If we never met... (Part One)
A/N: Sorry if the formating is a bit rough. Just haven’t shared in so long since I can only work from my phone but I’m hoping it looks okay.
“Hey Jack!” Alyssa stiffened next to him as you approached. You ignored it jogging up as you shuffled the notebooks in your bag for the right one. “Notes from class you missed whilst having what I’m sure was a marvelous nap.” Jack smiled that classic smile accepting the notebook they pretty much passed back and forth every week lately.
“Really thank you, you don’t have to.”
“Well it keeps me awake to have a reason to take notes other than my own grades. Not much self preservation I guess.” You chuckled continuing on your walk as Jack just shook his head.
“You just have class with her?” Alyssa whispered as soon as you were out of earshot.
“That seems like none of your business.” Jack snarled walking away from her. She followed matching his pace.
“No it’s not that. She-“ She pulled Jack by the arm under the tree away from the cross walk. He rolled his eyes at her dramatics. “She’s just kind of strange. She was offered entrance into the order the same time I was. She just said no thank you. She looked magus in the face and stated she rather not be apart of something like that and asked if she could leave.” Jack couldn’t help the smile cracking his face.
“So she just left without any questions?”
“Well they wiped her memory. It was just so strange. She had passed the entry and everything and then didn’t want to continue.” Alyssa was not amused by Jack’s laughter. “You should be careful around her.”
“She sounds like a badass. Anyway we are just sharing notes. I’m not about to restore a memory she doesn’t want. Gotta like a girl whose so sure of herself though.” He winked eliciting a scoff from Alyssa as he finally walked off.
Jack joined the nights at the table. Randall was reading his text book with a firm hand on his beer. Lilith was tucked in the corner reading something on her phone. Hamish was sipping his drink with his head tipped back and eyes closed as the day slid off him. Jack was excited to be together again just the four of them and he thought they would enjoy this story too.
“Lilith do you remember Y/N?” Lilith squinted for a moment before realization hit.
“I forgot all about that. Yeah she rejected the order!” Randall and Hamish perked at this.
“It was after the whole test to get in they brought all of us together for the speech and after it was done and we were officially acolytes she walked up to the magus and told her she wanted to leave. It was insane. She was just so casual about it.” Lilith laughed just thinking about it.
“Yeah well she’s in my class and she was giving me her notes from what I missed. Alyssa looked so freaked just being near her. She must think there is something seriously wrong with her to turn down magic like that.” Hamish tilted his head mulling it over as he sipped his drink. Lilith nodded.
“Well think about. We have both been there an we didn’t say no. All of us even as wolves have practiced magic. What makes someone turn all that down and just voluntarily get their memory wiped?”
“Good sense,” Randall spit. Turning back to his text book he continued to mumble. “I’d like to meet someone like that.” They assumed he was being facetious since he hadn’t been feeling great about being in the order even if it was just a cover. Jack left it to avoid upsetting him, but Randall didn’t.
Randall mulled it over in his head but he might not have taken the opportunity had he not noticed a text on Jack’s phone while he was busying with acolyte duty.
Y/N: Are you done with the notes? I might actually study later but I’ll more likely just fall asleep on them.
Randall looked across the room to where Jack was trying a spell deciding he should help his busy friend. He flipped through his backpack pulling out the notebook with the different handwriting. Then sent off a quick text back before leaving.
You were exiting the cafe with an iced coffee when your notebook flew at you from the side attached to a handsome stranger.
“You’re not Jack.” You stated simply looking between him and your notes.
“Randall. Jack’s friend.” He offered an open smile. You returned it with the smallest smile as you went to take the notebook. He didn’t let go both of you standing like that.
“Thank you for bringing it.” You slanted your eyes at him as he finally let go with a wide smile.
“Sure thing. Happy to help.” You both stood for another moment smiling before you couldn’t take it.
“Did you want to grab a drink?” He interrupted. You looked at your coffee in hand.
“I should probably finish this first.”
“I can wait.” He said simply with a swinging arm gesture welcoming you to walk with him.
“Okay,” you sort of giggled as you started to walk side by side with Randall. You stole glances at him as you went wondering what Jack might have told him about you to peak this much interest. You weren’t upset though. He was very cute and you were always looking for a reason not to study.
“I hope you don’t mind. I took a look while I was waiting for you and your notes are pretty funny.” He kicked the conversation off making heat rise to your cheeks.
