Tweak

InsaneJournal

Tweak says, "oh no you didn't!"

Username: 
Password:    
Remember Me
  • Create Account
  • IJ Login
  • OpenID Login
Search by : 
  • View
    • Create Account
    • IJ Login
    • OpenID Login
  • Journal
    • Post
    • Edit Entries
    • Customize Journal
    • Comment Settings
    • Recent Comments
    • Manage Tags
  • Account
    • Manage Account
    • Viewing Options
    • Manage Profile
    • Manage Notifications
    • Manage Pictures
    • Manage Schools
    • Account Status
  • Friends
    • Edit Friends
    • Edit Custom Groups
    • Friends Filter
    • Nudge Friends
    • Invite
    • Create RSS Feed
  • Asylums
    • Post
    • Asylum Invitations
    • Manage Asylums
    • Create Asylum
  • Site
    • Support
    • Upgrade Account
    • FAQs
    • Search By Location
    • Search By Interest
    • Search Randomly

Seamus Finnigan ([info]openbottle) wrote in [info]finnigans_rpg,
@ 2014-11-06 15:05:00

Previous Entry  Add to memories!  Tell a Friend!  Next Entry
Entry tags:character: dean thomas, character: seamus finnigan, status: complete

Silent Night
Who: Seamus and Dean
What: Hiding out
Where: Seamus' childhood home, Greencastle, County Tyrone, NI
When: Bonfire Night (backdated)
Rating: SFW

Seamus had been planning for Bonfire Night ever since he'd heard about Dean's reaction to Diwali. He'd had Dominic come over to his mam's place and soundproof Seamus' old bedroom. He'd had him spell the curtains, too, to make sure no sudden flashes of light were going to get through. Seamus didn't really expect it to be a problem - Greencastle didn't have a village fireworks display and the magical houses among which his was settled would probably apparate to a bigger area less likely to be observed by muggles so they could use magical fireworks to their full advantage. Still, he'd rather be overprepared than under so he'd also brought along Dean's self-care box from his flat.

All he had to do now was wait for Dean to arrive. He knew he was welcome whenever he finished with work - and if he wasn't here when it started to get dark Seamus would just go get him. That wasn't quite the case yet, though, so Seamus was standing in the kitchen with his mam helping her make soup. There were rolls and cheese and fruit - as well as unhealthier alternatives of marshmallows and toffee apples - waiting upstairs for them, but Seamus had wanted something warm too. Besides, nothing was more comforting than his mam's lentil soup. Seamus shot another glance out the window, his eyes tracking the sun as it headed towards the horizon. He didn't think Dean would forget this - not even if he got caught up in painting - but you never knew.


(Post a new comment)


[info]artistdean
2014-11-06 04:26 pm UTC (link)
Dean had set a multitude of alarms to remind him to leave the studio early for Bonfire Night, not that he was planning to forget after what had happened at Diwali. Sure enough he was packing up before four, as the sun was making its way towards the horizon, no prompting needed. Finishing off by cleaning his brushes he closed his studio up and ducked in to see Ophelia.

"Hey, I'm off, enjoy the fireworks," he said, giving her a quick kiss.

"I will see you tomorrow," she said, smoothing a hand down his chest, thankfully free of clay. "Enjoy your evening with Seamus."

Dean nodded and kissed her again before stepping into the hallway and Apparating straight to Greencastle. It was quite a familiar jump, and he arrived easily, tucking his jacket a little closer to himself as he knocked on the back door a few feet from his landing spot. Seamus' family living in the wizarding area had many advantages, easy apparition being one of them.

(Reply to this) (Thread)


[info]openbottle
2014-11-06 05:24 pm UTC (link)
When he heard the knock at the door, Seamus bolted to open it - leaving his mam to catch the spoon he'd accidentally sent flying with a quick spell. "Hey," he grinned, pulling Dean into a hug. He'd been almost extra affectionate lately, feeling guilty for the fact that his petty jealousy of Dean's relationship had had him holding back. Besides, if he didn't attach himself to Dean like a limpet, his mam was bound to make comments similar to Jess' and then they'd have to explain again - and Seamus was more afraid of his mam than of Jess.

