Theo Cross

So it was settled, Jamie would meet Hastings and hopefully make a good impression when he went over to help Theo pack. Jamie pushed any lingering nerves about it away as unhelpful. He smiled when Theo mentioned books, remembering fondly how they used to discuss books. "I hae gotten a few new books, you're right there," he replied with a grin. Few in this case were actually quite a lot but Jamie didn't know the number exactly, he wasn't the type of reader who kept track of that despite thinking it might be nice to be that type. He was too focused on quidditch for that. "Can't wait to see if you've got any interesting, non-complicated new ones." Hopefully Theo's book tastes hadn't changed so much that Theo would't remember their many conversations about Jamie having trouble following some of the more ambitious books Theo liked. Non-fiction had always been his favorite. His smile grew when Theo said he was also looking forward to new memories. Jamie's breath caught again when Theo pushed him back toward the countertop, eyes dipping down to that cheeky grin on Theo's lips like he'd charmed them to be magnetized or something. "Yeah." His voice was a surprise because it was a lot softer then Jamie was expecting. Except Theo's actions were just so hot. Before he could find out what those new memories were there was a flutter of wings swooping into the kitchen. Dinner had arrived.

"None of my books are complicated," Theo answered Jamie with a playful grin that got wider at Jamie's reaction to him pushing Jamie against the countertop. He was maybe a little obsessed with the way Jamie's voice came out all soft like that. Unfortunately before he could act on what he was feeling, they were interrupted by dinner. Theo let out a soft groan. "Guess the memories will have to wait," he said, though he couldn't resist leaning in and giving Jamie a lingering kiss before pulling back. As much as he hated to break apart from Jamie, the dinner was welcome after a hard quidditch match. And it was thrilling just to be here in Jamie's kitchen sharing a meal with him, falling into an easy rhythm of conversation as if no time had passed, Theo playing footsie with Jamie as they sat at his countertop and ate. Once they finished their meal and cleaned up, and chatted a bit more as the sun set, Theo took Jamie's hand and tugged him a little closer. "So...." he began with a playful grin. "Want to show me the rest of the house?"

"I think I can do calm," he replied back feeling a little more optimistic about it. Hopefully Theo knew his cat well enough to gauge his potential to like or not like a person. The best thing was not to get too into his head about it. Thankfully Theo's answer about being calm and letting the cat warm up to him helped. It felt doable. Just like waiting till they were both free before moving was doable. Jamie couldn't imagine asking anyone else to come over and help. He laughed when Theo said he was going to go through Jamie's things. "I'm afraid all you're likely to learn is things you already knew. Not really much went on besides quidditch." Boring to some maybe but Jamie had fought to play quidditch so he didn't find it a waste of his off pitch time to also revolve around it. Jamie's smile grew from find to pretty wide when Theo went from wanting to tell him everything and making new memories. "I want that too. Both," he clarified. "Telling me everything but also, maybe even more so, making new ones." Finding out what Theo had been up to while they weren't friends would be interesting. Making new memories together though, that was a nice promise.

"I think you can too," Theo answered Jamie with a grin. Calm and level-headed were sort of Jamie's signature. Theo was sure Jamie and Hastings would get along just fine, and the thought of Jamie hanging out with his cat was an oddly nice one. Theo really liked the thought of Jamie being a bigger part of his life, even from long distance. And he liked that he got to be a part of Jamie's, including by doing things like helping him pack up his apartment. He laughed at Jamie's reply to his teasing. "Maybe, but I'm still excited to see exactly what kind of quidditch stuff you've got lying around. Plus I bet your book collection has expanded, excited to check that out too," he added with a grin. Theo would be shocked if Jamie said he'd just stopped reading for pleasure over the past two years. His smile widened, his heart doing some embarrassing flippy things when Jamie agreed he wanted to make new memories. "Good. That's the part I'm most excited about too." And Jamie was so sweet and wonderful and earnest, Theo didn't think he could be blamed for the way his grin went a little cheeky as he moved his free hand to Jamie's hip and gave him a gentle little push back toward the countertop Theo had been crowding him up against earlier, before he'd gotten sidetrack sharing his news about Montrose. "Wanna start making some new memories right now?"