“Oh yeah I like to include my thoughts to help trigger my memory. If you saw his nose hair you would understand why there is such heavy commentary-“
“No need to explain I took that class last year.”
“So you understand the predicament Jack leaves me in when the only other interesting person in class is gone and I have to keep myself awake.”
“I really do. I would not leave you in the lurch like that.” He bumped your hand that was dangling the notebook as you walked and you wondered if it was on purpose.
“Well thank you. I appreciate the sentiment. At least get Jack to show up for exams and we’ll call it good. I can’t afford to sleep through half of mid terms again.”
“Again?” He laughed and it was a loud playful sound you found yourself admiring.
“Oh my favorite tree is empty.” You pointed blocking his was and forcing him toward the nice grassy spot. You plopped your bag down attempting to one handedly put the notebook in. He sat down taking the notebook and carefully tucking it in for you before resting back and looking up expectantly. “Thanks,” you sat tucking your legs and giving him a more curious smile. “You are quite chivalrous for a college student.”
“Some of us are knights and some of us are peasants.” He shrugged.
“That seems sexist but I’ll ignore it. So tell me what responsibilities you are ignoring to enjoy a walk with a stranger.” He shook his head seeming to want to laugh at something but continued talking looking at the sky.
“Just the usual. Studying. Damaging my liver. Working out.”
“Yes, I too often ignore working out but it is actually while I damage my liver, so at least I’m getting something done.”
“Well I just find I can’t sit still for very long.” He said with a mischievous glint to his eye while he stole a look at you. You pretended to not have been watching him.
“It can be hard when your in class or the dorm but sitting under a sad looking cherry blossom tree on a day like this, I think I’m fine.” You stretched setting your coffee in the grass between you to lie back. He followed suit both of you observing the unbloomed buds and almost tired looking leaves. It wasn’t something you would notice from a distance like the side walk but sitting right under it, you could tell it hadn’t seen it’s fair share of summers. It made Y/N sympathize with the tree, like it also needed a break from all the bureaucracy of higher education.
“I can see why this is your favorite tree.”
“Then tell me why you think it is.”
“It’s not the prettiest tree in campus but from under here the noise from the buildings and people passing it are faded by the wind. Almost feels like your actually alone in a field. Plus this is some real comfy grass.” You turned to watch him again as he talked and he caught you this time smiling as your eyes met. You moved passed the heat you felt to point at the grass.
“See you’re welcome for that. I’ve been breaking in that spot there. I left a good butt impression.”
“Must be a good butt,” he retorted making you snort out a laugh.
“You are not subtle.” You shook your head at him. He just smiled nodding in agreement.
“I don’t think I have to be.” You wanted to laugh. You really did but you were caught off guard by how brash he was being. The simple act of getting your notebook back had suddenly turned into a rom com esq date in the middle of campus but somehow completely undisturbed. He leaned closer ever so slightly knocking your cup just enough for the coffee to spill on your hand. The tension released as you laughed and he began to apologize. He even pulled off his own shirt to wipe the coffee from your hand. “I can buy you a new coffee.”
“No, I think the shirt off your back was enough.” You quelled your giggles as you smiled at the shirtless idiot. He was something to smile at. He looked a little embarrassed which is probably what gave you the courage to cup his cheek while kissing the other. It was just a peck really but you could see heat rising in him. “Besides, my drink is gone so I guess that means we can go grab one. You might need a new shirt though.” You handed back his formerly white shirt decorated with brown bean water. He looked from the shirt to you a couple times.
“How about I meet you there?”
“Okay. Tell me where, Randall?” You thought maybe this romcom ended with your faces falling off from too much smiling.
Randall tore through the room barely noticing Hamish and Jack.
“Weren’t you suppose to be here an hour ago?” Hamish began.
“Did you text Y/N from my phone?” Jack continued. He turned on them with a wicked grin as he held up a fresh black shirt.
“I returned your notes for you and I will be busy the rest of the night.” He tipped his head and slid the shirt on. Hamish and Jack both had their hands out as he tried to pass, gently pushing him back.
“So you are going out with the girl who turned down the order and it’s not just because you’re mad about being in the order?” Hamish arched a brow. Randall sputtered.
“I’m not that shallow. She’s really cool and we are just having a drink. I can have friends who aren’t you or people I secretly hate.” Jack squinted at him.
