Maybe I'm Lucky

"hold my beer and watch this."

[one-lucky-lad]

inperfection-ashlee​:

Flour Bouquet {Michael & Ashlee}

Ashlee laughed at the thought of it, rolling her eyes at her boyfriend. “We won’t make it too spicy. So then you never need to know whether or not I’ll think less of you. Plus there’s always a bottle of hot sauce when someone needs it to be a little more spicy. Like me.”

“We can do this one, 5 Spice Mango. The mango shouldn’t make it too spicy.” Ashlee marked the page and brushed off some flour to make a space on the counter as she grabbed all the spices. “Can you cut up the veggies? We can do a chicken protein?”

Michael liked to chop up vegetables. It was his favorite part about cooking when he actually had to do it. Everything else felt too much like waiting around in his opinion, but when he was chopping, he was actually doing something. That was another reason sauces were fun.

Lots of chopping. 

Michael nodded at Ashlee, walking around behind her to get to the refrigerator and grab the veggies. On the way back, he let his hand linger just a moment on the small of her back as he reached over to grab the knife. 

“Where do you keep the cutting board?” he asked. “I’m ready to get to work?” 

[one-lucky-lad]

inperfection-ashlee​:

Flour Bouquet {Michael & Ashlee} 

That was cute, Ashlee kind of wondered what it would be like to have a relationship like that with her mom. There were so many dishes that she knew how to make that Ashlee didn’t because she never taught her.

Ashlee’s focus had never been about learning skills from her mother. From holding onto moments that were like magic. Like sauces. It just made her feel lonely again. But she wouldn’t focus on that.

“We can put pretty much anything, plus if we make enough for Simba and Ber they won’t get too made coming into a destroyed kitchen.” Ashlee teased, “Might make sure they continue to like you considering you’re not an accessory to destroying this kitchen.” Ashlee continued bouncing slightly on her heels with a grin as she flipped between the pages. “They have a few, a simple 3 ingredient one. How are you with spice?”

.

Ah yes, Simba and Ber, the terrifying adoptive father-figures that Michael was dying to impress. Ber seemed very cool, like he might not be too harsh on Michael, but Simba was another story. Simba was nice. He was very nice to everyone and a lot of people liked him. Michael could see that he was nice, but he could also see that he cared about Ashlee enough to murder a young man and hide his body where it would never be found. 

Ha. 

So like, if he really thought about it, this stir fry was like a test. Like, if he made a huge mess and it sucked really bad and Ashlee didn’t have a good time making it, Simba could kick him out of his house forever. 

Michael pulled himself out of his anxiety spiral at Ashlee’s question and he laughed at himself. “Uh, I like it, but it’s really hard for me to handle. Spice turns me into one of those people with a runny nose and watery eyes. It’s actually rather embarrassing. I do like the way it tastes, though, and if you like spice I think we should make it spicy. I just ask that you don’t think less of me when I have to wipe at my face every thirty seconds.” 

[one-lucky-lad]

inperfection-ashlee​:

Flour Bouquet {Michael & Ashlee}

Ashlee watched his eyes and her cheeks burned her toes curling up in the fuzzy socks she wore around the house. It wouldn’t be a lie that she wanted Michael to kiss her.

That’s what couples do. But she wasn’t going to ask. And it wasn’t like she could just lean up and kiss him herself, not without dragging him down. But he changed the subject and Ashlee could breath again as she pulled away.

“I don’t know actually. But flour is one of those staple ingredients that a lot of recipes need so I thought I would bring it out.” Grabbing the recipe book Ashlee showed it to him. “Stir fry, a soup, a rice dish? I made sure we had all the main ingredients.”

.

Michael still very much wanted to kiss Ashlee. In fact, as she turned away, the urge to take her hand and pull her back was so strong that he almost did it. But he was going to wait until it felt more right. There was a difference between kissing a girl at a party, quick and hungry, and kissing Ashlee. He liked Ashlee. He liked the way she seemed to know exactly what she wanted. He liked the way she looked standing there in her fuzzy socks. He liked that she could keep him on his toes. 

Michael looked at the cook book and hummed quietly. “I think stir fry could be really fun and we could make rice with it too. I have this thing about making sauces,” he said, wandering up to the counter. “Cooking is like, I don’t know, sort of magical in its own way. My mum, she used to make the most delicious things out of so many ingredients and I would stand there and wonder how she did it all. Especially with sauces. Every time she made a sauce, I would stand there and tell her there was no way it was going to taste good and I was always wrong. Does that book have a recipe for the stir fry sauce? We could make it and see how it comes out.” 

