A/N: Before we begin, I would like to thank Bogglocity and gracianasi for motivating and inspiring me to get this out, especially Bogglocity who has graced us all with the pureness of Charoga. "Sleepless in Seattle" is one of my favorite movies of all time and after watching it again for the holidays, this Charoga fic idea hit me like a ton of bricks. (Was first meant to be E/C but… you know how tricky that can be. Don't worry I have another idea in the works.) Some of you may know that I was also working on an another E/C fic months ago. Don't worry I haven't given up on that one yet. It's just, when you base a fic off of a movie, things tend to move along a lot faster plot-wise. Especially when you pretty much follow the movie scene by scene. ^.^
You don't have to watch the movie to enjoy the story below - but it is highly recommended because 1) it's one of my favorite rom-coms and is genuinely a feel good movie and 2) because I think you'd enjoy seeing the parallels and nods. (I also added a "You've Got Mail" line in this first chapter, let me know if you can spot it. Can you tell how much I love the Meg Ryan/Tom Hanks love team?) Reviews are always welcome of course. :) Without further ado, please enjoy "Sleepless".
Chicago, June
The sun emerged from thick clouds and brightened the little garden area behind the house. There, a young boy with sun-kissed skin and wavy unkempt hair played with his toys, climbing a small jungle gym as he did. His father watched from afar as a warm humid breeze blew in. The too familiar smell of fresh flowers thick in the air.
"Amin?"
Amin slowly faced Darius who was seated across from him - his voice bringing him back to the little garden. "Sorry, what was that?"
Darius' wife Neda reached out and gently squeezed his hand. He had forgotten it was on the table until she reached over. "Have you thought about coming to Seattle?" she asked. "Might be nice for the both of you to take a break."
Amin took a deep breath, allowing the floating bits of himself to return before replying. "Actually I have. But I've been thinking..." He paused to look at Reza, who began to play-talk between the toy woman and her car. "I've been thinking of a permanent break actually."
"Oh?" Darius replied curiously as he and Neda exchanged looks.
"I've been offered a position… at your firm," he noted with a curious smile. "I thought maybe you were responsible for it?"
"What!? I didn't even know the offer existed!" Darius said excitedly. "That's amazing timing. Mr. Reyer just announced his retirement. When were you going to tell us?"
"I only accepted this morning. But I had been thinking about relocating for some time now…" His jade-green eyes glazed off into the distance as he continued, "I am constantly reminded of Soraya's absence here."
"As am I," Neda added gently, strands of her long ebony hair floating in the wind as another warm breeze came in. She looked over at her nephew. "And Reza is okay with this decision?"
Amin combed his fingers through his own dark wavy curls speckled with strands of silver. "I've talked to him about it. He said he would miss this house," he chuckled. "But somehow…" He watched as Reza slid from the top of the slide, woahs and laughs trailing behind him as he did. "Somehow he knows it will be for the best." He smiled, a small sadness lingering in his eyes. "Somehow, he is stronger than I am."
"My sister would have been proud of you both," said Neda.
"And excited as well," Darius added, rubbing Neda's back. "When is this move happening?"
"To be honest, I haven't decided yet. I found something on the market though. A houseboat near Lake Union."
"That's not far from us!" Neda said excitedly. "The houseboats out there are lovely."
"That would be perfect, it's not too far from the office," Darius said. "I can't believe I get to work with you again. And…"
He looked over at Neda, waiting for a sign of approval. She smiled and nodded gently as he held her hand.
"And?" Amin urged curiously.
"And," he continued, "It would be nice for our child to have their uncle and cousin around… when they are born."
Amin looked at them both wide-eyed. "No!"
She nodded again, laughing as Darius squealed in delight. Amin let out a hearty laugh, his first real laugh in weeks.
"Why didn't you tell us!?" he asked as he went over to hug them both. "Congratulations!"
"We were waiting for a good time," she replied, tears welling in her eyes. "And we didn't want to worry you."
