We are Golden

Zander Francois ✿ 33 ✿ Founder of Chez Abri

[jamiemoore-francois]

Start the New Year off Right || Jander

[zander-francois]

jamiemoore-francois‌:

“I did, but I love you more than I hate the movie. I will suffer through it again just to spend time with you,” they grinned. “Who knows, I might find parts of it I enjoy on a second watch,” they shrugged a little..

When Zander moved closer as they danced, Jamie grinned a little bit. “It has felt like a lifetime,” they nodded in agreement. “I love you, Zander. I just… I never want you to think I don’t. There’s a reason I married you. You’re it for me. I knew so quickly after we met. You were so cute and goofy and charming. God that first night we met… do you remember?” They asked and leaned their forehead against Zander’s shoulder for a couple moments before looking back into their loves’s eyes. 

“I hope I hid it well, but I was nervous to meet you. Nervous and excited because I love your music so much. The fact that you even gave me the time of day… it was surprising in the best way. And getting to know you better… you were so amazing and caring. The first time you kissed me… damn. I knew there were no other lips that could compare.” Jamie hoped reminiscing would bring up positive emotions and memories for Zander. 

“My knight in shining armor.” Zander replied, pretending to be wooed by the words. In reality, he was quite happy with what his spouse had said, it meant a lot to him that Jamie would be willing to do that, especially after everything that had happened.

“I know you do. I never doubted that. Not for a second.” He admitted truthfully. No matter how angry he was at their actions, he had always known, deep down, that Jamie’s feelings were real. At the mention of their first meeting, Zander couldn’t help but laugh. “Oh god, how could I forget?” He asked, shaking his head. “I made such an ass out of myself that night.” He added. “I saw you and everything I’d ever been taught about being a non-awkward person went out the window.” That night had played out like a movie. As soon as they had locked eyes, it seemed like Jamie was the only one in the room; the only thing that mattered.

Smiling again, Zander felt his cheeks turn pink. “You’re such a sap.” He teased softly before turning serious. “I agree though. You... I met you and couldn’t believe that you’d even want to talk to me. You were gorgeous. You still are. Even then, we fit together so well.”

[jamiemoore-francois]

Start the New Year off Right || Jander

[zander-francois]

jamiemoore-francois‌:

Jamie nodded. “We can see it sometime this week. We’ll have to look at the theater schedule to see when it’s playing again. I think it’s playing again… I don’t think we’ll have to wait until after we get home to see it.” Jamie was being optimistic, hoping they would still be together when they got home.

“Well, of course,” they chuckled a little. Jamie remembered doing that with Zander. Jamie laid out on a lawn chair and just listened to Zander playing while they tanned and the dogs ran around in the backyard. Those were good days.

When Zander agreed to dance with them, they held out their hand and took Zander’s hand. It was the first time in days they had the chance to do that, and just the simple sensation was enough to make their heart beat faster in their chest. Jamie led their husband to the dance floor and a slower song was on. So they wrapped their arms around Zander’s neck. Jamie wasn’t standing as close as they normally would, but this was good. It was progress and it was more than they expected would happen.

Jamie hummed along to the song a bit before he looked into Zander’s eyes. “I missed this… being close to you. The past few days…” Jamie sighed. They didn’t want to ruin the mood completely. “I just really missed you, Zan.”

“You don’t mind sitting through it again? You did just say it was pretty bad.” Zander pointed out, not wanting Jamie to suffer through it a second time just for him. As much as he wanted to see the movie right away, he could always wait until they reached dry land if he needed to.

Zander gently squeezed Jamie’s hand as he took it, suddenly very aware of the other’s touch. Although this was nowhere near their first dance, it all felt new and strange. Once again, Zander wasn’t sure where they stood, what the right thing to do was. As Jamie stepped in closer, although not as close as they would have in the past, Zander felt his heart beat quicken. While it all felt strange and new, it also felt right. It felt like he belonged where he was, arms wrapped around his spouse. 

At Jamie’s words, Zander felt butterflies in his stomach. Slowly, he nodded, inching slightly closer to them as they continued to dance. “I did too... Miss this. Miss you. These past few days have felt like a life time.” He admitted quietly.

[zander-francois]

Myrtle, aster, & jasmine

MYRTLE: Do you like going on airplanes?

Surprisingly, I really do. It’s probably my second favorite mode of transportation for long journeys. 

ASTER: Would you rather be cold or hot?

Cold. At least then you can either add more layers or cuddle with someone.

JASMINE: What color looks best on you?

I think red but I’ve been told that I look good in navy blue.

