#kingmurray

When Lachlan said he couldn’t remember the exact moment he fell for Jonathan he definitely wasn’t lying. It was true, there were multiple events that led up to that point, all which were carefully locked inside his mind despite other details being hazy or blurring out of focus.

Ever since meeting him back in year one, he knew right off the bat that Jonathan was a good guy. There was always something about people honestly smiling and offering their help without asking anything in return that drew people in, Lachlan included.

It was later that he understood how people could fall for their best friend. While at the beginning it was unthinkable or better yet it didn’t cross his mind, seeing Jonathan navigate through multiple school years while he had a front row seat, gradually made him see things differently.

It started small, almost imperceivable.

Lachlan had always been the more popular one, the one girls gravitated towards, especially since he started playing Quidditch. He was a natural at flirting, bright eyes and a wide smile managing to make anyone weak in the knees. On the other side of the spectrum was Jonathan, awkward, stumbling over his words and blushing if he actually took a fancy to someone. At the beginning it was almost painful to watch.

But then something shifted in his friend, somewhere around year five when Jonathan started being more free, more himself. He stumbled less when interacting with people and it was then when Lachlan noticed that the more he was uninterested and himself, the more people liked him. Because he was a natural. A very open person and a good friend.

And people often mistook his friendly nature as a sign of flirting. He saw Jonathan trying to explain something about a course to one of the girls in class, the latter paying no mind to what Jonathan was writing down, instead just looking at him with a dreamy look about her.

And if Lachlan was being honest, there was something about Jonathan putting his mind and imagination to the test when explaining difficult subjects. He became serious, which was a look not many got to see since he was generally smiling. He was thoughtful and had patience, praises by the dozen when the person he was tutoring got it right. A hand casually placed on the other person’s back or shoulder and Lachlan understood then that if Jonathan was ever to stop overthinking everything and just rely on instinct alone, more people would gravitate to him, not just for his friendship but for more.

But he wasn’t bad looking either, quite the opposite and while boys weren’t used to complimenting each other that often, Lachlan made sure to tell Jonathan at least once. Once was enough right? But he did notice how his friend grew into his tall frame, no longer the lean lanky kid he once knew as he hit his teenage years. And if he searched deeper in his mind he could recall he always liked Jonathan’s long dark lashes. The girls would kill to have such lashes, he even heard them say it.

He witnessed his best friend become more comfortable around people, dating more, less overthinking but whenever they did talk about their respective dates or girlfriends, Jonathan played it off as something casual. He would say stuff along the lines of girls not really being interested in him like that or he wasn’t interested in them like that but still agreed to go out for a butterbeer as to not hurt their feelings. He much rather enjoyed spending time with his small group of friends, taking advantage of every possible event in order to unwind.

And Lachlan knew he did it because when summer rolled around he would be back home, helping his parents at the orphanage and his summers were more about work than actually taking time off and enjoying it. He was never the type to come back and recall going somewhere to an amusement park or travelling. And Lachlan knew that despite not complaining, Jonathan always kept quiet or diverted the questions when asked about his summer.

When alone he would always go through a list he had carefully stored in his mind, list with plans and activities he wanted to do once school was over and he was an adult capable of making his own decisions and not relying on his parents. But Lachlan didn’t think too much of it then, it appeared that school would never end, years as if purposely slow in order to shield and protect their most precious years.

But when year six came around, the idea of not having too much time left at school began to dawn on both of them. Things started moving at a faster pace, talk about the future and what it would hold, them needing to start to at least think about a career, one for which neither of them was prepared. Because they weren’t, far from it. They still had so many things to do, so much trouble and shenanigans to follow through before it all ended and they had to say goodbye.

The idea didn’t truly sink in until the last year when there was a clear shift in dynamic, far more pronounced in Jonathan. It was as if he started regressing in a sense, had trouble maintaining eye contact from time to time but once more, he didn’t worry for the good times managed to outweigh the awkward ones. However Lachlan didn’t witness it when he was with a girl, or another girl, none of them apparently being able to keep a girlfriend for more than a month, if that.

Lachlan figured he was to blame, that his inability to remember certain things properly was a setback from the very beginning, Jonathan always assuring him it wasn’t the case. And it was something he said to him that stuck. If he could have long lasting friendships, he will also be able to have a long lasting relationship with someone. Because at the end of the day, it just took the right person to make it happen. And he believed him.

But when the girl he was supposed to have a date with didn’t show up, it wasn’t that he really believed she would be the one, but it still hurt. For a while. All it took was Jonathan’s smile to bring him back up to the surface, the idea of a date with him making him curious. But he accepted. And he knew Jonathan would do anything to ensure the date happened and he would not forget.

