sunburnt lips and summer feet

i'll capture your king

[nellfawley]

lexbragnam​:

.

To say Lex was surprised by the kiss was an understatement, but it was a pleasant surprise. A small amount of happiness in such uncertain times. Grief often had a way of helping you realize the things you were missing or simply the things you had wanted but had been denying yourself.

Lex had been denying himself making any moves letting Nell grief in her own time but that had led them here seeking comfort in each other after nearly a year of dancing around his feelings.

His hands gripped her waist, holding her closer, as if holding on for dear life. In that moment it was all too possible that she was the air he needed to keep living.

.

Time. Man’s most damning downfall.

Was she a fool for not seeing what’d be sitting in front of her for so very long, or was she brainy for finally understanding the lesson of it all? She waited and she waited and she waited for life to catch up to her, when in reality, they’d been at the same level for so very long.

Nell did not spoil her hopes, nor the moment, by pulling away to whisper she was leaving for good. They deserved to pretend for a few moments, to pretend everything made sense in this fucked up time, even when time did not.

fin.

[nellfawley]

lexbragnam​:

Lex allowed himself to be wrapped up in Nell’s embrace, circling his own arms around her in return. She was kind and caring and full of warmth and she had deemed Lex worthy of receiving that warmth. As she spoke, comforting him and reassuring him, he just listened, nodding, his face buried in her hair. 

Lex was usually a pretty laid back individual, a burning hot mess— but laid back all the same. At that moment though, he felt that at any moment he would come entirely undone. 

His own hands moving to cup her face, gently wiping away the tears that had begun to fall. “Thank you.”

.

It was neither the time or place to be kissing in the midst of a tornados of trauma and sadness, but that did not seem to stop Nell, not one bit. Because within a moment’s time, her hands were placed on the side of Lex’s face and she was pulling the boy in closer than she ever had before. Nell should’ve been darting from the kitchen in search of her mother in hopes of getting some ball rolling, but apparently she would stand here with her lips to Lex’s for as long as he’d allow her to. 

It was all a bit unexpected, but was it really?

[nellfawley]

lexbragnam​:

.

Lex worried at his bottom lip. Was he just overreacting? Even if he was there was too much at stake for him not to say something. He would rather be wrong and that Maeve was simply with a friend then be right and have done nothing to try and find her. “I think Maeve is missing.” He finally said, his throat getting drier with each word. “No one’s heard from her in a few days and with everything that’s going on—” He couldn’t finish the sentence. He knew that Maeve wasn’t confident in her magic, that she struggled with it. If she had run into trouble— he didn’t want to think about it.

.

It was hard for Nell, to see anyone she loved experiencing any type of anguish. Whether it be her step-father having his job overrun by the shift of the statute, or her mother going back to work having just lost one of her greatest creations. She began to ache, too, thinking of her own sister. Eliza had never had a voice, nor dreams or wants of her own. She hadn’t been allowed to reach that stage of her life and there had been nothing that could have prevented it, but even now, Nell grieved. She grieved everyday, behind her kind words and smile.

Today, she allowed the façade to fall. Maybe her own vulnerability would be a comfort. Nell abandoned the coffee pot in favor of enveloping Lex into her arms. A hand cradled the back of his head, thin fingers raking through the soft, brown locks there.

“My mum will help, I promise you.” She thought for a moment, hoping the solution she proposed would do anything, “She’s gone back into the Auror office, she’ll help. I promise.” Tears dripped from her cheeks down to the shoulder of Lex’s shirt. The desperation of making sure his sister would be okay, too, had brought out emotions she hadn’t felt in years. Eliza, Maeve, it did not matter. She had the ability to fight now. “Okay, Lex?”

[nellfawley]

lexbragnam​:

When: 08 November 1980 Where: 66 Macduff Road Who: Lex Bragnam & @nellfawley​

Lex was starting to worry— after confirming with Maeve’s job, his parents, and her flatmates that no one had seen her— he was truly freaking out. It wasn’t exactly like her to just disappear on him, and with the state of the world, with the statute falling, he feared for the worst. 