The refrigerator was close by and Michael walked over and opened it up. “There are a lot of veggies in here, too, so that’s good. What should we put in it?” 

[one-lucky-lad]

inperfection-ashlee​:

Flour Bouquet {Michael & Ashlee}

“Not too bad, Simone has been chasing her around the house but she’s really taken to my room so it’s a good sanctuary for her. Plus Simone is easier to catch than Juni.” Even if Simone could drag Ashlee along if she wanted to.

Blushing again as they entered the Kitchen Ashlee sighed against his grin. “You’re stuck helping me clean up at the end of this so I don’t know what you think is going to be fun.” Ashlee wiped off some of the flour off the counter setting her hands on his chest so he was slightly coated in it as well.

Ashlee placed her flour coated hands on his chest and Michael paused, wondering not for the first time what it would be like to kiss her. Obviously this was not the perfect time. Right? Or maybe it was. Maybe he could just lean down and gently touch their lips together and everything would be soft and sweet and nice. 

No. He wasn’t going to do that quite yet. “I’m very good at cleaning kitchens,” he said, his voice a little quieter than he intended. His eyes flickered from her eyes down to her mouth and then back up just as quickly and he cleared his throat. 

“What are we making with all of this flour anyway?” 

[one-lucky-lad]

inperfection-ashlee​:

Flour Bouquet {Michael & Ashlee} 

Ashlee blushed under the flour at Michael’s face turning her head if only so she could hide it. And hopefully she did a decent job. Though she had a feeling that he saw it anyway.

But as Ashlee was soon learning. Juniper was a great distraction. And with the door closed she didn’t need to worry about her getting out. “I might just cover you in flour and then there’s no worry about getting our hands dirty at all.” Ashlee quipped when her cheeks were back to normal.

“This is Juniper. I’m fostering her for a bit. Most likely will adopt but i wanted to make sure she would be happy here with all the dogs. So Greg suggested fostering.”

.

The cat was seriously so cute, especially covered in flour like the little troublemaker she clearly was, and Michael made sure to give her some really good chin scratches before standing up and smiling back over at Ashlee. He laughed a little, her comment about covering him in flour striking him as pleasantly flirty, and glanced back down at the cat. Juniper. 

“Juniper is such a pretty name,” he said. “How has she been doing with the dogs so far?” 

Michael took another step inside and followed Ashlee as she led him to the kitchen. “She seems like she’s doing great,” he said. “I bet she’s ruling the house. Those dogs probably don’t stand a chance.” 

His eyes went a little wide when he spotted the mess in the kitchen and he looked at Ashlee, grinning. “This looks like it’s going to be fun.” 

[one-lucky-lad]

inperfection-ashlee​:

Flour Bouquet {Michael & Ashlee}

Michael was coming over, and while Ashlee had SOME cooking skills considering she had lived with Simba and Berlioz for a year it wasn’t perfect, or near good enough to make a meal without the assistance of a cook book.

Which was out on the island with a bunch of ingredients that were common among all recipes so her and her boyfriend could figure out what to make.

Juniper was also in the kitchen exploring while the dogs were out on a walk, she was still learning the house and needed the chance to explore. Except well in Ashlee’s intent to be ready for anything and Juni’s need to explore the cat jumped onto the counter knocking over a bag of flour causing it to land everywhere in the kitchen and on her and Juni.

Low and behold there was a knock on the door and Ashlee narrowed her eyes at her Juniper.

“You’re going to cause me lots of trouble huh?” scratching her head Ashlee sighed heading to the front door and immediately fixing Michael with a look when she opened the door.

“Don’t you dare laugh.”

@one-lucky-lad

.

Michael wasn’t going to laugh, honest, but when Ashlee spoke, it became so much harder not to smile at her. So he did, innocently, of course, and he nodded his head. “Why would I laugh?” he asked. “You look lovely.” And it was true. Ashlee always looked good, but right now she looked stunning, and honestly, the flour was maybe helping. Michael couldn’t help but think about the fact that she’d been preparing for their date and that made his chest fill with warmth for her and her efforts. 

