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Author’s Note: A lot of incredible things have been happening in my life and I can only hope the same for all of you! I may not write nearly as frequently as before due to a new job I got, but some hidden indications in this story might hint at how great things are for me. The thing is overall I wrote a story half a year ago called Ernest Strength. For someone as into Papa Louie as me, there’s a reason I have been holding back from publishing more for this franchise that I don’t wish to disclose currently. Though this is a Valentine's story, I haven’t found love, but it’s alright, as I’m still doing really well. This fic is just to canonize something in my own writing that is long overdue.
Trigger Warning: Mentions of politics. (Intended without bias)
Pally is on a park bench doing what she does best, writing fan letters. She knows there’s a chance when writing to people like Pinch Hitwell, Duke Gotcha, or even Scarlett and the Shakers, there’s a chance they’ll never read it. But she loves sending letters of motivation to people purely to keep them going and let them know that the little people of society still really love what they’re doing.
However, though she’ll sign the majority of her letters, there is a certain someone she’s too shy to write her name on and remains anonymous. That person is Kenton, a massively successful director who began only three years ago and has already made such a wide name. He’s published a few movies and a documentary about the history of food in many cultures, something that Jojo himself narrated. But why is Pally scared to sign these letters? She has a ginormous crush on Kenton that began the moment she saw him a few years ago and helped him out with his buddy Allan when he was framed in court. Ever since she’s only subtly been following Kenton on Twitch but hasn’t revealed herself to him.
Little did she know, Kenton is in the area at the moment due to some work with Petrona. He’s never fond of working with her, but he knows if he does it, he can make a lot more money than with other people he’s worked with. Kenton never cared about being super rich, but his goal is to attain more wealth than most people make in a lifetime and then pay it forward by tipping bigger, sponsoring smaller businesses, and sometimes paying for someone else’s meal. So far, that mission is proving successful, but he still has a ways to go. He finally got to release an idea to two great game developers for a show and has been holding back from speaking publicly about it. And a certain someone had been writing him letters of motivation that kept him determined. Just as Pally is about to get up, Kenton waves at her.
“Hey Pally! How are you?” He asks cheerfully. Pally flinches at the sound of his voice and then turns towards him.
“Oh-whoa!” She reacts, smiling sheepishly. Kenton chuckles nervously,
“Sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you.” He says. Pally gives a forced grin.
“It’s okay. You’re okay.” She manages to say. I mean, how can she handle this? The very boy of her dreams is standing before her and noticing her despite his reputation casting such a huge shadow over her own. Thankfully, Kenton has autism and one of his weaknesses is the social cue that typically makes one suspicious of someone’s actions, so he doesn’t detect her nervousness.
“Had to walk back to my apartment in New Pepperton tonight. I had to stay and work a bit later than the crew who took the van. Do you mind if I sit next to you for a few minutes?” He asks.
“Oh, sure thing, go ahead,” Pally says kindly, scooting over for him.
“Thank you.” He says, sitting beside her. Though Pally’s heart is still thrashing, the aura Kenton has to him is starting to make her feel calmer and more at ease.
“So, how’s life so far?” Pally asks. Kenton’s smile starts to fade.
“Well, honestly a lot has happened in the past year. People act like politics change everything, but anyone who has a normal life doesn’t let anyone in the government dictate their lives.” He says.
“What exactly do you mean by that?” She asks. Kenton faces her.
“I mean no matter who is in power, if that isn’t the most relevant thing in your life, you’re doing something right.” He says, looking a tad frustrated. “I mean, we have a good society, don’t you think?” He asks.
“From personal experience, yes.” Pally nods.
“Well, get this. With all the division that only seems to grow over time, it’s becoming harder and harder to live life comfortably. If you’re someone who spends all your time focusing on directing negative energy toward people you hate, you’re further fueling that division. And there are many people out there who want that. Not because they have anything to gain from it, but it shows they have power over you.” Pally frowns softly.
