Closed Letters Home

[Onyx Derouin]

Two weeks. It had been two weeks since Onyx had spent a morning with Jamie. If he was being honest he was considering the entire thing more and more a dream every day. Jamie hadn't written him, called him. Onyx had nothing but the faint aching of forgotten wishes in his heart and a stupid hope he had tried to ignore.

He laid draped over his couch, whining softly as he thought- again- over the events of that day. He remembered once they had left Jamie's flat, how he had walked so close to Onyx, Onyx had been so sure Jamie could hear the pounding of his heart. He remembered how shy he had been when he had reached for Jamie's hand, and how quick Jamie had been to take it.

He remembered how they had talked, the way they had laughed. They had walked through the Parc and on to the shops. He remembered how he had seen a bracelet while Jamie got them drinks, remembered slipping inside to buy it. It had been pretty, onyx beads with a deep blue swirl in them; it was a charm bracelet. He had only had enough money to buy a single charm for the bracelet, a simple silver dragonfly. Onyx couldn't explain why he had been drawn to the charm, but he had liked it.

He had been so shy when he had actually tried to give it to Jamie. But the smile on Jamie's face when Onyx had bumbled his way through trying to give it to him. It still made Onyxs heart skip. He couldn't help but wonder if Jamie actually wore it or if it was gathering dust in some drawer or set on a dresser or something. Onyx hadn't thought to ask if Jamie liked jewelry.

He sighed, knowing he was pouting. He hated how badly he wanted to see Jamie. He hated how his thoughts had shifted from Chrysander, shifted from Ben. He had wanted, desperately, to move on. To move past the memories. But like this- to want someone new, to want to be with Jamie, it scared Onyx. Still... He couldn't help but think of Jamie and want more.

But, as was Onyxs luck, it was one sided as it ever was. It had been two weeks. He had gone out on a limb, been vulnerable, unintentionally let himself hope. And Jamie hadn't spoken to him since. No calls, no notes. It hurt Onyx greatly to think he had been right. Once he was gone, once Onyx had stepped away from that hug that had made his heart skip and kept him awake missing Jamie's arms- Jamie had forgotten him.

It was a while before a simple thought finally occured to him. Onyx hit the floor in a matter if seconds, bolting to his nightstand and digging out some parchment and a pen. In a matter of moments he had sent a note out with his sisters Owl, Stone, hardly stopping to read it twice.

Jamie~

I am an absolute and utter idiot, I am so sorry, I swear I thought I gave you my address. I'm attaching it to this, and my number. I don't know if you have a phone or anything, I just- yeah. You don't have to write or anything, just... Figured you might want to know where to find me I guess. My uncles been working from home since that last gig, my sister is graduating soon so he wants to have the house ready I guess, it just means we'll all be pretty close by. If you wanted I mean, I- I would like it if you did though. I miss you...

~Kitt Onyx

 

[Jamie Derouin]

Jamie hadn’t heard anything from Onyx in two weeks. He had been waiting for the man to reach out first purely because he feared being too forward if he was first. The man was however losing some hope and intended to message him soon, if only because his birthday was coming up and he was still intending to invite Onyx to it. The man was pleased when eventually after two weeks of nothing an owl appeared on his balcony. He took the note and lightly stroked the owl as he read. It was nice, to hear from him and it felt nice that he hadn’t completely forgotten about him. Jamie went into his house and to his desk where he was quick to reply and send something back to him.​

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Spoiler

Onyx,​

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I am happy to hear from you, i was waiting for you to write first since I didn’t want to be too forward but I’d have eventually written, owls are surely smart enough to find someone when I don’t know where they are. I don’t have a phone, but I’ll learn number just in case. I’m glad I know where to find you now. I’ll be sure if I’m ever in the New Zealand area again for quidditch to reach out. We can chat and hang out and just have a good time in a place you know better. That’s exciting, will you be going along to her graduation? Are you also asking if I’d like to come along, to the after party?​