"Nonsense, this is… this is amazing," he said holding both of their hands in his. "Reza and I need be with family."
He smiled again at the realization of their situation. "And you will need all the help you can get."
"I managed to tell Soraya before…" Neda shook her head and released a shaky breath. "It was the last time I saw her smile," she laughed weakly.
Amin gave her hand a reassuring squeeze. "I'm glad. I'm glad you were able to tell her."
"Papa, Papa!" Reza called as he ran towards them. "Did you tell them?"
"Yes," he replied, playfully squeezing Reza's nose. "In fact, they have surprise news for us as well."
"Really? What is it Auntie? Uncle?" he asked.
"Let's head inside first, we'll talk over lunch!" she replied.
"But is it a good surprise or a bad surprise?" he asked again.
"Good!" said Darius as he picked up Reza, holding him at his side, parallel to the floor. Reza struggled playfully and Neda followed them inside, the sounds of laughter filling up the house.
Amin took a moment before heading inside to look up at the sky. Another warm breeze blew in, the scent of flowers surrounding him once more. He wondered how different the sky would be in Seattle. If it would provide him the same comfort as it did here. Would things be different? Would anything change? Would the void in his heart ever be filled?
Decidedly not, Amin thought as he headed towards the house. It just doesn't happen twice.
Baltimore, Christmas Eve, 2 years later
Christine felt a warm tug as she pulled up in front of the familiar house, all decorated with twinkling white lights. Memories of her childhood played before her eyes. Running around the front yard with her father. Reading on the porch on a warm summer's night. Playing in the freshly fallen autumn leaves.
Tonight, she would make another fond memory.
As expected, Raoul followed close behind, and parked behind her. She glanced in her mirror quickly, making sure her unruly brunette curls had stayed in place during the drive. She stepped out of her car and began removing presents from the backseat.
"Are you excited?" she called out as Raoul stepped out of his car.
He gave a small chuckle before replying as he gathered his own gifts. "Of course!"
They locked their cars simultaneously and made their way towards the house.
"You excited?" he asked, a cool evening breeze whipping the blond strands of hair about his face.
"Very!" she said flashing her wide smile.
"Nervous?" he teased.
"Mmmm," she replied cautiously. "Not… at this very moment."
"Oh?"
"I might be later?" Her fingers fiddled with the red scarf wrapped around her neck.
"You mean for my parents?" he asked, slightly surprised.
Christine cringed slightly and stopped about five feet short of the house. The glow from the string of lights brightening the blush on her cheeks.
"Well, I know your parents like me. But, what if I'm not…" She paused thoughtfully. "What if I don't meet their expectations?"
Raoul placed his gifts down beside him and walked over to her. "Oh Christine," he said as he cupped her cheek in his gloved hand, his thumb gently caressing her skin. "I'm sure they want nothing but my happiness," he said, locking eyes with her before continuing. "And you are my happiness."
Christine released a breath she didn't know she was holding and smiled gently. "I love you Raoul."
"I love you, Little Lotte," he replied, placing a warming kiss to her lips.
"Attention everyone!" Mama Valerius called out from the end of the dinner table. "Before we begin, Christine has an announcement to make."
"Ooooh," Meg teased as she raised her eyebrows.
Christine chuckled softly as she looked around the table. Mama and Papa Valerius at the ends of the table, Meg and Ms. Giry across from them. Raoul at her side. Everyone she cared for sat before her and she felt like she could burst with happiness. She inhaled deeply.
"Raoul and I… are engaged!"
A simultaneous cry of excitement came from the table and oohs and awws filled the room.
Ms. Giry nodded in approval. "Of course you are, it only took you 2 years!"
"Oh darling, congratulations!" Professor Valerius said as he embraced Christine, his long beard tickling her cheek. "He is a good man."
"I know, thank you Papa," she replied kissing him on the cheek.
"Finally!" Meg exclaimed as she hugged Raoul.
