Chapter Text
His friend, George, had invited him to a party at his house. James normally wasn’t a big fan of the party scene, but it was his birthday. How could he say no to him?
James had met George a few months ago. They met in a pub, George was doing some sort of YouTube challenge. They hit it off quite well, since then they’ve become great friends. Unfortunately, he hasn’t met any of George’s friends. Which makes him even more nervous for this party. They seem nice, George always talks highly of them. He’s hoping he can just linger around George, do a little small talk and leave early.
‘James.’ George shouts excitedly. ‘Told you he’d come,’ he shouts over his shoulder at someone. The music is loud. George opens the door wider, ushering him inside. He’s already quite drunk. ‘I’m so happy you came.’ George shouts over the music. He side-hugs James. ‘Of course, mate. Happy Birthday.’
George walks James to the kitchen, introducing him to some of his friends. James pours himself some coke while he glances around the room. He has seen some faces on the internet once or twice, mostly George’s instagram stories. Then James notices him. He’s sitting on the couch, happily chatting to someone who James guesses is Chris. James studies him. He looks older, not in a bad way, grown-up. It has been eleven years, of course he has gotten older. He looks great. James looks away. He focuses his attention on George, and… Arthur? Right, his housemate. He’s a musician as well. James has listened to some of his songs. He likes them. He introduces himself to Arthur.
He’s enjoying himself. He has talked to some people, they’re all very nice. George was right. He is ignoring the elephant in the room, though. Well, ignoring? Every so often, he glances at him. Should he talk to him? That would be the nice thing to do right? Or would that be weird? They have not talked in years. Would he even remember him?
He looks over again, but this time. Will catches his gaze. He seems to recognize him immediately. His lips slightly part in shock. He looks amazing in this lighting. It’s a shame they fell out of touch all those years ago. After that night, James had come to terms with being queer. It took some time, but he’s comfortable with it. Maybe if they kept contact they could have been something. He should say hi to him right? Will looks away. James does too. He walks back to the kitchen to cheer George on in some drinking game.
———
James. What the hell is he doing here? They’re staring at each other. Chris keeps talking, not noticing that Will has long tuned him out. He disappeared all those years ago, not a word, no goodbye. Just disappeared and now he’s back. Will feels resentment build up. Who does he think he is? He had missed him so much. He had left, without a word. What, because of a kiss, a stupid mistake. Will had just been confused. And James had freaked out and moved away because of it. Will focuses his attention back on Chris. He’s still talking about his most recent video. Will rejoins the conversation.
However, he can’t shake James off his mind. He keeps catching James staring at him. Which makes both of them look away instantly. He would be lying if he said he didn’t sneak glances back at James. His mind starts spiraling, memories of that night flooding back in. He can’t breathe. He hastily walks over to the balcony door and steps onto the balcony, closing the door behind him.
He breathes in the cold evening air. His breathing has quickened. He starts feeling wobbly. Shit. He needs to sit down. Sit down. He sits down. He looks down at his hands. They look blurry. A drop of water falls on them. Will looks up. Is it raining? No. Right, yeah. Fuck, he’s crying. He pulls out his phone, looking for a distraction. He searches James on Wikipedia. Why is he here, has he become a youtuber as well? Is that how George knows him?
James Marriott, twenty-eight. Musician. He’s doing great for himself. Will scrolls down further. Queer. James is queer. It comes more as a shock than it should have. He did just see the man. And he can’t say he looks 100% straight. The door opens, muffled music suddenly becoming louder. He looks up. James. Will stands up, he tries to walk past him. James puts his hand on the doorframe, blocking Will from leaving. Will gives James a look. ‘I’m not gonna force you to talk to me, I just want you to be okay.’ James sounds worried. The audacity.
‘I’m perfectly fine, thank you very much.’ Will tries to sound as normal as possible. His attempt being betrayed by his tear-stained cheeks. He sees James notice them. He doesn’t believe him. Not that he should. His arm remains steadily on the doorframe. Will chews his lip, avoiding eye contact as much as possible.
Realistically, Will could easily remove James’ arm. James would most likely let him leave if Will wanted to. Yet he lets James talk. ‘Just, talk to someone if you need to.’ Will scoffs, rolling his eyes. James removes his arm, letting Will inside. Will keeps standing there a beat too long, for someone who desperately wanted to leave, seconds ago. He storms out, off the balcony, out the house. He orders an Uber.
A few minutes later George comes out. ‘Are you okay?’ George asks him.
‘Yeah, of course, I’m alright mate,’ Will sighs, looking at him.’Enjoy the rest of your party, don’t drink too much.’
George laughs. ‘James said you look upset.’ Once he became serious again.
‘Yeah, well James doesn't know shit.’ Will spat, it came out harsher than he intended to.
‘Right,’ George said, unconvinced. ’Are you Ubering?’
Will nods.
‘I’ll keep you company until it arrives then.’