Chapter 1
[Which is obviously not written by me.]
(PG-13) Chapter 1.1:
Amy yawned and rolled over in her bed, the creeping sunlight burning through her eyelids and forcing her awake. Blake wasn’t awake yet. Amy rolled into his back and he grunted. She smiled, wiping the sleep out of her eyes and silently got out of bed. She slipped on her fuzzy, white flip-flop slippers and left the room. ‘Blake’s been so busy since Idol… he deserves to sleep in for once’ thought Amy. She went into the kitchen, and the cold air of Seattle winter washed over her. She shivered and sunk into her pj’s, trying to get warm.

The welcoming smells and sounds of cooking bacon and French toast wafted through the house. Blake’s eyes popped open and he rolled out of bed and went to the kitchen, where he found his girlfriend making breakfast. “Wow… its late… 9 am, already?” asked Blake exhausted. “Blake! 9 on a Saturday is early! Your schedule is definitely not helping you any!” Amy said laughing. Blake just grinned and shuffled his way over to the refrigerator, pouring them both a glass of orange juice. Amy served them and sat at the table beside Blake. “Pass the powder sugar?” said Blake. Amy scooted it across the table to him and he began to spoon the sugar over his French toast. She couldn’t help but giggle at the site of a grown man eating like a 7 year old. Blake took a huge first bit and heard Amy laughing, so looked up. He grinned and tried to chew the massive forkful of sugar and fried bread.

Amy’s cell phone suddenly began to ring, vibrating rapidly against the tabletop. She grabbed for it suddenly and knocked over the orange juice, soaking Blake’s lap. “Shit!” said Amy. “Oh, uh… Hello?” she asked into the phone. “Hey… nice greeting!” Stephanie’s voice came through the phone. “Uh… hold on.” She turned to Blake “I am so sorry!”

“It’s ok.” He laughed, sincerely. “I needed to go change anyways.” He grabbed a hand rag and began to dap at his orangey crotch. “Hey sorry. What’s up?”
“Oh, nothing… just seeing how you and Blake are doing! Sounds like lots of fun from what I could here!”
“Haha! You made me spill orange juice all over him!” Hyper laughter came from the phone. “Ok… so it was a little funny… and Blake’s very sexy with orange lap!”
“Ok, this conversation just got weird.”
“Ugh… was there a reason you called? This is Blake’s only day off for the next month. He has interviews scheduled forever, it seems.”
“Well, then you guys should come out with Chris and me!”
“Uh… where?”
“Anything! What do you want to do?”
“I was kind of hoping… that we could spend…” she was cut off.
“Oh, hey babe!” all Amy could hear from the other line was “mmm…sexy”
“Uh… you sure you guys want to go out? Sounds like you’re staying in to me!”

At that moment, Blake came up behind Amy and wrapped his arms around her, kissing her cheek. “So what’s planned for today? Any ideas…?” The phone slipped from her hands onto the table.
“Mmmm… well… Stephanie… was... just asking if we wanted to do something today.”
“Damn! Get a room!” came Stephanie’s voice though the phone.
Blake laughed and let go of Amy, grabbing the phone from the table. “Hey, Stephanie… let me talk to Chris… hey man! How’s it going?”
“Where are we going today, Blake?”
“How about we take the girls to lunch and then the park?”
“Where though? You’re in Washington, and we’re in Virginia.”
“Uh… there’s a nice place around here if you don’t mind flying out.”
“Sure, we’ll be there in a few hours…private jets are the greatest!”
“Haha! You’re telling me!”
Blake clicked off the phone and gave Amy a quick kiss. “I’m going to go make reservations… and get into something sexy… be right back.”
Amy smiled and put the dishes in the sink.

A few hours later, Amy sat under a lap reading a book in Blake’s living room. “Well?” Blake asked smirking as he walked into the room. “What do you think?” Blake was wearing a long sleeved, thin white hoodie, with a black and white shirt over a black tie. His black hair was mostly flat, but spiked up and over in the front to show his highlights better. ...
(PG-13) Chapter 1.2:
His sleeves were rolled up slightly so that his tattoos were showing, and he was wearing black and white plaid shoes, which were mostly covered by his sexy, signature ‘grandpa pants.’ The slightest plaid design was visible, though they were very, very dark gray. “Wow…” said Amy. You don’t even have to be wearing a tux to clean up good.” She put her book to the side and got up, giving Blake a kiss. “I better at least go change out of my pj’s.”
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Blake and Amy stood outside in Blake’s front yard, waiting for Chris and Stephanie. Stephanie jumped up behind Amy. “Hi!” she said hyperly. “Stephanie!!!” said Amy, loudly. Stephanie looked over at Blake. “Damn, Blake!! Scroll down!”
“Hey! Back off, betch! He’s mine!” They both laughed. Chris and Blake both eyed them cautiously. Then looked over at each other. After catching up, and at least 12 cakeshakes, they left for lunch. “You look great today, Chris!” said Amy. “It’s been way too long. You guys need to come visit more! I miss ya!”
“You know… you guys could come to our house, sometimes!” Chris said.
“Haha! But it’s so much more fun making you guys fly across the country!” Said Blake punching Chris lightly on the arm.

“Chris has been working out, as you can see.” Said Stephanie, bragging. “Just look at those sexy arms!!!... I mean…” she said grinning. “Don’t. He’s mine!”
“Hey I don’t need to stare at Chris’ arms! Blake’s ass is much more entertaining…haha!” said Amy.

Blake and Chris overheard this, exchanged glances, and started laughing insanely.
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“Name?” asked the woman at the elegant little café in downtown Bothell. “Lewis.” The waitress, who resembled Antonella somewhat, said “Oh! Duh! Blake, right this way!” She said eyeing him a little too much. “Ho…” whispered Amy in spite. “Excuse me?” she asked. “I said ‘So!’ and I wasn’t even talking to you! Mind your own business!”
“Well! I never!” said the slutty-ho woman, as she stomped away. “Amy, you are pathetic!” laughed Stephanie. “But seriously, who says ‘I never!’” said Amy, mimicking the waitress from before.

“Is the service usually quick here?” Asked Chris. “Yea, usually…” said Blake looking over the menu. “And the food is great!” They had just begun to talk about the boys rapidly growing careers, when the waiter arrived to take their orders. They were surprised to find that it was a different waiter than from before. They were even MORE surprised to find that it was…

“Sanjaya???” Asked Blake looking up from his menu. Everyone else at the table followed suit and looked up in shock. “Why, yes, it is me.” said Sanjaya, smirking and playing with his ‘beseme mucho’ facial hair. He looked around at everyone kindly as he recited the days specials, then let his gaze fall on Chris. “What can I get for you?” he asked in a sleezy, bad-French accent. “Uh… I’m not really ready, yet… come back to me.” Chris said wide-eyed.

“Uh, yea! I’ll have the bacon burger with fries… and a beer!” Said Blake, sensing the (obvious) tension at the table.
“Certainly, sir…” He wrote the order down quickly.
“I’ll have the 3 cheese Italian pizza… with a sprite.”
“and for you, ma’am?” Sanjaya turned to Amy.
“Thai pasta with a Sprite as well.”
“Are you ready yet…Chris?” asked Sanjaya. “Uhm… I’ll have the spicy BBQ chicken wings… and a coke…please…” Chris said transfixed by the horrific expression on Sanjaya’s face. “Sounds delicious… I’ll have your order in a few moments… please be patient…” He walked away. Everyone at the table, besides Chris, burst into hysterical laughter.
“Oh my god, Chris! I thought he was going to pounce on you from across the table!!!” Cried Blake, holding his stomach and wiping his watering eyes.
(PG-13) Chapter 1.3:
After Sanjaya’s gay crush on Chris taking an unexpected turn, with an ‘accidental’ hand-brushing-the-ass, and a very girly wink, and after everyone finished their meals…
“I’ll pay the bill. You don’t have to worry about it.” Blake said wiping his mouth and grabbing for the bill.
“No I got it!” replied Chris, smirking over at Stephanie, and puffing out his chest.
“Hey… after being sexually harassed by Sanjaya Malakar… you don’t deserve to have to pay!” Blake said, smartly. Amy giggled quietly, but then spotted Chris sighing and glaring at Blake, and stopped laughing.
“Lighten up, Chris…” Stephanie said, rubbing his back.
“Yea, I know… it was just creepy is all!” Shuddered Chris. Everyone laughed and stood to leave. Blake left the bill on the table with the money inside, and put his arm around Amy’s waste. She held onto his hand and wrist and walked towards the door, Stephanie and Chris following close behind. Chris and Stephanie were holding hands.
-----------------------------------
They simply walked the quiet streets of Bothell for a few hours, shopping and stopping to chat with people who knew Blake and Chris and wanted to congratulate them. The sun was going down, and the girls leaned their head onto their boyfriends’ shoulders. “Hmm… I have an idea!” Said Blake. “There’s this hillside in Bothell park that has the most beautiful sunset at this time of day… we should go see it.”
“That sounds so romantic…” Stephanie sighed, tightening her grip around Chris’ waist. “Love ya, babe.” He said into her hair. “Hehe…” She giggled.

They walked through the small park, through hundreds of beautiful flowers and streams. “Where is it, Bl---?” Amy started, but stopped when she saw it. The most romantic thing she’d ever seen. At the top of the hill, was a willow tree. It was huge and blossoming, reaching out and hanging over lush green grass. The hill itself faced a pond. But that wasn’t the half of it. Out over the pond was a huge full moon. It seemed to dip into the water far away. It was gorgeous. Stephanie and Amy gasped in pleasant surprise. “Oh my god, Blake! This is wonderful!” Said Amy. Blake showed them all over to the spot where the grass was extremely soft.

They all laid out on the hill. Blake’s arms rested behind his head, Amy snuggling his side. Chris held onto Stephanie’s hand, messaging her wrist with his thumbs. Chris reached over to his love and kissed her softly on the lips. She smiled into the kiss and started to kiss him back. “Damn, guys… get a room…” Amy whispered, giggling.
“Actually, babe…” Blake said, rolling over above Amy on all fours. “That’s a pretty good idea…” He smirked, then captured her lips in a kiss. She let herself get caught up in the moment, but then realized they were on top of a hill in a city park, next to their best friends. “Blake… we… cant… mm… damn… you’re… a perv…” she managed to say between kisses, pushing him up and off of her by his chest. He laughed and rolled over between her and Chris. He looked over to see Stephanie and Chris in a passionate lip-lock… and feeling jealous that he couldn’t do the same, smacked him on the back of the head. “Hey, ow!” Chris said turning around. Stephanie giggled and kissed Chris on the cheek.

“Chris… wow!” Stephanie said, looking out onto the pond and then back into his eyes. “Uh… hey, guys… it’s late… we’re going to go to a hotel… and we’ll meet you tomorrow… or something…” She got up grabbing Chris’ hand. “Let’s go…” she whispered to him.
“But, wait! It’s only 7pm! You guys could be home by 9! Why do you need a hotel?” asked Blake.
“Oh… trust me we need a hotel! Let’s go, Chris!” She dragged him along behind her, leaving Blake sitting there confused. “Blake you are so dumb sometimes…” Amy laughed, giving him a quick kiss on the lips. “Mmm…you taste good…” Blake said, smirking. Amy stood there staring at him with a blank face. “But that Stephanie’s a smart girl!” She yelled grabbing his hand and pulling him towards their home. “Let’s go!!!”

Chapter 2
Chapter 2.1:
Blake was the first to wake the next day. He propped himself up and rubbed his head, looking around the room. They blankets and sheets were falling off the bed, two empty wine bottles were sitting on the bed side table, and Amy was sleeping with her head where her feet should have been. He hardly remembered what had happened last night…
“Mmm…Blake.” Amy mumbled in her sleep.
…but that was always a good sign. He smirked and went over to lie next to Amy. He brushed strands of messy hair out of her eyes and kissed her lightly on the cheek. He (as quietly as he could) got out of bed, but stumbled a little. He looked down at himself and realized that he was wearing nothing but a dress shirt, a very loose black tie, and his boxers. He giggled a little as memories of the night before came flooding back to him.

He walked into the kitchen yawning and scratching his stomach. He slumped over to the coffee maker and poured himself a cup.
“Hey, sleepy head!” A voice came from behind him. He gasped, dropping the coffee and turning around quickly. Stephanie was sitting at his kitchen table eating a bagel and reading the paper. “Stephanie!” He shouted as loud as he could, which was still pretty hoarse and quiet. “What the hell are you doing here?”
“Well… Chris had a meeting with potential record companies and I was bored!” She replied cheerfully. “Thought I’d check up on my best friends!” He sighed and closed his eyes. “You scared the shit outta me…” He grabbed a wet rag and began wiping the spilled coffee off the floor.

“What are you even doing up so early? You’re not a morning person.” Blake asked pouring himself a glass of milk, instead.
“Blake.” Stephanie said, a little impatiently. “It’s 2 in the afternoon.”
“What?!?!” Blake looked over at the clock. It was 1:57pm.
“Have a late night, last night?” Stephanie asked knowingly. She giggled a little and took a bite of her bagel. “So where’s Amy? We need to hang out again today.” Stephanie got up and walked to Blake’s room. She saw the messy bed and wine bottles… then she looked over at Amy, still asleep.

“My god. What did you do to her, Blake?” She said, laughing. “Grr… Get out!” Blake growled, pushing Stephanie out of the room. He gently shook Amy awake. She blinked her vision into focus, then sat up. “Hey, sweetie.” She whispered, draping an arm over Blake’s shoulder and kissing him on the cheek. “Get dressed, baby. Stephanie’s over.” He said, getting up and walking to his dresser. He got dressed and left the room just as Amy had woken enough to stand up. She got dressed, brushed her teeth and hair in the master bathroom.

She came into the living room where Blake and Stephanie sat watching TV. Amy bounced onto the couch, right between the two of them. “So! Who wants to watch American Idol reruns?” She giggled. “Oh, hell no! Not me!” Blake said, laughing. “Living it was enough!” The three of them laughed, but were interrupted when Blake’s cell phone started to ring. The ringtone was Blake singing ‘Time of the Season.’ Stephanie and Amy burst into hysterical laughter. Amy fell over onto the floor. “Haha.” Blake said, then answered his phone. “Hello?”
“Hey.” Chris said, sounding a little drained.
“Oh, hey! How’s it going, man?”
“Uh… ok. Hey, Blake. I really need to talk to you. Like… now!” Chris sounded really nervous about something.
“What’s the matter?” Blake said, kind of freaked out, since he’d never heard his best friend sound so anxious. “I’m all ears.”
“Oh. I need to talk to you in person. Can you come?”
“Where are you?”
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Stephanie and Amy had been talking about their ringtones (Stephanie’s: Geek in the Pink, Amy’s: This Love). “Hey, I need to go for a while. I’m not sure when I’ll be back. Not too long, probably.” Blake said, monotone and biting his lip a bit. “Oh, sure. Where are you going, baby?” Amy asked, leaning back on the couch. “Uh… I’m just going out to eat with the guys. Sligh, Phil, Brandon… you know.”
“Yeah, what about Chris?”
“Oh, yeah. And him. I’ll call you in an hour or so.”
Chapter 2.2:
He kissed her briefly on the lips and left. “That was really weird.” Said Stephanie after a few seconds.
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Blake walked into the Virginia diner, looking around for Chris. He saw him in the corner, looking very antsy, twirling a fork in his fingers. Blake sat down across from Chris. “So, what’s up? You sounded so depressed on the phone.”
“Oh, really? I’m not depressed. Just… nervous…” He said, fidgety. Blake looked at him for a second. He couldn’t make out what it was, but Chris seemed so… happy. But in a weird, repressed sorta way. Like he was trying really hard not to grin from ear to ear. But then… looking again… his eyes seemed extremely tired.

“What’s going on, Chris? What did you need to talk to me about?” Blake had a bad feeling for a second. Chris looked up at Blake. Any hint of smiling disappeared from his face. “I need you, Blake.”

Blake’s eyes widened and he sat in stunned silence. “UH... e-excuse me…” he studdered, frantically. “Like, I need your advice on something… your opinion.”
“Oh… ok…” Blake sighed in relief. “Shoot.”
“Well… I was thinking… about…”
“…yes?”
“I was thinking… that I might…”
“For god’s sake, just say it, man!”
“Ithinkimgoingtoaskstephanietomarryme!”
“Ok! Woah! Slow it down some! What could be so big that you can’t tell your best friend!?” Blake said, laughing a little. Chris sighed.
“I said ‘I think… I think I’m going to ask Stephanie…to…to marry me…” He smiled half-heartedly. “Oh my god, Chris! That’s great! So what’s the problem, then?” he asked chuckling. “I’m not sure if I’m ready for something this big… and what if she says no? I love her so much… if she said no, I think I’d… I don’t know what I’d do…” He put his head into his hands and started shaking a bit.

“Dude! She is fucking crazy about you! There’s no way she’d say no!” He got up, and then Chris followed suit. “Come on! Let’s go take our amazing girlfriends out to dinner!”
“Yeah, let’s go… oh! And Blake?”
“Yeah?” Blake asked. He had assumed the conversation was over.
“If she says yes… will you be my best man?”
Blake’s eyes popped open and shook his head. “…Oh…Chris, I don’t know what to say! O-of course I will! I’d be honored to be your best man! When she says yes, that is!” He grinned teasingly. Chris sighed. “Thanks man… you’re the greatest.” He relaxed a bit, but was still really tense.
Chapter 2.3:
They did a quick cakeshake, then got ready to take their private jet back to Bothell.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Stephanie, Amy, Blake, and Chris all got dressed up nice and went out to eat at the nicest restaurant in Seattle. They were all seated and had ordered their food, and no sign of Sanjaya (who had been popping up everywhere they went that day! Hell, why’d he have to be from Washington, too?!?!).

