#milestanner

sweetredchevy

While the national book tour had finished a few months ago, Declan still did attend events around the city with the insistence of his publishing house. Signings, readings, Q&A’s, lectures. He had a reading and mini Q&A followed thereafter by a signing in the Midtown Barnes and Noble that afternoon. He had asked - or really, bribed - a certain professor to accompany him with the promise that they could take a walk in the park and go get something to eat after. Much to his delight, the man had agreed to go along.

Everything was going smoothly. He read a few passages and took some questions before starting the lengthy autograph session. The turn-outs still surprised him from time to time, figuring his book was old news by now. But the masses continually proved him wrong.

That day, however, one of his initial fears came to pass. A ghost reappearing - though he had no idea if the intent was to harm. He’d deserve it. He had done plenty of damage in the past after all.

Book after book, signature after signature and polite smile after polite smile, a familiar voice filled his ears suddenly as he was signing the next copy set down before him. “Hello, Declan.” He froze, pen poised and looked up with wide eyes, clearly startled…perhaps even mortified.

“Miles…?” The Irishman blinked rapidly in disbelief at first.

“Glad you still know my name after all this time.”

A nervous chuckle fell from Declan’s mouth before he had a chance to suppress it, biting his lip and dropping his gaze. “Apologies, mate. Didn’t expect to see ya heyar” Or anywhere again, ever.

“Your book caught my eye and I couldn’t put it down. I always said you had more to share than you were willing to admit.” The man smirked.

“Yea.. Guess ye were right.” He gave Miles a sheepish smile.

Miles’ smile faltered and he shoved his hands in his pockets, shifting his weight from one foot to the other. “Hey, I’m sorry about your dad. I know you didn’t like to talk about him, but I didn’t realize-”

“It’s fine.” The Irishman cut him off hastily.

“Is it?” The writer’s brow furrowed up at the man as he posed the question. “From what I read, it didn’t seem to be.”

Declan grew tense, angry even. “Yer out of line, and what would you know about it?” He demanded, standing from his seat. “Don’t think ye know a thing about me anymore, Miles. Ya don’t.”

“Clearly.” Miles stated, seemingly unaffected by the Irishman’s change in demeanor. But Declan knew better. This had pretty much been their dynamic. Declan was outwardly hot-headed while Miles always appeared to be the more level-headed one. “Some things never change.” He sighed. Declan snorted bitterly.

A stretch of uncomfortable silence settled between them as they stood there, being observed by the many prying eyes and ears of those around them. Declan hadn’t really noticed them or how quiet it had gotten.

“Well, congratulations on your much-deserved success.” Miles remarked with an air of distaste before turning to leave.

“That’s not-” The Irishman began before getting cut-off as the other man spun back around to face him.

“-What, fair? Neither is pretending the life you lived wasn’t your own. That those in it are comfortable being nameless cliff-notes on the pages of a book and aiding to your success. Have a nice life Declan, I hope you find what you’re looking for. I really do. And I’m sorry, I didn’t come here with the intention of riling you up.”

"Miles..."

"There's a reason you keep winding up alone, Dec. Several that I could point out, actually. But you already know. Instead of focusing on the past and all the faults and mistakes that have led you here, why not try to - oh, I don't know - work to make sure history doesn't keep repeating itself? Give it a try. I mean, what have you got to lose at this point?" It was harsh, but true nonetheless. And with that, he turned again to head for the exit. 

Declan remained silent, jaw and fists tightly clenched. If anything, he had thought that if anyone from his past was going to show up and confront him, Ric would have been the one to do it. He was always the one to call him out, both in his younger days and more recently as well.