The tone of Theo's voice might have been enough to have Jamie ducking his head sheepishly, something he didn't do, but then Theo was giving him that soft kiss. "It just feels like Hastings is important to you so making a good impression is something I want to do. If that's even possible with a cat...." he added trailing off feeling sheepish again. But it was true, he wanted any important people and beings in Theo's life to like him. Just like despite the way it would either clash with his own playoff desires or put them both having to play against each other in a tense match up he wanted to see Theo make it at least as far into the playoffs to find out about the beard. Theo winning the cup would be almost as sweet as if he won it. He smiled when Theo said he could help him move. "That'd be great. Might make catching up easier," he added. Not just because of the time spent alone together but also because it was easier to think of things when there was an object or something to spur a memory. Because despite Theo's optimism he still wasn't sure about that task. It just felt like a lot of life even though both of them probably didn't do that much considering the punishing quidditch schedule. "Not an idiot. Just scared, it's understandable. And I wanna know all that stuff with you too." Or at least however much Theo could remember. That would be enough he thought.

Theo felt that warm, gooey feeling he associated with Jamie from head to toe when Jamie explained that he wanted to make a good impression on Theo's cat. Because Hasting was important to Theo, and Jamie cared that much. It was just so Jamie, in a way that made Theo's heart feel full and made him want to declare his love all over again. Except he didn't want to make Jamie feel like Theo was expecting him to say it back, so he just smiled and said, "It makes me happy that you care about that. And Hastings is important to me. But you don't need to worry. The main thing with cats is to just be calm and let them approach you, and Hastings is friendly so he'll warm up to you in no time." Theo gave Jamie's arm a gentle squeeze. His smile grew when Jamie agreed to let Theo help him move. "Good point, I bet I'll learn a lot going through all your stuff," he teased, though there was some truth in that too. Plus it would just be nice to have that time alone with Jamie. His smile softened when Jamie said he hadn't been an idiot. That it had been understandable, even. Theo still had no idea what he'd done right to deserve Jamie's forgiveness after all that, but Merlin, he felt lucky. "I'm glad, 'cause I wanna tell you everything. At least everything that I can remember," he added with a chuckle. "But mostly I'm excited to make new memories with you," Theo added, because that was the most important thing.

Jamie wondered what that entailed but he didn't ask, hopefully it wouldn't be an issue. Idly he wondered if he knew anyone with a cat he could practice on. Or Theo would show him how. That worked. "Thanks." He wasn't sure what that would do for a good impression but it was far better then doing something the cat hated he was certain. He chuckled sheepisly at Theo's perceptive question. "A little," he answered honestly. "It just feels like it's going to be really awkward if Hastings doesn't like me." Jamie wasn't even sure how that would look. If they could only meet up here and not at Theo's it would be a bit of a strain on things possibly. That was if Theo even wanted to continue if his cat hated Jamie. Except Jamie wasn't even sure that was a thing. He chuckled at Theo's comment about the playoff beard. "That would be something to see. I've only made it to itchy whiskers stage so I've never been a fan of that whole tradition. Still like I said, you in a playoff beard would be something," he told Theo with a big grin. Montrose usually made it pretty far even if they didn't go all the way so he was sure Theo would be able to find out. He smiled again when Theo talked about catching up. "I was just wondering how it would be possible to do that, catch up, that is. But I'm happy for you to see where I've been and to get to see your flat before you move out. I probably won't move out till the season is over," he added. "Plenty of time to see it." Which was nice considering Theo was going to have his hands full with moving, finding his place on his new team, all while moving through the rest of the season and into the playoffs. He was glad this didn't have to be squeezed in there somewhere.

Theo smiled fondly when Jamie admitted he was a little nervous. Because he was worried things would be awkward if Hastings didn't like him. "Jamie," Theo said fondly, settling a hand on Jamie's arm. "It's very sweet that you care about that. But you don't need to worry, even if you don't know the right way to play with a cat, Hastings will like you just fine as long as you're not an arse, and you're never an arse, so there's nothing to worry about," Theo said, leaning in to give Jamie a soft kiss. Theo laughed at Jamie's comment about itchy whiskers, grinning wider just at that wide grin Jamie was giving to him. "Sure would be." The way Jamie was smiling at him like that, it almost felt possible that Theo might make it deep enough to have a playoff beard. For now, though, he was just glad to be leaving the Falcons for an amazing team. And glad to hear that his boyfriend wanted to help him move, and to see his old flat before he moved out. Theo's smile softened when Jamie said he'd also been wondering about how to get caught up. "Perfect. Maybe I can help you move, then," he added, happy at the thought of returning the favor, and really just the thought of helping Jamie with something so domestic. "And I do think it's possible, to get caught up," Theo added earnestly. "It might take awhile. We don't have to catch up on everything at once. But I want to know about all the stuff I missed while I was being an idiot. The big stuff and the small stuff."