"Come in," he added, practically hauling Dean over the threshold where, as soon as Seamus had disentangled himself, Aileen rushed in to kiss Dean's cheek and study him. "Paint everywhere, as usual," she said, surveying his hands. For a moment, she looked stern - and then she smiled a sunny smile. "It's been too long, though I understand you were here breaking all my eggs while I was out." Seamus blushed at that, shaking his head and returning to his position by the soup. "This is nearly done, right?" he asked. "We can just grab some bowls and then head upstairs, everything's ready."

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)


[info]artistdean
2014-11-06 07:19 pm UTC (link)
Dean wasn't quite prepared for the enthusiasm of Seamus' hug and almost stumbled slightly, but he did return it with enthusiasm and a smile. "Hey, presenting myself on time for firework avoidance, I hope," he said, relaxing as he entered the familiar space, even if he was slightly being dragged.

Seamus' mother was as familiar as his own by now, although she elicited a slightly different response from him even if it was in the same general wheelhouse. "Hello, Mama F," he said, submitting to her examination. "Yes, sorry about that. And I'm sorry we missed you too." He glanced at his own hands as she let them go and winced. Not quite as clean as he'd intended.

"I should apparently wash my hands again first," he said, moving over to the sink as Seamus asked about the soup. "It smells great though, thanks for letting us invade."

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)


[info]openbottle
2014-11-06 08:48 pm UTC (link)
Aileen waved away Dean's thanks. Though both Graeme and Seamus had moved out, they continued to treat her home as theirs from time to time and she wouldn't have it any other way. "You know you're always welcome here. Neil and I are going to go watch some fireworks with my grand-nieces, but Seamus knows where everything is." As she said this, she levitated two flasks over to put hot soup in for herself and her husband.

Seamus helped, filling first the two flasks and then two bowls for himself and Dean. "I'll leave the rest on the hob in case you want seconds," Aileen said. "I can deal with it when I get back. It shouldn't be late." She turned to Dean. "I know my son has filled his bedroom with sweets. Try not to let him eat himself into a coma. He's looking far too skinny."

"Mum!" Seamus whined, though he had noticed that morning that his jeans were a little loose on him. It had surprised him - he'd thought finally hiring a competent chef would get him back to normal eating habits, but apparently he'd been wrong. He turned to Dean, levitating the bowls and spoons ahead of him. "Just because we're skipping the fireworks doesn't mean we can't have the good stuff, right?" he asked. He was about 95% sure it wouldn't be a problem. "I brought the leftover Halloween sweets from the pub, too."

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)


[info]artistdean
2014-11-06 11:22 pm UTC (link)
Dean just smiled and basked in the sensation of someone mothering the both of them. Someone who was actually parental age instead of Susan or someone else.

He rolled his eyes at Seamus. "I'm sure we'll do our best to not go into a sugar coma. Enjoy the fireworks," he said, half wishing he could still go and see them himself. He had always loved fireworks, but he didn't want to push that particular trigger, especially so recently after an event.

"Just how much was left over?" he asked. There was a tendency to over order rather than under order for any event, but as Dean hadn't been down to the pub for the event he had no idea what level of sugar he was looking at. And if he should try and palm it off on someone else once they'd had their share.

"See you soon, Mama F," he called over his shoulder, following Seamus, presumably in the direction of his bedroom.

"And I very much approve of food and far too much sugar, it's what this time of year is for. Also good for hungry gits like us." He had remembered lunch, but it had been rushed sandwiches as he waited for coffee to brew before diving back in.