Amy was holding onto Blake’s hand, resting on his thigh. She took a sip from her glass and looked into Blake’s eyes. “What did I do to deserve you, Blakey?” She said putting her other hand on his chest and leaning onto it, nuzzling him lovingly. “Amy… what did I tell you earlier?” Stephanie asked, sounding half serious, but the joking in her voice showed. “I don’t know…” She said kissing Blake’s neck. He ran his hand through her hair and then slid it back behind her and pulled her to him.
“Don’t you remember our no-sex-at-the-dinner-table conversation?” She asked sounding very pissed and serious. Amy shot up and away from her Blake-pillow, locking eyes with Stephanie. “What the hell are you talking about?” Stephanie started to laugh like a maniac. Amy’s expression eased away from confusion, and she threw a piece of bread at her friend. “What? Do you think I’m a slut or something?” Amy asked.
“Of course not! You only have dinner-table-sex with one guy! You’re no slut!” Stephanie and Amy laughed.
“Ladies… let’s calm ourselves. We’re in a very nice restaurant.” Blake said, mocking Sanjaya’s fakey-french accent.
“Oh, where are our manners? Please, excuse us!” Said Stephanie. The three of them laughed. Everyone was having a great time. They were all care free and crazy. All of them except for Chris.

He looked over to his beloved girlfriend, who was laughing and having fun. He’d have to choose just the right time to pop the question. He had to do this right. He gripped the lump on the side of his leg for a few minutes, then slid his hand into his pocket, running his fingers over the little scarlet ring-box.
“Hey, Chris? What’s the matter, baby? You don’t look so good!”
“Oh, I’m… I’m fine…” He smiled and leaned in to kiss her tenderly. She smiled sincerely back and leaned into him. Chris sighed and took his empty hand from his pocket, wrapping his arms around Stephanie. “I love you, Stephanie.” He let go of all of his stress and relaxed completely. “I love you, so much."

Chapter 3
Every Thursday night, Blake and Chris hang out. They go out to eat, see a macho movie (the kind only a guy with the mind of a 12 year old can enjoy), or write songs together in Blake’s studio. It’s been a tradition for them, ever sense their journeys on American Idol ended. Not a very long tradition, obviously, but a tradition all the same.

Once again, Thursday came around and the guys went off to do who-knows-what, leaving the loves of their lives alone at home. Neither Amy nor Stephanie had a problem with their boyfriends wanting to bond a bit… and honestly a movie about a guy with three mechanical arms going around shooting people, or a burger and a beer in a greasy Virginia diner didn’t quite appeal to them. But they got really bored.

Stephanie sat on her couch, flipping through channels and sipping her Dr. Pepper. It was only about 7:30, but she was thinking about turning in early. Suddenly, her cell phone went off. She pounced at it, desperate for something to do. “Hello?”
“Hey, Stephanie! I’m bored.” It was Amy on the other end of the phone. “Thank god!” Stephanie said, exasperated. “Oh… well, I’m glad my boredom is amusing to you then.” Amy said, fake offended. “No! It’s just that, I’m bored too! You should come over! Popcorn, movies, chocolate! Girls night!” Stephanie almost shouted, enthusiastic.
“I’m so there!”

8:36, Amy knocked on the door, eagerly. Stephanie ran to the door and threw it open. “Hi!” She squeaked. “Hi! I brought Hershey’s and starbursts!” Amy squeaked back. They sat in separate black leather chairs circled around the fireplace. Laid out before them were chocolates, popcorn, and candy. “So what do we do first? It’s been forever since I’ve been to girls’ night.” Said Amy, grabbing a Mr. Goodbar.
“Well. We talk!” Said Stephanie.
“…about?” Asked Amy, slowly.
“What?!?” Stephanie gasped, exaggerating and pretending to be offended. “Guys, duh!”
“Oh…I see… you start… I guess.” Said Amy, feeling really stupid for not realizing the obvious.
“Well…” Stephanie tapped her chin, thinking. Then her face lit up and she had an evil smirk flow over her features. “So… how’s Blake?” She asked, deviously. Amy looked a little confused.
“Well… he’s fine… he’s been a little busy with interviews and TV appearances lately, but…” Stephanie groaned loudly, cutting Amy off. “That’s NOT what I meant! Amy you are so naïve, sometimes!” Stephanie laughed in disbelief. “I meant… how IS he?” Amy sat staring at Stephanie, thinking over her words for a moment. “Oh…” she thought, aloud. “…oh…OH!” Stephanie’s meaning struck Amy suddenly. Stephanie laughed at Amy’s response. “What the hell did you think I meant?” Stephanie laughed some more, almost falling over. She managed to get herself under control. “This is what we DO at girls’ night! We discuss our boys.” She said, professionally. “Honestly, Amy. You are the most perverted person I know, but you’re so damn stupid sometimes!” She giggled.
“Hahaha. I’m not going to tell you what kind of lover Blake is!” Amy threw a pillow at Stephanie. “Uh! Why not?” She asked, disappointedly.
“Because! Sheesh! If you want to know… then…” She thought of what to say next. “… then… you have to answer it first!” She laughed. “How’s Chris? Hmm?” Amy said mockingly.
“Oh… Chris is excellent.” Stephanie said, smirking. “Ok, now spill! What’s he like in bed, hmm?”
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“Damn man! That’s your third fucking burger!” Said Blake, as Chris downed another ranch burger. “I mean, I’ve only had one and I can’t even finish my fries!”
“I eat like a man, Blake ‘mah boy. Little guys like you just can’t handle that kinda’ eatin’!” Chris said, obnoxiously, puffing out his chest. “…ah…that’s good...”
“Man, shut up.” Blake giggled. “Don’t pick on the short guy.” Blake looked over at Chris, who was stuffed with food, at this point. He leaned back against the seat to relax. He picked up his coke and took a long sip.
“So…” Said Blake, smirking. “You propose to Stephanie, yet?” Blake asked, slyly. Chris choked on his drink and looked at Blake. ...
Chapter 3.2:
He wiped his mouth and put his cup back down. It had been about a month since their conversation about Chris asking Stephanie to marry him. Neither of them had spoken about it sense.
“I don’t wanna talk about it…” Huffed Chris.
“Come on, man! Hasn’t the right moment come around yet?” Blake asked.
“Well… I don’t know…” Chris sighed, cleaning the ketchup off of his plate with a lone fry. “I’m kinda nervous…Let’s talk about something else…”
“Hold up, Chris. Do it in your own time, but… do you at least have a ring, yet?” Chris sighed and pulled out a small ring-box. He handed it to Blake. Blake opened it. “Holy hell, man! That rock is huge!” Chris smiled a little and took the ring back from Blake. “I really love her, man. Sure it was expensive… but she’s…” he looked up at the ceiling with a huge grin on his face. “She’s just… worth it, you know?”
“Damn.” Blake said. “You’re really serious, huh?” Chris nodded.
“Yea… she’s just…so great.” He sighed. “But I’ve seen how you are with Amy. I can tell you two were meant for each other. There’s no denying it.” Blake sighed, throwing his arms over the back of the seat. “Yeah… It’s a little bit scary.”
“How so?” Chris asked, a bit confused.
“Well… she’s the best thing that’s ever happened to me.” Blake smiled, pensively.
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Hysterical laughter filled the house. Stephanie and Amy, each with a wine glass in their hand, were laughing so uncontrollably, that they nearly fell out of their chairs. “Ok, ok! So this one time…” Amy said laughing between words as Stephanie listened. “Blake didn’t know what the hell he was doin’ right?” Stephanie giggle, slurping down her wine. “He said he wanted to try something new…” Stephanie found this extremely funny, apparently. She snorted loudly. “Blake? Kinky? Hahaahahaha!” She laughed. “Haha! Yeah! He found this ‘toy-store’ online! And one day hand cuffs just showed up in the mail!” Stephanie almost rolled off the chair.
“I am totally, fucking serious, here! He was trying tah put them on and he was all fumbling and shit!” Stephanie tried to control her laughing fits.
“Ok, my turn!” She screamed. “This other time, Chris read somewhere about fetishes!”
“OMFG!!!” Amy almost dropped her empty wine glass. “I like where this story’s going!”
“So… hahaha… I was on my way home and I called to tell him to get in the mood! And I come in our bedroom and he’s in a fucking maid’s outfit!” Amy looked up at her, shocked.
Chapter 3.3:
“No fucking way! No fucking way!!!” Amy yelled, laughing more and more with each word.
“Oh, I am sooo serious!” Stephanie screamed. “Amy, pour us another glass! Girl’s night’s just getting started!” Amy poured each of them more wine, they clinked glasses. “To Cake!” Stephanie toasted. “Agreed! To Cake!” Amy replied.
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Blake and Chris drove up to Chris’ place. They parked in the driveway, and Chris turned to face Blake. “Hey, man. It’s like… 2am. You wanna just stay the night?”
“You sure it’s ok?”
“Yea! Of course it’s ok!” Chris laughed. “Why wouldn’t it be… best man!?” Chris grinned and got out of the car. “Well… I just need to call Amy and let her know…” He took his phone from his pocket and dialed his home number.

“This is Amy and Blake! Leave a message and we’ll get back to y-…”
“Damn… she must have gone to bed… I hope she’s not pissed I’m out so late.” Blake sighed.
“She loves you, man! She won’t be that upset. Come on, I’ll get the trundle bed for you.”
They walked through the front door of Chris’ house. “Oh...my…god!” Blake said, trying not to burst out laughing.

Amy was lying on the floor with her legs resting on the seat of one leather chair. Her hair was cast out like a fan on the floor and she clutched a wine glass. Stephanie was in the other chair, snuggled up to a blanket. The elastic that held back her long brown hair was now knotted on the side of her head. Neither of them were wearing anything but a pair of underwear and a bra.
“Shh, Blake you might wake Ste-…” Chris walked through the door and stopped dead in his tracks. He took one look at them. Locked the door, behind him, walked toward his room, then stopped again. He looked back at Blake. “Oh yea. That’s sexy, all right.” He said sarcastically, shaking his head. Blake was hunched over, laughing hystarically. He bit down hard on his knuckle trying not to make too much noise. “Good god… maybe we shouldn’t go out anymore! Seems like they have more fun, staying in!” He said, wiping a tear from his eye.

Chapter 4.
One week later: Thursday. Blake and Chris were hanging out and their favorite bar in Bothell. Nothing soothes the stress of preparing to ask the love of your life to marry you, like vodka.

They had just taken their seats at the bar and ordered up the first round of drinks, when Chris decided to quit beating around the bush. Chris was very bad at timing things right.
“Blake, I’m going to ask her tomorrow.” Chris said, just as Blake was about to down the shot. Instead he spewed out the expensive alcohol all over the bartender. “Sorry…You’re what? I thought you said you were going to wait for the perfect time! That you were just going to go with your gut! That when the time comes, the time comes!”
“I know, I know… but… I just don’t want to make her feel she’s wasting her life with me! I need her to know I love her and that I am committed to her.” He said pushing aside his glass. “I feel sick already… let’s just get out of here.” Chris got up and walked towards the door.

Blake felt the creeping sting of the alcohol burn the inside of his mouth. He jumped from his seat and followed his friend towards the door, stumbling a little on the way out. Hell, he felt like he could be drunk… but with shock not alcohol. “Chris, man! Why tomorrow?”
“I don’t know…” He thought for a moment. “Why not tomorrow? Tomorrow’s good a day as any, right?” By this time all of Chris’ stress had melted away and he couldn’t help the huge smile that had overpowered all of his facial features.

“Well, congrats, man!” Blake said patting Chris on the back. “You’re going to be great. You both are. It’s so obvious you’re meant for each other. So…Do you have a plan yet?”
“Plan?” Chris asked, oblivious. His strange state of high was too thick for the upset of reality to squeeze through. “Yeah… what are you going to do? How are you going to ask her? What’s your plan?” Blake laughed, putting emphasis on the word ‘plan’ and doing weird little jazz hands. Chris paused. “Well… I thought I’d just ask her… straight up, ya’ know?”

“Chris, Chris, Chris…you need to do this right!” Blake turned Chris to face him by his shoulders and stared him in the eyes. “Something big! Romantic, extravagant! Wow her. Make it a time to remember. Get down on your knee and just romance her. She’s your beautiful woman that you are privileged to be with and she deserves the best you can give. Just… do whatever it is you do best.”

“I don’t know man… I’m thinking I should just be straight forward and let the rest happen.” Chris said turning and walking again. Blake followed. “Trust me, man.” Chris looked over at Blake, giving him a look meaning ‘let me propose, not you’ and Blake backed off. “Alright…whatever.” Blake laughed.

“You should do something for Amy, too.” Chris said as the approached Blake’s house. “Something romantic and ‘wow her.’” Chris said mocking Blake at the end. “She deserves it, and she deserves to spend time with you. You’re a busy guy, and I don’t know if you know how lucky you are. Be with her tomorrow.”
“But… I have…”
“Cancel.”
“Bu-…”
“Cancel.” Chris said smiling. Blake smiled back.
“I’ll cancel. Tomorrow is all about our wonderful women.” Blake put out his hand and wiggled his fingers. Chris copied the motion and Blake opened the door. “You want to stay? It’s kind of late.”
“Nah… it’s 1am already so technically today is all about our women. I need to go be with mine.”
“Alright man. See you later.”

Chris sat in the comfiest chair of his private jet back to Virginia. He propped his head onto the thick plastic of the window and stared out into the thick black fog of clouds. His drooping eyelids tried their hardest to pull themselves closed. His last thought before drifting off to sleep was Stephanie. He imagined kissing her warm lips and wrapping his arms around her as they just lied in bed, relaxing and enjoying each others warmth. This thought was enough to nudge his tired eyes into a blurred dream.
----------------------------------
Chapter 4.2:
Blake walked into the dark house and sighed. He took off his jacket and threw it onto the coat rack, making his way down the hall and to his bedroom. He walked quietly into his room, took off his pants and tie, and kicking off his shoes. He climbed up into bed and crawled towards a sleeping Amy. He slid under the covers and pulled himself towards Amy, wrapping his arm around her sleeping form and pulling her to him. They meshed together perfectly. He intertwined his fingers into her hair and the smell of her shampoo wooed him into deep sleep.

Blake woke the next morning, still wrapped around Amy. He had been sleeping so well and silently cursed whatever woke him. Then he heard the vibrating of his cell phone on the night stand. He flung his arm to grab it and turned it off. No calls, today.

He put his arm back around Amy, playing with her hair and kissing the side of her head. She started to stir. “Mmm…?” She moaned, wearily. “Mornin’ baby.” Blake said. “Guess what.” He whispered looking into her eyes. She smiled and looked up at him. “What is it, Blakey?” Blake giggled and moved his head to whisper into her ear. “Today… is all about you and me…” His breath ticked her skin and she laughed quietly. “Let’s go get some breakfast, sexy…” She said sitting up and wiping the sleep from her eyes.

Amy sat down at the kitchen table, and Blake made scrambled eggs and toast for the two of them. “So what are we going to do, today? Blake?” Said Amy. “I don’t know… anything you want… sound good?” Blake looked over his shoulder at Amy while stirring the eggs around in the skillet. “Well… It’s already noon… maybe we can just stay at home all day long… listen to some of your new album…” Blake smiled. “That sounds perfect…” They ate their eggs, talking and laughing.
-----------------------------
Chris woke up the next morning to an empty bed. He got up and searched around the house. He walked into the kitchen to find his girlfriend frantically running around, bacon hanging out of her mouth and bags in her arms. “Woah, woah, woah! What’s going on?” Chris asked still half asleep. “Oh… I’m so sorry, baby. I gotta go! I’ll be back later, though, I promise! You should… uh… ask Blake if he’s busy. Maybe go see a movie.” Stephanie decided to just abandon the bacon. She ran towards the door, stopping only go give Chris a peck on the cheek.

Chris just stood their dumbfounded. He took a shower, got dressed and made himself some breakfast. Then he sat on his couch, flipping through channels. He couldn’t call Blake! This day was supposed to be all out Amy and Stephanie… and he had to at least let his best friend follow their pact. He took a sip of his coke and scratched his stomach, sighing.
--------------------------
Amy and Blake had had a nice afternoon relaxing and watching sitcoms. Then Blake had an idea.

Amy was being blindfolded. Blake held onto her hand and walked her through the streets of Bothell. She felt like an absolute idiot. “Where are we going, Blake?” She hissed, feeling the stares of people burning into her from across the street. “Don’t worry… you’re going to love it.” He assured her. All of a sudden Blake stopped walking, and she came to a halt right beside him. He took her blindfold off. It was the hill from before. “Huh??? You like?” Blake asked. Amy’s eyes lit up. Hues of purple, blue, and red painted the sky. The colors blurred and danced and obscured the sun in the most gorgeous way. She grabbed Blake’s hand and ran up the hill and sat down. Blake sat beside her.
Chapter 4.3:
“This is the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen.” Amy gasped. “Yeah… me too.” Said Blake. Amy smiled and looked over at him. He wasn’t gazing into the sunset like she was. He was staring at her. He put out his hand and cupped the back of her head, gently nudging her towards him. She closed her eyes partially and came in slowly. Their lips met. Amy brought her hand up and put it on Blake’s face, slowly moving it up, tangling her fingers in his hair. The kiss deepened and Blake desperately grabbed behind her and pulled her to him, their bodies pressed together. Their arms were so busy, pulling at cloth and hair, that they couldn’t hold themselves up, and they slumped over into the grass.
----------------------------------
Chris waited patiently on the couch for Stephanie to get home. It was already 6 and he was worried that the whole night would be ruined by his lack of preparation. The door opened and Stephanie walked in, exhausted. She put down her things and collapsed on the couch next to Chris. “Oh baby… I’m sorry… did you and Blake hang out today?”
“No… he was busy… it’s ok… I’m just glad you’re home.” He put his arm around her and kissed her head. “Let’s go into our room and listen to music.” Stephanie said, purring at Chris. He tensed up and forced a smile, nervously. He followed her into their room, and put on some music. Stephanie sat on the bed and lied down on her back. “Oh! I am so stressed… we should do something to take out minds off of everything.”

