Hello! Sorry I'm late on the update...this is going to be one of several. I've been busy alongside brainstorming, having some writer's block and having to redo some things. Please don't kill me! This is longer so I hope that'll appease you for the time being.
Chapter Nine-A Small Step Outside
Later that day at a pub in Phoenixfeather...
"I don't understand it! How could he? How? I just...I just don't see it! This has never happened to me, I mean EVER!" Cedric announced, pacing back and forth in the VIP lounge, much to the annoyance of the bartender who merely rolled his eyes.
"Merlin, is he still going on about it?" Roger groaned, setting down his pint.
"It seems so." Oliver shrugged, smoothing his blazer nonchalantly as their friend continued his tirade.
"Honestly! How is it that Colin turned me down?!"
"Oh god, come on...give it a rest already! So what if one bloke turned you down? You have an entire village to choose from and beyond that!"
Cedric snapped "Shut it, Davies! It doesn't matter if I so happen to have hundreds of others, the point is that I have never been turned down for a date, especially to my own fucking party. How could Colin possibly deny me? I am the most desirable man here! I've got it all -the looks, charm, wealth, notoriety...everything. What more could he possibly want?"
Blaise reclined further into his seat like a cat, drawling. "I'm probably taking a stab in the dark here, but maybe what you have isn't necessarily what he wants."
Cedric turned to face the dark-skinned lad, raising a quizzical eyebrow. ''Oh? And pray tell, what would make you the expert on what he desires?"
"It's simple, really. Colin sounds like one of those fairytale blokes who believes that what's inside truly matters more than beauty or material possessions. From the looks of it, that's probably why he has yet to give you the time of day since you flaunt practically everything." He had Cedric there, he did do that more often than a glittering neon-blue peacock. "It's either that or...he plainly just doesn't like you."
Draco snorted at his best mate's blasé retort. "Way to be reassuring, Zabini."
"Hey, he wanted my explanation and he got it."
Cedric shook his head in amusement. "Feh, please. That whole 'It's what's on the inside that counts' bullshit is something only ugly people say. Colin's nowhere near ugly so I do not understand why he spits out that garbage. If it's his parents' doing, then I cannot blame him for that idea. I don't need to adjust my attitude, I just have to try harder. They all wear down eventually, so will he. I guarantee sometime within the new year, you will see Colin on my arm...or in my lap.'' Cedric finished smugly, signaling to the bartender for another martini.
New Year's Eve Night/New Year's Day...
"Three...two...one... HAPPY NEW YEAR!" Four males exclaimed at the stroke of midnight, toasting their champagne glasses with a loud 'clink'.
"May the new year bring us all good health, good fortune, and probably new sweets!" Seamus declared with an anticipating grin.
Colin smiled. "I knew you'd say something about that. And yes, my mum is devising a few new recipes. It's no longer a rumor."
"Oooh really?! Really?! Really?! Really?!" Seamus found himself bouncing in excitement and Colin got a clear picture of Diarmuid hopping about in a frenzy.
"Oh no..no no no no no no no..." Dean groaned, burying his face into his hands. Now there was more sugar than necessary soon to be added to the Irishman's diet. Turning to Cormac, Colin laid his head upon the disfigured man's shoulder.
"So, what are you hoping to look forward to?"
Cormac responded with a shrug. "To be honest, I haven't thought that far ahead. I was too caught up in my own misery and only took it day by day."
"Well, we can take one a day at a time together. This is a new year for the both of us." Colin finished with a kiss.
"Hey, the fireworks are starting." Dean commented, leading Seamus to the enchanted window in Cormac's room. The thunders of exploding black powder rang throughout the village, showering the sky with various hues of red, green, yellow, purple...any color one could think of.
"Wow...I wonder what they look like up close." Colin asked aloud.
Cormac got an idea. "Like this..." Tapping the pane, he zoned in on the spectacular scene, cutting any buildings or trees from view and sharpening the picture.
