L’espoir [Johnny]

The dedication ceremony was truly something grand and Francis couldn’t help but feel touched by the Americans’ warm enthusiasm towards himself and de Lessep, his representative for the event. It was refreshing to take this small breath of fresh air outside of the politically soiled one permeating his home. It was challenging to admit, but times for him were currently difficult—especially for his dear capital, who has been at the center of it and was now even holding down the fort to allow for his brief travel across the Atlantic to witness the dedication of Lady Liberty. She was the proud product of many years of sweat, blood, and toil. Even though his own home felt a bit torn and shaken beneath the strain of political intrigue, Francis felt a small weight lift from his chest with the thought that he could at least still create and gift an icon of beauty.


She was to be a beacon of light. The older nations of the world probably would never admit to it, but it was refreshing to have young faces—along with their unpolluted philosophies and optimism—among their ranks. Youth that flooded their old, stuffy ideologies with a faint hope for something pure, something clean in a world where extended age tended to bring corruption. If only the perks of being young lasted before they too simply became a further extension of their predecessors. Sad, but true, Francis believed.


He never liked being solemn. Especially now that his people began to appreciate a slightly freer style of living, exploring the Impressionists’ way of viewing the world. A world that was quickly approaching a new unknown, thrilling era. Francis attempted to shoo the dim thoughts away as he focused on the blazing colors of the setting sun’s light and how it caught the softened hues of the statue from where he stood. As of now, he was currently stuck at a social gathering for the evening; in a room full of politicians, representatives, and New York’s sparkling wealth all waiting to catch an evening view of their new monument. Francis felt that he was in the dull room more out of duty than anything else, but at least the wine wasn’t half bad. He was already on his third. Its warmth settled pleasantly beneath his skin.


After de Lessep forced him to speak with the last of the New York committee members, he was instantly drawn to the balcony before anyone could stop him where a refreshing breeze wafted through. The weather was poor, but not really all that disagreeable. Francis leaned elegantly against the frame of the terrace, watching how the nightlife was slowly stirring. Dear lord, how New York has grown… He could barely remember the last time he had seen it, but it certainly had not been this developed—this sprawling with immigrants from every walk of life, from every nationality. It was truly spectacular.


Francis thought back to the actual ceremony earlier that afternoon when Lady Liberty had finally been unveiled, where his flag had been draped over her face before the awaiting public. The Frenchman’s attention wandered during the speeches by their representatives, but he couldn’t ignore the way the hairs on the back of his neck prickled. Like being watched, though maybe that was just timeworn paranoia, evidence of his age, no doubt. His eyes went straight towards a young blond man in a nearby crowd of officials standing close to Senator Evarts of the New York committee. Recognition was immediate and a small flash of warmth went through his chest.


Mon dieu, is that really him? I remember when he was a boy… Well, not really a boy, but close to one.


Francis stared for a moment and couldn’t help the slight curve of his mouth towards the youth—appreciative with a hint of mischief… before de Lessep gently tugged at his arm, fiercely whispering for him to focus. Releasing a barely audible sigh, he broke his gaze with the young man and tilted his head back towards the speaker. Representatives could be so irritating…


Afterwards, Francis hadn’t a chance to catch a second glance of the blond man that brought back a flood of reminiscence. The concluding formalities and conversations seemed endless until the evening finally pressed on—offering a bit of breathing space for the nation. Of course the wine helped too, forcing his limps to loosen and his gaze to soften.

Back in the present as he continued to admire the scene, he felt the age-old feeling of need. A thrill. Recklessness. He craved—something. He wanted the rush, anything to break the monotony of the evening. And his mind wandered once more to the ceremony and the unexpected torrent of memories.

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He couldn't stop smiling, the entire day, even as Old Grov' forced him into a suit and made him wash the dust and dirt off his face. Johnny was normally found in working mans cloths, a button up with the sleeves rolled to his elbows and a pair of trousers that had definitely seen better days as he helped piece together the new buildings in his beloved city, because the boys at work needed all the help they could get. No matter what he did, he couldn't seem to get his blond mop of hair to actually hold a decent style and eventually gave up in favor of fidgeting with the sleeves of the waistcoat he had been shoved into. When was the last time he had been forced to dress so formally? The young man couldn't even remember.