He’d made an effort as well, of course. He’d done some research the night before on simple recipes, wondering what Ashlee would have in store for him. He was an okay cook--definitely not a gourmet chef--and he had a few very good classics up his sleeve. For instance, he could make a very good spaghetti, which was a very good one to have, and his chicken noodle soup was basically legendary in the Darling household. 

So yes, he’d made an effort and he’d dressed nicely too, but he actually couldn’t wait to get covered in flour with Ashlee, his nice shirt be damned. 

“I’m excited to get in there and see what we can accomplish,” he said. “I think we’ll be able to make a pretty mean dish, seeing as how we both don’t mind getting our hands dirty.” 

Just then Michael heard a little meow coming from below him and he looked down, spotting a little cat all covered in flour. He cooed and knelt down. “Oh  my gosh,” he said, reaching out to pet the cat’s chin. It sniffed at his hand and then rubbed against him. “You must be our little helper for today. You’re so cute.” 

[one-lucky-lad]

inperfection-ashlee​:

Double Bogey | Henleigh + Michael/Ashlee

ashleigh-inyourdreams​:

charmed-henry:

Henry had reached for his wallet, too, but Michael was too quick. He tried not to look too bothered by it, smiling tightly. Michael just always seemed to be able to do the proper thing first, better. For the most part, Henry liked that about him, but it did always make him a little annoyed, too. And just a bit suspicious.

But he wasn’t going to be petty. Of course not.

“Right, then, blue it is for me. I’ll keep score,” Henry said, taking the blue golf ball, a club, and one of the score sheets with the tiny pencils. “Ladies first, then?” He gestured to the first hole, a rather straightforward setup with a few bumps. 

@ashleigh-inyourdreams @inperfection-ashlee @one-lucky-lad

.

As they paid and got their golf balls, Ashleigh had to admit: Michael was not a bad catch for Ashlee. He was predictable, safe, rich, nice. Basically a Henry clone, honestly, except for a shady secret Order background, he was a Darling…

Which was much more complicated than her TT was aware of. And that was the part that Ashleigh needed to be careful of. 

But it was time to golf. 

“I’ll go!” said Ashleigh breezily. She sauntered up, placed her ball down, and then hit it with juuuust enough force. It went all the way down the green, but didn’t go straight into the hole. That was fine, she actually didn’t care about this all that much and she knew Henry’s ego would prefer a win.

“Oh darn,” she pouted. “I guess you boys have to show me how to do it right.” 

@inperfection-ashlee @one-lucky-lad​ @charmed-henry​ 

Ashlee watched Ashleigh with a smile, whether or not Ashleigh was pouting and considering she probably did this on purpose too. She was still smiling at her friend.

“Girl’s first so I’m next.” Ashlee skipped forward to take Ashleigh’s place as she set hers down. Considering it was the first hole and Ashlee just needed to hit it straight she was going to do her best.

She didn’t expect much as she did, but it rolled right passed Ashleigh’s pausing on the edge before dropping in. “Oh wow beginners luck I guess?”

@one-lucky-lad​ @charmed-henry​ @ashleigh-inyourdreams​

.

Michael threw his hands up into the air and cheered. “Yeah, look at that! Way to go Ashlee!” He hadn’t really expected the ball to go in, which was probably not right of him at all. Ashlee had every reason to be good at golf and not thinking she would be was probably a little bit of a stereotype. Maybe it was having Ashleigh around. On her own, Ashlee seemed smart, poised, strong and so many other things, but next to Ashleigh...it was almost like a weird pack mentality took both of them over. 

Girls with their group of friends were honestly a bit intimidating to Michael sometimes and Ashleigh seemed a bit scary in that very opinionated strong-girl way where she would simply declare Michael wasn’t good enough and everyone would accept her opinion as fact. No offense to Henry at all, but he had a very good idea who pulled all the strings in that relationship...

It was fine, though. Ashleigh seemed nice enough. All Michael had to do was win her over.  

Michael walked up to Ashlee with a hand raised for a high five. “That was awesome. Now here I go. Gotta try to keep the streak alive right!” 

Michael dropped his ball and lined up his shot before hitting the ball with just enough force to drop it in the hole. He grinned up at his date. “Power couple,” he said with a laugh and went to fetch the balls. 

“Alright, Henry. Let’s see what you’ve got.” 

