#sipping chai while doing work at night is impeccable

[i-want-to-be-spaghettified]

chai is my comfort drink

[angstymarshmallow]

Simply Between Us Part 4 (Thomas Hunt x MC)

[A little note: A little down time for my OTP currently miserable without each other].

Simply Between Us Series: Part 1, Part 2 , Part 3

[Summary: Weeks of separation has left Thomas Hunt feeling more desolate and confused as ever until Holly Chang helps to put things into perspective. Meanwhile Teja has finally convinced Tatum (MC) to leave the safety of her home and join the real world again].

[Words Counted: 3937]

Before his alarm can fill his ear within the early mornings from the confines of his bedroom, Thomas Hunt is already up – yanking his sheets away and hastily springing to his feet. He swiftly prepares for another long day; another day of burying himself under mountains of work. Another day of working till his body begged for sleep. It is the only thing that keeps him brain off her, off their conversation weeks ago when she decided it was better to spend time apart while he sorted his thoughts.

But his thoughts always lead back to her. 

Distractions never seem to last long, but he does make seldom progress in his current project - a five-part series special he started with Holly Chang and hopes to finish before the end of the year.

Still, on most days Thomas struggles with how much he daydreams. Days when he can’t get her out of his head – especially in moments where the work flow has stopped. Its long enough for him to see her, picture her as though she’s right in front of him instead of half across the city.

Thomas shakes thoughts of her clear before it becomes all he can think about again. He makes quick strides to the bathroom before impatiently grabbing his tooth brush. He doesn’t spend a lot of time peering at himself; noticing the five o-clock shadow and the dark bags around his eyes – rather he focuses on his mental checklist, ticking off things one by one that needed doing before the end of the day.

He spits and quickly rinses his mouth before grabbing his towel and walking back to his bedroom. He dries off, watching the view of L.A. absently from his window while the global network plays their morning stories from his television set. The anchorwoman’s voice increasingly becomes background noise as he finds himself less and less intent in listening for weeks than he has ever been before. Minutes pass until his hair is dry enough. He deposits his towel across the room in his waste basket before he checks his watch for the time.

He sighs.

4:55 am. He’s even up earlier than he has been before, with almost three hours of sleep under his belt. He supposes he could use an early day at the office anyway.

Rubbing his temples, he ventures for a suit within his walk-in closet. His fingers drift over each impeccable suit, over dozens that has well-suited his needs over the past year. Still, he can’t find anything. Uttering another sigh, he turns his fights to a sweater-vest and a buttoned-up shirt, tucking them swiftly under his arms before fishing for a pair of slacks.

A message dinged on his phone as he finishes getting ready. His fingers hover across the screen before he quickly reads the message; he’s surprised to hear it’s Holly Chang wanting to meet him before work.

I know you’re already up, so you might as well join me for coffee anyway – at your favourite place.

Thomas shakes his head ruefully, typing a swift and terse response that he would he meet her there before grabbing his keys and his coat.

-

Thomas meets Holly Chang’s familiar stare with a curt nod before he takes his seat across from her. He’s surprised to already see his favourite in front of him – a simple coffee as Holly stirs her chai latte thoughtfully with a plastic straw.

“Thank you.” He murmurs, inclining his head at her. He takes a sip and nearly sighs by how comforting it is to have the familiar hot liquid slide down his throat.

“You’re welcome.” She clears her throat. Her mouth slides open before quickly slamming shut again.

From where Thomas is sitting, it seems as though she’s almost hesitant to speak. “I assumed you wanted to meet for a reason.” He prompts, quirking an eyebrow at her. “Probably our project.”

“Actually no, that isn’t why I asked you to meet me here.” Holly’s shoulders remain stiff while she releases a short breath underneath her nose. “Our project is going swimmingly well and I can’t wait to get back to it – but this isn’t about that.”

Thomas pauses his cup by his mouth. “Then what is this about?” He has a strange feeling he will not like where this is headed.

“Well,” she looks suddenly uncomfortable. “Look Hunt,” she won’t meet his stare. “I’m not one to usually pry into other people’s personal lives.”

The strange feeling doubles and he stares pointedly at the corner of their table when she lifts her gaze back to him. “Then don’t.” The words are curt, sharper than he intends but he doesn’t apologize when she winces.