"You have an enchanted window?"
Cormac smiled. "Yep. It's how I could keep an eye on the outside world...since I can't leave."
Colin noted the slight anguish in Cormac's tone. 'Maybe I can do something about that. We haven't ventured outside in the garden since my tour. As for the house, I'd love for him to meet my parents one day...I dunno how I'm going to convince him, though. I know he's frightened of being seen, given how he was tormented. He's my boyfriend now and I want him to be comfortable. I also want to protect him too...perhaps if I build up to the idea, maybe with a few spells, Cormac wouldn't mind. I have time to work on that. Right now, I'll just keep visiting him.'
"...And that's twelve batches of cookies, three of nougat chunks and one set of pumpkin pies.'' Colin checked off the last of the front inventory with a quick flourish of the pencil.
Once his two-week vacation was up, he had to return to the bakery. Placing the inventory folder back underneath the register, Colin caught another glimpse of the signet ring on his finger. The blonde honestly loved how it shined in the sunlight or any light he was under. He smiled, bringing his hand closer to his face, tilting it left and right. At first, he thought it was a wonderful token of friendship, which was kinda hard to explain right away when he showed up at home for Christmas dinner. His mother playfully poked him, saying 'Ahh..is that why you don't pay Cedric any attention? You've got yourself a man in secret, don'cha?' and he replied 'N-No, it's only a present...they all have one, except the stones are different. I'm not dating anyone, I swear.'
It was still hard to ignore a knowing glance his father sent him and smirks from Dennis and Nigel. Actually, it was easier to ignore those two. Anyway, when he learned Cormac cared so much for him, Colin figured the personal gift held more of a romantic intonation...he didn't ask but was sure it was the intent, even if it was partial.
'I wonder what I could get you for your birthday. May is four months away and one birthstone for it is the emerald. Perhaps if I start saving up more...-' The door opened and a customer ambled in. With natural reflex, his hand dove into his right pocket. Thank Merlin he did because the occupant was Cedric Diggory.
"Afternoon, love."
"How may I be of assistance?"
Cedric replied, tapping on his chin cutely. ''I'd like a dozen mini banana crème cakes, please."
"Uh, sure." Colin turned and started collecting his order. Feeling the burn of those slate-gray eyes upon his backside, he decided to strike up conversation...anything to distract him. "So, how was the Christmas party? A huge turnout?"
Smoothly, Cedric answered. "Of course. It is with every soirée I decide to throw. It could have been better if you were there, though."
"Well, like I said before...I had plans."
"Indeed you did." Diggory's eyes caught a glint of something gold on Colin's right middle finger. He squinted, leaning closer as Colin continued talking and making the order. 'You have got to be fucking kidding me.' He knew the style of that signet ring anywhere. Every last man at Rosethorn Manor wore one and from when he last saw, Cormac still wore his...the emerald. Anger started bubbling within the handsome brunette but he remained calm as Colin returned, extending the box.
"Here you are, that'll be one galleon and five sickles."
Cedric donned his saucy smile. ''There you go. See you around, darling."
Colin watched as he left, a strange feeling settled in. 'Cedric's demeanor seemed a tad strained. That smile was forced. Maybe he's still pissed I turned him down in front of all his buddies? Well, too damn bad. He needs to know he can't always get what he wants...he certainly isn't getting me.'
Down the road, Cedric was fuming. 'I don't believe this! My angel is really flocking around with them! With Thomas...Finnigan...with M-McLaggen! McLaggen!' He had to fight a ferocious growl threatening to spill. 'I know that ring came from him, he's the only one who has them specially constructed! I thought that creature would stay locked away where he belongs but no! He had to ensnare Colin. How the fuck on Merlin's green earth did he accomplish that?! That son of a bitch is beyond grotesque, he couldn't have courted a butterfly without some sort of enchantment. This is unbelievable. I'm losing the perfect specimen to a worthless piece of garbage like him.'
