Chapter 13: The Best Day
That night, she found sleep very far away from her grasp thanks to James' sudden move to one of the small bedrooms on the second floor. He'd taken his suitcase out of the room stealthily, moving himself out hurriedly. Lily felt gloomy, even if she knew it wasn't James' fault. She directed most of her crushing bitterness at their new companion, Mundungus Fletcher.
The king-sized bed in the room was too large and too cold without James next to her. Lily tossed and turned until two in the morning, her fingers always aching to reach for the indentation in the mattress that wasn't there. After trying to sleep for hours, Lily finally gave up and decided to go get a snack from the recently stocked kitchen.
Juniper barely moved when Lily pushed the covers off. Lily snuck around the room on her tiptoes while she pulled on a thin white sweater over her silk nightgown. She casually checked her appearance in the mirror, finding that the circles under her eyes were darker again. Lily sighed, frustrated, before grabbing her phone. Lily used her flashlight app to make her way through the dark cabin without drawing attention to herself.
She had no idea who Mundungus Fletcher was, or if he was someone she'd want to hang out with. While Lily didn't like Frank at first, she was at least close with his wife. Lily missed Alice and the late-night chats Alice provided when Lily couldn't sleep, and James was being distant. Lily missed James the most, seeing as he was the only person who could get her to sleep soundly. Lily felt like having Fletcher arrive was worse than if Frank showed up on the doorstep.
Frank kept to schedule that she could easily convince James to sneak around. Frank might've been super perceptive but he'd known James for so long that Lily was sure Frank wouldn't want James getting reassigned either. It was the only thing that had probably saved James this far in the game, especially after the night James got into a fight with Frank over Lily.
Once Lily made it to the kitchen, she pulled a tray of fresh eggs out of the fridge. The noise of the door opening and closing made someone appear in the doorway. Lily almost dropped the eggs, had it not been for the familiar black clothes. She deduced pretty quickly that she was looking into the eyes of her newest guard and looked him up and down warily. The vest he wore had an emblem from Moody and Associates Security. He didn't look friendly, but he didn't look mean either. Lily actually couldn't read Mundungus Fletcher very well.
"Hullo." She offered her greeting with a sort of smile, "you must be Mr. Fletcher, I'm Lily Evans."
Mundungus Fletcher was an older man with a buzz cut and few words. He just grunted at Lily, before turning back around and likely returning to whatever he'd been doing before. Lily felt kind of bad for the bloke, since there wasn't a security system for him to monitor. She really did only need one guard at Star Ridge, there wasn't much to protect her from besides herself. Still, Lily knew if she called Peter and told him that she only needed one guard, Peter would ask Lily to send James back to New York.
Lily wasn't going or staying anywhere without James close by. No one else made her feel so safe and understood. He was close to perfect in Lily's eyes, but it wasn't because James was perfect...merely that he was imperfect...and she purely wanted to kiss every inch of his face.
Lily was sure Fletcher was a nice man, but she couldn't help her vehement feelings towards him as she slammed a frying pan onto the stove burner. Thanks to Fletcher's untimely arrival, Lily hadn't gotten to spend nearly enough time alone with James. Based on the way he'd been kissing her, and the way he'd been touching her, Lily had a feeling that she might've gotten some of the liberation she'd so been craving from James' charismatic touch.
Lily cracked four eggs into a bowl before adding a bit of water. She danced from foot to foot as she stirred the eggs with a fork from the drawer directly behind her. Lily added salt and pepper to taste before placing the bowl of mixed eggs down and making her way back over to the fridge.
As she rummaged for the ham they'd bought at the store, Lily found herself humming the lyrics to a song that hadn't been written yet. Another song for James, one with a sultry underlying tone that melodically pronounced how seriously she needed him. Lily's bare feet danced along the wooden kitchen floor, the refrigerator lighting the mood in an harsh synthetic light. She bounced back and forth on her heels as she tasted some of the ham straight from the package.
"After all my hard work teaching you to cook, do you really only know how to cook eggs?"
James had come out of his room. A little thrill ran up her spine when she realized he must've been having a hard time sleeping without her. Lily turned tightly on one heel to face him. She threw the ham on the countertop with the eggs, shot James a stifling look, and then turned back to the fridge to find some cheese.
It was no shocker to Lily when James came around the island, behind her, and placed two sturdy hands on her shoulders. One of his hands curved her red hair away from her neck, allowing him to place a quick kiss to the back of her neck.
"Do you have a problem with eggs?" Lily kept her tone level; just in case Fletcher could hear them.
James leaned into her, "You're a hopeless cook, Red."
"That's what I have you for."
"Is that why you keep me around?" he sounded amused, "my cooking?"
"Among other things..."
She turned to face James, taking his hands and pulling him into the small bit of light they did have. He was so damn close that she could see the storm in his eyes as their hands met in the middle. He snickered softly, slowly guiding her into a rocking dance under the glow of the refrigerator light. Lily's shirt floated like a dress around her hips as she twirled silently in James' arms. They were dancing in the kitchen, with Fletcher having only to glance into the kitchen and see them. James seemed to realize this too, because he let his knuckles brush Lily's cheek before stepping away from her.
Still, the short dance only proved he was feeling the same magnetic pull as her. She knew he loved her, and she loved him. For everything, that was all she needed.
Lily stood beside the open fridge, the cool air cutting through her clothes. He could see right through her, noting her tired expression and anxious demeanor. Time had given James so much. Six months was a long time to get to know someone, let alone fall in love with them. Lily considered she'd never been so close with anyone in her entire life. He memorized her fears, hopes and dreams. She just wanted him to stay.
But if James stayed, if James kept his contract, then they'd continue their little dance between lovers and professionals. That wouldn't do, she couldn't keep waiting for shadows to fall to kiss him. Six more months seemed agonizing enough, let alone another year.
It was only when James started cooking her eggs with ham that Lily remembered why she was in the kitchen in the first place. She grabbed the shredded cheese before closing the fridge door. James caught the bag when she tossed it in his direction. His glasses were leaning left on his face, James looking over the lenses instead of through them. Lily sat on one of the barstools on the other side of the kitchen island, just taking in James's dark figure.
