#alan x maria

[cadybear420]

Time to make headcanons about Alan's ex girlfriend.

[bakarinaknowsbest]

Vol 14 is out.

[imdonnalynn]

Can't wait to see these two together again in season 3. It's coming February 20, 2025.

Neagley is getting her own spinoff too!!!!

[samtamdan]

[igzsatelier]

Imagine...

Instead of Katarina having a harem, it was you being the main love interest.

Prince Geordo, Prince Alan, Keith and the rest of the noble men and ladies were romantically interested in you. They love you very much the longer they spend time with you.

Except you were in denial about it and you refused to believe that these handsome men and beautiful ladies were in love with you.

There was no way Prince Geordo was interested in you, right? He's too perfect! An absolute fairytale prince that you can't help but feel like you were dragging him down with you!... Huh? Why is he confessing to you? No no no, you're being delusional--

Nicol was so quiet and mysterious. And these awkward silence sessions is seriously killing you. Woah, Nicol has an intense gaze... Wait-- is he angry with you? Did you do something wrong?! Y-You must apologize to him!

You wonder why Mary was always so nice and touchy with you, it's pretty embarrassing and you couldn't return her passionate gaze... Maybe because you were so easy to fool and please... Um-- Uhh?!-- She sounded kinda aggressive towards Alan and Keith. Uwah, scary!

Romance novels weren't something you were into in the first place. It made you feel desperate and pathetic, but reading it with Sophia made you feel safe...

Eep! S-Sophia!-- Why is she pressing her forehead against yours? Maybe because you were sitting too close to her?... Yeah, that must be it! You have to move away before she gets disgusted by you!

Prince Alan looks so cool and amazing!... Unlike you, you feel like your talents weren't good enough no matter how hard you try... Wh-What...? He looks a bit red. Alan thinks you're already amazing in the beginning? That... Th-That!-- M-Make's me really happy...

Keith was so helpful so to you that you couldn't help but feel useless. You feel like you have failed on being a good big sibling to him. I must apologize for being a bad sibling!... Hmm? He's not mad? Then wh-why is he sighing tiredly like that!?-- He probably thinks that you were being pathetic again. Ahh! Need to apologize again!

Maria... Why was she so nice to you? And so kind! A-And beautiful!... It makes your heart flutter to think that she cares about you... Even though you think that you don't deserve it. Oh my god, sh-she's being so radiant! But you can't help but feel guilty that she's putting up with your pathetic self. You should apologize everytime she's with you-- she's far too good for this cruel world!

[lover-also-fighter-also]

WIP Wednesday

Hi everyone!

Sorry for the late submission. I was caught up in a shit ton of work and didn't find time to type this out yesterday, but I know I have given The Prince Swap a temporary pause, but I plan to continue it, and this is a small peek of the future chapters yet to come. Stay tuned!

Tags: @cadybear420 @somerandomjewelleryonthefloor @choicesmc @choicesficwriterscreations

