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Post by Hugh Pennington on May 8, 2020 13:37:00 GMT
Penn had tossed and turned for much of the night. Yesterday had been exhausting with emotional highs and lows all over the place. He had hoped that this would wear him out enough to be able to sleep but instead his mind raced with thoughts and kept him awake, dozing only periodically. For the first half of the night he felt bad for how things had ended with Shaan and Gem. Things would surely be awkward with them in the future should they all move forward onto Stage 2.
However, the second half his mind was able to focus on River and a sense of peace washed over him. She was worth it. And as the night wore on he only became more and more sure of her and of their relationship. As surety and calm settled his mind he was finally able to fade off into a peaceful sleep, even if only ended up being a few hours.
When he did wake up for good he woke with a smile, feeling confident. He also knew that after having been with her in person yesterday that trying to go back to a full pod date would feel like torture. If he knew he wanted to be with her, then what was the point in dragging it out anyway?
He had spent several hours that morning working with the crew to prepare something special for River. The walls of the pod were lined floor to ceiling with cardboard printouts of shelves of books to make the room look more like a library. Across the ceiling was strung dozens upon dozens of twinkle lights and along the edges of the floor were flower boxes filled with tiger lilies, their scent filling the air. The acoustics of 'Garden Song' played softly in the background. Penn looked everything over to make sure it was perfect before leaving to get ready.
He had dressed up nice, though she wouldn't see that and in the late morning/early afternoon he stepped into his side of the pod for their date. "Good morning, my Queen." He said to her.
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Post by River Hughes on May 9, 2020 0:10:52 GMT
River had spent a concerning amount of the night before in tears. She had eventually gone through an entire box of tissues on her own; not all the tears were sad, of course, but it had certainly been exhausting. When her head finally hit the pillow, she had quickly fallen asleep to vague dreams of books, balconies, and a strange amount of lightsaber fights.
As soon as she had left the maze with Penn, she'd put in a few special requests to the production team. When he entered his pod that morning, he'd find a blue toy lightsaber complete with lights and noises, and a set of little figurines. The first was an ordinary bride cake topper, although he would see that the bride wore a tiara with her veil, and the second was a figure of Obi-Wan Kenobi, about the same size. 'For my Jedi knight' read the little note attached, in thinly looped cursive. She'd also made sure there was a box of fresh donuts on the side table.
Entering the pod that morning, seeing what he'd prepared, she nearly started crying. "Hugh Pennington, I think you're the sweetest person I've ever met," she declared, sniffling slightly before she got herself together and said in a steadier voice, And good morning to you, too."
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34Age
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Post by Hugh Pennington on May 9, 2020 0:17:10 GMT
Penn had just about lost in when he came into the pod as he made a sound of utter joy and delighted laughter. "This is the coolest. You're the coolest!" He said, feeling like a kid in a candy store. Yep, he had definitely made the right decision. He picked up the note to read, just beaming ear to ear the whole time.
He finally calmed down enough to be able to focus on what was most important, River. "How are you doing this morning? How was your night?" He asked her.
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Post by River Hughes on May 9, 2020 0:34:06 GMT
River giggled, delighted that she'd chosen well. "I wanted to do something that was special just for you. I'm glad you like it."
"Last night was...a whirlwind. I'm glad I made it through. And apparently with a lot less turmoil than some of the girls, based on the chatter I was hearing. I thought things with Parker might go differently, but... honestly I wanted to shake him. I was hoping I'd be able to talk him through some things so he could make a decision about someone. Not so much. I guess I shouldn't have tried to control that in the first place."
Sorry, maybe I shoulldn't talk about that? Nothing to be worried over, I promise." She sighed, and he'd be able to hear her drop onto the couch by the soft 'whuff' of air out of the cushions.
My morning has improved tremendously already, thank you very much. It's like another world in here. I love it." She laughed, a little giddy as she added, "I love you!"
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34Age
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Post by Hugh Pennington on May 9, 2020 0:38:40 GMT
Penn listened patiently. "I want you to talk about whatever you want to talk about." He assured her, not bothered at all. "My day was...challenging to say the least but once it was all done...all I wanted was to be with you."
He was too excited to sit so he paced casually back and forth. "I'm so glad you like it, I wanted you to feel more...at home." He explained. He stopped walking when she told him that she loved him, his heart bursting. "I love you so much River. I'm sorry it had to be such a challenge to get here today, but I'm...just so happy you came."
