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Last night lingers in the room, the whole evening does. The way he occasionally glanced over, his deliberate hand placement and its warmth. He had you trapped under his spell.
It was a miracle that you’ve met him half a year ago and now you’re casually, more or less, in his bed, at his side.
James and you met at a movie festival and though the venue was overflowing with other people you could’ve met, the group you settled in after wandering alone just had to have James in it. You didn’t point him out, just calmly agreed on his opinions or brought some new perspectives on some topics. After that night, after you two decided to watch a movie before the festival closed, he didn’t leave your mind.
The second encounter happened, again, by accident or faith. Your call.
It was yet another gathering about movies and after that night, because like last time you attended alone, you two actually exchanged numbers.
That night, all you wanted to do was fall back into bed, exhausted from the walking. Then the hotel called your phone right before James and you would split, saying your room was flooded due to a burst pipe. Despair was about to crawl through your body. Where would you stay? James, standing next to you, had the answer. Like always sounding so unbothered that you had to gain composure for a second. It was a huge deal, offering to stay at his for the night before you’d drive back home the next morning.
Right? He almost sounded like that’s the most rational solve. Then again all the rooms were booked due to the gathering.
Now the next few months, him and you were texting back and forth, every time something interesting enough happened in your life. Or just some 3AM thoughts that you need to share with someone. You couldn’t shake the absurdity of this situation out of your head yet didn’t mind how things turned out or were about to.
Another month late you heard about the small release party of “Starter For 10“ from James. While calling, he mentioned the possibility to come accompanied. At the end of that call he left the possibility for you to join in the room by casually asking you if you’d be interested. A small, anticipated “I’ll think about it“ from you left him guessing, though to you it was already decided with no further question. With your whole body feeling like a torch, you accept his offer after some time of “consideration“ which you could only endure to pretend for an hour. And just like that, the decision to stay at his house over that weekend was unevadable.
With the approaching weekend, the lines between your life and the feeling of it all being a dream blurred and before reason could change your next move you send another text. Risky.
For the next passing seconds just sat there, in your room, reading your message over and over again. “I was thinking. Would we consider this a date?“. And right before panic could wash over you his typing bubble appeared, disappeared, then appeared again. His answer sent a small but noticeable amount of adrenalin through your limbs.
“Do you want it to be one?“
A Minute passed. Then two. Almost three before you forced yourself to answer rather than stare at your, nearly gone black, screen.
“I mean, that’s why I asked“
Your mind raced, imagining all possible outcomes. Playing all possible answers through your head. This didn’t help, if all it just turned your pulse up so high you could almost hear it. He seemed to take some time, another minute passing, fueling your excitement, before-
“Then let’s see where the evening goes, aye?“
That wasn’t a no- nor a yes, but definitely not a no! Your grin widens wide before you type a quick “alright“ and turn it off, trying to shift your attention back on what you were originally doing, with little success.
His house, the familiar smell, the guests room and surrounding filled you with an almost overwhelming amount of anticipation and slight nostalgia to the evening just 2 months ago.
A small shower and fresh clothes prepared you for later that evening. James told you it wouldn’t be too fancy, a mix of casual and elegant. The accessories you chose to wear to your outfit made it a bit more casual. Uncertain if you’re overdoing it, you knocked twice at the door to his room, “You decent in there McAvoy?“ before leaning against the frame. “Define decent“ you heard him chuckle. “Not just standing there in a towel“ you joked back. Another pause before the door swung open revealing him thankfully dressed, though his tie was still hanging around his neck.
This joking, the teasing, the small comments that formed your interactions, left little room for awkward silence. His choice of attire was a simple suit and tie, pulled your attention. His whole look seemed effortless. Somehow he always managed to pull that impression, like he’d just thrown this outfit together last minute and yet still looking perfect. “Don’t you clean up nice?“ you heard him, drawing your eyes back from his room. An involuntary smile creeped up your lips, “I’d say the same if-“ your eyes shifted to your phone’s clock, “If you’d be ready,“ you turned your phone so he could see the time “only 10 minutes left“ you grin. He hesitated, pretending to think, “Give me five“.
“I’ll believe you when i see it“.
You felt calm, maybe a bit excited for the evening. Though it wasn’t until the drive there that your nerves suddenly rose. It didn’t cross your mind before, that you’d be meeting Benedict Cumberbatch and Rebeca hall or Alice Eve or- well almost the whole cast will be there.
James found your only now disappeared nerves amusing.
“I had the impression you considered this without hesitation?“
“I- well hold on, first of all I did think about it first“, lie, “but this- I wasn’t thinking this through-“.
