"You keep saying that you're alright,
But I can see it through your fake smile, you're not,
There's a reservoir in your eyes,
That you've been holding back a long time, what's wrong?

Darling, you don't have to hold it,
You don't have to be afraid,
You can go ahead and unload it,

'Cause you know it'll be okay,
Fire away,
Fire away...

Hold me close but at a distance..." - Fire Away - Niall Horan.

——————————

The last couple of weeks had pretty much flown by for Paul and the lads. Show after show, beer after beer... Girl after girl. The biggest shock, yet also something they had also been secretly fearing, had happened; George had been deported for being underage. He was only 17, and the minimum age was 18. He was told that he had to leave the country straight away the following morning and so spent the rest of that night teaching John some new riffs on his guitar so that the boys were capable of going on without him. However, something had happened to Paul that the others had only witnessed briefly before. Sure, he was a lady's man, he loved having a girl on his arm... But not to the extent of what had happened over their time in Hamburg just now. He had gone from not wanting to upset Daisy to quite literally having a different girl every night, or even more. Whether it was his bed, their bed, a doorway, an alleyway, a toilet, a sofa, or even a shower, he'd had a girl there. His mind was a mess. It was like all of his morals suddenly went out of the window.

It was creeping closer and closer to their last night in Hamburg and the guys were rehearsing for their final show. For this trip, at least. Paul sighed heavily to himself and made his way over to the bar from the stage, approaching the barmaid.

"Just a pint, please, of... Ale." His voice was croaky, still battered from the recent gigs. The barmaid smiled and took a clean glass before placing it beneath the pump and starting to pour it in. He nodded appreciatively as she placed the full glass on the bar in front of him, handing her a note.

"Sir, this is a note. Do you not have any small change?" The girl questioned, offering the note back to him.

"Buy yourself one after your shift if you like, love. Cheers." Paul winked, taking the pint and walking back over to the stage. He stood still once he reached the guys and took a sip, holding it firmly in his hand.

"Are you going to take it easy tonight, Paul?" Pete asked, sat at his drum kit. Paul took another drink from the glass, glancing over at him with a sarcastic smile.

"I don't know what you mean." He raised his eyebrows and lowered the glass again, pushing his free hand through his hair.

"He means we don't want a hungover McCartney sat in the back of the van on our way home tomorrow, asking if we can pull over every five minutes so he can throw up out of the back." John tried to speak in a serious tone but it only resulted in everyone else laughing and nodding in agreement.

"I'm not /that/ bad, am I?!" Paul chuckled, scratching his forehead with his thumb.

"Well, if you count 'not that bad' as flinging the bedroom window open to vomit or piss out of because you can't make it ten more steps to the bathroom, then... Yes!" John couldn't help but laugh along as he spoke, shaking his head, "I've a good mind to close it on you mid stream. That'd hurt, wouldn't it, Macca?" His tone of voice turned into a jokingly threatening vibe, squinting his eyes playfully as he came closer to Paul. 

"O-Ouch... Please don't." Paul pouted his lips playfully, placing his free hand over his crotch and pretending to protect it.

"Please don't disappear tonight, Paul. We need you to be with us and outside by 10:00 tomorrow morning." Pete sighed, placing his drum sticks down as he also walked toward Paul.

"Well, I can never tell where the night may take me, but I'll try my best." Paul shrugged, gulping at his ale. The boys rolled their eyes. "I might get lucky."

"Again." John muttered under his breath, tapping his fingers against the neck of his guitar.

"I can't help it... I have girls falling at my feet, don't I? I'm only taking your advice. Forget about home and have fun." Paul cleared his throat, feeling a smirk starting to form on his lips, "Just forget about... D-Daisy..." His smirk quickly faded as his eyes looked around the room frantically for a chair. He spotted one by the side of the stage walked toward it, almost staggering before slumping down onto it. Pete, Stuart and John quickly walked over to him, exchanging scowls with each other.

"Mate, are you alright?" John asked, resting his hand on Paul's shoulder. He actually looked concerned for once. Paul stared down at his feet and swallowed hard, his hand shaking violently against the glass, making the ale swish up and down either side.

"Let me take that..." Pete spoke in an uneasy tone, taking the glass from him.

"I.. God, I felt like I was just about to black out there." Paul widened his eyes, still keeping them fixed on the floor. The lads looked back and forth between Paul and themselves, unsure of what to do.

"W-Was it when you thought about Daisy?" Stuart questioned in a soft tone, not wanting to make things any worse. Paul sighed deeply and shrugged, pulling a cigarette packet out of his pocket.