“You look like shit Hunt, and I’m not saying that metaphorically – I really mean that.” She gestures to his mismatched slacks and blazer. “I’ve never seen you like this.”

Thomas blinks down at himself; he thought it looked fine this morning. “Thanks Holly.” He purses his lips.

“I’m trying to be a good friend here, don’t make this anymore difficult by being a pain in the ass.”

He glances back up to find her glaring at him. “Just let me say my piece, okay?”

“My apologies,” he bites the stab of pride that rears its ugly head from her assessment. “Go on.”

“Okay.” She lets out a breath and straightens her shoulders before staring pointedly back at him. “You’ve been acting strange lately, mostly quiet than usual – and that’s saying something.”

He frowns. “I have no idea what you mean.”

She gives him a droll stare. “Are we really going to play this game?” When Thomas doesn’t answer, Holly utters an insufferable sigh. “You haven’t been the same since Priya showed up. And I know that it’s been bothering you even though you’re clearly trying to avoid the issue.”

He bristles inside his seat. “I haven’t been –” at the look she gives him, he changes tactics. “It has been…difficult lately.”

Holly nods, “I suppose it’s been affecting your relationship with Tatum, hasn’t it?”

“I don’t want to –”

“Talk about that?” She interjects. “Well neither do I, but if it’s affecting your performance at the studio – we do need to talk about it. If it’s affecting your health, I definitely can’t just sit back and do nothing.”

“There is nothing going on.” Thomas replies stubbornly, setting his jaw tight. “She wanted to end things and we did. End of story.”

Holly’s eyes widen in surprise then drop in sympathy. “Oh Thomas, I had no idea –”

“Why would you?” He cuts off sharply. “I don’t go around simply telling people these things when it’s clearly no one else’s business.” He clears his throat as he feels his hackles rise with every word. Although it’s been weeks since he’s heard from her, it still stings knowing she’s gone.

“Well like I said, you’ve made it my business when it’s affecting our project.” Her voice rises with every word as she stabs a finger in his direction.

“I thought you said it was doing well.” He barks back.

“I thought so too until I took a closer look at the shots you’ve chosen.”

Thomas winces. He hasn’t been exactly happy with those and he thought he had more time before she’d notice. “I was working through them.”

“I know, but you can’t let your personal life get blended into your work.” Her voice softens. “I’m not Addison – I don’t do comfort very well, but I am a very good listener.” She takes another sip of her hot beverage. “So tell me, what’s going on?”

Thomas remains stubbornly silent for a moment. His eyes roam over her, scrutinizing and assessing the sincerity behind her words. Where would he even begin? How can he ever begin to explain how much of a complete mess he’s been since Tatum left? How alone he’s felt all over again since the last time he’s seen her – since he’s heard her voice?

“I don’t even know where to start.” He says cautiously, finally ending the silence between them.

“Probably from the beginning. That’s a good of a place to start as any.”

He nods once. “Right,” clearing his throat, he takes a huge gulp of his coffee and relishes at the warm feeling that lingers behind in his chest. “I suppose the night Priya wanted to meet me for dinner.”

“So, she reached out to you first?”

“She did, and I said yes.”

“Why on Earth would you say yes?” Holly rolls her eyes, “did you seem to forget the mess she made when she left? How many months you spent buried under a rock without her?” She continues ruthlessly.

“No.” Thomas blanches at the thought. Then he stares at his friend. “I thought you said you were just going to listen – not badger me more than I have done to myself.”

“Sorry.” She even manages to look sheepish as she apologizes. “Please, go on.”

He lets out a tired breath as he retells the night they spent inside one of his favourite restaurants. It becomes a different experience; remembering all the details – the things he thinks he noticed and the gestures he made that night.

“So, seeing her brought up the ugly past again?”

He nods. “It did, and when she started talking about how good we were for each other – well she wasn’t wrong. We were good together Holly,” he meets her expression, “we were really good together.”

“I remember.” Holly frowns. “But I also remember nights where the two of you fought non-stop and it affected our friendship.”

“I –” He falters for a moment as images from the past assaulted his mind. There were indeed a lot of good and a lot of bad – all blended together; painting their complicated past. “It was complicated when we were together, but we were happy.”