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Post by River Hughes on May 9, 2020 1:10:52 GMT
"Of course I did! I've been looking forward to hearing your voice ever since I left the--actually, I take it back. I've been like this since before the maze. I think it started with the paper flowers and how much you care about your family...and I've just been getting deeper and deeper since then."
"And as far as the challenge...I think it was worth it. I learned a lot about myself through all this insanity, and I think I'm actually a little relieved that I had so many options thrown at me. I know I'm making the right choice, and it doesn't feel like I just jumped into something with the first person who was interested in me...which is something I was always a little afraid of, before all this. That someone would give me attention, and I wouldn't know it from the real thing." She sighed, leaning on the arm of the couch.
I think I'd feel at home wherever I was, as long as I was with you. Is that silly? I probably would have had a panic attack in that maze if you weren't the first one I did, but as long as we were talking, I didn't mind being blind."
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34Age
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Post by Hugh Pennington on May 9, 2020 1:19:37 GMT
”It definitely feels like the real thing to me too. I can’t even describe it. I’ve been in love before. I thought she was the one but what I’ve felt for you in just the last few days has far surpassed that and it makes me actually grateful for what happened in that situation because without it I never would have found you.” He told her.
He moved up to the glass, placing his hand on it gently. “After being with you yesterday and holding you, I’m definitely feeling a void where you should be and I don’t want to be apart from you anymore. I know that marriage is a big step, but River, I just can’t help but want to spend my life showing you every day how special you are. I want to be your knight, your Jedi knight, and protect you and cherish you.” He took a soft, shuddering breath.
“River Hughes, would do me the greatest honor of becoming my wife? Will you marry me?”
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Post by River Hughes on May 9, 2020 1:30:11 GMT
As as he said the word marriage, River was off the couch and on her knees in front of the glass with her forehead set against it. She just wanted to kiss him right then and tell him yes before he even had time to ask the question, but she pressed her fingers to her mouth as if she could physically hold herself back.
"Yes, of course," River answered, her voice breaking. "It would be an absolute pleasure. I just hope that I can help you feel even a tenth of the happiness you've already given me, Penn. I don't even know how to describe it." She laughed through her tears. "I've never met anyone as patient and kind as you. I don't think anything could make me happier than being able to spend my life with you."
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34Age
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Post by Hugh Pennington on May 9, 2020 2:40:16 GMT
It wasn't the first time that his emotions had overwhelmed him when it came to this woman but as she answered he fell to knees with a soft thud and he started to cry. It took him several long moments of silence to be able to speak again.
"I don't think I could possibly be happier than you've just made me." He told her, his voice thick and deep with emotion. "I wish this glass wasn't here so I could hug you." He said, half laughing, half crying.
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Post by River Hughes on May 9, 2020 2:52:16 GMT
River waited patiently for Penn to speak--if anything, she needed a moment too. When he did speak up, though, she laughed breathlessly. "I know exactly what you mean. Should we rush out of here and go get the staff? I'll be honest, I picked a dress last night because I was too excited...Although I'm also a little nervous... Ach. If they make us wait I might actually swear at someone, and I don't do that. I just really, really need to hug you. Oh my gosh...I want to hug my fiance." She got rambly as she continued, bubbling over with excitement and a hint of anxiety. Finally, she stopped for air.
"Sorry, I think I must be a teeny bit excited. Just a little, you know?"
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34Age
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Post by Hugh Pennington on May 9, 2020 2:57:28 GMT
"Oh, gosh, yes. Please yes. Let's just do this. Surely they can't say no right?" He asked, falling apart into excited and nervous laughter. "I'm so excited, I just need to hold you." He replied.
"Let's go?" He asked.
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Post by River Hughes on May 9, 2020 2:59:45 GMT
River couldn't help squealing a little, she was so excited. "Let's go!"
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34Age
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Post by Hugh Pennington on May 9, 2020 3:03:08 GMT
"Okay! Let's go!" He said again and stood up. He practically raced to the door and then paused. "Also I love you. I'll see you really soon my love." He managed to say, waiting for a response from her before opening the door.
Then stopped for just a moment to gather up all his awesome things she had given him before actually leaving.
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Post by River Hughes on May 9, 2020 3:08:25 GMT
I'll see you soon," she answered, still in awe. "Before you know it."
River had to take a moment to wipe her face and breathe before she made it up off the floor--she was just a mess of emotions at the moment. She was almost relieved to hear Penn leave the room on the other side, so she could ugly cry to her heart's content and blow her nose using the box of tissues from nest to the couch. Once she did haul herself up off the floor, though, she snagged one of the tiger lilies on her way out the door.
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