` you're the only angel in my life

[zipper]

I MAY NOT SAY THE WORDS AS SUCH,

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& though i may not look like much i'm yours.[/color][/font]
_____________________________________[/center]

As he stood in the hotel lobby, Duncan Scott cursed himself over and over again. How could he have let himself be talked into this? The answer was simple. Jacob had a way of talking him into things. In this case, as many others, that thing was something he wasn't to interested in doing. This sleepover thing had not been his idea of fun. Duncan would much rather be at home, doing... well, anything but this. He'd probably have spent the night gaming or watching a movie. Nothing spectacular, but Duncan didn't go out. He hated crowds. The only time he didn't mind a crowd was while waiting in line for a new game or something to that effect. He had never understood how that worked and probably never would, so he didn't really question it. But yet, here he stood among many others, at this little fundraiser. Again, all Jacob's idea. In all the time they had been friends, this was probably Duncan's least favourite thing he had been talked into. It had been part of Jacob's little plan to crack him from his shell. Jake was always trying to get him to be more social, with women in particular. Jacob clearly loved women. It showed that night especially, with more then half the guest being female, all dressed accordingly to Jacob's dress code. Even Duncan had to follow that rule. One of the reasons he was particularly uncomfortable with the whole thing. Boxers weren't going to happen for him, if that was the case he wouldn't even come. So he stuck to flannel pajama bottoms. Since the October air was so cool, he had to wear a coat with it, which he didn't mind. But of couse, when he got there, there was coat check. He felt like hitting himself in the head. This was turning out to be a bad idea. Glancing around, he couldn't even find Jake anywhere. Yes, very bad idea.

He slipped off his coat at the check and shyly past it to the woman behind the counter. It was very clear how she eyed him over. Duncan shuffled off incomfortably. He was well built and had quite the good body, but it wasn't something he showed off. But at the same time, the days of him being an awkward preteen who covered himself up always weren't among him. No, he wasn't the way he'd once been, almost afraid to take off his shirt, even when he went to the lake. Now he didn't care, but still, it didn't feel right walking around the hotel like this, with half dressed people everywhere he turned. Leaving the lobby, he walked off into a smaller sitting area which was less crowded. What was he supposed to do now? He hadn't seen anyone he knew. Where the hell was Jacob? Probably slinking off after some poor woman who didn't even want him around.

Sitting there alone, he couldn't help but feel like a complete idiot. Groaning inwardly and sighing outloud, he stood up and walked back to the front lobby. There was a man checking each person who entered off a list, making sure only those who had bought tickets could come in. Duncan walked over while there was no one entering, so he would be free to talk to. "Excuse me, has Jacob Puck arrived?" he asked, raising one of his thick eyebrows. The man looked down at his list and flipped to the front. He nodded his head and was about to speak as another group of people entered. He held up one finger to Duncan and turned to admit them. But Duncan didn't really feel like waiting and walked past. Then something caught his eye outside. Two blondes waiting behind the group of people that were now at the doors. Straining his neck to get a better look, the people moved and block his view. Glancing around one last time, he decided to wait and see if it was who he thought was.

[/b]; 670.
tag; maria jane parkhurst <3
outfit; baha, hurr
song; i'm yours, the script
credits; template - becca.x & graphic - kiss16love of caution
notes; baaah, laame, but this should be fun (:
[/color][/ul]

[maria]

This was a bad idea. Maria couldn't wear underwear like this alone in her house, how was she supposed to show up at a party with everyone looking at her in a black bra and panties. So her sister had allowed her to wear a sarong type thing around her waist, but seriously? How had she been roped into this. Quinn had given her a full makeover. Her hair was all curled and her makeup was done. She hated it, but she kind of liked it at the same time. She'd never looked this sexy before, and it sort of made her wonder if she could look this good all the time. Usually she'd just throw her hair into two pigtails or braids and she'd be done. She'd slap on her glasses and then head out for the day, but now she didn't have her glasses. She was wearing contacts. She'd bought a sample pair forever ago, so they were a bit off prescription, but they'd last for the night. Besides, she'd only come to support Quinn, and since the outfit was required, she couldn't help but wear it. At least hers was a bit more conservative than the girls running around in things and see through bras. Jacob certainly knew how to entertain guests at least. She couldn't believe that her stomach was bare. She was always wearing sweaters or t-shirts with funny quotes on them. Not having anything on really bugged her a lot, but her sister seemed rather comfortable with herself.