"You know you haven't been yourself over these past couple of weeks, don't you? Yes, we know you're never short of having girls all over you, but this time it's been different. I know you'd have never cheated on Daisy or fooled around behind her back when you were together, but when we got here you were acting like it was still going to hurt her, and now... Now you're with a different woman every time I see you! Look, I'm not saying you're taking advantage, but... You've either always got a pint in hand or a girl all over you. You're going through them like it would end you if you didn't, alcohol and girls! If you're upset, you need time to think things over and actually get over it. You've been like this for two weeks now and you still seem either just as sad or off your face." John shook his head, blinking hard as he watched Paul's shaky hands gradually pull out a cigarette from the packet and place it in his mouth. Paul stayed silent, striking a match against the side of his match box that he'd pulled out of his pocket and brought it up to meet the end of the cigarette and repeatedly trying to light it. He sighed in frustration as his shaking hands prevented him from heating the cigarette enough to light.

"Paul, what John is trying to say is that perhaps the way you're going about trying to get over this situation isn't the best. You need to sit down and think about what it is that you really want... Because, once we're back home and all this wild Hamburg trip is over, the comedown is going to hit you /so/ hard. You won't know what to do with yourself." Pete narrowed his eyebrows, taking Paul's arm and helping him steady it so he could succeed in lighting his cigarette.

"Th-Thank you..." Paul's voice was weak, almost speaking in a whisper, "I'll be alright. I will.. I- I'll figure it out." He inhaled the cigarette sharply, closing his eyes for a few moments before exhaling the smoke as he stood up.

"You don't sound alright." John spoke bluntly, the three of them staying close to Paul so they could support him if his legs failed to stand.

"I- I am.. I'm just going to go for some fresh air. That's all I need." He waved his arms slightly, pushing his way through them all and walking toward the side door, repeatedly taking drags from his cigarette.

"Paul, be careful!" Pete shouted behind him, sighing deeply.

Anything the lads tried to say to him as he walked away turned into small, muffled noises. Once he got outside, he leant against the wall, tilting his head back against it and closing his eyes for a few moments. What was he doing? He was trying to teach himself how to go on without Daisy, that's what he was doing. He didn't have to think about anything when he had alcohol in his system or a girl on top of him, he just had to focus on having a good time. As he gradually opened his eyes again, he spotted a familiar silhouette in the dark distance. He narrowed his eyes slightly, trying to work out where he knew them from. Suddenly, it clicked.

"Claudia? Claudia!" He called as loud as his swollen vocal chords would allow him. The girl turned around to look in his direction, widening her eyes and coming toward him, "I told you I'd see you around." He crinkled his nose, holding out his arm for her.

"Well, aren't you a man of your word, Paul?" She giggled, moving closer to him and giving him a small squeeze as he wrapped his arm around her waist, lightly kissing the side of her head.

"I try to be." He chuckled, pulling back to take another puff from his cigarette. Claudia gazed up at him, slowly starting to scowl and pout her lips.

"Paul, are you alright?" She tilted her head slightly, rubbing his arm lightly, "You seem a little shaky and pale."

"I'm alright, love. I'm just have a bit of an off day. How are you doing?" Paul arched a brow, half smiling at her.

"I'm doing well, thank you. I'm on my way into work." Claudia crinkled her nose.

"Work? Where do you work?" Paul looked around briefly before following her finger as she pointed at one of the nearby pubs.

"Just there! God, I really need to run to my shift, but it's been lovely to see you again, Paul. Good luck with the rest of your time here! When do you leave?" She turned in the direction of the pub, holding onto the bag she had placed over her shoulder.

"Oh!" Paul widened his eyes, flicking some ash on the floor from the cigarette, "We leave tomorrow... It's been a long couple of weeks." He shook his head with a soft laugh, bringing the cigarette back between his lips.

"No way!" Claudia gasped and stayed still, almost as if she didn't want to say goodbye, "I... I guess I'll have to wait for your return!" She teased.

"I'm not sure we'll be back so soon. George has been deported and we don't really like doing gigs without all of our members, if we can help it." Paul frowned and exhaled some smoke.

"Oh, god! That's awful news. I'm sorry, Paul. But, really, I must run! It was lovely to meet you, best of luck with all the band stuff!" She smiled kindly at him, leaning up to press a gentle kiss to his cheek before turning to walk away, "Goodbye, Paul."

Paul took a deep breath, swallowing hard and tapping his fingertips against the wall. He took another drag from the cigarette, falling completely silent. Suddenly, he stepped forward and placed his hand on Claudia's shoulder, trying to make her turn around, "Paul?" She scowled, instantly turning around to look at him with surprised eyes.

"See me tonight." Paul wasted no time in saying exactly what he wanted to say, licking his lips nervously, "Please..."

