AN: I really hope you guys enjoy this. I have such big plans for this story. All you need to know is that it's a modern AU, everything else will become clear as time goes on. I have been SO nervous about posting this, so please review and let me know what you think. It only takes a second! Huge thanks to my beta and my special tumblr ladies for all the help and encouragement you have given me with this story. You know who you are. I own nothing, please don't sue me!
'I (heart) You'
Chapter One
"I can't believe I'm actually doing this," groaned Sybil, as she placed her phone down on the sofa next to her.
"Oh, be quiet. Everyone's doing it," teased Gwen, her voice sounding muffled as it came through the loud speaker of Sybil's mobile.
Sybil shook her head. "So? Everyone's started taking that bloody Bikram Yoga, but you'll never catch me doing that."
"That's because that is disgusting. Who wants to sit in a sweaty room for two hours, with a room full of Lycra-clad people you don't know, doing the downward dog?"
"Urgh, thanks for that image. Anyway, I filled in the profile..." she groaned.
"Are you going to upload a picture of yourself?"
"No."
"Then don't blame me if you only get ugly creeps messaging you."
"Trust me; I'll be blaming you for all of this tomorrow regardless. I only agreed to this to get you to stop going on about it – and the couple of glasses of wine I've had this evening have just about helped make this less humiliating and cringe worthy."
"Shut up. Anyway, I have to go; my show is about to start, but text me when people start emailing you, okay? "
"I will, but they won't. Byeeee," Sybil smiled, as she ended the call to her best friend.
She read over her profile one more time, her finger hovered nervously over the enter button on her keyboard for a few seconds before she closed her eyes, took a deep breath and clicked.
Congratulations! Your profile was uploaded successfully to Matchnet.
Username: Suffragette1919
Occupation: NHS Employee
Age: 27
Height: 5'5"
Wants kids: Yes
Hair: Dark brown
Eyes: Blue
Education: University masters or equivalent
Ethnicity: White / Caucasian
Religion: Christian / Other
Smokes: Socially
Drinks: Socially
Activity level: Moderate / Active
Pets: Dog
About me: I'm an NHS employee at one of London's largest hospitals. I enjoy reading, baking, socialising with friends and going for long runs.
The things I could never live without: Friends and family.
My perfect first date: (Not yet answered)
My personality is best described as: Creative, patient, opinionated, intellectual, kind, outgoing, family orientated.
In my free time I enjoy: Dining out, hanging out with friends, intimate conversations, reading, surfing the internet, movies/TV, going for walks, bike rides.
My favourite physical activities: Running, cycling, swimming, horse riding, Zumba, hiking. My favourite foods: Chinese/Dim Sum, Continental, Deli, Greek, Italian, Mediterranean, Soul Food, Thai.
My favourite music: Indie, Rock / Pop / Musicals I like to read: Autobiographies, fiction, magazines, newspapers.
You should definitely message me if: (Not yet answered)
"Argh," she screamed into a pillow, before getting up and walking to the kitchen to make a hot drink. Busying herself while the kettle boiled; restocking the biscuit tin and refilling the coffee jar, she needed to do something, anything to take her mind off of what she'd just done.
It wasn't that Sybil was embarrassed about internet dating, after all, that's where Edith met her husband, Anthony – it's just, was she even ready to date somebody again? She'd only broken up with Larry a couple of months ago, and as over him as she was, he'd still broken her heart. Did she really need to put herself through all of that hassle again? Oh, screw it, it's not like she'd actually have to meet up with anyone who contacted her from the website; if anything, it could be a bit of fun, and that's something she sure as hell needed at the moment.
After making her tea, and grabbing some biscuits, Sybil made her way back into the lounge, making herself comfortable on the large L shaped sofa in front of the tele. Luckily she'd only missed the first five minutes of The Great British Bake Off. There was something strangely calming about watching Paul Hollywood and Mary Berry vigorously beating meringue from the comfort of her living room.
Ding.
Sybil automatically checked her phone, but had no new emails or text messages. The noise must have come from the TV.
Ding.
There it was again. It was only then did she notice a pop up window had appeared on her computer.
MunsterMan1981 (20.08) Hi
MunsterMan1981 (20.10)…
MunsterMan1981 (20.13) *is idle*
"Oh, my, God." Placing her drink down onto the coffee table, she brought her laptop up to rest on her knees. The person messaging her didn't have a profile picture next to his name – which instantly made her suspicious. "I'm such a hypocrite." She laughed to herself. She hovered over his name for a second before clicking on it.
