‘oh what’s the vibe? i wouldn’t know, i’m normally in bed at this time” - james marriott + willne
pt 2 to ‘i think i’m falling for you’
+ more angst, mixed feelings, romance- it’s all a bit messy between this pair with how they see themselves and each other.
also the 1975 titles to influence gay- i saw them put JC2005 on their statuses before so im CONVINCED there’s chemistry /silly
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That five minutes what Will said he’d take for a breather ended up being what was nearly an hour in the brisk cold.. not that he was counting the minutes. But he just only got awareness from the gleam of his phone’s screen with the time in bold up at the top, practically jeering at him for leaving James alone for longer than he’d promised — like a dickhead.
Biting his lip, Will wasn’t sure if he should cry, just feeling that guilt slowly swilling his stomach, the tears softly pricking his eyes at the corners which he’d want to fight. But if he fought them, he’d be such an absolute mess, and he’d be practically dismissing James, one of his best, if not, his best friend.
“God sakes..” Will found himself muttering, the cold air around him making the statement punctuated be raw cold, and making him shiver, just at his inconsiderate acting, regarding all of this. All because he was insecure about a pathetic costume which shouldn’t have been a whole ordeal in the first place.
He couldn’t just go back in there, not now with the shit show he caused. The ruckus and the stress. To make it just a hint easier, Will resorted to just running a hand through his hair, feeling nervously through his mullet for comfort, or some safety blanket, before he’d then go to his messages to give James a heads up on where he’d be.
‘sorry i took way longer than i thought, james. i’m gonna head back to the office, i think it’ll save me whatever i’ve fucking caused here. nothin against you lad, just it’s my head and that’
But before he would even bother to see the ticks turn two, Will would find himself getting ready and leaving, just without looking back, back to his office likely to rid the regret he’d feel if he turned back, and just went with it, straight back with the knowledge fresh like the back of his hand, the only grace he knew was good in this moment, and one which was out of pure desperation to get himself calmer and out of his mind.
It didn’t take long for the message to come through, abruptly stopping the shuffle that was rhythmic through James’ ears, though equally dripping in melancholy. Well, that’s what the self titled album by The 1975 did to you, when you were that down or that confused with your feelings.
A message above the black album cover portrayed alongside a neon white box, as the Spotify shuffle quietened a hint to ping with said message from Will; almost desired given the distressed tense atmosphere that was simmering and near overflowing.
“Thank God.” James would mumble, feeling himself desperate for his palm to locate his heart, while he’d let the relief washing over him, however not for long as he’d read the message, and his brow was dull with sadness.
“Never mind.. shouldn’t have necessarily celebrated.” He’d mutter, and would be formulating a response, probably consisting simply of ‘if you need anything, i’m here’ and would simply be sending that, not sure whether that was enough, or if it sounded too blunt.
Oh well, only time will tell.
To stop his mind possibly assuming the worst side of things, or thinking his and Will’s friendship was jeopardised, it was best for James to maybe get out of the flat again, despite having just come back from the set for his soon to release music video. It was all haphazardly, almost showing the distress through his and probably Will’s actions, if he’d be seeing the Geordie eye to eye.
For now, it was time to head down for some coffee at Black Sheep, and maybe some downtime, praying that Will wouldn’t give him a message of a nightmare, and it all would be settled by the time he’d return home. If that’s how the romanticised version should be.
Spotify.. yeah. That should be a good shout.
Will knew that when he needed something, it was a pick me up, whether it be a game of football, talking on the phone to a friend, or his mates in the office, Ieuan, Mikey, Orla. Sometimes if he was lucky it would be Lando but given his schedule with F1 as of late, those calls were sparse.
But anything to take the edge off the message he just sent, anything to get the prickling anxiety out of his skin.
He’d put a shuffle on, and would let anything play. He was a diverse man when it came to music, usually influenced by James given his musical talent, and although thinking about James was a hint daunting as of now, he supposed to thank him metaphorically for this great escape.
