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missameliep · 5 years ago

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Second Chances: Chapter Five - London Calling

Book: Desire and Decorum – Modern AU

Notes: * Mentions to racism, xenophobia and Islamophobia. * English is not my first language. * All characters belong to Pixelberry. Except OC (Renata).

Word count: 4.972

Tagging: @fairydustandsarcasm @frugalchoicer @pixieferry @itsbrindleybinch @dianalend @lou-who-writes @queen-kamilah-sayeed @averysheart-raleighsdick @tinypenguincheesemachine @princess-geek @cora-nova

If you want to be added or removed of the tag list, please let me know.

Elizabeth crossed her arms and pulled the blouse over her head and threw it at the bed, where clothes were piling up. Hopping to the wardrobe, she shuffled through the hangers and huffed. At last, a long-sleeved white top was picked from a drawer.

The reflection in the mirror caused her face to contort in a grimace and she pulled her long hair up in a bun. Droplets of sweat emerging above her upper lip, even though the day was mild.

The beep sound drew her attention to the mobile on the desk. Fingers drumming at the rhythm of the song playing as she read the text.

After a few moments, the face of her friend Renata popped on the screen of the notebook and they both greeted each other in Portuguese. The other girl’s cheerful tone louder than the soft ballad playing on the mobile.

“Is everything okay, Liz? I got your text and I wasn’t expecting to hear from you so soon!”

“Yeah… Sorry about that. I know you're in class –”

“Hey, I’m not complaining. I’ll take any excuse to avoid another discussion on Wittgenstein...” She smiled, “Now, spill.”

“I kinda have a fashion emergency. Got time?”

“Sure! I live for those!”

“Thank God! I'm panicking a bit here.”

“Why? What’s the occasion?”

“Well… I’m meeting this guy and –”

“What?” Renata’s voice echoed in the room, “You already met a guy, Liz?”

“Shhh...” Elizabeth hissed and waved her hands.

“Chill. It’s not like anybody understands what I’m saying anyway...”

Elizabeth’s head whipped back and she glanced at the door, before turning the volume down.

“When did you meet a guy?” she whispered.

“Yesterday.”

“Yesterday? Oh, my God!” she exclaimed, and her voice raised again, “I can’t believe you! We talked for an hour!”

“I know... Sorry.”

“Where did you meet him?”

“It’s kinda embarrassing...”

“Oh, embarrassing story? You’ve gotta tell me.”

“I don’t want to...”

“Then I’m going back to the torture session... Bye-bye, Liz.”

“Wait!” she squealed, “Your brother is right. You’re really a pain!”

“Just tell me already!”

“Alright, he almost ran me over. Well, not him. The car he was in… Then he offered me a ride home to apologise. Even though, I was the one to blame...”

“Oh! So chivalrous!”

“He’s really nice.”

“Is he cute?” Renata rolled her eyes. “What am I saying? Of course, he is, or you wouldn't be like that. How cute is he?”

Elizabeth just smiled, leaning back on the armchair.

“That cute, huh?”

“He's handsome. Like so handsome I cannot look him in the eye or my brain shuts down.”

“Can your brain do that?” Renata giggled.

“I’m as surprised as you,” Elizabeth said, “But it’s not just his looks. I know we’ve only met, but he’s so funny and smart. And he’s super flirty, but not in a creepy way. You know?”

“I really don’t...”

“It seemed he could anticipate what he could say... He’d make me blush but not feel uncomfortable. Like a flirty Jedi1! And when he kissed my hand... it was so… it’s hard to explain.”

“He kissed your hand? How old is this Jedi guy?” teased Renata, “Are we talking Obi-wan Kenobi2 in The Phantom Menace or A New Hope?”

“Shut up!” she squealed, “It was sweet...” The memory of his warm lips on her skin and their eyes locked made her blush, and her hands covered her cheeks.

“Whoa! You never talked like that about anyone before, not even about Léo... Characters from books and movies, yes. Real guys, never,” Renata said, “And that look... The closest I saw was whenever we shared a piece of Agatha's carrot cake.”

“Aw! I miss that cake already,” Elizabeth sighed.

“What has England done to you, dude?”

“Stop looking at me as if I’ve grown a second head or something, Re! I’m allowed to think a guy is handsome.”

“Sure, but –”

“Let's focus. I need help! I’m physically and mentally unable to pick my own clothes. I am freaking out! Help me, please! He’ll be here in half an hour!”

“Turn off the drama queen mode, Liz! We've got plenty of time. Where are you going?”