But stiff attire or not, he enjoyed the day, loving the parades that went through the city and just enjoying the look of awe on Theo's face, that kid didn't realize just how amazing he was, especially in the eyes of the people that came to see the city. The dedication ceremony itself though was something Johnny was sure he just wouldn't ever forget, mainly because he spent a bit of the time wishing everyone would hurry it up so they could drop the flag over her face. He hadn't even been able to see her all put together yet, but the poor was all but chomping at the bit for it. God Evarts, just stop talking already, Johny was willing a fly to choke the man just to get him to shut his mouth now, he paused and they dropped the flag and that was the end of that.

Johnny felt the telltale prickle of tears welling in his eyes, she was beautiful, the prettiest lady he had ever laid eyes on and she was right there looking over him and his Theo. He barely even heard his president talking, had it not been for Danii, still masquerading as a boy pressing a decidedly boney elbow into his ribcage to bring him back to reality. In all honesty, Johny could have been left right there on Bedloe's Island to stare at the pretty lady for the rest of the week and been perfectly content, but someone was buzzing in his ear that he was supposed to go to some stuffy party afterwords and eventually he was dragged away to meet with these people and that bunch over there.

Lighting a pre-rolled cigarette, Evarts was yelling at him about getting ash on the carpet, some woman was trying to grab his attention and he couldn't figure out just were Theo had gotten off to. All Johnny wanted was to sneak out of the party and head back out to stare at Lady Liberty, but his Senator would probably skin his hide. Speaking of, the man was still giving Johnny the evil eye, especially as he reached up and loosened his tie. Eventually the state got tired of the evil look and decided that was as good a time as any to break away from the dull humming of everything around him and bee lined for the balcony, which was when he found himself intruding on someone already there.

Just about to apologize and leave, he stopped short when he actually got a look at the other blond, and his apology turned into a stutter while a mild pink started to burn at his cheeks. Francis, the last time he remembered really truly coming face to face with the older nation was, well, the revolution wasn't it? He felt an ache in his gut just thinking about it, more then half the wars had been fought in New York. The older man was still as handsome as Johnny remembered, but standing there now made the state realize just how young and generally inexperienced he was with........everything. Especially when he could feel his cheeks turning a darker shade of red, he didn't think Francis was going to be in town, he had read the troubles in the papers, but he was rather glad the man was here.

"P-pardon da intrusion, I wasn' aware d-dat anyone was 'ere," He had the oddest little dialect as he spoke, a testament to the many different accents that melted in his state, Johnny was still trying to find himself in all of it, find a way to get it all to mesh together, "It's been a while, 'ow's every.......," Johnny was fidgeting with the sleeves of his coat again, reminding himself of what he had just been reading in the papers, "I ah, th-thank you, Mr. Bonnefoy," Formal of course, because being around any nation aside from his own reminded him of his age and his stature, "She's......well she's da prettiest lady I ever laid eyes on," It wasn't just the sculpting, the amazing craftsmanship and care definitely showed, but really everything she stood for. During the Revolution, Johnny had been apart of the Sons of Liberty, in fact he still called himself that, now the lady herself was right at his doorstep, thanks to the man in front of him, and the sincere gratitude was thicker in his voice then his strange little accent, "I mean it, I don't think I'll ever be able to thank ya enough," Even though he was cursing himself for the stuttering, and the flush he could feel on his cheeks, he was still grinning like an idiot.

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Date: October 28, 1886
Location: NYC!
Music: Empire State of Mind - Jay Z
Notes:[/color] Im so sorry, I never noticed you posted! Dx -feels terrible-
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It was a time of change—change that either altered times for the better or caused strain and discontentment for others. Impressionism, though a bold artistic movement currently in motion in France, was also a subtle representation of the change within the political air. Ever since the introduction of photography, Impressionists were inspired to paint momentary action, not only in the fleeting lights of a landscape, but the day-to-day lives of average people. Common things that others wouldn’t give a second thought. Artists now sought to express their perception of reality rather than compete with new inventions. Likewise, the upper class called them incompetent—their work messy and absurd for representing such common, ugly things.