She had always been a bit jealous of her sister. Not so much that it was a complex. They were extremely close despite how different they were. Now that she stood outside of the lock in with a jacket wrapped firmly around her half naked body, she wasn't sure she was jealous anymore. This wasn't comfortable, and she never thought that she'd be comfortable with something like this. If her sister was, that was her perogative. But that didn't mean that Maria had to run around in a skirt and makeup. She had her friends, and the few geeky boys she worked with who were always asking her to come over and play Halo 3. What more could she want? Sure, a man wrapping his arms around her tightly every night and waking up and kissing her despite her morning breath would be nice. So would pigs flying, but she didn't forsee that happening either. Although, there was a small chance they might do it at some point in the future. She knew that pigs weren't born to have wings, and she wasn't born to walk around in lingerie.

She finally got through to the coat check to find out that she wasn't allowed to bring her coat in. She was hoping to hide in it for a while, but the woman behind the counter just gave her a stern look, and before she knew it, she was out of her only shield from the stares of strangers. She smiled a bit and walked into the room behind her sister, but she didn't really see where she went. She looked around distracted and before she knew it she'd bumped into someone very tall. She looked up and immediately stepped back. "Duncan!" She looked down at the ground and then back up at him as the crowd that had surrounded her and pushed her in his direction moved on around them. She wasn't sure how they'd ended up in so many awkward situations together. "You're at this party too huh?" She asked, wondering what he would think of her all dolled up. She hadn't worn makeup in ages, and she wasn't sure if he'd ever even seen her in it. She only wore it when her sister forced her to.

w o r d s... A NUMBER!
t a g... ♥ DUNCAN <3
l y r i c s... YOU BY EVANESCENCE
o u t f i t... SEE ABOVE
n o t e s... AH THE SOCIAL AWKWARDNESS!

[zipper]

I MAY NOT SAY THE WORDS AS SUCH,

[/color][/font]
& though i may not look like much i'm yours.[/color][/font]
_____________________________________[/center]

The two blondes, both wrapped up in coats to save themselves from the cold night's air, were shuffling in behind the crowd of others. Duncan, not wanting to seem creep especially if it wasn't even them, faced the other way, looking around at the rest of the guests. He really did hope that it was Maria... and Quinn. Though he wasn't as close with Quinn as he was with Maria, it'd be nice to see them and be around someone he knew. Meredith was supposed to meet him there, so he'd have to keep an eye out for her too. Gazing the room, he thought he spotted Mer, but it was just a girl who looked like her slightly. Duncan was practically blushing at all girls in their skimpy outfits. This was so awkward for him, but Jacob was probably off somewhere soaking it up. Turning to back to face the coat check, he tried to see where the potential Maria and Quinn had located themselves. They were no longer in line, as the group in front of them had took off in an elevator. If it really was Maria, she wouldn't be heading in there. As he looked around he suddenly felt the pressure of someone else's much smaller body colliding into his. Of course, he first instinct would be to look down at whoever had just walked into him. So he did. "Duncan!" The voice was surprised, as was his as he replied. "Maria!" he echoed her tone, in a much deeper voice of course.

Huh. So he had been correct and here was Maria. The thought of where Quinn was didn't really cross his mind and he didn't look around to check. It didn't really matter, Maria was here.... All of Maria was here. He couldn't help but notice her outfit and could feel himself blushing a shade of red. Whether that was visible or not, he wasn't really sure. Duncan had a feeling that coming here wasn't Maria's idea on her own, just as it hadn't been his. The odds were that Quinn had forced her to come along. As he looked down at her, he found that easier and easier to believe. She was completely... different. Duncan really didn't know what to think. She was beautiful, of course. He really couldn't spot a more attractive woman in the room. But it wasn't Maria, at the same time. He was torn between whether or not he might just faint or miss the 'normal' Maria. Had he ever seen her in make-up? Not really, no. Minus a few Halloweens, but that hardly counted. Yeah, he liked the way she looked now. But that was the thing, Duncan always liked the way Maria looked.

"You're at this party too huh?" Duncan smiled awkwardly and nodded his head up and down. "Yup..." he replied, before adding in, "Jacob kind of made me come." Damn, he sounded like a friggin teenager. All awkward and shy. That's who Duncan was and had always been. But why did he have to be this way now? Realising he was just looking at her and not saying much, he looked away from her for a moment to recompose himself before turning back to her sparkling eyes. "You uh, you look good... I mean, you uh, look..." he tripped over his words feeling like a complete fool. Good? That wasn't good enough, but he was having the hardest time telling her how beautiful she was. Whether she was in her underwear or in sweats, this is how it would come out. Slumping his shoulders he sighed. "You look amazing," he said rather quietly, hoping it came out in a chill and friendly way. He of course, meant it as more then that, but he didn't want her to think he was being all weird. She had turned him down once, why go through that again?