He sat across from Nell in a daze, his eyes snapping to her after a moment, as he realized she had been speaking. “I’m sorry—” He began, trying to clear his head. “My head ain’t really here today isit?”

.

“Do you want to tell me why? We could find it.” Nell turned to face Lex, coffee carafe in hand. Her mum had ordered a fancy new machine and she was taking it upon herself to learn the ins and outs. No longer preoccupied with such an irrelevant task, worry etched itself across her features. At this point in time, stress was running high for everybody. Did he really need a reason?

[nellfawley]

marlenethemenace​:

.

Marlene stuck her tongue out instinctively, once the shock of the joke began to fade. The corners of her mouth crinkled in a sheepish way, humbled that Nell remembered such an intimate detail about her. She had barely touched her drink, but she was ready to abandon it, jacket and purse swinging merrily.

“Why don’t we go and find out?” Together.

.

Just as she had at Lake Norman, Nell dove in head first. There was a dose of pep to her step as she walked along, her exposed toes in sandals a bit chilly, but not minding them any business. She had a pair of mismatch socks tucked away to keep herself comfy if autumn decided to be too nippy, but the smile she wore was enough to warm all of the U.K. The journey was long and even treacherous at times, but she was collecting every piece of herself she’d ignored along the way, and pieces she never knew existed.

fin.

[nellfawley]

marlenethemenace​:

.

“Yeah, you do.” Was it admiration in her voice then? Respect? Something Marlene had not associated with Nell Fawley in a very long time. Surely it had been no different the other way around, but she hoped, strangely, that Nell might be able to see her like this again one day. Marlene, the smart and ambitious witch she’d grown and learned alongside for so long. Maybe, one day, at least one of them would see her like that again. “Anyone who can stomach chilled tea has got the world as their oyster, yeah?”

.

Nell thought for a second to mention Janey. To tell Marlene all the adventures of the girl from one of the Carolinas who’d taught her a thing or two about living in only a couple of months. Part of it, now, felt rather braggy, but she wondered if that’s how Clem and Marlene had felt all along together. Two peas in a pod. Hmm. Today, though, Nell decided to keep that corner of paradise all to herself, growing grin plastered to her face the longer she sat beside Marlene.

“I think I’d say the same for people who enjoy firewhisky floats.”

She attempted something new, “I’ve been dying for a stack of blueberry pancakes. Does Winnie’s do floats still?”

[nellfawley]

marlenethemenace​:

.

Marlene snorted, sneezing out with it the last bit of tension she had carried into the shop with her. “No wonder we stopped being friends.” As though something so simple and inconsequential had torn them apart. As though what had torn them apart was so easy to make a bygone of. “Are you going to be a professional Sudoku player?”

.

“That’s right, you eternal bad influence.” This was the first time Nell felt she could joke of the situation. She would accept all of her wrongdoings, but to not make light of the egotistical nature of a teenager would be inhumane. So, Nell laughed and she laughed at herself. 

She allowed herself a large gulp of caffeine before divulging the not-so-interesting truth that lay ahead, “No, but I wouldn’t mind accounting.” Nell caught Marlene’s eye, to make sure she wasn’t sawing logs yet. “I have options.”

[nellfawley]

marlenethemenace​:

.

The shock was still fresh when the punch came rolling into Marlene’s gut. Wasn’t that why, out of the wholly vacant cafe, she’d come over here? Why she gravitated to Nell whenever the pair of witches were in the same room? It was game of chicken, of truth and dare. Daring Nell to prove herself a villain. Eschewing, for just a little bit, the idea that she might have deserved to be abandoned by Nell. But now, she thought she might have eschewed it forever. The very thing that come between them had gone now, leaving nothing but a pair of mugs and charged conversation. Marlene didn’t relish in the karma, but she did savor the moment as she marked it with a white flag.

“Not even a little bit.” Curiously, Marlene leaned forward, cheek falling against her knuckles. “What changed your mind?”

