Oh my gosh! I'm so overwhelmed by the response to the prologue! I posted this at like 1am and assumed come morning I'd pull it, but with people liking it I couldn't bring myself to. And everyone wants to know what happens next, so now I know I gotta make sure the questions get answered.
On reviews…. Oh my gosh you guys are so amazing! Thank you for reviewing! It's so much more than I anticipated. I'm trying to respond to them all, but also, I've definitely responded to a few people twice so if that was you… I'm really sorry!
To the one guest reviewer who made me turn moderation on: your comment was unnecessary. The reason I shared that I didn't know where the plot would go was so I could get feedback, which I have now gotten: The consensus is minimal angst, so I promise a majority fluffy story. There's gonna be some chaos our lovers will have to deal with but I promise I'll keep stress on my readers low!
Thank you thank you THANK YOU to my glorious beta, Sunflower Frank and prereaders, Mariel and RoBiNiSmYbOo! They're all amazing, even if I definitely ignored plenty of their suggestions. And have totally tinkered since they all finished!
I own an MacBook Air and an iPad but not Twilight.
Six months later
"Insta Stranger"—as I'd started to call him in my head—liked almost every photo I posted on Instagram and usually commented too. When it was a painting, he would comment on my talent and mention whatever he thought about the subject matter. When it was food, he'd talk about how hungry it made him. And when it was me, he'd say I was beautiful. And he never failed to like photos of me.
Sometimes I commented back. I usually liked his photos, although maybe not with the same enthusiasm as he did mine. Maybe it should've been creepy, but it wasn't. He didn't respond to my posts immediately. It was often hours later or even the next day. It didn't seem like he was stalking my Insta, more like he made a point of checking it when he could.
It was nice having someone who always liked my photos. It used to be just Jacob telling me I was pretty or begging for baked goods. Insta Stranger never asked for anything. He just said things looked good.
I surveyed the selfie I was posting. Rose had done my hair and make-up. My hair was long and curly; my eyes were smoky but not overdone. My lips were bright red. Rose was dragging me out for a night of karaoke and said I had to dress up for it.
"RoseInThorns is making me get dressed up!" I typed, adding a wailing face emoji. I hit post and went back to my feed. Insta Stranger had a new picture of the Eiffel Tower. I wondered if he was in Paris now or if he had saved the picture. I'd noticed he tended to mix it up. Sometimes he would say it was a current one in the captions, but very rarely.
Bzzzzz
I jumped as my Instagram feed disappeared, and the incoming call popped up on my screen.
JACOB BLACK IS CALLING.
"Hey, Jake."
"Bella!" he exclaimed. "I know I normally just comment, but I can't keep it in! Your new Instagram picture is so gorgeous!"
"Uh, thanks, Jake," his compliments always made me a little uncomfortable. Either they were really sincere or uncomfortably blunt in a weird way. "It's nice of you to call and tell me but so unnecessary."
"It's totally necessary, Bells," I winced at the name. I only liked my dad calling me that. "I gotta do something to stand out!"
Stand out? I thought.
"Did you ever figure out who this Masen guy is?"
"MasenAroundTheWorld? No, just some travel account, I guess," I said. "I don't know anything except that he's a guy, and he travels for work."
"He's a guy, and he likes you," Jake declared. "You should block him."
"What? Why?"
"Because he's going to think you're interested!"
"Jake, I follow him on Instagram. We've never met. Or spoken. I've never seen his face. He has no selfies posted. I don't think I'm giving him any ideas. Interacting with someone on Instagram isn't that big a deal."
Of course, something about Insta Stranger's photos and comments intrigued me, and I couldn't help thinking that I could be interested in him if I met him, but I wasn't going to tell Jacob that.
Jake grumbled. "You know you're too flirty?"
I sighed. Not again.
"I'm not flirting with anyone, Jacob. Now, I actually need to go; I have things I have to do." I wasn't about to tell him Rose and I were going out. He'd want to come, and I didn't really feel like being trailed by a puppy all night. A puppy that wanted to walk with me and would be certain I'd had too much to drink after only a drink and a half and would grouch if I said "excuse me" to a guy. Jake was annoyingly protective of me for reasons I could not fathom. No guy I'd ever met was good enough for me, according to him.