@charmed-henry​ @ashleigh-inyourdreams​ @inperfection-ashlee​

[one-lucky-lad]

darling-lost-boy​:

Have a Drink on Me | Little Darlings

Danny blinked as he listened to Michael. Then realized he was kind of staring and took another sip of his dirt-beer, just for something to do with himself. This wasn’t what he expected from Michael. Danny did that sometimes: made assumptions. He wasn’t sure why. Because that was what narrative dictated: tropes and clichés. 

Obviously, Michael was the pretty boy sporty boy cliché. Not the dick jock cliché. But still: one who was rich and handsome and didn’t take school that seriously because he could coast by. Who was friends with everyone. And, in Danny’s defense, he kinda got that vibe from Michael during the semester. After all, he had memorized his cousin’s schedule and often found him on the other side of campus from his class. Or Michael slogged back from a class and complained about it. 

So–hearing him talking about liking certain classes. Liking World Religion–which was pretty cerebral. Was…a bit shocking.

Not in a bad way. Just in a–surprised kind of way.

“Oh, uh–I’m taking Illustrations of Magic in Children’s Literature and a Concept Art class. Definitely enjoying the Children’s Lit one more, but both are interesting. I guess–the Children’s Lit one is just slightly more creative. Concept Art is all about like…the strategy of concept art. Which is important but it’s just kinda obvious sounding a lot of times. And we don’t actually get to draw much.”

.

Michael didn’t have a single artistic bone in his entire body. It was a bit of a disappointment to his family sometimes he felt, but John and Wendy were definitely the recipients of all of those genes. In a lot of ways, Michael was like his father where his siblings were more like their mother and Michael swore he’d come to terms with that. At times like this though, he wished for just a small bit of that artistry that came so easy to his brother and sister. If he had it, he could use it to relate to his cousin. 

As it was, Michael was mostly just in awe that Danny could take a class about Concept Art and actually know what it was talking about. Children’s Lit, on the other hand, sounded fantastic and Michael almost wished he could find a way to squeeze it into his own schedule. He was sure it would remind him of when he was a kid and Wendy would tell him the most amazing stories. The real Wendy--before she’d been stolen away from them. 

“Do you get to write in Children’s Lit?” Michael asked. “Or do you mostly just read? I feel like that class could be a lot of fun if they let you write  your own children’s stories. Wendy would be very good at that--probably get the best grade in the class and ruin the curve. I bet you’re good at it too. You seem like you’d be able to weave a fun story.” 

[one-lucky-lad]

inperfection-ashlee:

Double Bogey | Henleigh + Michael/Ashlee

ashleigh-inyourdreams:

charmed-henry:

They had been dating almost nine months, but Ashleigh’s hand on his arm still made Henry feel a little twinge of warmth. Suddenly, he was excited about the lake holiday all over again, and much less nervous. He smiled at Ashleigh. This next song even had a little bit of a beat. Things were already looking up.

“Oh, my father and I go every year in Windermere. It’s quite beautiful out there,” Henry said proudly. “Greenest place you’ve ever seen. Last year it rained, but it was completely worth it.” He glanced at Ashleigh. “And there are loads of other things to do there, too. The lakes are beautiful, of course, and there’s also a spa, and really it’s just a nice excuse to get everyone together. You’ll love it.”

@ashleigh-inyourdreams @inperfection-ashlee @one-lucky-lad

.

Sure, she should love it.

Any girl with a heart would love it.

Ashleigh didn’t have a heart though. She had a thornbush in its place, guarding a rose. Henry could try to reach for the rose, but he’d never touch those fragile petals. No one would, ever. 

Well. Except for her sweet Ashleys. They were the only ones.

But like always, Ashleigh played her part. She knew it so well; in fact, with Henry, it felt like she had played the part of dutiful, sweet, rich, beautiful girlfriend for two lifetimes. Stroke his ego, wear gorgeous things, go to the spa while the men talked politics. She knew how to do it all. 

“It literally sounds like a dream!” Ashleigh giggled. “I love getting away. It always makes returning home sweeter, too, don’t you think? Everything old feels new again.” 

They pulled into the golf place at that moment and Henry parked the car. “Alright! Let’s get our clubs. I call red, just by the way, Ashlee calls green.” 