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)


[info]openbottle
2014-11-07 01:23 pm UTC (link)
"I swear," Seamus grumbled as he headed up the stairs ahead of Dean. "She loves you more than me. She never tells you how skinny you look." He nudged his bedroom door open with his food and deposited the soup and spoons on his bedside table. "So, we've got junk food there." He pointed to a sizeable (but not ridiculous) pile of sweets and bonfire goodies. "I didn't bring all the leftovers. I'll put some out at Battlescars." He made a sweeping gesture to the bed - transformed into a double for the occasion. "Blankets, pillows, Sir Luckless." This last referred not to a fairytale night but to an old grey teddy bear that Dean had encountered before at Seamus' house. "And... fun!" He finished, cocking his head towards his desk which currently supported his wizarding chess set, a pack of non-exploding cards and a bag of marbles."

Looking around the room he spied the picnic hamper he'd brought up earlier. "Oh, and real food too. Bread and cheese and fruit." He sat down on one side of the hamper and started to empty it before turning it over. "Makes a good table," he explained. "I've tried eating soup in bed and it's surprisingly difficult." Getting his wand out again he levitated the bowls over to their makeshift table, then flicked the curtains more securely shut. "We're soundproofed and the curtains have got some kind of fancy blakcout spell on them." So, Seamus considered they were all set.

"How was work?" he asked, gesturing for Dean to hurry up and sit down or his soup would get cold (some of which may not have translated as clearly as he'd hoped). "How's Ophelia?" He had managed, finally, to keep his expression neutral as he asked - though he did rather hope Dean wouldn't dwell on the details for too long. He was making an effort - Susan would have been proud - to show that he wasn't going to let his own petty jealousy get in the way of either their friendship or Dean's relationship.

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)


[info]artistdean
2014-11-07 09:31 pm UTC (link)
"Hey, we'd only get the reverse at my house," Dean said, pausing at the bottom of the stairs to hang his jacket on the post. "Actually, no we'd probably both get it," he said, taking the stairs two at a time to catch up. "You know how Mum loves to feed people." He smiled as he entered the familiar room, eyes widening at the pile of sweet treats. "Well that's certainly going to make up for not making it to Halloween, although I'm not sure how me getting trashed at chess is fun for me!" he said, grinning. Despite multiple attempts to teach him over the years from Seamus, Ron and a few others, Dean remained pretty much hopeless. He was rather better at cards though.

Dean bent over and removed his beloved, but paint spattered, boots and set them beside the door. It was far easier to be comfortable in just his socks and he knew Seamus wouldn't care. "I'm impressed," he said, looking at all the food. "And it all looks great. Thanks for doing all this." He knew someone had put in extra work on the room, although whether it had been Seamus or he'd had Dominic help out Dean wasn't sure.

He rolled his eyes and obediently sat down, grabbing a pillow for something soft to sit on. "Well we're all a bit stressed about the show. Basically two weeks left, especially for the painters so we can get it all dry and charmed in time. I even saw Dickhead looking a bit less composed yesterday." He grabbed his spoon and shuffled forward to reach his bowl of soup. He'd not actually fully understood Seamus' gesture, but he was already wanting the soup anyway. "Apart from the show stress she's good. She's heading to one of the displays with some friends later. They're all French, find our weird British Muggle traditions amusing." He shrugged. Having discussed his PTSD with her finally she hadn't pressed him to join them, and he liked that he was getting to spend the evening with Seamus again. The opportunity had been far too rare recently. "Pretty though, the fireworks. I think she's a fan."

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)


[info]openbottle
2014-11-11 05:07 pm UTC (link)
"Yeah, but I like when your mam tries to feed me up," Seamus said, shrugging slightly. Or at least, he liked it now that he'd gotten used to how spicy food from the Thomas house tended to be. When they'd still been in school it had taken some adjusting to, since his own family tended to stick to blander British fare. Of course, even that had changed somewhat now - which was probably at least a little bit thanks to Dean and his family. "Mam just complains about me not making enough food." Which was utterly true - Seamus relied too much on Dean and Susan and Hannah and Romeo to make food or buy food or bring food.

