MAY, 2005.
Alex's POV.
Our band was getting recognized faster than we could have ever imagined... It felt like a dream.
It was crazy how after our very first gig, people wouldn't stop asking us for new songs and shows. A lot of bars and pubs would call us to play for them too... Things changed fast, huh? I mean, some months ago they were rejecting us.
And the most incredible thing was that we even had a meeting so we could talk about the possibility of recording our first album properly. Just like real bands do.
But not everything was going perfect. I also started being so busy that I could easily forget about my plans with y/n...
or with anyone, really.
It made me feel like shite because I knew that's not how I really am... But mostly because I hated to see her angry for making her wait, or disappointed because I didn't remember. That needed to change.
That's why today I was willing to start being more attentive and give her all she deserved, as I used to before having all these rehearsals.
• • •
As soon as I walked out the studio after our meeting, I headed to the train station.
It wasn't far away so I got there pretty fast. It was too crowded for my liking - my guitar would hit everyone as I walked by - only apologies coming out of my mouth; then I finally reached the platform where the train supposedly had to be waiting for us... but I frowned as I saw no one there.
No people, no train.
"Uhm... Excuse me?" -I sheepishly said, catching the attention of a worker. -"Can you tell me where's the train, please?"
"The train left already." -He answered, making my mouth fall open. God, no.
"W-What!? But... It's 16:15h and the ticket said the departure time was at 16:30h..." -I stuttered, grabbing the paper from my pocket. When I checked it, I wanted to punch meself as I realized I read the hour wrong. It actually said 16:00h. -"Oh... Nevermind, it was my fault."
"I'm sorry, kid." -He replied. -"You'll have to wait until the next one, it leaves at 17:15h."
I sighed, running my hand through my hair. -"Alright... Thank you, sir."
While I went to buy the tickets for the next train, I called y/n and dialed her number over and over again, hoping she would respond so I could explain what happened - but she didn't.
I didn't stop trying though, I couldn't let her think that I forgot again.
Your POV.
"Are you alright?" -Your mum asked as she saw you sitting on the couch, a frown in your face. You were drawing random stuff in a notebook.
"Yeah." -You muttered, your eyes still locked to the notebook, but your mum wasn't stupid - she knew you were lying as she noticed the force of your pen against the paper.
"I know something's wrong, sweetheart." -She said softly, earning a sigh from you.
"Alex should have been here two hours ago." -You explained, finally looking at your mum. -"He forgot... again."
She crossed her arms over her chest. -"He has done that a few times already... Didn't you tell him how you feel about it yet?"
"No." -You replied, looking down and starting drawing again. -"But I definitely will today... Well, if he comes, of course."
Your mum bit her lower lip, nodding before opening her mouth to say something more, but suddenly the loud doorbell rang, interrupting her. She walked up to open the door, but you didn't even bother to look who was there.
Until you heard a voice. It was Alex's.
Your mum let him come in and then went upstairs, knowing that you would appreciate some privacy now. Alex stood still next to the now closed door.
You looked up at him, raising an eyebrow.
"I'm in trouble again... Aren't I?" -He asked, even though he looked scared of doing so. He earned no reply. -"Mardy, I'm sorry." -He apologized. -"I didn't-"
"-mean to." -You finished the sentence for him. -"I know, that's what you said the last time this happened."
He seemed taken aback by your answer, but then groaned, leaving his guitar leaning on the wall. -"I know I've forgotten about our plans before but that wasn't what happened today... I can explain it."
"Oh, and what happened today?" -You asked, faking interest.
"I went to the train station but I read the hour wrong and... I missed the train." -He scratched the back of his neck and then handed you the little ticket. -"And then the traffic was a state on my way here, I couldn't do anything."
"Not even call me so I knew what was going on? Please, that's just-"
"I did. A lot of times, actually." -He interrupted, slightly annoyed now as his voice deepened a bit. -"I called you one hundred of times, love... You just wouldn't pick it up."
"Oh, I've-I've been busy drawing here..." -You whispered, feeling now a bit embarrassed. -"But I don't know, Alex, this happened a few times before so I thought this was just one more to the list."
You got up and headed to the kitchen, pouring a glass of water and drinking from it. You could hear his steps approaching behind you.
