bohemian rhapsody.

She let out a gentle sigh as he kissed her hands, unable to believe how fortunate she was to have Ezra in her life. So fortunate that they had survived so much together. “It’s okay– it’s okay. It’s wrong of me to force this on you,” she replied. “I thought I was helping but I was just smothering you. This is a decision you deserve to make on your own,” Emma added, although it was hard to say she knew she had to. But couldn’t he see what she saw? Didn’t he feel something when he sang and played again? Feel like this was what he was made for? “Wait– do you really mean that?” she beamed. “You know I’ll always be here cheering you on no matter what you choose to do. There’s so much you’re capable of, Ezra. I wish you could see it too.”

"I know you wanted to help me out, I do,” he assured her. “When you’re passionate about something, you are forceful and opinionated, but I love this about you. Not many people can say they’re 150% invested in something.” Ezra used to be equally passionate about music but he lost that sometime over the years. If anyone was going to help him regain it, it would be Emma. “I have failed at keeping you with me once before and I was afraid that... That if I fail, you’ll realise there’s someone better out there for you,” he said quietly. “I don’t know if I have what it takes... I’ve been... I’ve been using magic to win some cases, but with music... I can’t cheat, it’s too important,” he added, looking at her when he revealed his secret.

It was like they moved on her own, her feet, as they guided her to Ezra’s side. Sitting beside him and singing, it felt like old times. Emma was taken back to being that young teenager so madly in love, feeling as thought she was flying when Ezra had first sang it to her. It was their song. She couldn’t tear her gaze away from him as he sang and played, played like he had never stepped away from a piano in the first place. After they reached the final ‘I love you’ in the song, she sighed and spoke the words this time, “I love you, Ezra. I’m sorry.”

Ezra almost choked on words when she sat down next to him. He continued, but his voice was full of raw emotions that he barely was able to control. He told himself he needed to finish, that he couldn’t stop and just kiss her. He would have the time for it later, or he hoped he would. When the song finished, he needed a moment to gather his thoughts. He took her hands into his, then kissed both of them. “You’re my everything, Em,” he said quietly “I’m sorry too... I was... I am scared... I don’t know what the future will bring, but as long as I have you by my side, who cares if I succeed or if I fail.”

It had been hard the past few days, Emma had unleashed her emotions on Everett and Toby respectively. While she felt guilty for dumping them with her dramatic sobs and her stress-cooked latkes, it had been nice to talk to someone about it. She wondered if Ezra had had that same luxury. She hoped he did. But while she hoped he was healing somehow, she also hoped he’d be back soon. It had been hard to be in their apartment, to be anywhere– without him.

Emma was preparing herself for bed when she decided she was most definitely going insane. Those unmistakable chords floated from the other room as if a ghost was playing their song. Their song. There was no way that it was him– was it? She draped a robe around her and moved towards the door, almost afraid to go to the piano and see for herself. Ezra had sworn off music and had definitely made it clear he wanted her to let the topic go. But, as she quietly crept her way through the apartment she made it to the room where the piano stood. Lingering by the doorframe, it felt as thought she was watching this happen in a dream. Ezra sat at the piano and played like nobody else could. It was where he was meant to be. And hearing their song after so many years caused tears to spring into her eyes. When the part came that normally she sang at, Emma couldn’t help herself but to join in.

He heard her approaching and his heart was now beating like crazy. How was she going to react to him crawling back to her after days of separation? His eyes stayed closed just in case, not that anything could protect him from her words or a hex thrown his way. When Emma joined in, he visibly relaxed. Ezra opened his eyes and looked right at her when he sang ‘I love you’. The song was his apology and he hoped she would accept it. He moved slightly, making space for Emma in case she wanted to sit down next to him. He sang that song when he wanted to tell her how he felt back at school. It was his profession of love, from one artist to another. 

ezra-bishop‌:

“He was supposed to beg me to allow him to beg you. If he was begging you on his knees, then I guess I can let it slide this one time,” he sighed. Ezra’s expression became unreadable. For years he believed there was no point in even considering the topic, but now… Now things we different. He reached for Elena’s hands and squeezed them, smiling briefly. “You should go to bed. I think I have kept you awake for far too long. I’ll get us some nice breakfast in the morning.”

“You are too much, cariño,” she laughed with a shake of her head, cupping his cheek briefly before dropping her hand once more. “Alright– alright, I’ll go to bed. Let me fetch those sheets for you first. Can’t wait to see what you have in mind for breakfast,” Elena added, giving his hands one last squeeze before disappearing to get everything she needed to prepare his bed for the night.

“Of course– silly me. I forgot he was meant to ask you for my hand first,” Elena teased, finding it thoughtful Ezra would even insist something like that. “We will. When the time comes, that baby is going to be one lucky baby,” she said as thought it were a promise. She truly believed Ezra would be a great father.

