Together

At The End Of The Day

Hi! I hope you're all having a nice week. School is killing me already- I hate it so much. But that's okay. We are trying to thrive. Haha. Here's a sweet little fluff chapter, so I hope you all enjoy. Comment/vote xxx
-ab

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December 3, 2026

Harper

Feeling Patrick's arms around me when I meet him just inside of the stage door is one of the most amazing feelings in the world. He wasn't in my life yet when I made my West End debut, so it's so special that he got to be here to see my Broadway debut.

"You, my love, were so beautiful and amazing up there tonight. More than beautiful and amazing. I can't even come up with words to describe it. You were completely and absolutely perfect."

I feel my cheeks growing warm, and I know that they're turning a pink colour. "Thanks, hon."

Eventually, the two of us pull out of our hug, and I move along to my other friends. First, Joe.

"Thank you so much for coming," I tell him. "You really didn't have to drop everything and fly all the way across the pond for this."

"No, I wanted to," he insists. "Taylor wishes that she could be here..."

"You two are too sweet," I smile.

"Plus," he adds, "this way, I can let Patrick stay in Taylor and I's flat tonight, and give you girls some space."

The three of us girls giggle. We are having quite a fun time in our hotel room, I will admit. As much as I am truly in love with Patrick, having him there would really change the mood, so it's nice that he will be staying with Joe.

"When are you guys going home?" I ask.

"I think that we will stay in New York tomorrow, and catch your show again, then fly back to London on the fifth," Joe explains.

"And it was alright that you got off of work for this?" I ask Patrick.

"I mean, my boss wasn't thrilled about the short notice, but it is what it is. He knew that I would have used my sick days if he didn't grant me my vacation days."

I laugh. "You're terrible, Patrick."

"Me being here tonight to support you was more important than any job."

"I love you."

"Love you too."

"Now," I tell my guests, "how about we go check out the stage, then we can get out of here? I'm quite exhausted. It's been a long day."

"Yeah, and we were awake with you," Nessa reminds me.

"Right. Let's get moving. The stage is really cool, though. You'll want to see it. You can write about it."

She laughs and nods, then everyone follows me as I lead the way to the stage. I give them a quick tour of the stage.

"So, this is our barricade..." I say, placing my hand on the structure. "She's the real star of the show."

We all take some pictures on the stage together, with one of my new cast mates taking a picture of all five of us, then we walk back onto the streets of New York.

At the stage door, nearly nobody recognizes me, as I was brought in at the entirely last minute. One fan does say that he saw me on the West End, which is cool. I sign a few other Playbills, but not too many.

"So, I'll see you guys tomorrow, then?" I ask Patrick and Joe before we part our ways.

"May I snatch you tomorrow morning?" Patrick asks me.

"Yeah, sure," I shrug.

"Perfect. I'll come pick you up at your hotel at 9:00 AM, sharp. Don't be late," he winks.

"But I want to sleep in."

"You're a morning person. You'll be fine."

"Fine," I groan. I kiss his lips. "I'll see you tomorrow."

"See you then."

At that, I watch my husband and his brother walk off, until they've been swallowed by the nighttime of New York City.

"Well, shall we be heading back to our hotel?" Kath asks. "We are all exhausted, I think."

"I can confirm that," I nod. "Let's go."

It's not too far of a walk, and it's through Times Square, so it's pretty. Walking back to the hotel, the three of us reminisce on tonight's show. I tell them a few rehearsal and backstage stories, and they tell me about how it all looked from an audience's perspective.

"I'm sorry that this trip isn't turning out to be what we thought it would be," I blurt eventually. "I just... I couldn't say no to the chance of playing Cosette again."

"Oh my goodness, Harper, do not apologize for it, even one little bit," Nessa insists. "Your Broadway debut is a big deal. It would be foolish to turn it down. You may never get this opportunity again."

I look at my two friends and smile. "You guys are the best friends that I could ever possibly ask for."

The three of us share quick, mini cuddles as we continue walking. The lights of the city are bright, but not blinding. They are beautiful.

I take a moment to reflect on where I am. I'm here, in the heart of New York City, where so many come every day, chasing their dreams. I just made my Broadway debut. I was one of the few whose dreams actually came true. Everybody that I walk past though, has a different story. They were led here by a different series of events. Somehow, though, we are all here. I'm a part of their nights, as they are of mine.

Soon, we are back at the hotel.

"Do I have to shower?" I laugh. "I really could just fall asleep right here and right now."

"I mean, neither of us are forcing you to do anything..." Kath teases.

"No, I'll do it," I say. "It just seems like a lot of work."

"I know what you mean," Nessa nods. "Do you want to go first? You've had the most exhausting day of all of us, probably."

"You're the best," I tell Nessa. Grabbing my pyjamas out of my suitcase, I head into the bathroom and take a quick shower, then leave the bathroom to let Nessa go in to do the same. I quickly comb out my hair, then braid it and climb straight into bed. In spite of the fact that the lights in the room are on and Katherine is watching telly, I'm asleep before Nessa is even done with her shower.