“I don’t know... How am I supposed to know if I’m overdressed? Or underdressed? I've already tried five outfits. I even tried one of the ensembles grandma’s got me and I was looking just like a younger version of her minus the hair and –”

“Breathe, honey,” Renata interrupted her blabbering, “Just show me what you've got on.”

Rising to her feet, Elizabeth took a few steps back and lifted her arms.

“Cute top. But the jeans are boring. How about the black pleated skirt?”

Smiling, she marched to the bed and tugged at the skirt at the bottom of the pile. In no time, the pants joined the rejects pile and she spun once in front of the camera.

“Much better! You always look cute with that. And loose the flats. You need something sexier.”

“Don’t even say heels! We’re walking.”

“If Beyoncé can dance on heels, you can walk.”

“I'm using these sneakers.” She produced a white pair from the wardrobe.

“Whatever. But you must let your hair down. Both literally and metaphorically. And put on some make up.” She tilted her head and hummed. “It's a perfect occasion for one of the lipsticks I got you.”

“They're all so bright or red... I don't know...”

“You need colour. The red one would look great on you, with the bonus that Jedi guy won’t be able to stop looking at your lips and – Hey! What’s his name?”

“Hamid,” Elizabeth answered as she tied the lace on the sneakers.

“Take a selfie with Hamid. I wanna see the face of the guy who’s got you smitten.” She winked. “Also need access to his Pictagram. For investigative purposes.”

“I’ve already googled him.”

“You did? Aw, my little Padawan3 is growing up. I’m so proud!” she exclaimed, “But I’ll check too anyway. Just to be sure.”

“I can send a picture of him now,” Elizabeth said and started typing on the mobile.

“You already have pictures of him?” she gawked.

“The internet does.”

“What a snack!” Renata whistled, “I still can't believe we talked last night and you didn't bother mentioning him! Just for the record, that's the kind of thing you tell your best friend! You tell her right away!”

“Sorry. I was embarrassed and he could change his mind about this... and I...” she mumbled, “But we texted last night. And this morning. Since he didn't cancel on me...”

“He would be an idiot to cancel on you. And you don’t need another idiotic guy,” she scoffed, “If you texted this much already, why are you scared?”

“I don't get tongue tied texting. And I can be funny online. I use emojis. But in person...”

“You can be funny offline, if you relax.”

“What about this bag?”

“You need a much smaller one. You’re not taking any book. What about the round one?”

“What if I can't talk to him?”

“Listen, honey. You’ve texted, you clearly enjoyed it and he wants to see you. Those are good signs.”

“I guess,” she said holding the bag.

“Perfect. Fits all you'll need to carry and won't get in the way when you're kissing him.”

“There will be no kissing! I just met him!” Elizabeth’s eyes widened and her cheeks suddenly were coloured in a darker pink hue.

“Sure, honey. If anyone could really predict that kind of thing...” she snorted, “And judging by the way you’re talking about him you better take at least one of the condoms.”

“What? No! What –”

“Relax. I’m just kidding,” she paused, and her index finger rubbed against her lips, “How’s the weather?”

“It’s fine now. But the forecast says the temperature will drop to sixteen later in the afternoon and then lower... I’m taking a coat.”

“Take a scarf and the jean jacket. It’s cute, you won’t freeze, but you can still tell him you’re feeling cold...” She winked.

“Why would I... Oh! You really think about everything.” They chuckled. “Thank you, honey. You’re a life saviour.”

“Please use the red lipstick and don’t marry Hamid before I get to know him, Liz.”

“Shut up! Bye!”

*****

Elizabeth hopped down the stairs. Skipping the last two steps, she landed with a light thump on the carpet.

“Elizabeth, mind your manners!”

The young woman stopped shortly, and her head whipped back in the direction of her grandmother’s voice.

“Are you already on your way out?”

“I am, grandma; my friend is waiting for me.”

“How unfortunate! There was someone here I wished to introduce you.”

“Sorry, grandma...”

“It’s alright,” she waved her hands dismissively, “Before I forget, I scheduled Renée to style your hair for the dinner Saturday. She’ll be here at three o’clock. Be ready.”

“Isn’t it too early?”

“Your hair must be challenging to her,” she said examining it and her fingers touched one of the curls, “You are lovely, my dear, but you'll need to look polished.”

The words hit her like a punch. As she usually does, Elizabeth refrained from retorting and instead her lips were pursed in the thinnest line.

“She’ll do your makeup. And I’ll ask for a manicure as well.” Holding the young woman’s hands, she took a hard look before sighing. “Try not biting your nails until then. There’s already too little to work with.”

“I’ll do my best, grandma.”

“You may go. Enjoy yourself, my dear, and be careful.”