"I know, I know!" Raoul replied, reaching out to embrace Ms. Giry as well.
"I wasn't sure how long I could have kept that in my dearest!" Mama said as she held Christine tightly. "Let's us two go to the attic later hm?" she whispered excitedly. "I have something for you!"
Christine smiled, nodding as she returned her tight embrace.
Mama then insisted they start eating before the dinner went cold and everyone returned to their seats. The conversation continued as they passed the food around.
"To think, that after all these years, you would see each other again," said Professor Valerius as he scooped a healthy portion of creamy mashed potatoes onto his plate.
"It was destiny," added Meg. "Of all the theaters you could have auditioned at, you end up at the one Raoul's father owns."
"It was a coincidence," corrected Christine, as she passed the brussel sprouts. "And I auditioned at lots of places!"
"But your audition was postponed remember?" Meg said, scooping up her own portion of mashed potatoes. "If it had been scheduled as planned, you wouldn't have met Raoul the day you actually auditioned."
"Oh?" said Mama, as she helped herself to a dinner roll.
"Actually, I don't think I'd have ever met you again if we hadn't bumped into each other that day," said Raoul.
"What? Nooo," replied Christine.
"No really! I was supposed to have lunch with dad and he told me to meet him there," recalled Raoul. "I can't even count the number of places he owns. So I would have never stepped foot there if he hadn't told me to go."
"How amazing!" Professor Valerius added.
"Mhmmm," Meg teased. Christine managed to nudge her foot under the table.
"And now to be married!" cried Mama in excitement.
As the conversation continued at the table, Christine's eyes roamed about the room. It was finely decorated with garland and ribbons all around. A mistletoe by the entryway. Stockings hung up on the fireplace. And there on the mantle, a picture of her and her father. It was from her 11th birthday, right before he was diagnosed. They were blowing out her candles, the picture taken mid-puff. She smiled at the silly image and then sighed quietly.
"A toast!" Professor Valerius said suddenly as he raised his glass. She smiled at him, thankful for the interruption.
"To Raoul… and my little girl," he continued softly. "Your father would be as happy and proud as I am."
"Oh Papa," she said, tears welling up in her eyes as she held his hand.
"To Raoul and Christine," said Mama, raising her own glass.
"To Raoul and Christine!"
"Here it is!"
Mama lifted the top off of a dusty pink box and Christine gasped. Mama's wedding dress - pale pink, almost cream colored, the front covered in intricate beading, swirling into a delicate tangle of leaves and flowers. The off-shoulder lace short sleeves had even more delicate beading work, the fabric there almost translucent. Mama lifted the dress gently to show off the long train. Attached to the back, a voluminous yet elegant bow.
"Oh Mama, this is beautiful!" Christine said as she admired it in the light.
"I didn't enjoy the puffy sleeves myself in those days so I did without them," she laughed. "I believe I replaced them quite nicely, don't you think?"
"I'm shocked I haven't seen this before," she replied, mesmerized by the beading, her fingertips softly tracing over the work.
"I'd be honored if… If you considered wearing this on your big day," Mama hesitated.
"Really? Are you sure?"
"You're the only one I want to see in it," she said as she squeezed her hand gently. "You don't have to of course!"
"I'm… I'm so touched," Christine said, tears welling up once more.
"And you're free to make any changes you'd like! I know it's not quite the modern dress."
"Actually," she said, inspecting the dress more closely. "I quite like it!"
"How about you try it on quickly, hm?" Mama said as she began unbuttoning the back of the dress.
"Alright!" she replied excitedly.
"Oh my dear, I'm so excited for you! And he's as wonderful as I remember!"
Christine laughed as she began to undress "He is wonderful isn't he?"
"And how are his parents? Do they know?"
"We're driving down to D.C. tonight so we can share the news with them Christmas morning," she replied.
"Oh how wonderful! I still can't believe how you two met again. You were so close as children. It must have been a sign," she said hopelessly.