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For my life, things have been pretty calm, my sister is also graduating but she’s heading straight off so we’re not celebrating yet. My teammates plan for my birthday are coming along. It is predictably a club in Paris called Serpent, it’s a magical club with good rates for quidditch players. It’s also just in the heart of Paris. If you’re still interested, we’ll probably be there from like midnight. Pre-drinks is team only unfortunately.​

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Looking forward to hearing from you.​

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With love,​

Jamie​

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[Onyx Derouin]

Onyx had been a little on edge since he'd written to Jamie, scared he wouldn't hear anything, scared this entire thing was in his head. He was curled up in his window, watching the sky and trying not to pout too much. He had been lost in thought- wandering about his sister and her life- when out of nowhere Stone was on the other side of the windowsill, hooting moodily to be let in.

Onyx blinked, surprised. He hadn't expected Sapphire to reply for at least another week. He opened the window, rolling his eyes and smiling fondly as Stone flapped inside, acting indignant. "You're inside now, aren't you?" He asked, moving to grab a treat before going back to his nightstand so he could trade it for the letter Stone had.

Once the owl had accepted the trade and flown from the room- probably to his housing in the living room. Onyx moved to sit on his bed, getting comfortable under the covers before finally moving to open the letter. His brow furrowed at the unfamiliar handwriting, and he gasped softly. He sat up, leaning over the letter and reading each word eagerly. "Jamie," he breathed, biting his lip and smiling. He reached for his notebook, grabbing a pen, and after four terrible attempts he finally managed to put together something resembling a letter.

Spoiler

Jamie,

You know, ah, if you wanted to, you don't have to wait for Quidditch to be able to come see me. Though I still need to come see you play- though I'm sure I'd be watching through my fingers most of the game. When's your next game? Do you train often? I remember training with my sister- I was an alternate keeper once, but I never got to play in a game. Mostly I just flew around and threw balls at Sapphire. She's a beater, co captain of the Slytherin Quidditch team.

We... Are having a graduation party, and though I do want to see you... I'm not sure I'm going to the party myself. Sapphire is the one graduating, but it wasn't that long ago when that party was meant to be for both of us. Im torn between wanting to support her and congratulate her successes, and wanting to just find a good bottle of Whiskey and a bar away somewhere and try to drink away my failures.

I think I know the place you're talking about. I've never been myself but its popular enough I... Think my uncle has talked about it before. I can probably show up around midnight, if you still want me there? Also, um... Do you like the bracelet? I just... Thought it was pretty, and it made me think of you I guess, but I know not everyone is into jewelry. What do you like? I cant show up to a birthday party without a present, you know?

Be safe, okay?

~Onyx

 

[Jamie Derouin]

Jamie didn’t expect Onyx to write back that quickly, sure that he would have more to doo than to reply to his letter. But when he came back from quidditch that way he spotted the owl at the balcony. He let the creature in surprised by how affectionate it seemed to be, or well, just seemed to tolerate him, which to Jamie was always affectionate and love. He had been doing prep for his birthday, getting things together so that he’d send a gift to his sister for her finishing at beauxbatons. But the letter made him drop everything else and decide to feed the owl and read the letter over dinner. He smiled at the words. And couldn’t help himself from immediately writing a reply.​

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Spoiler

Onyx,​

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Inviting me over already? You don’t need to watch me play your company before and after would be just as welcome. But, if you really want to, I’ve got a friendly against Spain in a few weeks. We’ve got to start the campaign for the Euro quidditch cup. Very important. We train most of the four or five days out of seven, but pre-tournament, we’ll do six days and the seventh will have a little tactics discussion. It can get very busy. A keeper? Wow, well that suits you….I’d be helpless in front of you, just tossing you the ball instead of scoring.​