The barkeep approaches Alan. 'Yes?' he asked. 'Give me your finest beer, two wine coolers and a small Virgin Mai - ', but before he could finish the order, a girl pushes past him. 'Barkeep, one whole round of rainbow shots.' said the girl. 'Hey, I was here first.' said Alan, stepping up and scowling at her 'Who cares?' said the girl, rounding on Alan and giving him a dirty look. 'I am a Theta, and I get first priority at service here.' 'Wow, I have seen a lot of entitlement, but you are a next level.' said Alan, his eyes unwavering. 'What's that supposed to mean?' said the girl. She strode up to him and pointed a finger at his chest. 'I don't know who you are, but its best if you stay out of my way, unless you want to be dealing with my sorority - '. 'That's enough, Megan!' said a serious-looking girl, walking up to them, and Alan turned around, and whom he saw stopped his words in his throat for a moment. He had seen many princes and princesses, but they seemed insignificant than the person who was coming over to him. She had shoulder-length brown, wavy hair and sharp brown eyes. Even her stern expression could not cloud her perfect features. 'Maria!' said the girl, which seemed to snap Alan out of his trance. 'This b-'. 'I have seen enough to know what's happening.' said the girl who was Maria. 'So unless your sorority wants trouble with me, you will leave him alone.' The girl looked between the two of them, weighing her options, then she huffed and left. Maria then turned to Alan. 'Are you alright?' she asked. 'Better now that you are here.' said Alan, not hiding his smile. He truly found her boldness attractive. 'I'm sorry what?' said Maria. 'I mean I am okay.' said Alan, 'You shouldn't have taken the trouble.' 'Well, you can't blame me for doing my job.' said Maria. 'And does your job involve saving a guy from being threatened?' said Alan, giving her a small wink. Maria gave a short laugh, her serious facade fading a bit. 'You're funny, you know?' 'I get that a lot.' said Alan, his eyes twinkling. Maria distracted the topic. 'How about I get you your drinks as…compensation?' she asked. 'I would never say no, especially when a beautiful girl is getting them for me.' said Alan. 'Riight…' said Maria, clearly ignoring the flirty compliment, but she couldn't help blushing.

[fluffygreenkoala]

Template by @sapphireshineauthor ✨

Here are my HameFura ships 🥰

[chibi-di]

I wanted to draw a scene in the new light novel of hamefura, when Katarina and Geordo meet their eyes in middle or the people.

This is my first post in like 5 years or more, hope this is not so awful hahahh, I would like to draw also Mary x Alan ans Cyrus x Maria moments of the new light novel.

[theyhavetakenovermylife]

Some Of Your Children's Favorite Songs

Bayverse!Turtles x reader

A/N: Just a little something to give you an idea of what you and your mutant husband might hear blasting from your children’s rooms, and maybe even give you and idea of their ✨vibes✨, lol💚 Good luck with Marie btw😂

Warnings: Good music, hehehe. No fr, I listen to all of this.

Leonardo:

Romeo:

“Silent Running” by Gorillaz and Adeleye Omotayo.

“Demoni” by Joker Out.

“Look Who’s Laughing Now” by Benjamin Ingrosso.

“Nice To Meet Ya” by Niall Horan.

“IL DONO DELLA VITA” by Måneskin.

Marcello:

“Soldi” by Mahmood.

“MI FAI IMPAZZIRE” by BLANCO.

“Wa Dachte” by Viccens, Joost Klein and Kleine Crack.

“NEMISI” by Marracash ft. BLANCO.

“Stefania” by KALUSH and Kalush Orchestra.

Gerardo:

“Espresso Macchiato” by Tommy Cash.

“Buurman” by Joost Klein.

“I KNOW” by D1MA.

“Antwoord” by Joost Klein and gladde paling.

“(nendest) narkootikumidest ei tea me (küll) midagi” by 5MIINUST and Puuluup.

Valentina:

“Certified Pop Queen” by Nemo.

“Tout l’univers” by Gjon’s Tears.

“Beautiful Mistake” by Kristian Kostov.

“EVERY SINGLE DAY” by Felix Sandman.

“Mon amour” by Slimane.

Raphael:

Joan:

“Red Flag Parade” by MYDY.

“Out Of My System” by Louis Tomlinson.

“Blood & Glitter” by Lord Of The Lost.

“Girls Can Do Anything” by July Jones.

“Planetary Hearts” by UBLU.

Minerva:

“Teardrops” by Liam Payne.

“Colours of Your Love” by Conchita Wurst.

“Teresa & Maria” by alyona alyona and Jerry Heil.

“Det Modsatte” by Mumle.

“Is It Love” by Loreen.

Ragnar:

“DELILAH” by Mikolas Josef and Mark Neve.

“Simple Joy” by THE ROOP.

“Lowlife” by YUNGBLUD.

“Koullout liekki” by Benjamin.