"That's okay. I didn't before Hastings either. But Hastings is easy, he'll let you know when he wants you to pet him or play with him. I'm sure you two will get along just fine," Theo told Jamie with a smile. He wasn't worried about that. Even if Jamie didn't know what to do with a cat, he was too kind for that to be a problem. He'd figure it out. "Yeah, exactly," he replied to the next thing Jamie said. "Be nice to be settled before playoffs. Still wild I'm even gonna be in the playoffs," he added with a grin and a chuckle. Theo was still wrapping his head around that one too. He smiled when Jamie offered help with the packing. "Really? You'd do that?" Theo was warmed by the offer. They both led busy lives, and packing was not a fun task. But Jamie was offering to help him. "I'd love the help. Actually, mostly I just love any excuse to see you. But the help would be nice too," he admitted with a soft chuckle. "Plus it'd be nice for you to see my flat before I move to a house and have to get a bunch of new furniture to fill it. I know its not the same as us actually being together the last few years, but I like the idea of you seeing where I was living. What my life's been like," he admitted, his smile softening a little. Theo didn't want to linger on how stupid he'd been, but he also wanted to share all his his life with Jamie, even though it just made him feel like an idiot for not being braver, for making it so Jamie could have been with him the whole time.

Jamie laughed softly. "Good to know. Is he going to show me how to do either of those two things too," he added with amusement in his voice despite still being nervous about it. He'd already made a fairly good impression on Theo's dad. Though he wasn't sure how dating would affect that and wasn't thinking about that right now. But Hastings felt almost like a person he'd have to make a good impression on. A living being of Theo's at least. Confusing but he wanted to make a good impression on the cat if that kind of thing was even possible. Maybe a good impression on Theo over how he interacted with the cat. Thankfully he did not have time to try and figure the semantics out. He smiled when Theo said he couldn't believe he was going to the playoffs. "I know the feeling. But you'll do great," he added with a smile. Montrose and the Arrows had already won their spots but Puddlemere were close to getting theirs. Jamie hoped it would happen this year even though last year they hadn't managed to make it all the way to the last games. Regardless of where Puddlemere ended up he'd still be happy for Theo for getting to experience it. His smile widened when Theo said he wanted the help, and to see him. He felt a wave of something warm wash over him at Theo's additions about Jamie seeing where Theo was currently living. "I'd like that. Maybe we can find a time when you can see mine too." It wasn't exactly catching each other up but it was maybe a little bit too.

Theo laughed at Jamie's questions about Hastings. "He'll let you know if you're doing them wrong," he said with an amused grin. "But I can show you how, it's not difficult." Theo regarded Jamie for a moment, then added, "...Are you nervous?" He seemed like maybe he might be a little. Hopefully Jamie didn't actually mind cats. Maybe he was just unsure of sharing a space with an animal when he'd never done it before. Hasting was forgotten when Theo's thoughts turned the the playoffs, and the smile Jamie was giving him about the fact he would be playing in them for once. Theo was fairly certain Puddlemere was going to qualify soon. He sort of hoped he didn't have to play Jamie in his first playoffs. "Thanks," he said with a grin. "I'm just hoping we make it far enough for me to find out whether or not I can pull off a playoff beard." Obviously Theo was hoping for more than that, but right now he was especially just hoping they made it past round one. Montrose already had their spot, which left Theo feeling a lot of pressure for stepping onto the team. He wanted to prove he deserved to be there, even if he hadn't helped them earn their spot in the playoffs. He also, separately, wanted to catch Jamie up on his life in the past few years. Theo felt a warm feeling wash over him when Jamie said he wanted Theo to see his flat too, his smile widening at the offer. "I'd really like that. I know we've got a lot to catch up on, and maybe this is weird, but I like the idea of being able to picture you where you've been the past few years as you get me caught up."

"I don't really have experience with cats. Or any animals actually," Jamie confessed to Theo. Hopefully being awkward with his cat wouldn't make Theo change his mind about them dating. Aside from texting they hadn't really done much before tonight in the dating realm but Jamie still didn't want Theo to change his mind. He'd been on his mirror more in the short time between All Stars and tonight because even getting texts from Theo was enough to make him smile. He nodded his agreement about it being disappointing that they wouldn't get a quick turnaround to see each other again. It would have been nice. "Three days isn't too bad. I don't blame you about not wanting to stay in a hotel though. It'd be like having away games, all the time." Hotels weren't bad but they weren't home. Not to mention sometimes they could be bad if someone was loud or the bed wasn't comfortable. Too many variables out of your control with hotels. Especially when it came to playoffs. Jamie couldn't believe that Theo would be playing in those this year, he was excited for him. "If you need any help with the packing, I might be able to swing a few hours here and there in the next few days." Jamie wished he could make a better offer but he had practice and matches to work around.