*****

Hamid was standing outside in an elegant navy suit, light blue shirt and a navy tie with small silver dots. A hand on his trousers’ pockets and the other holding the mobile as he looked at the screen. The sight causing her heart to pound even faster.

The click of the door closing brought his eyes to Elizabeth. His lips pulled into a large smile and revealed the whiteness of his teeth and dimples on his cheeks.

“Hi!”

“Hello, Elizabeth!”

“Are we going somewhere fancy, Hamid? Should I change?” She asked and wiped her moist hands as she smoothed the fabric of the skirt.

“You look absolutely breath-taking,” he said grinning, his eyes lingering on her cherry lips before wandering from her face all the way down to her feet, “Are those shoes comfortable?”

She nodded.

“Then, you’re perfect to go.” He clapped his hands and asked her to follow him.

Walking side by side, Hamid talked about the main buildings on their way and pointed details on the red brick facades, sharing curious tales of past residents. Elizabeth listened carefully and her eyes tried to take it all in. Although, from time to time, whenever he wasn’t looking, her gaze returned to its preferred spot: her companion’s face.

“So, no driver today?” she asked once they reached the end of the street and waited by the crossing line.

“I usually don't take the embassy cars. London’s traffic is a nightmare. Yesterday was a very fortunate exception.”

“Seriously?”

“Yes. I only took the car, because I had two boxes of old reports to return. Why?”

“What a strange coincidence,” she pointed out, “The driver was supposed to pick me up at the airport, but there was some ‘misunderstanding’ – and by misunderstanding, I mean Henrietta pulled her strings and he ended up in the wrong airport... So, I took the underground.”

“I don't believe it was a coincidence. I think Allah planned that we meet.” He winked and a shy smile curled her lips.

Elizabeth casted a glance at him before looking away. In silence, she mulled over his words as they resumed walking. For the first time – and possibly the last one –, she should be thankful for Henrietta’s impersonation of a fairy-tale stepmother.

“Did it make you nervous?”

“Sorry?”

“The mention to Allah. The fact I’m a Muslim,” he said in a low tone and met her eyes. A small crease between his eyebrows.

“No, of course not,” she uttered, “Why would it make me nervous?”

“Well, you were too quiet all of a sudden and there’s the common assumption about us being fanatics and terrorists, so...”

“Oh, no! That’s just stupid prejudice!” she exclaimed, a steady voice replacing her lower timid tone, “Categorizing millions of people like that is the same as saying every single Christian is a murderous because of the Inquisition or basically the whole America’s colonization process. Or the Crusades. The list can go on and on...”

Hamid’s jaw dropped a bit contemplating the changing in her demeanour, and he blinked a few times before words left his mouth again.

“I've seen its face time and again to know the logic of prejudice is not based on facts or rationality, but mostly on fear. And when the fear is constantly directed towards a specific group or community, for years, you can imagine the consequences,” he sighed.

“I’m sorry to hear it, Hamid. It’s unfair people would mistreat you because of your beliefs... Or anything else, for that matter.” She pondered about how trying it must’ve been to him. Racism and prejudice are not unfamiliar subjects to her. “I can only imagine how hurtful it must be.”

“Thank you, Elizabeth. You’re as kind as your father. But I don’t let it define me.” He touched her arm. “This way.”

“Excuse me if it’s rude to say this, but you don’t exactly fit the stereotype... and there’s so much diversity in London...” she said wringing her hands, “Is it easier here?”

“Sometimes it seems easier to forget about it in a big city like London, if you’re not sporting a beard and using a turban, but I’ve learned quickly it’s as present as anywhere else… Every time there’s an attack, the fear and hate increase. And if you carry a double stigma of being both Muslim and foreign… I’m aware of people’s first thoughts when I speak Turkish or Arab in public. Some are particularly enthusiastic to share them out loud...”

“London seems to be such a cosmopolitan city with so much diversity and yet…” She shook her head slowly. “In Brazil we have this idea of Europe being so civilized and progressive...”

“It is in some aspects. But in others...” he trailed off and she caught the hint of sadness in his unsmiling face.

Refraining the urge to grab his hand, she fidgeted with a metal button of her jacket instead.

“I wish things were different,” Elizabeth said softly.

“So do I. But I try not to let this change me or make me unkind,” he shrugged, and the smile returned to his lips, “I offer kindness in return. Some might think it’s a weakness. But I believe we can only offer what we have in store...”

In silence they crossed another street and she mulled over his words.

“We’re almost there,” he said and caught her staring at him, which made him grin and her to look away immediately. “I thought about taking you to the National Gallery or to the Tate, but I wasn’t sure where you stand on visiting museums... And I would be a bad tour guide if I bored you to death on our first outing.”

