Chapter Text
I groaned as I hit the leather seats in the limo. “That’s the last time I try anything other than a fire spell to take down evil demon spawn.”
The driver’s eyes widened in the rearview mirror.
I couldn’t tell if it was because of what I said or because my tuxedo was ripped to shreds, literally. My pants hung like streamers around my legs, and my whole midriff and chest lacked any clothing whatsoever. Not to mention I had a few cuts on my face and body from where she slashed at me.
Michael popped in a second later, looking something similar. He closed the door, saw the driver’s bewildered expression and nodded his head politely.
“We really enjoyed the ball.” I said, clicking the button to make the privacy window start to roll up. “He’s a beast in those hotel beds.” The window clicked, and I relaxed into the seat, sliding down a little. What can I say, making fun of serious situations calms my soul.
Michael, however, scowled disapprovingly at what I said to the driver. He didn’t say anything, but apparently it didn’t sit right with him. “I’m glad we were able to stop her from killing him and others as well.”
I nodded. “Thankfully I didn’t get anyone killed, yeah.”
There was silence for a long moment. It stretched on as we listened to the limo passing other cars on the highway.
I sighed, biting the inside of my lip. If the topic was broached already, it would be again. Might as well be the one to initiate it. “You know… you don’t have to feel bad about what happened last time. It’s really not a big deal.”
“I shouldn’t have invaded your personal space like that, Harry. You’re not one of my children.” Michael looked down at his hands, fumbling with the tatters of his tuxedo.
I hated how my eyes traveled to his exposed chest, to the pack of muscles flexing as he breathed. “The problem…” I started cautiously, wondering how I should put it into words, “is that… I liked it.”
Michael blinked a few times, then glanced over at me.
I watched him with my back touching the bottom of the seat and my head propped against the back.
He looked at me and smiled, as if he couldn’t quite take me seriously with how I was positioned. He laughed.
And I laughed.
It felt like a weight was off my shoulders all of a sudden. Like I’d been keeping my stomach clenched and could suddenly relax. It was ridiculous. The whole thing. My feelings, how it went, and what I was saying now.
Michael was a true friend. He always would be. Thoughtful, kind, and loyal. I couldn’t ask more of him than that. I couldn’t ask him or expect anything more than one of the best friends I could ever have.
We pulled up to my apartment not long after. Seems like the driver was uncomfortable with the two of us in the back seat and wanted us out as quickly as possible. I pulled myself up and opened the door. I pulled myself out with another grunt and closed the door. Before I realised it, Michael followed suit. He walked over to the driver, knocked politely on the window and told him he’d be right back. He’d need a ride home, if it wasn’t too much trouble.
I walked around the limo and headed to my door without waiting for him. I didn’t know what was happening or what he planned to do, but I couldn’t fight the flu of butterflies in my stomach.
Michael’s strong hand grasped my shoulder and turned me around. He raised a hand slightly to touch my face, gently holding his palm to my cheek. His other hand touched mine, holding it closer to him and stroked the back of it. “Harry... “
I stared at him, frozen in place. My feelings were all over the place, and I couldn’t pin anything down. I just watched as he waited for me to stop him.
And then he leaned up slightly and kissed me.
I didn’t do anything at first. Shock does that. If I was afraid, my fight-or-flight reflex would immediately move to flight, but this was something completely different. I slowly started to kiss back, my lips pressing harder against his, breathing hard through my nose. I reached my hands out and wrapped them around his shoulders, pulling him in a little closer.
He kissed back with additional passion, moving his hands to my waist.
We broke the kiss after what felt like a few minutes.
I pressed my forehead against his and laughed softly.
He chuckled too, touching my nose against the flat of his own. “Good night, Mr. Carpenter. I look forward to our second date.”
He pulled away, turning around and walking back to the limo. I watched as he stepped into the limo and it pulled away.
I smiled a little dazed, nodding slightly at nothing in particular before opening the door, bringing down the wards, and shutting my door with a thump. I pressed my back against it, sighing as I gently slid down the cold surface and to the floor. I knew I was grinning like an idiot, but for once in my life… I didn’t care.
“Mr. Carpenter…” I muttered.