Looking around the room, Seamus shrugged - a gesture intended to convey that he hadn't really done anything. His mam and Dominic had been responsible for a lot of it, after all. "Hey, suits me too." Just because he didn't have a problem with fireworks, he still appreciated the safety of his own home, warded against outsiders, and a night off from the pub. "If I eat enough sweets I'll get nice and fat and then both our mams can stop worrying about me." Which didn't seem hugely likely, but it was a nice thought...

"Dickhead deserves to be stressed," Seamus muttered. He didn't know Cadmus well personally, but he'd heard enough stories from Dean. "You're doing okay, though?" Although he'd kept up his visits to make sure Dean was eating and sleeping, they'd been brief and occasionally somewhat awkward and they hadn't done a great deal to reassure him about Dean's emotional health. Hearing about Diwali had only solidified that uncertainty. His expression flickered as he briefly misunderstood and thought Dean was telling him Ophelia was pretty - which Seamus was sure they'd established as much as he'd ever need it to be established. His smile returned when Dean clarified. "Yeah, they are," he agreed. He hadn't really seen any in recent years, but he didn't mind that. He'd far rather be with Dean, anyway.

Seamus ate quickly - burning his tongue slightly with the hot soup, but he had been hungry! "Seems like everything's happening all at once," he observed. "Your show, Susan moving house, Christmas." Christmas was, of course, busy for everyone - but particularly busy for Seamus who didn't give himself much of a holiday over the festive period. "Bring on January, I say, and our holiday."

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)


[info]artistdean
2014-11-12 12:45 am UTC (link)
Dean huffed a laugh. He was rather fond of people trying to feed him, especially when he got neglectful of it. "At least she aims for the less extremely fiery things now. The first time you had curry I thought your head was going to explode." He grinned. He knew Seamus' tastes had changed to accommodate some of the spicier items in the family repertoire, but it seemed unlikely he'd ever quite get the taste for it like Dean who'd grown up with it. "Mine complains to me about the food thing too though, especially given it's show time. Such a pity I didn't install a phone in my flat," he said, rolling his eyes. He knew his flat generally didn't have enough magic floating around to completely rule out a phone, but he preferred to not have it ringing off the hook with his parents' worries. He had friends sending owls for that.

He couldn't help but laugh about the idea of both of them getting fat on sweets. "I'm sure they'd just find something else to worry about. Mine does." He slipped into a close approximation of his Mum's thick accent. "Are you eating enough? Are you sleeping enough? Did you take your medicine? Did you do your washing? Have you called your sister?" He made a gesture that clearly indicted 'and the list goes on'.

"He does, and I am. Well, mostly. The whole Diwali thing wasn't my idea of a great plan in the middle of show prep but I went to therapy since I was due, took my potion a few nights to sleep and I've mostly evened out again. I've been working on the portrait of my father though, it's always a bit... emotional. I think I'll have it done in time for the show though." It was his longest ongoing project, and though he would never sell it Dean knew it was some of his best work to date and he wanted it seen. He wanted to honour his father's memory.

Dean managed to eat slightly more slowly than Seamus, avoiding burning his mouth, but still eating the soup hot. "Tell me about it. I mean the whole point of the show being when it is was to attract people buying Christmas gifts, but it does mean everything all at the same time. And I am so glad that Susan seemed to get half of the people she knows volunteering because I think I'm going to have to cry off helping her move to do work." He pulled an exaggerated disappointed face. It wasn't that he didn't want to help, but right now work needed to come first. "But yes, bring on January. Although no Christmas markets by then," he said, pointing with his thankfully empty spoon.

"Although, speaking of Christmas I can pick up a few more shifts again after the show is done. Actually might even be able to do it after opening night to be honest, I don't need to be around most of the time," he offered.