“Well, I mean Alyssa really didn’t like the idea of me being around her but she said nothing about you. Besides, I’m sure she was just being paranoid about her memory. Normal people don’t just get their memory back. Just don’t do anything that will cost me a study partner. I hate that class.” Randall pretended to nod dutifully before smiling and patting his shoulder.
“I will be an absolute gentleman.” Then he jogged off eager to get back to the fun.
“That’s good cause she won’t.” Jack snorted to Hamish earning a roll of the eyes but small smirk.
“Did you wear black because you plan to spill my drink again but don’t want the stains?” You mused as he searched the room for you only for you to be tucked beside the door. He turned on you with that smile and you quickly turned to the crowd to avoid the cheesy feelings you had regarding that smile. “Where should we sit?” He offered his hand wordlessly and walked you to a tucked away booth.
“And what may I get the lady?” He bowed slightly as you sat.
“Surprise me,” you shrugged. He nodded and dashed off. You noted his choice as you sat. Not in direct line of the bar which was the most crowded area and a fair way from the door. His side of the booth would be facing the door. Maybe he was aiming to recreate the earlier moment. Alone in plain sight. Randall slid back into the booth with one short glass of bright red liquid and another taller glass of amber liquid. “Which ones for me?” You asked tentatively. He slide across the amber glass.
“Whiskey and ginger ale.” You smiled happily taking a sip.
“Cherry bomb.” He sipped it cheekily. “Want to try?” You accepted the cup and took a sip.
“That’s sweet but I think I’ll stick with this.” He accepted the drink back. “Now did you order two very different drinks in order to hedge your bets based off my reaction when they reached the table or do you commonly order colorful liquids that almost look inedible?”
“That’s hard to answer but maybe a little more of the first.“ His honesty was refreshing.
“Okay since you took the lesser drink, I will let you decide if we start with easy questions or jump right in to the question you know I’m going to ask.” He took a dramatic moment to think it over.
“Let’s be basic and go with the easy ones first.”
“Sure. What’s your major?”
“Pre med. Yours?” You faced your drink as you answered.
“English lit and psychology.” There was no laugh or comment. You peeked back up at him as he waited for the next question. “How do you know Jack?”
“Showed him around campus when he first got here. Had a feeling we’d be friends.” You nodded thoughtfully. “I already know how you know Jack so can I ask if I have something in my teeth?” He made a goofy grin showing off all his teeth. You wrinkled your brow with a smirk.
“Really cause you’re staring.” The heat rose in your cheeks again. He leaned in ever so slightly getting cocky again. You instinctively moved your drink to the side.
“My question.” He nodded. “What were you expecting when you came to return my notebook?”
“I guess I like to get to the point.”
“I wasn’t really expecting anything. I heard about you from Jack and you seemed cool. I just wanted to put a name to the face.” You wanted to ask more but you bit your tongue. “May I add I was caught off guard? You weren’t just funny but...” Randall trailed off as his hand found yours you looked down you at his fingers unraveling yours and when you glanced back up he was just there. His lips hovering just before yours, eyes studying yours with this bit of excitement. With a rush of adrenaline you closed the distance kissing him deep and gently. His hand came up to brush you neck and you might have run out of air if not for a loud clash of glasses breaking your trance. You were kissing like you weren’t in public but you definitely were. You began to laugh at yourself and he let go of your neck leaning back again.
“You look like the cat that ate the canary.” You mocked trying to hide your embarrassment. He mumbled something you didn’t catch. You squeezed the hand you were still holding and he spoke up.
“I’ve just had a really good day.” His honesty seemed to give you courage or at least that’s what you had to assume when the next words came from your mouth.
“How about we follow it up with a really good night?”
You woke up your cheek sweaty pressed to Randall’s firm chest. He was radiating heat and while it was cozy on the cool night it was a bit too warm to nap on him. Leaning up he began to stir. You thought for a moment if you should try to leave or if it would be weird. There wasn’t much time to wonder since he was opening his sleepy eyes to you.
“Hi,” he let out in an adorable tired whisper.
“We earned it.” He grinned making you roll your eyes.
“Nah, this is comfy.” He pulled you back against him so you rolled to let him little spoon you.
“Okay. Just don’t turn into a beast come morning.” You joked. He watched your silhouette for a moment before waving it off.
“No. Not a beast.” He smiled at the back of your head as he drifted back to sleep.
Tags: @courtneychicken @mo320 @barely-emily
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