“TANGO” by Tommy Cash and bbno$.

Donatello:

Galileo:

“Bla Bla Bla”, by Gigi D’Agostino.

“Freed from Desire” by Gala.

“Rhythm Is A Dancer” by SNAP!

“No Limit” by 2 Unlimited.

“Cha Cha Cha - Alan Walker remix” by Käärijä and Alan Walker.

Dorothy:

“My Heart Is Refusing Me” by Loreen.

“Eurostar” by Nemo.

“Mamma Mia” by ABBA.

“RELATIONS” by Felix Sandman and Astrid S.

“Shady Lady” by Ani Lorak.

Marie:

“We Got The Moves” by Electric Callboy.

"Friesenjung" by Ski Aggu, Joost Klein and Otto Waalkes.

“Romantika” by Brutalismus 3000.

“Ratata” by glade paling and Vieze Asbak.

“Buurman Uit Berlijn” by MCR-T and Joost Klein.

Michelangelo:

Sunny:

“Shut Up And Dance” by Sophie and the Giants.

“Fairytale” by Alexander Rybak.

“Brother Louie” by Modern Talking.

“Damdiggida” by KEiiNO.

“Stor Mand” by Tobias Rahim ft. andreas odbjerg.

Luis:

“Go Bananas” by Little Big.

“Give That Wolf A Banana” by Subwoolfer.

“Dancing Lasha Tumbai” by Verka Serduchka.

“Rouska” by Käärijä and Erika Vikman.

“Turn It Up” by Oliver Tree, Little Big and Tommy Cash.

[logo-comics]

Pairing: Maria x Catarina

Title: I never thought I'd be your first option

Katarina was baffled. "But, why? Isn't there a boy you'd prefer to go with you to that?"

"The Midwinter's Festival is my favorite holiday festivity," Maria replied, shuffling slightly nervously.

Katarina was very aware of that. It was part of Price Alan's route. So why was Maria asking her?!

[cadybear420]

Flirting with Maria in the early chapters of book 1 is so fun

[bakarinaknowsbest]

The cover of vol 14

Source

[loveexxx]

AGAIN?

pairings: y/n x chris sturniolo. Summary: 2 months after your break up with the infamous Chris Sturniolo you meet again. Warnings:use of y/n. A/n: Hey this is my first one so... yeah i hope you guys like it and english isn't my first language so sorry for any mistakes.. xx

Part two is up

I was finally feeling great after that long heartbreak. I was out with my friends Maria and Maddison, we were having a good time sitting at the beach and talking... I haven't felt that good in a while.

Fifteen minutes later we met up with some other friends of Maria. They were 2 boys Jacob and Alan.

Maria introduced us and we started talking for a bit and after a while Jacob spoke up

"Hey i heard there was a frat party around here wanna go?" he suggested

I hated frat parties. It was cause of Chris when we were together i used to tag along but after the break up i realised they are no fun really.

"oh yeah i like the sound of that. What about you y/n?" Maddi asked and Maria nodded in agreement.

"Well if you guys want to go you can go i.. uh.. i am not really in the mood for a party" I said and smiled.

Maria frowned "Come on girl you have to come you haven't been in a party for almost 2 months now" She said while Jacob and Alan were looking at us kind of confused of what's going on.

After a while i gave in "Fine" i said "Finally girl now come on" Maria said as Maddi clapped and chuckled.

We started walking towards a random house, it was big, it had 3 storeys and a big backyard with a pool. The backyard was basiclly were the party was.

When we stepped inside Jacob and Alan greeted a familiar face. When i saw who it was i instantly turned to Maddi and Maria.

"Are you seeing Matt too or i am the only one" I said as i grabbed their arms and turned them to their backs.

Maria and Maddi slowly turned their heads back to take a peak."oh girl thats him" Maddi said "i hope Chris is not here" Maria said knowing i was worried if Chris was here too.

