfriend. The word made him sigh with content. It was one of the few times he couldn’t wait till work.

For as excited as Ray was the night before he snoozed his alarm the next afternoon as soon as it went off. He groaned rolling over he couldn’t believe it was already             three in the afternoon, and he was still sleepy. One day he’d take down his curtains that kept his room dark all day. The alarm went off again, and even the prospect of seeing Ryan was barely willing him out of his sheets. Ray slid his finger over the snooze button one more time on his phone.

One more time was a lie, Ray had hit the snooze button three times before he finally willed himself the bathroom. Rubbing the crust out of his eyes he groaned reaching for his toothbrush on auto pilot.

The daily routine continued while Ray shuffled to the cabinet grabbing a box of Pop Tarts to wake him up and hold him over until he got some real food from Bruce. Ray ate Pop Tarts while scrolling through his phone seeing what the rest of the waking world was up to. He slowly started hiss troll to the couch when eh heard a knock on his door. That was not part of his usual day.

Ray opened the door stopping mid yawn to watch Ryan’s multicolored eyes give him a once over.

“You’re not dressed.”

“Work doesn’t start till 8,” Ray let a full yawn roll from his lungs.

“I just thought,” Ryan started.

“I’d be a functioning member of society by now?” Ray finished for him.

Ryan shrugged, “Maybe. Either way I brought food,” he held up a take out bag.

“If you being my boyfriend,” the word made Ray tingle, “Means food, I’m all about this,” he put his half eaten Pop Tart on the counter.

Ray dug into his burger picking off bits he didn’t like as he came to them, he could feel Ryan’s eyes studying him.

“Sorry,” Ryan said sheepishly, “I wanted it to be a surprise so I let them put everything on.”

“I’m not that picky,” Ray continued to inspect his burger for anymore foul ingredients.

Ryan’s laugh was short and light, Ray could still feel him gazing over.

Ray dared himself to look at Ryan, his blue and green eyes captured his curious stare. Ryan’s face was soft, but had a defined edge to it that rested in his two different colored eyes. Sometimes they looked like belonged to someone older then Ryan. They fit the Ryan Ray had first met in the bar, which felt like ages ago.  He never learned why that Ryan existed, but sometimes Ray could see it still buried deep underneath.

“Ry,” Ray started but was cut off by a kiss. As if Ryan knew Ray was going to prod at something. Ray didn’t complain though. Instead the thoughts drifted to the back of his mind as the kiss took priority.

Ray rarely walked to work anymore - only on Ryan’s day’s off – and even if he walked himself there Ryan tried to make sure he was there to pick him up. Night life in the city was slightly more enjoyable to Ray when he wasn’t glancing behind his back.

“Do you work on Saturday?” Ray asked leaning over the couch.

Ryan bit his lip while loading the dishwasher, “I don’t think so, I’m pretty sure I don’t.”

“Yes!”

Ryan gave Ray the eyebrows that said he know Ray was scheming.

“Guess who got invited to couple karaoke date night?”

“Don’t say yo-“

“We did!” Ray jumped off the couch.

Ryan let out a little groan closing the dishwasher.

Since they started dating a month ago Ryan started to practically live in Ray’s apartment, and Ray didn’t mind. It started with a toothbrush that Ryan had left one morning. It was a new one straight out of the package, Ryan had started spending more nights and was disgusted by the lack of morning teeth cleaning he had been doing since. Ryan bought a new one because he claimed bringing his toothbrush from home was too serious too fast. While Ryan still went home Ray started finding things of Ryan’s that were not newly store bought. He’d left books, reading glasses, deodorant, and of course clothes. Though Ray may have hid a shirt or two that he could wear to bed alter when he knew Ryan wouldn’t be staying the night. Ray asked about staying at Ryan’s place a few times, but Ryan always just brushed the question off.

“Don’t even say you don’t want to go,” Ray sighed.

“I don’t though,” Ryan frowned, “It won’t be any fun, I’m not a good singer.”

Ray rolled his eyes as Ryan walked over to the couch, “That’s what you said about bowling, and you loved bowling.”

“I turned out to be good at bowling, and I wasn’t the center of attention,” Ryan was checking his phone.

“You don’t have to sing, just come out,” Ray pleaded.

Ryan put his phone in his pocket before putting his arm around Ray’s shoulders.

“I’ll think about it,” Ryan checked his phone again, “Shit, I gotta go tonight,” he kissed Ray’s forehead, “I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“I’m off tomorrow,” Ray corrected him, “So not at work.”