Cedric stilled at a bridge, thumping his nails against the railing in thought. 'No, I am not losing my touch. This is only a mere snag in my plan. I don't care how long it takes or what I have to do. Colin, you will be mine.' As he stormed away, a white rabbit sniffed quickly after him then hopped off into the distance.
Two weeks later at Rosethorn Manor...
"Come on, Cormac. It'll be good for you to get some fresh air."
"I get enough out on the balcony." Cormac whined, glancing outside his window while Colin buttoned up his coat.
"Standing outside briefly doesn't count. We'll only be out there for a little while...we can walk around, throw snowballs or build a snowman."
"Can we stuff Seamus in it?"
Colin chuckled. "No, I think that'll make him shrink even more. Ok, let's go. We're burning daylight."
Looping an equally-layered arm through the taller man's, the blondes headed into the walled section of the courtyard. Both this and the outer section had winter-withered rosebushes and vines lining them. These weren't regular roses that died out towards the ending of summer or from a huge storm. They lasted until winter and their blooms were strong in both structure and scent. Standing outside in the powdery snow, the landscape was pure white and silent. The sky held a silvery-gray overcast, its color and the slight icy breezes gave the area a more empty and depressing aura...truthfully, spring through autumn were far better seasons to visit Cormac's backyard. Colin wasn't going to let that ruin his day, though.
"Hmm...you ever think of holding a bonfire out here? It would be nice to sit around and talk, maybe roast marshmallows over it for s'mores. Or drink some warm apple cider."
Cormac nodded at the suggestion. "You're right, it does seem appealing. I'm surprised my folks never mentioned it...it sounds relaxing."
Colin grinned. "Oh, it is. The smell of burning wood like pine, cedar, oak or hickory filling your nostrils, the sound of the crackling fire, the heat emanating from the pit...it's really comforting. Of course, you do have to keep an eye on it, with or without magic."
"I think I'll take your word on it. I'll have to figure out a day to do it and enlist our mates' help." As they continued on, Colin played it over in his head and feeling though he's got it down pat, he decided to ask.
''Cor?"
"Yeah?"
"Um, you know how I had dinner with you and your parents last week and how I had a wonderful time?"
"Uh huh..."
"Well, I was thinking...what if you did the same?"
Cormac stiffened, his face scrunched in apprehension and worry. "Colin, what are you getting at?"
"I was suggesting that you come to my house for dinner soon."
"Colin, I don't think I..."
"Please, hear me out. I know how you don't wish to leave and all that, but it's only fair you come over since I come here all the time. We can use multiple glamors and disillusionments to guard you from wandering eyes." Violet orbs sparkled in contemplation. The sky-blue eyed beauty had a point. He's been coming to Rosethorn for several months and not once had the young master returned the favor. He did say there will be liberal usage of charms, so that is comforting. But was he ready to allow his boyfriend's family to see him? Did they even know he and Colin were dating?
"I'm kinda scared, Col. How do I know they won't overreact and tell people?"
"I'll talk to them beforehand. It's time that I let them know I'm seeing you. I already suspect they believe I am and are waiting for me to admit it. I promise you, I won't let anything bad happen. The worst thing at our dinner table is you probably burning your mouth on the hot food."
Cormac bit his bottom lip, reddening it for at least a minute while he considered the plea. Sighing, he responded ''Do you absolutely promise people won't see me? And can we administer them before apparating?"
Colin pecked him gently on his mouth. "Yes and yes."
Afterwards, Colin and Cormac walked around the courtyard, conversing and occasionally throwing small snowballs at one another. Colin instigated the playful assault, landing a larger one on the back of McLaggen's head.
"Really?"
"Really." Smirking, Cormac lowered his hulking, crooked form towards the ground and scooped a humongous snowpile into his arms and started packing it together.