“And then she left…” he trails for a moment running his fingers roughly through his hair. The images burn brighter as he thinks about them, they came fast unrelenting from years of keeping them locked inside his head. “I swear I buried how I felt about her, buried it into the ground. That was the only way I knew how to get over her.”

She nods in encouragement.

“And I really thought I was, over her I mean. But it wasn’t until she was right there – sitting in front of me with that daring smile of hers’ that I thought differently. Maybe I was wrong.” He glances away, watching some of the other patrons of the coffee shop with bittersweet resentment. She’s even still here – they both are underneath the hours they used to spend studying - god how has he never realized it before?

“To be quite frank, if I am being completely honest with myself maybe apart of me never really moved on from her. From how she made me feel.” He answers his own question earnestly, shaking his head at the absurdity of it all.

“And then suddenly I was thinking about Tatum –” a fleeting half-smile touches his lips, “her laugh, the way she always seems to brighten every room she’s in. The way she challenges me to think of things differently. The sound of her voice when she says my name…I wanted to prove to Priya that I didn’t have feelings for her anymore when I brought her up.” He sighs dejectedly, “it’s only now that I realize I was wrong, to mention her the way I did - just to be spiteful.” He shakes his head. “It wasn’t as if it worked anyway. I didn’t get under her skin, I just proved to her that I still wasn’t completely over her.”

“Ah.” Holly leans back, dropping her empty cup on the table.

“What?”

“I’m just processing…it isn’t often we talk like this.” Holly taps her fingers alongside the table between them. “I just can’t believe the hold still Priya has on you though.” Holly scowls. “It’s clear that you have feelings for Tatum – and for Priya to suddenly appear.” Her scowl deepens. “That can’t be a coincidence.”

“You can’t completely blame her.” Thomas clears his throat, “still caring about her isn’t her fault. It’s mine, and it’s why Tatum and I had a quarrel about it the day after.” He toys with the brim of his cup, his stomach suddenly churning at the thought. “I didn’t deny that I still had feelings for Priya when she asked me point-blank.”

“Hunt,” Holly’s expression turns to one of exasperation and matches her tone. “It’s been years.”

“I know,” he ran his fingers through his hair.

“Then why do you still care?” She continues, scrutinizing him. “You’re not the same person you were then. Neither is she.”

“I know,” he repeats. “Yet in all those years, the moment we started talking – I could still see it. So, I suppose some part of me which had always wondered what if – has never died, not completely.”

Holly is quiet for a moment as if mulling through his words. “I suppose that answers the question then.”

“Hmm?”

“Why I haven’t seen Tatum around much,” Holly informs him, “I figured you two had a little spat but this – this is so much worse.” She sighs, “I guess this is what I get for asking.”

“You wanted to know and make it your business. Thus, here we are.” Thomas points out, earning him a glare from her. “Though I am really sorry that it’s been….affecting my work.” He sighs, “I thought I was handling it all too well and now I’m not so sure.”

“So what now? What are you going to do about it?” Holly folds her arms.

“Pardon?”

“You can’t continue in this sorry state of limbo, it’s not you. You’re a self-assured man that doesn’t usually care for such things and the way things are going its going to continue to influence your professionalism,” she waves a hand dismissively. “And it won’t take very long before it’ll drive you insane.” She replies thinly.

“Thanks for your vote of confidence.”

“If you wanted me to coddle you, you’d be talking to Addison.”

Carefully, Thomas regards her with a faint frown. His eyes turn quizzical as he speaks. “What do you think I should do?”

She shrugs. “Hell, if I know. Figure your shit out is the best advice I can give you.”

“That isn’t very helpful.” He comments dryly.

“Well, what am I supposed to say?” Rolling her eyes, Holly shrugs again. “Look, whether you’re still into Priya or Tatum – or no one. It’s just a matter of figuring out why you’re into both of them….” She trails off for a moment, fumbling for an explanation. “What is it that draws you to them? Is it a reflection of yourself?”

He quirks an eyebrow at her.

“And who makes you feel loved. Cherished. Important. Like you matter enough.” She finishes, resting against the comfort of her chair again. “Because if it’s Priya then it’s Priya. But if it’s Tatum…well, I don’t think you’ve ever mentioned in all this but - are you in love with her?”