Chris turned the music on low and sat next to her. She sat up and soothed her hands over his chest and then down his back. Then pulled him in close to her and kissed him on the neck. “I-I have to tell you something, baby.” He stuttered. “Mmmm…” Stephanie shot her arms up around his head and brought her lips up to his chin. “Actually… it’s more like ask you something.” How dare you say that my behaviors unexceptable… Adam Levine panted his way through the song. ‘Oh that’s just great!’ thought Chris.
“Oh god, I love this song!” Stephanie managed to say while her lips were attached to Chris’ face. “Stephanie…listen…to me…damn…S-Stephanie…!” Chris stammered. “Stephanie!” He grabbed her shoulders and pushed her away. Stephanie looked torn and confused. Is there anyone out there cus’ it’s getting harder and harder to breathe… “Damn it!” Chris said, unplugging the CD player. “What’s wrong Chris?” Stephanie asked.

“Stephanie… listen to me… I’ve given this a lot of thought… and” Stephanie was confused. Chris reached back behind him and pulled a box from his coat pocket. “I can’t imagine my life with anyone other than you… and I don’t want to! You are amazing and I love you more than I ever thought I could love someone.” Chris said, starting to shake a little. He opened the box and removed its contents without Stephanie seeing what it was. She stared into his eyes: focused and sincere. He took her hand in his and looked directly at her. “Stephanie… Will you marry me?” He asked. She stared at him, mouth agape, eyes glazing over. A single tear rolled down her cheek. Chris looked back in anticipation and anxiety. “Chris…” She started to cry a little more. “Nothing. Absolutely nothing in this world would make me happier.” He slipped the ring on her finger and started to say something else. But Stephanie jumped on top of him in a passionate embrace.
Chapter 4.4:
Stephanie looked down at her fiancée lovingly and gave him a kiss. He leaned his head up and kissed her deeply and flipped her over suddenly so he was on top of her instead. He kissed her several times on the lips then moved his mouth down her chin and neck, moving his tongue precisely and sensually. He kissed along her jaw line then back down to her neck. She moved her knee up so it slightly brushed the crotch of his pants. He gasped and stopped what he was doing, looking up at Stephanie. She glared slyly back at him and licked his bottom lip. “Come on, groom-to-be! Show me what you’re made of.” She said moving her knee up a little more before moving it away completely. He stared at her for a moment longer before attacking her neck once again with his mouth, more fiercely than before.
-------------------------------------------------
All that could be heard in the park that night was the smacking of lips and panting. Blake looked down at his love breathing fast and deep. His bare chest pressed against her loose white t-shirt. He pushed up against her with his legs and her jeans soaked in more evening dew from the grass, leaving grass stains. Amy pulled his head back down to hers and pressed their lips together, forcefully, and he met her challenge and quickened the kiss. One of his hands cupped the side of her face and the other was trying to decide whether to rest on her thigh, or help the other hand. He decided to use it to lift her head up to his for easier access to her mouth. She wrapped her legs around the back of his knees and rolled him over, taking control. She grinned wickedly, pulling on his ear playfully.
------------------------------
An hour later:

Stephanie and Chris lay side by side, blanket up to their collarbones. Both of them were exhausted. Chris rolled onto his side and kissed Stephanie on her cheek. Stephanie grasped his hand, messaging his knuckle with her thumb.
-----------------------------
“Oh my god… you realize we’re on a hill in a public park?” Amy said, sighing heavily as she rolled over. Blake looked over into her eyes. “Personally, I don’t care right now.” Blake said, gazing into her eyes with a look of pure high. The wet grass tickled Blake’s bare back. Amy moved over and grasped Blake’s hand, bringing it to her mouth and kissing it briefly. Blake rested his head on hers and sighed, staring into the huge open sky. Blake couldn’t remember when a night had ever been so peaceful and surreal.
“I love you, Amy.”
“I love you, too… Blake…”
----------------------------
Chris laid his head on Stephanie’s. He sighed deeply, then breathed in her scent. He couldn’t remember when a night had ever been so magical in all of his life.
“I love you, Stephanie.”
“I love you, too…Chris…”
-----------------------------
The four of them drifted off to sleep.

Chapter 5.
The sun crept up over the hill and shined in through the tree branches. As it moved further up into the sky is positioned itself so that it would shine directly on Amy’s eye, causing her to stir. She had a huge smile on her face. She turned to face Blake, stretching her arms and yawning. She moaned into Blake’s chest and wrapped her arms around his neck. That was the best night’s sleep she’s had in a really long time. Blake returned the hug, groggily. He smiled and looked over at Amy… but then realization struck him. He was completely naked. His eyes shot open and he sat up on his elbows and looked around behind him, still exhausted. ‘Good… no one’s around’ he thought and wiped the sleep out of his eyes.

“Mmmm… Blakey… go back to sleep.” Amy groaned, not opening her eyes, just tugging on Blake’s shoulder to get him to lie down again. “Baby, wake up!” He whispered as loud as he could. She opened her eyes to realize she was half naked and Blake was completely nude. “What the fuck?... wait… oh yea…” She said laughing a little. “We need to get out of here! Like… NOW!” He whisper-yelled to Amy. “Before anyone…”

Before Blake could finish his sentence, he heard a scream. He turned around to see a woman, who looked to be in her 60’s or so. “…see’s us.” Blake finished, talking normally now. Amy squealed, grabbing her underwear and tugging them on. Blake grabbed for Amy’s arm with one hand and his pants with the other. “Rapist! Someone!” The strange woman shouted. “Oh…shit.” Blake mumbled. Amy grabbed her pants and was about to put them on. “Leave them!” Blake zipped up his pants, dropping his shirt to grab for Amy’s hand.

Blake ran with Amy trailing behind him. A few people stopped to ask the woman what was wrong, but Amy and Blake just kept running. They got back to their house, and slammed the door shut, panting. Then they just stared at each other in silence for a few moments, then burst out into hysterical laughter. “I think I’ll go take a shower.” Amy said between laughs. “Ok… I’ll make breakfast.” Blake said, grabbing a shirt from the dryer.
---------------------------------
Chris gently nudged the arm of his sleeping fiancée. Stephanie stretched and turned over in her sleep. Chris sighed, then shook her lightly. “Stephanie…” Chris whispered. “Wakey wakey!” Stephanie giggled and sat up, holding the blanket up around her torso. She smiled and gave Chris a quick kiss. “Let’s get a shower and then fly over to see Blake and Amy. Tell them the news.” He smiled and kissed her again. He got up and walked over to the closet to get some clean clothes. “Second thought, you sleep for a few more minutes… I’ll wake you, then we’ll go see them.” Chris smiled and left for the shower. Stephanie fell back onto the bed and relaxed.
----------------------------------
Stephanie and Chris flew out to Seattle, but had to get a bus to Bothell. When they got into the Bothell city limits, they decided a walk through the park would be nice. Blake and Amy probably weren’t even awake yet, anyways. It was only 11am. “Ooo! Chris, let’s go by that really romantic hill from a few months ago! We really ought to go back there some night and see the moon again.” Chris nodded and grabbed Stephanie’s hand. He grabbed the stone of her engagement ring and fiddled it between his fingers. ‘This is really happening…’ he thought, smiling sweetly.

“Oh my fucking god.” Stephanie said, slowly. “What?” shouted, Chris. “What’s wrong?” Stephanie fell to her knees laughing. Chris looked over and saw a pair of jeans and a argyle button-down shirt lying on the hill, under the tree. “What?” He said confused. “Th-those! Those are Amy and Blake’s clothes!” She rolled onto her back laughing harder. “How do you know!??” He shouted, grabbing the shirt in his hands. Stephanie tried to calm herself down, enough to speak. She walked over to Chris and picked up the pair of pants. “I was with Amy when she bougth these! And that! Who else in Bothell wears argyle like that?”
“Oh my god, he didn’t.” Chris said quietly.
Chapter 5.2:
“I said to spend a romantic evening with her! Not to screw around on top of a fucking hill!”
“Yes… ‘fucking hill’ is right!” She said, calmly, then they both burst out laughing and rolling on the grass.
--------------
Blake and Amy both sat at the table eating French toast. Everything was oddly peaceful. Then there was a knock at the door. They looked at each other, then to the door, then back at each other. “What if it’s the police? Come to arrest a rapist?” Amy said, giggling. “Shut up.” Blake laughed, getting up to answer the door.

“Hey, man!” He looked from Chris to Stephanie, then down to her hand and saw her ring. “What are you... uhm... doing here, guys?”
“Well… we had something to tell you… but then we decided you guys might be missing your clothes?” Stephanie said, stepping inside waving the clothing in the air for Amy to see. Blake looked back to Amy and shrugged. Amy swallowed her bite of French toast and got up. “Come on in, guys.”

They all say down in the living room. Stephanie sat down next to Amy. “Spill it.” Stephanie said, casually. “Heh heh… spill what?” Amy said, nervously. Stephanie threw the jeans and shirt at Amy. “You know what I’m talking about! Don’t play dumb!” She laughed. Amy told the whole story (leaving out… details…).

“So then this crazy woman comes up and starts screaming ‘Rapist!’ and we just ran away…that’s all.” Amy said. Chris and Stephanie started laughing. “Oh, wow.” Stephanie said.
“So you’re a rapist, Blake? Since when?” Chris asked. “Haha, very funny.” Blake said. Then he turned to face Amy. “Was it not consensual? Did you not enjoy it?” Amy blushed. “Then it wasn’t rape!” He said sipping from his coke can. It was quiet for a second. “So, Chris.” Blake said. “What was it you two wanted to tell us?” Blake said, drawing his words out. “Oh yea… well, last night…”
“Chris proposed!” Stephanie shouted, leaning over onto Chris and smiling huge. “Ahhh!” Amy yelled. “I’m so happy for you!!!” She grabbed Stephanie’s hands. “Oh my god you’re getting married!!!”
“I know! Oh my god! I can’t believe it!” Stephanie squealed. Blake got up and walked over to Chris. “Congratulations, man!” Blake said, patting him hard on the back. They did a quick cakeshake. “Wait for it…” Chris said, taking a sip of his drink. “Amy! You hafta be my maid of honor!” Stephanie squealed again. “Oh my god! Really? Ohmahgod, thank you! I’d be so honored!” They hugged and jumped around. Blake and Chris did a ‘guy hug’ and sat on the couch across from the girls.

“So much for no premarital sex, huh?” Chris said. Stephanie swatted his arm. “Shut up…” She giggled. “What, babe? We sposed to be embarrassed? They had sex on a fucking hill, for Christ’s sakes!”
“Yea, Stephanie! And you know when we were wasted a few weeks ago, and you told me all about Chris’ little ‘habits.’” Amy laughed. “What?” Chris asked, shocked.
“Dude, it’s chick talk! They talk about sex just like we do… besides… it can’t be that bad…I’m sure nothing I haven’t done…” Blake said sipping from his drink.
“So Blake? Where do you keep your maids outfit, then?” Stephanie asked. Blake choked on his drink, and Chris sat with his face in his hands. “What the hell, Chris?” Blake asked, laughing. “That’s not even kinky! That is creepy!” Blake said, laughing.
“Hey, hey!” Stephanie said, fake angry. “He looks damn sexy in a maids dress, so shut the fuck up!” Stephanie said, and Amy laughed.
“Anyways…” Amy said, finally able to control her laughing. “Let’s go out and celebrate!”

“Yea, let’s go get some drinks… maybe go dancing or something.” Blake said.
“Blake you are such a fag.” Chris said shaking his head. “Dancing?”
“Heheheh!” Blake laughed sarcastically.
“Actually that’s a good idea!” Said Amy. “Yeah! Let’s do it!” Said Stephanie.
Chapter 5.3:
--------------------------
Blake bought the first round of martinis. Being the best man of the groom to be, he felt it was his responsibility to get Chris to loosen up. Ever since he had decided to propose to Stephanie, he’d been really nervous and up-tight. Like he was afraid if he did even one thing wrong, Stephanie wouldn’t love him anymore. Blake knew better, but Chris’ self-esteem wasn’t the highest. But maybe a couple rounds could take the edge off his current funk.

Damn. Blake was going to go broke! Chris could really down his alcohol, and while it was accomplishing Blake’s goal, he only had so much money with him. Of course his plan had its share of miss fires. Amy and Stephanie were pretty damn drunk by now, as well. He was glad they had walked, because he wasn’t about to stay sober much longer. He took a swig of his glass and put it down, heading to the dance floor with the others.

Amy was pretty crazy when drunk. As soon as Blake got out there, she flung her arms around him and pulled his body tight against hers, purring in his ear. “You look so fucking sexy right now” she whispered, with her mouth pressed against his ear. It sent a shiver down his spine. Maybe she had had too much to drink.

Amy slid off of him and kept dancing, seemingly unaware of the fact that other people were around. He moved around a little looking for the others. He found his two best friends, drunk, in the corner of the bar, grinding up on each other. “Oh, god.” He said to himself. He was pretty sober still, only having 2 or 3 glasses, but he wanted to change that. The only way he was going to be able to tolerate his drunken friends was if he joined them. He tried to squeeze his way through all of the people, towards the bar, when he felt a hand on his ass. Assuming it was Amy, he turned around and grabbed the hand from his bottom.

A very drunk Haley Scarnato stood behind him, a little shocked because Blake had turned so quickly and grabbed her wrist so tightly. The grip only got tighter. “Haley? What the hell are you doing?” He threw her hand away from himself.

Amy stood only a few feet away, feeling anger rise up inside her. And the fact that she was drunk off her ass didn’t help her thought process much.

“I always thought you were hot… too bad you’ve got a girlfriend, huh?” Haley said slinking onto him and putting her lips inches from his. “Take me now, Blake Lewis… fuck me…” She tried to be as sexy as she could, but her breath smelled strongly of vodka. “Woah, woah, woah!” Blake said loudly. “Get off me, now!” He grabbed her wrists. “What are you doing?” Haley slurred and stumbled backwards. “Not interested. You’re skimpy little outfits might get you any guy you want, but not me. Just back off now.”

“Ooo.. hard to get… well I wont take no for an answer…” She said, twisting her arms under his and putting them around the back of his head. She pulled him in for a sloppy, drunken kiss. The next thing that happened went by so quickly that Blake didn’t have time to register what was going on until it was over. Amy pushed her way through the club and grabbed the back of Haley’s hair, hard. “What the fuck? Oh its Blake’s bitch… back the fu-…” and before Haley could finish, Amy drew her arm back and punched her hard in the face. Haley fell back onto Blake.

Everyone around them stopped dancing and stared at them. Blake just stood there, Haley’s lip stick smeared across his face, holding her up by her underarms. Then he moved his hands in a ‘wasn’t me’ kind of gesture, letting Haley drop to the floor, hitting her head on the wooden ground. Amy stumbled over to Blake, stepping over Haley’s stunned body. She grabbed a napkin and cleaned Haley’s makeup off of him. “You got some slut on your face.” She said, unfazed. Everyone started dancing again. Amy smiled when she got all the lip stick off, and grabbed Blake by his arm, stepping over Haley again. She stomped her heel on Haley’s hand and laughed, falling over a little as they walked.

Chapter 6.
After Blake had a few more drinks, it was safe to say that he was now pretty damn drunk as well. The four of them stumbled out of the bar and walked down
the street, arm in arm. Blake had his arm around Amy’s waist, occasionally reaching down to grab her ass, Amy had her arm around Stephanie’s neck, and
Stephanie had her arm under Chris’ arm and wrapped around his back. They were walking down the middle of the road, but luckily it was too late for there to
be much traffic. It was almost completely silent, except for their heavy breathing and occasional stumbling caused by misplaced steps. Then all of a sudden,
Stephanie burst our laughing, and everyone else joined in too.

“Oooo!” Amy pointed. “Play ground! Blake, push me on the swing!” She ran towards the school playground across the street and through the gate. Everyone
else followed behind her, Blake attempting to jump over the chain link fence (while drunk= not too smart) fell flat on his face, but laughed it off into
the dirt. Amy sat on the swing, screaming “push me, Blakey!” Blake giggled and got up, running over to her and pushing her.
Chris and Stephanie ran to the slides and Chris sat down at the top. “Wait up!” Stephanie yelled, sitting in Chris’ lap. They slid down the slide, their
legs splashing into the mud at the bottom. They laughed hysterically. Stephanie took a handful of mud and threw it at Chris. Then Chris dipped his hand into
the mud and flicked it in Stephanie’s face. She gasped, and hiccupped. Chris giggled and pushed her over, playfully. She stumbled and landed in the dirt,
her shoes soaked with mud.

Blake started getting really tired while pushing Amy on the swing. Amy was like a little kid. “Higher, Blakey!” He smiled, woozy, and slapped her on the
ass. Amy squealed and leaned back in the swing so that she was almost upside down. “Hahaha! Blakey’s a bad, bad boy…” She smiled a cheeky smile that only a
girl who’s had too much to drink can pull off. Blake grinned his sexiest grin, and grabbed her face in his hands. He giggled just as cheekily as Amy had and
licked her forehead. “What the hell?” She giggled loudly.