“Let me guess, you lost friends over politics?”
“Yeah, and not even because of my beliefs, but more so because I wasn’t upset at anything new. Some people want you to be angry and hate people in power or you’re dead to them if you don’t. But they’re all hypocrites who only do it conveniently when it’s not the person they do support who makes it.” Kenton says.
“You wanna know something? I didn’t lose friends over politics, I ran away from them.” Pally states. “I know what types of people you’re talking about. But I stay out of things like that purely not to fuel the division. I’ve been treated like an idiot by ex-friends for doing that and I made the first move to purge connections.” Kenton grins.
“Good job. You’re a smart person if you did that.” He states. “You know, I was a total idiot myself.”
“What makes you say that?” She asks.
“Well, a little less than a year ago, I had a falling out with someone. And I let this person make me believe I was the bad guy because I’d built codependency with them. Then they took a private conversation to the internet to try screwing me over.” Pally makes an angry fist.
“What?! Who was it?! I won’t hesitate to report them!” She exclaims. Kenton raises a hand softly.
“Relax, they removed it after I got harassed. They just never apologized.” He says.
“Shame on them. Nobody deserves the hatred that follows online drama. I’ve seen it far too many times with good people.” Kenton shrugs softly.
“Well, what I learned on the internet is never apologize. Nobody trying to screw you is ever going to forgive you no matter what you do and that apology will get weaponized very quickly.” He says, causing Pally to gloom.
“Please don’t tell me that’s what happened to you.” She asks.
“No, thankfully my best pal Allan had my back. He kept reassuring me that I’m better than some loser who lives with their parents, doesn’t even try to get a real job, and spends all their time trashing people online.” Pally sighs softly.
“Kenton, I want to agree with that, but isn’t it fueling hatred further if you look to anyone at all as a loser?” She asks, causing Kenton to pause for a moment.
“Yeah, I suppose. It’s just really hard to let something like that go.” He says, causing her to smile softly.
“Don’t worry about what some rando thinks about you.” She says, gently patting him on the back. “You have many friends that love and adore you and would never leave your side no matter what someone else says about you. That isn’t who you are. And you’ve been on the internet for how long?” She asks.
“About eight years. Started after the first year of college and had nobody to go to.” He states, then glooms. “This whole controversy started because of how much of a control freak I was to a few friends who were codependent with me. And believe me, the only reason that person even found out was because I felt so guilty about my past that I told them.”
“Well, now you’re twenty-seven and have a career ahead of you. If you don’t engage in things like that, you look better than if you try to battle those trolls. I mean, I saw Rise of the Epic Club Scouts. It was a beautiful movie about unity!” She compliments. Kenton smiles a bit.
“Thank you, Pally. I had a lot of fun with that one. Allan was on my mind the entire time and the relationship he built with Akari after almost going to jail really inspired me.”
“And it paid off very well in the end,” Pally assures, making Kenton grin.
“It sure did!” He says before his smile falters. “But can I say what bothers me about the person who tried to ruin my reputation?” He asks. Pally frowns softly.
“Fine, but please don’t stay on it much longer. I’m not a hateful person and I don’t want a reason to start bashing someone I’ve never spoken to.” She says sincerely. Kenton chuckles.
“Man, you and Allan are nothing alike in that regard. But that’s okay.” He says. “What bothers me is as bad as that person was, they aren’t anywhere near as bad as a whole as the rest of the internet. There are many many people like that who all aim for the same things. And it seems over time, more and more young people are spending all their time under their parents’ roof doing nothing but fueling these fires.” He states with annoyance laced in his voice.
“Yeah, I won’t deny many people from my grade are that way themselves… but you know how popular kids tend to be. They’re on top of the world in high school and then they are hit with the hard reality of what happens when that goes away.” She says somewhat sadly. Kenton’s frustration flares up.