[/b]; 652.
tag; maria jane parkhurst <3
outfit; baha, hurr
song; love drunk, boys like girls
credits; template - becca.x & graphic - kiss16love of caution
notes; they are love. nerd love. geeky nerd awkward love. (;
[/color][/ul]

[maria]

She hadn't meant to run into him, and she was really sorry about it. Well, most of her was sorry. The other part of her was hyperventilating over the fact that she'd run into his half naked body. When had he gotten so toned? She couldn't really know the answer to that, but she did know that he was very very fun to look at. She wasn't the type of girl who usually noticed things about other people. She was rather oblivious in all matters of physical attraction or flirting of any kind, but for some reason, she felt compelled to throw herself up against him and squeeze his body. She wasn't sure why, but something in her just made her want to touch him. She probably looked like a five year old kid in a candy store when she stared at him. She just hoped it wasn't too noticeable, because she'd hate to make him uncomfortable. Based on the way be was standing and the blush on his face, it was obvious that this party hadn't been his idea either. So when he confirmed that it was Jacob who'd forced him to come here. She couldn't help but laugh a little. she could just see Jacob getting on his hands and knees begging his best friend to show up. She knew the way Jacob was. There were few people in this city who didn't know. He was always very open about what he was feeling, and in a way, Maria was jealous. If she could just walk up to a hot guy and say "you're hot, let's have sex." she probably would. She just didn't have that kind of confidence.... and she wasn't a whore.

"That rascal." She said, and then laughed a bit awkwardly. She couldn't believe she'd said rascal? Honestly, who said that anymore? Not only was she embarassed about the way she looked, but now she couldn't even talk right in front of him. What had happened to them? She remembered the days when they'd been best friends. She remembered the times they'd slept in the same bed after staying up until 4 in the morning watching old cheesy horror films. Now she couldn't even stand to be around him without making a complete fool of herself? That hardly seemed right. It wasn't like he hadn't seen her in her underwear before, or a swimsuit. She didn't change in front of him all the time, but they had walked in on each other a couple times by accident. So, she shouldn't be uncomfortable around him. He'd seen her at her worst, and despite what she thought, she knew that right now, she probably looked her best. Conventionally, she looked her best anyway. She couldn't wait to go home and change into a pair of overalls or shorts.

"Oh thanks. Quinn gave me a makeover." She said and did an awkward spin thing. She opened her arms to show off her body, even though she knew that she probably looked like an idiot trying to impress someone. She just wanted him to look at her the way she was looking at him, with desire. She knew that it was wrong of her to feel that way about her best friend, but it was the truth. She'd always loved him like a brother, but when he walked around shirtless like that... she was acutely aware of the fact that he WASN'T her brother in any way. She looked up at him as someone bumped her in the back and she fell forward a bit. She grabbed into his arm to keep from falling to the floor and laughed a bit. "Perhaps we should move away from the entrance?" She asked, looking up at him with a smile. She looked him up and down one more time to admire him and then gave him a warm genuine grin. "You look very good yourself." She mumbled a bit more shy than she would have liked to sound. Oh well.
w o r d s... A NUMBER!
t a g... ♥ DUNCAN ♥
l y r i c s... YOU BY EVANESCENCE
o u t f i t... SEE ABOVE
n o t e s... AH THE SOCIAL AWKWARDNESS!

[zipper]

I MAY NOT SAY THE WORDS AS SUCH,

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& though i may not look like much i'm yours.[/color][/font]
_____________________________________[/center]

Awkwardly, Duncan crossed his arms over his chest as he stood there, his shoulders practically up to his ears with how tense he was. He had always known how he felt about Maria. Even after eight years of not seeing her. She had told him how she felt, so when he left, he had tried hard to forget it. At that point he hadn't known if he'd even see her again, ever. But even if he did, he knew she didn't feel the same. But eight years later and he knew he felt the same. He knew that he loved her, he couldn't really deny that. Back then he had been young, but he loved her. Though before, maybe he wasn't completely sure. He was quite positive, but he didn't know if he could know what love was. Now, here, eight years later, Duncan knew he was in love with Maria. He loved her more then anyone he had ever known, it was very clear.