France thought it beautiful. Seeing the world from these up-and-coming artists (in his mind anyway, as he cared little for his pretentious upper class), he saw beauty in the under trodden. He saw the value of exhaustion—the good, satisfied kind after working hard to live, to maintain something treasured. It was something that the early Americans valued that Francis greatly admired, pre and post revolution. It was an admiration that began when both Alfred and a portion of his states were young along with their will to grow and thrive. Francis attempted to hold onto the same motivating warmth during his own revolution… though he was only horribly burned by it in the end. He came out of it with hideous scars and memories of blood and burning violence.

He shifted slightly, feeling the old wounds over his heart ache in the commemoration. At least he was able to give something to New York as an unspoken admiration for something that he could not properly wield himself.

Thoughts were interrupted when he heard someone very quickly entering the balcony and was just short of what might have been an apology. Francis turned, meeting the man’s eyes, noticing the darkening color of his cheeks, and immediately recognizing him. There was a flurry of expressions that passed the man’s face, but Francis could only detect the distant memory. Of course it was on the battlefield that he had last seen the boy. He seemed so young back then, but really, he wasn’t that young in appearance, if the Frenchman could remember correctly. The battlefield seemed to be a common ‘last meeting’ that their kind often met with others. Such was normal, however. And he couldn’t help but to feel a bit flattered at the man’s reaction to him. He smiled, softly affectionate as opposed to his usual smug teasing.

“You are not intruding,” he said, the curve of his mouth rising marginally with amusement, “only providing a nice disruption in the dullness of this party. I’ve been to many… and this is among the most tedious.” Then again, Francis’ idea of parties was quite different from what was considered conventional by most standards. Or acceptable for that matter. Oh—why was the world was filled with so many prudes, Francis would never understand. On the other hand, a world with too many like him might very well be turmoil. A good sort of turmoil, Francis mentally defended himself, but turmoil nonetheless.

The Frenchman’s gaze softened at the sight of Johnny fidgeting with the sleeves of his coat. “It has, hasn’t it?” He briefly glanced at the sweeping cityscape. “You’ve grown so much… and yet some parts of you are exactly as I remember,” He murmured, recalling the same endearing blush that used to paint the younger Johnny’s face the numerous times they met and conversed between battles.

When Johnny asked how he was doing, though stopped in the middle of asking, Francis’ expression tightened briefly as his thoughts drifted toward Paris and the political situation that he had left behind for the moment. It was difficult to make time to be here in New York, to say the least… “Everything’s as fine as it can be—“ he began carefully, a smile that he hoped was somewhat optimistic returning, thinking about the current movements going on, “—but I know it will get better soon.”

Hearing his formal, human title made his insides wince slightly. He hated being reminded of his age, even if there were many perks to the experience of age—much like wine. Although at this particular moment, he wasn’t reminded of said perks. “Oh, please no formalities,” he waved them off with a small smile. “It has been a while, but I would say that we are still far from strangers. And…” he paused, his somber thoughts a little distant, “You’re welcome… It was more than a gesture… I… well,” he chuckled lightly at himself. Expressing heavy feelings were even difficult for ones as old as him. Perhaps age did turn people into ‘sentimental old fools’, as England would have said.

“Watching this lady of liberty being crafted has put the Parisian artisans in an architectural mood. Even now, we are drawing plans for another. It’s to be the gateway for the ‘89 Exposition Universelle*. They’re calling it La dame de fer."** He sighed. “From viewing the designs, I’m sure she will be lovely. More’s the pity that they will have to tear her down when the permit expires.” Ultimately, Paris was going to decide that when the time came. Perhaps France could woo his capital otherwise.

Hearing the stuttering and seeing Johnny blush brought Francis’ mind back down to earth, instantly entertaining tempting, wicked thoughts, imagining things that he probably shouldn’t at this time. Of course he did nothing to hinder them, little scoundrel that he was. A mischievous glint entered his eyes. Couldn’t thank him enough, eh? No, he wouldn’t go that far in his teasing, but— Francis leaned in a little closer, his eyelids just a bit heavy, matching his playful smirk. “Hm, perhaps we can yet find a way to be rid of this dreary party.”