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You should go, you succeeded too, even if you don’t entirely “graduate” you haven’t failed because you haven’t done NEWTs, honestly Onyx. You’d be surprised how many players duck out of school after sixth year because they don’t need NEWTs to play and that’s their choice. You didn’t chose to get attacked, so you aren’t a failure just because you didn’t graduate with your class. You should go, and I can be there after and we can also toast to your successes as well. You aren’t a failure baby. But of course I’ll be there, time, date and place.​

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It’s pretty popular. And of course I want you there, you think I told you where it was to not have you come along, hopefully. I can’t wait to see you, I don’t really want presents for my birthday but seeing you will more than enough of a present. I love it, I can’t wear it when I practice, I don’t want it to get damaged or lose it, but I love it. And I wear it whenever else I can. Maybe I should get more jewelry, I’d always been somewhat uninvested in it, but it could be a good precedent to get into it. Perhaps I should buy some rings?​

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For you my dear, I will always be safe. You too okay?​

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With love,​

Jamie​

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[Onyx Derouin]

Onyx had just woken up. Well... He'd been woken up by the indignant hooing at his window. He groaned, and bleary eyed, pushed himself out of bed, shivering at the cool air that hit his bare chest. He wore a warm pair of pajama pants, with legs long enough he almost tripped on the fabric as he moved to let Stone back in. He yawned, trading the usual treat for his letter, too groggy to realize what he had until he had crawled back under his covers and opened the page.

He instantly felt more awake, his heartbeat felt like it had doubled as he quickly read over the words. He had to stop several times to bury his face in his pillows, clutching the page to his heart and trying not to get too excited. He's your friend, Nyx. Don't ruin that with stupid fantasies.

Onyx took a little while to reply to the next letter. Not because he didn't have time- more just because he had to keep rewriting it to keep himself from sounding like a lovestruck fool.

Spoiler

Jamie,

You don't have to come over if you don't want to. Your place has a better view anyway. Are you playing in Spain or in France? I could definitely come... I could buy you food if you win to celebrate, or buy you comfort food if you lose. Unless there's a team thing, I wouldn't want to impose.

How long is that intense training? Are you gone the entire time? I ah, I'm a decent cook you know. I could make you some food if you wanted, save you time. Keep up your energy. I've been learning (relearning?) how to cook and that quiche was really good so I've been looking at a bunch of French dishes.

I'm going to her graduation, of course I am, she asked me to and I can't say no. I... Guess if you really want to come along, there's an after graduation party at the Wolves Inn outside of Arrowtown here in New Zealand.

Apparently our cousins on our mothers side own the place so we're having a big party for all of us. My best friend Arcturus will be there, but he's dating my cousin Kira and they're both graduating this year too AND they're going to tell her older sister and her brother in law they're basically running away together for a year before going to school again. It's really very romantic but I'm dreading it. With them going away and my sister going to take off (she wants to photograph and study magical animals in their natural habitats) its... Just going to be me here alone. My younger brother is starting at school next year so it won't be long before I don't have anything but these letters to keep me company. Especially with my uncle going back to work again and his boyfriend busy working most days.

I'm glad you like it. And I'm getting you a present anyway. I'm not sure what yet but I'll think of something. Are there any French birthday traditions? I know my birthday was in December, and I'm taller than my uncle so he wasn't really able to bump my head like he used to. It's this... Weird Irish thing, I know for Jordies birthday Uncle James chased after him till he caught him and lightly bumped his head on the carpet a few times. Do you like cake?

My uncle is calling so I should probably get going. With my knack of getting into weird situations I probably can't promise I'll stay safe. How about I just ask my uncle to make sure you know if I'm not instead?

