Happier Than (N)ever | Arlo & Lulu

[lulu anne blishwick]

Lulu never thought she’d see the day where she didn’t love dancing. She loved to all forms of self expression, especially when it involved singing, shaking her ass, and jumping around. What she didn’t enjoy were entitled men. The older ones with money and tailored suits specifically. They always looked at her like she owed them something. For reference, Club Indigo wasn’t a strip club, it was merely a place for people to dance, drink, and have a good time. At first dancing and serving drinks was fun and new, but it quickly grew old. She learned she didn’t like drunk people as much as she thought. It wasn’t as easy as coasting at Uncle Jimbos Pizza shop. Hell, you never knew what you had until it was gone.

Today was a particularly horrible day. Her paycheck was short and her tips were stolen. She suspected it was another worker who thought she wouldn’t notice, but she noticed, and made a scene in front of all her coworkers. Her lost money was never found. The cherry on top was the old man who grabbed her ass. The shift manager didn’t do anything because he was a high paying customer. Lulu was sure it was the worst work day she had ever experienced.

When the end of the her shift had finally come, she clocked out and pulled a zip up hoodie over her body so she wouldn’t be noticed as she left. As Lulu was about to walk out of the door, her gaze caught a familiar face enter the club. Lulus stomach dropped, suddenly feeling like she entered a nightmare. It was Arlo. Sweet, tall, adorable Arlo…

Something weird came over her, there was a stupid voice telling, no, begging, her to approach him. He looked different, he looked…good. A frenzy of feelings swelled up in her stomach. She hadn’t seen him since Valentine’s Day, where she spotted him on the Blishwick blind date and ran away with Peggy before she could be seen bawling like a banshee. After a couple of moments or bobbing around in the crowd she slowly made her way over to him,  standing on her tip toes to tap him on the shoulder. ”Hi Arlo” she greeted him in a small voice, eyes icy blue saucers watching him carefully, as if she had made a mistake. A part of her expected him to ice her out completely, but she was ready. She was already having the worst day ever, after all. Maybe mixing her ex into the pot would really seal the deal.

Arlo Bletchley

[Arlo Bletchley]

Arlo had fobbed off the lads from his course long enough. He'd gone out on a few nights out with them here and there and sure it had been fun, but he'd never come to Club Indigo. It wasn't his scene. It wasn't strictly a strip club. But from what he could tell, it wasn't the drinks menu or type of music that drew this group of Lads there. It was definitely a Gentleman's club anyway. Clubs in general weren't entirely his thing, but he could put up enough of a front to make it semi enjoyable for everyone else involved at least. His sort of night would always be more preferably a night in with a new comic book, or the latest game. Sometimes even curling up to watch a live show of one of his favourite bands live with a few drinks. He didn't mind pubs either, but they had to be the comfy kind that had the good pints. This place was not top of his list in the least, but still the lads were keen to go and he, keen to please as always, had found himself going along with it.

Immediately on entry he decided it was too noisy, and as his eyes adjusted to the low, purple tinged light they widened as the scantily clad girl on the door welcomed them up and told them to enjoy their night. Yeah right.

It wasn't hard to force a smile though. Thankfully the lads had insisted on actually going out for a few before even coming here, and that had likely worked in Arlo's favour. He didn't look it, but he wasn't exactly a lightweight. He was careful with how he had drank too, pacing himself on pints when the lads had been on the harder alcohol and merlin knows what else. It had been enough to relax him just so. He had been feeling especially adrift recently, maybe this would be good for him. He was quiet as he took the place in. Immediately the group of lads split up, some of them dying for a piss and headed to the bathroom, others went for the outdoor smoking area. Arlo was fine both ways, so he decided to wander through the club and make his way to the bar. A drink, sure that was something to do with himself. Pushing past bodies on all sides, he kept to himself. It was easier not to focus on anyone he passed. He was sure the lads would be at him to get a girls number, or go home with someone. But the night was young and he'd need more drink in him for that.

"Whiskey splash please." Offering a small smile to the bar staff, his order was polite as he rolled on the balls of his feet and waited for it to be filled. Tapping his card on the counter in time with the music playing, he drummed out some of his anxiety. His attention was on the person making his drink and he hadn't noticed the small frame to his left shit into his peripheral. It was only when he was directly addressed and felt someone tap on his shoulder that he snapped out of his daze and turned his attention to her.