“After, goodnight love you,” Ryan waved as he walked out the door.

“Love you!” Ray shouted after him.

“How many green things do you have in your cart?” Michael’s voice came in crackly over the phone.

“I’m getting there,” Ray rolled his cart right past the broccoli without looking back.

It was another day at the grocery store, Ray had noticed his chip and popcorn stocks getting low.

“Shouldn’t your boyfriend be helping you with this now?”

“He’s the reason I’ve put off doing this,” Ray sneered at a pack of carrots throwing it into his cart before getting dressing.

With all the food Ryan had been bringing to Ray’s apartment he hadn’t thought about shopping. Ryan had been bringing a variety of take out and home made dishes over tot eh apartment for the past few weeks. Ray barley had to fend for himself in finding food when he was with Ryan. He hadn’t anything microwaved in a while. Recently though Ryan had been really busy late at night, so the food had sort of stopped. Ray realized that he didn’t have his pantries as full as they usually were.

“Hey, can I call you back I’m moving some furniture with Gavin and I’m scared he’s going to drop a couch on his foot.”

“Yea, I think I can handle getting a few items on my own,” Ray smiled,

“Eat your veggies,” Michael said before hanging up.

Ray rolled his eyes putting his phone in his pocket. Red Baron was about to get reacquainted with Ray’s stomach, and he couldn’t wait. Double cheese and peperoni were his favorite versions of the Baron.

Before the hurrying to the pizza isle Ray decided to grab a bag of salad and a cucumber. They were both green and for a moment he wondered if he had more raw ingredients if Ryan would cook at his apartment instead of bringing Tupperware to reheat from his own home. While Ray pondered the thought of Ryan cooking in an apron, and his stove top getting some use there was a scream at the front of the store.

Stopping, Ray wondered what was happening, all the people in ear shot were looking towards the doors.

[southasia]

        In today’s society,arranged marriages are not as popular or favored by the new generation. They feel it’s important to know their future spouse before hand and not go blindly into a marriage. These ‘love marriages’ don’t usually sit well with the older generation. This script explores the nerve racking process of informing your parents of your potential future spouse. It also emphasizes the importance of family in South Asian culture and how that impacts a person’s life. 

NOT SO ARRANGED 

CHARACTERS:

SAPNA KAPOOR – MAIN FEMALE PROTAGONIST

AYAN CHOPRA – MAIN MALE PROTAGONIST

ANUSHKA KAPOOR – SAPNA’S MOTHER

ARJUN KAPOOR – SAPNA’S FATHER

SADAF CHOPRA – AYAN’S MOTHER

ROHAN CHOPRA – AYAN’S FATHER

POOJA CHOPRA – AYAN’S YOUNGER SISTER

 Sapna and Ayan think it’s time to let their parents know about their relationship. In hopes they’ll allow the two to marry, the loving couple set up a dinner date for their families. With their future on the line, Sapna and Ayan do their best to impress the parents, but things don’t go according to plan. (Comedy) (Drama)

 SCENE ONE:

EX. UNIVERISTY COURTYARD - AFTERNOON

A university courtyard on a spring afternoon. The sun is shining bright while Sapna and Ayan sit on the grass with their books around them. The two are talking intensively about a serious matter which almost breaks into an argument. The birds are chirping in background as students walk around the yard. There are other students sitting on the grass either talking or studying.

Sapna slams her book shut to emphasize her frustration.

SAPNA

    Well why not? We can’t hide this forever. Soon enough they’ll marry me off to some third cousin and you’ll still not say anything. It’s the perfect timing. No one’s past away in our family, my dad’s not fighting with his sister anymore and my grandma and mom are okay with each other.

Ayan makes a hesitating face

AYAN

    What if they don’t like me? They’ll shun me out forever and I’ll never see you again. And you know how strict my parents are. The only girls they’ll let me talk to is my sister or my cousin.

Sapna erupts in laughter.

SAPNA

    Your cousin Neha? Oh, that’s too good!

Ayan nudges her with his elbow

AYAN

    That’s not funny. I can’t even stand to be in the same room as her, imagine us married. It’s like a living nightmare. What if we do get married?

SAPNA

    I’ll be there at your wedding cheering you on. But seriously, you have to tell your parents. If you don’t, I will and I can’t wait to hear how angry your parents get when my parents call them to inform them about our lovely relationship.

AYAN

    Oh, that’s just evil.

Ayan sighs.

    Fine. I’ll tell them, but don’t expect them to like you.

