Welcome to chapter 2! I thank anyone in advance who decided to check this out! :P Anyway, this is the chapter where Colin makes his debut. It's now in third person. If it changes, I'll be sure to note beforehand. :P
Chapter Two-Unconventional Greeting
"Damn it, Seamus, get away from the door. You know he doesn't like you waking him up this way!" Dean hissed as Seamus continued banging on Cormac's bedroom door.
"Well, you know that arse can practically sleep through anythin'. It's either this or run and pounce." Seamus replied matter-of-factly.
"Yeah, and we'd end up with splattered Seamus all over the fucking wall."
"Cormac! Wake up! You're gonna miss breakfast! Do I have to come in there?!"
Violet eyes snapped open. Cormac's upper lip curled into a snarl. He did not want a short shit giving him a rude awakening. It's happened a few times before and not once did he enjoy it. Wanting to spare himself sore ribs, he hopped up from his bed and headed towards the door.
"Cormac...Cormac...Cormac Cormac Cormac Cormaaaaccc.." Seamus lightly padded his hands on the wood, hoping for a chance to strike.
Cormac poked out his head. "Yes, you insufferable leprechaun, I'm awake."
"Good! Then get moving! Breakfast is almost ready."
"Fine, I dunno why you're rushing me...it's not like I'm going anywhere." Cormac shut the door. Inside his personal bathroom, Cormac stood in front of the mirror, well...what was left of it. The first night of his curse, he shattered it in a heartbroken rage. Now, there were only a couple jagged triangles embedded in the wooden frame.
He sighed. "Another day, another cycle of looking like this." Twisting off the cap of his toothpaste, he proceeded with his morning routine.
Smoothing out a few wrinkles on his long-sleeved shirt, Cormac put on the last finishing touches. He didn't look into his full-length mirror, since that was busted too. So, he prepared his outfits and brushed his hair by memory. It wasn't hard, his parents drilled him in the sequences at a young age. Cormac avoided looking in any other reflective surface, as any picture of his former self. They brought back too much pain. Mirror glass wasn't the only thing that got broken.
The only mirror that remained intact was the one Luna gave him. He's tried destroying it but whatever she charmed it with, the mother of pearl-lined object stayed indestructible. Most likely, it was to remind Cormac of his misdeed and he thought so, too. Although he was arrogant, it didn't mean he was stupid. Taking one last gaze at the mirror lying on his table, Cormac left for breakfast.
"56...57...58...59...60. Damn, mate...almost 200 pounds in your reps. You've surely stepped up your game this month." Dean commented as he grabbed the barbell from the blonde, setting it back into place.
"Yeah, it's a new personal best. Maybe I'll push for 200 next time." he replied as he dabbed at the sweat on his forehead. Cormac may not have his devilish good looks anymore, but he would be damned to let his health falter.
"We've had an interestin' day and finished pumpin' iron. How about I go into town and put in a massive order for somethin' sweet that I can have delivered tomorrow? Like...some éclairs or whatever from the bakery. You know, since the house elves are having Friday night off? It's a good way to start off the weekend!" Seamus offered.
"Sure, but you might wanna clean up before you go. You're all sweaty and disgusting." Dean suggested playfully.
"True. Perhaps you'd like to join me?" the Irishman waggled his eyebrows, pinching him on the arse.
"That's the best suggestion you've had all day."
"Aw, I know there had to been a better one from me earlier." they went back and forth, leaving Cormac to snort and shake his head.
'Those two, I swear. Crazy...well, Seamus is. At least Dean is the more sensible bloke. He keeps him grounded. Lucky bastards. Anyway, I might as well shower off. I'm gross.'
The next day...early morning.
In the large village west of McLaggen Manor, a young man of eighteen was hurrying to the bakery. 'Shit, shit, shit! Mum's gonna kill me if I'm late! Why did Dennis and his buddy have to keep me up last night with their shenanigans? I swear, Nigel's gonna get a kick in the arse from me the next time I see him!' Bursting through the door, he met a light blonde woman eyeing him, impatiently tapping her foot.
"Colin, you're late."
Colin frowned, hanging his head. "I know, Mum and I'm sorry. Dennis and Nigel, they...''
''You can tell me later, now put on your apron and pull back your hair. I need you to be presentable at the counter since that is your station. I swear, you should cut that mane like your brother."
"Mum, you know the short look is terrible on me. Besides, you never nag Dad."
"Regardless of that, just get back there. We open shortly."
Mumbling a 'Yes, mum', Colin put on his light blue apron and pulled back his shoulder blade-length light blonde hair into a ponytail. His mother Saoirse was a stickler for punctuality and he absolutely hated it. Unfortunately, it was a necessary evil. Stepping behind the counter, the 'CLOSED' sign morphed into 'OPEN' and their day began.
"Here you go, sir. Have a pleasant day." Colin smiled as he handed a man of about forty a box of their finest chocolates.
The tall, platinum blonde man gave him a slight flirtatious smile in return, grazing gloved fingertips against Colin's. "No, thank you. And it's Lucius Malfoy." The wizard stepped out into the bustling crowd. Colin's smile faltered.
