138 I Think We’re Alone Now

I am so happy at how open-minded and embracing my readers have been about the very underappreciated pairing of Larry and Iris… I’ve been told I have even
converted some former Iris haters into lovers after the last chapter… Prepare to get some cavities from this one now… It fuels my soul to know I’m not the only appreciator of a good old-fashioned romance! 😊

When you try your best but you don’t succeed
When you get what you want but not what you need
When you feel so tired but you can’t sleep
Stuck in reverse

When the tears come streaming down your face
‘Cause you lose something you can’t replace
When you love someone but it goes to waste
What could it be worse?

Lights will guide you home
And ignite your bones
And I will try to fix you

But high up above or down below
When you are too in love to let it show
Oh but if you never try you’ll never know
Just what you’re worth

Lights will guide you home
And ignite your bones
And I will try to fix you

Tears come streaming down your face
When you lose something you cannot replace
oh and tears come streaming down your face
And I

Tears streaming down your face
I promise you I will learn from all my mistakes
oh and the tears streaming down your face
And I

Lights will guide you home
And ignite your bones
And I will try to fix you

Larry Butz and Iris Hawthorne
Eagle Mountain Cabins
February 14, 2026, 8:20 AM

Iris was beyond mortified to be twenty minutes late by the time she met up with Larry at his cabin an hour later as instructed. She felt awful about her uncharacteristic tardiness. Even worse was rather than look annoyed, she found Larry standing outside his cabin looking around with a little lost boy expression on his adorable mug. Poor guy! Had he been worried she was going to stand him up?

“You can stop looking so vexed now, Mr. Worrywart,” she teased softly, as she approached him from the side and tapped him on the arm, her pulse quickening at the way his eyes lit up at the sight of her. “I made it safe and sound.”

“I confess to having been a tad concerned, guilty as charged!” He flushed slightly, hoping the tongue-in-cheek note in his tone masked his imminent relief that she’d still showed up – especially considering his curt exit from the temple. “You’re usually Little Miss Efficiency and punctual to a fault, after all.”

Iris could have kicked herself for being the one responsible for the worry in his eyes, which was rapidly fading and morphing into undisguised veneration at the sight of her, now clad in a long-sleeved, ankle-length floral dress, as opposed to her shrine maiden garments.

“I’m so sorry, Larry,” she apologized profusely. “Try as I might, I couldn’t get that dreadful grease stain from this morning’s breakfast disaster out of my habit! I had no choice after cleaning up the kitchen mess but to change my outfit and Sister Bikini insisted I wear something ‘a bit more festive than usual’ because it’s Valentine’s Day. I hope you didn’t mind too much that you had to wait over a quarter of an hour for me?”

The question seemed to amuse him and a smile tugged at the corners of his mouth.

“Not at all,” he replied with exaggerated formality. “When it comes to your shrine maiden temple duties, I want you to please take all the time you need.”

The grateful look on her visage at the reprieve was evident, and it occurred to him that she’d been more worried about having upset him than he’d been worried about her slight tardiness. Silly girl! Did he mind waiting for a lousy quarter-hour or so for her? Not at all.

He’d been waiting years for her.

“All that matters is that you’re here now, Iris. Are you feeling any better?” He tried to peer into her sudden downcast face. “You were as blue as a bathing beauty in the North Pole when I saw you last.”

Iris nodded, still unable to tear her eyes away from the ground to meet his prying gaze, for fear he’d be able to read her thoughts like a book if he saw her expression. She was embarrassed he’d caught her in the undignified act of the waterworks earlier, while still slightly overwhelmed by the realization of her feelings for him, which had finally dawned upon her during her weeping session. She was extremely self-conscious about the possibility of her eyes remaining a tad red, and her countenance was surely still blotchy and puffy, despite splashing cold water on it.

Moreover, she hated the idea of being the subject of pity, especially to a man she hadn’t felt so strongly for since … Phoenix.

“I’m fine,” she assured him, trying to keep her voice from quivering as she met his kind eyes. “I have no idea why I overreacted in such a pitiful manner over something as trite as a burnt breakfast and I’m truly sorry. I’d be most grateful if we could both try to forget it ever happened! I also give you my word that I shall do my very best not to mess up that fish you promised to catch us for dinner later…”

“Iris, there’s nothing pitiful about you, so stop knocking yourself like this!” Larry’s tone was firm, despite the gentleness in his expression. “If anything I feel like I owe you an apology!”

“Apology?” Iris drew back, startled. “Whatever for?”

“For being such a daft dope!” He sighed resignedly. “Immediately after I asked you why you were so upset earlier, I figured out what may have gotten you so emotional in the first place. Forgive me for being so oblivious and not figuring it out sooner!”