Sapna squeals in joy.

SAPNA

    Oh, great! But who knows, what if everything goes well and we are worrying for nothing.

AYAN

    Ha, what world do you live in?

Sapna looks to the sky.

SAPNA

    I can’t wait to see Neha’s face when she finds out.

AYAN

    And my mom’s face when she realizes what a disgrace I am.

SAPNA

    Oh, and my dad’s face when he finally sees I’m not his perfect daughter.

Sapna and Ayan both turn to face each other.

SAPNA & AYAN

    I want out.

SAPNA

No, Ayan you agreed, I didn’t.

AYAN

    And this is your idea, not mine.

SAPNA

    But now I’m thinking it would be easier to just run away to Alaska and live in the wilderness. We can have some really cute matching camouflage outfits and our parents could think that we’re just dead so we’ll never have to meet them again. And then we’ll have a family and we’ll tell our children their grandparents are shape shifting bears but then something happened and now they’re stuck as bears. So anytime they see a bear they’ll think it’s their grandparents, so they don’t feel left out. And then one day, we’ll……

Ayan puts his hand over Sapna’s mouth

AYAN

    Or we could just tell them?

Sapna pulls Ayan’s hand down to her chin.

SAPNA

    Alaska sounds more fun.

Ayan raises his eyebrows.

SAPNA

    Fine, telling the parents it is. But it has to be done tonight.

AYAN

    Good, we’ve come to agreement.

 SCENE TWO:

INT. THE KAPOOR HOUSE – EVENING

Anushka is in the kitchen cooking dinner vigorously while Arjun is watching a cricket match between Pakistan and India. The noise from the cooking and television surrounds the household. Sapna enters hoping to get past her parents to buy more time.

ANUSHKA

    Sapna! Oh, Sapna is that you! Come here!

Sapna turns on her heels and straightens her back. She stands in the kitchen door way.

SAPNA

    Yes, Mama?

Anushka turns her back away from the cutting board on the kitchen counter.

ANUSHKA

    Did you greet your father, yet?

Sapna turns her head to the living room.

SAPNA

    Hello, papa! I’m home!

Arjun raises his hand in response, but maintains his attention on the television.

ANUSHKA

    How many times do I tell you, you have to go up to your father, not yell across the room. Respect! Come here. Chop the lettuce and tomato for the salad.

Sapna goes to the cutting board and begins to chop.

ANUSHKA

So, how was your day, beta? Did your presentation go well?

SAPNA

    Ya, I did great! My teacher said I was excellent.

Anushka looks over Sapna’s shoulder. She taps her head with her hand.

ANUSHKA

    Chop thinner slices. That’s too big. Your father will choke on these pieces.

SAPNA

    Okay, okay, okay Mama.

Sapna angrily chops the lettuce head into two.

 SCENE THREE:

INT. THE CHOPRA HOUSE – EVENING

    The household is completely quiet. Pooja sits in her room listening to loud music on her headphones while reading a book. Rohan remains at work and is not present. Sadaf is silently sweeping the floor.

    Ayan unlocks the door loudly and jingles the keys out of the lock. He grumbles as he enters, careless of the quiet environment.

Sadaf comes to the entry way.

SADAF

    Hello, beta. How was your day? Was it too cold outside?

Ayan is pulling his shoes off with both hands, while balancing on one foot. He grunts after each shoe comes off.

AYAN

    It was good. The weather was fine.

Ayan manages to pull off this second shoe and leaves them in the entry way. Sadaf picks them up and stores them in the closet.

AYAN

    Where’s Abu? Pooja!! I’m home!

SADAF

Your father is still at work, he’ll be home in half an hour.

AYAN

Good. I have to tell you all…… something important.

Pooja comes through the hallway and hears Ayan’s last words.

POOJA

    Something important? Are you going to drop out of school? No wait, let me guess, your running away to London and gonna live with Saashi Masi. Noooooo. You’re not pregnant are you?

AYAN

    Shut up, Pooja. It’s something else.

SADAF

    Eh, respect, both of you.

Pooja sticks out her tongue and Ayan gives her the middle finger as Sadaf has her back towards the two. Sadaf leaves to continue her sweeping.

POOJA

    So, you’re finally gonna tell them about Sapna.

AYAN

    Yes, I’m gonna tell them, you’re not. Keep your nose out of this.

Pooja squeals in joy.

POOJA

    Oh, I can’t wait! I’m finally gonna have an older sister. You better not mess this up. This is may be my only chance at having a great older sister. I don’t want to have Neha as a sister.