“Chris, you bastard, you got mud all over me!” Stephanie laughed, fumbling into his lap. He turned her around in his lap, and she wrapped her legs around
his waist. He pushed her back a little and brushed the mud off of her cheek. Then he cupped her face with his hands and kissed her slowly. She was shocked
at first, not expecting the kiss, but returned it. Chris leaned forward, almost pushing Stephanie off of the bottom of the slide. He gently guided her to
the ground, the kiss deepening and speeding up. “Woah, woah, wait Chris…” Stephanie pushed him up and off of her. He stood there mouth agate, confused. She
smiled, reassuringly, and looked over at Blake and Amy who were tickling and licking each other, obviously very drunk.

“Come on…” Stephanie whispered, pulling Chris along. They went to the other side of the playground and Stephanie turned around. Chris immediately started
kissing her again, leading her to the nearest hard surface to lie on. He looked around, not letting their lips part. He saw the crawl-tunnel behind the
monkey bars and pushed Stephanie towards it. Then he leaned to sit into it, lying back and pulling Stephanie on top of him. She looked down at him, panting
and bit his bottom lip, teasingly. He could smell the thick smell of alcohol on her breath, but he figured he must smell the same.
-----------------------------
Amy poked Blake in the stomach, and he giggled loudly. “You’re so ticklish… you, you tickly baby!” She screeched, she leaned up to him and stood out of the
swing. She leaned to kiss his neck, letting her teeth graze his skin. He giggled and then let his face get very serious. “You need to be punished.” He
pushed her onto the ground and lifter her shirt up just to show her stomach. He leaned his head down to her body and then looked up at her deviously. “What
are you gonna do to me, Blakey?”
(R) Chapter 6.2:
She said as slutty as she could, putting her finger on her lips and sticking her tongue out between her teeth. He leaned down and blew a raspberry on her
stomach. She laughed and snorted and kicked the ground.

Then he stopped and looked at her, cunningly. “Guess what, Blakey…” She said, lifting her arm up from his grasp and cupping it in the air. “Payback’s a
bitch…” She said, cupping his crotch firmly with one hand and pushing him onto his back with the other. He gasped and leaned back, arching. “Yeah, squirm
little Blakey boy… squirm…” She purred in his ear, letting her tongue slip past her lips and tease his ear. He shivered and gasped at the same time, and Amy
could tell just how much this was affecting him, physically. She let go of his crotch, and ran away, leaving him lying on his back in a confused stupor.
-----------------------------
“Oh, god Chris…” Stephanie moaned. “Mmmm…” He mumbled into her mouth. Stephanie ran her palms up and down his bare chest. Chris kicked off his shoes,
leaving them both completely naked. Their bare bodies pressed against each other, and Chris ran his hands up and down her sides. Stephanie broke the kiss
for a moment to readjust herself. She moved her legs to slightly wrap around Chris’ and then attacked his neck with her mouth. Chris gasped and panted
holding the back of her hair against her head. “Oh… fuck…” He said, sliding up against the bottom of the tunnel. Stephanie gasped on Chris’ neck, even at
the very subtle movement of Chris’ hips.
---------------------------
Amy laughed and laughed, until her legs collapsed on the top of the slide. She sighed and leaned back, her hair sprawled out over the slide and arms
dangling over the edges. All of a sudden she felt something tickle her thighs and she looked up. Blake was trying to take her pants off? Amy giggled and
straightened her legs, brushing Blake’s crotch with her foot. He paused, and looked up at her. She wiggled her toes against his pants and giggled. Then he
returned to the removal of her pants, only quicker this time. He pulled her legs so that she slid up the slide and ran his fingers through her hair roughly.
She stripped him of his shirt, feeling his arms and shoulders. Then he slid his hands up her sides and pulled the thin cloth up and over her head. She
pulled him into a deep, lusty kiss, working on getting his pants off as their tongues wrestled and fought for power.

Blake reached around and unclasped her bra, quickly pulling her close and feeling her hot skin against his.
---------------------------
(R) Chapter 6.3:
With each quick thrust Chris got louder and louder. Stephanie was very quiet, just lying her head on his sweaty chest. At most she would shudder or
draw in a quick breath. Chris was the one keeping it moving, moving them along. He would message her (or try to… he was a bit preoccupied) or fondle her…
anything, just trying his best to make it all about her. Stephanie sat up, still shaking as Chris moved beneath her. “I love you… so much…” She trembled as
she spoke, most of the alcohol sweated out of her system. She started to realize where they were. But she didn’t care, because this was one of the most
intense moments in her entire life.

Chris leaned up to kiss her softly yet passionately on the lips. Stephanie broke the kiss, then leaned back on his chest.

The pleasure was building up in Chris’ body. He moved faster and more unsteadily. Stephanie bit down on his collar bone, but he didn’t even notice. He just
wrapped his arms around her, anything to be moving.
----------------------------
Blake pushed against Amy again, trying to keep his balance against the hard plastic of the railing. His footing was very awkward, his foot at the very top
of the slide. If he moved it, or it got too sweaty, he’d easily slip. Amy wrapped her arms around him tighter, scratching hard on his back. He bit down on
his lips. She lifter her leg and pressed it up against the back of his, shifting and trying to get comfortable. Blake moved to better face her, only to see
she was distracted, because of the hard, scratchy plastic behind her. He roughly kissed her neck, pressing his tongue against her and moving it in messy
circles. She instantly forgot her discomfort. There was nothing but her and Blake’s skillful tongue against her neck. And his warmth surrounding her,
overwhelming her. Then again, there was his strong scent. The smell of his pleasure filling the air and driving her insane. She gripped his back tighter
and pulled him so that every inch of their bodies were touching. “Oh… Blake… Oh my god… Blake…” He took this as a green light and quickened the pace.
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Chris just laid there. All that could be heard was heavy breathing. His own. Stephanie lay on top of him, passed out. Both of their energy had been
completely spent. He adjusted himself, making sure Stephanie was perfectly comfortable then smoothed out her messy hair and ran his fingers up her arm and
down her thigh, feeling the thick film of moisture that had begun to dry there. He could feel her heart beating against his stomach and her breath on his
chest as she exhaled. ‘This is what true happiness must feel like’ He thought to himself. It takes the simple things in life… like… having sex with a
beautiful woman, whom he loved, in a plastic tunnel in front of an elementary school. He laughed at that thought, Stephanie’s head bobbed up and down as he
laughed. Then he gently brushed the hair out of her face and watched her sleep. Her warmth on his body, and his heart pressed against her lovely face, he
knew he was truly happy.

Chapter 7.
‘How the hell is it even possible…’ Chris thought ‘…that the best night of sleep he’d ever had took place inside a small plastic tunnel in front of a school?’ His back was glued to the sticky plastic, and he just hoped the stains wouldn’t be too obvious. He sighed and smiled into Stephanie’s hair. Sitting up slightly, he peered through the hole in the tunnel to see if Blake and Amy had gone home already. He looked around, not seeing anyone, then turned his line of site to the slides. Two very calloused feet stuck out of the railing, with two smaller more feminine feet facing down between them. Chris sighed, then realized he couldn’t very well blame them for screwing around in public, seeing as he was in a very similar situation. He just hoped to god that it wasn’t a school day.

Amy lied face down on Blake’s solid frame, arms reaching up to encircle his head. She didn’t know where she was, just that the sunlight was irritating and made her close her eyes tighter. She lifter the top half of her body up to get comfortable. They were both sticky with what was mostly dried sweat, and her entire body ached badly. Yet in spite of all this, she felt completely relaxed and content. She moved up on top of Blake and gazed at his sleeping face, watching his chest rise and fall, peacefully. She heard a bird chirping loudly and turned to see where they were. ‘How the hell did we get here?’ she thought, frantically. Propping herself up on her hands on either of Blake’s sides, she looked around. She saw Chris and Stephanie’s feet hanging out of the tunnel, and vaguely remembered what had happened last night. She pulled her hair back and lied back down, a bit worried, but she was pretty sure it was a Saturday and that no one would have to find out about this.

Just as Amy got comfortable again, a bell rang loudly.

Chris shot up, banging his head on the hard plastic above him. “Shit!” He yelled loudly, waking Stephanie. “W-What? What’s going on?” We gotta get outta here… now!” He tried pulling himself up through the opening by his head. Stephanie moved a little to let him slide out from beneath her, but his feet slipped and he fell out backwards onto his bottom. He stood up, holding his head where he bumped it. Wood chips and dirt from the playground stuck to his sticky body and covered his ass. Stephanie giggled and brushed them off.

Amy heard the bell, then the commotion below them and looked down in time to see Stephanie and Chris, nude, wiping dirt off of each other. Blake, who, upon meeting Amy, had developed into a deep sleeper, just snorted and rolled over. “Wake up, dumbass!” Amy yelled to her boyfriend. Blake sat up, rubbing his eyes and propping up his leg.

When Chris realized that Amy and Blake had woken up and were looking down at them, he covered his crotch with both hands, desperately looking around for his clothes. He knelt down, grabbed his watch from the dirt and saw that it was 12:04pm. “That bell couldn’t have been the start of school… so it must have been… recess?” He said. “Fucking shit…” Stephanie mumbled, grabbing for her clothes.

Kids started pouring from the school, about 10-20 yards away from them. Blake stood up, and grabbed Amy, who had their clothes in hand. He pulled her down the slide and ran behind a tree. Chris and Stephanie slipped their shoes on and grabbed their things, following their friends lead and hiding behind a tree about 5 feet from where they stood.

Little children quickly filled the playground, sliding and crawling through the areas where the four of them had just had sex. Stephanie laughed, but it quickly turned into a whimper. “Oh my gosh! Ashley! It’s Blake Lewis and Chris Richardson!” Blake and Chris hid their heads, scared looks on their faces. “Nuh uh! Liar!” came another little girl’s voice. “Look over their, see!”

“What are we going to do?” Amy whispered, thoroughly freaked out. “We put on as much clothes as we can, here, then…” Blake began, but Amy cut him off. “But you ripped my shirt! I just left it behind!” Amy squealed. “And I couldn’t grab all my stuff!” Stephanie whimpered just as freaked out as Amy. “Shit… here!” Blake handed Amy his shirt, and she pulled it over her head. Then she pulled on her underwear and pants, and smoothed her tangled hair as much as she could. Blake slipped into his pants, and without his belt (tied around the railing of the slide… don’t ask) they sagged very low. Stephanie took Amy’s lead and pulled Chris’ boxers on and pulling her own shirt over her head, leaving him with nothing but his shirt, and needing it more for his lower half than his chest, bunched it up and held it to cover his manhood.

“Ok… we just have to wing it…On my count, we run… my house is that way, so just run in that direction, then follow me!” Blake whispered loudly, pointing to the gate on the far side of the playground. They all nodded. “1…2…3…GO!” He held his pants up and Amy grabbed his wrist. Chris’ hands were busy trying to keep himself covered. They all ran through the playground as fast as they could. “AH! See! See! It is Chris and Blake! And they’re nakey!” Shouted some random kid.
“Fuck, fuck, fuck, fuck!” Yelled Chris, running the fastest of all of them. He obviously had the most to lose…seeing as he wasn’t wearing anything. “Ouch!” Amy yelled, her feet were killing her. She stopped for a second to try to slide into some shoes before running more. “Hey, lady! You know Blake Lewis?” Little girls were coming towards them. “Damn it, Amy!” Blake said, running back to help her. “Leave them, I’ll buy you some new ones!” Blake grabbed Amy’s arms. His pants sagged low, showing hints of pubic hair and major ass-cleavage. Stephanie and Chris were already out of the gate, running as fast as they could.

They finally made it back to Blake’s. Stephanie and Chris flopped onto the couch, and Amy leaned against the closed door, breathing heavily, and rubbing her sore feet. Blake lied back on the living room chair, holding a stitch in his side. “That… was… insane.” Said Stephanie, her eyes glazed over, a grin tugging at the sides of her mouth. “Yea it was…” Said Blake, looking around at the other three. “Chris, man! Get your naked ass off of my couch!” Blake said, still panting. Amy giggled. “Like your naked ass hasn’t been on it?”
“Ew. Too much info!” Said Stephanie. Amy slumped to the floor. “I am so tired… every muscle in my body hurts…” She said rubbing her forearms. “That really was insane… but not as crazy as last night…” She said, then letting her stress drain away, leaving a ‘trying-to-be-innocent’ smile. “The whole thing was pretty surreal, if you ask me!” Said Chris. “What the hell are we supposed to do now? Nothing’s gonna beat that.”

“Let’s… just get dressed and… I don’t know…” Said Amy. “What about me? This isn’t my house! I have no clothes here! And nothing of Blake’s will fit me!” Laughed Chris, getting off of the couch, completely forgetting about the shirt. “Oh, wow.” Said Amy.

Chris looked down, then blushed. He calmly walked down the hall to Blake’s room. He came back a few moments later wearing a white robe, with green-plaid silk along the edges. The bottom of the robe came to about the middle of Chris’ thighs. “Damn you’re short, Blake.” He said, trying to get the focus off the fact that he just flashed Chris Jr. to the entire room.
--------------------------
Chris and Stephanie eventually went home. It was now about 6pm and Amy and Blake were snuggled up on the couch watching TV. “I’m just going to check the news quick, sweetie.” Blake picked the remote up and switched it to the news. There were a few stories about the lottery and an escaped convict that had recently been recovered. Then:

“Pictures have surfaced of American Idol contestants Blake Lewis and Chris Richardson running almost completely naked through a school in downtown Seattle.” The news caster said, emphasis on their names and the words ‘completely naked.’ “No way.” said Blake, completely transfixed. He sat straight up, turning the volume up. Amy’s eyes shot open as a zoomed in picture of Blake appeared beside the man. The picture showed his pants riding extremely low on his hips; just above the top of its crotch was blurred out. Then the picture switched to a picture of Chris running, holding the shirt to his body. His ass and gaps in the shirt were blurred. “Two unknown girls were also with them, though no pictures have been able to confirm their identities. However, it isn’t known if this will affect the tour in anyway… onto our next story…” Blake switched off the TV. “Fuck!” He said loudly. “Can this day get any worse?” He put his face in his hands and whimpered. “Babe… are, are you okay?” Amy said, rubbing his back. She had never seen him breakdown like this. She noticed that his hands were damp, and grabbed for them. He was crying just a little, not enough for his eyes to be red or puffy, but still obviously crying. “Oh my god, Blake.” Amy put her arms around him and pulled him close to her. “It’s going to be okay… what can they do? How do they know those pics aren’t just photoshopped. It’s not like they have footage of it…calm down.” Blake wasn’t crying anymore though. Sure, his breathing was unsteady and jagged, but he wasn’t crying. He was laughing. Amy pushed him back to see his face. “Wait, what? You’re laughing?” she asked confused. “Yeah…” he wiped his eyes and kissed her. “I don’t regret anything, you know…if anything at all… I’m thinking we need to make public-sex a regular thing…” He slid her onto his lap, and bit at her neck. She sat there completely shocked at his switch from emotional breakdown to horny-sex-freak. “Uh… Blake… you sure you’re ok…?” She tried saying. “Uh…Blake…” He just kept on attacking her neck and shoulders with his mouth and hands. “No talking… just… lie back and relax baby.”

Amy sighed, rubbing her forehead. ‘Men…’ she thought. He popped open the button in her jeans and then went back to kiss her mouth. He was panting and moaning, but really just seemed to be forcing all the noises you’re supposed to be making during sex. Then he began to whimper. Amy broke off the kiss and looked at him, sitting there on top of her, trying not to cry. She pulled him against her and rubbed his shoulders and back. “It’s going to be okay… I promise…”

Chapter 8.
Blake didn’t cry about it anymore, but he seemed different somehow, to Amy. He wasn’t hyper all the time, and he sounded tired and depressed on all of his radio interviews. Every night, he would either come home extremely late, after Amy had already gone to bed, or he’d come home, and they’d have almost emotionless sex with hardly a word. It bothered Amy a lot to see him in pain, but even more when he didn’t seem to feel anything at all.

They woke up early in the morning. It had been about a week since the incident. Amy was facing the wall away from Blake. They were both completely naked, Blake hunched over on his side of the bed. His cell phone started to ring, but no one moved to get it. Then Blake flung his arm at the alarm clock, thinking that was the source of the noise. Then he grabbed his phone and flipped it open. “Hello?” He grumbled into the phone, exhausted. “Man, get outta bed right now. We’re going out.” It was Chris on the phone. “But… I’m tired...”
“I don’t care. Get up, get dressed. Don’t wake Amy, just… just be ready when I pick you up.” The cheerful optimism was gone from his voice. He sounded serious, but sympathetic.
“Uh…ok…” Blake turned the phone off and let it hit the floor. He lied on his back and put his arm over his eyes, lying there for a few minutes longer.

Half hour later, he woke with a start, remembering he was supposed to be getting ready. He climbed out of bed, and slinked toward the bathroom. He turned the tap on cold, and got in, letting the freezing water hit his hot flesh and sting as it ran down his body.

He just stood there for a while, then sighed, and started to clean himself.

There was a knock at the door. Blake answered it, already knowing who it was, a towel hanging loosely around his waist. “Hey, come in. I just gotta get dressed.” Blake walked back down the hall.

He came back a few moments later, dressed in his signature plaid pants and a layered shirt. “Where are we going?” asked Blake, as they climbed into his mustang. “Well… just… anywhere. It doesn’t matter where we go, we just gotta go somewhere.” Chris said sighing, and throwing his arm back behind Blake’s seat and fiddling his fingers, anxiously.