“I enjoy going to museums,” she said returning his smile and thinking how improbable for someone to be bored by him.

“Good to know. I can take you to one of them next time.”

Whenever he expressed the wish to see her again, dozens of butterflies fluttered in Elizabeth’s stomach. The corners of her lips turned upwards and she held tighter at the strap of the purse.

“That’s Oxford Street. There is a tube station on the right.”

Beneath the Marble Arch, he beamed and lifted both arms facing her.

“And this is our first stop: Hyde Park. I thought we could enjoy the sun with a stroll. Then we’ll do some sightseeing and finish the tour at my favourite coffee shop.”

“Sounds good,” she said, “How do you know this area so well?”

“The flat I live in is just a few minutes down Oxford Street. And the Embassy is over there,” he said swivelling his torso to point to the opposite direction, “Sometimes I walk through the park to get to work. Inside we can almost forget we’re in such a busy city.”

“You’re definitely the perfect guide to show me around.”

“I am. And as you can see, I’m also a very short walk away from you in either direction, if you ever need me...” He winked.

“I’ll keep that in mind,” she said softly and stared at her hands with fingers intertwined as they walked inside the park.

The indistinct sound of voices caught Elizabeth’s attention and her gaze fell on a group around a man over a stool. There were other men addressing the passers-by too.

“We’re at Speaker’s Corner. It’s a place where one can come and give a speech.”

“I’ve heard about it.” She observed one of the man over a folding chair. “They’re talking about Brexit, aren’t they?”

“There’s a lot of anticipation due to today’s session. And an increasing tension as well,” he said, touching her back, “This way.”

His hand lingered there and they walked closer for a while in comfortable silence, just enjoying the breeze and the sound of birds once they distanced from the buzzing of the crowd.

Elizabeth couldn’t choose the best scent, if it was the smell of the trees or Hamid’s perfume, the same fresh fragrance from the day before.

As soon as his hand left her back to describe a statue and he stepped aside, she missed his touch and the closeness. But she dared not say a word about it as he resumed telling another tale.

“It's such a weird sight,” she confided in a low voice, “These people well-dressed, with their suits sitting on the grass. Having lunch at a park. You'll never see that in Rio.”

“There’s no endless summer here. Thus, people take every opportunity to enjoy it while it lasts. Soon it’ll be fall, the days become greyer and shorter... Sunlight will become scarce.”

“I'll have to get used to it... I only came to England during summer.”

“I assume you lived in Rio.”

“Yeah, I did.”

Hamid started singing and she recognized the first verses of Girl from Ipanema and the corners of her lips turned up.

“You have a beautiful voice, Hamid,” she said softly, stealing a sideways glance at him.

“Thank you.”

“I actually lived very close to Ipanema beach. I could see it from my bedroom window and I used to go there all the time...”

“A true girl from Ipanema.”

“I already miss the view and riding my bike... And I’ll definitely miss bathing during summertime at the end of the day, enjoying the warm waters and seeing the sun go down...”

“Sounds perfect.”

“It does, doesn’t it?” She frowned. “I’m romanticizing it… Rio was not nearly a perfect city, that's for sure...”

“Even imperfect cities have aspects we love. Like people. And it’s normal to miss both.”

“I guess so... What about Istanbul? How's it over there?”

“Incomparably beautiful and busy and also imperfect.”

“Do you miss it?”

“The city? Not so much. I miss my family, though. I visit them as often as I can. And I certainly miss the food,” he let a contented sigh, “I recently went there during Eid and ate so much I thought I would re-enact the restaurant scene from The meaning of life.”

She chuckled and he casted a surprised look at her.

“Have you seen this movie?”

“I have. Dad loves Monty Python,” she giggled, “I must confess I know very little about Istanbul or Turkey, but Hagia Sophia is on my list of places to visit.”

“Really? Then perhaps we could go together someday. I'd love to show you not only Hagia Sophia but all around the historical city.”

As Hamid described the beauties of Istanbul and enumerated the places he treasures, Elizabeth’s mind raced. On her stomach hundreds of butterflies trying to fly through her mouth at once.

He can’t be serious, can he? It’s too soon to say things like that! Isn’t it? And why do I want him to mean it?

“This park is so beautiful!” she exclaimed, changing the subject, “I think it’ll be perfect for cycling.”

“You can rent a bike outside. It’s very practical,” Hamid said, and his hand brushed hers not entirely by accident, “If you ever need company...”

“I’ll let you know,” she said shyly and let him hook his little finger with hers.