[zander-francois]

marigold, aster, tulip

MARIGOLD: Do you listen to what’s on the radio?

Definitely. I like knowing what’s popular and being able to keep up with who’s who.

ASTER: Would you rather be cold or hot?

Cold. At least then you can either add more layers or cuddle with someone. 

TULIP: For your birthday, what kind of cake do you ask for?

I’m a big fan of cheesecake.

[zander-francois]

might as well dance || alex & zander

[zander-francois]

alexandra-temple‌:

“……..What?” Alex quietly asked, finding herself speechless for the first time in she wasn’t even sure how long.  Though after blinking a couple of times she was (mostly) sure she’d been able to snap herself back to reality.  “Thanks for the offer, but I think that I’ll just switch to The Greatest Showman,” she said as she walked over to her ipod, “Do you dance any?” Alex asked as she scrolled through her albums.

Zander watched as Alex blinked, blinking as well. He hadn’t expected the reaction he’d gotten. He had just been trying to make things less awkward and be helpful, he hadn’t meant to momentarily break the woman. For a second, he imagined how he’d explain what happened to Levi. Sorry I broke the love of your life, it was an accident... “Oh! Such a good choice! I absolutely loved that movie.” He gushed before shaking his head. “I know I can but I’m not great. My parents had me take dance lessons as a kid and I never had the patience.” He admitted with a shrug. “I usually just let the music flow through me and do it’s thing.”

[zander-francois]

dwleviprice‌:

Levi smirked and shook his head a bit. “Sounds like somethin’ my nieces ‘n nephews might try ‘n get me. I’d probably just use it around the house if they gave me one.” But when asked about getting a souvenir, Levi’s shoulders rose and fell with a casual, “Yeah, why not? Even if it’s somethin’ small but useful. I know Alex is takin’ a lotta pictures, and I’ve taken some too, so I was thinkin’ of just gettin’ a tumbler or a keychain.” Considering Zander’s next question, Levi’s brows furrowed. “There’ll probably be some stuff that says ‘Castaway Cay’ on it, but everything else’ll probably be similar stuff.”

“Again, pillow pets are for everyone. They’re both cute and functional. I mean, who can say no to a nice pillow?” Zander asked, now seriously considering buying either himself or Jamie a pillow pet. “True, true. I guess I actually have to think about it now though. My family is a bit on the odd side and definitely would judge my gifts if I got the wrong ones. If you have any suggestions for picky family members, let me know.” He added with a laugh and an eye roll. “Maybe I’ll pass on the gift shop there then. There’s a lot to see there and I probably shouldn’t waste time shopping anyway.”

[zander-francois]

Flower Ask

DAISY:How old were you when you had your first kiss?

CARNATION:If I handed you a concert ticket right now, who would you want to be the performer?

JASMINE:What color looks best on you?

FOXGLOVE:Name three facts about your family?

ALLIUM:What’s the best thing you can cook?

ORANGE BLOSSOM:If you could pick the gender and appearance of your child, would you?

CALLA LILY:If you died right now, what song would you want to play at your funeral?

POINSETTIA:Favorite holiday dish?

OXLIP:Would you ever get into a long distance relationship?

PRIMROSE:Favorite kind of soup?

DAFFODIL:What’s the most thoughtful present you’ve ever received?

ROSE:Are you currently in love with someone?

AMSONIA:Would you ever become a vegan?

PEONY:What’s your favorite hot beverage?

TULIP:For your birthday, what kind of cake do you ask for?

MYRTLE:Do you like going on airplanes?

HIBISCUS:Did you ever play an instrument? If so what?

ZINNIA:Who was your best friend when you were six years old?

POPPY:What color was your childhood home?

HYDRANGEA:Starbucks order?

VIOLET:Do you like where you’re from?

LOCUST:What was your favorite book as a child?

RHODODENDRON:What’s the scariest dream you’ve ever had?

QUEEN ANNE’S LACE:Would you rather carve pumpkins or wrap presents?

MAGNOLIA:Favorite kind of candy?

ASTER:Would you rather be cold or hot?

MARIGOLD:Do you listen to what’s on the radio?

HELICONIA:Do you like when it rains?

AZALEA:What’s a movie you cried while watching?

DANDELION:Do you think you’re important?

[jamiemoore-francois]

Start the New Year off Right || Jander

[zander-francois]

jamiemoore-francois‌:

Jamie was glad there wasn’t an angry tone in Zander’s voice when he said it was okay that they saw the movie without him. They grinned a little and shook his head. “Not even a tiny spoiler. And I know you hate seeing movies alone. That’s never been a problem for me though.” Jamie loved Zander more than they hated Rise of Skywalker. They could spend another two hours of their life watching the movie for the man they loved. Zander was always worth it.