Thomas hesitates.

He doesn’t know how to answer. As his thoughts drift to her again, he can’t deny the ache in his chest that constantly reminds him of her absence.  He doesn’t know how to compare love when the only other women he’s loved have all ended terribly. He doesn’t want the same with her. He cares deeply for her but – is he in love with her?

“I don’t know,” he answers finally, dropping his expression to the table. “I wish I did but I don’t. Maybe I’m just afraid.”

“Afraid of what Thomas?” She asks softly.

Instead of answering her, Thomas scowls. “You know your question is leaving me with more questions than answers Holly.”

“Well, you asked and it’s not like I’ve got a good track record with relationships. I’m probably the worst person to tell all this to.” She gestures to herself, adjusting the frames of her glasses. “I’m practically married to my screenplays these days.”

Thomas rubs his temples. “Things were much simpler when I only had work to worry about.” Not women. Not his feelings towards anyone else – except for the work on his desk and inside his head even after he left the office.

But where would he be without Tatum? Working with her brought back some of the joy he believed was lost into the art of filmmaking. She made him see things differently, often challenged him in the most breath-taking ways and every memory of her makes him miss her even more.

The thought sobers him quickly.

“Workaholics, unite right?” Holly says with a rueful smile, interrupting his thoughts and placing an end to the silence that has fallen between them.

“Definitely,” he pushes his cup away from himself just as a server approaches their table. “Speaking of which we should probably return to it.” He checks his watch, “I wanted to get a head start on those scenes – especially after what your…words of endearment.”

She snorts derisively at his sarcasm before grabbing her coat. “I like telling things the way it is and I won’t apologize for it.”

“I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

“Good.” She pauses as he gets to his feet. “And Thomas?”

“Yes?”

“All I’m saying is you can’t whine about it if you aren’t doing something to fix it. Yeah Tatum broke things off - but maybe breaking it off is saving you in the long run.” As she notices his features twists with a frown, she continues. “Or maybe it’s not. All I’m saying is - don’t just wait. Save yourself from you. Take charge. That’s my advice.”

A small smile touches his lips. “I think that’s the best advice anyone has ever given me in a long time.”

“Good.” Holly smiles. “Now are you gonna listen, and take my advice?” 

Tucking his fingers inside his blazer, Thomas glances away thoughtfully. “Yes.”

-

Tatum picks up her tiny ocelot to drape insider her lap as she watches Ten Things I Hate About You curled up inside her giant blanket. Beside her are her other favourites Dirty Dancing, The Notebook and several others ready to continue the cycle she’s settled herself in for the past month.

“But mostly I hate the way I don't hate you, not even close, not even a little bit, not even at all.” She finishes the end of her poem with her, dabbing the corner of her eyes with a klinex before clutching it tightly into her hand. “Julia, I swear you are literally me. Right now.”

“Meow?” Her ocelot tilts her head to the side questioningly to peer up at her.

“You get me too Sapphire.” She pets the top of his head fondly, until he purrs and nuzzles into her open palm. “You’re probably the only one that gets me at the rate we’re going.” She grumbles to herself.

Sapphire merely tilts his head questioningly, his intelligent eyes the colour of his nickname seeming to share concern for her.

“Don’t worry, I’ll be okay.” She murmurs scratching behind his ear. “Although, the fact that I’m talking to a cat…does beg to question my sanity.”

“Meow?”

“Maybe I do need to get out more.”

Tatum can’t think of the last time she’s even seen the sun from the safety of her window. Keeping indoors for the last few weeks; binge-watching her favourites for comfort and reading a new script her agent recently procured for her in preparation of a new role, has left her cut off from the rest of the world. There simply was no reason to leave. At least, that’s what she tells herself.

The sudden ringing on her coffee table makes Sapphire jump. “Ssh, it’s okay.” Tatum murmurs smoothly, brushing the top of his head.

Teja’s name flashes across the screen.

She looks for the remote to quickly pause the movie before placing her phone between her shoulder and cheek while Sapphire paws at her lap for attention.  “Hey.”

“Tate?! Hey, it’s good to hear your voice.”

“It’s good to hear your voice too.”

“I really hope so, considering you haven’t heard it in weeks.” The way she emphasizes weeks makes Tatum feel a prick of guilt.