“I've told you a lot about myself and I still don’t know much about you besides you being a beautiful heiress...” As intended, she blushed.

“What do you want to know?” she said tucking a few curls behind her ear.

“From what I’ve researched online, I assume you’re not an artist as your mother.”

“Oh, you assumed correctly. I’m too shy to be on the stage,” she said, “I’m a law undergrad. I was on my fifth semester of college in Brazil, but I transferred to King's College, which will delay my studies a little. Well, actually a lot.”

“Your father studied Business and your mother is an opera singer. Why Law?”

“You’ll think I'm silly and laugh…”

“Maybe. Maybe not.” He tilted his head looking her in the eyes.

She considered his friendly expression for a moment and drew in a deep breath.

“To help people. You obviously heard about Brazil’s inequality and the many human rights violations, right?”

He nodded and they resumed walking.

“Since before I started college, I knew I wanted to aid people in need of legal assistance who couldn’t afford an attorney. There are so many violations against women and children, perpetrated by abusive partners, by the State, you name it… That’s why I became an intern at the Public Defender’s Office.”

“Then I assume you’re not going into corporate Law or taking over your father’s businesses one day.”

“Not if I’m given the choice.”

“Why? You know the business world needs people with ethics and social responsibility too.”

“I know, but I’m not cut out for this. Besides Edmund is doing a good job. Why change this?”

“It’s good you have a choice then.”

“It is and most people aren’t as lucky. And that’s awful and I wish things were different.” Her mind drifted for a moment to the many stories heard from plaintiffs at the Public Defender’s Office. “That’s why I hope to be a human rights attorney someday and advocate for bigger changes. The work of people like Amal Alamuddin inspires me...”

“Nothing you said was silly... People might call you an idealist and this shouldn’t offend you, because idealism fuel the changes in the world,” he said softly, “Besides you may hold much more power to transform things than you realise.”

“How come?” asked Elizabeth, with a confused expression.

“You have your family’s seat in the Parliament. One day, it could be you there advocating for what you believe.”

“Not likely. I’m not a politician like my father is and how Harry was being trained to be! I... well... I can barely speak with you, Hamid... I’m shy and awkward. I stutter when I’m nervous... Can you image the disaster of me addressing the Houses? Or... Or trying to convince people and... Oh, God... It'd be horrible!” Her hand touched her chest, where her heart was pounding fast, and she took a deep breath.

His hand brushed her arm and he said softly, “You can learn how to do all of that, if you wish. You spoke with such confidence and you didn’t stutter. Not even once. Not until you started doubting yourself.” He gave her a meaningful look. “But doing this or not, should be your choice. Not somebody else’s.”

“Alright. I believe I’ve talked too much already.”

“I enjoy learning about you... There’s too little online to fulfil my curiosity... I haven’t even found your Pictagram or Twitter accounts.”

“As my grandmother says: a lady must keep an air of mystery,” she said with a small smirk and pointed to a kiosk, “Do you want an ice-cream, Hamid? My treat.”

“Sure.”

From the bench where they sat, both watched people walking and cycling by them. Between licks of his hazelnut ice-cream, Hamid entertained her with stories and curiosities about the park.

“You know so much about the city... I bet most Londoners don’t know half the things you’re telling me.”

“I’m curious and eager to learn as much as I can of any new place I visit or live in.”

“That’s why you’ve chosen to become a diplomat?”

“That’s one of the reasons,” he replied, “My family has a long tradition serving our country. There were envoys since the Ottoman Empire. My father being a diplomat himself had a huge impact on me. When it was the time to choose, it felt like a natural choice.”

“You're pursuing a master’s degree. Aren’t you interested in an academic career?”

“No. At least not in the immediate future. A life experiencing new cultures is more appealing to me.”

“So you don’t like staying in the same place…”

“If I were to be at the same place, I’d have roots as a tree. Since I clearly don’t,” he chuckled, his hand pointing to his feet, “I move around.”

An insincere closed-lip smile to try to conceal the moment the butterflies became rocks on her stomach. An unexpected sadness tightened her throat, while he spoke about a few places he’s eager to visit next.

Once his teeth chewed on the cone, she asked to placate the voice screaming inside her head, “And where do you see yourself in five years?”

“Is this a job interview?” he chuckled and turned on the bench to face her.

“Can’t I be interested in learning more about you?” she said softly, her voice almost a whisper.

“You can,” he said with a grin, “Five years? Let me see... Hopefully I’d be at the position I’m dreaming about. Maybe I’d be pursuing a Doctoral degree. Humm… It’s possible. I have a few ideas for a thesis.”

“Where would be this position?” she dared ask.

“China.”