“Well then we have more than one piano at home. I know the keyboard is easy for you to lug around so you’re not confined to playing and writing in one room.” Sometimes Jamie liked to sit and watch Zander write songs. They could just sit in the corner of a room and scroll through social media while also paying attention to Zander’s process. It was one of their favorite things to do. And they always loved when Zander let them hear songs before anyone else.

Jamie looked down at their outfit when Zander gave the compliment. “Oh thank you so much. You look gorgeous, too. That suit is one of my favorites on you. And I know you can’t wear it often, so it’s a special treat when you can.” It was taking everything in them not to take Zander’s hand or wrap their arms around him. Jamie bit down on their lip for a moment. “Do you want to dance…? With me?”

Zander made a face as Jamie refused to give him spoilers. He knew he could easily just wait and watch the movie but he wanted to know now. “Well good. Because I like seeing movies with you. Maybe we could see Rise of Skywalker together some time this week?” He asked cautiously.

“Well, it is easier than trying to wheel the actual piano outside when it’s nice out.” He pointed out, remembering sunny days full of music and laughter. Hopefully, there would be repeats of those days but he still couldn’t be sure. He still didn’t know where the two of them stood, although he was starting to get an idea.

“Thank you.” He added, blushing. “What better way to watch fire works than while you’re wearing them, right?” Zander asked before his eyes widened slightly. “I... yes! Of course.” He replied, hoping that Jamie couldn’t sense how hard his heart was beating.

[jamiemoore-francois]

Start the New Year off Right || Jander

[zander-francois]

jamiemoore-francois‌:

“I’m sorry I saw it without you. I just… well… “ Jamie shrugged. Zander knew why. “I was bored and alone. So I saw it to kill time. There aren’t endless things to do when you’re on a ship in the middle of the ocean. So I escaped to ‘a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away.’ I won’t tell you anything about it. I don’t want to spoil any of it for you. So I won’t tell you whether or not JJ Abrams sunk the Storm Pilot ship. And I won’t tell you who Rey’s parents are. You’ll have to watch it to find out.” Jamie grinned a little. “The only way I’d see it again is if you dragged me to the theater with you.”

Jamie nodded. They could only imagine the kinds of things Zander was writing about. If he managed to write an entire album of love songs for them, Zander could easily write at least three songs about being angry and betrayed. The idea of songs like that going on an album made his stomach turn a bit. People would talk. They would wonder about the songs. 

“I’m glad you were able to find a piano to sit down and write. I know how.. therapeutic that is for you. It’s the reason there’s more than one piano at home. Well, if you count the keyboard.” Jamie looked at Zander fidgeting. “I’m really happy you showed up, Zan. I wanted to see you tonight.”

“No, no, it’s fine. It makes sense.” Zander replied quickly. He hadn’t even thought to be mad that Jamie had seen it without him. He’d spent so much time being angry already that it seemed like his mind was completely out of hate to give. He was just sad that they had missed the chance to see it together. “Really? Not even one tiny spoiler?” Zander asked teasingly before shaking his head. “I think that can be arranged. You know how much I hate going to the movies alone after all.”

As soon as he mentioned writing, Zander could practically see Jamie’s thoughts start to spiral. He couldn’t lie though and say that all the songs he’d started writing were good ones because they weren’t. Some were from a place of hurt; but they weren’t all that way. There was love and forgiveness in them too. “It was really helpful, I’m glad I got the chance. And yes! Keyboards definitely count.” 

Zander’s facial expression softened as he heard Jamie’s words, feeling touched. “I’m glad I showed up too.” He added with a smile, resisting the urge to take Jamie’s hand in his. “You look gorgeous.”

[zander-francois]

“Can’t see sparks with the light on... Open your eyes, turn the light off...” Zander sang to himself before shaking his head and pausing. Taking his hands off the piano keys in front of him, he grabbed the notebook sitting at his side. “No, that doesn’t work. It doesn’t feel right.” He muttered to himself. 

He’d been trying to flesh out this one song for longer than he wanted. It was inside him but he couldn’t figure out how to translate it into words. Frustrated at his lack of progress, he ripped out the page he’d been writing in, crumpled it into a ball, and threw it toward the trash can. He hadn’t looked though and, as soon as the paper ball left his hand, Zander realized that it was on a path toward someone’s head. 

“Look out! Heads up!” He called out, standing up quickly, as if that would stop the collision.