~Onyx

 

[Jamie Derouin]

Unsurprising to him, Onyx had remained on his mind for a few days after he’d sent the letter, his mind was perhaps returning a bit to normal, thinking about him a little less when the next letter arrived. He’d been sat on his balcony, bathing in the warm april sunlight, making the most of this cool heat. He took the letter from the owl and began reading the words. It was a longer letter than the one before it, but he savoured every word of it. He he had get up from his relaxed position and headed inside to his desk where he could grab parchment and was able to write a quick reply to Onyx. He certainly had less to say, but he didn’t think it was any less worthwhile. He savoured every word, finding it funny that he occasionally struggled over the english spellings of words he had once known way better. When he was finished he gave the owl and little treat before attaching the letter and sending it on it’s way.​

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Spoiler

Onyx,​

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I’ll always want to come over….We’re playing in France I think, but I’ll have to check. Since it’s a friendly we’re bound to go out drinking with the Spanish team regardless of if we win or lose, half of the players play together on regional teams, so it’s common in a friendly to just go drinking after with them. You’re more than welcome to come along, it’s never exclusive, friends, partners and everything come along to go drinking. But, I wouldn’t say no to a breakfast in the morning…​

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It’s not like a camp or anything, I come at home at night, it’s just most of the day. Usually starts early and finishes up in the later afternoon. So I’ll always be around for dinner. I’d happily taste all of your cooking, even if it’s terrible, I’ll be a polite french boy and say it’s delicious baby.​

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I’m happy to come along, I’ll figure out timings - time zones are hard - but I’ll be there. And I’ll meet all of your family and friends and I’ll be able to show them what a good gentleman I am and so deserving of your heart. It’ll be good for me to meet them too. I think they’ll be harder to win over than my family, so I gotta start putting the work in now. If you want to hang out with me, my flat is open to you, I’m not home a lot, but I’ll always come home.​

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We don’t have any traditions really, perhaps just happy birthday being sung loudly and badly, we’re not a particularly traditional family. But i do love cake, they have some great cakes here. There’s one from the St. Tropez area called a Tropezienne, and it is delicious!​

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Looking forward to seeing you very soon my dear,​

Jamie​

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[Onyx Derouin]

Onyx was still asleep in bed when he heard Stone being indignant at his window, demanding to be let in. Bleary-eyed, Onyx let Stone in, yawning and taking the letter, throwing it on his nightstand without looking before crawling back into bed. He fell asleep again quickly, and didn't wake up until it was nearly afternoon. Once he'd had gotten up, he took the leader and went out to eat some breakfast... or lunch, either way his uncle had made scrambled eggs and bacon. Onyx sat down to eat, opening the letter and reading through it as he ate his breakfast. Of course, when he read the line about Jamie meeting all his family and friends and showing them Jamie was deserving of his heart, Onyx nearly choked on the milk he'd taken a sip of, pushing the letter aside a moment and coughing and spluttering. Thankfully, his uncle seemed to believe the milk had just gone down the wrong way and the coughing was why Onyx was so cherry red. He finished his food quickly, before moving back to his room to write a reply.

Spoiler

Jamie,

You're really very social, huh? You've gone out more in two months than I have... well, since the accident. I don't think I really did much before the accident either, but then, I wasn't a pretty sports star. I'm going to have to make sure my eyeliner skills are as good as they used to be, heh, if we're going to end up going out a lot I'll have to get a jacket that fits better.

I'm going to need to do a bit of research if I'm going to feed you, honestly. Being a professional athlete is going to require a different diet than what I usually go for. Are you allergic to anything? What kind of foods do you usually like? And I swear, if my food is nasty and you try telling me it's the best ever, I might just whack you with a spoon. I can't learn to make it the way you like it if you don't tell me what you like, mon chiot.

You really don't want to meet my family. I mean, my uncle James, sure, my siblings, that should go well, but my family is big and chaotic and really overwhelming. We don't have family dinners often just for that reason. Uncle Jayce always gets my uncle James riled up and once they start drinking- and we're Irish, so they always drink- they start play fighting, and my Auntie Emily always joins in, and it's chaos. Last time we tried to do a dinner, we had like a battle of the bands kinda and I mean it was fun but it was sooo exhausting, I slept for ages when we got home again.

I'm not great at making cakes myself, but I do know a really talented baker, over break she came by with her cousin and she just made the best baked treats, it was awesome. Your birthday is soon, so I'll see you in a bit, alright?

~Onyx