"Okay, well, call me! We should hang out," Jacob blurted out before I hung up.
"Jake still grouching about Insta Stranger liking all your pictures?" Rose asked.
"Yep. I have no idea why. He's literally a stranger on the internet."
"He likes you, Bella," Rose said. "Jacob's been in love with you for as long as I've known you."
I rolled my eyes.
Rosalie sighed. "Yeah, I know you don't believe me. So let's forget it and go get drunk and sing!"
At the bar, Rose made me do a couple of tequila shots before pushing me on stage to sing my classic Britney. I varied what I went with for karaoke, tonight was "Oops I Did It Again."
While Rose was up crooning some Beyonce, I checked Instagram.
MasenAroundTheWorld liked your photo.
MasenAroundTheWorld commented on your photo.
I tapped the notification.
Wow… What can I say? I'm speechless.
Maybe it was the tequila; maybe it was Jake's comments; maybe it was the steady responses I'd been getting from this guy for six months. I tapped his name and opened a private message.
Speechless… Is that good or bad?-SwanSong
I don't know what I expected, and I was just about to order another round of shots when my phone dinged.
Good. Very good. You look amazing. What's the occasion?-MasenAroundTheWorld
Holy shit he messaged me back!
Drinks and karaoke with Rose.-SwanSong
Karaoke huh? What's your standard song?-MasenAroundTheWorld
Classic Britney. Tonight was Oops I Did It Again. Probably will do Satisfaction later.-SwanSong
Wow… I don't know what I expected but it wasn't Britney. And definitely not classic Britney. Do you do her well?-MasenAroundTheWorld
Not even slightly. I'm an embarrassment to millennials everywhere.-SwanSong
I find that hard to believe. You seem good at everything you do.-MasenAroundTheWorld
Was he… flirting? With me? How do I even respond to that?
Meh. I'm an artist. I've been practicing a long time. I dunno that I have a lot of skills beyond that.-SwanSong
Can I ask you something?-MasenAroundTheWorld
Sure.-SwanSong
What's your name? I just call you Swan Girl in my head…-MasenAroundTheWorld
You have a name for me in your head?-SwanSong
Why was that making me so happy?
Well… Yeah. I think about you a lot.-MasenAroundTheWorld.
Will you tell me your name?-MasenAroundTheWorld
Will you tell me yours?-SwanSong
You can call me Masen :)-MasenAroundTheWorld
Sounds like maybe that isn't your name…-SwanSong
It's a family name. I have to stay pretty private for work, so that's what I use. It's a real name, though. It's not, like, fake or anything.-MasenAroundTheWorld
I'm just messing with you. I didn't mean you had to tell me everything. We can work up to socials and bank account passwords.-SwanSong
Gorgeous girl, I still don't have a name for you….-MasenAroundTheWorld
I hesitated. Why was he flirting with me? I knew what I had to offer. I was a plain, plump, low-paid baker and painter. I baked well, I decorated cakes better, and I made some decent side cash selling paintings on Etsy. I didn't know much about Masen at all, except he was exceptionally well-travelled. Something about his comments always made him seem cultured though. Classy. I was a girl who wore paint-covered sweats or flour-covered leggings more than anything else. There was no way we had anything in common.
But I was drunk.
Did I have the impulse control to have this conversation?
Answer: I did not.
Are you flirting with me?-SwanSong
Yes.-MasenAroundTheWorld
Why?-SwanSong
Because you're pretty and I like talking to you.-MasenAroundTheWorld
I'm glad you messaged me.-MasenAroundTheWorld
I've been about to DM you for… well. Weeks. Months, really.-MasenAroundTheWorld
Oh… Well. Sliding into your DMs is courtesy of the quart of tequila Rose poured down my throat tonight.-SwanSong
Anything that gets you talking to me is okay by me. Maybe drink some water, though?-MasenAroundTheWorld
That wasn't a bad idea. A waitress was walking by. I flagged her down and asked for some water.
And another shot for good measure.