.

It had not been something Nell had been searching far and wide for through the scope of a monocular telescope on her metaphorical pirate ship, but the sudden validation was nice. Nice. Not everyone liked the word, but Nell used it to describe her granny’s familiar knitted blankets and her mother’s long hugs. This was all very nice.

“I think Clem helped,” she spoke after another silent beat, her lips curving up into a smile unintentionally. “And you.” They were choosing their own paths and changing their minds as they grew. Could she not, as well? Then she chuckled, “I love maths, Marlene.”

[elisabetholsens]

[nellfawley]

percivalrobards​:

.

“August,” Percy nodded, not giving much of an answer past that. Somehow, and he wasn’t sure when, he had grown a soft spot for Nell. Much like the one he held for Mary. So whilst he didn’t much mind that he hadn’t seen her until today, he was glad to be doing so now.

He was surprised by the statement, but only showed it in a blink of his eyes. After everything with Clem, he was all for anyone avoiding the Academy. The only reason he was still there was Billie, and lack of any passion for a different type of career for himself. “Well, good for you.” He stuffed his hands into the pockets of black jeans as he spoke. “But muggle uni, huh?”

.

“Muggle uni,” Nell confirmed, tight smile gracing her features as two brown eyes danced around between Percy’s eyebrows (unable to make real eye contact) and looking for Janey. Thankfully, her American friend could catch any hint, clear as day, and skipped back over only seconds after. 

Janey’s fingers intertwined with Nell’s, the girls connected at the hands in the middle of the Farmer’s Market, staring down the boy. Because that’s what he was, was he not, a boy? Maybe Nolan’s ridiculous belief had gotten into her head, but wasn’t a man meant to be respectful? He was a boy. Respected was one of the few things she felt today. Janey chimed in, killing the silence, “Hola, hey again, we’ve got film tickets, Perry, but have a blast boiling that pasta.” She did wink at him, but there was nothing flirtatious about it.

As the women stalked away, Nell shook her head with embarrassed laughter, “Thank you for that. I was about to melt from humiliation. You could’ve at least made the lie believable. I never see films.”

“Who cares?” Janey reassured, knowing best, “You don’t owe him anything.”

Huh, Nell hadn’t thought of that. It would help to remember, even if it wouldn’t bring clarity to her conflicting emotions immediately.

fin.

[nellfawley]

lexbragnam​:

.

Lex couldn’t help but be in awe of how much more comfortable Nell seemed with herself after her time abroad. Though he couldn’t deny that it had done him a world of good as well, likely in vastly different ways, but it didn’t matter, what mattered is that Nell seemed happy. Different than when she had left, but not at all in a bad way. Setting out on your own could be an excellent way to find yourself— discover who you’re meant to be or what it is that brings you true joy in life and that was something that he wished Nell had found for herself— or at least was on her way towards. 

A smile split across his face at her comment. “You’re doing a bang up job. Truly. Eleven out of Ten if I had to score it.” He said with a laugh. “That’s what you’re doing then, yeah? Taking some time from school to just be.”

.

It was effortless how lovely Lex’s kindness always made Nell feel, encapsulated in a warmth she could now only describe as hot as the Carolina sun mid-July. It was swift, quiet, but it did not go unnoticed that she finally saw something different through her mind’s familiar view-finder. Light, happy, compassionate. Admirable, attractive.

Merlin’s beard, Nell fancied Lex. 

Crushes were rare, just as rare as juggling the two she now had. She gave herself time to respond by stalling with another bite of food. “To just be. That’s exactly it,” she still could not help smiling. Oh, what a pickle. She wished she could’ve just fried it and been done with it all, side of spicy mayo.

fin.

[nellfawley]

marlenethemenace​:

.