"I- I... What time?" Claudia asked, gliding her eyes down to his lips and then back up to his eyes.

"Come into the club when you've finished your shift. We'll be playing all night, but I can see you after." Paul replied, placing the cigarette back between his lips.

"It's a plan. I'll see you there, have a good show." Claudia crinkled her nose, smiling widely at him before turning around to walk back in the direction of the club. Paul felt a smile also creep onto his lips, this time more of a genuinely happy one. He watched her closely until she disappeared completely out of view before taking a final, fairly long drag from his cigarette, tossing it to the floor and stubbing it out as he exhaled the smoke. He took one final look back at the direction Claudia had walked in before turning to walk back inside, humming softly to himself.

"Paul!" Pete called, waving him back toward the stage. Paul raised his eyebrows and made his way over, licking his lips slowly.

"I'm back." Paul smiled sarcastically, winking at him.

"Well, it's a bloody good job... We've already lost George!" John widened his eyes, looking up from his guitar, "It's a shame that Ringo fella isn't here this time, I'm sure he could've filled your place." He teased, plucking at each string of his guitar to ensure it was in tune.

"You really can be cruel at times, you know, Lennon." Paul pretended to sigh sadly, dramatically wiping under his eye with his finger, "Besides, you need someone here to hook you up with birds. You're not capable of doing it yourself." He grinned as he spoke, wanting to get John's snappy reaction.

"I believe /you're/ the one that needed help this time." John narrowed his eyes.

"I don't think you'd be saying that if you knew my plans for tonight." Paul wiggled his eyebrows and picked up his guitar, throwing the strap over his shoulder.

"Oh? Are you going to let us in on this little secret?" John widened his eyes playfully and prodded Paul's shoulder. Paul stayed silent and shook his head, keeping the same grin on his face, "Oh, come on, Paul, we're /dying/ to know." John rolled his eyes, speaking in a sarcastic tone.

"I'm just going to see someone." Paul shrugged, chewing his bottom lip as he gazed down at his guitar, "That's all I'm saying."

"You're an arse." John chuckled, shaking his head and walking back over to the other side of the stage to prepare himself for the concert again.

Paul sighed softly to himself and followed him along with the others. He couldn't lie, he was really looking forward to seeing Claudia later. He was looking forward to seeing someone who actually wanted to see him. It wasn't forced, he didn't feel like she didn't want to see him.

———————————

"Thank you all for coming and listening to us play!" Paul beamed widely at the crowd.

"...Badly." John playfully finished his sentence for him, laughing into the microphone, "We'll see you next time!"

And with that, the lads made their way off the stage for the last time on this trip. Paul quickly glanced over the crowd, feeling his breath hitch in his throat slightly as he spotted Claudia at the side.

"Can I give you this, please?" Paul asked as they got to the side of the stage, gesturing his guitar toward Pete, "I know Alan is wanting to load up the van tonight so we can get straight off in the morning."

"Uh, sure." Pete shrugged, grasping the neck of his guitar firmly as he kept his gaze on Paul.

"Thanks, pal. I've got to get going!" Paul wiggled his eyebrows and quickly flattened his t-shirt down, pushing his fingers through the sides of his sweaty hair several times to brush it back. He took a deep breath and jumped off the side of the stage, looking toward the busy crowd in search for Claudia again. His lips suddenly curved into a smile as he saw her, crinkling his nose.

"Paul!" Claudia squealed playfully and held her arms out, hugging him tightly.

"Hello, love." Paul chuckled, kissing her cheek gently as he patted her back, "Come on, lets get out of here. We'll get mauled by the crowd!" He widened his eyes playfully and nodded toward the door.

"Where are we going?" Claudia arched a brow as she followed him out of the door.

"I have a place in mind." Paul winked and reached into his leather jacket pocket for his packet of cigarettes, lighting one after placing it in his mouth, "Would you like one?" He offered the packet to her.

"I'm alright for now, thank you." Claudia replied timidly, shaking her head.

"Suit yourself." Paul winked, blowing out the smoke after a small drag. He lightly scratched his head, squinting his eyes for a few moments as he tried to remember the way to their destination.

"Where are we going?!" Claudia asked again, this time a bit louder and with a giggle.

"I'm taking you somewhere!" Paul laughed softly as he spoke.

"Tell me!" Claudia stomped her feet playfully, placing her hands on her hips and standing still like a stubborn puppy who didn't want to go on a walk.

"Don't people like surprises anymore?!" Paul gasped jokingly and dramatically, only looking back when he heard Claudia's footsteps fade and eventually stop. He turned his body and crossed his arms across his chest, tilting his head, "Don't make me..." He spoke lowly.