“Tell me about it! When I was in school, I was spared purely because the girls found me adorable! Allan didn’t get that same luxury! He’s every bit as nice and dedicated to those around him as I am and yet they made it their mission daily just to make him feel worthless!” Pally’s eyes widen as she stares at Kenton, who defuses momentarily. “I’m sorry for shouting. I’m just deeply frustrated by that memory.”
“Yeah, I understand that. I was never the popular girl myself, but I was good at staying under the radar.” She says.
“And look where that got you,” Kenton states. “You published a bestseller at twenty-two because you actually had priorities in life you didn’t let falter.” Pally gasps with wide eyes.
“You know about that book?” She asks.
“Be a Pal?” He asks. “Of course, I know about that book. When all that drama last year was happening, I turned to your own words just to keep my head on straight, and now look at where I am!” He pauses. “Oh, sorry for raising my voice again.” He says with a sheepish smile. Pally holds a hand up defensively towards him.
“No, no, no. It’s okay. Honestly, that time you sounded like you were getting excited rather than frustrated.” She observes, causing Kenton to sigh deeply.
“Okay… I’m an open book who hates keeping secrets. Can I tell you something that I’ve only shared with close friends so far?” He asks.
“You may. I’m eager to hear about it.” She says, internally cursing herself immediately after because she knows that might be a sign of her hidden crush.
“Okay, get this. There are two guys out there that have a friendship very similar to me and Allan’s. They’ve been making a game series for eighteen years. Everyone who was alive when the first game was released is an adult now, and they’ve only grown bigger and bigger publicly ever since.” He states, looking a bit ready to cry joyful tears. “They have inspired me. Their games have restored my hope in humanity because everyone is so relatable in one way or another and they’re all so happy with just a little bit of customer service. It’s a moral I’ve lived by myself since I first walked into the Mocharia and saw my very best friend Allan working behind the counter.” He says. Pally starts to smile.
“And where are you at now? What has that belief done for you?” She asks. Kenton sighs deeply and tears up with a relaxed smile.
“I’m on my way, Pally. I reached out to these guys and now I’m on the road to making a show about that game that emphasizes the good elements of life. The appreciation of those who do all forms of jobs, the healthy experience of social events, and the emphasis that everyone doing any job is going to make a huge difference in the world around them.” Pally’s eyes widen.
“Whoa! You’re serious?!” She asks.
“Yes, I am!” He squeals excitedly, before toning it down. “But remember, it’s a secret. I’m not supposed to let the public know until the trailer has been released. You can imagine the kind of pressure it could put on these guys if everyone makes a huge deal about it before any of it is even up.” He states. Pally does a zipper motion across her mouth.
“My lips are sealed.” She pledges.
“Thanks, Pally. You sure are a pal.” He says happily before his eyes glance down to the letters in her lap. “By the way, what’s that you’ve got there?” He asks. Pally pauses for a moment, looking down at her letters.
“Oh, you know? Letters to certain celebrities I really adore.” She says, feeling a bit nervous. “But you know what? You’re right about societal appreciation. I try to motivate famous people from a distance rather than be some creepy person who tries to invade their personal space all the time.”
“Heh, I respect that immensely,” Kenton says. “Anyways though, can I read a couple? I know it may mean something to you, but I’m always looking for new ideas, and your Be a Pal book was already proof you’re capable of inspiring me.” Pally quickly looks through the letters she wrote, instantly remembering the things she said in each one just at the name each was addressed to. She takes one to Pinch Hitwell and hands it to Kenton.
“Here you go. This one is for Pinch Hitwell.” She says. Kenton reads it aloud.
“Dear Pinch Hitwell, your drive to keep fighting and outshine all the other players across many teams is the very reason one team alone can’t own you anymore. Your record of batting a thousand a few years in a row is something everyone is inspired by and many baseball players in future generations are gonna look back at you as the legend you are.”
“Wow, Pally. That’s a deep message for him to take. Do you think he’ll read it?” He asks. Pally shrugs.