*the 1889 World’s Fair
**Eiffel Tower (8D)
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Johnny tried to be discreet as his blue eyes darted up to steal a glance of the older man, feeling that he was probably making enough of a fool of himself as it was without being caught gawking at the man. He was sure he'd drop dead of embarrassment right then and there, Everts was always yelling at him that he didn't know how to act. Which was rather true as Johnny spent all his time on the streets with construction workers and every other man that had to roll up his sleeves to get a job done. He cursed too much, he was normally dirty, and his hands looked older then the rest of him did, the blonde was all unrefined but trying to make a good impression on a man that was all refinement. Or that's what Johnny had always thought of him at least.

He had thought so even the last time they had seen each other, which had been less then favorable circumstances, Johnny had to wonder how a guy that was in the middle of battle managed to look so damn dashing the entire time when he himself looked like a rag tag too tall weed. Johnny managed to relax just a little, enough that the muscles in his shoulders didn't feel like they would snap without warning, "Glad ta 'ere, da intrudin' part, not da part about da party, it's a damn shame it's so borin' I said we shoulda gotten some prettier stargazers in 'ere or somethin'," Oh god just stop talking, stop talking stop talking, he had been rushing over his words so fast and in his weird little accent it would be amazing if Francis could understand a damn word that had just come out of his mouth. Johnny rather hoped that he didn't.

Nodding slightly, Johnny slowly walked over to the rail of the balcony, leaning against it and watching Francis as he spoke, feeling bad for being so damn reckless with his words. But the corners of his lips quirked up just the slightest bit as he gave the other man a smile, "Dey always do, just gotta hold on out till den," Or so it had been his experience thus far, Johnny hadn't thought he'd survive a quarter of the things that he had endured during the revolution, but he had, and it made him something of an optimist because of it. Johnny's lips tilted into a bit of a smile, red staining his cheeks again no matter how hard he tried to will the sensation away as he nodded and looked out over the growing city.

"'Ey dats great! I can't wait ta see pictures," He was curious now, France always had some of the prettiest architecture as far as he was concerned, from pictures he had seen at least, "Who knows, maybe dey'll just opt to keep it up if it really makes an impression," At least that's what Johnny would do, but he liked having pretty things around. He ruffled up his own hair a bit sheepishly, smiling still, "Sorry F-FF-Francis, but I don't think anythin' is ever gonna compare to Lady Liberty," Johnny's gaze was drifting off to her again, standing all regal and proud just off the shore like a beacon to everyone. There were little parties going on here and there all over the city, he could hear a few from where they stood, New Yorkers always did love a good party.

Johnny sort of froze up, stuttering a little but not actually saying much of anything, realized he wasn't getting anywhere with words and just shut up and nodded, face an interesting shade of red. Even the tips of his ears were burning and the younger state cleared his throat before trying again, "Ah...ahh yeah, s-sure, dis party as lively as a graveyard," He was fidgeting with his clothing again, "Any idea for some fun, or should we just sneak out and go join a real party?" The blonde pointed out towards a tavern in the city where a crowd had already gathered, he did that more often then he would like to admit, but getting drunk at some raunchy tavern party was his way of letting loose.

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Date: October 28, 1886
Location: NYC!
Music: Empire State of Mind - Jay Z
Notes:[/color] ffft he's so flustered
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France couldn’t help but to admire the part of Johnny that was a bit rough around the edges. He didn’t mind it in the least. Something about the state was efficient—hard working and resolute. However, a part of Francis liked watching Johnny stumble through his words, enjoyed hearing that odd accent, and most of all, liked seeing his red stained cheeks. It was endearing. Francis hadn’t had enduring in a long while. Too many back at home were far too experienced, aged, and practiced to play “innocently” with. Most of the time, they’d notice what he was up to and would call him out on it. (Which completely ruined the fun.)

The older nation thirsted for a bit of innocent entertainment. And why not? The younger man was standing here, (probably unintentionally) offering himself for the taking. It took France a moment to understand what the man was saying. The way he spoke wasn’t completely incomprehensible, but Francis was still very unused to hearing it. ”I suppose everyone else is satisfied with it. People like them thrive in this milieu.” He glanced over at the mingling politicians, officials, and representatives. Turning back with a small smile, he continued, ”I do get tired of them as I’m sure they do of me.”