"I'm sorry it's been like this lately, I'm not used to so much work." -He stood next to you. -"It sounds like a lame excuse but I lose the track of time with so many things to do."
"I guess I understand but... sometimes it feels like you don't care about anything except the band."
He looked at you, his eyes open like plates. -"But of course I care, I clearly do." -He placed both his hands on your cheeks. -"I feel like I can't apologize enough for this."
"I don't need an apology... I just want you to keep your word and not forget about me so easily."
"I... I wouldn't forget about you, love. Don't ever think that." -He whispered, just to kiss you after he finished talking.
You couldn't help it but give in, moving your tongue along with his. You missed him so much. Then Alex pulled you closer, and you felt your cheeks go red as the kiss deepened - but you pulled back as you remembered your mum was at home too and she could go downstairs at any moment.
"'Ey, I was enjoying that." -He pouted, his lips slightly swollen and red.
"Me too but my mum is here, remember?" -You grabbed the glass and turned around, leaving it in the sink.
Then you felt Alex's arms around you, cuddling you tightly, making you giggle. Then he placed his head on your shoulder. -"Come on, it was just an innocent kiss."
"An innocent kiss?" -You half whispered, half screamed. -"You had your tongue down my throat."
He gasped. -"And why don't we talk about your-"
"About her what?" -Your mum interrupted him, making you both jump, clearly not expecting her.
"About her-uh..." -He looked at you, seeking for help. -"...Her drawings! Yeah, she's getting so much better every day, isn't she?"
"She is, indeed." -Your mum smiled, pleased with his answer. -"Oh! Did she show you the drawing she did of you?"
You placed your hand on your face feeling embarrased, while Alex looked at you with his eyebrows raised. -"You... You drew me?"
"It's just a little sketch, nothing important." -You dismissed, willing to leave the kitchen but you felt one strong hand holding you back.
"I don't care, I wanna see it." -He pleaded. -"Please!"
You sighed and rolled your eyes, mad at how he would just make a puppy face and make you do whatever he wanted so easily. And also, you just couldn't say no to his excitement. -"Alright, but it's not even that good."
"Yeah, yeah, whatever you say. Just show it to me already." -He pushed your shoulders, making you walk. -"Is it in that notebook? Can I take a-"
"It's not in that one." -You said, grabbing his hand. -"It's in my room."
Once you both were in your bedroom, Alex sat down in your bed, waiting as patiently as he could as you searched the book that had the drawing. He was checking your every move, and saw you placing the book behind your back.
"Why are you hiding it now? Come on, I wanna see it already!" -He exclaimed, trying to steal it from your hands.
"I just want you to promise me that you won't laugh." -You stated, and he looked up at you after stopping his attempt to get it.
"I would never laugh at your work and you know it." -He started. -"Plus, I already know it's gonna be amazing."
You bit the inside of your cheek and finally handed him the book, which was already opened right where the drawing of him was. When Alex's eyes landed on it, you saw his mouth opening, showing surprise.
"So..." -You said, impatient and needing to hear an opinion. -"What do you think?"
"W-What do I think?" -Alex repeated the question, not taking his eyes off of it. -"I knew you were good but this... Wow. You're so fucking talented, darling."
"It's not that good..." -You said, placing a strand of your hair behind your ear.
"Are you serious? This is more than just good!" -He said, making you smile when you saw him bringing the book very close to his face, cheeking all the details. -"Can I see the rest of your drawings?"
"Sure." -You said, sitting next to him. You placed your head on his shoulder, listening to his relaxed breathing as he looked at all the pages in the book.
"Fuck, all of them are so... Original and cool." -He whispered. -"How does your mind come up with all these designs?"
"I have no answer to that question." -You laughed. -"It just does."
"They're incredible. You are incredible." -He said, making you blush. -"Uh, y/n?"
"Yeah?" -You tilted your head, looking up at him.
"Can I keep it?" -Alex cutely asked, his big, brown eyes looking back at you. -"I mean... The drawing of me?"
"Of course you can." -You smiled at him.
"Cool... But I will come for it later." -He placed the book beside him. -"I wanna take you somewhere first."
"Alex, if it's because of what happened earlier, it's ok, you don't have-"
"Maybe I don't have to, but I want to." -He said, getting up and holding out his hand. -"So let's get going."