The song plays, and Will seems to be enjoying the soft melody, he seems to be enjoying the energy. He’d hum along to the gentleness of the sax, harmonising alongside it. That was, until he looked at the song, and it was ‘Frail State Of Mind’ by The 1975.
Will wasn’t too bothered by the band, if that’s what was initially thought, no. It was more listening to the lyrics, especially one set of lyrics which had his stomach twist.
I’m sorry but I, I always get this way sometimes’
Those simple lyrics, spoken like words from someone of the slow breakdown stage, it felt conversed as if someone externally had spoken to him, in an attempt to assure him of those worries that were raging through him, an emasculating testosterone if you will.
‘You just go do your thing, and I’ll stay behind,
Don’t wanna bore you with my frail state of mind’
That had him. Dead in his tracks. That was the dread that surfaced in his chest, but was close to him biting his lip to stop the subtle but definitely close sobs, just out of somewhat understanding.
The rest of the track was background noise, just filling the otherwise solemn atmosphere of his flat, floating in and out of his ears in a taunt for what he’d caused — which in fact made things harder.
He’d wipe tears from his face, and told himself; “Surely he’s not.. he’s not mad at me? He can’t be, he would’ve let it happen at the studio if he was pissed.”
The faux confidence after telling himself that was evident to be that of a thin lining, given he laughs at it, just the way he laughed it off when James offered him compliments.
His mind was quite frankly mush, just trying to mend itself and not dig itself deeper, so far in fact, that his mind’s static was louder than a supposed knock on his office door.
A call out from one of his staff, perhaps Ieuan.
“Will! The door’s being knocked on c’mon mate!”
“Shit,” Will seems to jump and finally be thrust back into reality, the sound barrier formed by the music having now a breakage where Will now let his brain reside in the current, as his body was quick to get up and place his headphones down to answer Ieuan’s slightly annoyed calls. “Coming, ya bastard! Don’t worry too hard.”
Then almost like a child being scolded, his posture heading to his office door being slumped, before raising his hand to open the door, and subsequently meeting the gaze of Ieuan as he did so.
“You were completely zoned out there man, genuinely. I could’ve knocked your door in and you’d not flinch.” Ieuan sighs, and he’d see Will looking through a light scowl.
“A’right, a’right.. I was just having a minute. Didn’t hear it through the music on my shuffle, so for that I formally apologise. Is that better, huh?”
“No need to be stroppy, I just was worried you got locked in. These office doors are an ass pain sometimes, Will.“
Will just nods, mostly to get Ieuan to shut up for a moment, moving on from at least the talk of doors, or maybe the foreshadowing of newer door hinges. “Who was at the door?”
“No you fuckin’- I know it was you here. Who’s at the front door-“
Then Mikey seemed to pop his head in; “It’s James here for ya!”
“Got to be kidding me.” Will mumbled, practically now with his silenced nerves now setting every anxiety on fire again, “I don’t want him here for now, I need a second to calm down. It’s been a long day.. Mikey can you tell James I’m taking a few here in the office?”
Ieuan would look over his shoulder and see the ginger haired man almost vacant in the moment, and then he’d also pipe up a bit to Mikey; “You got that, mate?”
Mikey would find himself then just walking a bit more up, just briefly out of sight, but calls back. “Got it! I’m not a kid though, just saying!”
“Think he’s got the message Will.” Ieuan would then lay a gentle touch on his friend’s shoulder. “Just take a breather here, and James’ll come soon after that.”
Then, he’d watch as the short haired cameraman would turn his back, not even with time for Will to say thanks, but he just let out a soft sigh, perhaps a hint broken, but it didn’t get registered, as Will retreats back to his desk now, just settling on the chair he resided in.
No music, nothing. Just the whir of his thoughts again, and a soft static. The worry slowly creeping in, but Will choosing to ignore it.
Five minutes bled into ten.
Time blended so seamless he didn’t notice a new addition on his desk of a beige milky coffee in a takeaway cup with a black straw jutting from the top.
Then a hand on his shoulder, a subtle questioning. “You alright, man?”