“Figured it out?” She asked hesitantly, nervously wondering if he’d seen past her attempted guile, and ascertained that it was her newly discovered, and utterly helpless, infatuation that had been the underlying result of her overly emotional antics. “I don’t understand…”

“Well, yeah!” It was his turn to drop his eyes then. “It’s Valentine’s Day, and you’re stuck up here in the mountains with me instead of being with the man you love! It must be a total bummer! You’re probably missing Nick like crazy, aren’t you?”

“Feenie?” Iris blinked, then let out a soundless sigh of her own.

Phoenix, as dear as he was to her, and always would be, hadn’t crossed her mind in the slightest! As much as she should have been thankful for the excuse, as it allowed her to harbor her secret feelings for the artist standing before her, she wasn’t – not in the least! If anything, her heart positively ached that the man who was the true keeper of her heart believed it lay with another. Even worse, there was absolutely nothing she could do to set him straight, without betraying the ex who had done so much for her! The whole scenario was beyond gut-wrenching.

“Yeah, I guess Nick is still Feenie to you, huh?” He muttered glumly and kicked at a pebble on the ground. “You’re probably bummed out that it’s me you’re cooking today’s meals for, when it should be for the love of your life, right? I get it. Nick was your first love! You’ve loved him since … heck since you weren’t much older than a kid!”

Iris felt tears trembling on her lashes once more. Phoenix may have been her first love – but he certainly wasn’t her last. In the cruelest twist of fate imaginable, the only man whom she wanted to be with until she drew her last breath was now standing before her! However, he was now staring dejectedly at the ground as he spoke his painfully erroneous theories, with what she desperately yearned was actual despondency in his tenor, as opposed to the much more likely, somber inference, in light of her sorrow.

“Childhood romances often exude an aura of authenticity and permanence, particularly when we’re distanced from the objects of our affection,” she murmured softly, her gaze averted. “Yet, upon our return, we frequently discover that our dreams and recollections far outshine the often more mundane reality that awaits us.”

Larry looked astounded at the defeat in her cadence.

“Is everything all right with you and Nick, Iris?”

“Distance is hard. I’ve not seen him in some time,” she answered truthfully. “I’m not quite sure what to tell you. At times I feel Feenie and I may be growing apart; that all we have in common anymore is our shared past, but naught else.”

“That’s rough, Iris. But I’m sure you’re wrong and are just misreading things!” Larry insisted. “Nick’s no fool – despite the absence right now, there’s no way in hell he’d let a gem like you go! It’s understandable that you’re so emotional; it’s because you’re missing him so much! I mean, you two go way back! But just keep the faith. I’m sure you guys can work it out!”

“I wish I shared your confidence. At times, events unfold in a way that seems capricious – landing on the laps of those ill-fated, precisely when the timing is least favorable.” Iris sensed she might be divulging too much, treading perilously close to exposing the secret she had sworn to guard. Yet, in the presence of this man, rationality and logic eluded her. Summoning her will, she met his empathetic gaze, feeling a parched sensation in her mouth. “Gradually, you come to realize that when it comes to matters of the heart, memories prove to be far more forgiving than the harsh truths of reality.”

“That sounds pretty cynical,” he observed. “Not at all what I’d ever picture coming from you.”

“Oh?” She regarded him strangely. “Whatever did you picture? About me, I mean?”

“I’d always thought you were more of a romantic and believer of true love, I guess?” He shrugged. “I guess I was wrong. But hey, what the heck do I know about love, right? If life were a romantic comedy, I would be the guy on a date with the girl when the male lead makes his grand gesture that wins her back!”

Iris heard the morose undertone beneath the attempted flippancy and felt even more terrible. The last thing she’d ever wanted to do was depress this warm-hearted, happy-go-lucky man, and drag him down the black hole of despair alongside her!

If only she could admit to Larry just how accurately he’d had her pegged!

Night after night, as far back as Iris could recollect, she lay in bed reshaping the narratives of the clandestine romance novels she devoured in the secrecy of her room. Under the veil of darkness, she not only adjusted the plots but also meticulously tailored the dialogues, scenarios, and settings to align with her desires. Yet, amidst this creative rewriting, there was one constant: her imaginary hero. He remained steadfast, a product of her personal design, with every detail etched into her consciousness. He embodied kindness, wisdom, patience, and wit. Tall and handsome, his soft, thick hair begged for her fingers to glide through, and his eyes possessed the capacity to sparkle in a myriad of ways – be it seductive, piercing, or infused with humor, all reserved solely for her. In the realm she constructed, they shared merriment, exchanging amusing anecdotes that effortlessly drew out his laughter. A lover of books, he surpassed her in knowledge and perhaps possessed a touch more worldly sophistication. However, he toed the line, avoiding excessive arrogance or pretentiousness. Iris harbored a strong aversion to such traits, particularly the notion of being arbitrarily commanded by a husband with an air of superiority.