"Make you what?" Claudia questioned, swallowing hard as she stood completely still.

"Don't..." Paul's voice grew even deeper as he took a step closer to her. Claudia felt her breathing grow slightly faster, nervously looking Paul up and down. "Just don't."

"D-Don't make you what?" She spoke in a small, uneasy voice, chewing her bottom lip. Paul's eyes suddenly widened and he paced towards her, quickly and swiftly lifting her up and over his shoulder, laughing loudly.

"Don't make me carry you!" He laughed out his words mischievously, grinning to himself. Claudia squeaked and giggled loudly, kicking her legs in the air as Paul jogged along the gravel.

"Paul! Paul, put me down!" She shrieked in pure laughter, playfully patting his back each time her body bounced against his in his grip. Paul shook his head quickly, holding his cigarette tightly between his lips before pulling it out with one hand in order to exhale the smoke, holding Claudia with his free hand as they both roared in laughter.

"Sorry, but you were the stubborn one not wanting to walk!" Paul tried to sound serious as he continued to carry her securely, looking back at her.

"Paul!" She cried again, reaching down to playfully pat his ass as he ran.

"Oh, well... Now, that isn't the first time you've touched my ass and cried out my name, is it, love?" He winked, grinning mischievously at her as he carefully placed her back on her feet once they reached the end of the gravelled path and entrance to a wooded area where the street lights stopped completely.

"Shut up." She squinted her eyes and teasingly swatted his shoulder, crossing her arms across her chest as she pouted her lips at him, "Where are we?!"

"We... Are at a place me and the lads found on our first trip here. It's creepy, but it's very interesting! It's a little more overgrown than what I remember. I can't believe you live here and you've never been!" Paul widened his eyes, walking into the darkness and tossing his cigarette to the floor.

"P-Paul, hold on.. It's dark." Claudia narrowed her eyebrows, timidly stepping toward Paul.

"Come on," Paul smiled kindly, reaching out his hand, "Take my hand, I'll look after you." He licked his lips slowly and felt his smile widen as Claudia reached out toward him and she took his hand, lacing their fingers together. She followed close to him and held tightly onto his hand, darting her eyes around the overgrown shrubbery. "Don't worry, I won't let the ghosts get you." Paul teased, making a soft noise as he felt Claudia's grip on his hand shake for a brief minute.

"Stop it!" She shouted at him, yanking his arm slightly. Paul chuckled to himself and gazed down at her, winking.

"I told you, I'll look after you!" He laughed out his words, letting go of her hand so he could wrap his arm around her shoulders, pulling her in closer to him to make her feel a little safer.

"Hm." Claudia mumbled, looking up at him as he looked ahead. They continued to walk towards the figure of a building, only the moonlight guiding their way.

Paul felt rather smug again to have a girl on his arm, depending on him for their safety. He actually felt like he was appreciated for once, even if it was for something as silly as a creepy walk through some woods. As they approached the tall, half boarded up building, he felt her hand creep shyly around his waist. He sighed softly and rubbed her shoulder lightly to try and comfort her, noticing that she was growing a little tense.

"Through here." He raised his eyebrows, stepping into one of the opened entrances and leading them both through it. He reached into his pocket for his packet of matches and quickly lit one, holding it in his free hand.

"Is this an abandoned building?" Claudia asked in a small voice, sticking as close to Paul as possible.

"It certainly is. Isn't it fascinating?!" Paul grinned looking back at her as the match lit their way through several old, mucky rooms.

"It... It's certainly different." Claudia nodded hesitantly, lightly drumming her fingers against Paul's side as she kept her arm around him.

"Don't be scared, love, I'm right here." Paul spoke softly, turning to her once they entered another room, "If you don't want to go any further, just let me know."

"It's alright, Paul... I trust you." She smiled uneasily, locking their eyes together.

"Yeah? I know how I can calm you down.." He whispered, slowly bringing his arm around from her shoulders and now cupping her face gently in his hand instead. The both of them took a sharp breath each before their lips met, but only for a split second before pulling back. Although, that's all you needed. Paul's lips were like the softest thing you've ever made contact with, yet very skilled in what they could do. Claudia made a soft noise, staying frozen still for a few seconds while keeping her eyes directly on him.

"Paul, I really hope you don't think your lips or kisses calm anyone down.." She whispered, swallowing hard as she rested her hands on his chest, "Your lips and kisses could never calm a girl down... Every single touch of yours leaves them wanting more." She practically breathed out her words, her chest getting slightly tighter.

"Take as much as you want, darling." Paul winked with a slight hint of a smirk. Suddenly, Claudia's hands flew up the front of his body before hooking her arms around his neck and knocking the match out of his hand, pressing a harsh, passionate kiss to his lips into the darkness as the match gradually burnt out on the dusty, damp floor. Their lips attacked each other repeatedly, Paul teasing against hers, "Not that we needed that match to see or anything."