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)


[info]openbottle
2014-11-12 02:48 pm UTC (link)
Seamus groaned. "Sure, don't remind me! I wanted your family to like me so much, and I tried to be so cool about it." He'd refused to admit his own discomfort, even to Dean, for weeks until he finally had to confess that he just couldn't take it. Dean's mam had been understanding about it, but Seamus had still felt humiliated at the time. "You know, I don't miss being twelve. Everything felt like it had the potential to be the end of the world." They'd grown up out of that pretty quick in fifth year, when things really had become life or death.

In full agreement, Seamus nodded enthusiastically. His own mam he knew would also ask about his sleep habits, whether he was having nightmares and - of course - when he and Dean were finally going to 'stop being teenagers' and settle down together. "Mam seems to think that just because I run a pub that I'm on the verge of becoming an alcoholic." He said it lightly, but there was a slight hesitance about his mouth. He had been having a few more drinks than usual in recent weeks. Not quite enough to wonder if he ought to stop, but enough that he'd felt a flicker of guilt when Aileen had asked earlier.

"You know you could have asked me to cover you for a few days, yeah?" Seamus asked, even though he knew Dean knew he could do that if he needed it. Still, he was glad to hear Dean had mostly got himself back on track. That was better than relying on Seamus, from Dean's point of view - even it made Seamus feel a little useless. Probably Ophelia had helped. Or Susan. Or both. "Do I get to see the portrait before the show?" he asked. "Or do you want to do a big unveiling. Will that be too much pressure?" He was genuinely interested, even if he couldn't really relate to the depth of the emotions his Dad's portrait stirred in Dean.

Seamus shrugged. Susan hadn't exactly chosen the best time to drag Seamus around various palatial houses posing as her boyfriend - but it had distracted him from thinking about Dean having less time for him. Which, Seamus had decided, had probably been her plan all along because since when would Susan prefer lying to getting in the faces of anyone who dared to imply that as a woman she couldn't buy a house alone? "The house is huge, and I know she's planning on putting in a pool." He didn't feel too resentful of it, though. It wasn't hard to let the difference in their incomes go when the reason Susan had access to her family's money was that they'd died in the war. "As for Christmas markets, I just don't think I can squeeze anything in before Christmas. Sorry."

He made a mental note to start slotting Dean in to more shifts after the show opened. It would help a little, though the problem was less that Seamus didn't have enough staff and more that he felt the need to oversee everything personally. "Do you want us there for opening night? Or is there a specific time we should come?"

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)


[info]artistdean
2014-11-12 04:52 pm UTC (link)
"We shared a room with Harry. Half the stuff the happened to us probably did have at least the potential for some pretty good injuries," he said, mostly joking. At the time it had seemed pretty overwhelming, right up until the point things actually became life-threatening.

Dean made a face. He could understand the concern but Seamus wasn't one to overindulge. At least with Dean's family there wasn't that concern despite him working at the pub. In fact there'd been the odd time he'd had to forcibly refuse a drink at a party (usually rum because his Mum and Dad were both rather fond of it when they drank).

"I know. Susan had the night covered and between therapy and self-care I was okay. Actually it might be a good idea to write me off the rota for the final week before the show if you can. I doubt I'll have the brain for much else," he said, realistic about his own habits. He shrugged slightly, stirring the emptying soup slightly. "I have a feeling it's one I'm not going to stop poking at until pretty much the day of the show. And I'm not charming it apart from the permanent stasis so I actually can if I want to." He spooned up more soup to give himself time to consider.

"I don't think I'm going to make it obvious from the title who it is. I'm hoping it'll get a good spot though. But if you want an early preview I think you'll just have to come early for the show. Mum and Dad are going to do that and see everything and not stop for the gala. They always feel awkward in a room full of Wizards and Witches. They're coming back for the Muggle-friendly days and Jess is coming down too." He shrugged a little sadly. He understood perfectly why they would do that, given his own feelings of push and pull between the two worlds, especially when he was younger. It didn't stop him feeling a little sad about it though.