"But whatever girl we are here to have fun and even if the loser is still here you have to show him what he is losing, okay?" Maria said and gave me a look.

"Okay.." I said hestitanly "Lets go have fun" Maddi said as we turned around and started heading to Jacob and Alan.

"It was about time you girls came here" Alan said.

"Let me introduc-" Jacob tried to say but was cut off by Maria.

"We already know Matt" she said and turned her gaze to him. "Hi" she said with attitude and i elbowed her.

"Hey" i said to Matt.

"Hello" he said.

The tension was thick and we stood for a minute in silence, but not comfortable silence awkward silence.

Finally Alan and Jacob started catching up with the whole memo and Jacob spoke up "Hey how about we go to the backyard i heard they have vodka your girls favourite" he said and laughed slightly.

Maddi perked up at the mention of vodka "Oh hell yeah come on girls" she said excitedly.

Me and Maria laughed and just followed her while the boys followed close behind us with Matt.

As we headed to the backyard i noticed him.. I noticed Chris he was posted up with a blonde girl making out with her. I felt discusting and i wasn't really good at hiding it cause Maria noticed it almost immediately. She followed my gaze with her's and she saw him.

"Aw girl dont be like that.. He is a loser and he doesn't know what he is losing" She cooed and i just nodded and looked down at the floor while walking.

After a while we sat down near the pool. We were chatting with Matt a bit catching up.. I didn't really have anything towards him he was pretty cool and he seemed like he didn't have something towards me too.

"How's Nick?" i asked Matt.

"oh he is doing fine, y'know he really misses you" Matt said and i smiled.

"Yeah i miss him too he was like my best friend.. I am sorry i cut you off guys it was just... The break up wasn't the easiest.

He nodded "Don't worry about it we are still friends right?" He asked and i perked up a bit.

"Yeah of course" i said and laughed as we continued talking.

After a while someone came over to us.. And me Maria and Maddi weren't really exstatic about his presence here.

"Hey bro" he said and greeted Alan and Jacob. After greeting them he noticed me.

"Hey" he mumbled.

"Hi..." i said as i looked at him.

A/N: I am so sorry for the sudden cut off i just didn't know how to end it but it will for sure have a part 2 soon.. Anyways hope you enjoyed xx

[multifandom006]

New Man in town

Joel Miller x Single mother Reader

warnings: SMUT(ofc) Hair pulling, praise, slapping, Joel and his filthy mouth, rough sex, soft!dom Joel, some angst mentions of abuse (abusive ex husband) DAD JOEL!!!!!!

He was new in Jackson, you haven't met him but you've heard the women talk about the new guy. You come to learn that his name is Joel Miller, Tommy's older brother and he came here with a girl, she was about the same age as your daughter Avery.

walking along side Maria talking about the town and the kids ''So have you met Joel yet?" Maria asked, you shook your head no ''Nope but Avery has made friends with the girl he came with'' you replied ''ah yes, Ellie. she's a funny kid'' Maria said ''but I think you should meet Joel he's nice once you get to know him'' she added, you smiled ''I'm not sure Maria'' you replied kicking the snow under my shoe ''I haven't been on a date since..'' you look at Maria ''I know but I'm not saying go on a date with him, how about this come to mine and Tommy's tonight bring Avery, Joel is coming over as well and he will most likely bring Ellie so the girls can hang out while us adults can mingle'' Maria said with a hopeful smile so you cave ''fine we will come'' you said ''great, come around 7-8, but I have to go check on the horses and make sure Jesse and Dina have done the cleaning properly'' Maria said ''alright I'll see you later''.

When it was time to head over to Maria and Tommy, you felt bundle of nerves hit you like a train ''Mom lets go!'' Avery said standing by the door. You and your daughter headed off to Maria's and you listened to Avery talk about her day with her new Friend Ellie.