I'm getting water.-SwanSong
Good girl.-MasenAroundTheWorld
Another shot too.-SwanSong
Drink the water.-MasenAroundTheWorld
Bossy!-SwanSong
Just trying to take care of you, baby.-MasenAroundTheWorld
Shit. I definitely didn't know what the deal was with this guy, but I should nip this in the bud.
Don't do that.-SwanSong
Do what?-MasenAroundTheWorld
Act like… I dunno. Just….-SwanSong
I stared at my phone, willing words to come to me. Willing myself to get over myself and let the sweet seeming guy flirt with me… willing myself to get a clue what I wanted.
You're uncomfortable.-MasenAroundTheWorld
Yeah.-SwanSong
Is it 'cause I want to take care of you or because I called you baby?-MasenAroundTheWorld
Both I guess.-SwanSong
I'm sorry I'm coming on strong… I'm just really happy to finally be talking to you.-MasenAroundTheWorld
And I don't have anything else to call you.-MasenAroundTheWorld
Bella.-SwanSong
What?-MasenAroundTheWorld
My name is Bella.-SwanSong
Suits you ;-)-MasenAroundTheWorld
Original.-SwanSong
Heard it before, huh?-MasenAroundTheWorld
Periodically.-SwanSong
Usually from creepy old guys tbh.-SwanSong
Wait.-SwanSong
How old are you?-SwanSong
Well, I'm feeling positively ancient because I'll be 30 soon but I'm pretty sure that's not as old as your creepers.-MasenAroundTheWorld
So what do the young guys say if they don't use that line?-MasenAroundTheWorld
They don't say anything.-SwanSong
What do you mean?-MasenAroundTheWorld
Are you trying to get me to tell you about when I get hit on?-SwanSong
Spoiler alert—I don't.-SwanSong
I don't believe that.-MasenAroundTheWorld
Believe it or not, it's true.-SwanSong
Look…-SwanSong
I hesitated. I liked talking to Masen. He was sweet and flirty. He always complimented me in comments and always seemed kind of in awe of me. And he definitely talked like he thought I was attractive. Plus, he seemed kind of safe. He didn't have any photos of himself anywhere on Instagram that I could find. And I had looked. He was keeping himself pretty anonymous, even in DMs. I'd been single for ages; would it be so bad to flirt with the secretive stranger? Somehow, even with his secrets he… felt like home.
"This bar got boring," Rose sighed, flopping down next to me. "Wanna go home?"
I nodded.
You there?-MasenAroundTheWorld
Yeah. Sorry. Rose came back to the table. She wants to go home.-SwanSong
Do you have to go?-MasenAroundTheWorld
For a bit. We're walking. I'm drunk. She made me wear heels. Adding messaging into that is a bad idea.-SwanSong
Let me know when you get home?-MasenAroundTheWorld
Okay.-SwanSong
"So… Wanna tell me who you're texting?" Rose asked as we stumbled outside. "No way it's Jake. You look too happy."
"It's… Um… Masen. Insta Stranger. I DM'ed him and we started talking."
"Oh yeah? Anything interesting?"
"He's flirting with me," I said quietly.
"You need to get a selfie, girlfriend. You need to know who you're talking to."
"No," I shook my head. "I think he has a reason he doesn't have any selfies posted. He said Masen is a nickname, and he has to stay private for work."
"Did he say what he does?"
"No, I guess probably something for the government. What other job can you not say where you are or who you are on the internet?"
"Hmmm," Rose considered silently. "Are you going to ask?"
"I don't think so. Not yet, anyway."
We fell silent the rest of the way. When we were safely ensconced in our apartment, I stripped down and pulled on sweats and a cami. I washed my face of the make-up and brushed out and braided my hair. After I brushed my teeth, I snuggled up in bed and pulled out my phone.
I'm home. Safe and sound and tucked up in bed.-SwanSong
Good.-MasenAroundTheWorld
Not a good visual though.-MasenAroundTheWorld
What?-SwanSong
You in bed. It isn't something I should imagine. It gives me… problems, let's say.-MasenAroundTheWorld
Problems? Huh? Wait. Was he saying he was hard? And did I want to run with that?
Problems, huh?-SwanSong
Yes… Hard problems.-MasenAroundTheWorld
Problem.-MasenAroundTheWorld
Is that something you can handle?-SwanSong
Did I really just send that? Did I ask him if he was going to masturbate? If he was going to think about me and masturbate? Good lord, who had I become?