The artist was back to having a staring contest with the ground again, and with his current mood, Iris realized, she was going to have to make her own opening. Lifting her eyes to his enigmatic golden ones, she spoke quietly.

“Lawrence Butz, have you ever wanted something very badly – something that was within your grasp – and yet you were afraid to reach out for it?”

Stupefied by her grave question and her use of his full name, Larry tried to ignore the jealousy which had been eating at him while thinking about what a lucky bugger Phoenix Wright was to have the heart of this angel as he absorbed the query.

“No,” he said, scrupulously keeping the curtness from his voice as he gazed down at her alluring face. “Why do you ask? Is there something you want?”

Her gaze fell from his, and she nodded at his black shirtfront.

“What is it you want?” He prodded.

You! Her heart silently cried out for her to say, but didn’t dare. Even if keeping her vow to Phoenix meant Maya and Pearl hated her for the rest of her life and Larry eventually moved onto some other fortunate female more worthy of his time and affections, it was no matter. She was honor-bound to keep her word.

Even if doing so meant costing her own happiness and her last chance at love everlasting.

“I want … I want to know what this surprise was that you had in store for me!” She lied glibly, grateful for the reprieve he’d unwittingly given her, and coquettishly batted eyelashes at him in a slightly exaggerated manner. “Assuming that offer still stands, of course?”

“But of course, milady!” He grinned, his mood lifting at her benign smile. “Be honest though … was that really what you were going to say?”

“Quite certain.” She affixed her most virtuous expression.

“You’re quite certain you aren’t lying to me?” He asked in a voice of mock severity.

“I would never lie to you,” Iris replied gravely but then realized that by withholding the truth from him, she was, in effect, deceiving him, which in turn, amounted to little less than lying outright. The thought greatly aggrieved her, and she lapsed into guilty silence as she allowed him to tug her by the hand and then, towards the forest path, insisting her surprise would be down that trail.

Larry knew something was bothering her, and as they walked through the forest in companionable silence through the woods, her unintentional deception was disturbing her with increasing frequency, but he never dreamed he was even remotely the cause of her silences or preoccupation.

He often needed to remind himself that Iris Hawthorne was a spoken-for woman, and not since the day he’d professed his feelings had he permitted himself to harbor the slightest hope of even a remote chance for him as a contender for her heart. After all, what woman would ever choose him, the goofy Larry Butz, over the former legal legend, Phoenix Wright?

In the first place, he couldn’t bear the thought of ruining things for his dear childhood friend who’d already suffered enough in life – Larry had already breached The Bro Code by knowingly declaring his love for his pal’s girlfriend! He had to try to convince himself that Iris was off-limits, just his friend, and nothing more. Nevertheless, at times, when she talked about her sadness regarding her romance with his best friend and seemed to be missing him so desperately, it took all of the artist’s self-control not to take her in his arms and implore Iris that if she couldn’t be with the one she loved, let her love the one she was with!

Surely, he could love enough for them both – he’d been doing it long enough already!

“It’s a splendid morning for a leisurely stroll through the woods with such a delightfully honest lady at my side!” He playfully attempted to dispel the silence, which had shifted from companionable to somewhat questionable. “Did you know that you exude a remarkable serenity as a companion?”

“Thank you,” Iris replied, though the compliment left her uncertain about the extent of her satisfaction. While she found him captivating, he characterized her as serene, a descriptor that felt far removed from the excitement she yearned him to associate with herself. “I’ll endeavor not to lull you into a tranquil sleep before we reach our mysterious destination.”

“You can lull me to peaceful slumber after we arrive,” he teased. “Seeing you so stressed with all the wedding preparations, I thought it fitting to provide you with the utmost serene experience.”

“Oh, is that so?” Iris’s heart raced within her ribcage. “Well, I suppose serene is a good thing for me to be, after all.”

“Of course it is.” He seemed surprised. “Why would you think otherwise?”

Her cheeks reddened, and she wondered if she had misunderstood the word he had intended as a compliment. Feeling hopelessly callow and unschooled, she blurted out, “What I meant was, I hope I’m not boring to you.”

“Believe me, you’ve never been dull,” he reassured her with a tone that carried conviction. “Perhaps I should have chosen the word ‘mansuetude.’ There’s a gentleness about you, Iris, a soothing quality that makes being in your company feel like cradling a comforting, warm cup of tea on a frosty winter day. I want to relish that feeling for as long as I can.”

Flushed to the roots of her hair, Iris found herself contemplating his detailed explanation. She acknowledged that, in the analogy he presented, she would undoubtedly be likened to a teacup crafted from crystal. The comparison resonated deeply, as she perceived her heart to be as delicate as glass – something unequivocally fragile. In this introspective moment, she recognized that only he held the potential to shatter it, even if he remained oblivious to this power he possessed.

Unaware of her contemplative thoughts, Larry continued to chirp on like an animated chipmunk.