"Lu?" Raising an eyebrow he looked down to take her in. It had been almost a year since they had broken up. Since she had just come home one day to the flat they shared and said she didn't love him anymore. She may as well had ripped his heart out there and then and stomped it into a pulp. He had been crushed. Lulu was his first serious girlfriend. Sure he had had flings at Hogwarts, but that little weirdo was the first one to really ever see him for him. The first one her had properly let in. Letting his gaze wash over her, he took in every little detail. Her hair was different. It wasn't all, there was more to it he couldn't concentrate enough to put his finger on. But Merlin this had thrown him. His cheeks flushed, and the pink crept as far as his ears. Silently he prayed it wasn't as obvious in the weird purple lighting of the club. "Uh...erm....Hi?" Blinking slowly his eyes moved over her, wondering if this was real, or was she a ghost. Maybe it wasn't real. The lads had been telling him to loosen up. Maybe Charlie had followed through with his threat and slipped something into his drink. Confusion clouded his face as he stared down at her. This was unexpected.  

lulu anne blishwick

[lulu anne blishwick]

Arlo’s expression was half expected. She half expected him to tell her to fuck off - but she also knew he was too polite for that. The handsome young man looked like he had just seen a ghost. ”Hi.” she greeted awkwardly with a stiff smile, shifting her icy blue eyes across the room. The blonde swallowed hard, heart beating out of her chest like a drum. Oh My God. She felt so stupid. There was no way in hell he wanted to see her after the way she dumped him with no regard. The truth was, she felt horrible about how she treated Arlo. She never got over the guilt because Arlo treated her so damn well. He was the only guy who ever treated her with any respect, with true love that made her heart soar out of her chest. And she blew it. Lulu knew she didn’t deserve to be happy. So, she wasn’t.

The girls at the bar waved at Lulu, asking if she wanted anything since she was off the clock. Shaking her head from side to side she kindly told them 'no but thank you', knowing how much alcohol made her a wreck. Especially these days.

Her eyes flickered to Arlo with a hint of shame she couldn't hide. ”I-I work here.” Lulu shared quickly, biting down the inside of her cheek as she watched his expression. For the first time, she was embarrassed about her job. Probably because it was Arlo...and he’d have his own ideas about her ‘dancing’. She wished she could burrow away and hide forever in her oversized hoodie.

“Bloody Hell. I don’t know why I’m bothering you.” She stammered with a frown, eyes glazing over with reality. Lulu bounced on the heels of her feet nervously to the bass music as her face went red...the tell tale signs that word vomit was ahead. ”Uh—I saw you. You look good, Arlo. Strong and healthy-" she stated lamely as she mentally face palmed. "Something compelled me to pop over to say ‘Hi’.” she froze in place, eyebrows raising as her tone raised an octave to match, ”So, Hi-”



Arlo Bletchley

[Arlo Bletchley]

The haze that had held him, froze him to the spot. The green of his eyes bore into her. Her hair was blonde and it made her look a little different. They were both more grown up over the past year, but there was something else with Lulu. He never would have told her to fuck off, but he was confused. She had been the one to break it off with him, to leave him. But now she had been the one to approach him. He felt the colour leave his face, neck and ears thankfully. But instead now he started to chew on his bottom lip, another of his nervous ticks. He had been too busy subconsciously staring at her with adoration to actually take in what she was saying. She was talking, rabbiting on, but he wasn’t hearing what she was saying. It was too hard to concentrate when he was staring at her lips like that.

She had said no thank you to the bar staff, who then pulled Arlo away from his staring to pay for his own drink. Hurriedly he tapped his card off the machine and was immediately drawn back to his ex as he lifted the heavy glass.