"That's okay. I didn't before Hastings either. But Hastings is easy, he'll let you know when he wants you to pet him or play with him. I'm sure you two will get along just fine," Theo told Jamie with a smile. He wasn't worried about that. Even if Jamie didn't know what to do with a cat, he was too kind for that to be a problem. He'd figure it out. "Yeah, exactly," he replied to the next thing Jamie said. "Be nice to be settled before playoffs. Still wild I'm even gonna be in the playoffs," he added with a grin and a chuckle. Theo was still wrapping his head around that one too. He smiled when Jamie offered help with the packing. "Really? You'd do that?" Theo was warmed by the offer. They both led busy lives, and packing was not a fun task. But Jamie was offering to help him. "I'd love the help. Actually, mostly I just love any excuse to see you. But the help would be nice too," he admitted with a soft chuckle. "Plus it'd be nice for you to see my flat before I move to a house and have to get a bunch of new furniture to fill it. I know its not the same as us actually being together the last few years, but I like the idea of you seeing where I was living. What my life's been like," he admitted, his smile softening a little. Theo didn't want to linger on how stupid he'd been, but he also wanted to share all his his life with Jamie, even though it just made him feel like an idiot for not being braver, for making it so Jamie could have been with him the whole time.

"Yeah, that skill is very handy," he agreed with a smile. Jamie had always been pleased he'd got his license even before he knew it might help in a situation like this. But tonight he was even more pleased. He laughed when Theo brought up the player. "I didn't think you had that Hastings strolling around your garden," he teased. "You have a cat? That's sweet. I thought it must have been a pet, just didn't realize you had one." Back at All Stars it had felt like not much was new with Theo. Obviously some things but not a lot. Now he was starting to realize how much life they both had lived and missed from the other in the time they hadn't talked. It felt like more than he would have thought without this reminder. Jamie wasn't sure what to say about it because it wasn't like they could just sit down and pour out the last few years to one another. Maybe it was better to think about other things. "You'll have some time to figure out the house thing because we just played them," he told Theo with a 'sorry,' look.

Theo chuckled at Jamie’s teasing about Hastings walking around his garden, before nodding at Jamie’s addition. “Yeah, he’s a sweet little cat. I think you'll like him." Theo was excited about the idea of Jamie meeting his cat, mostly because it meant intertwining Jamie into his life even further. Theo wanted that. He wanted to catch up on everything they'd missed in the past few years while Theo was being an idiot. Part of him wanted to say something about it, but he also didn't want to dwell too much in what had happened. He wanted to move forward with Jamie. But learning about the things they'd missed out on felt like an important part of moving forward together. Jamie meeting Hastings felt like a step in that direction, at least. Before Theo could decide on saying something, Jamie spoke up again and Theo gave him a soft smile. "Disappointing, but helpful," he said, because he'd much prefer he get to play Jamie's team again as soon as possible. Though it would also be a shame to play his team so soon they couldn't get together after. “I’ve never moved mid-season, but I’m hoping to find something quickly. I don’t fancy the idea of living out of a hotel during a quidditch season, especially so close to playoffs. And I'm expected at the Montrose pitch ready for practice in three days." Theo shook his head slightly. That was going to be a lot. "Lucky for me my flat is small, and I'm pretty used to packing it up at this point." Three moves in three years--because he'd moved out of his dad's house after his first year on the Arrows--meant Theo was pretty good at the whole moving thing. And he'd tried not to accumulate too much extra clutter he'd just have to pack up again.

"Me? No, I wasn't saying that at all," Theo said quickly, surprised and then relieved that Jamie had been thinking Theo was thinking, rather than something Jamie was worried about. He relaxed with the smiled Jamie gave him, a smile pulling at his own lips when Jamie said he also wanted to figure things out together. "Good, I'm glad," Theo said. He smiled at Jamie's addition about a house. "I want a house," he said, certain of it even though it hadn't even been a thought in his mind until now. Jamie was right, it would be easier to see each other in a house, and now that Theo was moving anyways it just made sense to look for a house instead of a flat. Maybe he could find a house to rent instead of buying one, in case he got traded again. Or he'd just buy one and sell it if he had to. "Whatever makes it easiest for us to see each other is what I want," he added. "Plus, the extra privacy might be nice, I dunno what things are gonna be like at Montrose but I've heard their fans are crazy." The Falcons fans were pretty intense too, but Theo hadn't ever played dirty enough to become a fan favorite, and thankfully he'd played well enough not to be hated by the fans either. "Maybe I can find a house with a garden," Theo added, pleased with that thought. "Hastings would like that too."