Pooja overdramatically shivers.

 SCENE FOUR:

INT. THE KAPOOR HOUSE – EVENING

The Kapoor family is having dinner. Anushka and Arjun eat at a fast pace, despite there being no hurry. Sapna picks at her food, eating in small bites.

Sapna drops her spoon on her plate to get her parents’ attention.

SAPNA

    I’m dating someone!

Sapna closes her eyes to bear any reaction from her parents.

ARJUN

    Dating? What is this dating? Anushka, what is she talking about?

SAPNA

    (In a quick tone)His name is Ayan Chopra, he has a younger sister named Pooja. His parents are Rohan and Sadaf Chopra. They are a good family, he’s studying to become a neurosurgeon and he’s a good boy. No criminal record, he respects his family and I want to marry him.

Pause.

Anushka and Arjun look at each other and smile wide.

ARJUN

    Sapna, do you have his home phone number? I want to speak to this father.

SAPNA

    Um, uh, yea Papa. But his father is still at work. He’ll be home in about ten minutes. Wait, are you too okay with me dating someone behind your back and wanting to marry him?

ARJUN

    I think I’ll very much like this boy.

Anushka nods her head.

ANUSHKA

    I think he’s absolutely wonderful. What is his name, again? Arvin?

SAPNA

    Ayan, Mama.

ANUSHKA

    Yes, yes, Ayan. Good name too.

 Sapna begins to eat her dinner with pleasure.

SCENE FIVE:

INT. THE CHOPRA HOUSE – EVENING

The Chopra family is eating dinner ever so quietly. Ayan is eating loudly as his nerves are getting to him. Rohan, who recently arrived, has noticed Ayan’s behaviour.

ROHAN

    Ayan, what’s the hurry? Slow down.

Ayan lifts his head form his plate and chews his food.

POOJA

    Abu?

ROHAN

    Yes?

POOJA

    Ayan has something to tell you.

Ayan widens his eyes and tried to kick Pooja who sits opposite him.

ROHAN

    Well, tell us Ayan, what is it?

AYAN

    Well, uh, um, uh.

Everyone waits in anticipation.

    AYAN

    I have been seeing this girl at school and we want to get married.

SADAF

    Who is she?

AYAN

    Sapna Kapoor. Parents, Arjun and Anushka Kapoor.

POOJA

    She’s really pretty, Mama. You’ll like her.

ROHAN

    (To Pooja) You’ve met her.

Pooja nods her head. Rohan begins to mumble, thinking hard about the name Kapoor.

ROHAN

    Okay, when can we meet her?

AYAN

    Here, Friday night at 6:00 over dinner and chai.

ROHAN

    Great. I’ll call to confirm the plans.

AYAN

    (confused) Great.

SCENE SIX:

INT. THE KAPOOR AND CHOPRA HOUSE – NIGHT

Ayan and Sapna are talking on the phone. Arjun and Rohan are also having a conversation over the phone and sound very happy, almost like old friends.

AYAN

    Are you hearing what I’m hearing?

SAPNA

    They’re laughing. This is a good sign right?

AYAN

    Better than good, this is frickin’ awesome! You think our moms will be the same.

SAPNA

    Oh, totally. My mom hasn’t stop kissing my cheek for finding such a good boy. God, I never thought our parents would react like this.

AYAN

    Right, I think my mom is unpacking her wedding dress right about now.

Sapna laughs in response.

SAPNA

    So,

AYAN

    So,

SAPNA

    Everyone seems excited, for the dinner I mean

AYAN

    I am too.

Arjun and Rohan are speaking loudly on the phone, overjoyed with the conversation.

AYAN

    Are they like distant relatives or something?

SAPNA

    More like long lost brothers.

 SCENE SEVEN:

INT. THE CHOPRA HOUSE – AFTERNOON

The day is here, the Kapoors are over for dinner at the Chopra’s. Both families are eager to met, yet nervous.

The doorbell rings while the Chopra’s make last minute adjustments.

POOJA

    Ahhhh, they’re here!

SADAF

    Keep your voice down. Open the door.

Pooja opens the door and the Kapoors enter. Arjun and Rohan embrace each other with open arms, patting each other on the back. Sadaf and Anushka greet each other and are instantly engulfed in conversation about their families. Pooja is clinging onto Sapna while Ayan tries to set her free.

ROHAN

    (To Arjun) introduce me to your lovely daughter.