“Really? Not London or Paris?” she gapped.

“The position I aspire in European capitals is occupied by senior diplomats. Five years is not nearly enough to become one of them. I’m overqualified to my post here but I have little chance to be promoted anytime soon.”

“Then you plan on leaving anytime now?”

“Not immediately, but I must leave Europe at some point. I already applied for positions in Hong Kong and Mumbai. Both are below the post I desire, but I could progress faster and gain more experience there. Staying here means being stuck at the same position for years or eventually accept my father’s interference… Which I don’t want to.”

“You want to advance with your own efforts. That’s impressive, considering your father is the Minister and you could have it much easier…”

“My father truly believes in my potential and thinks I’m wasting my time. Though he means well, I wish to fly with my own wings.” he smiled mischievously, “And I must confess that I love the idea of exploring a new country from time to time.”

The ice-cream didn’t make it easier to swallow the lump on her throat as he spoke about his plans.

“So that’s why you’re learning Mandarin.”

“And I also want to get my food orders right.” He winked and she remained silent.

Whoa! That’s exactly the opposite of how I imagined this would go. He seems like a nice guy, but long-distance relationships don’t work. And I don’t want one. I had those with my father. And with Harry. How could I have some else I loved across the world? Besides, someone like him would find a new lover in the blink of an eye... For a moment, I thought this date was actually going great – Oh! Maybe it’s not even a date! Perhaps he’s just being nice because he knows dad... Or needs something from him… Or…”

“Are you done with your ice-cream, Elizabeth?” He pointed to the half-eaten cone where the mint cream had melted. And her teeth bitten it with crunching sounds until its last piece.

“A penny for your thoughts.”

“Oh! I was just…” she wiped her mouth with a napkin, “I was thinking that... uhm... You've got your future planned. It’s good. I’m still figuring things out,” she rose to her feet at once, “Is that a lake over there?”

Hamid trailed behind observing her black skirt swaying from side to side with her quick steps and her long curls bouncing as she distanced from him.

“It's so beautiful here,” she said, when his shadow projected on the ground besides hers.

“Didn’t I tell you my favourite spots would become yours too?” Hamid said softly and his arm brushed hers, and she felt goosebumps upon her skin.

Peeking at his watch, he invited her to follow him and soon they were out of the park and back on the streets, where he indicated cafes, buildings and stores that could interest her

His voice was enchanting, and he was a delightful company, but she couldn’t help but feel an unfamiliar kind of disappointment. The recurring thought this would be their first and last date caused an even bigger lump to form on her throat.

The man grabbed her hand stopping her in front of an eclectic building. A neoclassic facade with colonnade sided by a glass structure that unveiled the interior.

“This building is amazing. What is it?”

“It's the Royal Opera House.”

“Seriously? My mom used to sing here!” she exclaimed, her mouth ajar.

“I know! I arranged a special guided tour for us,” Hamid said with an ear-to-ear smile.

___________ Notes: 1. Jedi - a member of the mystical knightly order in the Star Wars films, who had some special mental powers; 2. Obi-wan Kenobi - one of the Jedi knights in the Star Wars films, played by Ewan McGreggor and Alec Guiness; 3. Padawan - A Jedi pupil or student, or broadly used as anyone that is an apprentice.

#desire and decorum #desire and decorum fanfic #prince hamid x mc #prince hamid #playchoices #playchoices fanfiction #second chances

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hrrytomlinson · 8 years ago

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hiiii, here are a bunch of fics I’ve enjoyed and loved reading throughout the month of february. I recommend that you read these great fics in march, if you haven’t already. there are SO many good and unique AUs this round, so please check them out!!

(all fics with a star are my favorites and if there are two stars then it was a favorite favorite)

1. Saved Tonight (30k)**

Harry is the world's most persistent seduction-baker, a questionable dog-sitter, and Louis's biggest fan. Louis hasn't written in years, is trying to pass loneliness off as cynicism, and absolutely hates his fans. It's probably destiny.

2. Too Real to Fake It (82k)*

With seven years of blissful marriage behind them and four wonderfully unique kids to brag about, Harry and Louis seem to finally have life all figured out and under control. How much more real could it get?

Very real it turns out, when Harry reluctantly leaves home for a 5 day business trip leaving Louis to manage their rambunctious, hyperactive household. Do they really have it all under control or are they just faking it?

Featuring all the usual suspects, inside jokes, embarrassing moments and of course, Harry and Louis' wild antics + the addition of their four equally wild and outrageous kids.