'God, what is it with all these people hitting on me?! He's the twentieth one this morning and it's not even noon. And that man...he's fucking married, with a son my age. Honestly, I didn't think moving here three years ago would have brought me all this sort of attention.'
When Colin was fifteen, he and his family moved to the province of Phoenixfeather. Their former home was pleasant, if one didn't count the instance where he was almost sexually assaulted...that's why they moved, to get him away. It took some adjustment, but the Creeveys settled in wonderfully. His father Desmond was a Healer, so transferring was a breeze. His mother opened her bakery, after closing the former for relocation.
Being a master pastry chef, her confections were widely known and getting clientele was effortless. People even apparated to her bakery just to get a box of her sweets. Colin graduated from his schooling and set out to work with his mother part-time since she needed extra hands. Dennis was seventeen so he was still in school and doing Merlin knows what when his big brother wasn't around. Eventually, the two boys made new friends.
Colin however, got more than just offers of friendship. Frequently, he would find himself the subject of many lustful stares and dirty conversations, mostly among the men of the bisexual and homosexual persuasions. Age didn't matter. Oh yeah, many girls checked him out too, though they were more discreet about their talk. In all brutal honesty, Colin was fucking gorgeous. The bloke was tall, right at or an inch over six feet...lithe, pale body, silky blonde hair, bright, clear sky blue eyes and lips that were full and near-red like fresh summer roses.
He was also as sweet as sugar, but don't be fooled. He could match sharp wit with the best of them. Colin couldn't go anywhere without catching the eye of some random stranger, or being subtly propositioned. It annoyed him beyond comprehension, at least the constant ones did. Sure, there were some men who weren't pushy or overbearing and were genuinely nice but still, if he wasn't interested, he wasn't interested. Period.
Gazing at the clock, the blonde saw it was THAT time again. His most dreaded customer was about to descend upon the bakery. 'In three...two...one..' The door opened and a handsome brunette swaggered his way inside.
'Here we go again.'
The man of twenty-one smiled, leaning against the glass counter. ''Afternoon, Colin. How is my sweet today?"
Forcing a smile, he responded "Hello, Cedric. I'm well, thank you. And yourself?"
"Exceptional. I just came back from a rousing Quidditch practice. This gorgeous body isn't gonna maintain itself, you know."
Colin nodded. "Right...so, the usual?"
"No, I'm wanting to try something different. How about those cheesecake bites drizzled with cherry syrup? I've been dying to get a hold of those." 'And you. I wouldn't mind you drizzled with a bit of that, either.'
Colin shrugged "Sure thing." He walked to the cooled container and plucked a dozen for Cedric. "Here you are, enjoy."
Cedric handed him five sickles. "Colin, would you like one? It wouldn't feel right if I didn't offer."
"I'm fine, Cedric. Really."
"Oh? But it's something to tide you over until lunch. Please, have a bite." He held one out to him. Knowing his mother would chew him out for denying a customer a simple request, he took the piece of cheesecake. Besides, it wasn't unreasonable.
Colin nibbled the sweet, getting a little syrup at the corner of his mouth. Cedric caught that as he finished his morsel. "You have a little something...right here." he gently wiped the syrup and licked it off his index finger. "You know, it tasted much sweeter coming off of you."
Colin raised his eyebrows, unimpressed. "Oh, is that so?"
Cedric smirked, locking slate-gray eyes with sky blue. "Indeed it is so. Hm, why not accompany me and some of the guys for a night out on the town? It is Friday, after all."
"That's a wonderful offer, but I'll have to pass. I have things to do."
Cedric propped his head on his hand. "What kind of things?"
Colin gestured around him "The shop, for one. And two...I have to tend to things at home. Dennis is probably fucking around with shit and I'll have to reverse whatever charm he's experimenting with this time."
"Colin!" They turned to see his mother shuffle towards them. "Dear, I need you to deliver an order."
"Sure thing, mum. You see?"
Cedric mock-pouted "I do. That is most unfortunate. Well, another time then. Farewell, Colin." he ran his fingers gently across Colin's jaw before exiting the building.
Saoirse smiled at the display. "Oh, that Cedric seems like a nice lad. You should date him."
"Muuummm..." Colin groaned. She didn't know the half of what Cedric was really like. Cedric Diggory was the most attractive man in their village-six foot-three, lean and powerful body from weightlifting and all that Quidditch practice. He had wavy, thick brown hair and piercing slate-gray eyes anyone could get lost in. Despite his looks, he was an overconfident, shallow and conceited arse that got everything he wanted...and whomever.
When Colin first arrived in Phoenixfeather, he caught Diggory's eye at a town festival and he hasn't left the blonde alone since. It was flattering at first, but then it got annoying so Colin avoided him as much as humanly possible without making a scene. He hoped that Cedric would direct his advances elsewhere...unfortunately, his wish failed miserably.
Right now, he had to take his mind off Cedric and focus on the task at hand. "So, Mum, where's this one headed? We haven't made a delivery in quite some time."