The two off you arrive and were greeted by Tommy ''hey girls! come on in'' he said stepping aside to let you two inside, when you walk in you spotted Joel sitting on the couch with a beer in his hand ''Ellie!'' Avery yelled happily to see her friend ''Avery!'' Ellie came over ''Hi ma'am'' Elie said ''Please, call me Y/N Ellie, and I've lovely things about you'' you said giving the girl a warm motherly smile.

The two girls went off outside to hang out while the adults sat in the living room ''Joel I don't think you and Y/N have properly met'' Maria said and looked between the two ''Hi'' you said softly 'he's really handsome' you thought ''Hi Y/N'' Joel said giving his charming smile.

from then you and Joel became great friends but secretly the two of you wanted more, so much more, one day you and Avery were on your way to Joel's place so the girls could hang out together, You knock on the door and was greeted by Joel and his gorgeous smile ''come on in'' he said and the two girls walked inside and Avery and Ellie went off to Ellie's little hang out in the shed leaving you and Joel alone ''those two girls are practically attached to the hip'' Joel said causing you to laugh softly, and hearing your laugh made Joel smile ''you want some coffee?" Joel asked ''please'' you answer and made your way over to the couch while Joel went into his kitchen to make himself and you some coffee.

Joel brought over your mug and sat beside you ''thank you'' you said talking the mug ''no problem Darlin'' he said and drank his coffee, hearing the nickname he gave you caused heat to form in your cheeks and between your legs ''if you don't mind me asking, were is Avery's dad?'' Joel asked you sigh and put the mug down ''he died a while ago'' you replied ''shit...sorry I didn't-'' you cut him off ''Joel its fine..he was a piece of shit'' you said and Joel looked at you waiting for you to continue ''his name was Alan..he was abusive and so cruel to Avery'' you said and looked down ''he'd hit me for no reason till I was begging him to stop...sometimes he'd make her watch and say 'this is what will happen to you if you don't do as your told' '' after you finished Joel grabbed your hand and held it ''you did NOT deserve that sweetheart'' He said with a soft husky voice, you stare at Joel and your eyes flickered from his eyes to his lips ''i...I would never treat you the way he did..'' Joel said scooting closer gently placing his hand on your cheek ''Joel...' you whispered ''let me prove it to you'' he said and before you knew it Joel had kissed you, his lips were soft and the feeling of sadness just washed away, you kissed him back and put your head against his ''lets take this upstairs'' Joel whispered and before you could reply he lifted you up and took you up to his room.

The two of you made it to Joels room and both already started getting undress ''get on your hands and knees'' Joel said and you did as he said and he groaned at the sight of your wet cunt ''did I make you this wet?" he asked placing his hands on your ass, you nod ''y..yes'' you mumbled, Joel sent a slap to your ass causing a moan to escape your lips ''I couldn't hear you say that again'' Joel said ''yes Joel.. you made me wet'' you said ''Good and I'm gonna make a mess of this pretty pussy'' Joel said and pushed his thumb on her clit ''oh..fuck'' you moaned softly as he rubbed the sensitive nub, Joel teased the fuck out of you ''Joel please please just fuck me'' you begged looking back at him ''I will sweet thing I will'' he said dropping his jeans and rubbing his hard cock between your soaking wet folds, before you knew it Joel had pushed himself into you ''Fuckkkk your cunt is so god damn tight'' Joel said and started thrusting into you hard, you bit down on your Lip and hid your face in your arms but Joel wasn't having that, he reached over keeping one hand on your hips and the other into your hair grabbing a fist full pulling you back ''dont you even think about hiding those moans, I wanna hear how good I'm fucking you'' he said and you nodded letting out your moans as Joel fucked you harder. Joel gave your ass a hard slap ''fucking pretty pussy taking my cock, such a good cunt'' he said as he held your hips tight the two of you grew close to cumming ''Joel..Joel m'gonna cum'' you mumbled out being fucked dumb ''me too sweet girl, me too'' he said moving faster ''cum inside please Joel I want it inside'' you begged ''shit..ill cum in you baby'' Joel said and went to town before cumming with you, you and Joel panted heavily.