James was caught up in his cooking, his hands methodically ripping shreds of ham into the sizzling eggs. Lily put her chin on her hands, watching the way he turned her quick meal into a large omelet filled with cheese and ham. She stood up and got some plates. One for James, one for her.
James cut the omelet in half with the spatula before putting one half each on a plate. They sat on the island together, close enough to each other that if Fletcher walked in, no questions would be asked. Lily had plenty of questions herself.
"What are we going to do about our guest?" Lily murmured, cutting another piece of her omelet with her fork.
"Be careful," James's voice was low, lower than she'd ever heard it, "don't get caught?"
"But why is he here so early?" Lily wondered, "I told Peter—"
James cut her off, "I bet Frank put Moody up to it. He hates how close we are."
"If he only knew how close we are." She kicked his ankle suggestively, "and how close I wish we were still."
"I'd lose my job were that the case." James said painfully, "but the truth is, I'm a little upset Fletcher showed up when he did."
"Is that so?" Lily scooted closer to him, "why?"
James looked over at her, "because I didn't want to stop kissing you."
Lily was chewing the inside of her lip as she sent him a pleased smirk. The only light in the kitchen was coming from little twinkle lights on trellises over the island. The blinked yellow and covered the couple in a lighting fit for an old movie.
"Do we have to wait?" she asked foolishly, "can we just tell everyone?"
"Do you want me to leave?"
"No."
"Then we're not going to tell anyone who can reassign me to someone else."
"Yeah, yeah." She speared a price of ham with her fork, "I still maintain you quit."
"Lily," James sighed, already upset with the turn of the conversation, "not right now, please."
"When would be a better time?"
The words slipped from her mouth and she was suddenly back on a stage in a dress, Steven begging her to hold back. Steven Roosevelt hadn't understood her, and he tried to control her. James wasn't controlling, just annoying, so she didn't feel remorseful for snapping at him. He deserved to know when he was being a prick.
"Really, Evans?" James rubbed his temple, "we've talked about this…six months to figure it all out. That's all I'm asking for."
Her face dropped, "you're sounding an awful lot like Steven."
She got down off the island and walked her plate over to the sink. She purposely didn't look at James, not wanting to see how he'd reacted to her comparison. She scrubbed the cheese off her plate with a vigorous attitude, her temper getting the better of herself. He was being stubborn, and she was too opinionated.
Lily would do anything for James, if only he asked. She would've thought he'd do the same for her, but he wasn't budging on giving up his job. Between the two of them, they were fighting fire with more fire. Lily did love James but damn, they both had a lot of issues. Not to mention they were both determined and typically fired up about something.
James came around, placing his dish in the sink before placing a hand on her shoulder. When she didn't move or look at him, James sighed her name tragically. It hurt her so damn much, knowing that she was hurting him and vis versa. Her hand paused and the scrubber fell into the sink. Lily turned her chin to find James staring at her with a depressed stare.
"I'll understand if you want us to stop being physical," James assumed, "I don't want to hurt you, not ever."
"You didn't hurt me, not intentionally." She hissed.
"But I still hurt you."
"I'm sorry I compared you to him." she replied, "I'm just frustrated."
James ruffled his black hair, "do you want me to leave?"
Lily shook her head fleetingly, "I love you."
"I love you too," his shoulders dropped, "but we can't keep arguing about me leaving my job."
"I can take care of us."
"I don't want to be taken care of." His eyes darkened, "can't you see that?"
"Why don't you let people help you?" she asked, "why are you so stubborn?"
Lily pursed her lips and dropped her stare to her feet. James grumbled, stepping into her, his hands grabbing hers. His thumb ran over her palm. Lily felt like she was carrying the weight of the world on her shoulders while she imagined what would happen to them in the future. Eventually, the world was going to test them outside their limits, and she didn't want to lose him for anything.
She lifted her sad gaze to find him looking at her like she was made of gold, "I can't lose you."
"I'm yours." he promised, "I'm yours now, yesterday and forever."
She pointedly glanced around the doorway, "what about Fletcher?"
"He'll never catch on," James reached out again to tuck her hair behind her ear, "besides there are plenty of spots to for a quick kiss."
Lily wrinkled her nose, "we're not snogging in my broom closet."
"We don't need a broom closet, Red."
As if to prove a point, he took her hand and dragged her over to the wall beside the doorway. He tucked her into a dark corner, smile flickering the corners of his mouth as she stared up at him. She let him keep nudging her backwards until she was pressed between James and the wall. The light stayed on her face until he leaned down to her level, casting his shadow over her like a safety blanket.
"All I know," he breathed, "is every day I spend with you is the best day."
He kissed her softly, lips barely brushing against hers. All her fears, trials and tribulations faded away when he kissed her. His fingers traced her arms like he was feeling out the chords of a guitar. No matter what the future held, Lily knew there was no going back when it came to their personal relationship. Kissing James felt like coming home and there was no way she was letting that kind of magic get away from her.
"Come back to bed with me?" she beseeched under his sweet mouth.
"I don't trust Fletcher not to come looking for me since it's his first night," James apologized quietly, "we're stuck sleeping alone until I'm positive he's not going to need constant attention."
"What about me?" Her hands tugged at his shirt between them.
James arched his brow at her, "what about you?"
"I need constant attention." Her mouth traced his jaw and she was gratified when his hands tightened at her hips, "Specifically, I need your constant attention."
James tucked his finger under her chin, making her head lean back and provide a better angle to kiss her. She took in a deep breath against his lips, James' scent enveloping her. Her arms wrapped across his shoulders, her fingers linking together behind his head. She knew, based on the way he was acting, that he wasn't giving up on them.
So, she wouldn't give up on them either.
Lily just knew that eventually; she'd have to find a way to convince James to leave his job. She didn't think she could stand having him get her reassigned to anyone else. She also couldn't stand the thought of James being her guard for another twelve months because that meant they'd have to keep dodging rumors, press and their friends.
He placed one hand on the wall beside her head, leaning in to brush his nose to hers sensually, "you're the first thing I think of when I wake up, and the last thing I think of before I sleep…"
"What about the in between?" Lily asked, touching him gently on his chin before he answered.