“I mean, I’ve only ever received a letter back from Evelyn. But it’s alright. Nobody’s ever sent me something back that said not to contact them again.” She says happily. Kenton hands the letter back.
“Well, you might wanna add to watch out for Petrona. I’ve heard her express frustration over the fact that he hasn’t seen it to this day.” Both of them laugh at this.
“If he’s avoiding her himself, he’s doing fine on his own.” She says. “Besides, none of those people online are as big of a loser as someone super rich and close to fifty but still alone.” Kenton laughs a bit louder at that.
“That’s a good point! At least all of them have potential, even if they don’t realize it yet.” He says. “By the way, since you mentioned Evelyn. Did you know I’m working on a remastered edition of Bread and Butterflies?” He asks. Pally gives a savage smirk and points her pencil at him.
“Careful there, mister. Remakes are rarely ever loved by anyone.” She states, getting an egotistical smirk from him.
“Let the Duke of Epicness handle that.” He says, getting a chuckle out of Pally.
“I can. By the way, here’s a letter for Duke Gotcha.” She says, handing it to him.
“Dear Duke Gotcha, for a man nearing fifty, you have the voice of a singer in his early thirties. Hearing you sing on the news is always a fun time for me, as I was never the best at it myself. Keep practicing that beautiful voice and keep showing the people in your life just how special they are!”
“Ha, you seem really into the man’s voice.” He comments. Pally shrugs with a smile.
“I mean, you’ve heard his catchphrase, right?” She starts imitating him. “Once again, it appears Duke,” she pauses a moment to inhale. “GOTCHAAAH!!!”
“WHOA!” Kenton suddenly falls off the bench, grunting a bit as he lands on his bottom. Pally gasps.
“Oh my! Sorry, Kenton! Are you okay? Should I call-” Her panic is interrupted by Kenton’s laughter.
“Hahahahahahaha!” He laughs and then steps back up, sitting back down on the bench. Pally raises an eyebrow shyly.
“Wow, was my imitation really that hilarious to you?” She asks as Kenton pauses to catch his breath.
“What can I say, Pally?” He leans in a little. “You got me!” He says, winking. Both of them laugh for a bit after that. Pally is ultimately really starting to warm up to Kenton now.
“You know, Kenton. You’re a cool guy.” She says.
“Don’t I know it? Allan knows it better than anyone else, and that’s why I tell him he’s the man!” He says victoriously. “But honestly, Pally. You’re an even cooler person. I still can’t thank you enough for the time you drove me to the courthouse to save my good pal from false conviction.”
“Oh, please. You would’ve done the same for me, wouldn’t you?” She asks.
“You were only nineteen at the time. When I was nineteen, I didn’t know what was important to other people nor did I ever really think I would know. And years later, here I am taking a stab at what I think can get people motivated to go out there and work.” Pally smiles at that.
“Well, Kenton. If there’s anyone who can change society for the better, I’m fully confident it’s gonna be you.” She says politely. Kenton chuckles.
“Really? That’s high praise from the bestseller who probably stopped several suicides.” Pally giggles and shrugs.
“Just trying to be a pal.” She winks. “As if the Duke of Epicness doesn’t have enough already.” She says, getting him to chuckle.
“Well, you’ve been inspiring yourself. Can I read just one more letter?” He asks. Pally reaches for one of them and hands it to him.
“Yeah, here you go.” She says with a smile.
“Thank you,” Kenton says. But just as the letter is leaving Pally’s hand, she’s able to see that the top isn’t signed like all the others.
“Oh wait! Not that one!” She exclaims, desperately reaching back for it.
“Whoa, why not?” He asks as she grabs it from him.
“That one is private!” She says, not letting up on the tone. However, the look on Kenton’s face makes her regret that action.
“Okay, okay. I’m sorry.” He says, standing up from the bench. “Honestly, I think I’m ready for bed now. I still got a half mile to walk to reach the hotel room, so I’ll just go.” He says.