Once upon a time, Marlene would have relished in Nell’s nervousness. Somewhere in the past, a younger version of herself must have been having a particularly good day from the karma finally come back around. Nell Fawley, all but groveling for a peaceful encounter between the two fo them— But right now, all these years later, it did Marlene no good. “I don’t really know enough about mixing drinks to judge it,” she reassured Nell instead. “But I’m an ace at wrapping gifts, if you need the help. I do my dad’s for him every Christmas.”

.

It was not suspicion that rose in Nell, but something rather warm and endearing. She felt as if she could have been the present being meticulously wrapped with care. Nervousness be gone (or at the least, for the moment), she took one more better-safe-than-sorry sip of the beverage, and turned her knees so they met Marlene’s to her side.

“I’m not going to the Academy,” she admitted all too suddenly, before beginning to chuckle, “and I really thought this would be the thing that broke the camel’s back between Nolan and I for good, but he’s been... supportive? Yup, supportive’s the correct word here.” She continued to laugh gently. “I don’t know, maybe I assume to worst of people to protect myself. It all sounds idiotic now.”

[nellfawley]

percivalrobards​:

.

Percy’s gaze followed Janey for a moment, before it moved back to Nell. “S’good to hear. You been back long?” Percy’s tone was casual, as was his stance, completely oblivious to the stir he had seemingly caused in the witch standing in front of him. But he still meant his words, despite how few they were. He’d grown fond of Nell’s company over the more recent months. A lot more so than when they’d been younger and she’d been trailing after him with Marlene and Clem. Back then she’d just been another of his sisters annoying friends. Now though – 

“Oh yeah?” The comment surprised him. “What about The Academy?” Last he’d heard from her she was going for the Academy, always having to seem to want it more than the rest of them. Except Gawain, of course. “She did, actually. We had a party for her – just a small one, in the park.” It was still weird to think about, how grown up she was already getting.

.

“I’ve lost track of time... when did I come back?” A digit rubbed at her chin as she thought about it, really never one for remembering specific dates. If it weren’t for the calendar she carried around with constant reminders, she’d be lost. Lost as heck. “August, twenty-something, around there. Last month,” she finalized once and for all. A piece of her wondered if he cared it’d taken so long to see him, the other piece of her knew it did not matter.

This was going to become a regular thing, telling everyone she’d ever known that she wasn’t pursuing what she’d already given up so much for. Nell did not feel nervous saying so this time, though, “I’m not going to be an Auror.”

[nellfawley]

lexbragnam​:

.

Lex let out a laugh at the expression. Quite a peculiar saying but it got its point across. He was familiar with sweltering heat from his own travels once upon a time and could only imagine what the weather was like in The States. “Well it looks great on you.” He said with a warm smile. “I hope that means you had a good time abroad. Not coming back miserable and pasty.”

Lex let out a soft laugh as Nell’s eyes moved from him to her order. “Don’t hold back on my account.” He was happy to hear she was back at least for a while. In an attempt to make meaningful lasting relationships with people, he was glad he’d have a better opportunity to be a good friend to Nell. “I started work at the Ministry, well— it’s just an internship, but it’s in the department I want and it’s a foot in the door!” He could talk about his work all day long but he feared it would just bore her, instead he moved on to the latter part of the question. “Family is good, Maeve’s got herself a job that I think she hates but she’s working two degrees and she likes to keep busy. Summer’s are always mum’s busy season at the bakery and me da’ well he’s just a happy fella.”

.

Lex had always been open, but today it had her smiling more than usual, because the way he casually detailed his family’s summer, transported Nell back a few ages to a place where she was still a part of something special. She’d be a Cornwall Crybaby again -- certainly she’d shed enough tears lately to be completely qualified. And even as the illusion of better times faded away before Nell’s vision, her tender smile remained unwavering. It was okay to think of the past, but it was better if you learned to appreciate what you’d had, rather than dwell on what you’d lost. Janey had given Nell the tools the get to this place of contentment, but all the progress along the way? She could take her own credit for it.

“You’re going to have to teach me a thing or two about gap years,” she leaned forward, to take a satisfying sip of Coca-Cola -- her newest obsession from summer, besides the toe ring. “Do I look to be doing it right thus far?”