@inperfection-ashlee 

@one-lucky-lad 

@charmed-henry

Ashlee was here trying to flirt with Michael and he was more concerned about what Henry’s skill level was? Was she that bad at flirting? It wasn’t that unreasonable considering she had never been the one to flirt much out of her friends. But still.

Stepping out of the car Ashlee easily slipped her arm through Ashleigh Q’s. Maybe this was supposed to be a double date but she wanted to hold onto Ashleigh for a little bit. “What are your favourite colours?” Ashlee questioned from her spot on Ashleigh’s arm.

@one-lucky-lad @charmed-henry @ashleigh-inyourdreams

.

Michael was excited. He liked mini-golf a lot--definitely more than regular golf--and he was out here about to have fun with his friends. And his date. He looked over at Ashlee, her arm hooked through Ashleigh’s and he smiled at her, big and bright. She was seriously so pretty and he was lucky she was here with him. 

“I like yellow,” he said, walking up closer to the girls. When they reached the desk, Michael took out his card to pay for everyone before Henry could manage. It was only fair since Henry had driven them all here and it had been mostly his idea. 

“Are you guys ready for this? I haven’t done this in so long. I’m so excited.” 

@charmed-henry​ @ashleigh-inyourdreams​ @inperfection-ashlee​

[one-lucky-lad]

darling-lost-boy​:

Have a Drink on Me | Little Darlings 

Danny grabbed his beer, pulling it towards him. He looked at it rather dubiously as it foamed before lifting it to his lips. The only other drink of alcohol Danny had ever had was once, when he had been about fourteen. He’d been out on the boat with Jane and handed him her vodka and orange juice to try. Which he’d done, because he wanted to be cool like his big sister. 

It had burned and he’d wounded up coughing so hard he felt like he might cough up a lung. This was not that. It didn’t burn. It went down like any other fizzy soda drink or what not. Except, it didn’t taste sweet. Honestly, it tasted like dirt. Not terrible dirt. Edible dirt, but still dirt. At least he didn’t make a face. In his opinion, he was extremely brave for how well he’d taken that.

“Oh, uh,” Danny said and cleared his throat a little. There was a part of him that wanted to launch into how much he was liking his Illustrations in Magical Children’s Literature class (their big summer project was making a children’s book themselves), but he didn’t want Michael to think he was lame for…actually liking school. And summer school especially because there were less people. (There were not a lot of people in general because PrideU was small, but still.) 

“They’re chill, I guess. Kind of sucks we don’t have a real summer though, right?”

.

Danny sort of shrugged off the question and Michael frowned into his beer. He wanted to talk to Danny. He wanted to get to know him better and have an actual conversation with him that wasn’t just small talk. They were good at small talk. They’d been doing it all semester, and if Michael didn’t step up, act more interested, it was probably all they’d ever do. He didn’t want that. He wanted a friend. 

“I guess,” Michael said. “But sometimes I think classes can be fun. Especially if it’s not a full course load and it’s something you like. I tried to get into World Religions this summer, but it was full, so I’ll probably have to fit it in next semester. Kind of a bummer. If I was taking that class I’d probably actually go to every meeting. It’s fun to learn about the history of what everyone believes, you know? Plus, a lot of people are assholes about religion so it starts a lot of fights. No shortage of intrigue.” 

Michael said all this with a smile and nudged his cousin. “What classes are you taking again? Which one is your favorite?”

[one-lucky-lad]

inperfection-ashlee​:

Double Bogey | Henleigh + Michael/Ashlee

ashleigh-inyourdreams​:

charmed-henry:

So… if Henry was totally honest, he did not like Billie Eilish. He did not understand Billie Eilish. He was sure there was something about this music that spoke to Ashleigh, but he could not wrap his head around what it was. And he had tried. Henry had spent a not-inconsiderable amount of time listening to Billie Eilish on his own, trying to understand what it was that Ashleigh liked about it. And he always came up empty. 

He would have preferred some Justin Bieber or Dua Lipa like Ashlee suggested, but everyone seemed on board with Billie Eilish, so he didn’t say anything contradictory when Ashleigh put the song on, just tried to bob his head to the beat (more like tried to find the beat) and pretended he knew what the devil this song was supposed to be about.

“She’s a creative genius,” Henry said, because that was what people in his art history classes said about artists who Henry thought were frankly kind of terrifying. He was relieved when the topic changed to golf, though. “I’ve have you know, Michael, I actually go every summer when my family goes to the Lake District. So be prepared. Our annual holiday is actually coming up quite soon. Remind me to talk to you about that later, Ashleigh.”