Why, Miss Bella, are you asking what I think you're asking?-MasenAroundTheWorld
Maybe?-SwanSong
Ack forget I said anything.-SwanSong
I was trying something. I'm bad at this. I shouldn't have said anything.-SwanSong
You're better at it than you think.-MasenAroundTheWorld
I'm not going to push tonight though.-MasenAroundTheWorld
I don't want to scare you away.-MasenAroundTheWorld
Um. Okay.-SwanSong
Let's talk about something else.-MasenAroundTheWorld
Okay… What are you doing tomorrow?-SwanSong
I have some work stuff to do.-MasenAroundTheWorld
Are you home or traveling right now?-SwanSong
Where is home for you anyway?-SwanSong
Unless you can't tell me. You can forget I asked if you want.-SwanSong
No, it's fine.-MasenAroundTheWorld
Yeah I'm traveling. New York right now.-MasenAroundTheWorld
Home is LA these days.-MasenAroundTheWorld
Wait you're in New York?-SwanSong
Why are you awake?-SwanSong
Jet lag.-MasenAroundTheWorld
I was in Europe the last few days and LA before that. I'm exhausted and my body has no idea what time it is.-MasenAroundTheWorld
Plus, a beautiful girl DM'ed me and I couldn't put my phone down.-MasenAroundTheWorld
Thought you weren't gonna push?-SwanSong
Right. Sorry.-MasenAroundTheWorld
You are pretty though.-MasenAroundTheWorld
That's not really pushing.-MasenAroundTheWorld
I've been telling you that for months.-MasenAroundTheWorld
Anyway.-MasenAroundTheWorld
What are you doing tomorrow?-MasenAroundTheWorld
Day off. I was gonna do some painting and Rose wants to go to a movie.-SwanSong
Actually I was gonna ask if it'd be okay if I painted some of your pictures?-SwanSong
Of course. I've been kind of hoping you'd want to use my photos for ages actually.-MasenAroundTheWorld
What are you seeing?-MasenAroundTheWorld
That new one with Emmett McCarty and Edward Cullen-SwanSong
Broken Waves.-SwanSong
Rose is a huge Emmett McCarty fan.-SwanSong
Oh. Wow.-MasenAroundTheWorld
What?-SwanSong
Nothing just that movie surprised me.-MasenAroundTheWorld
Are you a McCarty fan too?-MasenAroundTheWorld
I like him. I think he's funny. And his interviews are always funny.-SwanSong
I'm not like Rose though.-SwanSong
She… uh… Talks about him in pretty graphic terms.-SwanSong
Although given the stuff he says in interviews, I don't think he'd mind.-SwanSong
Plus, you've seen pics of Rose. I'm sure a movie star would think she's hot.-SwanSong
Lol you may be right.-MasenAroundTheWorld
Are there actors you have a thing for?-MasenAroundTheWorld
I mean… Define a thing I guess. *shrug*-SwanSong
There's actors I think are attractive and I like them in interviews, but how do I know it's not a persona?-SwanSong
Yeah, I guess I think Edward Cullen is pretty attractive. But I barely know you and I still probably know you better than I could ever know him even if I watched every press appearance for Broken Waves. Hell, every interview he's ever done.-SwanSong
That's a good point.-MasenAroundTheWorld
I hope you'll get to know me better though.-MasenAroundTheWorld
And let me get to know you.-MasenAroundTheWorld
Why?-SwanSong
Because I have trouble meeting people these days and you're intriguing.-MasenAroundTheWorld
And because I think we could have something special if we met.-MasenAroundTheWorld
Oh. Wow.-SwanSong
I'm not suggesting we meet up tomorrow, Bella :-)-MasenAroundTheWorld
Just… Give me a chance to get to know you.-MasenAroundTheWorld
And maybe someday we can meet face to face.-MasenAroundTheWorld
I think you'd be disappointed in me.-SwanSong
I doubt it. I'm a little worried you'll be disappointed in me though.-MasenAroundTheWorld
Why? Are you super hideous and you think I'm that shallow?-SwanSong
Well, actually I hear I'm pretty attractive. But no actually that wasn't it, I just worry that you'll think the guy you met on here isn't the real me.-MasenAroundTheWorld
It's funny I was thinking earlier that you seem kind of… safe. I guess. Because I feel like you keeping yourself so anonymous it means that you don't have to hide things from me.-SwanSong
I guess I kind of thought that maybe I'm the only one getting the real you right now.-SwanSong
Or me and whoever else you talk to on Insta.-SwanSong
It's just you, Bella.-MasenAroundTheWorld
I considered my phone, starting to type random words before deleting them. I felt like I was getting into something really deep with this guy. I wasn't sure I'd regret it, but I should probably not get into it…. now.
