For the Gaming Grove challenge on the Hogwarts School Of Witchcraft and Wizardry Forum.
For a moment, Alex wonders if she's made a mistake. Neal Caffrey hasn't always been a man of luxury, but he'd certainly become one over time.
In short, Brockenhurst is not at all what Alex pictured when she imagined finally finding him. She'd assumed he'd flee to Paris. Maybe even Copenhagen, if he was feeling particularly nostalgic. But this village has either the glam or the charm that she's come to associate with him. In contrast, it's all wide roads, old women bickering across their garden fences, and actual wild horses eating the grass on the footpaths.
The horses, Alex has to admit, have a certain charm. The horse dung, on the other hand, she could do without.
Fortunately, small towns don't come with many places to hide. He's not in the first pub she tries, but he is in the second. He's draped over the counter, dressed in old blue jeans and a white tee shirt. She's slipping an origami flower in his back pocket when he turns, wrapping his fingers around her wrist.
"This place suits you."
Neal looks her up and down, first taking in her blazer and then her stiletto heels. His smile becomes impossibly wide.
"It doesn't suit you at all. God, it's good to see you, Alex." He envelopes her into a hug and presses a kiss to her cheek. "I was starting to think you weren't coming."
She rolls her eyes, but can't stop herself from grinning. "You were difficult to find. Faking your own death? Very convincing. Your best work yet."
"But I left you clues, didn't I?" His hands have fallen to her waist. "I knew you'd figure it out."
"Next time, just call me."
"You promise you'll answer?"
She nods, but she knows she doesn't have to. He won't ever have to call. She'll already be right next to him.
…hopefully in Paris. Maybe Copenhagen, if only they're feeling nostalgic.