And there she was. Standing less then a foot away from him. He was finding it hard not to stare, but he was trying his best. He couldn't remember ever seeing her in anything like that before. Of course, there had been the bathing suits and the few times they had seen each other change by accident, but they were best friends, that didn't even matter. It was almost a decade later, and Duncan couldn't help but notice her amazing body. How could he not?! Duncan wasn't one to judge on physical appearance, but if he did, Maria would be by far the most perfect woman there was. Well, that's how he viewed her in every way, anyways. In his mind, he knew that he should know better then to try and touch the fire twice. She had made herself clear about how she felt. That was eight years ago, Duncan couldn't help but wonder. But how could someone like Maria, someone so beautiful, smart, talented and sweet among many other amazing qualities, ever like someone like him? Someone so awkward and shy?

"That rascal." Duncan, his tongue in his cheek, nodded his head awkwardly, just like everything else he seemed to do. The word didn't even phase him as he was trying to think of something else to say, something that wouldn't make him sound like a child or lame. She saved him from bringing something up, because she went on. "Oh thanks. Quinn gave me a makeover." She did a spin and Duncan found himself weak. But as she did, someone bumped her, and she fell closer into him again. His arms caught her, moving from where they had been crossed over his body. Her hand was on his arm, which he was now thankful was toned up. He froze up with her there. Why was this happening? They had always been perfectly comfortable around each other. "Perhaps we should move away from the entrance?" Removing his arms from around her, he nodded with a smile. "That sounds like a good idea." Before they moved, she added, "You look very good yourself." Duncan felt himself blush again. "Thanks," he accepted with a shy smile. Mustering up some courage, he reached for her hand. He held it as he started to lead her away from the entrance, though he practically felt sparks. Her hand in his, it seemed to fit so perfectly. His heart seemed to race ten times faster, even skipping some beats.

Moving away from the entrance, he took her to the room he had previously been sitting in. There was no one present there now, and he let go of her hand rather quickly. Was this too alone? Would she get the wrong idea? Sharply, he turned to her. It was weird, even still he felt awkward about standing there in his pajama bottoms in front of her. What would she think of him? "Uh, we don't have to stay here," he told her with a shrug. "We can go where ever you want," he added with a small smile. The two of them hadn't really gotten a chance to be alone since they first saw each other a few days ago at work though. Duncan had been very busy and the most that had happened was they spoke online, but with others present.

[/b]; 720.
tag; maria jane parkhurst <3
outfit; baha, hurr
song; love drunk, boys like girls
credits; template - becca.x & graphic - kiss16love of caution
notes; rascal, lmao. i just died. [/color][/ul]

[maria]

Maria wasn't sure why they'd lost touch. She vaguely remembered him trying hard to tell her something when they last saw each other, but she couldn't really remember the jist of it. He'd mentioned something about wanting to go with her, or be with her, and she hadn't understood, because they were always together. So she'd sort of just brushed him off, and after graduation they'd gone their seperate ways. She'd missed him horribly, and they'd emailed a few times but things just hadn't worked out, and they'd lost touch. Of course, she'd run into him on an elevator at the company he created and owned. He was on his way to becoming a multibillion dollar man, and here she was, sharing an apartment with her sister, dressing like the same old geek, and fixing computers for a living. Well, she actually built software and she was paid well for it, but it just wasn't the same. He'd gone out there, and he'd done something. She was doing the same thing she'd done in high school, only now she made 6 figures for it. She had nothing to show for her life. She was a few years older and her hair was a bit longer, but other than that, she was exactly the same.

As she stared at Duncan in all his shirtless glory, she knew that he wasn't the same at all. He still looked extremely uncomfortable around so many beautiful women, which made her a bit happy for some reason, but other than that, he was completely different. He didn't have the braces, and there wasn't a single blemish on his perfect skin. His smile made her stomach do flip flops, and his laugh made her want to get up and dance to the sound. He had a certain magnetism about him that drew her in. She loved it, but she was also afraid of it. Who knew how many women had fallen for his cuteness and his beautiful eyes. She couldn't believe she was having these feelings toward her ex-best friend. She couldn't believe that for the first time, she wanted to act on the feelings she had for a guy. She sort of wanted to reach out and touch his stomach, to anchor herself to him, and help her believe that he was real. How was this man in front of her the same boy she remembered from high school who enjoyed throwing cheese onto the ceiling. No, he was definitely different, and all of a sudden, she felt inadequate.