"I saw the photo. And yeah, I'm looking forward to the pool. Still makes me boggle though," he said. Just the vast scale of Susan's wealth. Not that he begrudged her the money given how she'd come by it, but it was still a little mind-bending. He shrugged at the holidays comment. "Yeah, I guessed as much. It's okay. We can do stuff once the rush is past."

Dean was hurt that Seamus would even think that he wouldn't want him there. He always wanted Seamus at big events. "Of course I want you there. Susan too. If nothing else you'll get to see me all trussed up in formal robes, which has gotta be good for a laugh!" he joked, swallowing past some uncertain emotion.

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)


[info]openbottle
2014-11-14 02:37 pm UTC (link)
"Yeah," Seamus agreed with false brightness. "Of course she did." It was stupid, to resent Susan for taking care of Dean when he'd been busy or unavailable. But Seamus seemed to be doing a lot of stupid things, lately. "I think I need a holiday," he muttered to himself as he finished off his soup. He knew it was an unrealistic hope until after Christmas at the earliest, but it was still tempting. "Even just a couple of days might help me get my head on straight. Self-care, right?" Seamus hadn't been doing a lot of that lately, rather spreading himself thin between work and checking up on Dean and seeing Justin nearly every week. He'd never have dreamed it possible to be so unrelaxed when he was having regular sex.

Foregoing the healthy bread-cheese-fruit options, Seamus moved straight for the chocolate frogs once he'd finished his soup, tossing one at Dean as well. "I'll make sure I'm not working that night," he promised. "Or that afternoon... how early is 'early' for opening night? And do I need to drag my formal robes out of whatever chest mam packed them in? The moths have probably eaten them by now." In his line of work, Seamus didn't have a lot of call for formal robes, or formal muggle clothes for that matter. Even the jeans he was wearing tonight had frayed hems and a hole on one shin. These were details he should probably already know - but somehow they'd been crowded out of his mind by a hundred other things. It was a bit like studying for OWLs all over again.

"Either way, it'll be another chance for me to meet Ophelia." His mind went back to her presence in Dean's life like a tongue going back to a wobbly tooth. This time he'd have no bar to hide behind, no customers to keep him busy. She might be busy, of course, but if Seamus was going to be there for more than just one night (and he'd probably turn up on the muggle-friendly days when Dean's family did, maybe with Graeme or Neill in tow) then there was bound to be some time for them to talk. "I promise not to tell her about the time you tripped over your own dress robes practicing and I had to take you to Madame Pomfrey before the Yule Ball."

Seamus genuinely could be charming - either when he was relaxed or when he bother to put his mind to it - and since he didn't really want to the reason Dean and Ophelia didn't work out, he would have to put his mind to it this time.

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)


[info]artistdean
2014-11-15 12:29 pm UTC (link)
"You and me bot, mate. You and me both. January, we'll keep our eyes on January," he said. After the show was over Dean was expecting his brain to protest at being overworked for so it was probably just going to give in for a while and refuse to work. Self care was a wonderful and important thing.

Dean had his spoon half way to his mouth when Seamus threw the frog, but thankfully his reflexes were still pretty good and he managed to bat it away from his head. He swallowed the spoonful of soup, which was his last and was tempted to throw it right back but resisted the urge. He rolled his eyes and opened the frog. "Berk, look before you throw. And basically any time between six and eight should be fine. Not too near eight though or you'll interrupt the last minute panic!" He set his bowl aside and grinned. " You should pull out your robes, it's being billed as formal. I've actually been and got new robes fitted, my old ones looked a bit out of date apparently. So that'll be a nice surprise for everyone. Mum'll be pleased, she likes it when I look smart." He bit into his frog and shrugged, he far preferred to be comfortable.

"If you tell her that anytime soon I will hurt you! She hasn't clued into the fact I'm a huge idiot just yet," he joked. Ophelia knew he could be a bit daft and seemed to think it was adorable in a good way for now. " But it will be good for you to meet her. She's heard plenty about you and I showed her one of my old sketches of your face so she knows what you look like."