They pulled into a café, went inside, and took their seats at the far corner of the little, Bothell eatery. “I’ll have a decaf mocha latte.” said Chris, to the waitress. “I’ll have a… hot chocolate…” Said Blake, a bit embarrassed. “So… what did you want to talk about?” asked Blake.
“What’s been up with you lately, Blake?” asked Chris. “You’ve been… acting…strange…”
“Nothing… nothing at all is wrong! Everything’s perfect!” said Blake, a little too loudly.
“Blake.” Chris said, sternly, looking his friend directly in the eye. “I haven’t seen you in a week. We’ve talked on the phone twice. What the hell is the matter with you?”
“Maybe…” Blake started. “Maybe… I just… maybe I’m just stressed out. I’ve been really busy all week and…” Chris cut him off.
“You’ve always been busy. You’ve been busy for months! Press, media! What has changed is that you’re not making an effort for your friends anymore! Have you even spent time with Amy at all?” He asked, concerned.
“Nights. I said ‘I’ve been busy.’” Replied Blake. The waitress brought them their drinks and laid some napkins on the table. Blake immediately grabbed for his and sipped at it. “What’s really the matter Blake? What’s going on in your head right now? The photos have been cleared up, and American Idol covered it as rumors and Photoshop. So…”
“It’s just that… everything builds up, and all this media is wearing down on me…”
“And what about Amy? What’s going on with her?”
“I… I honestly don’t know…” Blake said, realizing how bad that sounded that he doesn’t even know how his girlfriend is doing. “She’s been the only real stable thing in my life these last few months… but now with all this… I’m wondering if it’s enough.” Blake mumbled.
“Are you fucking serious?” Chris said, shocked.
“Life sucks sometimes. Having someone to love and cherish is the only thing making it all worth it! Don’t you think I got the same type of shit you did about those pictures? American Idol producers called me too! They told me all the same shit they told you, and the media is chewing on my ankles same as yours.” Chris leaned in real close to Blake, trying to catch his line of site. “So tell me, Blake… what’s REALLY wrong? What’s really so bad that you have to huff around like a bratty little punk all week?” Blake just sat their, looking down at his hot chocolate as he stirred it in his mug. “Well?” said Chris again, but Blake turned his head away, trying to ignore him. “Blake!”
“I broke down!” Blake yelled at him.
“What?” Chris asked, taken aback.
“The stress got to me… and I broke down in her arms… how could she still need me…? I fucking cried! I’m the one who asked for all this press and shit! Just by signing up for the fucking show! She’s being dragged into it… and… I’M the one breaking down under the pressure… It’s pathetic… and she deserves someone stronger.”

Blake and Chris both lowered their voices, realizing they had been shouting at each other.

“Blake, buddy…” Chris said, sipping his latte. “You are a complete dumbass.”
“What? I spill my heart out to you, and that’s all you say?” Blake asked calmly.
Chris laughed like it was the most obvious thing in the world. “Amy loves you, man.”
Blake blinked back at Chris. “You love her?” He asked.
“…I do.” Replied Blake. “Then what are you doing sitting here talking to me for? She does need you… just because she doesn’t breakdown in front of you, doesn’t mean she doesn’t breakdown…it doesn’t mean she doesn’t need you…”
-------------------------------
Amy rolled over into the empty bed, and vaguely wondered where Blake was. She’d been wondering all week of course, but she kind of hoped that they could spend the weekend together. Thoughts started racing through her head. She got a splitting head ache, and got up to get some aspirin. She swigged the water and pill and went to take a shower.

After the sticky sweat was replaced with the soothing aroma of Amy’s new vanilla lotion, she pulled on her purple camisole and a pair of Blake’s plaid pajama pants. She didn’t have any plans for the day, so she might as well get comfortable. She changed her sheets and stuck the dirty ones in the washing machine. Then she flopped back onto her bed, feeling clean and refreshed.

The more she laid their bored and wondering about Blake, the more thoughts raced in and out of her mind. She couldn’t piece together why Blake had been acting so strangely. She missed the old Blake. That was the Blake she’d fallen in love with. She tried to force herself to believe he was just in a temporary rut, but her thoughts kept pulling her downward. She started convincing herself that things would never be the same. A tear ran down her cheek, and she reached up to wipe it away. She turned onto her side, holding her arms tight around herself, starting to whimper. Her legs slowly started rolling off the bed, leaving her kneeling on the floor.
---------------------------------------
Chris paid the bill, then the two of them stood up, cakeshaked, and walked out of the café. “I’ll give you a ride to the airport.” Blake said, turning onto the interstate. “Thanks… You need to get back home… at least for a little while…Okay, man?” said Chris.
“Yeah… and I’m sure you’re needed elsewhere too…”
“Yeah… sometimes I think we both take the love we’re given for granted… we really need to do more for our girlfriends… well… fiancée.” He grinned half-heartedly.
---------------------------------------
Chris walked into his house. Everything was completely silent and still. He checked the clock… it was just a bit past noon. Stephanie was still asleep. Chris sighed, and smiled. He went to his room, and gazed down at Stephanie, sleeping on her side towards the wall. Chris climbed into bed, letting his body fit with hers like a puzzle. His knees, curling into hers, his arms wrapped around her sleeping body. He nuzzled her, tenderly, pulling her close and relishing her warmth. “I love you, babe…” Stephanie said in her sleep, smiling and turning over half way, so that Chris’ leg was wrapped around hers. “Love you, too…” He yawned, settling his head down onto her chest, holding her close to him.
-------------------------------------
Blake walked up to his front door, unlocked it and walked in. Someone had obviously been up and around in the living room and kitchen, and there was a trail of water leading to and from various rooms. But Amy was no where to be found. He put his head through their bedroom door, but it seemed empty, so he quickly left, a little panicked. He checked outside all around the house. Amy wasn’t there, and her car was still in the driveway. ‘Maybe she and Stephanie went somewhere together…’ he thought to himself, going back into his room. He sat on the bed, taking off his shoes, when he heard whimpering, and sniffling.

He shot up from his spot and walked around to the other side of the bed. Amy was hunched over, back propped up on the side of the bed, holding her knees close to her. “Oh my god, Amy…” Blake whispered. He leaned down onto his knees, and pulled her into his lap. Her face was wet with tears and her eyes were puffy and red. He pulled her head to his chest and rubbed her arm. “I’m here for you, now…”

Chapter 9.
The afternoon sun shone through the window of Chris and Stephanie’s bedroom, creating an intricate pattern through the curtains. Stephanie stretched as she sat up in her bed, yawning. She turned to find Chris was still lying in bed with her, facing the wall on his side of the bed. She thought it was strange. Usually Chris was the first up of the two of them. She reached over to him, a bit concerned. He bounced up from the bed and into the air, jumping up and down a few times before sitting with his legs crossed. “Mornin’ sleepy head!” He yelled loudly, bouncing a few more times, making the bed squeak

Stephanie made a face at him, and then started laughing. “You’re a nut!” she said rolling over on her back. “What do ya wanna do today? Hmm?” he asked, a little too enthused. “What’s the matter with you, Chris?” Stephanie asked, giggling. “Nuffin… just grateful to be loved by the most amazing woman in the world…” he said, nuzzling her neck playfully. “Well…” Stephanie started. “Why don’t we find out what’s going on with Amy and Blake? I haven’t heard from them in a while.” she said, yawning. “Uh…” Chris wanted to let Blake have a day to recover from his funk. And he really needed to talk with Amy. “Not today… Maybe the four of us can all do something together, tomorrow.” He said, trying to buy his friend some time.
-----------------
Blake lied on his bed, most of the sheets pulled from the corners and falling off by his feet. He had three pillows under his head, propping him up. Amy lay in his arms, trying to hide the fact that she wasn’t okay. That she really was still crying, but she didn’t want Blake to know. It was obvious to him, though, but he figured he’d let her save her pride for a little while longer.

Hearing her whimpering like this was killing him, though, and he wanted to comfort her more than he was. Amy sniffled loudly, and sure Blake had to have heard it, she turned away from him, onto her side. “Amy… are you okay?” He asked. “Oh… yeah. Of course…” She managed to say through her tears. “Blake… can I ask you something?” She said, another tear running down her face.
“Anything.” He said, rubbing her arm with his thumb, and lying his head on hers.
“Do you still love me?” She asked, unable to stop the tears from falling now. Blake stopped rubbing her arm, and sat there staring at the wall in front of him, completely taken aback by the question. He was SURE that she’d been crying from stress. From the pressure she’d been flung into.
“Amy…” He said, shock obvious in his voice. She turned towards him, anxiously. “That’s what you’ve been so upset about this whole time?” He asked. She curled her lips in and blinked back more tears, nodding. “Amy. I’m sorry.” He said, calmly. “I’ve been stressed out… but mostly afraid… afraid that if the pressure got to me enough, I wouldn’t be able to be there for you…” She nodded, a little confused. “But I understand now… you don’t have to worry, because I love you. And I will always be there for you.”

She sighed, the breaths coming out in sharp, jagged bursts. She lay onto him, and hugged him.
------------------
Chris and Stephanie drove around for a while. Just driving and enjoying each others company. “Where do you wanna get married?” Chris asked.
“I don’t know… somewhere beautiful and… breathtaking! Like on a beach or mountaintop! But wherever we go, it need’s to be soon! I can’t wait to be Mrs. Richardson!” Stephanie said, rolling her head back on the seat and flashing a huge grin.
“Haha! I can’t either! It needs to be soon, but not too soon.”
“We haven’t even started planning!” Stephanie said, freaked out a bit suddenly. “And with you being so busy and everything… it’s going to take forever!”
“Take it easy…” Chris said laughing. “I’ll cancel all my appointments and interviews for a few months and we’ll plan this together! I want to marry you and everything, but don’t work yourself up over it!”
“Are you sure?” Stephanie asked, smiling.
“Definitely.”
Stephanie sighed and threw her head back, looking up at the sky and pulling her shades down over her eyes. “A month…” Stephanie mumbled.
“What’s that, babe?” Chris asked, trying to pay attention to traffic.
“I said…” Stephanie sat up, looking up at Chris. “Let’s get married… in a month.” She said, seeming completely sure.
“Really?” He asked. “That soon? You sure?” he asked.
“Yes! I don’t want you to miss out on this chance to put out an album… I can’t keep you from your passion…It’ll be a small wedding… close friends and family… then we’ll take a jet over to Hawaii and spend the week on a beach. Just you, me, the sand, the ocean, and a couple of pina coladas.”
“And you’re sure?” Chris asked again, taken a bit by surprise.
“Completely sure.” Stephanie said, with a serious look on her face. “In one month, we’ll be Mr. and Mrs. Chris Richardson.”
“Alright then!” He said.
“Really?” Stephanie asked.
“Yeah!”
“Yeah?”
“Hell yeah! Let’s do it!”
----------------------------
Amy lied with her body pressed against Blake, her arm draped across his chest, gripping the blanket on the other side of him. She smiled into his shirt and nuzzled him closely. Blake played with her hair, his eye lids trying to pull themselves closed. He lazily tossed his head over to the side table, to look at the clock. It was 3pm. They’d just been laying there for 3 hours, just snuggling and whispering to each other… Blake made sure to remind Amy that he loved her. He mentally slapped himself for letting them lie there for so long, and slowly got up, Amy’s head sliding down Blake’s chest and stomach, before she sat up too.

“It’s getting late.” Blake smiled lovingly at her. “We should… go get something to eat.” Neither of them could stop smiling. They each were grinning ear to ear, and they couldn’t stop touching each other. Just rubbing the others arm or shoulders. Or whatever. Amy rolled out of bed, slid into her pajama bottoms, and went out the bedroom door. Blake ran a hand through his hair, and headed out behind her.
They drove to their favorite restaurant and ordered breakfast. Normally they would never have served breakfast at 3:30 in the afternoon, but the waitress was a huge blaker and assured them that it would be fine. And just a few minutes later she brought them an order of scrambled eggs and pancakes. Amy picked at her eggs for a while, before she actually started eating them. But Blake just kept shoveling forkful after forkful of pancake into his mouth. She giggled at him, and took a sip of orange juice. “Here!” he presented her with another forkful. She chuckled and allowed herself to be fed. “Mmmm…” She exaggerated, giving a thumbs-up. Blake smiled and ate another bite.

It was quiet for a while. Amy ate most of her eggs and Blake finished his pancakes. Then he broke the silence. “Amy…never think that I don’t love you.” He said, seriously. Amy stopped mid-bite, put down her fork and leaned over the table. She kissed him, slowly, and he put his hand up to cup her cheek. “You taste like syrup.” She said, grinning. Blake looked at her seriously still. “And I love you too… so much.” Her face got serious too. Then Blake giggled, dipped his finger in the left-over syrup on his plate, and ran it across his lips. Amy laughed and threw a straw wrapper at him. “You dork.” She giggled. Blake paid the bill and they got up to leave. Amy kissed Blake suddenly, making sure to get off every bit of syrup from his lips. “Yummy…” She said in a bouncy voice, then skipped out of the building, Blake jogging along behind her.
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“So we’re really doing this…” Chris’ face was very nervous. They were walking through a beautiful, romantic park with the manager. “Yes, this is perfect!” Stephanie said to the man. “The date you requested is free, I just need to know an estimated number of guests.”
“About…30?” Stephanie turned to Chris.
“Yeah, that sounds great.”
“Okay…” The man said, scribbling something onto a clipboard. “And this is the Richardson-Apperson wedding? ...we’ll have everything set up for you…fax me the arrangement plans by the weekend.” He shook their hands and walked away. “This is really happening, Chris! Oh my god!” Stephanie held his hand tightly.


‘I love you so much… I can not imagine my life without you.’

Chapter 10.
‘Everything is ok again.’ Blake thought, smiling. He breathed deeply, and opened his eyes slowly. He stretched, and looked around the room. The curtains were drawn, giving the room a calming feel. He noticed that Amy wasn’t in bed with him. ‘Must be late…’ he thought. He checked the clock. It was only 9am. “Hmm…” He moaned, getting up from the bed, yawning.

He walked into the kitchen, scratching his stomach and squinting. “Hey, babe.” said Amy, looking up from her book. She took a sip of her coffee and got up. She wrapped her arms around Blake’s waist and kissed him. He put his arms up over her shoulders and put his hands together behind her back, returning the kiss. “Mmm… what’s planned for today?” Blake said, between kisses. “We should call Chris and Stephanie… see what they’ve got going on today…”

She slipped from his grasp, and threw away her empty plate covered with crumbs from her toast. Blake went to browse the fridge. Amy grabbed her cell phone and plopped onto the couch. “Hey! I haven’t talked to you in forever!” Amy said.
“Yeah… what’s up with that?” Stephanie laughed.
“I’m not sure… what ever it was, it’s over now though…anyways, what are you guys up to, lately?”
“We’ve been planning for the wedding a bit…I feel like it’s making me into an adult.”
Amy gasped, exaggerating. “No! How old are you? 23?”
Stephanie groaned. “You know what I mean… I’m a kid inside, you know… but this whole thing is aging me!”
“Then let’s do something childish and fun! We have no plans today!”
“We only have a short time to plan, though…”
“Hey! You’re taking a day off! Pick something crazy and childish for us to do! Something completely random! Something you haven’t done since you were a kid!” It was quiet on Stephanie’s end of the phone for a few seconds.
“Putt-putt.”
“What?”
“Let’s go play putt-putt!” Stephanie screamed. “I haven’t done that in years! I love it!”
“Seriously?” Amy asked again.
“Of course! Let’s do it! We’ll be there in 2 hours or so!”
“Okay… fine… you’re a nut-case…”
“Great!” Stephanie squeaked, excitedly, and hung up. Amy sighed, and clicked the phone off. Blake walked in the room, a bottle of water in his hand. “So what’s the plan for today?”
“I guess…I guess we’re going to play putt-putt…?” Amy said in disbelief. Blake giggled and took a sip from his water bottle.
-------------------------------------
Stephanie ran to Chris, who was sitting on the couch with his laptop. “We’re canceling all of our wedding planning for today!” She bounced, and sat down next to him, leaning her head on his shoulder. “We’re gonna go to Washington and play putt-putt with Amy and Blake!” Chris laughed at how excited and childish Stephanie was. “You’re crazy…” he mumbled. “Well… I’ll go get dressed then…” He closed his laptop and kissed Stephanie quickly on the lips.
--------------------------------
Blake sat on the couch, flipping through cannels. Amy was next to him, sighing. “I’m gonna go get a shower before they get here…”
“Okay…” Amy took the remote from the couch and flipped through the channels. Then, she froze, a brilliant idea forming in her mind.

Blake stripped himself of his clothes, and turned the shower on hot. He stepped in, and immediately started to wash his hair, knowing he wouldn’t have much time. The bathroom was already getting very steamy. He heard the door creak open, and he turned around. He could see Amy through the shower curtain, taking off her clothes, casually. She pushed the curtain to the side, and climbed in. “What are you doing?” Asked Blake. ‘She knows we don’t have much time…’ he mentally sighed. “Hey! I need a shower too, and there isn’t time for us each to have one separately.” She pushed him out of the waters path and started lathering her hair.

Blake knew what Amy was up to. So he was going to get a head start. “Let me help you, then. Like you said, we don’t have much time…” He grabbed the bar of soap and ran it up her leg and along her back, sending shivers throughout her body. She really didn’t expect him to play along at first.

