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BRIE LARSON at the Jury Dinner for the 76th Annual Cannes Film Festival on May 15, 2023

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He huffed a little as he slowly came to realize it may be true what she said. There had been times in the apartment where he thought he wasn't alone. Sometimes there was a scent in his nose that made him remember his brother. But it couldn't be true. It wasn't possible. Ozias was dead and he would never get to see him again. Looking up to meet her eyes, he gave a weak smile. It was all he could get himself to. "I really wish you were right about that..." he said, his gaze falling back down. He usually was good at keeping his face up, especially at work. But today was one of these days, a young boy dying and it reminded him terribly at his brother. "It's been nearly a year without him..."

"I don't know about you, but I believe his spirit is around you. He knows." Abigail said. "Pay attention, after my great aunt died, I was seeing little signs from her. Whether is was a scent, or her favorite song. I took it as a little hi from her, and that she was around." She then placed her hand on his back and rubbed it a little before giving him a side hug. "I know he forgives you."

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Daniel shook his head at her qustion. "Nah, I didn't. M parents focused on rekindeling the family connection to my mother's cousin and to reunite the kingdoms, they wanted to marry off my older brother to their eldest daughter." he said. "Don't make me explain it, it's rather difficult and exhausting." he explained. "Anyway, things didn't work out the way they wanted to, things got out of hand and I joined the Armée de terre when I was old enough." he said. His eyes met hers as soon as he heard her words. For a split moment he wondered if she was talking about him? If she maybe meant him and that she had caught feelings for him as fast as he did catch for her. Either way, he knew he was going to leave again soon. He was not even allowed to leave the military in the evenings or at night but he just had to see her again.

"Really? How is he?" he asked, grinning a little as he wanted to make sure she was really talking about him before he admitted his own feelings to her.

Sophia felt her heart break a little when he said the other's name. A little bit of her hoped that it would be her. She had to smile a little bit when he said their ages though. "Have you seen her since you both are older now?" She questioned as she pulled at the blanket underneath them. "I am not sure. I mean I never have, but what if I think I have experienced it more recently?" Feeling herself catch her breath at her own words, knowing that she basically confessed her feelings. She then let her gaze fall from the blanket to his eyes.

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Oliver laughed a little, yes, those memories were very clear on his mind now. And she was right, it had been the most fun night they ever had, he ever had. "I can only agree with you on that." he smiled. "We had the best night we could've asked for." he added. And yes, maybe for the sake of nostalgia they should visit the arcade once again. Who knows what could happent here.

"I do, yes." he smiled. And even if not, he would have it on the papers. He smiled. "Yes, do it. And I will ask my brother. I'm sure he has nothing really better to do." he said. "See you Sunday." he said once again before he watched her get into her car and drive off.

For a moment he waited until she was out of sight, then he went back to work. In the evening, he told his mother about Penny and how she adopted a dog. Of course, she seemed thrilled, just as his brother Noah who knew how big of a crush he had on her. "Ask her out. Do it!" he told him during dinner and for the rest of in, there was an on going debate on how to actually ask her out.

"It was oddly enough, one of the funnest nights of my life. Minus the whole me going to prom with that football player, and him leaving with a cheerleader. Yeah, that broke my heart, but it was obvious what he wanted to do that night when those two left early, and I am glad it wasn't with me." She shook her head, knowing that night could've turned very differently and a regretful night very quickly. At least in her more mature thoughts now, but as a teen she didn't understand why.

"My number has stayed the same too, if you have it still in your phone, if not it is on the documents I had to fill out for you." She chuckled. "I will ask Grace if she is interested on going to the arcade - I am sure she will be, and you ask the others?" She questioned. "Until then, I will see you on Sunday." She said giving him a little wave before getting into her car.

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Daniel chuckled softly, turning on his side and pushing himself up on one elbow. "I think we all did at some point, right?" he asked, a little grin coming across his lips. He didn't mean to be straight forward, telling her he had been crushing on her the minute they had ran into each other. "Her name was Vanessa and she was a duchess." he chuckled. "But she hated my face. So things would've never worked out." he laughed a little. "And we were only four years." he added. "How about you?"

Sophia nodded her head as she looked over at him. "I do." She smiled softly as she turned over so that she was lying on her stomach on the ground. Surprised that he believed in the same thing as her. "Have you ever fallen in love at first sight?" She questioned hime.

