i wanna get better

“Oh you say that like I’d even care if you’d embarrass me.” She told the other with a small wave of her hand before taking his hand. “But I think it’d be a disgrace if we came here and didn’t share a dance together, I mean- we both look incredible and maybe this way you could draw someone’s attention for a midnight kiss. I’ll happily take the role of wing woman tonight for you.”

“Touché,” Evan laughed softly as the made their way to where everyone else was dancing along to the music. “Bold of you to assume that’s what I’m looking for. Maybe you’re just projecting onto me? Are you itching for a kiss and you’re just trying to play wingwoman for me instead to pretend that’s not the case?” he teased, although a little curious too. Meredith didn’t talk much about what she wanted her love life to look like but Evan would always be there to listen without judgment if she ever wanted to talk about it.

Mackenzie nodded in answer to Evan’s question. “Yeah, it’s nice to be out like this,” she replied. “I definitely miss the ones at Hogwarts. I mean, it’s where I kissed James for the first time. Do you remember that? I’m pretty positive I nearly pulled your arm out of your socket with how hard I grabbed it to drag you out of the Great Hall, because I was a crazy person and freaked out and cried when he kissed me, and literally ran away.”

“I definitely remember,” he chuckled brightly as Mackenzie reminisced on the memory. “You were so smitten and it was so sweet,” Evan recalled. “Even if it did almost cost me my arm, it would’ve been worth it,” he added with another chuckle.

Elara looked at the other somewhat wearily then down to the glasses of champagne, “Normally I would advocate the whole don’t take consumables from strangers, especially when it’s alcohol.” She told the other before stepping closer to him and holding out her hand to accept his offer. “But you seem to have a pretty trustworthy face and in the spirit of New Years I would really hope you wouldn’t be the type to try and spike me or something.”

“I was kind of hoping you witness my exchange with the bartender just now to alleviate any doubts but the trustworthy face thing is nice of you to say. I’d argue that’s not a good basis to go off of every time though– people said Ted Bundy was charming and we all know how that went,” Evan cringed at the thought. “I’m not really helping my case. You know what, on second thought maybe I should just pour this out or drink it myself. Offering it up to strangers was thoughtful in theory but now I am just coming off as a creep.”

“It’s nice to get out of there even just for a little bit,” Evan admitted as he and Mackenzie made their way out into the fresh air. “Have you been enjoying yourself though? I really think they stepped up their game this year– it makes me miss the ones we used to have back at the castle when we were students honestly.”

“Would you like to dance, Mere?” he turned to look at her with a smile when a song that they both liked came on over the speakers. “You know I’m a good dancer so I won’t embarrass you too much,” Evan added with a soft chuckle as he held out his hand to her.

Evan had stepped outside to pick up an unexpected call from one of the international offices, having to remind them that due to the time differences he was very much busy at that current moment. He had just hung up with them when he spotted what looked like a familiar figure stood a little ways away. “Juliet? Are you okay? It’s freezing out here,” he remarked, coming up to her and shrugging off his jacket to give to her.

“You made it until the fireworks?” Evan remarked with an air of amusement when he spotted Scorpius among the other people settling in to watch the upcoming firework show. “I’m surprised to see you here, let alone to see you lasted this long. Lyra keeping you here against your will?” he teased.

“No, no I just wanted one,” Evan tried to tell the bartender but they’d already turned their attention to somebody else. He looked at the two champagne glasses in front of him before spotting the blonde nearby. “Hey do you want one of these? They seem to have served me one glass too many.”

“Not a chance. I think I can spring for dinner and drinks. I’d probably have to pay an engineer to come and fix this anyway so you’re still saving me money.” Sophia told Evan warmly, hopping down from where she’d perched herself to at least sort out the drinks. “You’ll just have to let me know what you’re in the mood for.”

“Maybe I’ll have to ring you of how much money you would’ve had to spend for a real engineer, so you really get the full of experience,” Evan couldn’t resist teasing his sister. “I will do. I imagine I’ll be pretty famished after sorting this out. Just keep your fingers crossed for me that it actually works in the end.”

“Do you know a place that does waffles and bacon near here? I’m not sure I do. I know one near where I live. Not here though,” Adeline started walking anyway.

“Oh right,” Octavia said, frowning only for a moment, “Well, if you need a single queer friend to party with or just hang out with, you have my number. It would be great to see you more,” she was only half-joking, “So not all good but not all bad? Sounds like an okay balance to me.”

“Well, you know, peace and quiet wouldn’t be terrible every now and again but,” James shrugged and laughed, “No, you know I wouldn’t trade my loved ones for anything.”

closed starter - kenzie & evan ( @evanparkinscn​ )

“You’re not going to believe it, but I slept through the night last night, and so did the twins, also you’re coming this weekend for Alex’s first birthday, right? I just need to get a count, I get it if you can’t make it or something,” she said, sitting down across from Evan. “What’s new with you?”

“The whole night? That’s incredible!” Evan exclaimed enthusiastically, glad to hear that for the sake of her wellbeing. He had heard plenty of times from Mackenzie how hard it was to feel well-rested when the babies kept her and James up during the night. “Of course I’ll be there! Even if I was busy with something, you know I’d reschedule that and make the time,” he insisted without any hesitation in his tone. “New with me? Not much to be honest. Just trying to get all the major stuff at work done before the holidays so I don’t have to come back to it in the new year.”

“That’s because he has puppy dog eyes and a waggy tail, he’d be the most charming in any room he walked in. Don’t sell yourself short or I will have to sit on you and spout compliments that would make us both uncomfortable.” She threatened, pointing her finger in the others direction. “No, no. I wouldn’t subject him to that, but if I happen to see a costume every now and then that I think he’d rock, I may make him indulge in my fun. I’ll just be sure to give him extra treats for being such a good boy.” She cooed, the end of her sentence becoming slightly higher as she fussed over Cerb in praise.

“I’m okay with being the less charming of the two, really. No need to shower me in any compliments or anything,” Evan was quick to reassure his cousin in hopes of avoiding the awkward compliment-fest that Meredith had described. “I can respect that. I’m sure he can too. Despite some of his protests I think Cerb secretly loves it because he knows it brings you joy,” he admitted with a fond smile in the direction of the blonde and his dog. “And he is a pretty good boy, isn’t he? He deserves all the treats you throw his way, even if I’m worried about what the scales will say at the next vet appointment.”