“This is something I’ve wanted to do ever since this whole wedding madness hit us in Eagle Mountain, as we’ve been running ourselves ragged ever since!”

He parted the lowered arbor branches partially obscuring their path, and her breath caught in her throat at the sight that greeted them, taking in the denuded trees and that stark freshness that only the crispest morning of the season can bring.

The lookout revealed the watercolor blue mountains and brilliant gold and orange hues bled like fire in the east over the rivers and beyond the village. The first slither of the sun peeked over the skyline in a radiant, white form. Gradually it raised, a defined circle in a vibrant backdrop from behind. The rivers were liquid gold and silver. As the sun fully revealed itself from behind the gossamer clouds, they could see the silver roofs of the log cabins below. It seemed to swell, losing its focus and spreading in contrast to Iris’s contracting pupils. An easy breeze picked up and lifted to her vantage point, caressing her face and softly blowing loose strands of her hair. Her problems all seemed so far away from her now, she was lost in the awe of everything.

The shining early morning, yellow sun had started rising from the ground. It filled the sky with mighty colors of red and splashed the clouds with endless rays of pink. It was bright and mesmerizing as it invited them to stare, deep into the horizon. The landscape beheld every vibrant hue in nature, each stroke of color resembling a freshly painted Rennaisance artwork. The brilliant viridian buoyed one’s thoughts from just one look, as did the drifting white clouds in the sky. The trees were rife with verdure and floras, setting off the picturesqueness of the divine, surrounding blooms.

In the center of all the ethereal greenery lay a flat oval of azure water. Its surface was shielded against the winds by the crown of lush surrounding hills. At the edge, the land met and continued as a seamless reflection. Gazing up at the sky and down into the water were one and the same.

Iris exhaled with relief when she stepped forward. The air felt fresh and new; a gentle breeze caressed her skin as she watched as ribbons of golden sunlight spilled into the forest. A deep sense of serenity overcame her as she stared in rapture at the expanse of blue that lay before her. Rays of lights danced delicately across the water, birthed from the afternoon sun that both limited her sight and made the view all the more beautiful.

This morning’s sunrise was a breathtaking display of radiant colors. Bright streaks of salmon, cerise, and auburn gradually permeated the indigo and plum of the aurora sky. The skies resembled a prism; all the hues blending in perfect harmony. The sun itself was just peeking out of the horizon, and its brilliant rays already gleamed luminously and began to warm the air. She marveled at the glistening reflection of the fireball on the lake and a thrilling feeling of awe swept over her.

Larry perceived the world in intricate detail, capturing a vivid array of colors, shapes, ideas, and emotions. To him, the world served as a canvas, providing ample space for individuals to paint their unique stories onto life’s blank canvas. Some ventured beyond its edges, while others confined themselves to a smaller space. Some brush strokes impacted the lives of many, either enhancing or disrupting the beauty. A genuine artist, Larry embraced the world with an open heart, mind, body, and soul, harboring no judgments. Every facet of life held equal importance in his eyes, constituting the art of the world.

As much as he loved painting people’s portraits, there was an extra excitement he felt when he saw the view – already seeing it as a watercolor instead of the moving waves and distant fishing boats out on the horizon. The glow of the resplendent sun cast its rays on every corner, bathing the whole world in a warm glow on this paradise outside of Eagle Mountain, with its grassy, rolling hills looming over the mountainous view and boundless spread of turquoise wonder as iridescent liquid gold stretched towards the skyline.

Under blue and sunlit skies, the view was phenomenal to behold, for the lake area was abundant with wildlife. Chittering songbirds could be heard from the surrounding bushes and forest-green frogs lazed upon the flowering lily-pads. A mother duck and her ducklings, trailing behind her like a row of bobbing corks, idly grazed the water while buzzing green and blue dragonflies hovered above.

It was truly a slice of secluded paradise.

For this reason, Larry came to this spot each morning, to lose himself in the solace of silent beauty, and for the longest time, had wanted nothing more than to share his private haven with her. He studied her with bated breath as he awaited her reaction.

It made his heart soar.

The fascination of their surroundings still paled in comparison to the look of jubilant rapture on Iris’s features, which nearly shredded the last remains of his self-control as he fought back the urge to kiss those lush, slightly parted lips of hers. He could tell she was captivated by the wonder of nature, but just as much, he was equally enchanted by her and the delight lighting up her exquisite face, warming both his heart and soul.

“It’s so… picturesque.” Her joyous eyes were still drinking it all in and lit up like stars.”Simply magnificent.”

The reflection of the sky, now morphed into a slightly more blurred image, but still unique in its splendor, is mirrored upon the lake. Larry smiled indulgently at her almost child-like delight. The emerald trees, and the fluffy clouds above, all become classic masterpieces of artwork – nature’s beauty, as far as the eye can see. While it’s ephemeral and everchanging, it’s what makes it all the more cherished. I can walk here every day and always it will be both different and the same. My spirits are buoyant that she appreciates this incredible panorama – moreover, that I could share a part of my world with her.