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Immediately, Oliver's mind took him back to the very night she was talking about. It was a mess of a night. Still, it was more than he could've hoped for. He had been almost there, close to kiss her but fate stepped in and pulled them apart. He hadn't thought about that night in so long, while it was the only topic on his mind back in the day. "That was a hell of a night. I don't think you can ask for any more High School drama." he chuckled. "Being kids does sound like fun, though. It's been a while since I felt that." he said. "But I guess, that's the sad part about growing up. Fun just seems to be rare these days." he said.

"That's where I will be." he said with a nod, his heart starting to beat a little faster. If she was really coming, he knew he would be nervous, afraid to mess up. At the same time, he was looking forward to see her. "See ya.." he said as he waved her goodbye and her new fury friend. He watched her before she turned around and ask for his number again. "Yeah, it never changed." he said. And now, he felt even more excited to hear from her.

"It's been a long time for me too. Last time we went I think was after our senior prom. We all had fun that night, our last time just being kids together. Maybe I just want to experience something similar for a night again?" With going off to college, Penny felt the need to grow up and fast. College was a place to go out and party and be adults, but she was mostly inside studying and going to coffee shops with college friends.

She then walked up to the front, stepping outside. It was Fall, a bit cold but at least it wasn't snowing yet. Catching sight of Reggie enjoying the sunshine beating down on his face, Penny couldn't help but to smile a little at him before turning around and facing Oliver. Sighing a little at his words, assuming he was gesturing towards one of his teammates again. "Yeah, I am sure." She said. "Well, I should probably go do some shopping for this one. But I will see you on Sunday at the field." She nodded, beginning to walk off but suddenly turned around. "Is your number still the same?" She asked, "I have it still, but I've been scared to text with how people change their numbers sometimes."

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It seemed random when Penny suddenly brought up the Arcade. He nodded anyway. "Yeah, I think so.." he spoke, for a moment, his mind went back to the endless nights and days they had spent there. "Gosh, I haven't been there in ages." he chuckled. He had been so caught up with his business, the shelter and rescuing animals that he didn't seem to go out anymore. "I don't think we're ever too old for this place." he chuckled. "It's just, all of this.." he looked around "takes up a lot of time... I barely can enjoy myself anymore." he said. Not that he did mind. He loved his job and what he did. He lived for it.

"I was about to say riding but considering my terrible choice of words earlier, it was better to not say it." he grinned. "And now I said it anyway." he shook his head. Now, her last words made him listen up. Was she referring to him once again? Or was she just being playful as she usually had been in school. Flirting or at least it always seemed like flirting, and then she would ruffle through his hair like the best friend he was. "Baseball.. Yeah.." he said, unsure of how to handle this situation. He wasn't confident at all when it came to dating. The reason he only ever had one girlfriend since school. "You sure will find your fave on the team." he smiled.

"I'd love to surprise her as a special guest." Penny said, speaking of his mother. She then stood up from her seat as she picked up Reggie and braced him into her arms. "Proud mother here." She laughed as he licked her cheek.

She then started to walk to the door, turning around to face him. "Is that local arcade still open with the bowling alley?" She questioned, suggesting a location. "Or are we too old for that place now?" She teased, however she didn't care how old she was for these placed. She still loved having fun. "Your brother teaches me what?" She asked, raising her brow. "Actually, save it. I don't need to hear it if it's something gross. Besides, he isn't the cutest brother either, he needs to play baseball to be my taste. Remember?" She smirked.

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He had tried his hardest to keep his eyes on the stars but the moment he heard her words, Daniel looked down at her with a smile. "You do?" he asked surprised. Sure, you would think that many women would believe in true love and love at first sight, sadly, he had never met one of those. And it was even harder as a prince. A broad smile was on his lips, now she was the only shining thing he wanted to look at. "I think that's very lucky... I do believe in love at first sight too." he spoke.

@itsonlyhxman - cont.

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Conrad + Intense Looks

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For a moment, Oliver didn't respond. he debated if her comment was meant for him or someone else. Even though, it was quite obvious, and he in this situation couldn't had make it any more obvious. But still, he was unsure. They hadn't seen each other in years so all he came up with was a simple. "Yeah, maybe..." before he entered his office. It was awkward and maybe a way embarrassing but he just couldn't help it. He was nervous. And he hoped she wouldn't notice.

he watched her signing the papers with a smile. "Wow, I didn't know she's coming that much around." he spoke. Of course, he was following her socials and Grace was very passionate about what she was doing and where she could help. And after all, he did the same. Thatw as part of how he kept this whole thing alive. "I'm looking forward to see you on Sunday then. I'm gonna make sure mom knows you're coming around. Or maybe, I will just say we will have a guest and then you can surprise her." he grinned. He took the papers, checking them once again. "Congrats. You are now a dog mom." he grinned, smiling a little more that he had given another home to one of his dogs.