You groaned in the passenger seat, sinking further down, “what if I make a fool of myself?“. He gave you a small head shake, glancing to his side, his fingers continue to idly drum against the wheel “I doubt this’ll happen. Well if you don’t clean the bar that is“. You shot him a swift glare with narrowed eyes, “bold of you to assume I’ll be drinking“. His lips twitched into a soft smile, a smile that you couldn’t fully read “Oh darling, I wasn’t assuming“.
Then came the party.
James and you got out of the car, in front of the building already lurking paparazzi, waiting to get photos and quick comments on the soon to be released movie.
Dazzled by the flashy lights, you tried to make out if the small stairs toward the door began at your next step or the one after. With mini steps forward you tried to not trip over anything and god, you were about to if it wasn’t for- James. Suddenly you felt a warm hand on the small of your back, guiding you quickly through the lights and up the stairs to the safe inside.
“Christ, you get used to that?“ you joked, still blinking repeatedly which earned you a warm laugh and a shrug from him.
You were rubbing your eyes, right when you heard someone approaching, James seemed to move forward when- “Look who’s late. McAvoy!“ That’s gotta be- and you opened your eyes to see, “Benedict. Good to see you mate“ Benedict fucking Cumberbatch. Holy shit.
They hugged and you just stood besides them, quietly observing their friendly banter with an uncontrolled polite wide smile, when he turned to you.
“And who’s this?“. You were about to answer when James sensed your dwindling composure, “she’s a good friend“. You glance up, he was still looking at Benedict. Benedict at you. And you returned his look, offering a hand, “It’s a pleasure, really“ you said finally.
Before you could feel disappointment from being called “a good friend“ there was once more a hand finding its way to your back, this time higher. His thumb traced lazily over the fabric of your dress, just below the hem. Benedict shook your hand with a charming smile in return, “pleasure’s all mine“.
Over the next few hours, the party would be in everyones focus. Everyones, except yours.
Most of the time you stuck to James, not leaving his side like a lost puppy that doesn’t know where to go. But he didn’t exactly mind, considering the fleeting touch of his hand whenever he, even for a short period, guides you through the crowd almost to make sure you wouldn’t get lost or something. Those weren’t intrusive or pushy. They were just there, underlining the lingering tension that he just had to feel too, right? You couldn’t be the only one.
After about 2 or 3 glasses of champagne the warm influence of the alcohol spread though your body like a warm blanket. The feeling of tipsiness left you with less filter and more honesty in your words and you weren’t sure if that was a good thing or not. After having a small encounter with Rebecca hall, to your luck with steadily decreasing nervousness, you found your way back to where James sat in a circle of people, settling in next to him.
His eyes skimmed through the circle as he told you some of them were part of the camera crew.
While he enlightened you, you leaned closer just a bit, more focused on following the faint smell of his odor. “James you-“ the words got stuck in your throat after realizing what you planned on saying but you already started. He stopped talking for a second and turned his face to you “I?“.
Shit.
You hesitated, not willing to admit your thoughts, “No, you- I think 3 glasses are enough for me today“ you joke and set it down in front of you. His eyebrows twitched and he shook his head with a warm nose exhale, his body close enough for you to feel it on you shoulder. It was then when you realized just how close he really was, legs and arms brushing against each other ever so lightly. “No it’s alright“ he said with mock seriousness, voice quieter and softer while tilting his head, “you were saying?“.
Your breath caught again and with a smug grin to hide your inner escalation you answer just as quietly, “you smell really good“.
One or two seconds of silence pass between you.
“Aye, do I now?“ He teased, trying to hold back a grin before slightly bumping your shoulder with his. “I-“ you tried to actually form proper words despite your pulse picking up. He was enjoying this far too much. “I don’t know like- you just smell nice“ you shrug and with that try to brush off the small blush forming across your cheeks.
This was your sign to change your next glass to water.
What you didn’t notice this whole time was that one guy from the camera crew had his attention laying fully on you. So after you got your water, still standing at the bar to re-build your composure, he approached. Definitely older and maybe 10cm taller, though his balding spot was noticeable form any hight and if you’d listened to James, you’d know that his reputation lacked respect for women. He began friendly, asking about your night and if he could offer you a drink.
This didn’t feel fishy until he stepped closer, his presence suddenly feeling more threatening than before. You swallowed your last drop of water, looking awkwardly to the side while he yapped about- you didn’t even listen. All that crossed your mind were possible ways to escape this conversation before he’d lay a hand on you or something.