Francis watched Johnny as he responded to him, reiterating exactly his sediment for hard times. The European nations had all gone through too many, even for how old they were. It always made it easier to imagine what it would be like ahead of their suffering, to dwell on the light at the end of the tunnel instead of the dark pool of misery they were currently wallowing in. Time did help. The thought always seems absurd at first. But things do change for the better as time passed. Francis moved just a bit closer to Johnny against the railing, nudging against his arm teasingly, but still scarcely touching him. ”Things do get better… They always do.” A small pause and the corner of his mouth quirked lightheartedly. ”And here I finally visit after all these years to find that you’ve seemed to have learned as much as you’ve grown.”

The Frenchman looked out to the horizon, positively glowing with Johnny’s show of curiosity. ”Mm, if world fairs interest you, then you could see it for yourself. But—I do know how busy you are, so I’m sure photos will also suffice.” He knew at least the plans for the attractions that would be there, mostly centered around music, art, food, and shows, as well as the debut of fresh locomotives. Francis smiled at the thought of the structure staying around far after the event. ”That would be something. This world could do with a few more pretty things in it, wouldn’t you say?” His gaze also traveled to the statue when Johnny (ever so subtly, Francis teased mentally with a smile) stated how much he truly fancied the Lady. Francis chuckled at Johnny’s comment.

He, too, could hear the sounds of some of the nearby parties and he suddenly ached to be with them. The one they were currently in was for the likes of politicians who felt the need to congratulate themselves.

God, this was too much. Francis laughed softly without really meaning too when Johnny stuttered a little. And he looked ever so lovely when he blushed like that, Francis thought. ”Oh, actually, I do have some ideas for the fun we could have—“ he winked cheekily. —but, perhaps we should first stop by an actual party beforehand. There’s no harm in getting in a few drinks.” Francis thought Johnny desperately needed them for now nervous he seemed. The poor state needed to loosen up. And there was only one thing that Francis loved more than drinking.

Glancing over at the other stiffs in the room, Francis was sure that they would be able to slip away without being detected. Representatives were prigs when they actually wanted their nations or states somewhere, which was the reason for Francis’ quickness to leave. The wine was starting to flow as did their attentions, so now would be an opportune time. With little warning, Francis grabbed the state’s calloused hand, immediately deciding that he liked the contrast of his smooth fingers against the roughness of Johnny’s as he pulled him from the balcony. Not too harshly to make him fall over, but firm enough to make his intentions clear. ”Before anyone notices…” he said quietly. Blue eyes were dancing with amusement as he peered around for the nearest doors.

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"I dunno how anyone can take dis sort of thing for too long, den again, I'm always workin," He chuckled, a little pink in the ears now too, "I honestly can't remember da last time I was dis dressed up," It was almost a whisper, like he was telling a secret, still a little shy about talking with the older nation. Maybe he was supposed to go to more things like this, with all the politics running around since he was the state after all, but Johnny always turned the invites down. He was always doing something productive, building something or fixing something else, he didn't have time for boring parties like these.

"Dat's how ya keep movin' forward, isn't it? 'Ave to keep learnin' to keep growing, and New York is always growing," That was just sheer fact, he wasn't even trying to toot his own horn on that one, but it was the reason that he was always working on something, the sudden expansion was brought on by a constant influx of people and a total lack of where to put them. They would come into New York and then settle there as opposed to moving to one of the other states, not that he would complain, he was the best after all. But to be honest even Johnny was surprised with how smart he had gotten, not that most people would actually give him that fact, preferring to think him the quiet meat head type because he was so strong.

He actually pouted a little at the thought of not being able to see something that pretty for himself, "Aw, I wish I could, I wanna go to a World's Fair! I wouldn't mind seein' everythin' on da other side of da ocean, but dese nitwits need me 'ere or we'd never get dese buildings finished," And the people always did come first, which is why he hadn't gone traveling around yet, but so many people kept coming to him that he just didn't seem to have the chance, "Ya can never 'ave too many pretty things, 'elp's remind people dat not everythin' is ugly, right? Anyway I 'ope it stays so I can go see it one day," Johnny said with a little grin, finally tearing his gold eyed gaze from the statue and back to Francis, starting to feel the slightest bit more at ease as they talked.