3. When You Look Like That (16k)*

“You… you still have the dress form I got you for your eighteenth birthday? You've kept it for ten years, Harry?” Louis’ eyes flick around Harry’s studio. It’s big and modern, with floor to ceiling windows that help flood the room in bright sunlight, just like the lobby. However, he can't stop staring at the faded, but present, heart surrounding the “H + L” written delicately in Louis’ handwriting in the center of the mannequin.

Louis is a songwriter who is nominated for a Grammy and he needs a suit. Fast. He seeks out help from a very popular, very mysterious designer who just so happens to be his ex-boyfriend.

4. Dress You Up In My Love (103k)**

Harry is single, and more than anything wants to find love. Agreeing to sign up to a dating website was a bad, bad idea. Niall's bad, bad idea. Louis is single, but has no interest in relationships. Or so he tells himself.   Harry is a lawyer whose boss, Nick, happens to give him a bonus, which he decides to splurge on a new work wardrobe. Louis is a frustrated designer, working as a personal shopper at Selfridges. Louis happens to be working on the day a very beautiful, but out of his depth, new customer ambles into their department in need of advice. Louis might have just found the muse he never knew he was looking for.

5. Of Honey (24k)*

Harry wants what most hybrids don’t have. Love, for instance. Companionship. Understanding. And sex so good it hurts.

6. If You Keep Holding Me This Way (22k)**

Harry is a uni student who just so happens to enjoy dressing up as a long-haired androgynous sub persona to go out to bars and pick up men to dominate him. He tries to keep his BDSM life and his personal one separated, but that gets difficult when his crush on a classmate gets serious and his two worlds collide.

7. Then We Talk Slow (20k)**

The picture showed Harry smiling widely (with a fucking dimple) at the camera, his glossy brown curls situated artfully around his shoulders. Louis couldn’t see his whole outfit, but it seemed to consist of a pink, floral button-up with most of the buttons undone. Louis could also detect the dark outlines of tattoos on his chest, although he couldn’t quite make out what they were underneath the shirt.

What he could make out was that his own heartrate seemed to have picked up significantly.

Shit.

This was so not good. Not only had Louis drunkenly sent messages in a deliberate attempt to interact with this man, he was now insanely attracted to him without ever having met him in person.

Maybe Liam was right – drunk tweeting really was a horrible, rotten idea.

A famous/non-famous AU in which Louis banters back and forth with his new record company on Twitter, only to find out that Harry is the man behind the tweets.

8. Love Endless (The Road to Recollection) (171k)**

The year is groovy 1973, and eighteen-year-old Louis Tomlinson is as gay as the rainbows that never waste their time in gloomy ole' Fortwright. Would be fine if he wasn't so viciously bullied at both home and school for such a "harmful" sexual preference.

Yeah, yeah, we've all heard this story, haven't we?

Believe him, Louis didn't think he was anything special either.

Until he found the mansion. The notoriously haunted mansion hidden deep within the forests of his tiny blip of a town in Bumfuck Nowhere, Idaho. No one with a brain ever goes near it, but Louis could use a little excitement in his life...and possibly a Band-Aid or two.

After discovering the mansion was less abandoned than he'd thought, he's now left with the most riveting mystery of a lifetime; every new finding leaving him with more questions. Who is this elusive owner, and why won't they show themselves? Why is there a set of journals in the same handwriting that span over centuries? Why in the world is there a padlock on the refrigerator...and who the hell is Alexander?

9. Dance Me (to the End of Love) (19k)*

You would think that it's a simple process - you meet, you fall in love, you get married. But when you add one lawyer and one overly-competitive high school teacher to that equation, it's no longer a straight line from beginning to end. Or the story of how a simple proposal becomes a competition where no one loses in the end.

10. For a Spell That Can’t be Broken (8k)

“Why do you have to bug him so much, Lou?” Niall asked, chewing on the sleeve of his Gryffindor robes. “He’s a good kid.”

“I’m aware of that,” Louis argued petulantly.

“Are you sure?” Niall asked, his expression sincerely concerned.

“Don’t mind him,” Zayn spoke up. “Louis’ just got a weird fetish for tormenting boys he likes.”

Or a Harry Potter AU where Louis' got a secret crush on Harry and won't admit it until a late entrance into potions class outs him.

11. Cocoons and Crow’s Nests (10k)*

Harry is happy to live his life in the confines of his Cocoon. Louis specializes in breaking down barriers.

It's a young love, coming of age Larry Stylinson one shot.

12. Dance Like Warriors On A Battlefield (20k)*

Down in the arena, the triumphant gladiator places his foot on the back of the loser, holding him there as he waits for instruction on his next move. Kill or let live. It’s barbaric, really, the bloodlust involved in this sport. Louis is pretty sure that if it wasn’t for his distaste for the killing there would be a lot more blood soaking that sand.