Jamie was happy that they'd managed to figure out their miscommunication with what felt like ease. Much better than their last miscommunication, which Jamie was absolutely counting Theo running out of their first kiss as. His smile widened when Theo said he wanted a house. Jamie hadn't thought far enough in advance yet for what going to Theo's might look like but a house was good. Private. "That's what I want too," Jamie agreed when Theo said he wanted whatever makes it easiest. "Yeah, that's a consideration for sure. I've never worried about it before now but then I never had much of a personal life that mattered if it got out. I know [one of the guys who is going to be gone] got caught out bringing some woman to his hotel room last time we were in Montrose but I don't remember if that was a fan or just a lucky pap." Fans could be a lot but Jamie had always tried to stay grateful to them even when he just wanted to finish his lunch or buy something in peace. He msiled when Theo mentioned a garden. His place didn't have much of one but that hadn't mattered because he'd only wanted privacy. "Who is Hastings," he asked. Theo didn't seem like the type to get a house elf so it had to be a pet. Unless he was naming his plants which Jamie could maybe see. Of course not knowing if Theo had a house elf, pet, or even plants; despite the last one feeling like a given; was a weird feeling considering everything.

Theo's own smile widened when Jamie said that was what he wanted too. It was a relief that they were on the same page there after all. Less of a relief was hearing that Jamie had a teammate who'd been caught bringing a woman to his hotel room in Montrose. "Shit. All the more reason to get a house then. Good thing we can apparate too." That would help a lot with keeping things discreet. It was starting to hit Theo that things really would be different in Montrose in more ways than just not being on an awful team. But it would be good, Theo hoped. And Jamie didn't seem put off by that chance. Getting a house would certainly help too. And now that Theo was thinking about it, there were other advantages to a house as well. It was a surprise that Jamie didn't know who Hastings was; apparently Theo hadn't mentioned him on the phone yet. It was still odd having new parts of his life that had changed since the Arrows that Jamie didn't know about--because Theo had been an idiot--but Theo was glad that now he could share all those new things with Jamie. "Other than the greatest chaser of his generation," Theo said with a teasing smile, because he knew that Jamie would recognize the cat's namesake, "This particular Hastings is my cat. I got him when I first moved to Wigtown, it was my dad's idea. He was worried I'd get lonely," Theo admitted with a sheepish chuckle. It had been tough to leave both the Arrows and his dad after his first trade.

"I thought that's what you were saying," Jamie clarified. He supposed that maybe he ought to wonder about that. After all increased attention on Theo could mean Jamie getting caught in it but he hadn't gotten there. But Jamie felt warmth at Theo's words instead of cold dread at the idea of being caught. Because Theo wanted to figure out things together and get a house so they'd have prvacy there too. How could Jamie not smile fondly at Theo about all of that? "I want that too, figuring out how to make it work together." Jamie was still not sure how to make all of this work. Especially when he oculdn't do something as simple as take Theo out to celebrate his incredible good news. But he did know he wanted this with Theo. Not necessarily more now then at All Stars but the time apart had been harder then expected and only made him more determined to do what he could to make sure their time together wasn't marred by outside worries as much as possible. "I think a house would be a good idea. I know there's a lot of newer flats with enhanced security but it does feel more private here. But only if you want a house," he was quick to add not wanting to have Theo doing something he'd regret. When he'd first talked about wanting a house and mor privacy the realtor had told him about all the privacy advantages of new flats but they couldn't beat a house despite all the ways they were a step up from his current flat.

"Me? No, I wasn't saying that at all," Theo said quickly, surprised and then relieved that Jamie had been thinking Theo was thinking, rather than something Jamie was worried about. He relaxed with the smiled Jamie gave him, a smile pulling at his own lips when Jamie said he also wanted to figure things out together. "Good, I'm glad," Theo said. He smiled at Jamie's addition about a house. "I want a house," he said, certain of it even though it hadn't even been a thought in his mind until now. Jamie was right, it would be easier to see each other in a house, and now that Theo was moving anyways it just made sense to look for a house instead of a flat. Maybe he could find a house to rent instead of buying one, in case he got traded again. Or he'd just buy one and sell it if he had to. "Whatever makes it easiest for us to see each other is what I want," he added. "Plus, the extra privacy might be nice, I dunno what things are gonna be like at Montrose but I've heard their fans are crazy." The Falcons fans were pretty intense too, but Theo hadn't ever played dirty enough to become a fan favorite, and thankfully he'd played well enough not to be hated by the fans either. "Maybe I can find a house with a garden," Theo added, pleased with that thought. "Hastings would like that too."