In her desire for solitude, she’s barely spoken to any of her friends but ignoring them had been apart of how she copes with loss. She doesn’t go for the comfort of a friend, she turns her sight to movies and junk-food when everything else. “Yeah, I’m sorry about that.” She releases a sigh. “I’ve been pretty much off the radar since…Thomas and I broke up.” Saying Thomas after not being able to say it for weeks felt strange.

“I’m sorry it didn’t work out.” There’s a pause on the other line as if Teja wants to say more but Tatum is relieved she doesn’t.

You and me both. She thinks clearing her throat. But she doesn’t want to discuss it – not yet. Not when she still has trouble even saying his name. “So, what’s up?” She changes the subject. “What totally awesome things have I missed out on lately?”

“Not much if you’ve been reading our group chat.” Teja snorts. “Victoria is finally back in L.A. and we wanted to have a night out to celebrate.” A hesitation. “I called hoping to get through to you.”

“Well, here I am.” Tatum answers simply.

“Here you are.” She agrees. Another pause.

Tatum breaks the silence first. “If you wanted to ask if I’m good with hanging out tonight,” she inhales a a breath, letting it out slowly. She can’t hide forever, “well I am. Or I think I am anyway. I’ve been hold up here long enough.”

“That’s great!” Teja squeals so loud on the other line that Tatum winces, briefly tilting away from her phone. “I mean,” Teja lowers her voice, “it’s also totally cool if you wanted to stay home too. We get it.”

Tatum rolls her eyes. “I know you’re only saying that to be nice.”

“Yup, what kind of a friend would I be otherwise?” She jokes. Then just as abruptly her tone grows somber, “but seriously though if you aren’t feeling it –”

“I’ve felt pretty crappy lately,” Tatum’s grip tightens on her phone, “Every time I think about him, I’m angry and hurt and sad all at once. When do I get to just feel like me again y’know?”

“I don’t know Tate. That’s really up to you and how you cope with everything.”

“Yeah, well I’ll admit…watching my favourite romance movies are the only way I’ve ever known.”

“And is it working?”

“Sort of. I still feel kinda crappy.”

“So, come out with us, it’ll take your mind off of everything – at least let us try. You can tell us how much of a jerk he is. We’ll listen.”

She gnaws on her bottom lip, considering her words thoughtfully. The truth is – she wished she could get him out of her mind. Even with all of her favourite movies and junk-food – none of it kept her mind from thinking about Thomas Hunt for long.

“I miss you. We all miss you.”

“I miss you guys too.” She confesses finally, “okay you’ve convinced me. For real this time.” Lowering her gaze to Sapphire, she rubbed between his ears. “And besides, you all are probably a step up from talking to Sapphire all the time – despite how charming he is, he doesn’t say anything back.”

Her cat’s ears perk up at the sound of his name but flattens as Teja and Tatum starts laughing.

“Great, I’m heading by you now.”

“Right now?” Tatum blinks in surprise, squinting at the time on her TV screen. “It’s only ten though.”

“Yes right now! Ladies are free till eleven, so get your ass in gear Tate. I’ll be there soon.”

Chuckling softly, Tatum shakes her head ruefully after saying goodbye to her friend. She scoops Sapphire into her arms and trudges towards her bedroom, feeling lighter with every step. For the first time in weeks, Tatum thinks she finally has something to look forward to.

-

Tags:  @mrswalkerwrites, @nerdpossible, @mysteli, @simplyaiden-blog, @innerpostmentality@craftytacotrashdream, @nathan-sterling, @enmchoices, @everythingchoices, @kamybelen-blog, @mfackenthal, blackwidow2721, @enmchoices, @tmarie82, @confessionsofabrokegirl, choicesfannatalie , @farahelmasriiii , @sunflowergirl-25, @katurrade, crookedslimecreatorpasta, @the-everlasting-dream, @kinkykingliam@meeraaverywalker, @walkerduchess, @hhiggs, @the-choices-fandom, @mistersinclaire,

[theroyalwords]

Something Wanted, A Hale/Ean One-Shot

Allrighty folks! Here’s that one shot. I know a few people asked about it yesterday ( I’ll tag down below). Enjoy!