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)


[info]openbottle
2014-11-18 02:59 pm UTC (link)
"Ah, 'm sorry," Seamus said, looking genuinely contrite. He hadn't meant to attack Dean while he was eating - though it looked like Dean had managed well enough. "Maybe I should interrupt the last minute panic. "It's not as if you really need it or like it helps in any way. I'd be doing you a favour." He glanced around the bedroom, wondering if his robes were still here or if his mam had sent them to Finnigan's with him. He'd have to ask her. Or he could use a summoning charm. Either way, he could put it off for a few days. "Are you trying to show me up with your fashionable modern robes, Thomas?" he teased. "Maybe I should show up in my worst ripped jeans and faded t-shirt. I can be your groupie." He was pretty sure artists didn't have groupies, but it was the word which best fit the image in his head.

Seamus shook his head and attempted to look grave. "No can do. It's a serious part of my best-friend duties to make sure all romantic partners know just how huge of an idiot you are. If they can't deal with it, they're not worth your time." He was only kidding - well, about the first part anyway. Anyone who was turned off by amusing anecdotes of teenage Dean really wasn't worth making an effort for. "But maybe I'll be really nice and save it for after the show. Just so you're not so stressed. And to make sure you don't hit me." He finished his chocolate frog and floated the soup bowls away to wait by the door. Stretching out and folding his arms under his head, he glanced over at Dean and said, in a more serious tone, "What do you reckon? Think she can cope with the full Seamus-and-Dean experience?" They'd both had problems before with partners thinking they were too close, being jealous or suspicious that there was more going on. Much as he hated it, Seamus had tried to moderate his behaviour when Dean was in a relationship - he just needed to know how much...

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)


[info]artistdean
2014-11-19 11:01 pm UTC (link)
He waved off Seamus' apology. He wasn't actually mad, just surprised. "Oh, I wasn't meaning so much my panic as the whole thing with everyone finishing setting up the drinks and nibbles. Although I'll probably be stressing too. You can come interrupt that. Or still be there to interrupt that. It's not a calming experience for an artist, having a big show," he said, nibbling absently at his frog. "Showing you up wasn't exactly the plan. Not getting too many disapproving looks from Parkinson and making a good impression was my plan." The image of Seamus in his 'groupie' clothes in the sea of well-dressed was strangely compelling and he shook his head to clear it. There was another idea to stick on the list, the out of place person in a crowd. "I don't think you want to feed those rumours. Most people think groupies are only out to sleep with whoever. Plus it's a music thing not an art thing, I think."

"Seamus!" he half-whined. Admittedly Seamus had a point, but he rather liked the idea that Ophelia thought of him as sort of worldly and not a teenage berk with the co-ordination of a new-born giraffe. Growing fast had thrown off his co-ordination terribly for a while. "But sure, hopefully she can deal with a few stories of my idiocy. After the gala," he insisted. He didn't need her pulling faces at him across the room or something, he just wasn't used to it like he was with some of his friends.

He shrugged, he had no idea if Ophelia would cope with Dean and Seamus being more like themselves. It hadn't been long after she arrived that the show was decided on and it had thrown off the amount of time he spent with Seamus, or anyone else for that matter. "Don't hold it back. It's never worth it if you and me can't be you and me," he said after a while of pulling bits of chocolate off his frog and eating them, lost in thought. He liked Ophelia, sure, but he'd rather lose her than his best friend. He'd rather do just about anything rather than lose his best friend.

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)


[info]openbottle
2014-11-21 03:11 pm UTC (link)
From his position on the floor, Seamus nodded. He still tended to get anxious himself before big events at Finnigan's - new clubs or the chess tournament final. He could only assume it was worse for Dean who was baring far more of his soul than Seamus was. "If Parkinson looks disapprovingly at you I'll just have to make a bigger idiot out of myself so she'll be too busy glaring at me. Shouldn't be hard."