Joel pulled out and helped clean you up, the two of you laid in bed and you rested your head on his chest ''i....I love you Joel'' you said softly and Joel looked at you ''I love you too Darlin'' he said kissing your head.

a couple years went by and you had it all, you watched as Joel taught Avery how to play the guitar and you helped Ellie with some homework she was given. You had your family, it was all you needed.

[choicesficwriterscreations]

CFWC F/AtoW: Sep 1 - 7, 2024

✒️ = Fanfic | 📱 = Text Fics/Edits | 🎨 = Fanart Ⓜ️ = Mature Content 18+ | 🔥 = Explicit/NSFW 18+ 🏳️‍🌈 = LGBTQIA+

BLADES OF LIGHT AND SHADOW

Whispers in the Fog ✒️ | Mal Volari x F!Human!MC - @storyofmychoices

BLOODBOUND

Pumpkin Soup ✒️ | Adrian Raines x F!MC - @kinda-iconic

HIGH SCHOOL STORY

Aiden Zhou in Marching Band Outfit 🎨🏳️‍🌈 | Aiden Zhou - @cadybear420

Alan Parke in his full prom outfit 🎨🏳️‍🌈 | M!MC - @cadybear420

Birthday Surprises ✒️🏳️‍🌈 | Maria Flores x F!MC - @lover-also-fighter-also

LAWS OF ATTRACTION

Because There is Love 🎨🏳‍🌈 | Martin Vanderwall x NB!MC - @oh-so-youre-a-nerd

OPEN HEART

A Sweet Ending ✒️ | Ethan Ramsey x F!MC - @jerzwriter

Grounds for Dismissal ✒️ | Tobias Carrick x F!MC - @jerzwriter

Perfect Day ✒️ | Ethan Ramsey x F!MC - @liaromancewriter

Red Haired Girl 📱 | Ethan Ramsey x F!MC - @liaromancewriter

Sienna and Pikachu 🎨 | Sienna Trinh - @sazanes

How Will I Live Without You (Series) ✒️ | Rafael Aveiro x F!MC - @rafasgirl23415 Part 4

THE ROYAL ROMANCE

Marabelle (Series) ✒️ | Liam Rys x F!MC - @tessa-liam Chapter 15: Life Goes On - Part 2

Princesa Real 2 (Series) ✒️ | Liam Rys x F!MC - @belencha77 Chapter 42: Verades Ocultas Chapter 43: Encuentros y Revelaciones

[lover-also-fighter-also]

THE PRINCE SWAP

CHAPTER 2 PART 3: THE STUDENT BODY PRESIDENT

64.media.tumblr.com

Banner credits: @cadybear420

Links to previous chapters:

Chapter 1: part 1

Chapter 1: part 2

Chapter 1: part 3

Chapter 2: part 1

Chapter 2: part 2

Tags: @cadybear420 @somerandomjewelleryonthefloor @choicesmc @choicesficwriterscreations @dutifullynuttywitch @mlmichaelharrison 

Summary: a rewrite of The Princess Swap, but featuring our OG: HSS MC's, Jeremy Rin (my MC) and Alan Parke (Cady's MC).

'What?' asked Alan, surprised.

'Yeah, and she never gives anyone the time of the day.' added Safiya. 'What have you done to attract her attention?'

'Well I - ' started Alan, but they were interrupted by Astra, who said 'Who caares, lets get on the dance floor.' she said as she downed her drink and started dancing. Alan was grateful for the interruption.

'I'd rather study the kinetic energy as an observer. So many bodies moving with wild abandon…so frentic…' said Safiya as she disappeared into the crowd, muttering to herself. Astra shrugs.

'So how about you two? Wanna let our inner party selves out?' she said, standing up.

'Hell yeah!' said Alan, 'The dance floor's been calling my name all night!'