"I live in the in-between." James kissed her intensely before adding, "where you're always there waiting for me standing in your best dress, fearless."
His chest rumbled faintly when she kissed him suddenly, her hands grasping his cheeks with a desperation pulled from the very depth of her fear. She had his tongue caught between her teeth and he had his hands traveling down her chest. She could taste the sharp tang of cheddar in his mouth and he could feel the way her breathing was tapering. She tried to be discreet, knowing Fletcher didn't have to listen too hard to hear things in the house. It was getting increasingly harder to do so with James' fingers under her sweater and his mouth at her ear making her lose focus.
"James," she pleaded, drawing her hands through his hair, "let's go to bed, please."
She thought she had him right where she wanted him, especially when James kissed her on the mouth again. She caught his upper lip and tugged casually, inviting James to heat up the moment in the dark kitchen. With the lights off, it was intoxicating having his hands explore her cool skin. That's probably why she was so stupefied when James somehow gathered the strength to pull his mouth and fingers far away.
James left Lily hot and breathless against the kitchen wall, her hands reaching for him as he abandoned his post. Her arms flew up, allowing her to grab at the hair on her scalp with a feverish sort of moan. The ghost of his fingertips on her skin was still there, lighting Lily on fire while James walked away. Lily leaned her head against the pink flowered wallpaper behind her and sighed. Lily's fingers danced across her collarbone friskily as she replayed the way he'd touched her so gently.
He wasn't coming back, leaving her to daydream what would've happened if he had stayed. She slowly danced her way back to her room, discarding her sweater and satin gown all in one. Her legs were tingling, and she wasn't able to get out of the feverish dream. In her own head, Lily's own wandering hands were James' hands and her bare skin was waiting to be touched. Lily turned on the water to her bath, leaving it on long after she'd climbed in. She muffled her erogenous melody with her free hand, saving it for James' ears, and James' ears only, when the right time came. James might not have been there physically but damn, if he wasn't every spare thought in her mind.
She thought of their first time running on the beach, when he'd checked her out as she gasped for air. She thought of James' hands tracing her body like an artist might trace a sculpture. She thought of him carrying her to her room, of him caressing her face and of his unwavering belief in her. She replayed his laughter, over and over. She needed him and she was certain if he only understood how much and how guttural that need was, he'd be singing the same song she was.
Lily grabbed one of her guitars soon after her bath. Lily settled cross-legged in the master bedroom, a pen and paper in front of her. She strummed chords, her head dancing from side to side as she wrote a new song.
I've lost a lot dear
You've lost even more
We're both praying, not even religious
Calling each other fearless
Standing on either say of the door
I know I can't stop the world from turning
or make it reverse
but I wish that I could play God for once
Lily fell asleep with her pen in her hand, her guitar resting at her side. She was jolted awake quite sometime later to Juniper pawing at her face. The cat was meowing, as if asking her if she was alive. Lily groaned and rolled onto her stomach, her red hair falling into her face. She took a deep breath, her lungs filling up with dust and cat fur from the floor.
Outside her wide windows, the autumn sky was gold.
"Morning June." Lily said, the clock reading a little past six thirty in the morning.
It took Lily an hour to leave the room, taking a long shower before applying her makeup and putting on her wig. She was determined to have a good day, despite the arrival of Fletcher. When she got downstairs, James was outside doing push-ups. She studied him through the windows for a moment, admiring the muscles on his back flexing. Fletcher was sitting on one of Lily's sofas, smoking a joint.
Lily wrinkled her nose when he realized and sent the new bodyguard a glare, "please don't smoke in here."
Fletcher bolted upright and pulled his cigarette from his lips. He was coughing like a person who'd smoked their whole life and he pounded his fist on his chest as he stood up. Even standing, Fletcher barely reached Lily's nose. For once, she wasn't the shortest in the room. He hadn't even realized she was standing there, even though she'd taken her time admiring James through the window.
"Sorry ma'am." He awkwardly stuffed the joint behind his back, "didn't know ya were home."
Lily arched a brow, "where else would I be?"
Fletcher shrugged, "I'll take this outside."
Lily watched Fletcher open the back door with narrowed green eyes. James looked up when he heard the door open and James' eyes looked past Fletcher to see Lily standing there. They shared a sad look. Lily couldn't believe she already missed Frank; someone she'd been desperate to get rid of only days before. Lily especially missed Alice and texted the blond to tell her so right away.
Ur 2 sweet! Was Alice's quick reply. Frank and I miss u 2!
Lily had just settled on the kitchen island with a bowl of Cheerios when James walked through the back door, finished his workout. She admired his bare chest, stuck for a while on the curve of his shoulders. When Lily finally looked at his face, James looked pleased. She motioned at him with her spoon.
"Like your outfit."
"I liked the one you wore last night better." Was his reply, looking at her leggings and t-shirt like he was looking right through them, "that tiny little slip?"
"I can go change."
"Don't we have someplace to go?" He asked expectantly, like he was hoping she'd say they'd run away to Rome together for the day.
"Hiking." Lily said decidedly, "and Fletcher isn't invited."
James chuckled abruptly, "he's off until tonight anyways. He was just asking me if there were any bars close by."
Lily lost her smile and rolled her eyes, "he's a step down from Frank and Alice. You're sure he's from your company?"
"Positive." James said as he grabbed a banana from the counter, "Frank hates his guts, complained about him all the time at the concerts."
"Great." Lily deadpanned, "we get the company drunk."
"Apparently," James chewed his fruit thoughtfully, "Moody says that Fletcher was in trouble and this is his last post, so he shouldn't give us too much trouble."
"What did he do?" Lily wondered, "burn down a house with his joint?"
James tossed the banana peel in the bin, "no, he apparently fell asleep too many times at venues."
Lily perked up at that, "so he's drunk, high and lazy?"
Suddenly, getting Fletcher was looking up. If the bloke was as big a dunce as the rumors claimed, Lily could practically snog James in broad daylight. James saw the intrigued curve to her smile and smirked too.
"We still have to be careful." He knew exactly where her mind had gone.
"But not as careful as we'd need to be if he was a clone copy of Frank." Lily shook her spoon at James, "that means you can sleep with me."