He laughed at Dean's protest, already making mental lists of stories he could tell Ophelia that would be funny and a little bit charming and wouldn't upset Dean too much. "At least you know what to expect from me," he added. "It's Jess I'd be worried about. She seemed pretty keen to grill us about Ophelia - imagine how much worse she'll be around Ophelia herself."

Dean's next words gave Seamus a fluttery feeling in his chest - relief? Somehow being given permission not to hold it made doing so easier. It was his choice, now, not Dean's request. And it was always nice to know he was important enough to Dean that he didn't want to throw what they had away, or hide it. He rolled over to his stomach and army-crawled over to Dean before flipping onto his back once more, his head butting up against Dean's hip. He didn't say anything - he didn't really need to. Instead, he levitated over some of his pile of treats and let them rain down over the two of them in a shower of sweets.

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)


[info]artistdean
2014-11-21 08:37 pm UTC (link)
"Never hard to make you look like an idiot," he agreed solemnly, and then grinned and waggled his eyebrows comically. He was sure he could actually rely on Seamus to cheer him up or distract anyone who needed distracting. "But thanks, I appreciate the offer."

The last piece of chocolate frog stopped part way to Dean's slightly open mouth. "Shit. And there's no chance of them avoiding each other," he said with a groan and shoved the chocolate into his mouth as a distraction. "And Mum and Dad too. I might manage to get her to stay away for the pre-show visit, but on muggle weekend there's not going to be an excuse." He dropped his face into his palm and smacked it a few times. "That's going to be so much fun," he said peeling his face off his hands. Mostly his previous partners hadn't got to the stage where they met his family but with dating someone at the studio and the show coming up it seemed pretty inevitable.

Dean snorted as Seamus crawled his way over, but he was smiling. He couldn't help himself, it was such a ridiculous thing to do, but just made him feel right at home. He dropped his hand down and started running his fingers through Seamus hair. He sighed softly, feeling himself relax more, letting the stress of the possible fireworks drop away even further. He laughed and poked Seamus' head briefly in protest before going back to stroking. "So determined to drop chocolate on my head!" he said lightly.

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)


[info]openbottle
2014-11-22 09:15 am UTC (link)
Seamus couldn't help laughing at Dean's obvious distress, mostly at the way it seemed to animate his whole body. Once he was firmly settled with his head propped against Dean's leg, he reached up and caught one of his friend's hands, patting it consolingly. "Then I'll just have to distract them too," he announced. "Don't you worry, there's enough idiot to go round." He doubted he could prevent the meeting entirely, but he could probably save Ophelia too thorough a grilling.

When Dean's fingers found his hair, Seamus closed his eyes and exaggerated the way he leaned into the touch like a giant cat. Well, he was a lion, after all. "Don't look a gift horse in the mouth," he advised as he felt around until his hand latched onto a licorice wand. "Chocolate is chocolate, and now we don't have to move."

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)


[info]artistdean
2014-11-22 03:54 pm UTC (link)
"My saviour!" he said, flopping onto his back and holding a dramatic hand to his chest, an amused sniff. "I mean I'm sure she can cope with meeting everyone, but if Mum gets all enthusiastic and starts grilling her, or Jess for that matter..." he trailed off, pretty sure Seamus would recognise his mother's particular brand of benevolent interrogation. One that Jess had picked up.

Uncrossing his legs he just allowed himself to lay back, stroking Seamus' hair idly. It was stupidly relaxing, and he was half wondering if he might drop off with the comforting weight of Seamus' head on his leg. The position was a bit different to how they usually curled up on the sofa, but being back in a place where they could do this was so good. Not just because it was comfortable, but also because it calmed the portion of his brain that had been taken up worrying about their situation on top of all the stress about the show. "Okay, works for me," he said, reaching out and finding a pack of sweets and tearing it open with his teeth so he didn't have to stop petting Seamus' hair. Such a good decision to do this.

(Reply to this) (Parent)

Home | Site Map | Manage Account | TOS | Privacy | Support | FAQs