“Jesus!” Will again had to snap out of a trance, and once he looked at the face to match the voice and then his eyes widened. This time, it was surprise. “Wait.. James- why are you back?”
“I was worried I hurt you.. that’s why I came back.” James mumbled, his tone just hushed and rather worried if he’d have Will breakdown if he said wrong. “I never wanna do that, especially to someone like you. Thought maybe getting a coffee for both of us would be a treat too, got your favourite.”
Will looks then to the coffee, and indeed it was what his go to order was, and the perfect tint of beige, not that it mattered necessarily. But the thought behind it did make him focus there.
“You.. I.. ya didn’t have to do that. Thank you, James.”
The response was small but you could see a gentle smile on his face.
“Y’know.. can I at least say I’m sorry? I didn’t mean to react, that way.” He’d turn the subject, now braving it and facing James, looking up to meet his eyes. “I just, ya know how I feel about dressing up, the memories of that party with Mia.. I shouldn’t have cut you off like how I did.”
James seems to have his eyes fixated on Will’s counting the green flecks amongst the hints of shine. He seems sorry that Will felt how he did. “You don’t have to apologise.. I was forcing you to do it pretty much.”
“No, no you weren’t. It’s just my insecurities. Don’t say shite that hasn’t happened James.” Will retorts, sighing deeply; “I just wanna apologise it might make it a hint easier. I want you happy too.”
‘I want you happy too, I want you happy always Will.’ James had the words swill in his mind as Will himself recited.
“Yeah, alright. I forgive you, Will. Even though, I don’t think it’s needed, I’ll accept it.” James said the words slowly, as Will seems now to then take a sip of the coffee he was given, and the way his face crinkled with a soft delight.
The way he smiled, it made James’ stomach full of butterflies. The dimples that popped out in his cheeks, the gleam in his eyes. It drew James wanting to just fess up everything.
“Y’know.. I want you to know I’ll always think you’re an incredible person. No matter if you wear an outfit or two. You being you, I love it. It’s refreshing.”
Will found himself actually with a soft blush; “Mm, charmer you are, huh?” He said that with a laugh, but would find himself actually letting these words softly sink in. James seemed really fond, and it was really charming, in real talk.
“Jesus Christ 2005 as well.”
“Jesus Christ 2005, God Bless America. Good song that. Didn’t know you were into The 1975 Will.” James chuckled, clearly now curious to see what Will had listened to on his Spotify, and surely enough it was quite the spread.
“What,” He’d now be the one to blush, softly. “You kept seeming to replay this, a lot.”
“Yeah, that Jesus Christ whatever.. it’s a good song. Sure, I’m not too sure how Matt or however does his thing, but that song’s been quite the solace.” Will responds, now a hint with confusion, yet more of a warmth in his gut, almost like love.
“You’ve played Fallingforyou. That your way of saying you have a thing for someone?” He’d ask giving a suggestive glance to Will, alongside a smirk.
A smirk which made a twinge of warmth in Will’s stomach, deepening the red tint on his neck.
“Oh, it’s just some girl. Was thinking about someone I had talked to on Hinge recently, kinda reminded me of her I guess.”
But the way his words were more muttered showed maybe a hint more of his lying, given he felt James lean down a bit, “You don’t sound sure.. I think it might be you finally know you like me.”
“Makin’ this all about you, are ya?” Will gave a passive chuckle, as the blush remained. But this time he was silent, letting the words sink in a bit, and the blush hadn’t left.
“Listen, if it makes you feel better.. I did kinda think you looked quite fit in that outfit. Suited you really well, denim is you.” James just went out for it, a hand now resting on Will’s shoulder. “I really.. seeing you so often, especially so happy. I also just love you for it, it makes me feel all sorts.”
Wait. What did he just say?