You are getting the real me, though.-MasenAroundTheWorld
It's why I have this account that's secret from everyone at work, even secret from my family. No one who knows me in "real life" knows about this profile.-MasenAroundTheWorld
It's a chance for me to just be… me.-MasenAroundTheWorld
I was suddenly overcome with curiosity. I wasn't going to ask him about his job. I kind of had been thinking I should skip the basic getting to know you questions. He already knew the answers for me from my posts and knowing that if there was something he didn't tell me it was because he didn't want me to know. Or didn't want me to know yet. But I felt like there was a reason he'd gone looking for a space to be himself. And maybe he'd tell me that.
Can I ask you something?-SwanSong
I won't be offended if you think it's too personal or something.-SwanSong
Or if it'll give away something about your job that you can't tell me.-SwanSong
I'm not trying to pry.-SwanSong
Sure.-MasenAroundTheWorld
I'll tell you if I can.-MasenAroundTheWorld
Why did you start this account?-SwanSong
And why did you follow me?-SwanSong
I mean, I know how you found me.-SwanSong
And I'm glad. I like getting to know you.-SwanSong
But… why?-SwanSong
The account I started ages ago. It's a chance for me to scroll through the tags I like without having to look over my shoulder. And it's nice to see people looking through the sunset tags getting excited about my pictures. I see some pretty cool stuff while I'm working. I like getting to put it out there like this.-MasenAroundTheWorld
I didn't set out for a place to be the real me. I don't think I even realized I'm not entirely real in my own life until I started following you.-MasenAroundTheWorld
And as for why I followed you?-MasenAroundTheWorld
I sometimes go poke through people's profiles when strangers like my stuff. I dunno why.-MasenAroundTheWorld
So I poked around yours and I saw the picture of you and I couldn't look away.-MasenAroundTheWorld
You looked so happy and beautiful and I wanted to know you.-MasenAroundTheWorld
Can I ask you a question?-MasenAroundTheWorld
Yeah.-SwanSong
Your selfies aren't usually that happy looking.-MasenAroundTheWorld
That's not a question.-SwanSong
Okay… how about this. Why does it seem like you're kind of sad?-MasenAroundTheWorld
I didn't realize anyone else could tell…-SwanSong
Ugh this is kind of a long story.-SwanSong
You don't have to tell me.-MasenAroundTheWorld
I just wish you were always happy.-MasenAroundTheWorld
I don't mind you knowing but I'm tired and I had a lot of tequila tonight and I really don't want to get into the nitty gritty.-SwanSong
So let's leave it at: I've been single for 2 years and that's a damn good thing because the 3 years before that were the relationship from hell.-SwanSong
And I'm still feeling the effects of my garbage ex.-SwanSong
Garbage exes I'm very familiar with.-MasenAroundTheWorld
I broke up with mine after I walked in on her in bed with someone I thought was a friend.-MasenAroundTheWorld
That was about 6-7 months ago.-MasenAroundTheWorld
Maybe 2 weeks before I followed you.-MasenAroundTheWorld
I probably would've DM'ed you ages ago if she wasn't so recent.-MasenAroundTheWorld
We weren't very serious and I wasn't really upset to end the relationship.-MasenAroundTheWorld
But getting cheated on messes with your head.-MasenAroundTheWorld
Also, she's been sniffing around me. She wants to get back together.-MasenAroundTheWorld
Gossip is super prevalent in my business and she keeps trying to tell the grapevine we're getting back together.-MasenAroundTheWorld
That sucks.-SwanSong
Okay this got heavy.-SwanSong
We need a new subject.-SwanSong
