Celebrity Crush

Prompt: Celebrity Crush

Setting: Muggle AU

838 Words

James stood there, uncomfortable in his formal get up and making polite small talk. He was also trying very hard not to stare at Lily Evans, who stood across the room.

He'd never been this close to her and he wasn't sure how to feel about that – he was somewhere between elation and panic while also vaguely embarrassed.

After all, most people probably wouldn't have a crush on a television presenter of a children's show.

But James Potter wasn't most people and because the show in question was little Harry's favourite, he'd been seeing a lot of Lily Evans through the screen.

There was just something about the way she smiled, about the way she interacted with the children… She seemed so genuine that before James realised what was happening he was halfway in love.

And now they were standing in the same room, for the first time ever.

Of course, he'd known she would be here – after all, she was a very big proponent of this particular nonprofit and had even been the face of their recent ad campaign.

Lily Evans wasn't the reason James had come to this fundraiser, though. The nonprofit was very close to his own heart, too – especially after Harry's surgery – and deserved what little support James could give it.

James mingled and made his polite rounds. And by some miracle, half an hour later, he found himself in a quiet corner with none other than Lily Evans, quite by an accident.

"I see you've found my hiding place," she told him, green eyes twinkling.

James stared at her mutely for a moment, until he finally found his voice.

"I'm sorry for intruding, I didn't think –"

"Oh, I was only joking," she cut in. "Well, in part. There's only so much small talk I can take."

"Then I'll spare you from any," James offered. "We can stand here in awkward silence instead."

Lily laughed. "I appreciate the offer. Though I have some energy left in me still to talk; as long as it's not about the weather."

"Well, in that case, I have to say I'm very delighted to finally meet you," James said. "My son is a very big fan of your show and it honestly feels a little weird standing next to you right now."

"Don't worry, I get it a lot from parents. I'm sure they get tired looking at this same old face day after day," Lily said.

"Oh, not at all," James replied, then promptly blushed. "I mean, I have to confess I rather enjoy watching the show too."

A smile twitched at the corners of Lily's lips. "Really?"

And just then, a woman James didn't recognise – likely someone working for the nonprofit – found them in their peaceful corner.

"Oh, here you are. Just reminding you, Miss Evans, that your speech will be in half an hour. Ah, I see you've met Lord Potter. Honoured to have you attend, your donation was very generous."

"It was for a very worthy cause," James replied.

With a smile and a nod, the woman left.

Lily watched him, one eyebrow raised.

"Lord Potter?"

"Don't worry," James said, a little sheepish. "It's only a courtesy title. I'm not an actual peer."

"Yet," Lily said. "Which title are you in line to inherit?"

"Well, my father is Earl Deerham," James replied.

"Of course he is," Lily muttered, shaking her head. "Excuse me while I go crawl into a hole somewhere."

"Why? You have done absolutely nothing wrong. And my family has never really been one for putting on airs."

"Says the son of an Earl," Lily said wryly.

"Just think of me like any other parent whose child is a huge fan of your show." James shrugged. "It's true enough, after all."

"I can try," Lily frowned, but couldn't help adding one snarky "my lord."

James grinned at her. "Well speaking of, would it be all right to take a selfie with you? My son would be over the moon to know we've met."

"Sure," Lily said.

She stepped closer while James took out his phone. He tried not to fumble with it, even though he felt like a nervous schoolboy; all too aware of the warmth Lily's body was radiating next to his.

They smiled at the camera and James snapped the picture, showing it to Lily.

She nodded at it. "That's brilliant. Actually, do you mind sending it to me? My sister will eat all of her hats once she finds out I met a lord."

For the next few seconds, James forgot how to breathe.

Then, hoping he sounded casual, he replied: "Of course. Give me your number and I'll send it right away."

"Very smooth," Lily commented before she rattled off her number to him.

But the green eyes were bright and a smile was still playing on her lips and she hadn't moved from his side, if anything, she'd leaned a little closer.

And for the first time in a long while, James Potter dared to hope.