'It was just so incredible, you know?' Darren gushes, waving his arms like he always does when he's talking about something he loves, almost spilling his coffee on Chris' couch.
'Everybody was there, every actor and actress - and all those people! By the way, did you see those last speeches?' Darren asks, putting his cup on the table and thereby relieving Chris of worrying over his white furniture. 'I mean man, when J K started talking… and she was sobbing and everything…'
Chris looks up from studying Darren's hands and realizes that the guy who actually portrayed Harry freakin' Potter is not far from choking up himself.
'Are you okay?' Chris asks tentatively, narrowing his eyes slightly. Maybe he was just imagining things. That wouldn't be the first time.
Darren looks up and oh yeah, Chris was right, those eyes are definitely moist. 'It's so much more than just a series of books, you know? Or films, for that matter. I know it sounds cheesy, and you can sue me for saying this, but it's a lifestyle, you know?'
Chris chuckles softly. 'Look at you. Tearing up over a bunch of fictional characters.' He gets up and sits down next to Darren, who is now looking up at him with those adorable puppy eyes. 'And you are speaking my mind, mister,' Chris adds, before carefully putting his arms around him. Darren responds by clinging to Chris like he's the pillow you cry into when you're watching a sad movie on your own.
'I should write a song for J K Rowling,' Darren mumbles into Chris' shoulder. 'You know, to thank her. Man, she's influenced me at least as much as every Disney movie I've ever seen. If it wasn't for her, I wouldn't be here right now. She's like a second mother to me.'
'Yeah, you should probably stop talking now,' Chris laughs. He breaks the embrace.
'So,' Chris says, hands on his knees and exhaling. 'How about… we pop in the first Deathly Hallows movie and I let you cry on my shoulder while I gorge myself on popcorn?' He looks sideways at Darren, who grins at him, albeit a little watery.
'Sounds like a plan.'