But the moment they set a date and time, it was as if it was engraved in his brain. He was certain he could not forget it even if he tried. It was different with him, always, he even was the one who’s name he got right and remembered from the very beginning, while with others he still botched their names from time to time even after being in the same class with them for seven years.

And then it started cementing, the small idea, the possibility that Jonathan’s date idea was actually a date. But it couldn’t have been right? Because if it was then it meant he missed some obvious signs along the way.

But when Jonathan kissed him and did in fact admit he had a crush on him since year five, things came into perspective.

While he had thought that Jonathan was mostly oblivious to the art of flirting and getting a hint, it looked like he was just as oblivious. He sensed a change in him but chucked it as something else entirely. But there were indeed signs. A lingering touch, longer than usual. The closeness making Jonathan look away or blush. A hug that lasted a few seconds more, Jonathan as if melting in his arms before he came to. How he was there for him even if he had plans.

And he promised himself to pay more attention.

Even years into the relationship, he knew how to read Jonathan. And it still made him smile to know he was still somewhat, more or less, still oblivious when someone flirted with him.

After witnessing an exchange with one of his customers, Lachlan sat on the edge of Jonathan’s desk “She likes you.”

Jonathan’s eyes widened “What? No, she’s just friendly.”

Laughing, he shook his head “Believe me, it’s more.”

“But she knows I’m married. To a man. So…” he gestured to him as if it was the most obvious thing.

“Maybe she thinks she can convert you to the other side.”

Jonathan sat back in his chair, looking up at Lachlan “I may be bisexual, but at this point I think everyone knows I’m gay for you.” Lachlan laughing “No one can convert me. I’m so into you that I’m oblivious to the rest that are interested in me.”

He could not recall the exact moment he had fallen for Jonathan because for Lachlan it did not feel like a singular event was enough to shape his feelings, but rather a multitude of them, a blank canvas with various memories scattered across it with the passing of time. And there were a lot of them he managed to collect in seven years of school, despite the challenges he faced. Somehow in the multitude of events and faces he sometimes struggled to remember the name of, there he was.

However once they finished with their last exams, with the jitters from the ball out of the way, the seven year students gathered together one last time in order to honor an old tradition, drink, party and burn the notes they took and studied off of.

Many were already around the fire, ripping everything apart or dumping the content of their backpacks unceremoniously inside the ragging fire. But Lachlan watched the flames, clutching with all his might some notebooks, eyes wide and he felt as if he was about to burst in tears.

School was over.

In a couple of days they would board the train for the last time and while he always looked forward to summer, he knew that after it was over there would be no more Hogwarts. His grip on the notebooks tightened, several colorful sticky notes marking important information needed for the exams sticking out, several pages with drawings and stickers, all Jonathan’s work.

Searching the crowd, his eyes found him and he felt fear making its way inside his heart. Fear of not seeing him, of talking to him so often, of not being with him on a daily basis. Looking away from one of his friends, Jonathan discarded another notebook, eyes searching for him.

Lifting his hand, he waved, smile faltering as he took note of the expression on Lachlan’s face. Making his way in front of him, Jonathan searched his eyes “There you are.” Lowering his gaze, he noticed Lachlan’s knuckles turning white from the strain of holding on so tightly to his precious notes. Taking hold of one of his hands, he smiled “Come on, you don’t have to throw them away. Let’s go somewhere else.”

It was probably in that moment when Lachlan thought to himself that he actually loved Jonathan, no, he felt it. Because he knew, he understood by just looking in his eyes what he felt and how he could not throw the notes away because they were his memories. And he knew how precious and fragile they were.

And despite struggling with certain subjects and wished to burn the books and notes long before he even learned about that stupid tradition, he couldn’t. Because between the pages he held scribbles and doodles Jonathan did in order to focus. Because they held meaning. And that night Jonathan added another small doodle of a heart with their initials, both promising they would see each other even if school ended.

Lachlan never believed he would ever experience so many emotions in such a short span of time ever again, yet there he stood in the present day, courage crumbling to almost nothing, words failing him, heartbeat drumming inside his chest at a mad pace.

Years passed since graduation and many things have changed during that time, some of them unexpected now that he thought back. But he was certain of what he had managed to accomplish up until then, trusted his abilities and how he handled things, yet he still felt like a young kid as he stood in front of the main office belonging to the King orphanage.

Exhaling slowly, Lachlan ran a pair of sweaty palms along his shirt in an attempt to compose himself and smoothen his clothes. Nodding to himself once, he knocked, Anthony’s voice welcoming him inside.