Then you felt a hand. But not his. The way it grazed up your back and stopped on your shoulder felt familiar. “Sorry I took so long darling. John.“ James, your savior, shot the man to your front a similar threatening glare and spoke louder than usual. John’s eyes switched between the two of you and for a second you could swear his confidence almost cracked.
“James. I was just about the buy our friend a drink“, if eyes could, his were practically pulling you towards him or- well, rather trying without a trace of success.
“If you ask me, my friend had enough to drink for the night“ he said without hesitation, gliding his hadn’t back down your back to your waist. His expression wasn’t readable, if anything he just seemed guarded. This was getting too much and you quickly nod to his call, stepping closer.
“You know what? I think some fresh air could do“ the polite smile on your face brought up a smirk on James’s lips when he glanced to you. John could only stare at how quick you disappeared after James excused you two with triumph in his eyes.
“Didn’t you hear what I said earlier?“ He asked, hand still around you until you reached the balcony. Your awkward chuckle filled the moment of silence that laid between you, “well- I did but then I got carried away by-“, “My scent?“.
He’ll never let you forget about this.
For a second he even got you worried that he was angry or disappointed, but that seemingly wasn’t the case.
Your gaze drifted to the floor with a sheepish grin, “Right“. Your small murmur caught his attention so he lowered his face to yours and tried to suppress his own grin, “you’re aware I’m never letting you forget about that?“. You swat at his arm playfully with an outraged- almost- smile, “how dare you turn this against me McAvoy?“. Finally he let his own laugh out, it was a warm laugh coming straight form his chest. “Seriously though I’m glad you’re alright“. His eyes lingered on yours and if he wasn’t already occupying your brain, he’d definitely be after tonight. Your mock upset face softened and his followed suit. The silence that followed wasn’t awkward. It was more comfortable than you could've imagined. “You really do smell good though“.
He exhaled through his nose “You wanna get out of here?“.
The ride to his was filed with comfortable silence and soft music playing almost inaudible. You mostly watched the lights and buildings go by with the rain streaming along the window. James’s fingers, like before, drummed on the staring wheel.
His home was warm and very much inviting after that evening. Both of you had to rush in due to the rain but once you made it, that warmth surrounded you like a blanked, “god you have no idea how I miss the bed“ you chuckled. Kicking your shoes off and stumbling into the kitchen, you pulled a glass from the shelve above the counter, “fancy a glass of water?“.
James stepped into the living room, connected with the kitchen, and sank into the soft white cushions of his couch. All that was audible were a few relieved groans and an approving “mhm“.
Even though you had your attention laying on the glasses, you glanced back for a second before grabbing both, walking to the couch and sitting down besides him. Your hands touched as you gave him the beverage, just slightly but noticeable.
Your head fell against the headrest and turned to him. James was looking at the ceiling before doing the same. It was then and there that you noticed how close you sat down besides him, knees almost brushing. You cleared your throat and sat up straight after some very long seconds and took a sip. “So-“ you began, “was that, I mean- tonight..“.
James raised an eyebrow but stayed seated as he was. And after some silence he spoke up.
“Aye, if you’d still like to call it one, yea“
You didn’t turn your head, afraid he might notice your sheepish grin or the slight pink on your cheeks so all you did was nod, muttering a small “I do“.
“Hey“ he whispered, and shifted so he could see you better. You and your little grin which still didn’t decrease. James reached out and for a second it seemed as he’d tug a strand of hair behind your ear, like in those corny movies, but he actually just poked the side of your head with his finger, “you should get dry before you catch a cold“.
“Look who’s talking“ you shot back and rolled your eyes, finally looking at him and his equally damp hair.
Then, just before getting up, he traced his eyes over your face and with a more soft and warm smile, actually tugged hair behind your ear and stood up. “C’mon then“.
You saw him walk up the stairs to his bathroom and for a few seconds you felt like paralyzed by the whole situation. James McAvoy just adjusted your hair on his couch, in his house, after a now confirmed date. As if the evening couldn’t ge- “Oi, I’d say you don’t dry on your own but you do. Still I don’t want you lingering around my place ill“. He drew your attention, leaning against the wall. You pushed yourself off the couch and passed him on the stairs with a sarcastic smirk, “I already do“.
After you two dried your hair, changed into PJ’s and said your goodnight, sleep didn’t come as easy. Weirdly enough, you were tired for most of the evening yet now that you lay in bed, your thoughts raced. Raced around the evening, the night, his touch, his presence and before you knew it, your fist hovered just before his rooms door. With all your collected courage you were about to knock, but the door opened before you could. When a few seconds, filled with silence, passed and you two remained in your positions, you with your hand raised and him in his sleepy form, you relaxed.