Who's the wolf guy who always wants your cakes?-MasenAroundTheWorld
Ugh this isn't heavy but it's an annoying subject.-SwanSong
That's Jake.-SwanSong
His dad is my dad's best friend and I've known him since we were in diapers.-SwanSong
He tends to follow me around like a puppy.-SwanSong
He likes you.-MasenAroundTheWorld
That's what Rose says too.-SwanSong
I don't think so.-SwanSong
He's just protective 'cause he's known me forever.-SwanSong
And it's gotten worse the last few years because he didn't like Mike in the first place and now he thinks he should screen guys for me.-SwanSong
Except "screen" to him means "glare at any male between 18 and 35 who breathes in my presence."-SwanSong
Oh shit okay I see what you mean.-SwanSong
Yeah, he's jealous of them.-MasenAroundTheWorld
I've had this conversation like 80 times with Rose and she's never convinced me he's into me.-SwanSong
I'm talented that way I guess.-MasenAroundTheWorld
Has he ever asked you out?-MasenAroundTheWorld
No. He tries to wrangle an invitation any time Rose and I go anywhere though.-SwanSong
And if he comes along he follows me around the whole time and tries to separate me from the rest of the group.-SwanSong
How did I not notice that he tries to finagle group stuff so we're on a date?-SwanSong
He also grouches. Like. A LOT if I don't hang out with him enough.-SwanSong
And "not enough" is usually "if there's evidence I had social time with anyone else."-SwanSong
He's really kind of a crappy friend to me, isn't he?-SwanSong
Sounds like it.-MasenAroundTheWorld
How had I never noticed how lousy Jacob treated me? If he heard that Rose and I went to a bar, he'd complain that I didn't invite him. And then he'd complain that he "never" sees me. And then he'd guilt me until I had a movie night with him. And he'd guilt me for not hugging him when he left.
Ughhhh. Okay, I don't want to think about Jake anymore.-SwanSong
What do you want to think about?-MasenAroundTheWorld
I dunno. I'm tired.-SwanSong
I probably should actually go to sleep.-SwanSong
Fuck, Bella.-MasenAroundTheWorld
What?-SwanSong
You reminded me that you're in bed.-MasenAroundTheWorld
Are your big hard problems back?-SwanSong
I could not believe I sent that.
You have no idea, baby.-MasenAroundTheWorld
Well, if it helps, I don't sleep in slinky sexy shit.-SwanSong
Since you brought it up… What do you sleep in?-MasenAroundTheWorld
I'm honestly not trying to sext. I'm really just curious.-MasenAroundTheWorld
I don't believe you but I'm giving you the benefit of the doubt.-SwanSong
And tonight a tank top and paint covered UDub sweatpants.-SwanSong
Honestly that sounds pretty hot.-MasenAroundTheWorld
What happened to not sexting?-SwanSong
You told me what you're sleeping in and I started picturing it.-MasenAroundTheWorld
You asked.-SwanSong
Were you going to think whatever I said was hot?-SwanSong
I don't think I should answer that.-MasenAroundTheWorld
I don't want to scare you away.-MasenAroundTheWorld
I want to know.-SwanSong
Okay… Well, yeah.-MasenAroundTheWorld
It's not what you're sleeping in that's hot.-MasenAroundTheWorld
It's the you in bed.-MasenAroundTheWorld
Well, the you anywhere.-MasenAroundTheWorld
But you in bed is hot.-MasenAroundTheWorld
And knowing what you're wearing, whatever it is, gives me a great opportunity to imagine taking it off you.-MasenAroundTheWorld
And lemme tell you…-MasenAroundTheWorld
You in bed with the tank top and sweats on the floor next to the bed is a REALLY hot image.-MasenAroundTheWorld
Holy shit. I didn't know how to respond to that. I was flushed and he was definitely making me horny, and somehow I was okay with how his innuendo had gone into straight-up sex talk.