Jamie thought maybe the nerves about his new team and how he'd fit in there were what had caused the shift in Theo's face. A valid worry given how awful the Falcons were though Jamie still had no question that Theo would do well. He was certain. It was a surprise then when Theo asked to go back to the change making things too dangerous. His own face showed his confusion when Theo said he wanted Jamie to tell him. "Me?" Jamie didn't follow. He was not the one who was going to be getting a lot more attention. "I think that's something you'll have to decide. I've never played on Montrose. Or with a generational talent," he pointed out, still very confused. Theo should know those things even if he hadn't paid attention to Jamie's career. He'd been the keeper of every team he'd played on since his first quidditch game. Even with Theo avoiding eye contact it would have been impossible not to know Jamie was the one in front of the goals. "I'm just saying that I'll support you whatever you feel is best. This is a huge deal for you and your career. I'd never complicate that." Jamie only wanted the best for Theo, even if the best wasn't him. It would hurt but he'd understand.

Theo's own expression turned confused when Jamie looked confused. Hadn't that been what Jamie was saying, that this could get too dangerous for him? Theo didn't see how that would be up to just him to decide, even if he was the one playing with a generational talent on Montrose. Which was still an insane thought. "Okay, so...you're not saying you're worried it'll get too dangerous for you?" Theo felt compelled to ask, just to make sure he was following. More eyes on Theo would also mean more potential risk for Jamie. "Because I hadn't thought about how more eyes on my quidditch might mean more eyes on me off the pitch, or how that might make this more difficult. But even if that does happen, I don't wanna end things. I wanna figure out how to make this work. Together. Starting with, I can get a house instead of a flat in Montrose. Then we'll have just as much privacy when we're there as we will when we're here." Maybe Theo was oversimplifying things. He didn't know how things would go on Montrose. But he was certain that no matter how complicated things got, he wasn't going to want to give up on Jamie.

Jamie got a little more serious when Theo mentioned that there would be more eyes on him, that was true. But he still smiled fondly when Theo said it was a lot to wrap his head around. "Montrose does feel like something we really should be celebrating, it's such a huge leap for you. Deserved fully," he added because he knew Theo had put in the work that had gotten him to what could only be thought of as the highlight of his career thus-far. "I definitely feel like we should focus on celebrating this, you, tonight. But once you get there and figure out how having more eyes on you is going to go, just know if this," Jamie motioned between them, "Feels too dangerous, I'll understand." He hadn't considered what Theo's profile rising thanks to playing with one of the stars; probably the star considering he was the clean cut, homegrown one of the pair of them; of the league would change things until Theo mentioned the increase in eyes. Which Jamie thought was Theo saying he'd thought of it. "But again, tonight the focus is on how incredible this is. I know you're nervous but you're going to do great. You always rise to a challenge. Prove yourself and anyone else who might have doubts wrong. Every time." Jamie was nothing but confident in Theo's abilities to do the same now. In fact he couldn't wait to see it. Playing with someone like Hollander meant he'd either sink or learn things that pushed his own game to the next level. He couldn't see Theo sinking, even under a lot of pressure.

Theo's grin went from sheepish to a little wider again when Jamie agreed that Montrose was a huge leap from him, and at Jamie's addition that it was deserved. Theo sure hoped it was, and Jamie saying so made it a lot easier to believe it. But it was a huge leap from the Falcons. And while Shane Hollander got most of the attention from Montrose fans, Theo would be flying right alongside him. That would mean a lot more people watching Theo's playing a lot more closely. Which was all he'd been thinking about when he said there would be more eyes on him, so he was taken aback when Jamie said he'd understand if their being together felt too dangerous. "Oh." Theo deflated, the smile dropping from his face as his brows furrowed. He hadn't even considered that more attention on him might make this more dangerous. But clearly Jamie was thinking about it. Fuck. Before he could say anything, Jamie was speaking again, though Theo could barely focus on his words. All he was thinking about was the fact that the best thing to happen to his quidditch career might end up ruining the best thing to happen to his personal life. He managed a small smile when Jamie said he'd prove himself wrong by rising to the challenge. "Thanks. But--can we go back? Do you think this change is gonna make things too dangerous? I appreciate that you wanna focus on the good news, but if you think this is gonna end up being too much I'd rather you just tell me now." Now that the thought was in his head, that the increased attention might make this more dangerous than Jamie wanted to deal with, Theo didn't think he'd really be able to enjoy any celebration until he knew what Jamie was thinking.