[jamiemoore-francois]

Start the New Year off Right || Jander

[zander-francois]

jamiemoore-francois‌:

Jamie couldn’t help but smile when they saw Zander in his fireworks suit. Jamie saw him pack it, but they were still a bit tickled to see it on their husband. The best part was that the suit fit Zander perfectly. Few things were more attractive to Jamie than their husband in a well-tailored suit.

“Oh, my night has been fine so far. I have been at the party for a little while. Had some champagne. Danced a bit.” Jamie was glad to see Zander, even if they were fighting. Jamie was still so in love with the man and it made their heart beat faster.

“Earlier was just okay. I saw Rise of Skywalker.” Jamie knew they were supposed to see it together, but they were bored and weren’t sure Zander would ever want to see a movie with them again. “Parts of it were fine. But it was hot garbage over all. But you’ll have to see it to know what I mean.” Jamie would see it again with Zander if he asked. “How has your night been so far?”

Seeing Jamie’s eyes light up made Zander’s heart do funny things. He hadn’t been expecting that. He’d been expecting to still be mad at his spouse, to not want to see them for the rest of 2019. Here they were, standing in front of him though, and Zander wasn’t sure what to think. Their smile was dazzling and it made Zander jut want to pull them close. 

He couldn't though. He shouldn’t. He was supposed  to still be mad.

Unable to stop himself, at the mention of the new Star Wars movie, Zander’s eyes widened. It hurt to hear that Jamie had gone to see it without him but it also made him want to see it even more. He wanted to talk to Jamie about the movie, to know what the other meant by hot garbage. “You saw it? What happened? Wait, no. Don’t tell me. Just... did Poe and Finn end up together? That’s all I need to know.” Zander asked, not ready to part with a pairing he’d loved since The Force Awakens. 

“My night’s been fairly low key. I spent a lot of time writing, plunking out notes on a piano I found... I wasn’t sure if I wanted to come to this but... here I am.” Zander admitted, fidgeting with the seam of his dress shirt as he spoke.

[zander-francois]

might as well dance || alex & zander

[zander-francois]

alexandra-temple‌:

“No you’re not…um….yeah,” Alex said, her cheeks blushing bright red while she wished that she could sink into the sea and avoid how embarrassing this was. Not that she wanted a Titanic level event - just for the floor to open up and drag her down and everything else to return to normal. “Um…sure?” she said, though it came out more as a question, “I’m changing the music though because this is already a little weird and I don’t know if that will help or make it weirder.”

Zander smiled again as Alex stumbled over her words. It was kind of adorable how flustered she got. “Don’t worry, I’ll be quiet, you won’t even know I’m here.” He promised, sitting against the mirrored wall, legs tucked into his chest. “And listen to any music you want, really. I don’t mind.... If you wanted I could even just... sing it for you... If you wanted that is.”

[zander-francois]

dwleviprice‌:

“Yeah. Itd’ve been nice to do that. It’d be easy enough to pack if nothin’ else.” He continued looking at the shirts for his older niece, knowing that she was a fan of several Disney films and princesses. To his fortune, he found a shirt that had seemingly all of the princesses displayed on its front. He searched for one that looked like it would fit her, and then returned to the hats to choose two that weren’t as identical as the twins who would wear them. But as he looked, he looked at what Zander found and chuckled. Approaching to get a closer look at the pillow pet, Levi said, “That… that’d actually be perfect for my youngest niece. She’ll be three this comin’ year. I’d have a feelin’ she’d wanna take it everywhere.” He draped the shirt over his arm and held his hand out for the item while asking Zander, “Are you gonna get some kind’a souvenir while you’re on the trip?”

“Well, it’s perfect then! Honestly, pillow pets are great for anyone. If someone went on a cruise and got me one, I’d never let go of it.” Zander admitted with a laugh, suddenly wondering if it would be weird to get one for himself. “I actually hadn’t thought too much about it but I probably should, huh?” He added, wondering if he should make a list of who to get gifts for. “Do you think there’ll be different stuff at Castaway Cay or about the same?” 

[louellastone]

Beauty

[jamiemoore-francois]

Start the New Year off Right || Jander

[zander-francois]

jamiemoore-francois‌:

Jamie walked onto the desk around 10 p.m. wearing a gold jacket, black button-front shirt, and black pants. No tie. They wanted to look good and festive for the night. They had been at a couple other places on the ship before heading to the deck party. When a waitress walked past, Jamie grabbed a glass of champagne. They looked over the edge of the ship and wandered around for a bit, drinking and people watching. 

