So, I hate being British because I really want to watch Torrance Coombs new Hallmark movie, Romance in the Air. Someone in the States please, tell me how great it is and how our Bashie is doing. Urgh, it's so dissatisfying seeing his Tweets and not being able to do anything to watch it. England sucks sometimes.
The National Music Accolades in NYC are the biggest awards in the world and being nominated after reaching a number one album and releasing two hit singles almost makes Francis faint as he paces his and Mary's hotel suite living room. He's freaking out because he wouldn't have got there without his former label.
"I'd have to thank them," he tells his girlfriend as she lays on her stomach on the sofa, watching him. "I'd have to admit that we cut ties and then the increase in sales would mean they get even more money from my stuff! That's if I win."
Mary sits up, getting up to stop him in his tracks with her hands on his cheeks. "Does it matter?"
"What?"
"If they make money from it?"
"I guess not..."
Mary smiles. "Exactly. Because that also shows that you've got a lot of fans who will support you, no matter what. You will make your money from your new stuff. You will be just as big as you've always been, even more! You're doing great, don't worry."
He hugs her, sighing heavily. "I'm not going to win anything. At this point, my career's gone to shit."
Mary laughs, letting him go and retrieving his lyric book from his suitcase. She takes a seat on the sofa, patting the seat beside her and he sits, curling up into her as she runs her fingers through his hair, his head on her chest. Her other hand opens up the book and she reveals all the lyrics he's written with her and he sighs heavily.
"All of these songs are beautiful," she tells him. "From French to Italian to English... When you record them and feel the music in your bones, you'll find your passion, your confidence and you'll believe in yourself just as much as I believe in you. I wouldn't have got through these months we've been together if not for your undying support. I love you Francis and I want you to trust in yourself that you are good enough."
Then she leans forward and gets her laptop, opening it up to his YouTube music channel.
"How many subs did you have the other time you checked?"
"About five-hundred thousand," he informs her.
Mary grins, looking down at the number. "Are you sure? Because you've just got one point five million more subscribers!"
Francis gasps, yanking her laptop to see the evidence for himself. He turns to her. "You."
"What?"
"Y-You must have had an effect," he tells her. "When you won your awards." He grins proudly. "Five awards, you're amazing."
She blushes, nuzzling her nose against his. "It's because of you. We've helped each other and now, your two million subscribers are waiting for your new song to be released."
"I do have some stuff recorded..."
"Which one is the romantic one?"
Francis bites his lip. "Both."
"Can I choose?"
"Sure," he says, grabbing his own laptop from its case and opening it up. He goes to his password-locked files and grabs his AirPods, handing her one and putting the other into his ear before pressing 'play'.
Mary closes her eyes when his voice fills her ear and she smiles, listening to his song and swaying side to side a little. It's not got Italian in this one but he does say "Mon Dieu, you're beautiful," and she turns to him with a grin.
"Moi?" She asks.
"Oui," he replies, pecking her nose. "Seulement toi."
She sighs happily. "Why, merci beaucoup, mon amour."
Then an idea pops into her mind.
"What do you know about editing a video?"
Francis snorts. "Nothing. I send them to Henri Jr and he fixes up my music videos."
Mary kisses him. "Well, it's time to use his services again. Now, do you have your camera?"
...
Over the next two weeks, Francis wins three awards but his label will obviously benefit, putting a dampen on his mood. But it's quickly brought back up when they snuggle up in the guest bedroom of Bash's Parisian apartment. He presses 'upload' on the page and soon, the video is live for all to see.
"This is my favourite music video to date," he tells her, pressing a kiss on the side of her head. "The next time I receive an award, it will be for me only."
Mary grins up at him, kissing his lips softly. "Well done, mio amore."
"Fantastica," he breathes out in awe, nuzzling his nose against hers.
He pushes her back down onto the bed, attacking her neck with featherlight kisses as she sighs wistfully, her fingers entwining into his locks. He inhales her scent, it driving him crazy as his fingers latch onto her shorts, pulling it down.
Before he can even work his way down, a knock on the door disturbs them and he sighs against Mary's skin as she giggles.
"Yeah?" She calls out once she realises that Francis is too annoyed to do so.
"Are you dressed?" It's Bash and Mary pulls her shorts up as Francis pulls a pillow over his lap.
"Yep," Francis drawls out, rolling his eyes.
Bash opens the door, eyes on Francis. "According to Kenna, you have today and tomorrow off until the show."
"Mhm," Mary hums for Francis.
"So, suits. She's given me one thing to do that this mysterious wedding planner wants me to sort out and have a part in this wedding, I guess," he continues on. "So, do you want to follow me and have drinks after with Leith, Remy and Julien?"
Francis shoots out of the bed. "They'll be there?" He asks in excitement.
Bash chuckles. "Last time I checked, we're all still good friends and I want them as my groomsmen as well."
"I'm in," Francis says quickly, turning to Mary. "You don't mind do you?"
Mary shakes her head with a grin. It will put Francis's mind off all things related to work. "Go ahead. Kenna and I will chill out, I guess."
He presses a kiss on her forehead and heads to the bathroom to take a shower. "I'll be right out!"
Bash gives Mary an amused look and heads back out. "I was his first like and comment, by the way," he says, closing the door behind him.
Mary grabs Francis's laptop and lo and behold, Bash's comment is the first one as well as a good hundred of likes already. She grins in pride.