While the artist never ceased being mesmerized by the splendor of this view as well, he was even more enthralled by the ethereal beauty standing by his side.

Iris, you are the sky and the clouds; you are the gentle river and the birds that sing. I feel you in the air, long for your touch, and recall you in a way that sends electricity to spark my mind, body, and soul. You are medicine; you are light; you are laughter and hope. I slipped my heart into your pocket some time ago and there it will stay, safe and sound, even if you never know it.

“I never knew such a place existed,” Iris breathed, her face glowing. “Thank you so much for showing me this gorgeous place, Lawrence. It’s just what I needed.”

That was when she noticed the easel and brushes and paints set up, and off to the side of the lakeshore.

“How wonderful!” She enthused, clapping her hands like an excited little girl. “Were you going to capture this glorious paradise as a painting?”

“Nope.” He smiled mysteriously. “You are.”

“M- me?” She gasped, her hand fluttering nervously to her chest, as though he’d just suggested sky-diving. “Don’t be silly! I’m no artist! I can’t paint!”

“That’s where you’re wrong.” He shook his head. “You are an artist – you’ve forgotten that music is part of the arts, milady. But I fear your inner artiste may have been getting burnt out from the tension of prepping the cabins and attempting to reactivate your latent pianist skills for Maya’s wedding – and the more challenging Mendelssohn version, not even the simple Wagner one, to boot! This is on top of trying to master the art of spirit channeling! So I brought you here, not only to release your burdens but more importantly, to soothe your soul. Most of all, I want to prove to you that with an open heart and mind, any skill can be learned and that you’ve been selling yourself much too short, by dubbing yourself a failure who can’t do anything right!”

“B – but –!”

He waved the lute in his hand and pointed it at her, silencing her protest.

“This Valentine’s Day, Iris Hawthorne, you and I are going to trade places! I shall be the musician, and you shall be the artist! Together, we will tap into hidden talents we didn’t know we possessed, and parts of ourselves we’ve never known possible! You and I are going to make beautiful music and create magic together!”

“I don’t know about this…” she said uncertainly as he practically tugged her resisting form to the canvas. “Couldn’t I at least get a sketchbook to do a rough draft of this first?”

“You’re overthinking all of this way too much.” He lightly began to strum at the lute, filling their surrounding area with the sweet sound of the tune she’d heard him practicing earlier, this time with nearly zero stumblings of the notes. “Just let your mind roam free of all thoughts and allow your spirit to guide you, to take what you see, and project your vision with the paint. This isn’t art class, and there’s no critical teacher who will judge or grade your efforts, I promise.”

“But you’re a professional artist who does this for a living!” She objected, even as her fingers closed, almost of their own volition, over a large paintbrush. “I can’t hold a candle to what you do! I’ll just mess this up, just like I do everything else!”

“It kills me, how hard you are on yourself.” His eyes were pained as they peered searchingly into hers. “Tell me something, Iris. Do you love yourself? At all?”

The unexpected question rendered her speechless.

Yes. Oh, how I want to say yes. Nowadays, when I look in the mirror I no longer have the urge to cry that I share the face of the demonic entity of a twin. I want to say yes, I do love myself. Because, well, when someone says something mean, it doesn’t take me all day to get over it anymore. Because sometimes – most of the time, when I have negative thoughts, I can counteract them. Larry, you alone have already made me forget Mildred’s cruel words from just an hour ago, just by basking in the blissful presence that is you.

Did she love herself?

And when I do something clumsy or say something stupid, I laugh because I know I’ll never be defined by a single action, a single mistake. I laugh because sometimes it’s healthy to laugh at yourself. You taught me that, Larry. You and that constant smile …I can’t stop staring at that smile. The one that makes me think you look so happy to be alive, so I should be too, just because I’m with you.

She closed her eyes and further mulled over the question. To err was human, after all, wasn’t that the saying?

The truth is yes, sure, I love myself. But that doesn’t mean I always like the way I am. And yes, okay, I love myself, but that doesn’t mean I always treat myself right. And yes, yes of course I love myself, but sometimes we do destructive things in the name of love, and sometimes we don’t treat our loved ones well, and hide things for them in the name of love – a different kind of love – for another. And sometimes we hurt them because we are only human and here’s the only certain part of this whole reply: I am only human. I make mistakes, for I am only human. I need to remember that.

Larry had begun to quietly sing the lyrics to “Iris” in the background.

And I’d give up forever to touch you
‘Cause I know that you feel me somehow
You’re the closest to heaven that I’ll ever be
And I don’t wanna go home right now

Her heart began to swell with pride.