"Shush." Claudia playfully pulled one of the hairs at the back of his neck, smiling against his lips. Paul's arms wrapped themselves around her body, pulling her closer to him and groaning softly against her lips as his hands slid down to her ass, pressing their hips against each other's.

"Mm, you're going to make me all hot and bothered if you keep up kissing like that." He whispered against her lips, reaching down to the hem of her dress and lifting it up slightly.

"It's your own fault, Paul." Claudia whispered back, parting her lips as she moved her hands to his belt, starting to tug at it until it unbuckled and instantly moving her fingers to the button of his crotch, panting against his lips. Paul felt his breath hitch in his throat once he realised what she was doing and started to gently suck on her bottom lip, pulling it out slightly as his hands disappeared up the bottom of her short dress.

"L-Love, be careful down there." He growled against her lips once letting go of her bottom one, tilting his head to the side as their lips smacked back against each other's.

"Paul, come back to mine again, please..." Claudia panted against his lips, her entire body trembling from head to toe.

——————————————

"Mhm... You're incredible." Paul grunted softly, brushing Claudia's hair away from her face as he remained on top of her, both of them breathing heavily in synch with each other.

"I somehow knew we'd end up back here." Claudia teased, leaning up to brush her lips back against Paul's as she soothingly scratched her nails up and down his back.

"You're by far the best shag I've had this entire trip." Paul grinned, kissing her back almost instantly and nudging his nose against hers.

"Oh, you do know how to make a girl feel special!" Claudia exclaimed, playfully pushing him off her and trying not to laugh.

"Claudia!" He laughed loudly as he fell onto his side next to her, instantly leaning up on his elbow and bringing himself closer to her again, "I mean it... You've showed me how to have the time of my life." He wiggled his eyebrows, lightly walking his fingertips up the front of her bare body.

"I'll take that as a compliment." She giggled once, shaking her head as she gazed up at him.

"Do." He winked, lightly caressing her cheek with his thumb as he sighed softly, "I've loved every second of it."

"Well, I agree with that..." Claudia's cheeks grew slightly red, starting to play with the slight, dark wisps of hair on his chest, "I expect you have the same amount of girls all over you at home, no doubt."

"Ha.." Paul let out an awkward chuckle, avoiding eye contact for a few moments as he shook his head, "Not for a while.."

"No? Why's that?" Claudia arched a brow, looking up at him. Paul hated when he had to think about Daisy or speak about her; it was like all of his thoughts and memories suddenly came to hit him head on. He blinked hard, unaware of how long he had been staring in silence, avoiding the question. He felt the hairs on his arms stand up on ends, making him shiver slightly. Claudia pouted her lips and reached out for his arm, lightly sweeping her fingertips over the dark hair which laid on them. "Paul?" She frowned, seeing that he was looking a little uncomfortable, "Paul, are you alright?"

"Yeah, I'm alright.. I- I will be." He nodded, trying to half smile at her and chewing the bottom of his lip gently. "I haven't had girls back home b-because... I... I was with someone. I was in a relationship..." He took a shaky breath before trying to laugh out his words weakly, "The keyword there being 'was'."

"O-Oh, Paul... What happened?" Claudia continued to soothingly play with his arm hairs, noticing him very slowly starting to calm down a little from her gentle touches.

"She ended it." Paul spoke bluntly, feeling an instant lump in his throat follow his words. "Just before we came out here to Hamburg."

"I'm so sorry, Paul..." Claudia pouted her lips, gently starting to rub her fingertips back and forth over his soft skin.

"Y-Yeah.. She meant the world to me and I messed it up. I said something stupid and the next thing I knew, it was over." He sighed heavily, discreetly rubbing under one of his eyes.

"Paul, I have no doubt that you'll struggle to find love." Claudia raised her eyebrows, trying to make him laugh as she nudged him slightly.

"But there's love.. And then there's being /in/ love." He spoke quietly, looking down at the top of the bedsheets as he played with them between his fingers, "Christ, what am I doing?! I'm laid in bed with the most beautiful girl in Hamburg and I'm sobbing about my bloody ex. How very rock and roll of me." He laughed uneasily, shaking his head.

"Paul, it's alright, you know. You are allowed to open up and say things, it might make you feel better." Claudia smiled softly, reaching up to cup his cheeks in both of her hands and press a gentle kiss to his lips.

"Thanks, love. I really appreciate it. I'll be alright." He nodded, leaning down to return the kiss.