''Oh...shit.'' Colin laughed nervously when the bulkier bloke made his way over. The slighter blonde tried slinking away but Cormac was surprisingly faster. One swift toss and Colin was showered in freezing powder. Perhaps taunting Cormac with snowballs was not a good idea. ''Got you."
Colin stuck out his tongue and hurled another snowball, hoping it would hit Cormac in the chest but it sadly struck his stomach and slumped to the snowy ground. Both watched it 'plop'.
"Well, that was anticlimactic."
Cormac snorted. "Extremely. You did have good force, you just uh...gotta work on your aim."
Blushing, Colin retorted. "I'm not that sporty."
"You don't have to be. I thought it was cute."
"Oh yeah, I'm very cute." Colin replied, wrapping his arms around Cormac's neck, sneaking a piece of packed snow down his collar.
"Whoa!" he yelped, scrambling to get the melting hunk out of his shirt, leaving Colin to fall back laughing. "You little-" Cormac teasingly grabbed his boyfriend and they started rolling around in the powdery mess as he furiously tickled him. Multiple yelps and unintentional feminine shrieks emitted from Colin's mouth, making him seem all the more adorable. Finally tired out from wrestling, Cormac lowered himself and claimed those chilled rosy lips. Colin gladly returned, pulling him closer. A loud rustling in the barren bushes alerted the boys of company. A little rabbit almost as white as the snow tentatively wandered four or five inches through the brush, poking its head out and wiggling its tiny pink nose.
"Aww..how cute. Look, Cormac. It's a rabbit. Come here, sweetie." Colin crept over carefully, not to spook the swift creature. Cormac however, was apprehensive. He remembered the last time he saw a rabbit of that description.
Slowly, the rodent hopped closer and sniffed Colin's outstretched hand. Ever so gently, the blonde stroked its soft fur. "You're so pretty. You shouldn't be out here all alone, you know. A gentle little thing like you should be inside a safe rabbit hole where it's warm." He sighed. "I wish I had a carrot to give you." An owl hooted in the near distance, overlooking the courtyard.
Colin glanced at it. "Oh dear. You may want to watch out. Owls love rodents." Dark brown eyes stared up at him in animal silence. "Well, I have to head in now...getting pretty cold. Hurry along and be careful, ok?" Softly smiling, he left the rabbit sitting amongst the bushes. "Cormac, ready to go in?"
"Yeah, I'm in the mood for some hot chocolate."
Back at the bushes, dark brown eyes mutated into mercury-gray. The creature in question craned its head towards the owl, who was staring with bright orange-yellow orbs and readying itself to strike.
'I don't think I'm the one who should be careful.' No one noticed the beam of blue light and an owl soaring away, leaving a flurry of feathers in its wake.
Sunday Night...
"I'm home!" Colin announced, walking through the doorway. "Good to see ya, son. How was your visit?" Desmond queried, setting down the Daily Prophet.
Putting up his coat, Colin responded. "Oh, it was fine as usual. And...there's something I've been meaning to tell you and Mum."
He raised an eyebrow. "Oh?"
"Yeeaahh." Colin slid into a chair across his father. Saoirse padded her way there from the kitchen. "Evenin' love. Glad to see you're home."
"Dear, it seems as though Colin has somethin' he needs to tell us." She looked to her son. "Well? What is it?"
"Ok..you know my friend Cormac?" They nodded. "Well, he and I sort have been..uh...seeing each other...since the day after Christmas."
He watched them, waiting for some sort of reaction...he got one. A wide grin spread on both of their faces. Saoirse gushed, rushing over and hugging her son. "I knew it! You couldn't hide it from me!"
"You've always had a glow comin' from and goin' there." Desmond added.
Colin continued with a soft smile on his face. "So, yeah...Cormac and I are dating. But there's more..and before you ask, Dad...no..we're not doing that...I've asked Cormac to come here for dinner, hopefully this Friday."
Saoirse replied happily. "Of course Cormac can come over! I'd be happy to prepare a nice meal for 'im."