"Sure, why not." he said as he brought her to the door. "I would love to hang out with my two best girls all over again." he grinned. "Maybe I will bring my brother around. Or you come around and he teaches you to... nevermind." he chuckled. When they reached the door, he opened it and held it open for her. "So, I guess, I will see you around." he said.

"That's good that you still play!" Penny smiled brightly as she nodded her head at his offer, "I'd love to check you all out, and you never know, someone just might." She teased him. "But something tells me I don't need to go to a field for someone to catch my eye. I mean it could be here... at an animal shelter." She started to hint out, gazing into Oliver's eyes for a bit but then let her gaze slowly fall down to Reggie. "I mean he sure did." She giggled before patting the top of Reggie's head.

Penny sat there, looking back up at Oliver, smiling and listening to how he talked about the animals. She was happy for him and for doing something he enjoyed. She always wondered about him, and felt ashamed that they didn't talk in years. "Well, you are saving the fury friends, and Grace is out in Florida being a marine biologist. You both are doing a good thing by saving the animals, ocean and land. Then there is me... who can't even save her job." She laughed, "But honestly, I am glad. It wouldn't have brought me back home. I really missed the small town vibes here and everyone knowing each other and just feeling the warmth and welcome of open arms." She said as she filled out the paperwork that he had passed over. Making it official on becoming Reggie's new mom. "Well, it looks like Sunday I got some plans, watching you practice and then going over to your place for lunch." She smiled, "Of course make sure to tell your mom that I am coming first. I don't want to intrude." She laughed as she slid the paperwork back to him. "Also, Grace will be in town in a few weeks. Maybe we can all hang out? Get some of our old high school friends together that are still in town?" She questioned. "Have a little mini-reunion."

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"So, I take you were on the rest of the team then?" he asked with a little smirk. He tried his best to hide the disappointment that had woken up in him. Back in the day, he had been too skinny to play football. Carter had been too but within a year he grew so tall and muscular, something Oliver never reached. And he preferred Baseball after all. "I'm sure Carter would hate to hear that. He was convinced that every girl loved him." he said. Oliver made a small pause before adding, "If you still into Baseball, you should come and see us play. We train every Sunday morning at the field nearby. I'm sure there would be someone to catch your eye." he grinned. And little did he hope, she would maybe enjoy seeing him play.

With another nod, he agreed to what she said. "Yeah, status and who you date, those things couldn't be less of a matter." he said, looking down the hallway as he heard dogs barking. "Ever since I was little I wanted to help animals, no matter which. And actually seeing under what circumstances some have to live, it breaks my heart. That's why I created this. A safe place for every animal that needs help or shelter." he spoke. And he smiled. He was very proud of what he was doing. He had found what he was meant to do.

But bringing the focus back on the happier side, he gave her another smile before he answered. "I'm happy to hear of your return. It's lovely here and I'm pretty convinced there's a reason to leave this town forever." he grinned. "Of course, college and job are legit reasons but this place just feels like home and I could never leave it behind." he said. And yes, he was more than thrilled to hear she was comign back. "I'm very glad to hear your family is doing good. Is Grace staying in New York or where's she settled right now?" he asked. He remembered how close the two girls had been in school. And most of the time he was third wheeling the sisters wherever they went. "If you stop by on Sunday for lunch, my mother will literally freak out to see your back." he chuckled. Whenever she could, she would point out of how cute the two would've been together and that she wondered how Penny was. He went behind his desk, looking over the papers and starting to fill it out before handing it over to her. "We need a few more things from you and then Reggie is all yours." he said as he looked down at the dog who was smiling at him. "I will miss him dearly, just as his buddies here will but I know he has found a great home with you." He looked at Penny with a smile. And it got even brighter when he heard her words. "That would be cool, yes." he said. "And feel free to stop by whenever you're close. I'm sure Reggie will miss his buddies as well." he said.