[nellfawley]

percivalrobards​:

For someone who had rarely set foot in Banchory in the first twenty-one years of his life, Percy found himself spending quite some time there over the last years. In between the gym, Clem, and Marlene, and Billie’s new found fascination with the stars, it felt like he was almost always there now. He was just on his way home after a post-work training session, when he decided to swing past the markets for something for dinner before heading to relieve Anna from babysitting duty.

He was looking over the contents at a stall selling pre-made pasta’s when he looked up, making eye contact with Nell. Handing over the coins for something the Italian wizard was explaining in broken English contained chicken and pesto, he headed over to the pair. Blue eyes moved from Nell to Janey, an appreciative look on his face as he took her in. “Perc,” he introduced himself. “S’nice to meet you, Janey.” He certainly wouldn’t mind getting to know the witch better. His gaze moved back to Nell, a slightly more genuine, albeit small, settling onto his features. “You’re back, then?”

.

“I’m not a clone,” she attempted to joke, unaware if sarcasm was a look that fit her or not. A glance towards Janey, who was laughing, gave her the extra boost. “It’s really me,” she finished, forcing a small laugh of her own. Apparently, humor is how she’d decided to bandage up her bleeding wound today, because Percy’s look had not gone unnoticed by anyone. That’s when she remembered why she did not mind being an unobservant being, because this sick feeling in her stomach was not serving her well at all.

Janey had given a kind smile and an excuse to stalk off and pretend to ogle at nuts nearby. With the art of friendship, had come the act of communication. Nell, of course, had told the North Carolina native all about the blue eyed boy she’d come to fancy an embarrassing amount. It sure felt embarrassing now, how invisible she felt.

“I’m back for good,” she nodded her head, tendrils falling all about. “Believe it or not, I’ve, um, decided to take a gap year of sorts, before venturing out towards a muggle uni.” Instead of asking about the academy, Nell reminded herself Percy was still very much her friend, and she was allowed to ask of personal things, too. “How’s Billie doing? Did she enjoy her first birthday?” Nell did not remember birthdays; this meant something.

[nellfawley]

marlenethemenace​:

.

It was a cheesy line, which was Marlene bought into it. She plopped down into the chair opposite Nell, paying no mind to how high her skirt bunched up against her tights when she sat, nor to just how much of her latte was splashing out of the cup and onto table. For a moment, she sat quietly, sopping up the liquid with a handful of crumpled napkins. But curiosity got the best of Marlene in the end, as it so often did.

“What did you order?”

.

“Um, tea? and vodka. It’s chilled tea. I earned the strangest of looks when I ordered and-- You’re about to look at me the same way.” Nell’s front teeth sunk into her bottom lip momentarily, but she attempted to back up her decision with a healthy dose of confidence. She made herself smile, “The squeeze of lemon really pulls it all together, the metaphorical cherry on top, or bow to a present. God, I’ve never really been able to wrap a gift for the life of me. Nolan’s birthday is coming up and he’s going to be stuck with a gift bag again.”

Confidence turned to rambles and the only way to shut her own self up was by taking in a healthy gulp of vodka tea.

[nellfawley]

when: 19 September 1980 where: Farmer’s Market; Banchory who: Nell + @percivalrobards​

It had not happened in so long, such a deep bout of insecurity that had Nell wanting to hide her face behind the nearby Autumn squashes. Janey and all 5′10 of her stood beside Nell, as radiant as can be and only feet away did her brown eyes catch the sight of him approaching. First, she wished to never feel this way again. A self-conscious flame burned brightly inside her being and it should never have have existed, never because of Janey. This felt all too dirty. And two, she felt shame for wondering if his reputation with beautiful women would proceed him or not. Third and final, she hoped he would not look their way. She didn’t always get what she asked.

“Oh hi, Perc.” Metaphorically, she took a deep breath and hoped this one introduction would not change everything for her. “This is my best friend, Janey.” 

Nell was a horrible, awful person.