"Is that what that means?"
"Don't try and tell me you slept well without me last night."
"I sleep just fine without you snoring in the middle of the night."
"I don't snore!"
James sniggered at her scowl, "Sure, Red."
He ruffled his black hair as he went to his room to change for hiking. He came back out ten minutes later in jeans and a comfortable black fleece. Lily preferred him shirtless, but she couldn't very well ask him to remain shirtless the rest of the day if they were going hiking. James waited for her to eat and then they both laced up their sneakers.
Lily waited as James talked to Fletcher on the back porch before coming in and motioning at Lily that they were clear to bounded down the hallway like an over excited puppy. James closed the front door behind him as Lily jumped into the driver side of the black shiny car out front. Using the keys that she'd nabbed from a key holder, Lily turned the car on. She cranked up the radio as James got in on the passenger side.
Her heart was racing with their pending freedom and her hands were tapping enthusiastically against the steering wheel. She only drove to the end of the drive before putting the car in park again. James eyed her, puzzled, until Lily unbuckled her seat belt and caught his bottom lip with her mouth. He laughed into her kiss, a real laugh that sent tingles to her toes. She wanted to drown in his laughter, go so deep that she could never escape the way it ripped her away from the world like a tide.
"I love you."
She'd say it every day, every hour, until he knew and understood what he meant to her.
In response to her declaration, he deepened the kiss, his hands on her face. The car made it hard to actually enjoy a good snog, with a arm rest between them, so after a few seconds Lily pulled back. James traced the edges of the black wig she'd put on. The strands were glossier than real hair, the only indication that Lily was playing dress up. Lily let her limbs go back to the steering wheels and started driving again. James grabbed her closest hand to hold as they drove through the countryside, following signs to a park where they could hike.
He held her hand tight as they drove and drove, finding a park far enough away. They talked as they packed a small bag to take up the mountainside, forgetting any names that weren't their own. They started the hike on the paved trail that led along a lake. Birds were fluttering between branches and a herd of deer were eating grass by the lake edge. James held Lily's hand the whole time, only letting go once to point out a stray cat bounding into the woods.
The air was crisp and cold, cutting through Lily's sweater even though the sun was out. They smiled at another couple, out for a walk. It was the most normal Lily had felt in a really long time. Content, she leaned against James' hold. James responded by tossing his arm around her shoulders and playing with the edges of her black wig.
"Why are you always playing with my wig?" Lily teased, after she had to adjust it for the fifth time.
"I just miss your red hair." He claimed, "I wish you didn't have to be someone else to be with me."
Lily's expression softened and she kissed his hand, "it's just a wig, I'm still me."
"I know," he shook his head, "but I'm partial to the red-haired Lily Evans, not her alter ego."
"Alter ego?" Lily smirked, "what's my alter-ego's name?"
James smirked, "what did you tell that girl on Halloween? Lillian Potter?"
James playfully pushed her, then caught her before she could get too far. She laughed, leaned, and pressed her lips against his. James' mouth instinctively opened against hers, expecting her to throw herself into him. He knew her so well, sometimes even better than she knew herself. They kissed until Lily's cheeks were redder than strawberries and his hands were pushing against her arse in a way that was not suitable for a public hiking trail.
They sent each other pleased, tempting smiles the rest of the hike. By the time they made it back to Lily's car, she was inching to kiss him again. Another need was stronger than her need for James though, because Lily's stomach was begging for food. It growled loudly as they drove down an old highway, looking for quick food. Lily turned into a small gas station that had a BBQ pit on the side.
Locals were sitting around a bonfire where a giant pig was smoking. Lily and James were hardly looked at while they took seats at a table near to the fire. James settled into the seat beside Lily, instead of across from her. When he slung one arm around her shoulders, she leaned into his touch impulsively.
Their waitress was a bubbly girl with thick black eyebrows and curly brown hair. She introduced herself as Carmen, setting waters down at their table for them.
"Our special today is pulled park," Carmen said as she pulled out a pen and pad, "are either of you interested?"
"Can we have a second to look at the menu?" James asked politely, "we've never been here, I'm afraid."
Carmen's intelligent black eyes registered James' accent, "are you two visiting from London?"
"Yes," Lily said, gaining Carmen's full attention, "Have you ever been?"
Carmen dropped her head to the side, her black eyes tracing Lily up and down, "no miss, but one day hopefully." She shook her head, her black hair fanning around her face, "can I get you two something to drink?"
"I'll take your cider," James told the waitress.
Carmen nodded, dropping her pen to her paper before flirting her eyes up, "and your wife?"
Lily sat up in James' arms, her hands falling below the table instantly so Carmen wouldn't notice the lack of wedding ring. It was easier to pretend she was right, then try and lie. James' hazel eyes twinkled as he tightened his hold around Lily's shoulders, as if Carmen's mistake was no mistake at all.
"I dunno," James turned his amused eyes on Lily, "what would you like, love?"
Love.
James called her a lot of things.
Red, was his affectionate nickname for her and something that came from one of their first times bonding together.
Evans was what he used if he was annoyed or impassive.
He used Lily rarely, typically only in moments of heavy emotion.
Love though, love was a breakthrough of contentment. It was a term someone said to the person they couldn't live without. Lily wanted him to use the word again, her brain going a mile a minute as she tried to figure out how to trick him into changing her nickname from Red to Love.
His one, true love.
"Red?" she hadn't answered him, and her blank expression had prompted James to nudge her.
Lily licked her lips, her heartbeat dropping when she finally realized James and the waitress were waiting on her answer. Lily dropped her head, the black wig edges tickling her chin. She stared at her ringless finger under the table.
"I'll just have water, thank you."
Carmen nodded and walked away, only taking a second to glance back at Lily and James. James noticed how she was quiet, and for once he didn't ask questions. Lily's fingers itched to write more lyrics, and she grabbed an old napkin to write down their song. James watched as her pen wrote down the words fluttering around in her head.
You've got scars
And I got mine
But darling, we have time
Call me love, fit my poem like a perfect rhyme
He kissed her cheek as she scratched out one line to replace it. His lips drifted to her ear, tucking her fake black hair back.
"Are you writing a song about me?"