But then I remember the fact that I still have this thought at the back of my mind that I will never be intelligent or capable enough to achieve everything that I want to achieve, that I will never fulfill my purpose in life, whatever that may be; that I will never be enough of this or that I will always be too much of that. I remember and then I feel a little sick. If you asked me for a black-and-white answer for whether I loved myself, I’d say yes. Because I do love myself a whole lot more than I did a year ago. Because you, Larry Butz, you make me sometimes believe that I could maybe be someone worth loving.

However, that was an answer she could never admit to him out loud.

“I – I like myself … I guess.” She finally spoke, trying to keep the tremor out of her voice. “I – I like the way I feel whenever I’m with you – someone so kind, who thinks that maybe I’m not as bad as I think, and can almost convince me it’s true.”

“Then believe this: under the sun, we’re all the same,” he stated firmly, leaving no more room for rebuttal. “I can believe enough in you and what you’re capable of until the day comes that you finally see yourself the way others see you, Iris. Until you finally believe in yourself. I’m not asking you to morph into Picasso in one day. All I’m asking is for you to try to embrace something new, for me, as I have, for you. Just this once.”

“For me?” Her eyes widened in disbelief. “Is that why you started playing the lute?”

“It’s the reason the first song I taught myself to play was this one.” His eyes bored into hers as he began strumming again. “This song…it’s called Iris.”

“I – I’m speechless.” She was so touched she could barely speak. “I – I don’t know what to say.”

“Embracing music was something that my Iris – er, my good friend, Iris, inspired me to do.” He stared deeply into her eyes. “Do you think for once, you could allow yourself to let me inspire you?”

“I will try, Lawrence. I promise you,” she whispered, incredibly moved not only to have motivated such talent but at how much faith this wonderful man had in her. “For you, I will.”

Their eyes locked on one another as a moment of tranquil stillness rose between them. After a few breathless moments, however, terrified that he’d see her heart in her eyes, Iris was the one, to her great shame, who looked away first.

Seeing the hesitation on her face, almost as if to cajole her along, with an encouraging smile, Larry continued strumming the song he was now singing along to.

And all I can taste is this moment
And all I can breathe is your life
When sooner or later it’s over
I just don’t wanna miss you tonight

Feeling a lump forming in her throat at the poignant words, the shrine maiden shut her eyes again, fearing he’d see the rush of emotion in them, and just focused on Larry’s lyrics to “Iris,” feeling emboldened at being given an unobtrusive melody in the fray to compose her thoughts to. She stretched her hand to the sky.

And I don’t want the world to see me
‘Cause I don’t think that they’d understand
When everything’s made to be broken
I just want you to know who I am…

Under the sun we are all the same, she reminded herself, and let the soft amber glow of the sunrise pour through her fingers and onto her upturned face. The sun itself had risen higher in the sky. She thought about the bustling people in the city who would be awake now. Road sweepers and early morning factory workers hurrying through the streets. Every one of them was too busy to savor the coral sky or the rays that radiated from the golden orb, which was as pretty as any mural.

Almost as though in a trance, she began to glide the brush in sure, smooth gliding motions over the canvas as Larry, smiling at the new-found look of serenity on her visage, continued to play.

It was a different song now, not as polished as the one called “Iris”, which he’d perfected, but still as charming, and immediately recognizable – fitting for Larry Butz in every way! It was by Daniel Powter, “Crazy All My Life.” With this playful, uplifting song about a self-proclaimed, besotted lunatic playing in the background, Iris began to paint.

Well something got me shaking
My mind was racing pacing the room
I don’t know but I think I fell to pieces
The moment that I first saw you
Now it’s true

I thought I could get over it
Brushed you off my shoulder but now
I’m a mess
Every day is worse and the hurt is always bringing me down
Help me

‘Cause I don’t know if I can take it
I’m so tired of trying to fake it
Tell me you know
That I’ve been crazy all my life

I try to be cool but I want more
Now I’m standing right here at your front door
I need to know
That I’ve been crazy all my life
Crazy all my life

The nun felt freer and more full of life than she’d ever dreamed. Slowly, but surely, her efforts of portraying the breathtaking vision before her began to materialize in her efforts.

Well tell me you can help me
I’m nothing but a shell of a man
Baby please the only time I’m right
Is when I am by your side understand?

Can’t you see?

Baby, it’s irrational
Maybe I’m a natural freak
All I know is love can make you stupid
And you are just a song on repeat
Help me…

Larry knew he had no business playing a borderline, although not an outright, love song to a woman whose heart lay elsewhere. However, she just looked so damn beautiful as she focused so intently on that painting, gently biting her full lower lip and thoughtfully tilting her head to the side as she scrutinized her work, that he fell hopelessly more in love with her with every passing moment. He just couldn’t help himself.