She turned around to face him, a look of shock on her face. The water pushed her hair down over her eyes. Blake moved her long bangs from her face and kissed her, softly. She followed along for a few moments, then quickened the pace and grabbed his face with both hands. He dropped the bar of soap and it slid across the bottom of the tub. ‘Oh-no she doesn’t.’ thought Blake, grinning. ‘She’s cutting into my shower time, so I’m in charge.’ He ran his fingers through her hair, but let her think she was running things for a little while longer. Then he pushed her against the wall, the cold tile giving her chills. She gasped and almost fell over.

Blake giggled, and moved to the side slightly, so that his leg was between hers. She wasn’t ready to give up yet, though. She moved her legs so that they were between his and moved her knee up, then brought it back down. She grinned at the expression on his face, and bit his bottom lip. He smiled, slyly. Then pinned her wrists to the wall and kissed her neck, fiercely. He let one hand fall from her wrist to run up and down her arm and across her chest. She moaned, and leaned her head onto his.

Blake moved his hands to her ass, lifting her just so, and pushing his body completely onto hers. “Oh!” Amy shouted out, and started to pant as Blake aligned their bodies so that they fit together perfectly. He moved against her, pushing her against the tile and making her breathe heavily. She lifted her legs and wrapped them around his waist. She grabbed onto his shoulders and dug her nails into him. He gasped and adjusted his footing. He looked up at her face, scrunched with pleasure and the spray from the shower mixed with sweat glistening on her forehead.
-------------------------
“Putt-putt!” Stephanie shouted, getting out of the car and running to the door. Chris followed behind her, giggling. “Tell me again why we’re going mini-golfing.” Chris said.
“To relieve the stress of planning our wedding! It was Amy’s idea!”
“Really? Doesn’t sound like her…” Chris said, surprised.
“Well…she’s the one who said we needed to take a break. I wanted to play putt-putt.”
“Haha! That sounds about right!” Chris laughed.
“Ha. So what? I’m childish… you’re the one marrying me…” She grinned, and knocked on the door. She leaned against the railing of their porch, taping her fingers on the side of their house. Nobody was coming to the door.
“Try the doorbell.” Chris said.
Stephanie sighed and pushed the button.
---------------------
“Oh, shit!” Amy said, slapping her arms against the wall behind her. “What dya say?” Blake half-mumbled, half-moaned. “I think Stephanie and Chris are here…”
“Hold on, just a little longer… almost…” Blake pushed her further up the wall, ecstasy filling him and his breathing getting heavier and heavier with each second. “B-but… they’re just… standing out there….w-waiting for us…” Amy panted.
“Just a few more…” Blake whispered, reaching for the water knob, and twisting to turn on the cold water. Ice cold rained down onto their burning skin and Amy gasped.
----------------------
“They wouldn’t have just left when they knew we were coming, right?” Stephanie asked concerned. “You didn’t tell them we were going to play putt-putt did you? Maybe they tried to escape.” Chris laughed. “You ass!” Stephanie said, punching him in the arm lightly, trying not to laugh, herself.
“Let’s just go in, then…their car is here… they’ve gotta be home…is the door locked?”
“No...” Stephanie said, twisting the door knob, and stepping inside. “Hello?” Stephanie called into the house.
-----------------------
“Are they inside?” Amy whispered to Blake.
“No…just…” Blake tried to reply.
“Amy! Blake!” came a voice from outside the bathroom.
“Damn it!” Blake said, pulling away from Amy, and turning off the water.
Amy slid down the wall, and waited a second to try to catch her breath.
------------------------
Stephanie walked to their bedroom and called in. “Hello? Guys?” She heard the shower running, then stop suddenly. She giggled and walked to the door of the master bathroom. She knocked on the door and pressed her ear to the wood. She heard lots of cursing on the other side of the door. She knocked again. “Coming!” Said Amy, loudly. “Oh, I’m sure you are…” giggled Stephanie. A moment later, Blake stuck his head out of the door. “Hey, guys…what are you doing here already?”
“It’s been 2 hours since Amy called me…putt-putt, remember?”
“Oh…okay…could you maybe…get out of here then?”
“Oh…sure!” Stephanie ran out of the room. When she closed the bedroom door behind her, Blake sighed, a bit embarrassed. He grabbed a towel and he and Amy dried off and got dressed.
--------------------------
“Hey, sorry…about that.” Blake said, coming into the living room, with Amy following behind him. “It’s…no problem!” Stephanie giggled. Chris put his hand over his mouth to stop from laughing. “What?” Blake asked confused. “Uh…man…you got…uh…” Chris could hardly talk without laughing. He motioned to his own throat and pointed to Blake. “On your neck…” Blake looked down. There was a red mark on his collarbone. “Ugh!” Blake turned to go put something on that’d cover it more.
“Oh, and as long as you’re changing clothes…you have something on your arm too.” Stephanie pointed out, also laughing. ‘Scratch marks…great…’ thought Blake.
--------------------------
“Aw…that was fun!” Chris sighed, putting his hands behind his head, in the passengers’ seat. “Haha! I’d forgotten how much fun mini-golf was!” Blake said, laughing. “It’s putt-putt!” Stephanie shouted at him. “Same thing, Stephanie!” Amy laughed. “No…there’s a difference.”
“What would that be?” asked Blake. Stephanie glared at him though the rear-view mirror. Amy and Chris laughed at them. Stephanie pulled up in front of Blake and Amy’s house. They all got out of the car and walked to the door. Blake took out his key, and unlocked the door.

“Ah…good to be home…” Blake sighed and flopped onto the couch. “You guys wanna stay for a while?”
“Sure…you got anything to drink?” asked Stephanie.
“Uh…sure. We have sodas in the fridge…”
“No, Blake…drinks.”
“Oh…what do you want?”
“Make some margaritas or something.” Stephanie kicked off her shoes.
“Hey! You don’t live here! Just because you barge in like you do, doesn’t mean you really do!” Amy said.
“You guys are the ones who just forgot all about us! Too busy playin’ in the shower!”

Amy laughed. Blake handed Chris and Stephanie each a margarita and went back to make 2 more.
-----------------------
It seemed like every time they got together, they got drunk. Maybe it was they just didn’t see each other often enough anymore. They were all laughing and talking and joking around. “Haha!!! Let’s prank call people!” Snorted Amy. “Oh my god, yes! Like at your birthday parties when we were kids! That was great!” Stephanie almost fell over, laughing.

“Okay, you first!” said Amy. “You were the best at it, then!”
“Kay, throw me the phone!” Stephanie caught the phone and dialed a random number. “Aw... It’s a voicemail…”
“Leave a message!” Blake and Chris both squealed almost in unison.
‘Uh…this is Mary Sue Dawson. I’m calling about the male enhancement pills you ordered.’ She said in a thick, country accent. ‘You can just come down to the pharmacy by Wednesday to pick them up… by the way, this is a very good brand you’ve picked out…they’ll be sure to get you back into your groove… and you’re wife’ll be real happy ‘bout it, too…kay, y’all…bye now.’
Stephanie hung up and they all fell back onto the furniture they were sitting on, laughing hysterically. “Oh my god…” Amy said, trying to control her breathing.
“Lemme do one!” Blake giggled, putting his hands out to catch the phone. Stephanie threw it to him, but he fumbled and dropped it. “Oops…” he snickered, and reached for it. He dialed a number and put it to his ear. “Do Jimmie Walker Blue!” Amy whispered loudly to him. He nodded woozily, and then focused on the call.
‘Hello?’
‘Hey, now. How are you good people doin’ tonight?’ Blake said in a southern lisp, playing up his character as much as he could without his fake teeth.
‘Who is this?’
‘Dis is Jimmie Walker Blue, here, madam. Just tryin’ a tell you, that ya outta come on out here to the uhm.. uh… American idols two-er… support mah man uh… Blake Lewis, man!’
The phone clicked off, and everyone started laughing. This was the perfect way to get Stephanie to forget how stressed she’d been the past couple of days.
-------------------------
Four hours later. It was 3am. The four of them had all fallen asleep on the couch. Blake was asleep with his head on the arm rest of the small couch, with his legs spread wide. One hand rested on his face, and the other was gripping the top of the sofa. Chris was next to him, his head in Blake’s lap. His mouth was open and he was snoring. His feet were propped up over the other arm rest.

Stephanie and Amy were sprawled out with their legs hanging over opposite ends of the bigger couch. Their heads met in the middle, lying next to each other. Amy’s head was almost hanging off the side; Stephanie was drooling against the seat. Amy’s hand was up her shirt, clutching the cloth.

The clock on the wall above them ticked away as they slept.
It was going to be very awkward when they woke the next day.

Chapter 11.
A splitting pain shot through Amy’s head, waking her instantly. She wasn’t ready to open her eyes though. She could tell it was bright, through her eyelids, and wasn’t ready to greet the day with a massive hangover. She tried to roll over, but her head knocked into something hard. She opened her eyes, barely, to see what it was. The back of Stephanie’s head was less than an inch from her face. She groaned, sitting up and holding her head. Stephanie moaned tiredly, and turned over, putting her arm over Amy’s legs. “Mmm… Chris…”
“Get offa me!” Amy said, pushing Stephanie’s face off of her knee. “Wuh?” Stephanie sat up, lazily. “Damn… that was a crazy night, huh?” She laughed. “Oh…” She held her head and hissed. “I need to quit laughing…it’s painful.”
Amy was mostly awake now. She looked over at the boys, and a huge smile formed on her face. “Oh my…” She said, propping her leg up and leaning on it.
“What…?” asked Stephanie.
“Look at them!” Amy whispered loudly, pointing to the other couch. This image woke Stephanie up completely. Blake and Chris had fallen asleep in a pretty embarrassing position, but they had moved into a worse one, during the night. Blake was lying with the arch of his back, fitting with the arm rest. One leg was propped up; leaning on the back of the couch, the other one was dangling off the edge. Chris had moved himself up from Blake’s crotch, to Blake’s torso. His head was resting on Blake’s chest, his mouth open, slightly drooling. Blake’s hand was rested on Chris’ head.

Amy was frozen in her place. “Go get the camera.” She said calmly. “I don’t have one!” Stephanie whispered, frantically. “Use… your phone.” Stephanie couldn’t look away from them, lying there. She got up, grinning, trying not to break her line of sight from them. She grabbed the cell phone from the coffee table, and took the picture.

As soon as the picture was taken, they both burst into laughter. Amy, who had been very calm and mostly just too shocked for a reaction, fell over onto the floor. Blake stirred in his sleep, snorting and turning his head. “Stephanie, baby…you awake?” Chris mumbled into Blake’s shirt. Stephanie put her hand over her mouth and went crazy with silent laughter. She tried her best to contain herself, then crawled over to Chris and whispered into his ear, as sexy as she could. “Yeah, babe…Are you still tired?”
“Mmm…not at all… I’m very much alert…” He mumbled, grinning, and moving his leg up and over Blake’s. “Oh… Chris, you are turning me on…” Stephanie panted into his ear. Chris didn’t open his eyes, and Stephanie thought he must have been half-asleep still. He moved his hand to rub Blake’s chest. Then he frowned, confused. Stephanie started to giggle. Chris opened his eyes, and was face to face with Stephanie.
“Uh…” He pushed his upper body off the couch, still a little dazed. He saw Blake lying beneath him, squirming in his sleep, trying to get comfortable since his blanket went away.

Chris was now completely awake, a look of pure horror on his face. He noticed his lower half was still against Blake’s legs, and tried to jump off the couch, only to fall off onto his face. Amy and Stephanie both burst into laughter, holding their stomachs. “Wuh!?!” Blake pushed himself upright on the couch, rubbing his eyes. “What’s going on?” He looked down at Chris, who was still on the ground looking like he just witnessed a murder. “What’s wrong?” Blake asked, then looked over at the girls, unable to control their giggle fit.
Chris looked over to them, and mouthed ‘don’t tell him!’
“Screw that!” Said Amy through her giggles. ‘They don’t have any proof!’ Thought Chris, relieved. He settled into his spot, breathing deeply. Stephanie managed to stop laughing long enough to steady herself and walk to Blake’s side. She took her phone from her pocket, still giggling. She flipped it open and handed it to Blake. He looked at the picture, and froze. “Shit.” He said after a moment had passed.
Chris looked over to him, then Blake caught his line of sight, and he looked away, embarrassed. Blake pressed a few buttons. “I deleted it!” He said, victoriously.
“Ha!” Said Chris, again relieved.
“Don’t feel so accomplished, Blakey! She sent it to my phone!” Amy laughed, taking it out and waving the picture in the air. “It’s gonna be my new wallpaper!”
“Don’t… don’t show anyone.” Blake said, horrified, realization starting to sink in. “Haha!!! Of course not! This is for mine and Stephanie’s amusement alone! The cake fans would eat this up! You’d never be able to tell them you’re straight enough times for them to believe it!” Blake and Chris sighed.
“That… was disturbing.” Blake said, looking down at his socks.
“Disturbing? Man, you didn’t have to actually WAKE UP lying on top of another guy!” said Chris. Blake, nodded, knowingly, looking down again. “Uh… what’s this on my shirt?” Said Blake, pulling the cloth out away from his chest. Chris looked up.
“Oh… that’s…drool…” he said, blushing. “Heh heh…sorry.”
“Damn… I’m glad I was asleep the whole time.”
“Tell me about it… I would have been asleep too, if it weren’t for Stephanie and her whispering into my ear, trying to turn me on!”
“Oh my god, I am SO glad I was asleep! I don’t want you all… horny on top of me!”
Amy and Stephanie started laughing again. Blake sighed, and got up from the couch.
“I’m going to change out of this…drool.” Blake said, walking to his room, and pulling off his shirt. Everything was extremely quiet. Chris got up and sat on the couch. He stared down at his feet. Stephanie and Amy sat on the other couch, occasionally shaking slightly with silent laughter. Chris looked up at them, but ignored their giggling. “Heh heh…so what now?”
Amy calmed herself down. Her stomach growled. “Let’s go get something to eat… I’m starving.” Said Amy. She put her arm around it, and sighed. “Alright…Stephanie, you hungry?” Chris asked, still a bit shell-shocked from what had just happened. “Yeah… let’s eat.”
“What’s going on?” Blake asked as he walked into the room, adjusting his shirt.
“We’re going to go get something to eat… what time is it?”
“Uh… woah! It’s 2:30!” He said, checking his cell phone.
“Then I guess we’re getting lunch… a late lunch…” said Chris, getting up.
-----------------
They went to a small burger place. People stopped to stare at Blake and Chris as they walked by the table, and because of what had just happened not 20 minutes ago, they blushed. They felt like everyone knew what happened.

The waitress brought them their burgers and sodas. “So are you guys making progress with the wedding plans?” Amy asked, then took a sip of her sprite.
“Well… yeah, a little…” Stephanie sighed. “We need to hurry up though. I don’t want to postpone. Especially if it’s because we just couldn’t get things together in time…”
“I’m sure it’ll be beautiful!” Amy assured her. “It’s so exciting! And a little surreal!”
“Yeah… I don’t think it’s really sunk in yet.” Stephanie grinned. “I’m so happy that Chris proposed…I love you babe.” She said, turning to Chris.
“This is a really good burger.” Said Chris, mid-chew. Amy laughed, and Stephanie pushed his arm, lightly. “Ugh… I love you, you jackass.”
“Love you too!” He grinned, then swallowed his mouthful.
“You sure you wanna marry this retard?” Blake asked, motioning to Chris, who looked up from his soda, with the straw hanging from his mouth.
“Haha!” Stephanie laughed. “Yeah… he’s MY retard… there’s no other retard like him!”
Blake and Amy laughed.
----------------------------

Everyone had finished their meals. Blake burped, and covered his mouth. “Haha. Excuse me.” He said, and threw his crumbled up napkin onto his plate. Amy slurped the last of her sprite, until there was just ice.

“It’s been too long since we’ve all just sat and had a meal together like this…it’s kinda nice.” Said Stephanie, picking up her cheeseburger to take a bite. “Yeah… we need to agree that no matter how busy either of us get, we always make time for the four of us to just…hang out.” Said Blake, grabbing Amy’s hand. She smiled, and leaned onto him, slightly. “Agreed.” Chris said, putting his hand out and wiggling his fingers. Blake followed his lead, and then they pounded their fists. Stephanie and Amy giggled, and copied them.

Chapter 12.
It was a beautiful day. The sun was high in the sky, slightly hiding behind the trees, but still shining enough to fill every inch of the park, and make the pond sparkle.

The past month had gone by so fast. Between Blake and Chris looking for tuxes, to Amy helping Stephanie pick the perfect gown, to finding a caterer and entertainment, to getting the invites out to everyone, planning a wedding in a month had been a hellish nightmare. But everything was gorgeous.

Behind the park management building, Chris paced like the nervous wreck he was. Blake stood beside him, looking at his feet and rocking back on and off his heels. “Chris… you’re making me dizzy…” Blake laughed. “Man… This is really happening, isn’t it?” Chris asked, watching the toe of his dress shoes hit the concrete as he walked. Blake peeked around the building and saw the guests arriving. “Uh… yep… it’s really happening…” Blake said, patting Chris on the back. He stopped pacing suddenly. “This is no time for sarcasm…” he said, glaring down at Blake, who was grinning insanely.
“I’m not going too fast, am I? I mean… I shouldn’t be this nervous…”

“Dude, you are getting married! You’re supposed to be a wreck! Calm down!” He patted Chris’ back again, rubbing it slightly. “God… I hope you’re right…” Chris said, facing up but closing his eyes.
“You doubt yourself too much. Don’t worry about it. You need to enjoy today. Relax.”
------------------------
“Oh my god…oh my god…” Stephanie said, her face in her hands, staring at the ground. Amy was behind her, tying the back of Stephanie’s wedding gown. “What are you getting yourself so worked up for? This is your big day?” asked Amy, calmly. “I know… but what if something goes wrong?”
“Nothing’s going to go wrong! What’s the worst thing that could happen?”
“Don’t ask that!” Stephanie yelled, turning to look at Amy. “What if…”
“What?”
“What if he changes his mind…?” Stephanie frowned. Amy’s expression softened. “He’s not going to change his mind. He’d be crazy to do that… and if he does… I’ll kick his ass!” Amy laughed, trying to lighten the mood a bit. Stephanie laughed, half-heartedly, turning back around. “Yeah…heh heh…you’re a good friend.”
“Naw…I’m just trying to be supportive… and lift your spirit some…”
“And that’s why you’re such a great friend…seriously…thanks…”
Amy smiled, and felt herself start to tear up. “No problem.” She continued tying Stephanie’s dress. “Done.” She said, backing up from the chair. “Well… let’s see!” Amy said, laughing. Stephanie stood up and turned around.