Username: MunsterMan1981
Occupation: Writer
Age: 31
Height: 5'9"
Wants kids: Yes
Hair: Brown
Eyes: Blue
Education: University masters or equivalent
Ethnicity: White / Caucasian
Religion: Catholic
Smokes: No
Drinks: Socially
Activity level: Active
Pets: I am not a pet person
About me: Thirty something writer, living in North London. I enjoy reading, travelling, and politics. I've just started running in the evenings after work, and I've found that's a great way for me to unwind. I prefer a nice drink at the pub than a night out clubbing, but my dance moves are excellent...
The things I could never live without: A cup of tea and the newspaper first thing in the morning. I'm easy to please.
My perfect first date: Connection, comfort, chemistry and something else that begins with C just for the sake of it...maybe crisps?
My personality is best described as: Self confident, low maintenance, opinionated, intellectual, kind, outgoing, and romantic.
In my free time I enjoy: Dining out, hanging out with friends, intimate conversations, reading, movies/TV, video games.
My favourite physical activities: Running, football, rugby, swimming, hiking, water polo. My favourite foods: Cajun/Southern, Chinese/Dim Sum, Continental, Deli, Greek, Indian, Italian, Japanese/Sushi, Mediterranean, Seafood, Soul Food, Spanish, Thai.
My favourite music: Indie
I like to read: Autobiographies, fiction, newspapers.
You should definitely message me if: You have fingers.
Sybil laughed as she finished reading his profile. He sounded… interesting.
MunsterMan1981 (20.17): *is no longer idle* Hey, are you there?
Biting her lip nervously, she began to respond.
Suffragette1919 (20.17): Hi, sorry about that. I was watching something on T.V.
MunsterMan1981 (20.18): Hi! It's okay. Anything interesting?
Suffragette1919 (20.19): The Great British Bake Off. Have you heard of it?
MunsterMan1981 (20.21): Heard of it? I'm watching it too, although, not by choice may I add. My roommate's girlfriend is obsessed with this show.
Suffragette1919 (20.21): She clearly has taste.
MunsterMan1981 (20.22): And I don't? I messaged you, didn't I? ;)
MunsterMan1981 (20.22): I'll just let myself out… :P
Suffragette1919 (20.22): That was SO cheesy! You did not just write that? LOL
MunsterMan1981 (20.23): Unfortunately, I did. I think I've made myself blush.
Suffragette1919 (20.23): Smooth! I bet you're one of those guys that come up to you in the pub, and hit you with one of the all time classics, like, "If I told you that you had a nice body, would you hold it against me?"
MunsterMan1981 (20.25): I can see I've made a wonderful first impression. If it makes you feel any better, I don't tend to go up and introduce myself to girls when I'm at the pub.
Suffragette1919 (20.25): Hmmm. I'm not sure if I believe you ;)
MunsterMan1981 (20.26): :P
MunsterMan1981 (20.26): So, may I ask what your name is?
MunsterMan1981 (20.28): … or not…
Suffragette1919 (20.28): How about for now, you call me Lady Suffragette?
Sybil covered her face with her hand and groaned, mortified at the thought that she had actually suggested he call her that.
MunsterMan1981 (20.29): Ooh! A lady of mystery, I like that. Well, if you get to have a fun name, then so do I. Okay, I have it. From now on, you shall know me as, "The Sweeney."
Suffragette1919 (20.30): Why do I feel like there's a story behind that name?
MunsterMan1981 (20.30): Well now I feel utterly uncreative. The DVD was just advertised on the T.V.
Suffragette1919 (20.30): LOL
MunsterMan1981 (20.31): No, Wait. I have it. Are you ready? This one's good.
Suffragette1919 (20.31): Give me a second. Let me 'prepare myself.' ;)
MunsterMan1981 (20.32): Steward of Gondor.
Suffragette1919 (20.32): LOL! You are NOT serious?
MunsterMan1981 (20.33): Ha! No, but I do love Lord of the Rings.
Suffragette1919 (20.34): Who is your favourite character?
MunsterMan1981 (20.34): Faramir
MunsterMan1981 (20.34): Did I answer that too quickly? I feel like I did.
Suffragette1919 (20.35): Just a bit. But its okay, I'm not judging you…
MunsterMan1981 (20.35): Don't lie. Yes you are!