@ashleigh-inyourdreams @inperfection-ashlee @one-lucky-lad

.

Oh ew, sports. 

Ashleigh could not care less about sports, especially something like golf. She had gone to a few football games at the uni over the past fall, mostly because it was a social thing. But she could appreciate aggression and competition in an environment like that. Not golf though. Figures that a boy as boring and safe as Henry would like it– and maybe Michael too? 

And that’s what she was really here for: not golf, but getting to know Michael.

Figuring out his weaknesses.

Like always, Ashleigh played her part. “Oooo, a lake holiday? That sounds so fun. You know how much I love your sisters,” she purred as she touched Henry’s arms. She glanced behind to Ashlee and Michael. “You boys will probably have to give me some tips when it comes to golf. I’m definitely an amateur. What about you, TT?” 

@inperfection-ashlee​ @one-lucky-lad​ @charmed-henry​

Ashlee watched Henry’s head bop to the beat with a small laugh turning her attention back to Michael, she wasn’t trying to make fun of Henry and it was almost cute he was trying to bop to Billie Ellish, especially this song.

“Same, though I’m known to be a challenge so I wouldn’t count myself out.” Ashlee grinned raising an eyebrow at Michael, she might lose but she would go down swinging. “Don’t be too scared if Q and I wipe the floor with you two.”

@one-lucky-lad @charmed-henry @ashleigh-inyourdreams

.

Michael had absolutely no problem letting girls beat him at things. Or, well, not letting, because sometimes girls really could kick his ass and honestly...that was kind of hot. So yeah, if Ashlee was good at golf? That would be amazing. Michael would gladly get his ass handed to him by her. 

He laughed and nodded. “I honestly wouldn’t be surprised if you both beat us,” Michael said, looking at Henry. “I think they have a good chance, don’t you? They both seem like they could be good at it.” 

The song changed, something with an even stronger bass, and it got a little harder to hear so Michael leaned forward. “What do you normally golf, Henry? Just so I know what I’m getting myself into.” 

@charmed-henry​ @ashleigh-inyourdreams​ @inperfection-ashlee​

[one-lucky-lad]

darling-lost-boy​:

Have a Drink on Me | Little Darlings

Danny agreed to a drink because he was feeling a bit…confident.

It was unearned, fake confidence that he’d gotten from a dream. Usually, dreams wouldn’t give Danny delusions of grandeur like this, but it was a shared dream. Which meant there were random people he didn’t even really know who had seen him being a super secret spy. And not a bad one, really. After all, he hadn’t died. A bad spy probably would’ve died.

He’d even had a cool codename. 

It wasn’t Danny who said yes to getting drinks with Michael. It was Barracuda.

Still, two days later, when he had to actually make good on those plans, he felt kind of sheepish but tried to keep his cool spy persona up as he strolled into the bar, his hands in his pockets. 

He slid into the seat next to Michael and stammered over his drink order–a pint too, please. Honestly, Danny didn’t know what that meant. A pint of what? Beer? Did all beer taste the same? Oh shit. Danny didn’t even know what beer tasted like.

This was cool. He was fine.

“Oh, uh, y’know,” Danny said, nodding his head–and nodding his head–realized he was nodding his head. Stopped. “Finishing up my summer classes. What about you?”

[outfit]

.

Michael knew he should probably care more about his summer class. George had wanted him to take more than one and he’d used the excuse that he was still too busy settling in and making friends with all the right people--whatever that meant. It was just--Michael was having a really good time away from all of the--well, bullshit--that came with being a Darling. He hadn’t realized much when he’d been living so close, but sometimes listening to George talk about his future and his life made him feel a bit like a pawn in someone else’s game of chess. 

So yeah, he’d only taken one class, and if he was being honest, he’d skipped quite a few meetings and asked his classmates for notes. 

Danny would never do that, probably. Danny was responsible and good and Michael felt a soft flickering of pride. Michael was proud to be Danny’s cousin. 

“Same here. I didn’t realize how much I would hate going to class in the summer, though,” he added with a laugh. “I guess that doesn’t bode well for me if I do anything besides teach when I graduate. I hear real adults have to go to work five days a week all year round.” 

The bartender returned with their beers and Michael grabbed his and took a drink. “How do you like your classes? Are you learning a lot?” 