Shaking hands, Anthony could not hide his surprise “This is unexpected.” Eyes searching Lachlan’s face as he sat down “Are you alright? Did something happen?”

“Yes, everything is fine. Perhaps I should have announced my visit but Jonathan doesn’t know I’m coming home early.” He blurred out while wincing internally “I actually came to discuss something with you.” Looking at some random objects on the desk, Lachlan corrected himself, eyes locking with Anthony’s “Actually no, I came to ask you something.”

“Please.” Anthony spoke, however he could not ignore the fact that his stare made Lachlan nervous “Would you like a drink?”

Shaking his head, he straightened his back, knowing well enough he needed to say what he had to say “I know that Jonathan being with me wasn’t what you had in mind for him.” His voice almost faltering as Anthony became even more serious “I know you never said anything to me personally but I also know you are more traditional.” This time he actually regretted not having prepared a better speech, or maybe formulated a bit differently “And that’s why I’m actually here.”

“To tell me I am traditional and that I don’t agree with your relationship?”

“Yes.” His eyes widened “No, no. No, I wouldn’t dare.”

Anthony’s brows rose slightly before he smiled “Alright, then what is this about?”

“I love him. I love Jonathan with everything in me and I plan on asking him to marry me.”

Sitting back in his chair, Anthony took a moment “So you’re asking for my blessing?” Lachlan nodding. Getting up, he went to pour a drink for both of them “You’re correct, I am traditional let’s say, however I want what’s best for Jonathan and I told him this.” Coming back with a glass, he extended it to Lachlan, the latter hesitating before he took it “I know you love him and he loves you and most importantly you’re both happy, which is what any parent would want for his child.” Taking a sip after toasting together, Lachlan followed his gestures, eyes never leaving Anthony as he went to sit back down “He is my only child and he has such a big heart some days I’m afraid it will only get him hurt. But he’s lucky to have you. You have my blessing, but just one question, how?”

“What?”

“Well, it’s not allowed in the Wizarding world yet, legally speaking.”

Nodding Lachlan confirmed it “You’re right, but it’s legal in the muggle world and both of us are registered with papers.”

“Well then, looks like all we need is to plan the party.”

Letting out a full breath of air, Lachlan gave a forceful nod. All that was needed was for Jonathan to say yes. And while he knew they loved each other dearly, they haven’t really discussed marriage, both being content with being a couple, moving in together and spending their lives together in that manner.

** ** ** ** ** ** **

Closing the front door, Jonathan let out a heavy sigh as he rubbed his temples, stopping in his tracks, noticing the lights being on. Walking inside the living room, Lachlan greeted him with arms wide open, Jonathan closing the space between them as he kissed and hugged him tight “Surprise.”

Burring his face against his neck, Jonathan smiled “I missed you.”

“I did too.” Lachlan admitted, arms holding him tight against him.

Some days it was harder, both working throughout the week, counting down the days until Lachlan returned home or Jonathan came to visit him. Some days it didn’t feel fair, they barely started their relationship, took the normal steps and then both took their careers to another level, in different parts of the country. However for all those hard days, whenever they were together it felt as if they didn’t matter, that nothing changed and love did not falter.

Especially on a slightly chill night when both sat together outside on the small balcony, talking about this and that, enjoying a drink. Lachlan listened to Jonathan relate a story about one of his clients, the sound of his laughter breaking through the late hour.

Reaching out to him, he gently caressed his cheek, Jonathan turning to look at Lachlan as he spoke “I love you so much.”

Smiling, Jonathan closed the space between them, placing a soft kiss against his lips whispering “I love you too.” Looking in his eyes, the entire speech Lachlan had prepared evaporated from his mind. He had a speech, certainly. Clearing his throat, he blinked a few times, looking back at Jonathan when he placed his hand on his leg “Is everything ok?”

“Never better.” Placing his hand on top of his, he smiled “Really.” He added when he witnessed Jonathan frowning slightly “Do you remember in our last year how we promised to continue seeing each other? That that wasn’t the end? Did you ever imagine reaching this point?”

Looking out at the empty street, Jonathan replied “I wished for it. I imagined it so many times” looking back at Lachlan he let out a nervous chuckle “an embarrassing amount of times actually.”

“Same.” Reaching inside his pocket, he fumbled with the small box inside of it, suddenly wondering if a ring was the right way to go “I wanted to create so many memories with you and I was lucky. Lucky that you loved me, that you never gave up on me, not even when I wanted to give up on myself sometimes.”