"Before you jump ahead...I...I need to ask you both to do a huge favor. When Cormac comes over, I really really need you not to stare."
His mother asked with a strange curiosity. "Why is that?"
Colin gave her a 'Really? You haven't heard the slightest story' sort of look. ''Mum, are you honestly telling me you haven't heard any stories regarding my boyfriend?"
"Honey, I'm stuck in the kitchen from the time it opens 'til closin'. I also don't go anywhere else hardly."
Desmond folded his hands, relaying an explanation. "Hm, he's the deformed boy I've heard co-workers banter about. They never stated his name outside due to patient confidentiality...he only went by a number. From what I've read, the poor boy was cursed and its effects were found to be irreversible. Well, at least I know his name now."
Saoirse returned to Colin. "Why didn't ya tell us of his condition?"
"Because, I wasn't sure how...I didn't expect to fall for him. We were friends first and I didn't want to say anything. He's been treated horribly by people and hates going into public. So, I wanted to help keep him safe...in a way."
Saoirse gave him a reassuring pat on the back. "You don't have to worry about us givin' him any grief. Everyone will be on their best behavior and to ensure that, I'll talk to your brother and Nigel later."
Colin sighed in relief. "Thank you. It really means a lot to me and to him."
Desmond nodded serenely. "No worries, Colin. Wash up, dinner will be ready shortly."
That following Friday night...
"All set?" Colin asked a fidgeting Cormac.
"Uh..almost." Regardless of Colin's promise to use disguise charms, the poor man was so nervous he was having trouble buttoning his black shirt.
"Here, let me.." He wandered over and fastened the last five buttons. "Thanks."
"No problem." Colin stood back to admire his boyfriend's now immaculate attire -a black dress shirt with matching slacks, socks and shoes. All he had left to add was his wool overcoat. "You look perfect, Cor. There's no need for worrying, you will do fine."
Cormac slumped a tad further in his already-hunched frame. "Are you sure? I'm still kinda..well...you know."
Colin smiled, smoothing the taller blonde's hair. "I know you are but there's nothing to be afraid of. You're only going to my house and coming back. We're going to eat, chat, have dessert, probably chat some more and then apparate here. Sound ok?"
"Yeah.."
"Good. Put on your coat and let's go, Mum won't be too happy if we're late."
"Yeah! You two go on now! Be good!" Seamus crowed annoyingly, wagging his finger in mock-authority.
Cormac snorted in sarcasm before Colin pushed him out the bedroom door. "No, we're going to be rude and leave the house in ruins."
Once outside, Colin and Cormac cast the disguise charms and apparated across the village.
Two 'cracks' sounded and they were in the front yard of Colin's home. It was a respectable two-story brick dwelling with a large fenced-in front and backyard. There was a garden bed to the left and a few trees towards the back. It looked pretty comfortable. Waltzing onto the front porch, Cormac closed his eyes nervously.
"Just take a deep breath, everything will be ok." Colin smiled and kissed him one last time before opening the door. Luckily, they weren't greeted by the others like a pack of excited dogs.
'Now to undo the charms.' Cormac drew in another breath as he deactivated the disguise, restoring his deformed self.
"Colin, sweetie? Is that you?!" Saoirse called out, coming down the hall.
'Oh Merlin, here goes nothing.' Cormac stiffened and averted his eyes to the ground out of instinct.
The blonde woman rounded the corner and stopped, seeing exactly what her eldest warned them about. Cormac certainly wasn't at all what she pictured when Colin spoke of him months ago. Her blue eyes floated down his hunched and lumpy muscled frame, up and across his pasty gray-white skin and lopsided face. Saoirse couldn't possibly imagine the sheer torment this child went through because of how he looked. Now, Cormac was looking pretty uneasy and was staring at the floor, scared. 'Oh no, you are not goin' to be uncomfortable in my house.' Colin's mother headed over promptly with a welcoming smile.