[one-lucky-lad]

inperfection-ashlee​:

Double Bogey | Henleigh + Michael/Ashlee

ashleigh-inyourdreams​:

charmed-henry:

Henry always much preferred a nice dinner for a date, but he supposed putt putt golf was probably a good way to break the ice. Not that there was any ice, of course, because he considered himself to be rather friendly both with Ashlee and Michael, but he had never spent time with this group all together before. And, anyway, Henry had spent many summers with his father golfing at Windermere in the Lake District. He considered himself rather good at this.

“Any music requests?” Henry asked, plugging his phone into the aux cord as the rest of the group piled into the car. The putt putt golf was in the Next Town Over, but Henry luckily had a car for this exact purpose. “I’ve got Spotify premium.”

[outfit]

@ashleigh-inyourdreams @inperfection-ashlee @one-lucky-lad

.

Ashleigh was doing this for Ashlee. 

Why else would she waste her time with two boys like Henry or Michael? Oh right, she was dating Henry, lol– and honestly shoving her mandatory weekly plans with him into a date that included Ashlee probably was better for her patience. Though after the Swynlake dream, she was feeling much better, to be honest, as though she’d feasted for days. 

So all in all, she could certainly be in a worse mood. She piled into the front and kissed Henry’s cheek in greeting, making a comment about how excited she was to do this, how she hadn’t done putt-putt in forever. And then as Henry started the car, she reached for his phone.

“Ohhh, well I personally love the new Billie Eilish album. Anyone else?” she said, navigating to it anyway so she could put on a song - GOLDWING. “I’m like so obsessed with this one, though the whole album is so atmospheric and raw.” 

@inperfection-ashlee​ @one-lucky-lad​ 

Ashlee was going on a double date. Something she had never imagine she would be doing but having Ashleigh here was heaven sent for the girl who was dipping her toes into these types of situations.

And she did find Michael quite attractive and fun so having Ashleigh here was just an extra bonus. A benefit for the quieter girl.

“Billie Eilish works, I’ve been working so much on the showcase I’m so out of date with new music. I’ve been listening to a lot more upbeat music lately, Stay - Justin Bieber, Dua Lipa too.” But unless it came on the radio when Ashlee was taking a break she was completely out of touch.

@one-lucky-lad​ @charmed-henry​ @ashleigh-inyourdreams​

.

Michael loved double dates. He and his girlfriend back in London--well, obviously his ex-girlfriend--used to go on double dates all the time and Michael sometimes wondered if he actually preferred them to one on one dating. It was always nice to have other people around to bounce things off of. Especially other guys, because sometimes his ex would get quiet and sort of shut him out and--anyway, none of that had anything to do with his. Micahel slid into the seat, smiled at Ashlee, and then nodded along with what Ashleigh was saying. 

“I like Billie Eilish,” he said, settling in for the ride. “This is going to be so much fun. Henry, be honest. How much golfing have you done in your life?” 

@charmed-henry​ @ashleigh-inyourdreams​ @inperfection-ashlee​

[one-lucky-lad]

Have a Drink on Me | Little Darlings

@darling-lost-boy

Michael had finally convinced Danny to have a drink with him and he was definitely feeling a little smug about it. All semester long, Danny had always been able to say he had homework or he was studying, and Michael hadn’t pushed it. He knew Danny wasn’t really the party type, and to be fair, the times Michael had available to go drinking were usually during like, party hours, so he didn’t blame Danny at all. 

That didn’t mean he didn’t feel victorious as he walked into Pixies, even if it was kind of the middle of the afternoon. He looked around and saw Danny hadn’t arrived yet so he took a seat at the bar. “I’ll have a pint, please,” he told the bartender, then looked up when he heard someone walking up behind him. 

There Danny was, looking more comfortable than Michael had maybe expected (which was good), and he smiled. “And then whatever he wants.” 

This was going to be the day he got Danny to actually talk to him. Maybe. He hoped so anyway. “So, how’s it going?” 

See, off to a great start.

[one-lucky-lad]

charmed-henry​:

A Gentleman’s Guide to Impressing an Ashley | Hike

Henry loved that idea. He lit up at the suggestion. “A double date? Why, that sounds like an excellent idea!” he said cheerfully, imagining himself with Ashleigh, Michael, and Ashlee at a restaurant or maybe a film, all getting along swimmingly. 