"I mean I definetely didn't want to date your brother. He was the only football player I wasn't trying to impress." She chuckled, "Not that it matters anymore anyways. I was just an average teen girl who had a crazy imagination. Grace would agree with me there." She added in. With his comment, she wondered if he did have a crush on her back then - everyone thought that, but she quickly would brush it off because he was her best friend. Maybe it was one of his teammates, not that is mattered anymore anyways. "I must admit I am finding myself more attracted to baseball players than football players now." She smiled. "But hey... none of that matters anyways right? After a few years into your adult life, you realize it's not all about looks and the uniforms and it's the personality that counts. Whatever makes you feel connected to the other person."

Penny nodded as he went through his brothers, laughing at his words and not making anything anymore better. "You should stop right there. I get what you mean before you say anything more." She chuckled. "I am glad your mom is still enjoying cooking! Maybe I will stop by and see her one day!" She said as the conversation soon shifted towards her. "Well, I am actually moving back into town. I actually got laid off at my publishing job in New York. So here I am back in this small town again, just trying to restart life again. Start off fresh. Grace and I are still very close, she is going to be thrilled to know I have ran into you!" Grace was the one that always joked about her and Oliver ending up together, and she knew Grace was going to say something about fate bringing them back. Maybe Grace was right on this though? Penny thought about it for a moment before looking at her new adopted friend, who was looking up at Oliver, and soon Penny followed his gaze and looked back at Oliver as well, "You know... clearly Reggie loves you as well, and maybe we can hang out soon at the dog park?" She questioned, soon her confidence in her question slowly fading. "You know for Reggie to see get his Oliver dose in?"

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Amanda remained silent, the only sound that came from her lips was a huff as she turned back around and walked further to the rose gardens. She was annoyed. She was capable to walk around their grounds on her own and not have some bodyguard follow her. She had no idea what her mother thought could possibly happen. But if he was sticking around, she was going to make the best out of it.

"Why would you apply for such a boring position? A man of your qualities would surely be for use somewhere else? Somewhere, where it's more needed." she pointed out. The princess was turnign around, her gown spinning with the motion. While she waited for his reply, she walked over to look at the roses that were hanging down from the top.

@itsonlyhxman - cont.

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Adam had been caught in his thoughts for a moment. But the moment he heard the word girl, and the little tease about him, he smiled. "I don't think Cedrick turned in any way out like me." he pointed out. Whenever he was looking at his son, he saw Belle. The brown hair, the kind smile. The way he acted and moved. Not to mention his love for books. "A girl, huh? So, it's time to have another one of you running around then?" he asked, teasing her back with a little smile.

Adam reached out for her hand, giving it a small squeeze. "I'm really nervous about this, but I'm also kinda happy." he said, hoping she would believe every word he said. The last thing he wanted was for her to worry about him.

@itsonlyhxman - cont.

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He chuckled once again when she denied his compliment but even back then, with her frizzy hair and dresses, she looked like an angel. And Oliver couldn't remember a moment he had been crushing harder on someone. Even his family had noticed, whenever the blonde was around, Oliver was making sure to be the best version of himself. Even helping in the household. But then, in a matter of a second, his heart seemed to drop when she mentioned the way she was trying to attract football players. "Well, I guess, every girl wanted to date them. At least my brother could agree on that." he said, still trying to smile a little. Not like his brother Carter, who had been on the football team, Oliver was more a of a baseball player. "Your chances with the baseball players were much higher by the way." he said then, hinting at himself.

"They are good. Carter is living in Chicago, he's always away because of work. And Noah is still on the Ranch, helping where he can and giving little girls riding lessons." he said. "And I just realized how bad that sounded." he said, making an awkward impression. "I mean, he helps kids, teaches them how to ride and they all love him.." he corrected himself. But somehow, it wasn't getting better. "I should stop." he chuckled. "Mum's doing good. Still enjoys to cook for all of us every sunday." he said. "But how about you? How's your sister doing? You two are stilla s close?" he asked.

Penny wondered why he didn't say anything to her, maybe he was afraid that she wouldn't remember him? Which was sort of true, since he had changed so much. He ditched the glasses, let his hair grow a little longer & clearly kept up with taking care of himself.

Penny caught herself blushing at his comment on being still as beautiful. "Oh please, I was very nerdy back then with my frizzy hair and only wearing dresses all the time just to try to look cool and catch some football player's attention." She laughed, rolling her eyes at how her teen self was like. "How are your brothers, by the way? Also your mom? I always loved her cooking."