Her wedding dress was amazing. Strapless, and sparkling white. “Stephanie, you are gorgeous!” She gasped. “And you’re glowing! Even through your anxiety, I can see just how happy you are.” Stephanie smiled back at her friend. “You look great, too!”
Amy laughed. “Today’s about you, stupid! I’m wearing a bridesmaid’s dress…I’m not supposed to look good!”
----------------------------
“Oh my god…Blake…” Chris whispered over to his best man. “What is it? The wedding’s about to start.”
“I know… that’s the problem…I don’t think I can go through with this… I know I shouldn’t feel this…this…”

The music began to play. Stephanie appeared behind the flower arrangement, and Chris’ eyes were glued to her. Every ounce of uncertainty vanished from his body. He was in love, and he knew it. She started her long walk down the aisle, and it startled him. He couldn’t even remember if the flower girl had come down yet. ...
...His heart seemed to slow down, then speed up, all within a few seconds time. He forgot about everyone else in the park, and before he knew it, Stephanie stood at his side, smiling and trying not to cry. She took his hand, but he couldn’t process what was going on. All he knew was the warmth growing his stomach, and moving up into his chest. And he couldn’t breathe. He shook the daze off and smiled back at her. “You look incredible.”

The wedding was pretty uneventful after that. A normal wedding. They said their ‘I do’s’ and kissed for the first time as ‘Mr. and Mrs. Richardson.’ Amy cried next to her best friend, then looked over around them to Blake, who was staring at her with a strange look on his face. She raised an eyebrow for a second, then started clapping when she heard everyone else cheering.
------------------------
“It was a beautiful wedding! You two are so great together!” Amy said, hugging the two of them. “Yeah, man! You guys are going to last forever, I can tell!” said Blake, patting Chris’ back. “See…nothing to worry about…” he whispered to Chris. Chris smiled, hesitantly at Blake, then took his new wife back into his arms. She swayed back and forth in his grasp, and leaned her head against his arm.

Stephanie’s cell phone rang, and she picked it off the table of the dance hall. “Hello?...what? No!... Are you serious? Couldn’t they just… but…fine…” She hung up the phone and slammed it down. “Damn it…”
“What’s wrong, babe?” asked Chris. “That was our entertainment for the reception…they canceled…”
“What? Why?” asked Amy.
“I’m not exactly sure… but what the hell are we supposed to do now?” She sat down, and put her head in her hands, shaking to the sides. People had arrived long ago and everything had been going smoothly until now.
“Wait here…I have a plan.” Said Chris, walking toward the DJ. The three of them watched as he whispered to the man, and took to the stage.
“What is he doing?” asked Amy.
“I don’t know…?” Stephanie replied. They looked to each other, then back to the stage. The music started, and they instantly recognized the song. “Oh my god! No way!” Stephanie and Amy squealed ran to the dance floor. Let the geek in the pink take a stab at it…if you like the way I’m thinkin’ baby wink at it…I might be skinny at times, but I’m phat with the rhymes, pass me the mic and Imma grab at it! Amy and Stephanie screamed and danced like lunatics. Chris stuttered in the song, trying not to laugh at the two of them.

Blake laughed, sitting down at a table and watching them. He sighed, heaviness in his heart. He couldn’t keep his eyes off of Amy. ‘Even when she gets like this, she’s still beautiful…’ He leaned back in his chair and smiled, lovingly.

Chris finished the song, and jumped down from the stage. The next song started and he danced along side the girls. They were laughing and pushing each other, having a good time. Stephanie swung her hair around, and hiked up her dress, dancing up against Chris. Amy laughed, and grabbed Chris’ arm. He spun her, and she danced along side the two of them, carefree.

After a good long, hour of dancing, Stephanie, Amy and Chris all came back to the table. “You missed a lot of fun, Blake… you should have joined us.” Amy said, sitting down beside him. “It’s okay… it was fun just watching you…” he said, calmly smiling. He seemed lost in thought. “You okay?” Amy asked. “Yeah… I’m fine.”
“Well, we’re going up to our room… are you two staying the night in the hotel?”
“Think so…yeah.” Said Blake.
“Have fun, you two!” Amy said, laughing.
“Oh we will!” Said Stephanie. “Wont we, baby?” She purred into Chris’ ear.
“Yep…gotta go now! Bye guys…” He pulled Stephanie along behind him.
“Bye Amy! I’ll call you later!” She said, turning and running alongside Chris.
-------------------------
As soon as the door of their suit closed behind them, Chris had her pinned to the wall. She thrust her arms around his neck, leaning in for a kiss. He moved his arms to the arch of her back and slowly started untying her gown. He slipped the gown down her torso, and let it settle at her feet. “Love these strapless things… less to have to take off…” He smiled into the kiss, moving his hands across her bare skin. “Hate these damn tuxes…” She said, placing her hands at his waist. “More to take off…” She grunted, pulling the belt from his pants, and letting them fall. He backed away, kicking out of his shoes and peeling off his socks. She ran to him on the bed, ripping his coat from him, and going right back to his dress shirt, unbuttoning him as fast as possible. “Calm down.” He said taking his tie off. “You’re going to strangle me…” He laughed, quietly. He backed onto the bed, slipping out of his boxers, leaving him completely naked on the bed. Stephanie climbed on top of him, taking his lips into hers. Their tongues wrestled, and Chris panted hard. He moved his hands from under her, to her waist, slowly removing her underwear.

She smiled and put a leg on either side of him, cupping his face in her hands, and kissing his deeply. He matched the kiss and followed her lead, holding her hips in place. She positioned herself, and moaned as she took the first plunge. He broke the kiss to throw his head back with a grunt, sweat already glistening on his forehead. “Oh god… faster…” Said Chris, panting, and pulling his head back up to hers. His hands explored her body hungrily, finally deciding to settle on her chest. She moaned, her lips parting slightly. She moved up and down on his lap, then moved her legs around behind him. He grabbed her bottom and moved her body for her, moaning loudly. “Fuck!” He yelled, picking her up and setting her down with her back against the bed. He moved over her, his strong arms on either side of her head, picking up the pace. “Chris!” She cried out. “Oh god, Chris!”
---------------------------
“Do you want to dance?” Amy asked. “No…” Blake replied, looking at the floor. “Do you want to go, then?” She asked, leaning down and trying to see what he was looking at. “Uh…in a minute maybe…”

Amy sighed and leaned back into her chair, a little frustrated. Blake took a deep breath and sat up, looking at Amy with wide eyes. “This whole thing made me think…” Blake started.
“Yeah?”
“Maybe love isn’t so rare…maybe it actually comes along in our lives a lot!” Blake said, quickly, yet anxiously.
“Okay.”
“…or maybe… maybe some of us just get lucky and find it early in our lives.”
“Where’s this going, Blake?” She asked him, worriedly. He paused, looking directly into her eyes, all the assurance in the world showing on his face.
“Marry me.” He said, grinning from ear to ear.
---------------------------
Chris’ knees buckled, both their energy spent, he collapsed on top of Stephanie. He rolled to the side, clutching her hand and looked over to her, smiling and panting. She smiled back and a tear ran down her face. “I love you…” She said. “I love you, too…”

Chapter 13.
“What…?” Amy asked, looking directly into his eyes. She was completely shocked, and felt like her body was frozen.
“I said ‘Marry me!’”
“But…”
“But what? I’ve decided I could either wait, or I could marry the woman that I know I’m going to end up with anyway.”
“Are you serious?” She asked, a little high pitched. She could feel her eyes starting to water.
“Absolutely.” He said, confidently, reaching out to hold her hand in his. She let him take it, then looked down at their hands, blankly. Blake stared at her for a moment, his excited expression turning to one of confusion. Then Amy started to cry. She gripped his hand tight, and held herself around the stomach. She fell into his lap, crying. Blake was thoroughly confused. “Amy? Are you okay?” Amy sniffled, her breathing jagged and uneven. Blake bowed his head, rubbing her back.
“Yes!” Amy yelled through her tears.
“What?”
“Yes! I said yes! I will marry you, Blake!” Her crying turned to teary laughter, and he smiled, and wrapped himself around her trembling form.
“Let’s do it, now!” Blake said, once again sounding sure and like he’d been thinking this out for a long time. “Hmm…?” Amy’s face was buried in Blake’s pants leg, leaving tears on the tux. “Let’s go get married. Right now.” Amy sat up. “Are you crazy?”
“Maybe! But let’s do it! We’re already dressed up and everything!”

Amy sat there pensively. Then she said “Okay. But I want to change first.” Blake gave her a strange look, and smirked.
--------------------------
Heavy breathing filled the room. Chris let go of Stephanie’s hand and pulled the sheets up over them, then put his arm around her back. Stephanie, still panting, turned to Chris and snuggled his side. He turned towards her and wrapped his arms around her, completely. She lifter her leg and used it to pull his closer to her. Their breathing slowed and they drifted off to sleep.
---------------------------
Bird’s chirping and the smell of bacon: not a bad way to wake up. Especially when you’re finally married to the love of your life. Stephanie moaned, smiling wide, and bushing her knee against Chris’ leg. “Mornin’ sweetness…” She said, tiredly.
“G’mornin’ Mrs. Richardson.”
Stephanie giggled and smiled widely, rolling over and sitting up. She remembered that they were both still naked, and pulled the sheet up over her, and tucked it under her arms. “Mmm…you wanna…”
“No.” Stephanie laughed, cutting him off.
“Aww…?” Chris said, disappointedly. “Well… you want some bacon and eggs?”
“Yes, please!”
Chris put some breakfast on a plate for each of them, from room service, and they ate peacefully.

An hour later, they were about to check out of the hotel and get on a plane to Hawaii. They’re bags were packed and they were about to head out the door. “Let’s go say good bye to Amy and Blake before we leave.” said Stephanie, picking up her things, and heading to the door. “Okay… what room are they in?”
“They’re like 4 rooms down… I’ll show you.” Stephanie said, struggling with her bags. “Hey, I’ll get that one.” said Chris, adjusting his own belongings and grabbing one of Stephanie’s suitcases.

They walked a little ways down the hall, and stopped at Amy and Blake’s room. Stephanie knocked and they waited a few seconds.

“Hello?” Stephanie said, knocking again.
“They’re probably still asleep… or exhausted from…yeah…” Chris laughed. Stephanie sighed and they headed to the check out desk.

“Excuse me, ma’am. Could you give someone a message for me?” Stephanie asked the woman at the front desk. “Sure… just tell me who and I’ll catch them when they check-out.”
“Blake Lewis and Amy Myers.”
“Hold on, let me check my database.” She clicked something on the computer and scrolled down with the mouse. “Hmmm…”
“Yes?”
“Two people by those names had a reservation… but they never checked in… that’s odd.”
“Oh…okay then…bye.”

“That’s really weird…I hope they’re okay.” Stephanie said, worriedly, as they got into their car.
“I’m sure they’re fine… this week is all about us…it’s going to be wonderful.” Chris said, smiling.
--------------------------
After just leaving an absolutely beautiful wedding, then eloping in the back room of a California church, Blake and Amy surprisingly didn’t regret it. They had all they needed: each other, and someone who could make it legal. They were dressed in sweat pants and big t-shirts and it smelled like urine, but it was the happiest moment in either of their lives.

When it was over, they decided to stay for the night, and checked into a crappy little hotel.
--------------------------
Stephanie and Chris got to their new room. It was a beautiful honeymoon suite in Hawaii, with a view of the beach. It was so romantic. Being a honeymoon suite, there was a bed in almost every room, and out on the balcony, and they damn-well expected to use every last one of them before they left. Stephanie wanted to make sure Amy was okay first, though, before she thoroughly enjoyed her honeymoon. She set her things down and took out her cell phone. “Chris, baby. I’m going to call Amy quick, then I’m all yours…” She whispered the last part, drawing out the words. “Oh good… no problem then… just… hurry…”

The phone rang for a while, before cutting to Amy’s voicemail. “Damn it, Amy!” She tried again. The phone rang… and rang. But then someone picked up. “H-hello?” Amy sounded exhausted. “Amy! Where are you? I’ve been trying to reach you all day!”
“Oh…uh…hold on a sec, kay?”
“…sure…” Stephanie heard whispering that she couldn’t quite hear, but she could make out the words ‘fucking amazing’ and ‘dirty little boy’ and that was enough to tempt her to hang up at that moment. “Uh…Stephanie… I’ve got something extremely important to tell you… but it can wait…” She giggled. “And I need to tell you in person… I’m kinda… preoccupied.”
“O…kay…I’ll call back tomorrow…”
“Uh…no! Enjoy your honeymoon! Bye!” Amy said loudly into the phone. “Hmm…now where were we…OH! That’s where….” Amy must have just thrown the phone somewhere instead of closing it.

Stephanie made a face and closed her phone, turning around. Chris stood extremely close to her, then took her into a hungry kiss. She gasped and pulled back, smirking slightly. “I’m sorry, Mr. Richardson… I don’t sleep with married men.” Chris smirked back, and threw her onto the bed, pouncing on top of her. She moved her hands around his bare chest and wrapped her legs around his waist, flashing a sexy glare.
--------------------------
Amy lied next to Blake in the small hotel bed. She put her hand above them, moving her fingers around. “It’s beautiful, Blake!” Since the ceremony hadn’t been very flashy, they had exchanged rings while lying alone on their bed. They had also decided to have their own version of a honeymoon. They would do whatever they wanted for a week. Go anywhere, do anything… no interaction with anyone that they know. Just the two of them. Perfectly alone…

“I’m glad you like it…” He moved his head to hers, her hair muffling his speech a bit. “Like it? I love it! It’s gorgeous, baby…” She turned to him, and kissed him softly, yet sensually on his lips. “I’m glad…” He smiled into the kiss, deepening it only slightly. “I love you, Mrs. Lewis…” Blake said, breaking the kiss. He lied back onto his back again and Amy snuggled up to him. He yawned and pulled the covers up over them.
--------------------------------
Stephanie fell asleep at Chris’ side. He smiled and brushed the hair from her face. Lying down all the way, he settled in beside her, stroking her arm and laying his head onto hers.

Chapter 14.
The sun shined in through the off-white curtains and onto the off-white carpet. As the hours passed, the sun traveled up and into Blake’s eyes, causing him to stir and roll over. “Mmm…” he moaned and put his leg all the way over Amy’s waist, tucking her carefully underneath the lower half of his body. She woke a bit startled, pushing herself up slightly on her elbows and looking around, wiping the sleep from her eyes. “What the hell, Blake?” she asked tiredly, seeing her legs and lower body being cuddled rather firmly. “I love you, Mrs. Lewis…” He said, sweetly, moving his arm around her legs and sucking on his thumb.