The last double date had gone well, in Henry’s opinion, but it had been just a little awkward. Nothing against Devyn and Anna, of course. But since the Ashleys were already lifelong friends, this made it even easier. 

“Here’s what we’ll do. We’ll each talk to the girls, let them talk with each other about it if they need to, and then we’ll all come up with a plan. This is great.” Besides just being excited at the prospect of a group activity, Henry liked the idea that he’d had a hand in bringing a couple together. “Maybe we could even make a group chat!”

“A group chat sounds great,” Michael said, still smiling. Henry was probably one of Michael’s favorite people at PrideU. He’d been there when Michael first arrived, eager to show him around, and he saw him at the dorms all the time, always smiling and waving. Henry was a good guy and Michael would be happy to call him a friend. 

Maybe dating two best friends would help in that regard--and Ashleigh seemed like a really nice girl. Michael wouldn’t mind getting to know her better. “You can talk to Ashleigh and then, depending on what she says, you can just shoot me a text to set things up. I’ll ask Ashlee how she feels about it too.” 

[one-lucky-lad]

darling-lost-boy​:

What the Future Holds | Little Darlings

Danny chuckled a little too before grabbing his food and sitting at his desk. He’d already cleaned most of it off, but he ate a lot of his meals there anyway. He didn’t like the cafeteria much and that way he could be on his computer and eating at the same time. Though now, he angled his chair so that he could talk to Michael, because he had a feeling his cousin wanted to chat. He’d learned to pick up on the signs. 

Sometimes, Michael was content to give Danny his space. He was usually out being social or doing extracurriculars, so it worked out that Danny was alone enough that when Michael came back, Danny didn’t mind chatting usually. It was nice, actually. Growing up, especially after Jane had left, the house had often felt pretty lonely. His mum was introverted, like him. And Jane wasn’t exactly super energetic either, at least not at home, then she was normally pretty chill. 

Excited definitely wasn’t the word that Danny would use. He wanted to tell Michael that he didn’t mind having his cousin for his roommate, but as usual, Michael just kept going. Said he would miss him.

That caught Danny by surprise and it probably showed on his face, though he felt guilty the next second and turned to take another bite of his food. 

“I’ll, uh–miss you too,” Danny told him after he swallowed. “Why, er, are you wary? I just–I mean…everyone likes you a lot. You’d, uh, get on with anyone you lived with, I’m sure.”

.

Michael was aware of how people saw him. He was raised to be a polite gentleman. His mum had made sure he knew how to mind his manners and make people feel welcome and it came much more naturally to him than it did to someone like, for instance, John. Michael was just naturally more outgoing and bright. 

That didn’t mean it was always easy. Just because he knew how to be nice to people and make them feel welcome, didn’t mean he always wanted to. There were definitely people he didn’t like and he was actually sort of terrified of being matched with a terrible person and having to endure it in silence for an entire semester. 

“Maybe,” Michael said, shrugging. “But sometimes getting on with people isn’t easy and rooming with you has been really nice. I feel like we’ve gotten to know each other a little better this semester.” 

Despite everything going on with their families, Michael was enjoying Danny’s company. He was glad that they were all here in one place, even if the reason for it was heartbreaking. 

“I wouldn’t mind rooming with you next semester,” he said. “If that was something you wanted to do.”

[one-lucky-lad]

inperfection-ashlee​:

Reckless Bravery {Michael & Ashlee}

“Knitting?” Ashlee questioned with a raised eyebrow and a grin, that for someone that seemed as active as her, she couldn’t picture it. Though maybe she could see him with a lumpy scarf as a result.

The thing was Michael was handsome boy. She looked at him and the way he dressed and could appreciate it. A lumpy scarf had no place on him.

“The good thing is I’m a perfectionist so you can teach me and I’ll help you improve.” Ashlee challenged with a raised eyebrow. “That’s of course if you think you can handle it.”

Michael beamed. “Ah, I’m sure I could,” he said, nodding. There was nothing quite like the back and forth of flirting. It was always so much fun to meet someone new and see how the banter unfolded. 

“I don’t think I should make any promises though. There is the possibility that I will always be shit at it, no matter how good my teacher is. And I do think you might be a tad more difficult to pay attention to. I might get distracted wondering why you’d choose a boy like me in the first place.”