Or so Johnny thought for a moment until he heard that chuckle and it had him blushing again, not as bad as before, but he really wasn't used to feeling so much heat in his cheeks, "Ahhh--hahaha yeah, yes! A drink sounds......a drink sounds like a really good idea actually," Maybe it would be enough to get him to loosen up and calm the hell down a little, he was tired of feeling like he was making a total ass of himself to the older nation. And he was definitely tired of all the blushing. So he wasn't happy with himself when he felt himself go beet red at Francis grabbing his hand, fleetingly wondering how the elder man managed to keep his hands so smooth after so long, but Johnny brushed off most of the thoughts away quickly.

"Ya wanna get outta 'ere den?" He smiled, as soon as he was sure no one was looking Johnny motioned for the door, "Come on! Everyone is too busy wit' demselves to notice," Johnny had become a pro at slipping away from parties unnoticed, even with his tall stature. He lead the other man out a back door and down a rather steep and particularly narrow flight of stairs, before they were out into the streets, "It's a nice night out," Johnny said to no one in particular, running a hand through his hair and giving Francis a smile, "Come on, I'll show ya around my favorite spot, ya 'aven't partied till ya partied wit' New York!" Johnny was raring to get a few drinks, have some actual fun.

[style=padding: 0px 10px; font-size: smaller;]
Date: October 28, 1886
Location: NYC!
Music: Empire State of Mind - Jay Z
Notes:[/color] I swear I wont wait a month till posting next e.e;
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[”Unfortunately, they get used to it. And soon enough—for them it becomes an addiction. Coming to these events, organizing these events, and looking for approval,” Francis replied simply, his tone making it a tad bit difficult to tell if he was teasing or not, but the rising corner of his mouth gave him away. The Frenchman chuckled when he heard Johnny’s whisper about not remembering the last time he was this dressed up. He cast a thorough once-over toward his companion, a playful gleam to his eyes. ” C'est vrai? You pull it off quite well. Assez attirant, even.” Francis, while he liked seeing the state in his usual workman’s attire—dirty and somewhat scruffy—as that held its own charm, it was also a pleasure to see him looking quite polished.

”It certainly is,” Francis readily agreed. And it was exciting to watch him grow among some of the others. Granted, Francis could only watch from a distance at best, but it was always fun to be a witness to such quick and exhaustive development.

A soft breath of amusement escaped Francis when he saw the smallest of pouts come over the state. It reminded him of someone—just a little, of course. “Perhaps you will someday. There will be more World Fairs in the future, I’m sure,” Francis bumped his shoulder playfully into Johnny's with a soft smile. Of course their people came first and anyone among their kind would completely understand that. ”Ah, exactly,” he reflected Johnny’s expression, somewhat pleased to find that his sentiment for beautiful things was shared by the other. They both apparently were easily swayed by attractive structures in particular. ”I hope it stays, then.” Francis winked. "It would be a pleasure to see you soon after."

It took quite a bit for the nation to control the good-humored amusement that he was getting out of Johnny’s subtle reactions. He supposed anyone would grow tired of the constant rushing of blood to the cheeks, however; so of course, a couple of drinks was the surefire solution. It always is. He tried not to notice the color blooming in Johnny’s cheeks when he had grabbed his hand, deciding for once to give the poor guy a break. However, that didn’t last too long after he heard Johnny’s question. A less than innocent smile twisted his lips as he thought dirty thoughts. His reply was normal enough. ”Yes, the sooner the better.”

Francis snorted quietly at Johnny’s observation of the self-important officials in the room. He followed him quickly, noticing that the state maneuvered in a way that suggested that he had done this several times before. By the time they made it outside, everything felt so much better… The stifling atmosphere, the crowded officials… all wonderfully gone. ”Oui…” he unknowingly reflected Johnny's statement as he surveyed their surroundings. It was a clear, lovely night with the wind only lightly caressing their faces. Stunning. Francis cracked a smile back at him, ready for whatever the state had in mind. ”Hah, is that so?” Grinning at Johnny’s enthusiasm, he could feel his own flaring. ” Lead the way.” Several drinks later would make for an incomparable evening, indeed.


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