"No," but she was holding back a smile when he purposely kissed right behind her ear.
"Liar."
Lily put down her pen and turned her head to kiss him flat on the mouth. The fire provided a crackling background to their soft, uninterrupted kisses. Lily only opened her eyes and pulled away because another verse drifted into her mind as she kissed him. James laughed, a little put out, as she grabbed her pen again.
The last time we touched it felt like I flew
High in the clouds, alone at night, without you
I'm dreaming of our debut
James leaned in, his mouth tickling against her ear, "what's it called?"
Lily turned her green eyes to him, cleverness and confidence radiating in her smile, "I typically pick the name after I write the whole thing," she pressed her nose to his, "sorry to disappoint."
His hazel eyes twinkled, and he opened his mouth to respond when Carmen came back, her little notebook flipped open. Lily looked up guiltily at Carmen before nudging James in the side with her elbow, sending him a silly look. James licked his lips and chuckled as he straightened his glasses.
"Have you two picked your dinners?" Carmen as another server place James' cider in front of him.
"I'll have your special." Lily told Carmen nicely, "thank you."
James picked up his cider, "I'll also take the special, thanks!"
Carmen nodded and placed her pen and paper in her apron. She looked between James and Lily, her black eyes calculating. When she was done looking Lily up and down once more she motioned to the napkins.
"Did you need some paper?" Carmen asked Lily.
"No," Lily flushed and grabbed her napkins, stuffing them into her pocket quickly, "I was just doodling."
"Alright," Carmen said, chewing on her lip as she turned away to go get their food.
Lily watched the girl go for a moment before turning her attention back to her muse. James was watching Carmen leave as well, a line between his eyebrows. Lily nudged his hand with her own, so he'd look away from Carmen. His appearance was tainted with worry.
"What?" she asked him.
"I think she recognizes you." James murmured.
Lily visibly deflated, "What? Why? James?"
"She keeps looking at you like she can't figure out who you are." James said, "so I don't think she's actually managed to figure out who you are."
"And if she does?"
"We have a Hell of a lot of explaining to do, since we let her believe we were husband and wife."
"James," Lily hissed worriedly, "what if she looks up your name after we pay?"
James clearly hadn't thought about that, "well fuck…"
"If she's one of my fans," Lily said, "she'd piece two and two together. Quickly."
James frowned, "We have to go."
Lily's eyes widened at him, "We just ordered!"
"We can't risk it," James said, "they'd reassign me, one more picture…one more slip up…and I'm gone."
Even though she knew he wanted to keep his job, she just wished he'd quit. She wished he could give up the job he didn't need. She wished she wasn't so scared of losing him to another celebrity. At the same time, the thought of James remaining her bodyguard was torturous. She didn't want to have to keep kissing him when no one was looking because she wanted to kiss him when everyone was looking.
James pushed her slightly, so she was hanging halfway off the chair. Lily got the hint and started standing up. Carmen was back with fresh pork sandwiches, looking confused. Her black eyes ran over the sheepish couple as she set their meals on the table.
"Is something wrong?" Carmen asked.
Lily glanced at James before looking back at Carmen and using her thickest accent possible, the one Granda taught her, "we have to leave last minute." She lied, "we just realized we forgot American money."
Carmen's face fell, "oh, will you come back?" she danced on her feet, "my parents were excited to have someone besides our local regulars for once."
"We'll come back," James said, "we just don't have the ability to pay you."
"Well," Carmen looked down at the hot sandwiches, "I can't serve these to other customers, so I'll wrap them up to go for you."
Lily's heart ached, "no, Carmen, thank you, but we really can't accept free food."
Carmen looked hurt as she turned on her heel, "and I refuse to let good food go to waste, I'll be right back."
Lily hit James' chest and hissed, "she's so sad!"
"I know!" he said, "but if she recognizes you—"
Carmen was back with a box. She placed the pork sandwiches inside and added the cole slaw. James awkwardly accepted them from Carmen. Carmen turned her gaze back to Lily, her black eyes ominous. She looked absolutely crushed that Lily and James were running away. Lily wished there was something she could do to repay Carmen for her kindness without giving away her identity.
"We'll be back as soon as possible." Lily promised, "and we'll bring triple tip."
Carmen nodded, dropping her eyes to her shoes. James nodded and took Lily's hand. Lily felt heartbroken as they ran from Lily's identity, again. They were getting into the car when Lily saw Carmen running out of the restaurant, waving something in the air. Lily paused, one foot on the car. Carmen came to a skidding halt in front of Lily, holding a napkin in her hand.
"You—you dropped this." Carmen panted, passing over the lyrics Lily had written that night.
"Oh," Lily said, reaching out to grab the crumpled-up napkin from the waitress, "thank you."
Lily turned away from the girl, but Carmen grabbed Lily's wrist. James leaned over in his seat, jaw set. Lily turned her cheek to meet Carmen's black eyes. Carmen swallowed softly, black eyes flickering with tears. Lily took a deep breath, feeling the fear set in.
Her whole weekend was about to come to an abrupt end.
"I won't say anything," Carmen promised, "I—I just can't believe you're here."
Lily swallowed thickly. Carmen tucked her black hair behind her ear before she wrapped her arms around herself. She self-consciously dropped her gaze to her feet, something Lily sympathized with. Lily wanted to run, but Carmen's clear emotional turmoil was keeping her feet planted on the cold, hard ground. Carmen lifted her beautiful eyes to Lily's face again, her lip trembling.
"Those lyrics you wrote were beautiful." Carmen whispered and Lily flinched, "I'm sorry I looked, I didn't know you—I mean I picked it up to throw it away. I thought it was just doodles like you said. And then I saw your handwriting."
Lily's eyes narrowed and she whispered, "my handwriting?"
Carmen lifted her left arm, grabbing the sleeve and pulling it up. Under the streetlights, her dark skin burned. Lily's eyes found what Carmen was pointing at, a collection of words forever tattooed into Carmen's skin. Lily knew the words well, since she was the one who wrote them.
And darling, it was good never looking down
Lily stared at the tattoo, then back up at Carmen's face. Lily couldn't help but admire the sweeping curves of the 'g' that made the handwriting her own. Without meaning too, Lily let her eyes water and then spill over. She reached to touch Carmen's tattoo with wonder.