"I don't much believe in signs," Christine chuckled. "A stroke of luck more like."
"Isn't it amazing though how one can change your life?" she said as she lifted the dress onto Christine.
"You know, I met Papa in college," Mama recalled. "I had a class that I wasn't too fond of and I nearly… 'ditched' as the kids say." Christine laughed as she wiggled fully into the dress. "I probably told you this story before..."
"No," she replied softly.
"Well," she continued, "I would have never met him, if I hadn't gone to class that day. Your Papa was the professor's assistant, so he ended up giving the lecture that day because the professor was ill." She began buttoning the back of the dress. "Oh Christine, I never paid so much attention before in my life."
"Mama!" Christine giggled.
"At the end of class I put my things away slowly, trying to think of something to say. Suddenly I became nervous so I decided I should leave without saying a word. But your Papa, he stopped me and asked if he could walk me to my next class," she said with a smile. "We talked as if we had known each other for years. And as we stopped outside the classroom door, he held my hand. I looked down and couldn't tell which fingers were his and which were mine… And that's when I knew," she said gently, finishing the top buttons.
"Knew what?" Christine asked softly.
"You know…"
Christine shook her head.
"Magic. It was magic," she said as she stepped away to view Christine fully.
"Magic…" Christine repeated, testing the word on her lips.
"I knew we'd be together forever and that our lives would be wonderful. Just like how you feel about Raoul."
Christine hummed and she turned to walk towards the floor length mirror.
"Oh," Mama said softly as she came into view. "Darling, it looks wonderful. How do you feel?"
"I… I love it," Christine replied as she turned slowly. A vision in pale pink - it quite nicely matched the blush on her cheeks. "Are you sure you're okay with me wearing this?"
"Yes my darling," she said as she gently placed the veil atop her head.
"It's perfect," she replied, smiling as she reached over to hug her.
Suddenly a rip pierced the air and they both gasped.
"Oh no!" Christine cried, she could feel a large opening near the buttons, the fabric loose at her back.
"Oh dear," Mama said as she inspected the back. "Not to worry. Nothing a little adjustment can't fix I'm sure."
"It's a sign…" Christine whispered as she reached behind her to inspect the damage herself.
"But darling you don't believe in signs," Mama replied.
Christine turned up the volume as she yawned for the second time that evening. She had only been in the car for twenty minutes but she could already feel the food coma seeping in. As she listened to "Jingle Bells" for what seemed like the millionth time that night, she let her fingers toggle the radio scanner, hoping to find something more stimulating.
"-and now everybody's favorite: Dominick the Donkey!"
"Nope."
"-tonight's discussion. Let's talk about you and your liver this holiday-"
"Not on your life."
"Tonight's topic is 'Christmas Dreams and Wishes'. I'm Dr. Carlotta Giudicelli, live from the Sears Tower in Chicago. What's your wish this Christmas-"
"My wish is to stay awake…"
"We have a caller here from Seattle," she continued. "Hi, who's this?"
"My name is Reza," a young voice said.
Christine hummed curiously.
"You sound very young Reza, how old are you?"
"Eight."
"Oh, that is quite young," she laughed. "Well, what's your Christmas wish tonight?"
"It's for my Papa. He needs a new wife."
"What?" she laughed, her fingers returning to the wheel.
"Oh really? Why's that?" she chuckled.
"Well he doesn't have one now."
"Oh I see. Well where's your mom?"
"She… she died."
Christine let out a short gasp. "Oh, no."
"Oh, Reza. I'm so sorry to hear that."
"He's been pretty depressed about it for a while now. It worries me sometimes."
"Have you guys talked about it? Does he know how you feel?"
"Sometimes, but he gets really sad about it when I try. So we stop."
Christine hummed again, nodding empathetically.
"That's understandable. Is your dad at home right now?"
"Yeah he's out on the deck."