"If you don't want to talk about this, then let's talk about you." She squinted her eyes playfully, rolling onto her side so she could face him properly.

"About me?" Paul arched a brow.

"M'hm," Claudia nodded once, leaning up on her elbow, "What's your name, hm? Paul...?"

"McCartney. Paul McCartney. Well, James Paul McCartney." He replied, gazing into her eyes.

"James? Your real name is James?" She widened her eyes slightly and Paul nodded, "Why don't you go by the name of 'James'?" She questioned.

"Well, when I started getting letters through the post as I grew up, they would be addressed to 'J. McCartney', and so, no one knew if it was for my father, Jim, or myself." Paul shrugged, smiling slightly more.

"Interesting!" Claudia grinned, gently massaging her hand further up his arm, "Tell me more about your parents." She crinkled her nose.

"U-Uh, my dad is very much into music, jazz music. And my mother.. She.." He cleared his throat, rubbing the back of his head and blinking hard, "She passed away when I was fourteen." His voice was practically a mumble, taking a slightly shaky breath after. Claudia gasped from his words, covering her mouth and moving closer to him almost automatically.

"Paul..." She whispered, stroking his cheek with the back of her fingers and acting like it was the most precious thing she had ever seen, like she had to protect it. Look after him. She could see he was hurting, "I'm so sorry. I feel like that's all I can say, I wish I could help in some way. But... I suppose I can offer you someone to talk to, someone who will listen and won't judge.. Me." She shrugged slowly, licking her lips.

"I'm very grateful for that, love. Really, thank you." He nodded with a small sigh, "I will be alright, though. I've just got to man up and get over it all, I suppose."

"Darling, you don't have to 'man up' at all. Don't be ashamed of being upset and seeking comfort in someone who will listen to you." Claudia narrowed her eyebrows, playfully pecking the tip of his nose. Paul crinkled his nose and gazed down into her eyes, almost making himself go cross eyed. 

"You're very sweet." Paul spoke shyly, leaning forward to brush his lips against hers. Claudia smiled softly and quickly kissed his lips.

"I hope it's helping... I can tell you're upset, Paul." She pouted her lips, keeping her eyes on his.

"I.. I just find it hard to talk sometimes, you know?" He licked his lips slowly, rubbing his hand up and down her side as he tilted his head, "And they're difficult subjects; my mother and a bad break up."

"How about the band, hm?" She asked, trying to quickly change the subject to something she hoped he'd be more comfortable with. She didn't want him to feel bad, yet she wanted him to feel comfortable enough with her to open up if he really wanted or needed to, "I'm sure that's something you're more than proud of, yes?"

"O-Oh, yeah. Definitely. Music is my absolute life right now, writing it, playing it, listening to it." Paul's lips started to curl up into more of a smile.

"Do you play a lot back home?" She questioned, resting her chin on her hand.

"Well, yes. We have a very regular spot. Pete's mother owns it, it's called 'The Casbah Coffee Club'. Every night we play there, the streets around it are aligned with people desperately trying to get in. Not to toot my own horn or anything." He winked, letting out a small chuckle.

"Aren't you popular!" Claudia widened her eyes playfully, giggling, "What's it like back home?"

"Eh... Cold." Paul half laughed out his response, "The music scene is pretty good, you don't have to look far to find a good band. In fact, I just have to look in the mirror." He teased, gasping playfully as Claudia jokingly slapped his side, narrowing her eyes at him, "We have this big river called 'The Mersey' and you can sail across it, or you can walk around the docks if you'd prefer, there's plenty of record shops and decent spots for fish and chips."

"It doesn't sound bad at all. It sounds like there's plenty to do. Liverpool, is it?" She asked, keeping her eyes on his.

"Yes, Liverpool!" Paul nodded, chuckling again as he spoke, "I can see it now... In about three or four years time on big billboards all over the world, 'Come to Liverpool, homeland of The Beatles!'"

"What's the dream there?" Claudia asked, Paul's enthusiasm also brightening up her face. She loved how it changed when he was talking about something he was passionate about.

"With the band? Oh, you know.. Same old. To make it big, make a few albums, tour the world and hopefully make enough money to live off along the way." Paul shrugged, drumming his fingertips against her hip.

"That's a big goal to have, Paul. But I have no doubt in you reaching it." She grinned, sighing softly.

"No doubt?" Paul almost choked on his words, unsure of how to take the compliment.

"Not a doubt in the world." Claudia shook her head, keeping the big grin on her face.

"Wow, thank you, love." Paul smiled back at her, biting his lip gently.

"Just don't be scared. Don't be scared of failing, scared of trying something different... Don't be scared of anything." She shrugged, rubbing her fingertips against his beautiful, bare collarbones.