"I knew you looked familiar." Carmen murmured, "I met you when I was twelve and again at fifteen. The second time we met, I had you write down the Holy Ground lyrics, just so I could get them tattooed on when I turned eighteen."
Lily took a shuddering breath, the tears free flowing, "I'm sorry, I don't remember, Carmen."
Carmen was crying now too, and James got out of the car. Lily ignored him, focusing all her energy on Carmen. Carmen was shaking, her emotions getting the best of her. Among the little black letters on her arm, were scars. They were long and thin, but completely healed over. Lily grabbed Carmen's hands tighter.
"Is Holy Ground your favorite?" Lily asked kindly, "is that why you chose it?"
Carmen nodded, cheeks glistening with tears, "Holy Ground and State of Grace mean everything to me."
Lily smiled, "thank you for loving my music, you're so kind."
"Lily…" James muttered behind her, "we have to go…Mundungus texted me to ask where we are."
Carmen looked sadder. Lily asked the girl if they could hug and Carmen nodded as Lily wrapped her arms around the young woman. Carmen hugged her back, both their cheeks pressing against each other. Lily didn't let go of Carmen, letting Carmen make the first chance to move away. Lily felt Carmen take a deep breath before she pulled back, rubbing her eyes.
Carmen sniffed, "I promise won't tell anyone you're here."
Lily nodded, "thank you, Carmen, but I have to get back home."
"New York City." Carmen's shoulders dropped.
"Yes," James jumped in quickly, "We've got a long drive back to the city."
Lily realized James was covering for them. Even if Carmen did say she met Lily Evans she'd also say Lily was back in New York City. It was a genius move and she could've kissed him for it. Lily promised Carmen she'd visit again, after the Piper premier. Carmen hugged Lily one more time and Lily couldn't bring herself to say goodbye to her fan.
"I have a tumblr," Carmen said, "I know you aren't online anymore but next time you are; can we be mutuals?"
"What's your URL?"
"HolyCarmen." She breathed in relief, "you liked one of my posts two years ago!"
"I'll look." Lily promised as she got into the driver's seat, "and I hope to see you at my next tour."
Carmen looked gleeful, "does that mean we're getting a new album soon?"
Lily sent a smile in James' direction before she returned her gaze to Carmen, "maybe, but first, I have to go on tour for Piper."
Lily turned the car and then asked out the open window, "Carmen what's your last name?"
"Same as this place," Carmen pointed back to the firepit BBQ, "Galarza."
"Thank you," Lily said, "I hope we see each other again soon."
Lily pulled out and Carmen waved goodbye until the car was too far in the distance. Lily asked James to text her Carmen's full name but that was all she said to him. James was silent on the ride back, arms crossed across his chest. Lily turned the car off once they were in the drive of the Star Ridge cabin. The cabin lights were on and Lily saw Fletcher move in one of the windows. Lily put down the keys and turned to look James up and down.
Fletcher walked out the front door, a whiskey in his hand. He grinned a gold smile, his teeth having been replaced by golden caps.
"What are we doing tonight?" Mundungus called to her, "Potter mentioned you wanted to go out?"
"We're going to an autumn festival," Lily said rolling the window up and then opening her door, "in town."
"Great." he motioned to the car, "Nice car."
"Expensive car," James said exasperatedly, "you'll want to grab a jacket, Fletcher, it's cold out there."
Lily waited until Fletcher had disappeared before she addressed James, "you'll come too right?"
"Of course." He said, "if Fletcher asks, I'll tell him I needed a drink."
"Something tells me he won't ask."
Lily was right. Fletcher didn't even blink twice when he got in the backseat of Lily's car. Fletcher was on his phone, texting the entire drive. That didn't make the car any less unpleasant. Lily wished James had sat in the passenger seat instead of the back with Fletcher.
Lily used her phone to locate Swift Farms, the location where the festival was taking place. She found it easily, thanks to the fifty or so cars that were lined along the road. Lily parked behind a blue pick-up and checked her wig one more time in the mirror. Carmen had recognized Lily, so she wondered if it could happen again.
Fletcher and James walked on either side of Lily, an act that only made people stare as she walked through farm gates covered in lights. James seemed to sense their stares because he fell back, leaving Lily with Fletcher. Once inside the crowds though, it didn't matter where the boys stood.
A giant barn was the centerpiece of the festival, the doors flung open to reveal a band and dance floor inside. Tents surrounded them, filled with foods and goods from Lake Placid's locals. There was a paddock filled with horses seeking spare carrots from a few kids in plaid coats. Lily was lost in the pure aesthetic of it all, taking in all the smells and sights.
Lily led her bodyguards to a tent where they were making cider. Lily used cash to purchase one for each of them. Fletcher added whiskey to his, leaning up against one of the poles and sighing as he took a swing of his spiked cider.
"That hits the spot."
Lily shared a look with Janes, who had calculating eyes behind his cup. He was unusually quiet and somber. He was acting like the James she'd met in Manchester, not the James she'd fallen in love with. She had to get rid of Fletcher, so she and James could talk.
Lily walked up to every tent, trying all the food she possibly could. One jewelry tent kept her attention for a while, the handmade ornaments making her examine each piece for its uniqueness. She ended up purchasing a pretty turquoise necklace and leaving behind a set of pearl earrings. She'd stared at the earrings for a while, but eventually decided to only get the necklace.
The party of three walk amongst families, farmers and tourist alike. No one even looked funny at Lily. The festival was like a dreamland and Lily was lost in it. She danced under mason jar lights, beating a drum alongside other people just enjoying the party. James got her a hot chocolate and Fletcher collapsed on a bench, telling them to go on without him.
It was the break they'd been waiting for. Lily and James left Fletcher, promising to be back before eleven. James still wasn't touching her, a problem she already wanted to remedy.
"Hi!"
The kind voice right outside a laser tag tent dazed Lily as she signed up to play the next game of laser tag inside an old smaller barn. Inside the barn, screams and laughter of children could be heard. Lily looked up from her paper to find the young woman from the grocery store standing off to the side of the barn. She was with a tall ginger, holding a pumpkin the same color as his receding hairline.