"Well Reza, I think I might be able to help you, help your dad. If you can get him on the phone to talk with us-"
"What!" Christine exclaimed. "Shameless woman! Don't listen to her Reza, hang up!"
"I don't know… He might get mad at me."
"He won't Reza. As soon as he finds out how concerned you are for him-"
"Oooh, I dunno about that," Christine chuckled. Reza paused before continuing.
"Alright, but if I get into trouble I'm never listening to you ever again."
Christine let out a hearty laugh. She didn't feel so tired anymore.
The night air was cold out on the deck. Amin exhaled slowly, wrapping his jacket more tightly around him. The house was covered in white twinkling lights, just enough to be festive. Reza had asked for them this year, and he saw no reason to deny the small request, though the inside of the house was left bare. Soraya, Amin recalled, always had a fascination with the Christmas holidays, a trait that their son also shared. He wondered what traits he and Reza shared.
"Papa?" Reza called from inside. "You have a phone call."
"I'm coming," he replied, slowly walking through the door. He removed his scarf and placed it on the counter as he reached for the kitchen phone.
"His name is Amin." He heard Reza say softly from the study.
And as he picked up the phone, he realized that he had not heard the phone ring while he was outside.
"Hello?"
"Hello Amin? This is Dr. Carlotta Giudicelli at Talk Wave."
"Ah I see," he said gently scratching his beard. "I thought I took my information off of your list but-"
"No, I'm not a telemarketer," she chuckled. "I want to help. Your son called asking for advice on how you can get a new wife."
He blinked. "…Who is this?"
"Dr. Carlotta Giudicelli," she said again slowly. "From Talk Wave Live and you're on the air-"
Reza peeked from the doorway and Amin turned to him. "You called a radio station?" he asked stupefied. Reza stepped back to hide behind the doorway once more.
"Amin?" Dr. Giudicelli called. "Amin are you still there?"
"…Uh, yes… Yes. Um-"
"Reza has told us that since your wife's death you've been very very unhappy," she said. "He's worried about you."
He closed his eyes and sighed deeply, the words settling into his brain. "Reza," he called sternly, but softly. "Come out here please." Reza slowly walked out into hallway, the other cordless phone to his ear.
"I think he's been having some trouble talking to you about this," she continued.
Amin tilted his head, his eyebrows furrowed and his green eyes concerned. What is this? they asked. Reza mimicked his movements, his brown ones guilty and worried. Please?
"I was thinking," she continued again, "that we could talk about it together. I know it would make Reza feel a little better."
Amin sighed again, still unsure of how he ended up in this strange situation. You've been in worse, he reminded himself.
"Please Papa, she's a doctor." Reza said confidently.
"Reza, this… This is..." Amin took a deep breath, searching for the right words… This is crazy.
"Amin?" she called again. "Amin… It's his Christmas wish."
Amin looked at him incredulously this time. "Are you serious?" he whispered.
Reza merely shrugged in reply.
"We don't even-"
Amin exhaled a long and slow breath, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Unbelievable."
"Is that a yes Amin?"
Exasperated, he finally gave in and shrugged off his jacket. "Yes. Alright."
He sat on the couch and patted the seat next to him, signaling for Reza to join him. He ran over and hopped onto the couch, a wide grin on his face.
"Great," she said with a smile in her voice. Amin rolled his eyes slightly and then looked over at Reza.
"Christmas wish," he muttered softly, giving Reza a small noogie.
"Ahhh!"
Amin laughed softly and shook his head. It was going to be a long night.
"I understand that this might be difficult. But how long has it been since your wife's death?"
"Almost two years," he said, his smooth thick voice filling her car.
"And have you had any relationships since?"
He cleared his throat, clearly uncomfortable. "...No"
"Why not?"
"Sheesh."
"Look… umm… Dr. Giudicelli-"
"Please, call me Dr. Carlotta."
Christine and Amin scoffed simultaneously.