'I wouldn't mind.' said Faye, but looked nervously at the dance floor. 'It's just that the floor is very crowded.'

'Come on Faye.' said Alan, 'Just remember to take it one step at a time.' he said, leading her onto the dance floor. She started off awkwardly, but soon she picked up the beat.

'Man this feels great! I haven't danced like this in ages!' she said.

As they danced, out of the corner of his eye, he saw Safiya chatting up with a girl. He caught a small snippet of the conversation.

'Cool! And you really have a pet snake at home?' asked the girl. 'Oh I couldn't leave him alone at home.' said Safiya, as a snake slid through her sleeve.

'AAHHH!' shouted Stephanie, head of the Thetas, who was standing nearby. The scream attracted everyone in the pub. 'BOUNCER!' she screamed. 'I am Stephanie Dupont and I need you to escort these weirdos out immediately.'

'Hey.' said Alan. 'You can't kick us out over a little snake. Besides Poppy is harmless.' he said looking at the snake, which was contently sliding over Safiya's arm.

'Can you just shut up and leave already?' screeched Stephanie.

'And what gives you the right to do that?' said a voice. Alan turns around and recognizes Maria, who was looking at Stephanie sternly. Stephanie rounds on her 'What?' she said, scowling.

'The pub is open to everyone. So unless I have seen a 'no snakes' sign at the entrance, you can't kick them out.' said Maria, standing her ground. Stephanie's face starts reddening, but Maria doesn't back down.

'Ugh! If they are staying, I am leaving. Come on Thetas!' she said, turning her heel. Several Thetas follow her out.

'Thanks for the assist', said Alan turning to Maria as Stephanie left and the music turned back on. 'It's okay.' said Maria. 'I know Stephanie can be a…'

'A bitch?' finished Alan. 'Your words, not mine.' said Maria, trying to supress a grin. 'It's my job as student body president to remain as neutral as possible but…' There was a moments pause.

'Soo…', started Alan. 'Would you like to stay for a dance?' he asked, trying to push his luck. 'Oh I was…going to get some air.' said Maria. 'I see.' said Alan 'But would you mind if you had some company?' he asked, looking hopeful. She regards him for a while.

'Sure, why not?' she said, 'but let's go through here'. she leads Alan to a door labeled 'fire escape', and through a staircase, which led to a rooftop.

'Wow, you can see the palace from up here.' said Alan. 'I have lived in the capital for my whole…semester,' he finished, 'but I have never seen quite like it.'

'I come up here to unwind.' said Maria, gazing at the city lights. 'You know, when I need to clear my head.'

'I can imagine it comes with the pressure of being student body president?' said Alan. Maria nodded.

'Do you ever regret it?' he asked. 'Putting so much time and effort into this?'

'What, no!' said Maria, giving a small smile 'I like the responsibility and the effort that comes with it. You know, one day you want to look back at something, and say "I have done that?" I like that satisfaction. It's what I live for.'

She turned to Alan, and saw him staring at her, their eyes meeting for a pregnant moment, till she breaks the silence.

'I'm sorry, Jeremy. We came here to unwind, and I think I just killed the mood...'

'No Maria, honestly, I am happy to hear you out-'

Before he could say anything further, he got a text from Faye, telling him that they were leaving. 'I'm sorry.' said Alan, looking up at Maria. 'It was my friend, they are heading back to the campus.'

'Oh…' said Maria, looking slightly disappointed. 'The night doesn't have to end, you know.' said Alan quickly. 'I can text them and say I will be out a little late.'

'And what do you suggest we do?' asked Maria, looking hopeful. 'Well…' said Alan. 'I am new to this place, why don't you surprise me?'

'Are you sure?' asked Maria. 'I wouldn't want to keep you away for long…'. 'I wouldn't have suggested it if I didn't want to.' said Alan, smiling at her. 'So what do you say?'