Jamie was pretty sure Theo had embellished the transfigured vase and he was, maybe weirdly, into it. But htat and how hot Theo had been crowding him like that were promptly forgotten with Theo's news. "I still want to celebrate you," he told Theo despite feeling warm that Theo said sharing it with him had made it special. His eyes grew wide when Theo told him what team. "That's amazing, Theo." Jamie was honestly thrilled for Theo. It didn't matter that he was going to an objectively better team then Jamie's own. Montrose was huge. The fact that he'd not only be going to the team but playing wing to one of the best chasers in the league was even bigger. He couldn't have been happier for Theo. "You're going to be great there," he added clearly happy. Just getting away from the Falcons was huge but Montrose and Shane Hollander that was a clear indication that plenty of people in the league had noticed how good Theo was. Not that Jamie was surprised by it, he knew Theo was good. Now he'd have a better opportunity to show that.

Theo just smiled when Jamie said he wanted to celebrate him, not at all sure what to do with such a nice sentiment. He didn't have long to think about it either, because Jamie's wide-eyed, happy response had Theo feeling all the same excitement and giddiness he'd felt when he got the news this morning washing over him again. There wasn't a doubt in Theo's mind that Jamie was genuinely happy for him, even now that Theo, whose quidditch career and experience had always lagged behind Jamie's, had now landed on a team that many considered the best in the league. It was the same way Theo had always been happy to see Jamie's success. "Thanks," Theo said, a wide grin still on his face. "I hope you're right," he added when Jamie said he'd be great. "I'm a little nervous," he admitted, his smile turning sheepish. "I mean, I'm mostly thrilled. But I feel like there's gonna be a lot more eyes on me now." There was no doubt there would be. Montrose fans were intense, and Theo was coming late in the season to fill a key spot on the team, right alongside the team's best player, arguably the league's best player right next to Rosanov. "It's a lot to wrap my head around," he admitted with a soft laugh.

Jamie felt a swoop in his stomach when he realized what Theo meant by, 'but first.' He was all too happy to meet Theo in the kiss. His cheek was warm from Theo's hand and his lips from Theo's lips against them. The ease he felt when kissing Theo was still extraordinary. It felt right in a way being physical with someone else never had. When Theo deepened it that rightness gave way to a thrill shooting down his spine. A feeling sharper and deeper then he'd felt with anyone else because there was nothing there to dampen it. Except maybe the crinkle of the plastic the flowers were wrapped in. Jamie laughed alongside Theo. His smile growing fonder when Theo spoke. "I was waiting till we had the flowers and food sorted but I'm glad you didn't wait," he confessed. Even though he was known for his patience Jamie was happy Theo hadn't had his patience with this. A cut off version really had been better then putting it off till they coudl do things properly. Jamie took Theo's hand again and led him into the kitchen looking back to speak as they walked. "Hopefully we can get enough in to make the wait worth it." His words were light and teasing despite the fact that Jamie had also found the wait much harder than anticipated. Again he found himself glad he'd managed to get the house in time so they could have as much time as they could without concerns.

Jamie smiled fondly when Theo said he liked cheesy. Given Theo's romantic side that wasn't a surprise. "Noted," he replied softly. He was glad that Theo felt like he was lucky. It felt weird not offering Theo more of a reply to finding out Theo loved him. But he also would have felt awful just saying it because Theo had. No doubt Theo wouldn't want that either. It was just nice he didn't have to assume that. "I know, I like that we can talk about anything." Jamie had thought they always had been able to, it was something he liked about his friendship with Theo. Only that hadn't been right. But that felt like the past tense. He really hoped it was and was going to trust Theo that it indeed was past. No doubt he'd have more to talk through with Theo for now though... "We should probably order some dinner and figure out where to put the flowers?" It would be nice to sit and have a meal together. Not exactly a date but still together. Jamie had been looking forward to that in addition to all the other aspects of having Theo overnight.