There was no way Jonathan didn’t notice how nervous he was. With how he looked at him, a serious expression taking over his features, those long lashes fluttering slightly as he tried to understand what the outcome of the conversation would be. But he could not let him say something in that moment, Lachlan speaking again as soon as Jonathan opened his mouth.

“But I would really like to create another lasting memory with you because I can’t think of a future without you in it.” Taking out the small box, he prayed to all entities to not drop it and have it tumble past the railing and out in the street “Will you marry me Jonathan?”

For a few moments, despite his mind catching on, Jonathan didn’t answer. He kept searching Lachlan’s eyes, those gorgeous eyes that always managed to draw in and make him fall head over heels all over again. He felt as if he couldn’t breathe, heart hammering inside his chest, a short nod before he found his voice once more “Yes, of course, yes.” Lachlan finally feeling as if he could breathe properly.

** ** ** ** ** ** ** **

Come summer, the Murray marina witnessed the ceremony between them, both turning to the group of friends and family when the official announced “Everyone please welcome Lachlan and Jonathan King Murray.”

At the restaurant, both set of parents approached, Lachlan and Jonathan’s fathers taking the lead as they presented a document, the pair looking confused.

“We went to the Ministry of Magic in hopes of managing to get them to accept this union between you two.” Lachlan’s father smiled, Anthony continuing.

“While the Wizarding world is behind and outdated, if you fill this form, they will register you two as a married couple, seeing you as such.”

The pair shared a look, Jonathan asking “Even if we aren’t married by a wizard official?”

Lachlan’s father smiled “Even so. Consider this a small step in the right direction.”

Entering the exchange office situated right at the entrance of Diagon alley, Jonathan’s assistant lifted her eyes, offering a warm smile “Welcome to the King’s accounting and exchange office, how may I help you?”

“I’m here to see Jonathan.” Clearing his throat he added “I’m Lachlan Murray.”

“Is he expecting you?” she asked checking the agenda “I don’t see an appointment but I can ask.” Pressing a button on an old intercom, she spoke closer to the microphone “Dante, a mister Lachlan Murray here to see you.”

Suppressing a small chuckle, he heard footsteps approaching, Jonathan opening the door to his office, a big smile lighting up his face as he walked the small distance between them, kissing Lachlan before hugging him tight “I missed you so much, how was the course?”

“Enlightening, your father’s recommendation was really good. I now understand how you were so equipped with understanding kids and their problems.”

“Glad it could help.” Turning to his assistant, he proudly stated “Meet my boyfriend, Lachlan.”

“Oh, you’re mister wonder. Was really curious when I was going to meet you in person.” She mentioned getting up, extending her hand through the small window, Lachlan shaking it “I’m Laura. Lovely to meet you.”

“Same.”

Extending his arm, he invited him in the office “Come on, let me get you a drink, coffee or tea?”

“Coffee is fine.” Entering the small office, he looked around at the stack of papers already pilled up, some spread across his desk as he was already working on something.

“So, Dante? I don’t think I’ve ever heard you use your middle name.”

Chuckling, Jonathan flicked his wand, several items flying around in order to prepare the coffee “Well I figured they couldn’t use a derivative from it. With Jonathan it’s either Jon, or Johny or Johny boy so it’s not very professional when it comes to work. Dante suits me better as an accountant.”

Reaching inside his pocket, Lachlan pulled out a small case, handing it over to Jonathan, his brows lifting slightly “A present and an apology for missing the grand opening.”

“The course was far more important than the opening day. It’s not like I was out of business regardless. I just needed a place to store everything while I worked.” Taking the small box, Lachlan smiled.

“True, the apartment could only handle so many files.” Watching him unwrap the pen, Jonathan let his fingers glide across the smooth surface, picking it up to have a better look at it, seeing the logo on it, his eyes widening.

“No. This is so expensive. But…”

“I remembered you wanted it.” He took out his phone, sliding through his gallery showing him a picture “And I had to note it down just in case. But it’s ash grey, just like you said.” Winking at him, Jonathan thanked him, pulling him in his arms, hugging him tight.

The coffee cup flew on the desk landing perfectly, both sitting down “Now tell me everything, impressions, questions, I want to hear it all.”

Shaking his head, he leaned in his chair “No, I’m not going to bore you with information you already know. What I want is for you to let me take you out so we can celebrate properly. I have only a couple of weeks before school starts and I want to spend as much time as I can with you. By the way” he added taking out from his pocket the snippet from the Daily Prophet with the announcement of the new business opening “Good picture.”

“Shut up.” He laughed “Well here’s the deal. Give me an hour then I’m all yours today. But tomorrow I have an appointment at nine.”