“I couldn’t sleep“, “I see that“ he said and stepped aside, inviting you in. A few steps into his room you turned to him with a confused expression “How’d you know I stood there?“. He on the other end was already laying in bed again, cuddling himself in his blankets like some girl who was forced out of her beauty sleep. With his eyes still closed, he raised both his hands to his temples “psychic“. His face was mock serious before it broke into a soft, more self irony filled expression.
As you stepped to his bed, James turned on his side to face you and lifted the blanket slightly, once more inviting you further into his space. “Tell me, what troubled your precious sleep?“ his tone was softer now, though underlined by a trace of silliness. The wooden floor felt cold underneath your feet so moved forward, crawling in next to him quickly. You still kept a small distance between the two of you, physically, afraid you’d push your luck too far. Then again you were lying in his bed...
You sighed and answered to his question, “Just thoughts, nothing too significant“, he laid the blanked back down once you were under it, trapping you both in the proximity.
“Well I hope you’ll be able to sleep better now“.
Before you could process his words, he had his arm around your waist, pulling you closer from behind.
Your breath caught somewhere in the process of normal breathing and for a split second, he made it even worse, or better- depends, by letting his arm rest there, draped over you.
You needed another minute to adjust to the feeling and relax about the fact that you were casually laying in his arms. He made everything seem so effortless, so simple.
You shifted subtly more on your side, back turned to him, allowing this to happen. Allowing him to pull you even closer, flat against him. “Good night James“, though he was already fast asleep.
So now you wake up to the sun beaming through the only half closed curtains, filling the room with a warm and soft glow. You turn around to find James still laying next to you, his face relaxed and soft, the warm sunlight shining across his features. The chance to take a few minutes and just appreciate him offered itself and so that is your occupation for the first 5 minutes of being wake. His breath feels soothing against your hand, which lays between yours and his face. You raise said hand and graze your fingertips agonizingly careful over his cheek, his eyes slowly flutter open to the brief touch.
“Hey there sleeping beauty“ you whisper with a small chuckle. His smile widens as he takes you in and groans with a warm chuckle coming from his chest. By shifting a bit higher, you scoop up to lay in his arm, your head on his chest. He, with pleasure, shifts his arm to lay around you and lets his hand trail small lines along your spine. “D’you sleep well?“ a small hint of worry accompanied his words as he looks down to your face, deeply nuzzled in his side, practically inhaling him.
“Yeah“ you hum back, setting off another honest chuckle in James.
Your head gently rises and falls with the rhythm of James’s breath before he inhaled, “Almost feels like you live here“, his fingers trail down your back a little. “You say it like it’s a bad thi-“ were supposed to be your words but his hand slips under your shirt to continue its way on your bare back. His grin doesn’t change, no, if anything it seems to grow, “Oh I’m sorry, you were saying?“. Foul play.
“James please..“ the small chuckle your words are filled with spread through his body like the warm sunlight, “sorry, sweetheart I don’t follow“. Behold, another lie from the man you are currently laying on. “You don’t get to tease me like that!“, “that so?“ he dares to tease back, yet all you can do is flicker your eyes down to his lips for only a split second, but he notices none the less.
“Oh, but I think I can. Really easily at that.“, to which you just shake your head and try to distract yourself from his very soft looking lips, with only little success.
Your face disappears against him once more, encouraging his hand only more.
Soft, soothingly up and down your spine as far as it could reach makes you press yourself even closer to him. His hand stops for a second, making you look up to see what’s up, “please tell If this is too much“. The slightest hint of uncertainty hides in his voice but quickly disappears when he sees your reaction to him, looking at you like you’d always hoped he would. No tension in his eyebrows, no visible sign of discomfort whatsoever, no... doubt. Just the soft and pure look of adoration. Adoration for you.
“James-“ you murmur, almost inaudible even for him to hear, so he moved closer, pulling you in by your back.
After closing your eyes, you feel his breath only inches away from your lips, the tension growing with every second in which you two aren’t actually kissing. “I’d really like-“ James’s words are abruptly cut off by you closing the distance. His hand grips tighter and so does yours on his chest, pulling him even closer into the safest feeling kiss you’ve ever experienced, lips moving against each other.
Only with slight hesitancy, you two break the kiss to look in each others eyes, “I’d really like for this to continue“ He finishes his sentence from before with a wide grin.
You bit your lip to hold back a more than excited snicker, imitating his accent “Aye“.