Oh…-SwanSong
Fuck. I went too far.-MasenAroundTheWorld
I'm sorry.-MasenAroundTheWorld
It's okay.-SwanSong
That was… not what I expected.-SwanSong
But kind of flattering.-SwanSong
And a little hot.-SwanSong
Why, little Miss innocent, are you telling me that I am having an effect on you?-MasenAroundTheWorld
I plead the 5th.-SwanSong
I'm going to let you shy away tonight because I think I've probably pushed your limits about as far as you'll let me.-MasenAroundTheWorld
But make no mistake, you beautiful sexy girl.-MasenAroundTheWorld
I have every intention of getting you to tell me what kind of effect I'm having on you.-MasenAroundTheWorld
Noted.-SwanSong
You're not getting anything else out of me tonight though.-SwanSong
I can't believe I said even what I did say.-SwanSong
I'm really glad I'm alone because I'm definitely as red as a tomato.-SwanSong
Now that, I would like to see.-MasenAroundTheWorld
I was pretty sure he was just commenting on it. He wasn't asking for a selfie. But I also kind of… well, I wanted to send him one. I closed out of Instagram and opened my camera. The light wasn't great because I was only lit by my bedside lamp, but the slightly pink light bounced off my flushed face, and I did look kind of cute, I thought. Flushed but pretty. Or at least, I hoped so.
I sent the picture.
Ask and ye shall receive.-SwanSong
Oh fuck, baby.-MasenAroundTheWorld
You're incredibly beautiful.-MasenAroundTheWorld
I swear I wasn't angling for a picture.-MasenAroundTheWorld
I know.-SwanSong
But… I dunno. You were cute.-SwanSong
Cute, huh?-MasenAroundTheWorld
Oh shut up.-SwanSong
:-P-MasenAroundTheWorld
You can call me cute if it gets me selfies like this.-MasenAroundTheWorld
Don't hold your breath for more.-SwanSong
You got lucky.-SwanSong
Yeah I really fucking did.-MasenAroundTheWorld
And I'm not sending nudes.-SwanSong
And if you ask I might just block you.-SwanSong
I'm classier than that, beautiful.-MasenAroundTheWorld
Don't worry.-MasenAroundTheWorld
Alright you need to sleep.-MasenAroundTheWorld
And to answer your earlier question…-MasenAroundTheWorld
I need to go and… handle my problems.-MasenAroundTheWorld
Oh…-SwanSong
I can't believe I'm saying this.-SwanSong
But I think I like that you told me that.-SwanSong
Yeah?-MasenAroundTheWorld
Yeah.-SwanSong
It's hot.-SwanSong
That you're thinking of me.-SwanSong
Wait.-SwanSong
You are thinking of me right?-SwanSong
Shit.-SwanSong
Just ignore me if I'm just really conceited.-SwanSong
Relax, beautiful.-MasenAroundTheWorld
Yes. I am thinking of you and your big brown eyes.-MasenAroundTheWorld
Now. For real this time. Go sleep.-MasenAroundTheWorld
I'm going to try and sleep too.-MasenAroundTheWorld
Once I've dealt with my problem.-MasenAroundTheWorld
Big problem?-SwanSong
You're playing with fire, little girl.-MasenAroundTheWorld
I've never had any complaints.-MasenAroundTheWorld
Now, go to sleep.-MasenAroundTheWorld
I'll talk to you tomorrow.-MasenAroundTheWorld
If that's okay?-MasenAroundTheWorld
More than okay.-SwanSong
I want to talk to you tomorrow.-SwanSong
Me too.-MasenAroundTheWorld
Good night, beautiful.-MasenAroundTheWorld
Sweet dreams.-SwanSong
They will be. I'll be dreaming of you.-MasenAroundTheWorld
That was cheesy, Masen.-SwanSong
It's true.-MasenAroundTheWorld
XOXO-MasenAroundTheWorld
I couldn't think of a response. I sent him a little smiley face, plugged my phone in, turned off the lamp, and fell asleep with a smile on my face. My dreams were full of a faceless sexy stranger.
I have a bunch pre-written and much as I'd like to post it all for you immediately, it needs editing and also I don't want to make you wait for the next one! So, let's say weekly. How's Friday for update day?
I hate asking for reviews but you'll absolutely make my day if you do! Add me on FB if you like—Cherry Cullen. If nothing else, I'll probably have teasers and inspiration images sometimes.