​Hale rolled over, tucking the pillow against him. One glance at the clock revealed that he'd been tossing and turning for well over an hour now. True sleep seemed like a distant memory the past couple of weeks. With all the stress, the expectations... there was just too much on his mind.

There was no point in Hale trying to sleep; his mind was too wound up. He climbed out of bed and threw on his robe, carefully tying it. A good, hot cup of chai tea always calmed him after his father died. That, along with some mindless sketching, usually did the trick.

Hale stepped out into the hall, the palace quiet so late at night. Most of the staff were asleep this time of night. He ran into one guard on the way to the kitchen, who gave a courteous nod as he passed. It was almost a nightly thing now, his trek to the kitchen. Hale knew exactly where everything was, how long it would take for him to boil the water. His tea would be perfectly steeped by the time he made it back to his room. In less than ten minutes, he was already on his way back, ready to sketch.

Hale paused on the stairs, sighing deeply. His sketchpad was still in the men's parlor on the first floor, where he was working before dinner. Hale changed course, heading towards the parlor. Soft moonlight streamed through the windows, the light bright in the clear night. The city lights blocked out all but the brightest of stars. The way the light looked against the night sky, the soft, dark greens of the trees against the inky blue of the sky, was beautiful. Hale wondered if he could make a fabric that looked like that, for a dress or a well -tailored suit. The dark navy and green would look fantastic in a tweed. He opened the parlor door, his thoughts lost in fabric and cuts.

"Someone is up late."

The voice startled Hale, making him jump. He steadied himself on a side-table, taking deep breaths to calm his heart. In the far corner, looking perfectly at ease with artfully messy caramel colored hair, sat Ean Cabel. There was a book situated in his hands, his finger marking what page he was on.

"Thanks for terrifying me," Hale countered, moving to grab his sketchbook. It was across the room, sitting on the bottom shelf of the small table by the chair he normally sat in. Now that there were less people here, it seemed the remaining selected had all chosen their spots in the room. Strangely, Ean's was right across from his. Both were near the window, Hale's facing it. The garden view provided inspiration when he was lacking. He leaned down to grab the book, along with a few of his pencils.

"Just use to being in here by myself this late, I guess," Ean mused before going back to his book. "You are welcome to stay, if you like. I promise, you won't bother me."

"Good to know."

Hale turned to leave, his materials tucked under his arm. He paused halfway to the door, turning back to glance over his shoulder. Ean was back to reading his book, his brow furrowed slightly in concentration. Really, the lighting was better in here, the windows larger and perfectly positioned for the moonlight. It was bright enough that the soft light from Ean's reading lamp seemed to pale in comparison. Hale wandered back over to his seat, getting comfortable before opening his pad. He didn't know why, but something felt oddly intimate sitting in the parlor alone with Ean. What bothered Hale even more was that it wasn't uncomfortable. He worked on a new sketch for a while, trying to sort the thoughts in his head.

He liked Eadlyn, a lot, and despite the prodding of Carrie, he just couldn't say he loved her or that he could. Yet, he was still in the selection, still a viable candidate as her Prince Consort. Could he be happy if she chose him? Something just didn't feel right. There was something missing, yet what could possibly be missing from a girl like her, a Princess? He didn't feel any more romantic feelings towards her than Carrie. Everyone, all of his friends, his parents, kept saying that Carrie and him belonged together. Hale didn't feel like he could ever belong together with anyone. If he couldn't make things work with a Princess or Carrie-

"I thought drawing was a quiet pastime."

Hale broke his pencil against the paper, groaning. Ean continued to read his book, a teasing grin on his face.

"Normally it is." Hale set the broken pencil to the side, picking up a spare. He continued to work on his drawing, taking a quick gulp of his tea. He did, however, try to be quieter.

"So, what are you drawing?" Ean sat his book on the table, eyeing Hale in interest.

"What are you reading?" Hale retorted. Ean held up the book, the title too far away to read.

"Treasure Island. Really old book, but one of my favorites."

Hale didn't think Ean would answer. Normally, he kept to himself for the most part, didn't interact much with the other Selected. "Um, clothes, mostly. I like designing them." Hale fidgeted with his hair, brushing it back out of his face.

"I've heard. I have no sense of fashion. Thank god they have people here to dress us."

"I always kind of liked your style. Seemed classic to me," Hale remarked. Ean chuckled and shook his head.