"Dr. Carlotta-"
"Dr. Carlotta,"
…they said sarcastically. Christine narrowed her eyes curiously at the radio.
He continued, "...I don't mean to be rude-"
"And I don't mean to intrude."
"Sure you do."
"Sure you do."
Christine eye's widened this time. Then she chuckled and smiled.
"Please go on," Dr. Carlotta urged gently.
"It's been tough on us both," he said. "But, we're working on it… And everything will be fine as soon as I break his radio."
Dr. Carlotta laughed, "You know I can tell that you're a good father, and I'm certain you've been doing everything you can to make sure Reza is living a full and happy life… But something must be wrong if Reza is still worried about you."
Christine hummed again, tilting her head to the side.
"I have a few more questions," Dr. Carlotta continued. "Do you sleep at night?"
There was a soft exhale. "He doesn't sleep at all," Reza responded.
"How do you know that?" asked Amin.
"I hear your footsteps sometimes."
Amin took a deep breath before continuing.
"Soraya… My wife… She was our light. She gave us warmth and happiness. And now… it's like they've gone with her. I try my best, to fill in her shoes. But he needs a mother."
"Don't you think, you need someone else as well?"
There was a long pause and Christine inhaled slowly. A familiar ache began to throb softly.
"Yes," she whispered firmly.
"Don't answer that," Dr. Carlotta said abruptly. "We're gonna take a quick break and we'll be right back after these messages. Amin and Reza, don't go away."
"-If you've just tuned in, we're live with Sleepless in Seattle-"
Amin exhaled loudly, "What's happening now?"
"I think people are gonna call in and talk about us," Reza replied.
"Oh," he said. "Well, that should be fun."
"Thanks Papa."
"Hm?"
"For doing… this," he replied.
"Not like I had much of a choice," he teased, his face softening. "I love you Reza… But I was serious about the radio," he added as they shared a laugh.
Amin groaned gently as he reclined against the couch. An hour had passed by quickly, with most of the time taken up by listeners calling in to ask questions or give feedback. Reza lay asleep, his head on a pillow at his lap, the phone held tightly to his chest. Amin rubbed his back gently and switched phone positions for what seemed like the millionth time that evening.
"We're on the last few minutes of the show here Amin," she said. "You ready for the final questions?"
He chuckled. "If I say no will you let me go?"
Christine exited the highway as instructed by her phone's GPS, though purposely driving slower than usual.
"They say that people who have loved before, are more likely to love again. Do you think that will be true for you Amin? Do you think there maybe someone out there that you could love as much as your wife?"
"Well, Dr. Carlotta," he said, "There is the dream of someone else - a small hope that exists in my heart. But I have to tell you, it's very hard to imagine."
"What are you gonna do?"
"I'm... going to wake up each morning. And breathe in and out. I'm going to live my life and make sure Reza knows I love him every day."
He paused and Christine's eyes watered. She felt his pain down to her fingertips. The grief. The sadness. The loneliness. It all came flooding to her, and there was nothing she could do to ease the pain, for him or herself.
"And then," he continued, "Maybe one day I'll wake up, and I won't have to remind myself to breathe. To live. To love."
The tears fell freely and unknowingly down Christine's cheeks as she pulled in front of the De Chagny residence. She couldn't leave now. Not until she heard it all.
"Amin, tell us what made your wife so special."
"How long is your radio show?" he chuckled softly, the sound making her heart flutter. She sniffled softly.
"It was a countless number of little things," he continued."Things that, felt like they were only meant for me. Like she was only meant for me. She made me feel like I belonged. Like I found my home."
She sniffed loudly as she held herself, rubbing the goosebumps on her arms.
"And I knew it. I knew it from the very first time we touched… I was taking her hand, to introduce myself. And I knew."
Christine inhaled sharply.
"It was like…"
"Magic."
"Magic."
Note about the wedding dress - Google: Unique Eva Haynal Forsyth 1989 Wedding Dress
I'll probably post a link on my tumblr as well.