"It's so nice to see you," Lily said to the woman.
"Are you two going to play laser tag?"
Lily walked over to the woman, Molly, with a spring in her step. Molly was wearing a pair of jeans and a sweater she appeared to have knit herself. The bloke at her side had one arm around Molly's waist. Her husband wore similar clothes, looking positively perfect next to his wife.
"We are," Lily replied warmly, "are you guys playing the next round?"
"No," Molly cackled, "our kids are in there, we're just waiting."
Lily motioned at the man holding the pumpkin, "you must be her husband?"
"Yes," the man nodded politely at Lily, "Arthur Weasley, and you are?"
"Lilian Potter." She felt James shift beside her, "and this is my husband, James."
Arthur shook James' hand too, "pleasure, what brings you two brits so far from England?"
"Honeymoon," James lied flawlessly.
Molly looked beside herself, "you two didn't tell me it was your honeymoon!"
"Must've slipped my mind…" Lily sent James a look, but he was staring nonsensically at her, "feels like our first kiss was just last week."
Molly and Arthur laughed, thinking her comment a joke. James arched his brow at her, his look dangerous. She wanted to kiss him, but he wasn't even holding her hand.
Some fake husband he was.
They exchanged polite words with Molly and Arthur until their number was called by the man operating the laser tag. James and Lily were given vests to wear. They were each given a laser gun that made Star Wars like 'pewpew' sounds when the trigger clicked. Her wig stayed on, thankfully, when another bloke knocked her head with his elbow accidentally. Lily still checked the edges for red hair before settling next to James while they waited to go inside.
James stepped closer, elbowing her, "Lillian Potter, eh?"
"Honeymooners?" Lily looked anywhere but at James.
All of a sudden, James and Lily were following about fifteen other people into the laser tag barn. Inside, the darkness was lit up by the blacklights, causing anything white to glow. The barn was themed like Wonderland, so everything was oversized. Lily stood underneath a giant mushroom as they waited for the countdown to start.
"So how are we doing this." James' breath was hot on her skin.
"What?"
"Am I your bodyguard," he asked, "or your husband tonight?"
"Does it matter?"
"Yeah, because if I'm your bodyguard I have to let you win," James explained, "but if I'm your husband, I'm gonna kick your arse."
Lily turned her chin, matching his dangerous look with one of her own, "that's a dangerous game to play."
"We already played dangerously tonight," his eyes grew hard, "we're already fucked."
"What?"
James reached out with his hand that wasn't holding the laser gun. His fingertips dragged along her skin on her jaw. Lily's lips thinned as they stared each other down.
"She's going to tell," he whispered heartbreakingly, "and I'm going to lose you."
The countdown ended and the crowd of players dispersed. In the rush, Lily and James were separated by a girl screaming as she shot in every direction. Already, there were sounds of people being hit by lasers. The vests lit up green, then red, once a person was out of the game. Lily's vest stayed green as she raced behind a giant caterpillar wearing a monocle.
Since he was tall, James hadn't lost sight of her. He caught her by surprise, rolling over the oversized bug and shooting his laser pointer gun at her heart. She cursed and dodged behind a tall flower, shooting her own laser at James while he laughed, throwing his head back like a little kid. The cartoon sounds from the guns surrounded Lily and James as they danced around in the dark.
Soon, she was sweating, her wig plastered to her forehead. She was hiding around the corner of a table set for tea. She looked for James, finally finding him. He tried to shoot at her, but she ducked behind a paint splattered trash can.
Finally, they appeared to be the only couple left in the game. The kids left had started targeting them. Lily and James were spread apart, trying to stay in the game until the end. Their confliction was forgotten as they played laser tag, lost in the blacklights. Lily was laughing as loud as she could when she spotted James roll behind the tea table with her.
Lily rushed across the floor, sliding behind the oversized teacups. James was panting against one and when he spotted her coming his way, he pointed his gun at her chest.
"Stay over there."
"Don't trust me Potter?"
"Not with your gun pointed at me." He said, "but we can team up, we can win, together."
"I just want to win." Lily smirked, lifting her gun again and pointing it at his chest, "are you ready for it?"
"Don't you dare." he was holding his hands up as she advanced towards him.
When her hand fisted in his sweater his arms dropped in response and their eyes met. The electricity buzzed between them, super charging her emotions. Lily pushed up onto her tip toes and then pressed her lips against his. He seemed startled, falling back only to catch them both before they fell into the teacup. She dropped her laser gun when he started kissing her back, his lips pulling at hers. The neon lights on their bodies glowed green and purple in the darkness. Her hands grabbed his face and used a strong grip to keep her lips firmly attached to his.
Her tongue was pressing to his, tracing his lips and teasing him. James' hands wound up in her wig, little strands of red falling from their prison. Somewhere else in the barn, kids were laughing. In their dark little paradise, Lily felt completely out of touch from the game. His touch was thrilling, surging through her veins as they kissed under the black lights. She breathed in deeply, her tiptoes aching to get her better positioned. She knew it hadn't been that long since they snogged but with Fletcher on their backs, each kiss was like living a prayer.
All too soon, he pulled back, leaning his forehead against hers. His fingers were playing with her escaped red strands, twisting the auburn about his index finger. Slowly, his hands dropped to meet hers in the middle, their fingers intertwining.
"I miss your real hair."
She felt a change coming between them as he leaned in to kiss her on her forehead.
"James?"
"Hm?" his lips vibrated against her temple.
"I won't let them take you from me."
He sighed and pulled her fingers to his lips, kissing them, "you're killing me, you know that?"
"Carmen won't tell," she said, "and even if she does there are no pictures, no proof."
"No proof?" he asked, "but she could've taken pictures."
"I trust her."
"You're too nice." James said, shaking his head at her, "it's going to get you in trouble."
"I'm always in trouble for something."
She leaned back up on her tiptoes, giving him a chaste kiss that he quickly turned into an open-mouthed escapade in the dark laser tag tent. Lily's fingers had rewound in his hair, turning it into the anchor she needed when James bent down to pick her up. The curved plastic of the teacup was awkward to lean up against, essentially making Lily hover over James. Still, it was hot with his hands gripping her arse and his body pressed into hers.