As it is, his father rarely gives the kill order anymore. He gives the order to let the loser live. Louis rolls his eyes, turning away. He doesn’t miss the way the gladiator’s eyes linger on him.

13. Record Your Fate (and Write Me In) (13k)*

Harry is the Archivist, it's his job to record what happens in the universe.

He's only a few days into the job when things take an odd turn.

Suddenly, the small blue eyed boy seems more important than writing about crowning dignitaries.

14. Tangled Up in You (45k)

Harry blinks once. And blinks again. And says, his voice dangerous: “Niall, did you get me a mail-order bride?”

Because what the actual fuck. It kind of looks like Niall’s just purchased a person. For Harry.

“What did you get me, then?!” Niall must hear the tinge of hysteria in his voice, because he’s pulling himself together, trying to stop himself from laughing.

There’s still a big grin on his face, though, when he says, “I got you a professional cuddler.”

A professional…what. “What?”

15. This Ain't Just a Thing That You Give Up (34k)

Harry turned to Liam to whisper something about not being in Kansas anymore but his best friend was frozen to his spot with a look of complete disbelief on his face. Harry looked to his right, the direction Liam seemed to be focused on, and saw a small group of people who had paused their discussion to look towards him in confusion.

A small group including Zayn Malik and Louis Tomlinson.

Harry is fairly sure his jaw actually dropped.

"Li, is that...?"

Liam nods his head emphatically. "I'm about 110% sure that yes. It is."

Or… The one where Harry is a baker in addition to being a college student who just happens to meet the crazy famous Louis Tomlinson while on spring break. Featuring personal assistant!niall, roommate and best friend!liam, and costar/model!zayn.

16. Resist Everything Except Temptation (100k)**

The lethargic sound of heels clicking against wood resonated across the sea. Footsteps descended the staircase, every assured step creating a menacing aura as it grew closer. Perspiration gathered along Louis’ palms as the rhythmic sound halted in front of him.

There was a metallic slide of a sword being pulled out of its sheath, the sound startling Louis out of his cocoon of sterile shock. His shoulders jumped as the tip of a blade flattened underneath his jaw. Louis’ distorted reflection stared back at him in the polished metal. Engraved rose petals twisted his appearance as they crawled up the length of the sword. The sword lifted and took Louis’ chin with it.

Standing in front of Louis was Captain Styles.

OR The one where Louis is the commodore's son who is forced to become a part of Harry's crew when he is captured.

17. Far Afield (11k)**

Harry Styles is a witch who owns the best flower shop in Manchester. Lottie Tomlinson is planning her wedding, and brings her brother along to her first appointment. Both men have been having a bad day and sparks fly.

18. You’re Either In Or You’re Out (12k)

Louis' tone is maybe a bit harsher than necessary, but he still stinging from the suggestion that he was staring at Harry. Sure, the way his legs are encased in those skinny jeans is mildly intriguing. But Louis is here to be the next Top Designer, and he'll be damned if he lets a pretty boy with a sinful mouth get in the way of his dream. Especially if that sinful mouth is spewing phrases like bohemian pantsuit. Honestly.

Or the one where Louis tries out for Project Runway, Harry is his stupidly gorgeous competitor, Liam is Tim Gunn, Zayn is the supermodel host, and Niall is the guest judge who knows nothing about fashion.

19. These Bountiful Silences (123k)**

They live in a world where they can only say four words per day. Harry meets some people that don't want to live that way.

20. Kiss the Boys (8k)

“Being able to blatantly kiss pretty boys out in the open is my favorite part of Pride,” Harry says without preamble, leaning into Louis’ space, inviting pink lips quirking up as they get closer to him. “You up for it?”

“Um,” Louis glances at Zayn for help. He’d thought for sure after the way he’d just seen Zayn and Harry kissing, there had to be something more going on there. The last thing Louis expects to see on Zayn’s face is a knowing grin.

Harry leans closer and for a split-second, Louis wants to meet him halfway but then he thinks better of it. He doesn’t know the landscape here and in just a couple of weeks living with him, he’s already learned that Zayn is really bad about holding his feelings in. He doesn’t want to risk stepping on the toes of his closest friend here at Uni. So, at the last second, Louis raises his empty hand and covers Harry’s mouth before the boy can complete his mission.

“Sorry, Curly,” Louis says jokingly, “I just don’t know where that mouth has been.”

21. Manhattan From The Sky (47k)**

Harry's been raised to know that successful men do not fall in love. Louis believes that love is all you need to be successful in life. They meet.

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