"Hello, dear. It's so wonderful to meet ya. Colin's told us so much about you. Why don't you have a seat at the table? Dinner's ready."
Gently taking Cormac by the arm, Colin led him to the dining room. Desmond, Dennis and Nigel were already waiting in their seats. "Dad, Dennis, Nigel...this is Cormac. Cormac, this is everyone."
"H-Hello." Cormac gazed quickly around the room. One by one, the men steadily but quickly took in the master's appearance, finally gazing upon the face of the man who's been through so much cruelty...and who managed to capture Colin's heart.
Dennis mused quietly 'Ah, so that's what you look like.'
"It's nice to make your acquaintance, Cormac." He shook Desmond's outstretched hand. "There is no need for you to feel shame, I've come across far worse in your condition." Desmond commented bluntly, looking him straight in the eye. Cormac was silent after that. He wondered just how worse...well, given Mr. Creevey's line of work, there had to been some pretty messy cases. He couldn't figure out how to respond to that, so all he could say was "Um...ok." Desmond gave him a smile as his wife levitated the steaming dishes onto the oak table.
Dinner carried on smoothly. Food was passed around and conversation ensued. Cormac eventually relaxed and allowed himself to participate. Dennis and Nigel later excused themselves, leaving Colin and Cormac to share dessert. Desmond and Saoirse were already back in the kitchen.
"I knew they'd love you." Colin smiled, picking at the slice of chocolate mousse pie between them.
Cormac shrugged bashfully. ''I guess. They seem really nice. They didn't stare. Um, did your Dad mean what he said? He's seen worse?"
Colin replied. "Healers see so many patients afflicted with numerous diseases, injuries and disorders on a daily basis and some days...they witness things healthy people would have nightmares about. Over time, they become more understanding and honestly...more desensitized. Healers have to be, you know? They can't exactly lose their cool and put the patient in distress."
"I see...so I'm not exactly alone?"
"No, you're not. And you never will be, either."
Cormac gazed at Colin, whispering "Why is it that you always know what to say to make me feel a hundred times better?"
"I dunno, just comes naturally, I guess." Colin answered with a kiss.
Not too far away, his parents were watching, more like spying, on the cute couple in their dining room. ''I have a good feelin' about this one."
"I do too, Desmond." Saoirse sighed happily, leaning against her husband. ''We've raised such a wonderful son. If only more lads in the world were like him."
Desmond nodded in agreement. "I just hope Colin will be able to keep him. They deserve each other."
"Bye Mum, bye Dad...tell Dennis I'll see him later." Colin waved his folks farewell as he and Cormac apparated back to Rosethorn Manor.
Seamus greeted them at the door like a jumping terrier. "Hey! How'd it go?!"
"Calm yourself, dude...it went fine. They loved him." Colin smiled, removing his and Cormac's coats.
"See? Not everyone out there is cruel." Dean reminded, poking the master playfully.
Cormac shrugged in admittance. "Yeah, I suppose so."
"There's no 'supposin' about it! This world still has kind and understandin' people...you just have to learn where to look.'' chirped a still-gloating Seamus. He wasn't going to tone down his victory regarding Cormac and Colin any time soon.
"I see your point. It felt nice to meet other people that didn't flee when I looked at them or hear whispers behind my back. It was also nice to taste someone else's food other than the house elves' for once. Don't get me wrong, I love their cooking...but I do like trying other recipes. Col, think maybe I could go again sometime? Your mother makes exquisite venison."
Colin smiled instantly at Cormac's readiness to return. "Of course you can! Who knows, maybe next time you can spend the night."
"Uh...how about after two or three more visits, then we'll see from there."
"As long as you bunk with me, I won't have an issue waiting a little longer."
"Just be sure to put up Silencers!"
"Seamus!"
Cormac finally took that first step outside his manor walls. Aren't you just proud of him? Don't forget Colin! Without him, he'd still be a bit of a hermit. What you think? Stay tuned, everyone! :)