‘Cause I don’t know if I can take it
I’m so tired of trying to fake it
Tell me you know
That I’ve been crazy all my life

I try to be cool but I want more
Now I’m standing right here at your front door
I need to know
That I’ve been crazy all my life
Crazy all my life
My life, my life
Whoa

Maybe you’re just a fool like me
And you’re feeling crazy too
Maybe we’re just two fools you see
Maybe we found we’ve been crazy all our life…

As I begin to create bold, colored strokes over the canvas, it’s like my brain is directing it on its own accord, and the rest of me isn’t even required in the equation. It’s strange but true. My hand moves instinctively to the right spot, building a new picture, often one I have never seen before. In these world ecospheres, I see reflections of my mind, and the way I think, but there is something else there too. I don’t know what, perhaps I just imagine it, but when I paint, I feel at one with the earth and heavens; a serenity and mental calmness I cannot find another way. Is this the same giddy rush Larry experiences when he creates one of his masterful works?

At last, it appeared Iris was done, and she ceased putting the paintbrush against the canvas and cupped her chin in one hand as she analyzed her results.

As Larry set down his lute, he noticed the expression on her countenance was no longer one of concentration, but displeasure, and he immediately came over to see what he could do to remove that frown marring her lovely features.

“What’s wrong?” He asked, coming up behind her.

“It’s still not done! It just isn’t quite right!” She cried in exasperation, still not turning around, her attention on her outstanding artwork. “Yet I can’t seem to put my finger on what it is! I’m so frustrated! Do you see how the sun right now is threatening to dip behind the horizon, firstly cascading a prime bombardment of colors that fling over the sky with alacrity, with the receding blue and oranges simultaneously battling the blackness and pushing it away with its arms?”

The artist studied the viewpoint of the landscape she was scowling at to get a better perspective. The sun was shining on the lake below, shimmering its deep depths. The resplendent glow scintillated and beamed: such was the legacy of the sun.

Simply put, Iris was trying to capture the sun’s radiance as it cascaded down the water and was getting agitated by her inability to do so.

Larry was equally endeared by her artistic strive for perfection, by the realization that as an artist, they were their own worst critic. To his critical eye, she had captured the scenery brilliantly, with a deft skill that nearly rivaled his own, but he knew better than to try to tell her otherwise. Her newly awoken passion was exactly what he’d intended, but now he had to attempt to quell the reflexive, self-nitpicking that would be customary of her to arise, right afterward… being the adorable little perfectionist that she was!

“You need to take a deep breath and relax that frayed mind of yours,” he soothed, taking her hand from behind in his with his large, masculine one, oblivious to her startled gasp at the feeling of his heated skin against hers. “You don’t want the rays to overpower, but instead, complement this masterful work you’ve created. Now, all you need is a gentle touch and a small stroke, just like this…”

He carefully guided Iris’s tiny hand with his own across the canvas, the act unintentionally causing her shoulder blades to be pressed back against his firm chest, and her heart pounded wildly as she became acutely aware of the spicy scent of his aftershave and his warm breath against her ear, reveling in the sensation of his nearness much more than she should have!

She daringly and ever so slightly, not quite willing yet to break the blissfulness of his proximity, tilted her head upward, so she could make out his transfixed, attentive expression as he fixated on the finishing touches.

The intense look of concentration on his features was something she’d never seen before. Having only been privy in the past to view the result of his work, rather than seeing him in the act, it was almost like artwork itself to see the artist in action.

With his eyes somewhat narrowed in focus, his jaw slightly clenched and his lips pursed together, Larry in artist mode was truly a sight to behold, and something Iris found she was enjoying very much, even though he was so engrossed at the moment in his passion, he seemed to have forgotten her presence entirely! Therefore, he was completely unaware of how she appreciated every line and curve of his face, which was growing more fascinating and beloved by the moment.

Sister Bikini had once joked that Larry Butz was a “diamond in the rough,” and Iris knew what she meant. But to her, he was simply a diamond. The rest of the world could be as rough as it desired but it never affected him, he shone with inner beauty all the same. She guessed that was part of why she’d fallen for him. It was that sparkle of his, which nothing and nobody could ever take away.

Iris was still studying the mobile line of his lips when they quirked suddenly as if amusement was lurking there. Her gaze shot up, and to her utter horror, she discovered that his amber eyes had shifted down onto her. She pulled away, fully turning around to face him, torn between laughing at his dry observation and blushing because she hadn’t fooled him in the least. She did neither, and a fiery blush heated her cheeks at having been caught in the act of so unabashedly staring at him.

“I hope you like the painting now…” he said tentatively, looking away from her admiring gaze and shuffling his feet awkwardly.

She did like, it. She loved it. His masterful finishing skills had truly given her a piece of work that was something to be proud of, yet the now-forgotten painting was not what presently had her so completely captivated.

Feeling her stare still on him, Larry jerked his view away from the scenery and self-consciously regarded the shrine maiden, who remained ogling him with an odd, contemplative expression, as though unable to look away from him.

