Young and beautiful by @magpiefngrl (3k, M)
Tags: Historical AU, World War I, Hopeful Ending
It’s a bright day and the sunlight reflects off the surface of the pond in a million sparkles. Bob seems restless. ‘What kind of lives do Bobs have?’ ‘They have the best lives,’ Harry replies. ‘Not very exciting, mind you. They have a house in a quiet area, or even a cottage somewhere in the countryside. They work with their hands — it’s fulfilling but not very well-paid. Bobs don’t mind; they like the routine. Waking up to the same view every day.’ “Bob” is smiling at Harry’s narration. Harry — heart in his mouth with his own daring — puts his hand over his. They’re far from the hospital, no one can see. Anyone coming down the path will be heard long before they arrive. Bob doesn’t remove his hand. They stay like this, hand in hand on the wooden bench, gazing at the ducks and the herons. ‘Do Bobs get married?’ ‘Some do. But a Bob is usually a confirmed bachelor. He doesn’t marry. But, sometimes, he might take a lodger. A roommate. To cover expenses, you understand.’ ‘Sounds like a great life,’ says Bob. ‘It is. It’s a great life,’ says Harry, his heart aching with how much he wants this lie to be true. How much he wants Bob to be Bob and not… not who he is.
(rec by @cailynwrites)
🎧 Listen to TWO podfic versions, as recorded by JocundaSykes or peasina 🎧