The feeling of his skin against her own nearly drove her mad. She had to remember to thank whoever it was that had bumped her. The way he blushed made her realize that he was exactly the same as he'd been in high school, at least personality wise. So, she didn't have to worry about the fact that he was a huge manwhore. She took comfort in that. Then he grabbed her hand and she felt her entire body turn to jello. She didn't know a guy could have this kind of effect on her, but somehow he'd managed to make her want to do something, anything, to get him to notice her. She laced her fingers through his, taking a small leap of her own. It was her way of saying don't let go. even after they'd entered the room that was surprisingly empty. She looked around, suddenly nervous, and a bit excited they were alone. She couldn't help it. She was no longer the shy loser she was in high school. She turned to him, glad the room was empty, and seized the opportunity. She spoke louder than she really needed to, but she had no volume control. It's been really great seeing you these past few weeks, or talking to you again. I've missed you." She said and squeezed his hand with her own.

"So really, what i'm trying to say is... " She mustered up her courage and looked him straight in the eyes. Her voice rose and she was practically yelling, but all she had to do was get it over with. "I!" Just as she was about to say it, a laughing couple entered the room. She sighed and spoke very quietly, but still loud enough so he could hear her. "... think i like you... like..." She looked down at the floor briefly and then back up at him. "... LIKE you, like you." She felt like a highschool idiot.

w o r d s... A NUMBER!
t a g... ♥ DUNCAN ♥
l y r i c s... YOU BY EVANESCENCE
o u t f i t... SEE ABOVE
n o t e s... SORRY IT ALWAYS TAKES ME SO LONG, BUT AFTER THIS I GET THE FEELING I'LL HAVE WAY MORE MUSE FOR THEM!

[zipper]

I MAY NOT SAY THE WORDS AS SUCH,

[/color][/font]
& though i may not look like much i'm yours.[/color][/font]
_____________________________________[/center]

The fact they had lost touch was probably because both of them had been so busy, wrapped up in their own lives. Neither of them had meant too, neither of them really wanted too. But yet, they had. Things were left on an awkward note. Duncan had tried to tell Maria that he was in love with her, but that hadn't gone over so well. So they parted after he graduated, being ahead of her in school. He took off to start school in New York, and she was busy with her own school and life back home. After a few long distance calls, some shared emails and a few instant messages, the two lost contact. Duncan tried to move on, but no one had ever been able to make him feel the way Maria made him feel. The fact that he was to shy to talk to anyone didn't really have anything to do with it. Maria had got him completely, basically from the moment they had met.

Losing contact had clearly put some tension on their relationship, seeing each other again after so many years. It was awkward, just like they were, though they had never been awkward around each other. Of course, there were moments, but he found it so easy to be himself around Maria. Breathing rather deeply, he tried to remember that trust. Not that he didn't trust her now, he was just so nervous. As he felt her hand lock with his own, he could have sworn his heart jumped into his throat. Why did he feel like such a kid? He was twenty six for crying out loud! Grow up, just turn around and talk to her! he mentally yelled to himself. As he turned to face her once more, he was greeted by her anxious looking face.

"It's been really great seeing you these past few weeks, or talking to you again. I've missed you." Duncan, a bit taken aback at first by the volume she was using, twitched into a small smile. "I've missed you too," he replied, his quiet tone quite the contrast to her's. "So really, what I'm trying to say is... " Duncan's lips turned towards, a frown upon his face. What was she really trying to say? "I!" This also made Duncan quite startled, just as much so as the loud laughter from the couple who entered the room. Quieter, she continued. "... think I like you... like... LIKE you, like you." Her eyes were gone from his gaze, hitting the floor before returning up to meet his, his own eyes resting upon her stunning face. And he was frozen. His shoulders dropped limply down, his free arm dropping to his side. "Whaaa-" His words wouldn't even form. Had he heard her correctly? Was this some kind of joke? How could anyone as perfect as Maria ever feel that way about plain old him? Dumbfounded, he sat back in one of the chairs close by, a blank look on his face. She liked him? She liked him?

Maria Jane Parkhurst liked him. His best friend. His high school crush. His first love and current love. The most amazing girl, who had once turned him down, well, basically. She liked him. It was safe to say he was completely in awe. His mouth was agape as he looked up at her, his chocolate brown eyes sparkling. "You like me," he repeated, more of a statement then a question. It slowly started to sink into him, as he sunk into the chair. It was still so hard to believe. Maria was perfect, in every way. Always had been, always would be. She was practically like an angel, some gift from God. That's the way Duncan saw it. To know that she liked him, even if it was in a little, tiny way, was mind blowing.

[/b]; 650.
tag; maria jane parkhurst <3
outfit; baha, hurr
song; love drunk, boys like girls
credits; template - becca.x & graphic - kiss16love of caution
notes; i'm so sorry this took so long! [/color][/ul]