“What’s up?” He nervously scratched his head. He unsure of what to make of her intent stare and wondered if he had visible boogers up his nose or a bird had crapped on his head or something, as no other woman had ever remained so fixated on him for so long. “Why are you looking at me like that?”

“Has anyone ever told you how beautiful you are?” she asked softly before she could stop herself.

Larry blinked, unsure if he had heard her correctly. It was the last thing he expected her to say. A slow, boyish blush spread across his features as he grappled with trying not to turn crimson at the compliment, failing miserably as the heat rose to his cheeks.

Usually, I’m the one making ladies blush, not vice versa! She’s really got a hold on me!

“What would you think if I told you no?” He finally managed to get out, in what he hoped was a normal tone.

Iris tittered. “I’d think you were trying to appear modest.”

He might have assumed she was jesting, were it not for the earnest expression in those lustrous eyes. No, she was genuinely serious, and it touched his heart.

“Then what am I supposed to do now?” he teased, opting for humor to cloak the overwhelming emotion her words evoked. “I’m open to any advice on my decorum, milady.”

“I suppose you should try to look a little flustered and embarrassed by the flattery!” She declared with a mock scowl.

“I don’t fluster or embarrass very easily!” He joked. “I’m shameless, remember?”

“Be serious!” She playfully slapped at his shoulder, affecting chastisement. “Have you ever been told that before?”

“Be serious? Me? That’s like asking a fish to ride a bicycle!” He skillfully evaded the question. “By the way, has anyone ever told you that you have incredibly beautiful eyes?”

“Yes!” She giggled. “By the way, Mr. Butz, you’re nowhere near as slick as you think! You’re aware I do realize that you’re deliberately prevaricating, don’t you?”

“And that you’re extremely well-spoken, too?” he continued, ignoring her remark.

“We aren’t singing my praises here, are we?” She affected a tone of feigned indignation. “You do realize a true gentleman would at least try to accept a compliment from a lady, with some degree of graciousness, especially when it’s been given so freely!”

She was so endearing, so utterly adorable, it practically hurt! Larry’s heart nearly ached with how much he loved her at that moment.

“Perhaps the praise given by the fair lady left me so taken aback that I have no words sufficient enough to provide an adequate response.” His expression was intense as he stared deeply into her eyes. “Because said lady is of such breathtaking beauty herself, she often renders even a wisecracking clown such as me to become helplessly, completely speechless.”

She couldn’t find her voice. Her cheeks flushed hot, and her stomach was heavy as her heart pounded in her throat, threatening to break out. She couldn’t look at him for another moment, because if she did, she knew that she would ruin everything by declaring her emotions right then and there. She dropped her gaze.

This time, Larry wouldn’t let her.

“Not this time, Missy!” Firmly, taking her chin between his thumb and forefinger, he turned her face up to his, forcing her to look into his laughing eyes. “If I’m so beautiful, why won’t you look at me anymore?”

“That was a silly thing for me to tell you,” Iris apologized with quiet dignity. “And…”

“It was a gross exaggeration.” Sensing her sudden discomfort and not wanting to add to it, he smilingly took his hand away from her chin. “But I liked it. Thank you for the kind words, Iris.”

“You’re welcome,” she mumbled, her cheeks still pink. “I – I meant every word of it.”

“I know you did. And by the way, in case you’re honestly interested,” he added, his voice turning husky. “I have heard many women over the years use such similar words of admiration to describe the clueless of their own charm Edgy and Nick – both to their faces as well as behind their backs! But no, never to me.”

There was no way to mask the emotion in his voice as he told her this humbling detail, and it was impossible to determine if there was more joy in his heart to have finally heard the words, or in hers for having uttered them. Larry had to swallow hard before he could trust himself to continue.

“You’re the first woman to ever see me in such a light, Iris.” He then gave her a genuinely sweet smile, with just the right touch of shyness. “Nobody has ever told me that before. Not until you.”

An unexpected warmth rushed through her. Still feeling a little foolish over her confidences, Iris glanced up at him with an embarrassed smile, then turned back to the scenic view behind them.

“What is the most beautiful place you’ve ever seen?”

Dragging his gaze from the splendor of the landscape, Larry tenderly gazed down at the enchanting beauty standing beside him.

“Any place,” he said huskily, “where you are.”

She stared up at him and this time, when he met her steady gaze with his smiling one, found she couldn’t make herself look away.

I look at you with those tender eyes and the little upward curl of your smile, and I see the sun and the sea and the whole world beaming back at me. And I love you. At that moment, I knew I loved you. 

A/N: DannyDragon and Eveshowrtc – here’s your requested Coldplay!

Tiffany – I Think We’re Alone Now (chapter title)
Coldplay – Fix You
Goo Goo Dolls – Iris
Daniel Powter – Crazy All My Life