Blood was pounding in Enzo's ear as he stretched in the locker room before his Quidditch match. Slytherin was playing against Ravenclaw and the nerves were really starting to get to him. Though they should easily beat the other team, something could always go wrong. An injury, an unexpected maneuver, a rogue bludger. Quidditch was an unpredictable game so until they could get a few points ahead, he'd probably be all wrapped up in his head worrying.
The familiar churning of his stomach had appeared the moment he woke up and probably wouldn't go away until he was back on his broomstick playing the game he loved. The wind whipping through his hair and the sounds of the quaffle sailing through the air were the only remedy to his blight.
He'd spent the entire evening before coming up with strategies and studying Ravenclaw's best offensive maneuvers—because, to be honest, their defense was definitely nothing to worry about—but he wondered if it would be enough. He was their captain, their fearless leader. What if he led them astray? What if the people who were counting on him to succeed were let down?
Before the beginning of every game, Enzo couldn't help but picture the faces of his team staring at him, telling them that they needed him to do well. But lately, there'd been another face to break him out of his tornado: Cass's. "You're going to be brilliant, Enz," she'd whispered against his lips two nights ago as they snuggled up together in her dormitory, surrounded by the many pictures she'd taken. He was slowly learning that she loved photography, though she never really seemed to consider it as a hobby. Her camera was always tucked into her bag, ready for that perfect shot. He wondered briefly if she brought it to the game before deciding that it was far too windy and far too cold for her to use it.
"You really think so?" He'd whispered back, bringing her head to his chest as their bodies fit like a lock and key destined to be together from the moment they were made.
"I know so." She'd brushed the hair off of his forehead before kissing him gently. "And even if all hell breaks lose, nothing changes. I'll still be here. Quidditch is fun but it's not everything."
Those words rang in his mind as Enzo grabbed his broom and went out onto the field for his warm-up with the rest of the team. Quidditch is fun but it's not everything. How had she managed to word it so perfectly?
Quidditch had always been number one for Enzo. He'd devoted his entire life to the sport. Early mornings, late nights, summer breaks, pauses between classes. All dedicated to Quidditch. And for a while, that was fine.
But lately, Enzo was starting to wonder if his life was meant for more than just playing Quidditch. If he had a purpose on this planet beyond just a measly little sport. Surely life was meant for more than just a sport on a broomstick, or even homework in a classroom. He felt as if he were missing something yet he didn't know what it was.
Enzo had never let himself consider these thoughts too much. After all, he was the Slytherin Quidditch God. A golden path to the professional league had already been paved for him.
But what if he didn't want that anymore? What if he just wanted a quiet life in a cottage with Cass and their children, enjoying life as it came to them? What if he wanted Quidditch to be a part of his life—but a small part, not just everything?
What if he wanted more?
Enzo had been far too embarrassed to admit this to anyone. After all, what if he was just going through an emotional phase and changed his mind later, riling up everyone for nothing? Enzo was secure enough in his masculinity to admit that he got emotional more often than he cared to. A sad book, a beautiful sunset, a cute little pygmy puff. Practically anything could tug at his heartstrings and make him weep. And don't even get him started on weddings. He sobbed at Tom and Evelyn's and that was the first time he'd ever really spoken to either of them.
You better hope you bring enough tissues for your wedding or you'll be toast, a voice in his head said. Suddenly, Enzo was picturing his own wedding as if he were actually standing at it. Cass in a flowing white gown while they stood in front of the open water, the sun shining down upon them as they held hands and said their vows. Fuck. The image alone was enough to make his eyes water. He wanted it so badly—more than he'd ever wanted anything else. More than a good grade or the Quidditch captain position.
Now, as Enzo slowly flew around the arena on his broom, he pictured what his life would look like if he didn't play Quidditch. Perhaps he'd try to coach a children's team—he adored children—or perhaps he'd try to work in the Department of Magical Sports and Games at the Ministry. He didn't need to give up the sport he loved entirely. Maybe his relationship with it was finally ready to evolve. The more Enzo thought about it, the more he realized that was what he really wanted: to hang up his robes and start the next phase of his life. This would be his last season. And, surprisingly, he was more than okay with that.
He smiled as he flew around the pitch. Madam Hooch strolled out onto the field and quickly began the game. The players were off in a whirl—well, all except Enzo, who was scanning the crowd in search of his lucky charm. His girlfriend. His sunshine. His Cass.
It was easy to spot Theo and Aria. Somehow, they were always in the same spot: the front row with looks that suggested neither of them actually wanted to be there but went to support Enzo anyway. He appreciated their presence so he made a mental note to thank them after the game. He'd especially need to thank Theo. Enzo had been so worried about Aria starting at Hogwarts. She was so beautiful and so inexperienced that it would have been easy for her to get caught up in some of the larger-than-life Hogwarts boys. Theo kept an eye on Aria whenever Enzo couldn't. To know that he could trust his best friend with someone as important as his baby sister made his heart swell. Theo was a true friend.
Enzo's brows furrowed as he struggled to find Cass. He knew that he was missing the game but there was a part deep inside of him that knew he wouldn't be able to focus until he could find her. What if she was hurt somewhere? What if something happened to her? What if he was stupidly playing this game while she was lying in the hospital wing? The possibilities soared through his mind faster than a snitch.
But then there she was. His sunshine.