Amy giggled and pushed him off of her as much as she could. Blake smiled cheekily, and rolled all the way over. “What are we gonna do today, hmm?” Blake asked, smiling wide. “Something crazy and adventurous. And scary.” Amy said, joking.
“Let’s go skydiving.” Blake said.
“What…?”
“I have my license and everything… lets do it! It’s fun!”
“Uh…okay?” Amy said, a little scared. She loved speed and had no problem with heights, but it still freaked her out a bit.
“Are you gonna be okay with it?” Blake said, holding her hand.
“Y-yes…I always wanted to do it… but just thinking that I’m actually going to is a little scary…”
“It’s so much fun! Don’t worry about it…You’ll be strapped to me. And sure, you’ll be freaking out… but then once we jump it’s the most amazing thing in the world!” Blake said, looking into her eyes. He was really excited about this and it showed on his face. Amy sighed, and smiled. How could she say no to that?
“Alright…I trust you… let’s do it!”
------------------------------
Stephanie and Chris had had sex 8 times in the past 24 hours; twice in their bedroom, once on the balcony, twice in the bathroom, twice in the hot tub, and once on the kitchen floor. It was pretty safe to say that they were exhausted. They needed something non-sexual to do, now. Something romantic. The sun was at its peak in the sky and Stephanie and Chris had just gotten dressed again. Chris leaned down to kiss his new wife on the cheeks, but she turned her head and captured his lips in hers. Chris was afraid of where this might lead, and he wasn’t sure he could keep it up after just finishing after the eighth time. “Uh…Stephanie…I have an idea…” He said between kisses. “No more talky.”
“Baby…” he moaned into her mouth. He broke the kiss and looked at her. “Let’s go take a walk on the beach…” He smiled lovingly at her. She sat there looking back at him and the disappointment instantly vanished from her face. She smiled and kissed him softly, then pulled back. “Let’s go…”
-----------------------------
“I don’t know about this, Blake!” Amy said to him as a crew member helped her tie up her suit. She was shaking and it looked like she might cry. Blake frowned and then grabbed her hand. “Trust me…” he said, pouting exaggeratingly. Amy couldn’t help but laugh at him, then wiped her eyes. Blake smiled. “You feel like you’re flying! You’ll love it… promise.”
“Okay… who’s the most experienced jumper here?” The man asked them.
“Uh… I am.” Blake stepped towards him and turned to face both the crew member and Amy.
“Okay, ma’am, Imma need you to just step right up against him backwards.” Amy shuddered and did as she was told. The crew member then started strapping them tightly together and Amy couldn’t see Blake, which scared her. Blake noticed her shaking against him, and gripped her hand. The plane door opened and wind whipped around them, blowing Amy’s hair around in her sloppy bun. When they were securely strapped, goggles, harness and parachute firmly in place, he walked to the door and grabbed the bar above his head.
“You need to just step off the plane!” He shouted at her, trying to be heard over the wind. Amy jumped slightly, startled. “What!?”
“Just step off! I won’t let go until you tell me to!”
“But I can’t… I need your hand, Blake!”
“As soon as we’re in the air, I’ll give you my hand!”
Amy was shaking, but she trusted Blake. She believed him, so she put out her foot and let it fly with the plane. Blake saw that she was getting ready to step off, and gripped the bar more firmly, trying to stay in place. Then Amy stepped took the step. Her eyes were closed tightly, and she expected herself to scream… but she didn’t. She didn’t even move. She was still very much attached to Blake’s chest. Blake stepped forward so that she was completely outside the airplane.
“Anytime you’re ready!” The crewman shouted to Blake.
“Hear that? Just tell me when!” Blake shouted to Amy. She opened her eyes and her heart started to pound in her chest. “Oh my god, oh my god, oh my god…” She repeated quietly. She took a deep breath. She shut her eyes again, and braced herself. “Go!”
----------------------------------------------
The warm, white sand spread around on top of Stephanie’s bare feet. It slipped through her toes and made her sink into the ground slightly with each step. Chris sighed beside her, and reached for her hand. She looked up into his eyes and smiled shyly, then grabbed his hand and squeezed it three times. He laughed quietly and squeezed hers. She smiled, her eyes tearing. Chris smiled and bumped into her slightly. Stephanie gasped and stumbled, then looked up at him, faking being angry. He smirked down at her, then smiled cheekily. Stephanie growled at him and pushed him over in the sand. He almost fell over, then before he could find his balance again, Stephanie rammed him, sending him flying into the soft sand. He laughed hysterically, rolling around on the beach.

Stephanie dropped to her knees and crawled over to Chris. “Oh no… I’m in for it now!” Chris said seriously, rolling onto his knees and walking away from her on them. Stephanie got onto her knees and chased after him, her tongue sticking out slightly as she concentrated on staying upright. She grabbed his foot then pulled him to her a bit. He fell forward, catching himself with his hands, but kept on going. “You better run, Mr. Richardson!” She laughed, grabbing both of his calves at once, and pulling him back. He fell onto his stomach, laughing, with his face in the sand. Stephanie tackled him lying by his side. He rolled over taking her with him. Stephanie lied on top of him, the two of them laughing like maniacs. Then Stephanie stopped laughing, and gazed down at her husband. Chris just couldn’t stop laughing. He almost hunched over in a giggling fit. Stephanie just watched him intently. Then leaned down and kissed him softly. She broke the kiss and looked down at him, a serious look on her face.

Chris looked back into her eyes. Then he leaned up and kissed her, only deeper. She drew out each touch of their lips, intensifying the sparking passion between their bodies. Stephanie moved her hands up to his neck and smoothed them up to his face, kissing him hungrily. Chris sped up to keep up with her, then eased them both back down into reality and broke the kiss, gently. They looked into each other’s eyes for what seemed like hours, just listening to the waves and the others unsteady breathing. “I love you, Mrs. Richardson.” Chris said between his panting. “I love you, too…” Stephanie laid her head on his chest.
------------------------
Blake let go of the bars above him and stepped off the plane. His hand immediately found hers and he held onto it tightly, aware of how scary this could be the first time. Amy felt her stomach jump into her chest and she felt sick for half a second. Then her body felt completely apart of Blake’s and her heart slowed and she calmed down. She leaned her head back onto Blake’s shoulder. She could just barely see his face. The wind was pressing up on his cheeks and his short hair was going crazy on the top of his head. He noticed Amy was looking over to him and smiled. “Isn’t this fun!?” He called to her. “Are you kidding? This is AMAZING!” She screeched, excitedly.
She moved her head back into place. The air rushed around their bodies at an intense rate. Amy’s hair slapped at her face and felt like needles and the pressure of the wind pushed onto her. But through all of the extreme sensations, all she felt was Blake’s warm breath on her neck. She couldn’t help but want this to last forever. She leaned her head back to stare at Blake again. He looked over at her and smiled. They both leaned together as much as they could, trying to get their faces as close as possible. Their lips met and time seemed to stand still. The wind seemed to stop blowing, and it felt as though they were suspended in midair. They broke the kiss in unison and got back into place. Blake looked down. “Brace yourself! I’m going to pull open the parachute now! It might hurt!” Amy nodded.
“Ready!?” Blake screamed.
“Yes!”
He pulled the rope and they slowed dramatically, jerking upward, then drifting toward the ground. Blake nuzzled his face into the back of Amy’s head. “I love you so much…” Blake mumbled. “I love you, too…” She said, holding his hand tightly and leaning back against him. He felt her relaxing and let himself just drift along beside her.

When they reached the ground, they just laid there for a moment; Amy on top of Blake. Then another crewman came. “Let me help you, there, buddy.” The man said with a thick southern lilt. “Thanks…” Blake grabbed his hand and pulled them up. They were separated and Amy stepped forward and turned to Blake. He took off his goggles and dropped them with the parachute. “Oh, right…” Amy followed suit, removing her goggles as well. Her face was wet with tears. She hadn’t even realized she’d been crying. Blake stared at her, puzzled. Amy laughed and wiped her eyes. Blake just smiled and helped her with her harness.
---------------------
As they drove to a new hotel that night, Amy and Blake couldn’t have been happier. Neither could stop smiling. Amy stared at Blake, lovingly; a wide smile across her lips; her eyes shining. Blake looked over to her. “Hey, stupid! You can’t stare at me right now! We’ll both die!” She giggled. He chuckled and looked back to the road. “So… where are we going?” Amy asked.
“Where do you want to go?”
“Let’s stay somewhere nice… not like that last hotel!”
“Okay, okay… I know just the place…” He smirked, glancing over at her. “Somewhere…romantic…where we can be alone…” He purred.
“Mmm… I like the sound of that! In that case, hurry the hell up!”

Blake laughed and sped down the highway.
----------------------
Stephanie and Chris stood on the shore, the waves crashing at their ankles. Stephanie stood with her back to Chris, their bodies fitting together perfectly. Chris’ arms were around her waist, and Stephanie’s hands met at the front of her body, dangling from Chris’. They were swaying, staring into the sunset. The sun seemed to dip into the ocean far away, hues of purple and red splayed across the water and the sky. It was so serene. So surreal. No one spoke; they knew what this meant. Their body language… and the world around them stopping just for them… neither of them wanted this moment to end. This was their beach and their ocean. The sun was setting just for them. And they existed only for the other. Everything was at ease. Complete.

Chapter 15.
Amy slowly opened her eyes, a calm feeling wafting over her. She was bundled up in warm, clean blankets and sheets. After lying there for a few minutes, she moved to stretch, a sharp pain shot through her back and branched out into her entire body. She was so sore from yesterday’s skydiving… and then the…uh… after skydiving. She wrapped her arms around herself and rolled over onto Blake’s side of the bed. It took her a moment to realize his side was empty. She sighed and closed her eyes.
She must have fallen asleep again, because she didn’t remember anything else up until the muffled sound of somebody singing came from outside the door. Then, there was the rattling of the door handle and a creaking sound as someone opened it slowly.
“Dancing in your wooden shoes… in a wedding gown…”
Amy propped herself up on one elbow, her other hand clutching her head. She saw Blake backing up through the door holding a tray of food. He let the door swing closed behind him, and turned around.
“Where do you go when…you’re lonely…” he stopped singing and the smile vanished from his face when he saw Amy’s pained expression. “What the matter?” he asked concerned, walking to the bed.
“I have a headache… that’s all. Oh, and I’m a little sore.” She forced a smile. “Nothing to worry about.”
“Damn it, and I was singing… Sorry if I made it worse…” he said, quietly, setting the tray on the nightstand.
“No… if anything it was soothing.” Amy smiled tiredly. Blake sat down next to her on the bed, took her hand from her head and held it firmly as he leaned in to kiss her. He broke the kiss and pressed his forehead to hers. “I should never have suggested we do something so extreme…” he massaged her wrist.
“Blake…” she said, rocking her head back and forth against his. “That was the best day of my life.” She leaned her face to his and kissed him again. He smiled wide and wrapped his arms around her, bringing his legs up and cuddling her. Amy giggled and rested her head against him.
“So are you hungry?” Blake asked, loosening his grip around her.
“Starving.” She said, smiling and sitting up completely. Her head was still throbbing, but somehow, she felt much better now that Blake was here. He served them both a plate of pancakes, sausage links, and strawberries. They ate in comfortable silence for a while, then Amy noticed Blake was watching her eat, a concerned, slightly puckered look on his face. She forced another smile and forked a strawberry into her mouth. “Mmm…” She rubbed her stomach exaggeratedly and chewed the strawberry slowly. Blake’s features relaxed and he cut his pancake and mixed it in the syrup before lifting it to his mouth.
They finished their breakfast and put the tray with their plates on it in the hall by the door for room service to pick up. Blake sighed and dropped backwards onto the bed, clutching the blankets and rolling over, finally settling on his stomach. Amy lied back onto the bed, resting her head, trying to let her aching muscles relax.
“I’m so tired…” Blake mumbled into the bed spread.
“Really? It’s only 12:30.” Amy said, just as sleepily as Blake.
“I’ve been up since 5...”
“What? Why?”
“Couldn’t sleep.” he said simply.
“We should take a nap, huh?” said Amy, yawning.
“Sounds good…” Blake put his arm over her chest.
-------------------------------------------------------
Stephanie walked down the hallway connecting their bedroom to the rest of their suite. Last night had been the greatest night of her life; from the sunset on the beach to the sweet, sensual moment they shared after returning to the hotel. She entered the living room through the archway, leaning against the wall, wrapping the thin blanket around herself.
Chris was curled up in the loveseat wearing a fuzzy, white robe. He turned to face her, smiling. Stephanie smirked and walked over to him. She kissed him and slunk down to the chair with him, her knees between his legs and her arms pulling her blanket to just under his chin. ...
Chris put his hands to her hips and led her to his lap, turning her around. But he didn’t want to break the kiss, attaching his mouth to any part of her he could. As she turned her head, he moved his lips and tongue down her neck. She leaned her head on his shoulders and brought her knees up onto the chair.
Chris moved his hands up her sides underneath her shirt. “Chris…baby…I’m too tired right now…”
“That’s ok…you just relax and I’ll do all the work.” he said into her ear, his lips slightly brushing her skin. Chills shot through her body and made her face flush. Chris kissed the skin just behind her ear, letting his tongue graze her ear lobe. Stephanie moaned and arched up, moving her bottom directly to his lap. Stephanie threw the blanket onto the floor and gripped the armrests of the loveseat.
Chris felt her tense up on top of him and heard her short, quick breaths and giggled.
“Thought you said you were too tired.”
“Just shut up and move.” she managed to say. He lifted her shirt over her head and tossed it across the room. Then he slid from his robe, leaving him completely baked beneath her. She turned around, still on top of Chris, placing her legs on either side of his. He reached around and unclasped her bra.
He pushed her away slightly, getting up and taking her hand, pulling her across the room. He pulled her pj pants down off her hips and let them gather at her ankles. The sudden air on her legs and torso surprised her and she gasped and put her arms around herself. Chris pressed his body against hers from behind and Stephanie gasped again, only louder, jumping at the feel of him pushing against the small of her back.
He suddenly grabbed her wrist and pushed her onto the couch, pouncing on top of her on all fours. His legs and lower body framing her midsection, and his strong, defined arms cradling her head. The hungry, vicious look on his face melted into a loving gaze, and he kissed her softly. She smiled back at him as he broke the kiss, and reached down to remove her underwear. Chris watched her every move with anticipation, then Stephanie looked up at him again, nodding.
He smirked and lifted her legs over his shoulders, pushing forward as he attacked her mouth with his.
-----------------------
Amy woke from her nap, Blake’s arm still resting over her chest. While they slept, his leg had moved up over hers, and he’s pressed his face into the crook of her neck. She swallowed and it felt like she had swallowed gravel. She felt a build up of fluid in her nasal cavity, and coughed impulsively. The walls of her enflamed throat rubbed together painfully. She started coughing more, sitting up and holding her chest. Blake’s limbs slid off of her and he sat up, startled.
He heard Amy’s coughing fit and instantly woke up. “Are you ok?” he asked, patting her back and pulling her to him. She didn’t seem to have heard him. Her coughing subsided and she clutched her throat absently.
“Amy? Are you ok?” he repeated.
“I don’t know…” she said, a pained look obstructing her features.
“We should go home… you’re obviously sick and you need to rest…” He wiped his eyes and got up, gathering their things into their suitcase. Amy felt the sting of tears lingering in the corners of her eyes as guilt crept over her. ‘damn it, I’ve ruined our honeymoon.’ she thought, sliding out of bed and slipping her shoes on. She pulled on Blake’s green stripped jacket and followed him into the hallway.
----------------------
“I called a cab to take us to the airport…there’s a flight to Seattle in 2 hours.” Blake said, putting his arm around Amy’s waist. They were standing on the side of the street outside the hotel. Blake noticed her tearing up.
“What’s wrong, baby?” he asked concerned, yet sweetly.
“I just feel…like I’ve ruined our honeymoon…”
“That’s what you’re upset about?” Blake asked. Amy nodded. “Don’t be upset over that…yesterday was amazing! It was all the reassurance I could ever need that we’ll be together forever.” He rubbed her back, as she swallowed painfully again. She looked up at him, a smile trying to pull up the corners of her mouth. “Plus…we can always reassume over newlywed activities once you’re feeling better.” he said, smirking. Amy laughed, despite her feeling like crying. Blake could always cheer her up.
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The cab pulled up to their home in Bothell and they climbed out and grabbed their things. Blake pulled the small suitcase along behind him and grasped Amy’s hand. “You just go straight to bed, ok?”
Amy nodded, sinking into the jacket. Blake opened the door. It was dark and empty inside. Cool air rushed past them as the entered. Amy let go of Blake’s hand and went down the hall to their bedroom.
Blake turned on the living room light and opened a few windows to let the fresh air in. Then he went into the kitchen and made some chicken soup. He poured some in a mug and brought it to Amy. She was lying on her side with her eyes closed, blankets covering her completely, except for a hand gripping the sheets at her front. Blake smiled and sat down, putting the mug of soup on the nightstand. Amy felt the weight on the bed shift and opened her eyes. The first thing she saw was Blake’s knee. She looked up to see Blake looking down at her, his brow furrowed, but his lips curled back into a smile. He ran his fingers through her hair.
“I think Chris and Stephanie are coming home today…” said Amy.
“Yeah?”
“Yeah…think so.” Amy paused thinking. “Maybe we should wait a while to tell them we got married.”
“Why? They’re out best friends…we can’t just not tell them.” Blake leaned down, propped up on his elbow, a hint of laughter in his voice.
“It’s just that… I don’t know how Stephanie’ll take it… us running off and getting married without telling anyone.”
Blake looked a little confused. “I think they’ll be too shocked to be mad, though.” Blake said. “You shouldn’t’ worry so much…” he smiled, weakly, then sat up. “They’ll find out anyway, ya know.” he said. Amy sighed and closed her eyes.
“You should drink some soup…” Blake said, and kissed Amy on the cheek.
-----------------
Amy had been asleep for a few hours now. Blake was watching Will and Grace reruns and eating a BLT when the phone rang. He swallowed his mouthful, pressed ‘mute’ on the remote and grabbed for the phone.
“Hello.”
“Hey, Blake! Where have you guys been?!” Chris said. Blake was quiet for a second, as though he didn’t quite understand the question.
“Oh…uh…Amy’s sick… we just got back from the doctors’.” Blake answered, awkwardly.
“Oh, I’m sorry…” Chris said, not quite believing it.
“So! How was the honeymoon?” Blake asked, quickly changing the subject. “Are you home yet?”
“It was great!” Chris said. “Really great! And we’re still at the airport. Stephanie’s getting out luggage… she just asked me to call and see where you’ve been…we’ve been calling all day!”
“Oh yeah… we’ve been…out…Amy has a sore throat and a really bad headache… thought it might be strep so we went to the doctor…” As Blake said the words, he realized it was true. She had the symptoms.
“So, does she?” Chris asked, pushing Blake from his thoughts.
“What?”
“Does she have strep throat?”
“Oh! Oh… the…uh results havent come back yet.”
“Oh…well let us know, kay man?”
“…yeah, sure!”
“When she gets better, we all need to get together and do something…a movie… or just hang out, or something!”
“Yeah, definitely!”
Blake heard Chris talking away from the phone, but he couldn’t hear what was being said.
“Well, Stephanie found our bags! We’re gonna go now, bye!”
“Mkay, bye.”

Chris hung up the phone and put it in his pocket.
“Chris, babe. Let’s get going.”
“…let’s go to Bothell for a few days… see if Amy and Blake’ll let us stay with them.” Chris said. Stephanie gave him a strange look.
“Okay, yeah! That’s a great idea!”