"He was supposed to beg me to allow him to beg you. If he was begging you on his knees, then I guess I can let it slide this one time,” he sighed. Ezra’s expression became unreadable. For years he believed there was no point in even considering the topic, but now... Now things we different. He reached for Elena’s hands and squeezed them, smiling briefly. “You should go to bed. I think I have kept you awake for far too long. I’ll get us some nice breakfast in the morning.”

“You think so?” she smiled, happy to hear that from him. “Oh he will, he will. He uhm… he actually asked me to marry him,” Elena admitted. “I’m getting the second chance I never thought I’d get,” she sighed emotionally. At Ezra’s response, she gave his hands a squeeze, “You’re going to be an incredible father, Ezra. I just know it.”

“Woah, woah woah, I need to meet the guy before you two elope. Who is going to give him the whole ‘if you hurt her, no one is going to find your body’ talk if not me? This is a rite of passage, El,” he said quickly. “You do deserve the best,” he leaned to kiss her on the cheek. “Yeah, we’ll see...” 

“I’m sure you will,” Elena shook her head with a chuckle. “I can’t wait. It’s not going to be easy– babies are a lot of work. But… I always wanted to be a mother,” she admitted. “Do you think you and Emma would ever want kids some day?”

“You’re like a mama bear already. Strong, fierce, protective... And that guy better helps you out, or else,” he warned, although his expression remained soft. “Having a kid with Em..? Yeah, without any doubt.”

“I’d rather not have you kick the ass of my baby’s father,” she seemed to warn, “But I appreciate the gesture.” Elena knew Ezra was just looking out for her. “You better love the hell out of this baby,” she added, hugging him back. “Now let me go get things to set up the couch for tonight.”

“You sure? After I hit the gym, I’ll be able to,” Ezra chuckled. He took her hands in his and kissed them. “I’m great with babies. Never had to deal with one, but I’m sure I’ll be great at the whole cooing and spoiling it. Him. Her. Whatever it’s going to be.”

“In like six-ish months you will be,” Elena nodded with a laugh, tearing sparking up in her own eyes. It still didn’t feel real. It still terrified her. But she wasn’t doing it alone. “It’s about time I told you. Sorry the timing’s not ideal.”

Ezra wrapped his arms around her and hugged her tightly. “I’m happy for you El. Even though I obviously need to kick the ass of whoever put their hands on you.”

“Don’t remind me,” Elena replied with a soft chuckle, “I miss wine so much already.” She took Ezra’s hands again, smiling lightly at him, “I’m pregnant, Ez.”

Ezra stared at her for a long moment, then suddenly he snorted. “I thought you said you’re pregnant,” he shook his head, then his expression changed. “Wait... Are you for real? I’m going to be an uncle?” His voice became more emotional.

“You can stay as long as you’d like,” she assured him, pouting slightly when he seemed to be making himself small. This wasn’t like the Ezra she knew. He was really hurting. “Oh as much as I appreciate the invitation, I won’t be drinking tonight. Or for the next few months actually,” Elena admitted. While she didn’t want to turn the conversation onto her, now was a good a time as ever to tell him what was going on.

“Thanks,” he sighed in relief. He was not ready to go back to the flat and face Emma yet. “Hm? Why not? I mean, you don’t have to, but what about your glass of wine for dinner?” He turned his head towards her in surprise. 

“I love you too, Ez. So much,” she told him as though it were an emphasis on her promise. She would never leave him. Elena didn’t know the full story of what Ezra had endured with his parents, but she didn’t need to. Just seeing how much he needed validation and support made it clear enough to her. She hated seeing him suffer and she’d spent her life doing what she could to ease her best friend’s suffering, even if it was only a little bit.

Ezra cleared his throat, willing his tears to stay where they were. “Can I stay here for a bit? I’ll try to be quiet so you won’t even notice me... Of course you’re welcome to help yourself... Maybe finishing all those bottles myself wouldn’t be the best idea..,” he muttered after a moment.

She was truly doing her best to keep herself together when Ezra took her hand, her heart cracking as she saw the look in his eyes. Elena took in a sharp breath but she couldn’t help herself any longer. Bringing him into a hug she rubbed gentle circles on his back while she let tears pool in her eyes, “It still can be. I’m not going anywhere, Ez.”

Ezra was trembling in her arms, still trying to not cry. He didn’t want to admit it out loud, but he craved his parents’ approval all his life and had done everything they told him to do. It made him unhappy, drove him to drinking... He knew their relationship was not healthy and yet he couldn’t make himself do something to disappoint them. His relationship with Emma was the only thing that he had continued against their wishes and... And it made him happy. Made him see the sense in his life. “I love you, El,” he whispered. Having Elena as one of his best friends yet again was saving him from himself.

“Dude how drunk are you?” Jonah asked, “Those quidditch players are getting married. Don’t you read the- Hold on parrots? Parrots were invited over me?” He pouted, “Come on, Ez, one shot. You can take a break from the beer.”