'Okay Jeremy. I'm in.' she said, smiling back. 'Let me get my car.'

A short drive later, they arrive at a bowling alley, full of neon lights glowing everywhere. The place seemed to be packed with people for the weekend.

'So this is where our no-nonsense president goes to unwind.' said Alan, taking in the surroundings.

'Look, I know its tacky but-' started Maria, but Alan says 'Are you kidding? I love this place.' said Alan, grinning. 'You do?' said Maria, looking relieved. 'I come here all the time if I need to de-stress.' she looked at one of the Alleys empty. 'How is your bowling?' she asked.

'Actually…I've never been bowling.' said Alan, desperately hoping that the real Jeremy never bowled. 'You haven't?' asked Maria. 'Nope. I just never bothered to try.' he said. 'That's okay.' said Maria. 'There is a first time for everything.'

They got their shoes and stood at the alley. It was Alan's turn first, but before he could roll, Maria stopped him.

'Stop, you will hurt your hand if you throw it like that. Here, let me help you.' said Maria, holding his arm and positioning it in the right angle. 'Here, now throw it with some force.' The ball rolled down the lane, knocking down all the pins.

'Well, looks like I have my game cut out for me.' said Maria, grinning.

'Thanks to a wonderful coach.' said Alan, giving her a wink.

Maria was exceptionally good at the game, but Alan too kept his ground. After the game, the final scores were:

Jeremy: 280

Maria: 265

'Wow, I'm impressed. For your first game, that was really good.' said Maria.

'I am a fast learner.' said Alan, confidently.

As they rode back to the university, Maria broke the silence, 'So, Jeremy. How do you like Monterre so far?'

'It's good.' said Alan, trying to frame an answer that the real Jeremy would say, but include his own life in it. 'It's definitely different than home…you know, back in America, but I like the freedom that comes with it.'

'Well, I hope you really do enjoy your time here.' said Maria.

'The company certainly helps.' said Alan, giving her a smile. Maria couldn't help but grin back at him. 'Of course, good company matters the most.'

'So, Maria' started Alan, 'Have you ever been out of Monterre?'

'Well...not really on my own...I've been to the UK with my dads, but once I'm done with college, I'm definitely getting out of Monterre for my masters.' said Maria.

'Then I wish you the best of luck. I can definitely see you going above and beyond.' said Alan, half-envying Maria, remembering the lack of freedom he had in the palace.

They continued to chat and laugh till they reach the sorority. Maria stops the car outside the door.

'Thank you.' said Alan. 'I had a really wonderful evening because of you.'

'Likewise.' said Maria. 'We should definitely hang out sometime.'

'I'd like that.' said Alan, trying to get the nagging thought out his mind that he will be back in the palace by the end of the weekend. 'See you around, Maria.' he said. Instinctively, he leaned forward and gave Maria a kiss on her cheek, leaving a bright, red, lipstick mark.

'Oh!' said Maria, looking flustered. 'Sorry.' said Alan, blushing.

'No, no its okay. I just -', said Maria but stopped. She took a deep breath and said 'I'll see you around, Jeremy.'

'Goodnight, Maria.' said Alan, before walking to the building.

As he enters his room, he found Faye waiting there. 'Hey bestie.' said Alan. 'Did you have a good evening?'

'It was amazing, Jer.' she said, but her expression grew serious. 'But we need to talk about something else.'

'What?' said Alan, suddenly feeling uneasy. 'It's about your sudden change.' said Faye, looking at him critically.

'What's wrong with me? I am still the same Jeremy, Faye. I think you are confused.' said Alan, desperately thinking of an excuse.

'You help pick out an outfit for Astra when you clearly have no interest in choosing clothes, you have a sudden change in your dressing and makeover, and to top all my doubts, you had no idea who Maria was, when you literally see her around campus everyday!' said Faye. 'You're not acting like yourself, Jer. Tell me what's going on with you.'

'Uh oh..' thought Alan.