"It's just what I like. Do…do you show people your designs?"

Hale answered with a tentative smile and handed the book to Ean. He studied the page Hale had worked on for a few minutes before moving back to the first page. He took his time, carefully examining each page before moving on to the next. For some reason, Hale's heart began to pound, wondering if Ean would like it.

"You have serious talent, Hale." He remarked with a slow grin. "Your eye for color is impeccable."

"Thanks." An unwilling blush spread across Hale's cheeks, one he hid by taking another sip of his tea. "So what do you do for fun? Besides read really old books and brood in silence?"

Ean laughed. "I don't brood."

"You do. I think you might have said more words to me tonight than you ever have here."

"Maybe everyone else doesn't interest me." Ean let the comment hang in the air. Hale's breath caught, not sure how to respond. "And I like to ride horses."

They talked for hours, about everything and nothing at all. Hale learned that Ean liked Mexican food and snow. His family raised horses and other animals. The more they talked, the more Hale realized that Ean just wasn't an open person. He wasn't stuck up or purposefully brooding, just shy. He was actually…kind of funny. Snarky, but not in a condemning or oppressing way. His quiet nature allowed him to see so much more than the average person. He was perceptive and smart. Plus, the way that his smirk would tilt to the side, like he was laughing at himself, before growing to a full blow smile was endearing beyond anything Hale had ever seen. He glanced at the clock, noting it was just past three in the morning.

"Do you think you'd have moments like this if you are a King?" Ean wondered. "Moments to just stay up late and do whatever you want?"

"I don't know," Hale murmured. "The way Eadlyn talks, it seems a lot more difficult than she or the Report likes to let on."

Ean leaned forward, his elbows resting on his knees. "She needs someone who can support her, who can help her handle the weight when it gets too much."

"She can do it," Hale countered, defensive of his friend.

"I know she can. She's driven and capable. But everyone needs help sometimes. You need someone in your corner, no matter what."

Hale nodded his head. He often wished he had that. Everyone always had something to say about what they thought he needed. Why couldn't they just give him time to figure it out for himself? "Did you mean that? On the report? About just looking for a partner?"

Ean's eyes seemed to dim a little before answering. "Yeah, I did."

"Why?" Hale asked. "I mean, do you not want to find someone, fall in love? Do you not want to be happy?" Ean's answer felt tied to his own. If this person, who seemed so deserving of happiness, had no hope, how could he?

Ean turned towards him, a vulnerable look in his eyes. He searched Hale's face like he could hear the myriad of thoughts in his head. "Because it doesn't matter if I want to be happy or not. There's…" Ean sighed deeply before facing the window. "It's just not going to happen for me. I've made peace with it, and I'll try to be as happy as I can."

"Why not?" Hale leaned forward. There was only about an inch of space between their knees. When Ean shifted, Hale felt his elbow brush his. Ean turned his head, their faces close enough that Hale could feel his breath against his face.

"You can be happy, Hale. Eadlyn seems to really like you."

Hale wanted to tell him. He would have said anything to take that look out of his eyes. "I don't like her. I mean, I like her, but not like that."

"What do you like?"

The moment was breathless. It didn't matter that the steady intake of air in Hale's lungs came one after another. He couldn't breathe, couldn't think. The only thought he had was of Ean's warm brown eyes staring into his own, the irises ringed in gold.

Then, Ean kissed him.

At first, Hale was surprised. He froze, unsure, but the pressure of Hale's hands on his cheeks, the steady, sure way he kissed him, was better than any kiss he'd ever had. Ean pulled away, upmost terror in his eyes.

"I'm…oh, I'm so sor-"

Hale didn't let him finish. He pulled Ean close, wanting to feel that kiss again. It was more important than a want; it was a need. He needed to feel his lips, taste them. Hale need to keep his fingers laced in Ean's hair, hear the soft sigh of happiness in between the kisses. This moment could play on repeat, over and over again, and it still wouldn't be enough.

After a moment, Ean pulled away, a look of wonder in his eyes. Both were breathing deeply, a sparkle in their eyes that wasn't there before. Hale knew what it could mean getting caught as they were, they kind of life they would be subjected to, but it didn't matter.

Hale finally found something he wanted.

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