"I'll try not to!" Paul laughed softly.

"Could you sing me a song?" Claudia pursed her lips, blinking slowly before batting her eyelashes at him.

"You want me to sing you a song?" Paul took a deep breath, swallowing hard.

"Please." She whispered.

"But, love, I don't have a guitar." He frowned, feeling his nerves trying to take over him.

"You don't need one. I just want to hear you." She replied, feeling her cheeks growing a little red.

"A-Alright, well... This one is the song we usually just let Stuart sing. But I suppose I could give it my best shot, just for you." He winked, chuckling.
Claudia gazed into his eyes with anticipation, staying silent. After taking a few uneasy breaths, he started to softly sing 'Love Me Tender' by 'Elvis Presley', brushing her hair away from her face and feeling himself growing more and more confident with each line. Claudia closed her eyes, keeping the same smile on her face and sighing contently as Paul started to play with her hair between his fingers soothingly, slowly leaning in to whisper the final few lyrics into her ear and pressing a gentle kiss to her cheek before pulling back and smiling proudly. "I hope that was alright." He laughed nervously, awaiting her response for a few moments before speaking again, "S-So, now tell me more about /you/.." He slowed his nervous breathing down before scowling slightly as she still didn't make a noise, blinking hard, "L-Love?" He arched a brow, lightly touching her cheek with the back of his finger. She made a soft noise, keeping her eyes closed and moving just slightly. Paul crinkled his nose, noticing that she had fallen asleep while listening to him sing. He sighed softly and reached for the top of the covers, pulling them up to cover her shoulders to keep her warm before sliding further into her covers himself, smiling. He leant over her slightly, pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead and whispering, "Sweet dreams, Claudia."

Tonight had really opened Paul's eyes. Not only had Claudia made him feel good in a physical way, but she had also made him feel good about himself. She showed him that it was okay to talk about how he felt and express his emotions, and it did make him feel better. He couldn't deny it, he loved being in her company.

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The following morning, Paul awoke with his arm hanging over Claudia's body with him snuggled up behind her.

"Mm.. Morning, love." He whispered, leaning in to brush his lips lightly against the crook of her neck.

"M-Morning, Paul.." Claudia murmured, staying close to him with her back to him. Paul moved his hips forward, grunting softly and making Claudia's eyes open slightly wider, taking a shaky breath as she felt him pressing against her. "/Good/ morning, Paul." She repeated in a different tone of voice, giggling.

"Sorry." He spoke sleepily with a smirk.

"Don't be." She shook her head, turning around completely to face him.

"Oh?" Paul raised a brow, biting his lip to hide a grin before leaning straight in to press his lips against hers, kissing her almost desperately. She growled against his lips and trailed one of her hands down the front of his body, making him gasp loudly against her lips.

"I like waking up next to you, James." She whispered against his lips, smirking. His breath hitched slightly from what she had called him. Very few people knew his name was actually James and he liked the idea of it being what she called him, like she was the special one that enjoyed learning and knowing all the little details about him.

"I like you calling me that." He whispered back, cupping her face in one of his hands and bringing her face closer to his.

"James?" She repeated, breathing heavily against his lips. Paul nodded weakly and parted his lips as she placed her hands against his shoulders, pushing him onto his back before pressing her lips to the side of his neck and trailing them down toward his chest, mumbling seductively again and again, "James, James, James..."

"U-Ugh, yes..." He breathed out his words, feeling his body starting to freeze more and more as her kisses made their way further down his body until her head disappeared completely under the sheets; enough to make Paul's eyes roll back in pleasure.

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"I- I, uh... I hope that you'll be here next time we come back... If we come back." Paul chuckled awkwardly, hoping that George's recent deportation hadn't ruined the band's reputation.

"I don't plan on going anywhere any time soon." Claudia spoke from her bed, watching Paul as he got dressed at the side of it.

"That's what I like to hear. You should come visit Liverpool." Paul winked, pulling his shirt over his head before walking over to her mirror and combing his fingers through his hair.

"Maybe one day I will." Claudia widened her eyes, sitting up to rest against the headboard of the bed and bringing the bed sheets up with her to cover the front of her body.

"I'll see you there, love." He grinned, slipping on his shoes and reaching for his leather jacket while gazing at the clock, "Shit." He mumbled under his breath, realising he had to get to the apartment he was supposed to be staying in within the next five minutes in order to start the journey home.

"Well, I guess this is goodbye." Claudia pouted her lips, reaching out her arms for him. Paul nodded and pouted his lips back at her, making his way over and falling forward dramatically into her arms. She giggled loudly and squeezed her arms around him, sighing sadly into his ear. Paul squeezed her back and pressed a gentle kiss to her lips.

