#notdelicatc

[rsrevan]

where: emmeline's shop who: @notdelicatc

The door chimed gently behind him as Evan stepped inside, letting the warmth of Emmeline’s shop settle over him like a spell. He didn’t speak. Not at first. He simply watched her work, the way her fingers moved with practiced calm, like the world couldn't touch her here.

He stepped closer with measured purpose, not interrupting— just orbiting, letting her feel his presence like gravity. “You’ve rearranged the shelves,” he noted quietly, eyes flicking to the row of charmed objects on the walls. His voice was low, almost amused, but wrapped in something far more careful.

There was no demand in his posture, no arrogance in his tone—just attention, and a patience few people ever earned from him. “I thought I’d stop by,” he said simply. His fingers ghosted the edge of the counter as he passed her.

He paused beside her, not quite touching. His gaze lingered on her mouth, then her eyes. “It’s strange,” he added, soft and honest. “Some days, I don’t feel like myself unless I’ve seen you.”

[rsrevan]

where: Blenheim Palace, Selwyn Wedding who: @notdelicatc

Even as he'd like to pretend it wasn't so, a part of him had known he'd see her today, a part of him had been wishing to see her for so long. Still he had denied himself that opportunity time and time again, fearful of what might come next, certain that he was not deserving of her in the state he was currently in. He'd abandoned his carefully thought plans, favouring a more spontaneous and dangerous attitude, one that had him fooling around and avoiding the seriousness of it all. He'd been avoiding her, but there was no more that he could do as his eyes gravitated towards her helplessly through the crowd, unable to look away or ignore her any longer. The wizard made his way over, slowly and weary, he did not know how she'd react-- whether she'd still look at him longingly or despise him for this rather long period of silence. "You look beautiful." He mused, his voice low as his gaze took her in bit by bit, finally reaching her own eyes, those eyes he so adored. "I'm sorry, it's been too long."

[rsrevan]

where: her shop who: @notdelicatc

He should've read the papers, he should've paid more attention, he should've known-- but for some reason he didn't and it was now all too late. He'd carried himself out as properly as was expected of him, not once faltering or letting out even a glimpse of what was unravelling inside of him, conflicted emotions and overlapping thoughts. He had to hold on till the very end of the dinner party, engaging in futile conversations and pretending his mind wasn't wandering off to an infinite world of possibilities, a cascade of decisions made and yet to be made hanging right over his head. Alusius greeted him on his way out and Evan offered a polite smile and a strong handshake, even as he couldn't wrap his mind around the words the wizard had spoken at the beginning of the dinner, a confession that changed everything, one that didn't surprise anyone as they already knew but had shaken him to his very core.

He wasted no time, apparating in the same spot where he'd last seen her, where they'd called it quits because it just couldn't be. Except it could and doubt grew inside him, taking over everything he'd thought was right, everything he once thought he knew. She wasn't there though, the shop dark and quiet, a silence he was used to but now turned uncomfortable as he could only hear his heart pounding against his chest, anticipation running through his veins.

Time went by, it could've been minutes or hours but it all seemed the same to him until he heard the door pushing open and he raised his gaze to meet the petite figure walking in. Taking a deep breath, he waited for her to notice him, careful not to startle her. He was still in the elegant suit he'd worn to the dinner party her father had hosted, but even though his appearance remained untouched, Evan had never looked as dishelved as he did right then. He stared right at her, a tinge of desperation in his voice as he asked the one question he could manage. "Why didn't you tell me?" And then the one he had really meant to ask, barely a whisper as he switched into his native language. "Why did you let me walk away?"

[slwagatha]

where: madam puddifoot's tea shop who: @notdelicatc

The witch smoothed the folds of her skirt as she stepped into the tea room, her eyes quickly spotting Leta across the room. “Leta,” she said with a warm smile, “it’s been far too long. I hope you’re keeping well.” She lowered her voice to a playful murmur as she approached, “I was hoping to discuss some of the details about the upcoming Parkinson wedding over some tea?” She gestured gracefully to the empty chairs, a small laugh in her voice as she added, “I promise not to monopolize your time too much."

[bbcharity]

where: end of summer fayre who: @notdelicatc

Charity grinned as she stepped into the bustling fayre, weaving through the crowd with her best friend in tow. The lights, the music, the smell of sweets and roasted chestnuts — it was the perfect chaos, and she was ready to dive in headfirst.

“Estelle!” she called, looping an arm through her friend’s as she practically bounced along. “I swear, if we don’t try at least three ridiculous games and eat way too many sweets before the night ends, I’ll be disappointed in us. And you know I can’t be disappointed — it ruins the fun.”

[rsrevan]

where: end of summer fayre who: @notdelicatc

Evan spotted Leta weaving through the bustling fayre, the lanterns catching in her hair just so, and a small, pleased smile tugged at his lips. “Leta,” he called softly, stepping up beside her so as not to startle her. “I was beginning to think you’d vanished into the crowd for good.”

He fell into step with her, arm brushing lightly against hers in a casual, protective way. “It’s been far too long since we’ve had the chance to walk together,” he said, voice warm, almost conspiratorial. “You’re looking well, of course — though I should warn you, I might insist on ensuring you try every treat at least once before the night is over.”

There was a playful lift in his eyes, but beneath it was genuine affection. “Come, my darling,” he said, offering his arm with that practiced gentleman’s ease. “Let’s enjoy the fayre properly, if only for an evening. I intend to make sure we leave with the most memorable mischief we can find — and none of the sort we’ll later regret.”

[mkmarlene]

where: fountain of fair fortune who: @notdelicatc

Marlene arched a brow across the table, stirring her coffee with the kind of slow, deliberate grace that suggested mischief rather than manners. “You know,” she said, tone airy and teasing, “I still can’t tell if your suggestion that we ‘try friendship’ was a threat, a dare, or some avant-garde form of revenge.” Her lips curved into a smirk, and she took a sip. “But I’m flattered. Really. I don’t usually make the cut with the cool, composed types.”

She glanced down at the brunch menu with mock seriousness. “I assume you’re judging me if I order anything that involves syrup. Which means I absolutely have to now.” Her eyes flicked up again, quick and sharp. “Honestly? This isn’t half bad. You, me, a suspiciously pink drink, and a lot of very bad decisions waiting to be made.” There was something earnest beneath the charm, a flicker of curiosity. “Let’s see how long we can tolerate each other before someone hexes the cutlery.”

[rsrevan]

where: evan's office who: @notdelicatc

The fire burned low in the hearth, its amber glow throwing long shadows over Evan’s office. He sat behind the desk, the collar of his shirt unbuttoned, a quiet sort of tension in his shoulders that hadn’t been there earlier. He’d been reading the same paragraph for the past ten minutes, eyes tracing the ink without absorbing a word.

When Leta walked in, her presence stirred something dormant, familiar. He didn’t look up at first, just gestured vaguely toward the chair across from him. “You’re late,” he murmured, but there was no bite to it. Just something that resembled relief.

Only when she was seated did he raise his gaze to her face. “You’ve been out more often lately.” His tone was easy, but there was something else beneath it— curiosity, maybe. Or hesitation. He leaned forward, arms on the desk, studying her with quiet fondness. “Is there something you’re hoping for?” The question hung between them, suspended in the hush. “Or someone?”

He didn’t press further. Just watched her, as if the answer might arrive not in her words, but in the way she looked back at him.