“James.. don’t lie to me. You’re serious?” Will couldn’t help but be flabbergasted, his eyes slightly bigger with interest to know if the mutual feels were present. “I.. I didn’t wanna hurt you because I just appreciate what we have so much, I was worried it would jeopardise what we have-“
James then just watched as Will got up, almost still trying to process the likely screaming in his head, about this whole possibly being in love with his best friend, and that’s when James’ initiative kickstarted, he’d be on the pulse.
He’d pull Will to him, by the waist, and just watched as the Geordie gasped almost in a gentle shock, biting his lip for a moment to muffle that surprise, as he’d tilt his head up.
“I wasn’t thinking you were serious-“
Before Will could reiterate again, James had just went in, and kissed him. A kiss of many meanings, one of finding yourself, one of desperation, one of warmth, tenderness.. everything which both men held back for fear of their friendship tarnishing.
As they kissed, the feelings that were exuded were evident, especially after Will had let his lips meet the warmth of James’ own was clicking, almost like a seldom off switch switched on with a new spark. It was giving him the realisation that there was someone who knew you, even maybe better than you. And that for him was James, just letting this happen as the blush on his face warmed the air ever so slightly, before they’d pull back.
“That answer your question?” James’ voice had a breathy, slight raspy quality which made Will practically want to melt, drawing him to listen.
“Ye- yeah.. God, it’s answered all of my questions.” Will was also a bit breathless, but the way James asked, it was dripping with something almost honey like. Caring, wondering where this lead them.
“Plus your voice sounds so attractive when a bit ragged, my God..”
“What was that?” Now James couldn’t help but tilt his head, a gentle grin, but one nonchalant as he’d caress Will’s jaw, just ever so gently.
“I’m not saying it again, don’t have me like that.” Will snaps gently, whilst he’d watch the motion of his fingers holding his jaw.
Will found himself huffing, “Alright, I said that your voice sounds attractive when it’s ragged like that, it kinda does something to me.”
James couldn’t help but laugh, and to tease the other a bit more, he’d lean by his ear; “Well trust me, I can say a lot more to make you react.. don’t think that I can’t try.”
Will couldn’t help but just nod, his body almost rooted in place for a moment to process those words, biting his lip, feeling the blush stinging his face. Fluster being personified.
He’d push James away, shaking his head almost, “Stop teasing, lad.. stop that. God, you soak up whatever’s said and go with it. You’re all in with that.”
Then a silent but notable cheer could be heard just enough from their editing room, from Aby, Orla, Ieuan and mostly Mikey running charge, being the most aware by his gesticulating.
“Get in! I knew you two were eyeing one another, I could just tell. Will you aren’t fooling no one, believe me.”
“You were watching from the office?” Will calls out, “Little shit!”
“Nah, we all were, you had an audience.”
Then Ieuan butts in, thankfully to Will’s evident stressing; “Shut up, you didn’t have to even do that.” He’d then acknowledge Will and James, “Happy for you both, but Mikey’s slight point stands, you two were leaving us guessing for too long.”
Then you could see how the girls were simply in a gentle awe, acknowledging with smiles and brief “congratulations” and that’s when Will’s stress simmered a hint lower, more comforted.
Then Will seems to gently take his hand, interlinking it with James’ own moments after, with the positive reinforcement making him a little more cozy to interact with James like that now.
“I guess you could say, the moment that you took my hand, was the best thing that ever happened to me.” James would say, cleverly quoting a lyric.
“I’m in love with you too, Jimbo. You definitely showed me what love is.”
— ah, i enjoyed this sequel and writing it smm! i tried my best to make something out of it in my notes lol - hope it isn’t too terrible 🥲 i also love the fact i incorporated the 1975, since james cites them one of his fav bands (as do i), and i thought it was cute to add the songs ‘fallingforyou’ and ‘jesus christ 2005 god bless america’ because the lyrics to those really set this tone so well honestly!
hope you enjoyed this first little fic thing i whipped up :) you can also follow me over on ao3 at @ironysokayisuppose which is linked with my blog over at @mattynotinnet if you’d like! i also post multifandom content there 💪🏻 again this is for fun, and i just wanted to see if it would appeal to the ukyt audience here lol