"Thank you for making this Hamburg trip worth while, love. I don't think I'd have had half as much fun without spending time with you." He smiled widely, crinkling his nose as she beamed back at him.

"I'll miss you, Paul." She frowned, leaning up to kiss him back.

"I'll miss you. Like I said, I hope I'll see you next time." He raised his eyebrows as he spoke, sitting on the edge of the bed.

"I'll be right here," She laughed, "And like /I/ said, don't be afraid and I'm sure you'll achieve everything you dream of."

"That means a lot, love. I'll always bare those words in mind." He nodded and smiled appreciatively, leaning in to give Claudia one last kiss goodbye and keeping the smile against her lips as she kissed him back.

"You better! Until next time." She sighed, watching him as he stood up and walked over to the door, placing his hand on the handle as he turned to look back at her.

"It's been a pleasure, Claudia. You look after yourself." He spoke softly, gazing over at her and opening the door.

"You too, Paul. It was lovely to meet you." She sniffled playfully, but it was almost obvious that she did have sadness in her eyes.

"It was lovely to meet you, too. Goodbye, Claudia." Paul frowned as he spoke, waving at her one last time before walking out of the door and closing it behind him. He took a big breath before walking down the stairs at the side of where she lived and down onto the roadside. He was going to miss having a friend like Claudia around, someone who he felt he could be himself around, and he was happy with the friendship he had made through the short amount of time they had spent together. He broke into a slight jog on his way back to meet the others, aware that they already weren't going to let him hear the end of it with him not going back to where they were staying last night.

As he made his way around the corner, he saw the rest of the lads sat on the wall by the van which was ready to start their journey home.

"Oh, look who's decided to bloody show up!" Pete widened his eyes as he spotted Paul.

"I'm here!" Paul chuckled, pushing his hair back with his hands as he tried to catch his breath.

"Where the bloody hell have you been?!" John raised his voice playfully, scowling.

"I was... Staying over at someone's house." Paul shrugged, swallowing hard.

"Someone, eh?" John raised his eyebrows, a smirk starting to play on his lips. He knew he'd be able to tease Paul about this.

"Yeah, someone." Paul nodded innocently, turning to face Stuart, "Are you coming along home with us today?"

"I am, Astrid is coming over, too. Just because we don't know when we'll be back this time." Stuart shrugged, making his way into the back of the van.

"Ah, that makes sense, I suppose." Paul shrugged, following him into the van and sitting down as Pete and John did the same.

"So, this /someone/..." John spoke smugly, getting a cigarette out of his pocket along with everyone else and placing it in his mouth, quickly lighting it with one of his matches before handing the match around to the others so they could each light their own, "Is she the first girl you saw the first night you got here, hm?"

"She..." Paul began, taking a drag from his cigarette.

"And the girl you were 'seeing' last night?" He grinned, exhaling the smoke from his own cigarette.

"Yes." Paul nodded, making John instantly gasp jokingly.

"Ooh.. I think Paul's got a little crush on someone." John wiggled his eyebrows, leaning back in his seat.

"It's just really good friendship..." Paul shook his head, staring down at his feet and chewing the inside of his cheek before mumbling, "And really good sex."

"Well, my friend, there you have the classic scenario of friends with benefits." Pete laughed out his words, raising his eyebrows.

"It's just a shame your friend is so far away." Stuart chuckled with his arm around Astrid.

"Piss off. It's fine, we had a really good time in bed and it just happened that we also became really good friends." Paul took another drag from his cigarette, blinking hard.

"You're in bloody denial mate." John shook his head.

"I think /I/ know how I feel, John, not you." Paul rolled his eyes. John made a silly face at him and continued to shake his head, staying quiet as he placed his cigarette back between his lips.

Paul exhaled deeply and looked back down at his feet, clearing his throat. He knew the guys were only teasing, but at times it made him feel like he couldn't go to them if he had a serious problem because they'll just make a joke out of it. To most of them, a girl was just a girl. But, to Paul, he liked to have a connection. He liked to have someone who would actually listen to him, and that's why he enjoyed spending time with Claudia. But Daisy was the only girl his heart could ever love... Right?

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Thank you for reading this chapter, I think it's the longest one so far 😂

Also, I'm starting to pick some lyrics from songs that best fit what's happening with each chapter. For example, the lyrics I chose for this chapter represent what Claudia is trying to tell Paul!

I'm very excited to hear what you guys think!
So...
Firstly, what do you think of the chapter?
What do you think of Paul and Claudia's development?
Do you think Paul is in denial?
Now that they're going back to Liverpool, what do you think is going to happen next? 😉

Thank you in advance to anyone who reads and comments!!!