Pally’s heart sinks at this, realizing this is the only time she’ll probably see him in New Pepperton for a long time. She knows he occasionally comes in for a Mocha from Allan, but she’s almost never in at the same time as he is. She softly glances down at the letter, looking over it for a moment with tension… dying tension as she realizes this might be the only chance she ever has at making a lasting impact on his life.
“Wait, Kenton?” She asks nervously. He turns around.
“What is it?” He asks.
“Before you take off… I changed my mind. I do think you should read this one.” She says, holding it out. Kenton’s usually bad at facial cues, but he can see the nervousness in her eyes as she holds it to him. And beyond that is a glint of hope that he’ll read it.
“Okay, I will. But silently.” He says as he takes the letter and stands closer to the street light. He reads the letter silently in his head. Pally can’t look.
* Dear Kenton, you're really cute! You have an amazing flare for new ideas, and I love all your work! You really know how to bring fiction to life, and all your co-workers say you're the most perfect person to work with! Some day I hope I can see firsthand how you direct, and maybe learn a thing or two from your scripts. But of course, the cutest thing about you is your friendship with Allan! And-"*
Kenton flinches at that part in particular. He noticed right away that it was to him and wasn’t surprised that’s why she was shy about it, but she recognized his friendship with Allan. Something he didn’t assume others really paid attention to? He feels a flutter in his chest as he keeps reading.
*”And I hope someday you find someone equally cute to share your life with. You may be tired of getting these unsigned letters, but I truly hope you succeed in your future. I love you."*
Kenton can’t do anything but stand there and hold the letter close to him. In his whole life, his many years of writing, he’s never felt like he could hit something on an emotional level this powerful. He glances back at Pally, who is looking away and blushing like mad. But that’s the final clue to him of her feelings, and it doesn’t take long before he’s blushing just as hard as she is.
“Pally?” He asks softly, getting her attention.
“Yeah?” She mumbles.
“Do you… really mean every word of this letter?” He asks. Pally finally turns to him, looking emotionally fragile and ready to tear up.
“Yeah… I’m sorry if it seems too cheesy. I’ve just… well, had a crush on you from the moment I met you. And I never thought I’d be the type of person you’d want to hang around regularly in your life.” She says. Kenton can’t believe he’s hearing this.
“Are you kidding? You’ve done more for me than you know!” He says in astonishment. “You are the one who saved Allan’s freedom at the expense of your own grade! You’re the one who published a book I needed after internet drama weighed me down! And most importantly, am I right to assume all the anonymous letters I got from the same person was you every time?”
“Yes! It’s all true, Kenton!” She says, emotionally rattled by the growing tension. Kenton steps up to Pally with a proud look.
“You’re the reason I’m where I am today, Pally. You’re the reason I’ve stayed happy through tough times and still have my best friend with me. And you wanna know something else?” He asks. Pally gives a shy smile.
“What else?” She asks quietly. Kenton grins.
“I don’t think I could ask for a cuter human being to spend my life with than you.” He says, making her gasp.
“Kenton? Are you serious? You’d… date me?” She asks, smiling blissfully and blushing.
“Why, there’s enough epicness in all my friends, but the one true Pal I need in my soul is sitting right before me.” He sits back down and hugs Pally. “Come here you bundle of pure sweetness!”
Pally returns the hug, feeling very happy and proud of herself in the moment. Not only does she finally have the attention from her dream boy, but hearing him say all the things she’s done for him reminds her exactly how successful she is. All the doubt of amounting to anything in life and the serious fear of never making an impact is gone. She’s happy, and he’s happy. Regardless of everything else surrounding them, she knows in this moment that he’s going to keep her happy. And to Kenton, he’s glad after twenty-seven years, he’s found the very person he’d longed for his whole life too.
Author’s Note: Happy Valentine's Day everyone! I hope you enjoyed this story!