You smiled at him again and grabbed his hand, knowing that it would be useless to try to change his mind... and it's not like you wanted to, anyways. So you both said goodbye to your mum and left.
Finally just you and Alex, and no one else.
• • •
After walking for almost two hours going literally nowhere, Alex and you ended up finding one of the most beautiful parks you've ever seen. It was getting dark and late, so it almost felt like you both were the only ones there.
Hand in hand, Alex and you reached a bench. It was placed in front of what seemed like a little lake - a not too cold wind dancing with your hair, the sound of the night and the little waves in the water filling your ears. Then you both sat down.
"This is beautiful, isn't it?" -He said, looking around. You looked at him and noticed again how beautiful his profile was, illuminated by the moon.
"It is, yeah." -You agreed. -"How could we not know about this place?"
He shrugged. -"I dunno... But I heard someone talking about this park some time ago and I wanted to take you here since then."
You held his hand. -"And I'm glad you did, I love it so much."
"This will be our special place from now on." -He said and smiled tenderly at you. Alex kissed your lips softly right after, which you returned instantly, smiling into the kiss.
"So..." -He talked again after pulling back. -"What have you been doing these days? I've been so busy that we didn't really talk."
"Well... Not much, honestly." -You sighed. -"I've been just studying and drawing as you could see."
"I hope you never stop drawing, love... You're so good at it." -He grabbed one of your hands, caressing it with his thumb.
Looking down at both your hands locked, you asked. -"You really think so?"
"I'd never lie to you, you're undoubtedly talented." -He raised one eyebrow. -"Are you even aware of the one you did of me? That was crazy."
"I mean... I know I'm not bad at it but I didn't think I was that good." -You confessed.
"Well, you are." -He winked at you. -"Don't you want to do something related to that in the future?"
"Actually... I've been thinking about it and yeah, I do." -You bit your lower lip. -"I'm considerating becoming a tattoo artist."
"Hey but that would be very cool! You should go for it if that's what you want." -He encouraged you. -"But promise me something first."
"What is it?" -You inquired with curiosity.
"I want you to give me your first tattoo ever." -He said, smiling excitedly.
"I definitely will." -You nodded and he placed an arm around you shoulders, pulling you closer. His action made you unconsciously rest your head against his chest.
"I have something to say too." -Alex muttered after a few minutes of silence. He was playing now with the ring he gave you every now and then.
"Mm-hmm?"
"Arctic Monkeys might be getting signed soon, you know... And make our first album." -He explained.
"What!?" -You squealed, looking at him. -"But that's awesome, Alex! Why didn't you tell me sooner? And... why don't you sound excited about it?"
"I am! I am, trust me." -He sighed. -"I still can't believe how good things are going now and I'm excited about the album thing but... I'm scared too, I'm not gonna lie - and we still have to wait for their answer, that's why I didn't tell you anything yet."
"Why are you scared? I thought this was what you wanted." -You whispered, caressing his hair softly.
"And it is." -He closed his eyes, leaning his head into your touch. -"But I'm scared of thinking about how everything could change so suddenly. If we make that album, that will mean more shows... And if we ever get famous, it'll mean tours... It scares the shite out of me."
"You've always said you wanted people to listen to your music and enjoy your songs, Alex." -You said. -"And it's gonna happen, they'll love your work and I know that the lads are excited too. Changes will be exhausting and big but... I think they'll be worth it."
"I wouldn't want to be away from you... I already am sometimes and it kills me, and we're just minutes from each other, so I don't even want to think about not being in the same city as you." -Your heart broke at his words, making you bit your lip. -"Fuck, I just... love you so much."
"I love you too, Al." -You smiled at him, got up and sat on his lap, your legs on each side of his hips. -"But let's just not think about that yet, alright? We're gonna see how things go first, and then we'll manage to make good decisions."
He nodded slowly and sighed. -"You're literally the best, Mardy."
"So are you, Al." -Alex smiled and you leaned to kiss him, his hands around your waist, and yours around his neck.
You would be lying if you said that his words weren't running in your mind like crazy. The idea of having him touring far away from you scared you too, and you weren't sure if you could manage having a long distance relationship...
But you'd have to wait and see how everything turned out. Well or badly.