Jamie didn’t know what time it was when they got onto the dance floor for a while. The whole time they were dancing with everybody and nobody at the same time. But they couldn’t get Zander off their mind. They hoped to run into their husband, but they weren’t sure that was going to happen on the dance floor. 

Nothing meant more to Jamie than being able to reconcile with Zander by midnight. Especially after their fight the night before. Zander left things on a devastating but hopeful note. And Jamie wanted that to be enough. They wanted to start the new year and the new decade in their love’s arms. 

Eventually, they walked around the edge, keeping an eye out for Zander as they slowly sipped on another flute of champagne. After wandering for a bit, they saw their husband and walked over. “Happy New Year, Zander.”

Zander had been hesitant to go to the New Year’s Eve party. The thought of being around so many people didn’t really sound all that great at the moment. He had heard Jamie getting ready earlier and just the idea of being around so many people, knowing that one of them could be his spouse, made Zander want to crawl under the covers and binge watch whatever was on TV. After watching more episodes of Veronica Mars than he’d like to admit though, Zander sighed and decided to get off his ass and get ready. Maybe the new year would be different and it wouldn’t do any good to ring it in by being miserable.

After throwing on an appropriately festive suit and running some product through his curls, Zander took a deep breath and stepped out of his room. The hallways were empty. All the kids were either asleep or at the childrens’ parties and everyone else seemed to have already gone up to the main party. It was odd walking through the halls, not seeing a single soul. It made Zander think of The Shining or Inception, one of those movies where something terrible is waiting at the end of the hall. Maybe, for him, there was. Maybe tonight would be the end of everything. He didn’t really know.

Quietly, trying not to jump to conclusions, Zander made his way onto the main deck. Although he’d hoped to avoid Jamie for as long as possible, almost as soon as he walked up to the party, that’s exactly who he ran into. Immediately, Zander felt his heart begin to beat faster. Jamie, standing in front of him in a well fitting suit jacket, holding a flute of champagne, reminded him so much of the Jamie he’d first met, years ago at a charity ball. The thought of their first meeting made his heart twinge. “Hey Jamie.” He replied softly, smiling hesitantly. “How’s your night been so far?”

[zander-francois]

might as well dance || alex & zander

[zander-francois]

alexandra-temple‌:

The worst part of the cruise (though Alex was never going to admit it) was that she was cut off from the dance studio.  Alex had spoiled herself, getting a chance to dance by herself at least a little bit every day - and she was really starting to miss it.  Waking up uncharacteristically early (though she was somewhat convinced that time almost didn’t exist while she was on vacation because it certainly was starting to feel that way) she figured that if none of the zumba classes had started yet there was a chance of her getting a good place to dance.  So she changed into the one leotard and grabbed her ballet shoes, ipod, and travel speakers and went to find out. 

And was pleasantly surprised to find one open.  Choosing an album (which happened to be one of Zander’s considering that he was on the cruise and it just felt appropriate) Alex allowed herself to get lost in the music and lost in the dance steps….that was until she was interrupted by the very person that happened to be singing out of her speakers.  “Oh. Um. Hi,” Alex said, looking at the doorway, before rushing over and turning off her music, “Good morning?” she finally said, which didn’t really save herself any.

Zander couldn’t help but smile as Alex rushed over to the speaker and paused the music. It hadn’t been until that moment that he’d realized what was playing. The fact that it was his music was both flattering and a little unreal. “Good morning.” He replied with a nod. “I can... I can leave if I’m interrupting.” He added, not wanting to bother her. From what he had seen, she’d been very much in her element and Zander didn’t want to mess with that. “Or... If you’d be willing? Could I join you?” He added after a second, hesitantly this time.

[zander-francois]

dwleviprice‌:

Levi looked over and cracked a friendly smile. “Hey Zander. Well, uh… all but one’s been to Disneyworld. My youngest niece is two though so she might like the ears. But I’ve got another niece who’s seven and twin nephews who’re five now. Figured I oughta bring ‘em all somethin’ back and I read that the stuff they’ve got here’s stuff you can only get here. So I’m not too sure what they’d like.” He rubbed the back of his neck and consulted Zander for the second time on the trip–the first time regarding his proposal plans–asking, “Think I should just get the boys hats and my older niece a shirt?”

“Ahh, so ears would be a no go. That does make it a lot harder to pick something then.” Zander replied with a nod. He hadn’t even begun to think about what he’d bring back for his family. Up until now he hadn’t even looked in the gift shop. “Well, you can never go wrong with a t-shirt or something else that they can bring to school and show off to their friends.” Zander looked around thoughtfully before grabbing a pillowpet off the shelf. “Like this? See? Something fun and that they can’t get anywhere else.”