Cass was waving at him from the middle of a Slytherin section, all bundled up in her cold-weather gear. She told him that her mother had sent her all of this, insisting that she support her boyfriend as much as she could. Enzo's cheeks had promptly turned pink. It felt as if he'd earned Mrs. Crane's approval already and he'd never even met the woman. It gave him the hope for a happy future. He'd never have a relationship with his parents—not after what he was planning to do over Christmas—so he was glad that he could at least retain one side of the family.
Because it was clear: Cass was his future. He knew that just like he knew that he needed air to breath and sunshine to thrive.
She blew him a kiss that made his cheeks turn pink again—though that might have also been from the frigid weather. Enzo caught it with a smile before darting across the field, catching a pass from Nora and sailing it through Ravenclaw's goals.
The game progressed quickly with Slytherin taking a wide lead. It was clear that as long as Draco caught the snitch—or as long as they widened their lead—Slytherin would have a quick, easy lead. It was the relaxed attitude of the game that had Enzo constantly sneaking glances at Cass to make sure she was alright. Was she still smiling? Was Margot with her? Was she freezing? Was she having a good time?
He caught another pass from Adrian Pucey and launched it through the center goal with a force that knocked Ravenclaw's keeper to the side. Go Enzo!" he heard a bright voice say. He smiled as he looked back at Cass, who was grinning at his performance.
"That's right!" Margot said from next to her in the dry voice he was quickly becoming accustomed to. "Go Berkshire! Don't suck in front of your girlfriend!"
Enzo rolled his eyes and blew his girlfriend another kiss. The game went by quickly. Enzo often found himself thinking of the pretty girl with the cute beanie. He stole another glance at her only to see her mouth something that looked an awful lot like "I love you."
His heart dropped. Did she really mean that? Did she really love him? It felt like a dream come true. There was no doubt in Enzo's mind that he loved her back. If there was one thing Lorenzo Berkshire was sure of, it was that he loved Cassiopeia Crane. He opened his mouth, ready to say the three little words back.
But his distraction almost cost him an injury. A bludger soared toward him, rapidly hurtling before Enzo could even react. But before he could prepare himself for a broken nose, Mattheo was there, swinging his beater's club and launching the bludger at the Ravenclaw seeker. The curly-haired boy turned back to Enzo with a grin.
"You alright there, Captain?" Mattheo said devilishly. "A certain Hufflepuff steal your concentration?"
Enzo rolled his eyes but didn't deny it because it was the truth. Why deny that his every thought belonged to Cass? It seemed fruitless. Everyone knew he adored her.
For the rest of the game, Enzo's mind lingered on the butterflies he'd felt as he watched Cass mouth three simple words. I. Love. You. He wanted the game to end as quickly as possible so he could run down to the locker room and tell her he loved her too before kissing her passionately.
It took far too long for Draco to catch the snitch—well, actually, it was hardly any time at all but it felt like a while to Enzo. As soon as the game ended, he sprinted to the locker room, took the quickest shower known to man, and walked out of the locker room with his hair sopping wet and his henley shirt not even pulled all the way down. As Enzo was buttoning his jeans, he spotted Cass. She stood with her eyes wide as she took in his toned torso, mainly the abs that were on display. Her cheeks turned bright pink, which made her look even more adorable somehow.
He bit back a grin. "Like what you see?"
Cass only nodded as Enzo sauntered over to her, wrapping his arm around her waist and cupping her cheek gently. Merlin, she was so cold. He'd have to make this quick so she could get inside in front of the fire. The snuggling during their movie night tonight would be absolutely perfect.
"Did you mean what you said back there?" Enzo murmured, looking into her light brown eyes for the truth. "Do you really love me?"
Cass took a shaky breath before whispering, "Yes. I love you."
He couldn't stop himself. His lips descended onto hers, tasting her vanilla lipgloss mixed with something fruity—perhaps warm apple cider. She tasted like heaven, like happiness and bright futures. Her lips parted for his with no hesitation. Enzo wasted no time diving into her kiss like he was a man starved for her. His hand tightened around her waist while the other threaded through her hair. Enzo's body ached to be nearer to her but he forced himself to pull back. He had a lifetime to savor Cassiopeia Crane—and he intended to take every moment slowly, enjoying every step as it happened. Enzo wasn't like his friends, wasn't eager to jump into bed as soon as he loved someone. He could respect them without wanting to be like them.
"I love you too, sunshine," Enzo muttered between kisses.
"Ew, Enzo," a deep voice said from next to him. "You're scarring your baby sister here."
Enzo broke away with a blush to match the one that appeared on Cass. "I would say I'm sorry but I'm really not," he said with a breathless laugh.
Cass giggled and grabbed onto his hand, leaning into his body probably for the extra warmth he emitted from his lingering adrenaline. "Good job, Lorrie! You played great!" Aria said with a gentle smile, hugging Enzo's other side. Something inside of Enzo shifted at that moment. There, holding his two favorite girls, he realized that he was right. There was more to life than Quidditch. And now, looking into the bright blue and brown eyes of the two people who meant most to him, he knew he was ready to start searching for it.
I've said it once and I'll say it again: I love Lorenzo Berkshire. But I do realize it makes me kinda sad how much he trusts his best friend, knowing I have to shatter that trust in a few chapters. Anyone else? Also, dare I say we have a spicy chapter coming soon? hehehehe