ARJUN

    (Placing a hand behind Sapan’s back) this is my daughter, Sapna

SAPNA

    Hello, uncle, aunty.

After brief conversations, Arjun and Rohan go to the living room and begin a conversation about Rohan’s business. Anushka and Sadaf enter the kitchen to prepare dinner. Sapna, Ayan and Pooja head upstairs to Pooja’s room. The rest of the evening goes smoothly as the two families sit down for dinner.

SCENE EIGHT:

INT. THE CHOPRA HOUSE – EVENING

Both families are seated at the dinner table.

SADAF

    So, Sapna what are you studying?

SAPNA

    I’m doing a masters in journalism while trying to find an internship at a local newspaper.

ROHAN

    Journalism is a great field to go into.

ARJUN

    That’s exactly why I told her to study it.

Ayan and Sapna look at each other and roll their eyes that their fathers’ obvious attempt to impress each other.

ANUSHKA

    And Pooja, how are you’re classes?

POOJA

    Second year of high school is going great.

AYAN

    Ha, yea right? How about that assignment you failed?

POOJA

    (To Sadaf) Mama, tell him to stop.

AYAN

    So, uncle how do you and Abu know each other?

ARJUN

    (Laughs) How do we don’t. He’s a classmate, neighbour, past business partner and the only friend my father approved of.

Rohan erupts in laughter.

ROHAN

    You forgot about the cleaning lady!

Everyone laughs.

SAPNA

    Papa, you had a business with uncle? You never mentioned it. What was it?

ARJUN

    It was years ago, and it was just small business. Not too important.

SADAF

    I don’t think so, Arjun Bhai. Your Paan Shop was a good success.

AYAN

    (almost spitting his drink) A Paan shop? Ah, ha, ha! What was it called? A & R’s Paan Palace?

Sapna and Pooja erupt in laughter.

SAPNA

    Or, or Papa’s Paan.

Everyone cannot control their laughter and giggles.

ROHAN

    No, no, no

ANUSHKA

    (To Arjun) Do you want to tell them the actual name?

POOJA

    What was the actual name?

SADAF

    It was called ‘PAAN’

Everyone remains silent.

SAPNA

    I like mine better.

Ayan and Pooja smile.

ANUSHKA

    (Smiling) you know, that’s where Sadaf and I met your fathers.

AYAN

    I guess no one could resist the Paan Princes.

ARJUN

    Ayan, make fun all you want, but it was a huge success!

AYAN

    So what happened?

Arjun looks at Rohan and then down at his plate. The parents feel awkward at Ayan’s question.

AYAN

    (Looking around)Did I say something wrong?

Everyone remain silent and continues to eat their dinner. The parents feel awkward after Ayan’s question.

ROHAN

    Some things……… are meant to be short term.

ARJUN

(Chuckles) Short term? I wasn’t the one that left the country.

ROHAN

    I wasn’t going to give up the opportunity for a better business just so I could stand behind a counter and make paan.

ARJUN

     One simple note. You didn’t even leave a simple note. You got on a plane and left. Your milk man was the one who told me the news. But my friend of 20 years didn’t.

Everyone is beginning to be uncomfortable.

ROHAN

    If I told you, you would have never let me go. You would have convinced me into staying and I would not be here today, with my own business.

ARJUN

    You had a business! With me!

ROHAN

    Paan does not feed a family, it barely feeds two!

Silence.

ROHAN

    (Low voiced) You’ve always been jealous of me.

ARJUN

    That’s it! This is why your mother liked me better! And I wasn’t even her son!

Sapna and Ayan look at each other in fear.

SADAF

    Kids, go to the living room.

Sapna, Ayan and Pooja head into the kitchen in order to continue hearing the conversation.

ANUSHKA

    Arjun, keep your voice down.

ROHAN

    (Standing) You’re just sitting on your couch watching T.V., right? Wow, nothing’s changed. Do you still get your mother to feed you?

ARJUN

    (Standing) No, I get your mother to feed me!

ROHAN

    (Outraged) she’s dead!

Silence.

Anushka and Sadaf leave the two and enter the kitchen to continue to hear the conversation.

ARJUN

    (Sitting)When?

ROHAN

    (Sitting)It’s been 7 months. I thought of calling you, but I didn’t know where you were. So, when I heard Ayan say your name, I thought it was a second chance for us.

ARJUN

    25 years. It’s been 25 years since I last saw you.

ROHAN

Nothing has changed. Well, except for your hair loss.

The two giggle.

ARJUN

    So, when’s the wedding?

THE END.