"Well, darlin', this batch is set for Rosethorn Manor. It was called in an hour or two before we closed. A fellow countryman came and placed the order. A chipper lad this one was. Said his name was Seamus.''
Colin nodded, taking the note. His parents were from Ireland and they immigrated when he and Dennis were real young. "Rosethorn Manor, how come I've never heard of it?"
"Dunno, love. We're still learnin' new things about this province. Daisy will take over while you're away."
"Ok." Taking the six boxes of confections, Colin apparated to the location on the order.
With a 'crack', he arrived at front gate covered in rosevines. Gazing at the surrounding walls of the huge estate, Colin could see why it was termed 'Rosethorn Manor', they were coated with the strongly-scented flora. Bushes also lined the territory inside and out. '
Man, someone surely went to a lot of trouble to plant all these. Nothing says ''I love roses'' more than draping your property with 'em. Still beautiful, though.'
The gates opened on their own, allowing Colin entrance. Traversing to the giant red oak doors, Colin knocked on the wood, only to see those give way for him too. 'Ok, that was creepy.' ''H-Hello?''
Upstairs in a darkened alcove, a figure was peering down at him. 'Well, looks like Finnigan's sweets have arrived.'
"E-Excuse me, I uh...have an order for a 'Seamus Finnigan' to be sent here." Colin called out to no one.
Out of the blue, a voice responded. "Leave them on the table and go!" His heart nearly burst from his chest. Thank goodness the boxes were charmed not to fall or they would have flown everywhere.
"W-Who said that? Who's there?!''
"Nevermind who I am, just do it!"
Colin swallowed and padded slowly over to the table, when another voice sounded through the entryway "Oi, Cormac! Stop scarin' him shitless! He's only here to give us our sweets!" chided a short brunette running his way. "Hey there, I'm Seamus. Thanks again for deliverin'. Wasn't sure if anyone done it anymore. Dean! They're here!" He called out to a tall, dark-skinned male striding over.
"Yeah, yeah, I heard you bellow the first time."
Dean smiled softly to Colin. "He didn't frighten you too much, did he?"
Colin shook his head. "Not too much. Uh..who is he? Cormac?" he asked, handing the boxes to the squirming Irishman.
The seemingly-disembodied voice spoke again "None of your concern!"
Dean rolled his dark brown eyes. "Cormac is the young master of this house. This is his place, we live here with him and raise hell together. He's not that bad...well..with us. To everyone else, he's a RUDE, LOUD, INCONSIDERATE DOUCHEBAG WHO TRIES TO SCARE OFF ANYONE WHO COMES NEAR THIS HOUSE! INCLUDING MY MOTHER!'' he averted his head as he continued that sentence.
"I was doing you a favor and you know it! And I'm not inconsiderate, you dick!"
"Could've fooled me." Dean muttered.
"Aw come on, you two. Quit yer screamin' and at least say 'hello'!" Seamus chimed in, swallowing a bonbon.
"Hello! Now goodbye!"
"That's not how ya do it!"
Colin listened as the two shouted back and forth. "Does this happen often?"
Dean chuckled. "Yeah, it does. We go way back, so I'm used to it by now. Thank you so much again for coming all this way."
"You're welcome."
"Dean Thomas."
Colin shook his outstretched hand. "You're welcome, Dean. I'll uh, I'll go on ahead and go. Mum's waiting on me back at the bakery."
"Wait, your mum owns 'Saoirse's Sweet Nothings'?"
Colin replied. ''Yeah...she does. I'm..I'm Colin Creevey."
"Nice to meet you, Colin. Sorry again for Cormac's behavior. He's not naturally this heated in greeting, I assure you."
"It's fine. I've met worse. Trust me. Well, see ya."
Dean waved him farewell as the blonde walked out the front gate and apparated. "Happy now? He's gone."
Cormac stepped out of the shadows. "Whatever. Now give me one of those éclairs."
Upon entering the bakery, Colin let out a long sigh. That was the most spirited delivery he's made in forever not counting his cousin's stag party a few years back. That was a disaster. At Rosethorn, he was relieved to have met two kind faces, the third however, he didn't see but surely heard. The birds in the trees probably heard his bellowing. However, the voice did sound rather sexy...too bad it was in a much harsher tone.
'Cormac...whatever your last name is...I didn't formally meet you but I'm sure you're someone I'll never forget.'
There you are! Your thoughts?
And yes, I SO went there with making Cedric into a total douchebag. Draco was my second choice...but ehhh...I wanted someone different. (Also, somebody had to reign as the 'handsome arsehole' in Cormac's place.)
Rosethorn Manor and McLaggen Manor are the same place...just the former describes how it's decorated.
Cormac still looks all deformed and what not as described in the first chapter...but hey...since he can't go anywhere...he has to keep himself busy somehow and we all know he's not gonna neglect his body. This is Cormac we're talking about. XD
Colin's still a bit of a newbie to Phoenixfeather...so he's unaware of Cormac's karmic incident...but I assure you he will find out soon enough. :P