"Me too," Theo agreed with a smile when Jamie said he liked that they could talk about anything. Theo had been an idiot not to just talk to Jamie after the kiss, and he probably wouldn't ever get over how amazed and appreciative he was that Jamie had been willing to let that go. He smiled when Jamie suggested they order dinner and put down the flowers. "Agreed," Theo said. "But first..." Theo didn't think he could be blamed for leaning in and kissing Jamie, hand cupping his cheek as warmth and relief washed over him. Theo had been thinking about kissing Jamie since he left hist hotel room at All Stars, and he was still surprised by the equal measure of relief and thrill that washed over him, tension he hadn't even realized he'd been holding melting away as he leaned into Jamie further, deepening the kiss. It was only when he leaned in and felt the flowers in the way that he pulled back. letting out a breathy chuckle. "Right. Food and flowers," he said once he caught his breath. "I've just been wanting to do that since I saw you at the pitch today. Since All Stars, really," he added with a grin.

Jamie smiled, pleased when Theo said he made him feel special. He felt a little bashful himself when Theo talked about him knowing for sure someone loved him and how Theo was that person. That was a lot. But again it wasn't a bad a lot. Just more than he knew what to do with. He laughed lightly when Theo said he thought Jamie meant him. "I didn't mean you were cheesy, though maybe you might be," he teased lightly. "I was referring to myself, chirping myself for using a phrase liek take my breath away. Not really something I was expecting from myself." Which if he thought about it there was a lot about this whole thing with Theo that he wouldn't have expected from himself. In fact just the whole dating thing was a big one. "I'm really lucky you're so patient and a great boyfriend. I'll do my best to make sure you don't have to be too patient," he promised sincerely. He wouldn't take advantage of Theo's patience. Instead he'd hopefully be a better boyfriend along the way.

"Oh." Theo let out a soft chuckle when Jamie said he'd been calling himself cheesy for saying Theo took his breath away, feeling a little flustered at the thought that he'd apparently gotten a reaction out of Jamie that he hadn't expected from himself. Though truthfully Theo was less surprised than Jamie apparently was at his capacity for cheesy. Maybe the romantic context was new to Jamie, but he was always saying nice inspirational things that could be fairly considered cheesy. Theo liked it. "You shouldn't chirp yourself for that. I like cheesy," Theo told Jamie with a smile, giving his hand a squeeze. His smile softened at Jamie's addition, and the promise that followed. "I'm lucky too," Theo said, certain of that. "Take your time. There's no rush on anything. And if you wanna talk about anything, we can do that too," he added, because he wanted to make sure Jamie knew he wouldn't mind. It sounded like Jamie's dad had given him some pretty messed up ideas about love.

The small amount of tension in Jamie's shoulders relaxed when Theo said he hadn't messed anything up. That was a relief. He listened to everything Theo had to say with a slight smile. Theo was so wonderful about all of this and he was glad for that. "I just don't want to accidentally upset you because I'm clueless because you're important to me and I would hate to do that," he told Theo openly. "I hadn't realized it was scary for you to say it before you meant to. I thought you were upset you didn't get to romance me like you talked about," he added with a smile. "I can see how it would be scary. I liked hearing it though. I mean it's a lot but in a substantial way rather then in an overwhelming way. Cheesy take my breath away kind of thing." This time he flushed a little because that felt like an embarrassing thing to say but did convey things better then the useless a lot. "I may be completely out of my element but I do want to do this with you, all of this. Even when it leaves me feeling off center because I'm clueless in a way I'm not often."

Theo smiled softly when Jamie explained he'd been worried about upsetting Theo because he was important to him. There wasn't anything about that Theo could be upset about. It was the same reason he felt bad about putting Jamie on the spot. His smile turned a little sheepish and he chuckled when Jamie said he'd thought Theo was just upset by the lack of romance, which he was. But he'd been far more worried he'd said I love you before Jamie wanted to hear it. Only--he'd liked hearing it? Oh. A smile pulled at Theo’s lips when Jamie explained the way in which him saying I love you was a lot. Theo felt like Jamie was taking his breath away now. Especially when he confirmed that he wanted to do this with Theo despite being out of his element. "You may feel out of your element, but you sure are good at making me feel special," Theo told Jamie with a smile. "I'm really glad you want to do this with me. And I'm glad you like hearing that--I love you," Theo said, tripping over the words just a touch, still feeling a bit bashful. "Because you deserve to know for certain that someone loves you. And I feel very lucky to get to be that person," he said, squeezing Jamie's hand. "Even if you think I'm cheesy," he added with a grin that showed he did not mind Jamie thinking he was cheesy.