She was so caught up in snogging him, so content with his tongue eliciting a frenzied kiss from her, that the beeping in her ears was practically nonexistent. She was kissing James back, her breathing effectively rushed anytime she got the rare chance to breathe. He was the same way, his chest rising and falling rapidly as he held her against the teacup. It wasn't until someone started shouting that his hands unceremoniously dropped her. Lily wrapped her arms around his neck as her feet hit the ground with a resounding thud.
Red light flashed between them and that's when Lily realized that at some point, they'd gotten hit by opponent lasers. Lily looked over James' shoulder to see a small boy standing next to the laser tag operator.
"That's them sir," the kids said with a glare, "I shot 'em ten minutes ago but they were too busy sucking face they didn't leave."
"What they hell are you two doing?" The worker, irritated, motioned between Lily and James, "this isn't a place for y'all college kids to come and hump each other like rabbits!"
Lily pulled her vest off, pulling James' off for him. She was bright red, probably the color of the vest lights, as she gave them back to the laser tag employee. Then, without another word she grabbed James' hand and pulled him from the tent. Once outside, they both burst into laughter, falling against each other again only seconds later behind a craft tent.
James swept her into another kiss. His hands gently gliding down her frame until they came to rest on her hips. Lily leaned into her tiptoes like a ballerina, kissing him back with a smile. He touched her like she was his most prized possession, fingers light and calculated. When she pulled back, she could see nothing but love in his expression.
"You okay?" She asked.
James looked magical under the moonlight, "I'm okay. You?"
"A little sad we didn't win." she joked, eyes sparkling.
"I think we still won." he kissed her again.
"I want to write a whole album about you," She swayed in his arms, "is that okay?"
"What would you call it?" he asked, "James Potter?"
"No," she wrinkled her nose at him, "No offense."
James laughed and brushed her wig hair from her face, "I love you."
"Then stay with me tonight."
He did as she asked. It was hard, keeping her hands to herself when they met back up with Fletcher. The second bodyguard was drunk, snoring in the car for most of the ride. When they all got to the house, Lily made her way to her room first. She got dressed for bed, taking her make-up and wig off. James was in her room twenty minutes after she tucked herself in.
He danced to the right side of the bed, pulling his shirt over his head in one swipe. When he fell into the bed next to her, she leaned up to wrap her arms around his neck while he leaned over to undo his prosthetic. She kissed the back of his neck, then along his shoulder, earning a small groan from him as he leaned back up and into her eager mouth.
James turned; his good leg bent on the side of the bed as he faced Lily. Her eyes were burning as he lifted one of his hands to use his thumb to trace her bottom lip. He tugged lightly at her bottom lip, earning a look from her that was nothing if not suggestive. James leaned forward, kissing her zealously. Lily smiled against his mouth, feeling her whole body relax as they fell back into the pillows.
Lily sighed, leaning into his grasp, "I had the best day, with you today."
"You did?" he sounded surprised, "but we got caught."
"James," she pinched his chest, "Carmen won't tell."
"How do you know?"
"Because I'm going to go back tomorrow." Lily straddled him carefully, "but this time, as myself."
"Peter will never go for that."
"If I go back as myself, I can pay her back for the food and I can be seen without you."
"Wait, I can't go?" he pushed at her, "No!"
"I'll take Fletcher." she appeased, "and then when I'm done playing pop star, I'll come home and we can snog while Fletcher drinks."
"I like that you added snogging me into your plans tomorrow."
Lily arched a brow at him, "I plan on snogging you everyday, if that's okay."
"That's more than okay."
There was laughter amongst soft touches and little sighs between kisses. He fell asleep first, his body warm and comfortable at her side. Lily ran her fingers through his hair but couldn't fall asleep. She still has song lyrics repeating in her mind like a broken record. After an hour she finally gave in to the need.
She sat on her floor, listening to his breath softly. She pulled her guitar onto her lap and strummed quietly. Her pen and paper were sitting in front of her, allowing her a place to put her thoughts. Two hours later and she finally had another song.
Verse 1:
And I'm doing my best to keep you close
I've been falling for quite a while
You spent some time in denial
But that's all changed since you smiled,
You make the pain of living worthwhile
Chorus:
I'm a drifter, I don't have a real home
And that's not something you seem to oppose
Cause the only thing between us lately are clothes
So call me, love
Say that you'll be mine
Say it
Say it louder
Until I'm burning red.
Verse 2:
The last time we touched it felt like I flew
High in the clouds, alone at night, with or without you
I'm dreaming of our debut
Thinking of long nights in my bed
Painted blue, nicknamed Red
You call me love, are we being misled?
Chorus:
I'm a drifter, I don't have a real home
And that's not something you seem to oppose
Cause the only thing between us lately are clothes
So call me love
Say that you'll be mine
Say it
Say it louder
Until I'm burning red.
Bridge:
Under you I'm brand new
Feel me up
Take me to places I've never been too
You've got scars
And I got mine
But darling, we have time
You're a poem, I'm your final rhyme
Chorus:
Cause baby I'm a drifter, I don't have a real home
And that's not something you seem to oppose
Cause the only thing between us lately are clothes
So call me love
Say that you'll be mine
Say it
Say it louder
Until I'm burning red.
Say it
Louder
Louder
Louder
Until I'm burning red.
A/N: This is the last update until January 18th. I'm going on vacation and won't have access to regular internet. I love all of you who are sticking with this story and loving it. I'm so sad it's almost over.
Here's a sneak peek of Season 2 aka Chapters 14-19:
She didn't want to go to sleep.
It was the last thing she longed for, as James explored her body in a new way, her mouth taking over where hands had once roamed. When he finally kissed her mouth again she was burning for him to touch her below the waist with his dangerous mouth. Or fingers. She wasn't too picky. She just needed him, as per usual.
"James," she said when he started kissing down her neck again.
"Hm?" his lips vibrated against her pulse point.
"We have to stop." she said.
James looked at her like she was crazy, "why?" he demanded.
"Because," she brushed her fingers through his hair, "you're driving me mad."
He kissed her neck playfully, "that's the point."