Suffragette1919 (20.35): Okay, but only a little ;)
MunsterMan1981 (20.36): :P
Suffragette1919 (20.36): But it's decided. I'm calling you Faramir.
MunsterMan1981 (20.36): Excellent! I am very much okay with that.
Suffragette1919 (20.37): It's nice to meet you, Faramir!
Suffragette1919 (20.37): Be right back. I'm just making myself another cup of tea.
MunsterMan1981 (20.37): Milk, two sugars.
Suffragette1919 (20.41): *is idle*
Suffragette1919 (20.46): *is no longer idle*
Suffragette1919 (20.46): Sorry about that. I had a slight biscuit emergency.
MunsterMan1981 (20.46): Oh no. Those can be serious. Did you think you had run out?
Suffragette1919 (20.47): No, it was worse. It was a dunk that went wrong.
MunsterMan1981 (20.47): What were you dunking?
Suffragette1919 (20.47): A chocolate hobnob.
MunsterMan1981 (20.48): Milk or dark?
Suffragette1919 (20.48): Milk…
MunsterMan1981 (20.48): Ah! See, that's the problem. Dark chocolate hobnobs would never have let you down like that. They're sturdy.
Suffragette1919 (20.49): Is that so?
MunsterMan1981 (20.49): It's a fact. I'm actually shocked you were unaware of this.
Suffragette1919 (20.50): I'm obviously not as skilled in this area as you =)
MunsterMan1981 (20.50): Clearly ;)
MunsterMan1981 (20.52): So, on your profile it says that you live in London? What part?
Suffragette1919 (20.52): Islington, you?
MunsterMan1981 (20.53): Oh that's cool, I used to live in Angel, but I live in Clerkenwell now. So, I'm just down the road from Islington.
MunsterMan1981 (20.53): Did that sound creepy? That wasn't my intention, honest LOL!
Suffragette1919 (20.54): Just a tad, but that's okay. I already had you down as a bit of a creeper anyway ;)
MunsterMan1981 (20.54): OUCH!
Suffragette1919 (20.54): =)
MunsterMan1981 (20.55): So, 'Lady Suffragette,' what do you like to do in your spare time? You know, besides making men you've never met on the internet cry ;)
Suffragette1919 (20.55): Aww, poor thing ;)
Suffragette1919 (20.55): I like going to the cinema, going out for drinks with friends – running. I think I saw on your bio you run also?
MunsterMan1981 (20.56): I do. I run long distance. I'm actually training to run my first marathon.
Suffragette1919 (20.57): Really? That's wonderful. I can only manage 5K at the moment.
MunsterMan1981 (20.57): Don't say only. 5K is really good. Just keep at it, but don't push yourself. You'll be running 10k in no time.
Suffragette1919 (20.59): Thanks =) So, I should probably go. I have a load of stuff to do for work tomorrow. But I'll let you know how I get on with the running ;)
MunsterMan1981 (21.00): Oh, okay, sure. I should probably head to bed soon anyway. I have an early start tomorrow.
MunsterMan1981 (21.00): Could I maybe have your email address or something?
Suffragette1919 (21.01): Wait a sec; let me make a new one real quick. The one I use has my full name in it, and that would totally ruin the whole mysteriousness I was going for ;)
MunsterMan1981 (21.02): Ha! Good idea. I'm making myself one too.
Suffragette1919 (21.05): Okay, it's Lady_Suffragette_1919
MunsterMan1981 (21.06): Mine's Faramir1981
Suffragette1919 (21.07): A+ for creativity there ;)
MunsterMan1981 (21.07): You can talk ;) Anyway, it's been nice talking to you. Hope you have a good evening. I'll drop you an email tomorrow =)
Suffragette1919 (21.08): You too. Have a good night.
Suffragette1919 (21.09): *signed out*
Sybil quickly set up the new email on her phone and added him to her contacts, before shutting down her laptop. As she did this, she caught her reflection in the hall mirror. No wonder her jaw was starting to hurt, she was grinning like a Cheshire cat. How could talking to a perfect stranger put such a smile on your face?
*Beep beep*
She looked down at her phone.
1 new message.
To: Lady_Suffragette_1919
From: Faramir1981
Subject: Test
Hi, I know I said I'd email you tomorrow, but I just wanted to make sure I wrote your email address down correctly -)
Sleep well,
Faramir x
Maybe this wasn't such a bad idea after all?
If you enjoyed it, please let me know what you thought by leaving a review, and same goes for if you didn't, or if you have any questions about the story. Thanks x