Shit. She was talking about him. He thought for a minute she had said she worked here. That made him raise an eyebrow. It seemed the sort of place she’d enjoy for about a week before she grew tired of the bullshit that went with it. That was, he thought again, if she was even the same girl he had once known. He found himself nodding like an idiot in response. He didn’t even mean to, it was just the easiest thing to do to show his engagement, right? Even if he didn’t know quite what he was nodding about. He paused the lip chewing for a moment to sip on his whiskey. ”No, stay” Without thinking he reached out for her wrist, as if he expected her to run away. He hadn’t thought about why he did it, but he only held it there for a second before he realised what he had done and dropped it again. Like his touch on her skin had burned him. With another slug of his drink and forced a smile. Pretending nothing bothered him. He had gotten quite good at that. It was easier to pretend and carry on. ”If nothing else it will get the lads off my back if they think I’m chatting someone up. I guess they won’t recognise that it’s you. Your hair is different. It’s….nice” he settled on eventually, flashing her a small smile.

There was an obvious distance between them. Other than the actual physical distance, there was something more between them. Something that had broken between them and caused the rift. It was awkward and Arlo sort of hated it. Taking another sip of his drink, he glanced around the club. It was noisy but it was probably good instead of the silence that would have stretched in front of them.

”So…uh…how have you been?” He wasn’t quite sure what else to say. Even at his sharpest he wasn’t always the best conversationalist. Now while he was half drunk and still questioning if his drink earlier had been spiked; well it was an even more hampered skillset.


lulu anne blishwick

[lulu anne blishwick]

Arlo told her to stay, reaching for her wrist. Her expression flickered with confusion as her hand gently grazed his fingers before dropping her arm to her side. He explained that it would keep his mates off his back if they thought he was chatting up a girl. Well, that was the least she could do to help. He complimented her on her hair and she smiled sheepishly, ”Thank you.” She knew she didn't deserve him being so nice to her.

Lulu's icy blue eyes met his gaze carefully, running her fingers through her blonde hair. She felt a sense of longing as her eyes met his, remembering how much time she used to spend staring into those lovely emerald green eyes. He was still handsome, gorgeous even, more so than she remembered. The distance between them was eating her alive. It felt like they were worlds apart when they used to be so close…so in love. How tragic. Lulus eyes burned as she held back tears, the urge to cry overwhelmed her when he asked how she was doing. Was she supposed to lie? 

Her mouth opened and then closed, “I’m okay.” She lied, eyes glistening because she most certainly wasn’t okay. Lulu tried to stop herself from squeaking her response like she normally did when she was too emotional, “Just working. Most days it’s fun, though I must admit, working here has killed the appeal of nightclubs and drinking for me, y’know what I mean?” Lulu forced a happy smile, trying to keep up a conversational tone but her eyes were sad. “How have you been, Arlo?” She asked, genuinely interested in a glimpse of his current life. Lulu wondered how his mum and dad were doing, Georgie, his dog… “I hope Georgie and your family are doing well. And that you’re happy…” she trailed off, heart beating out of her chest as her face went red hot because she knew she was talking to much.

Arlo Bletchley

[Arlo Bletchley]

When Lulu thanked him, he didn’t really know what else to say or where to look. He had been staring at her, his eyes dropping to her lips every few seconds. But now her forced himself to look away. He was aware the staring could come across as weird. The lads had made fun of him for it before; the odd time they’d caught him eyeing up pretty girls in the pub, or across their lecture halls. They’d been supportive and told him to go for it, of course, but that was when Arlo had always clamped up and just stopped staring. Or at least in future be careful not to get caught. The thoughts of it drifted through his mind as a timid smile played on his lips and he dropped his gaze to look at his drink.

Arlo Bletchley was not a man in touch with his emotions, and when he drank he became even more distant from them. In that moment, with Lulu staring up at him, internally he was a wreck. He had looked away from her face as a way to ground himself as well. The mish match of feelings floating around his brain only interacted with the drink and made him feeling even more hazy, less in control. One thing he could feel though was the discomfort between them. Something broken. So different to how it used to be in the tiny little flat they lived in together. He lived there alone now, and the odd time he did venture to bring anyone there for the night, there was still no escaping the empty loneliness of it. It had been hard at first, the shift from having her there to being alone, and having nothing. He had gotten used to it now for the most part. It didn’t stop him from trying to be there alone as little as possible, but still he could deal with it slightly better now.

His attention was drawn back to her as she started to respond. He continued to bite on his lip as he watched her; he wasn’t entirely sure she was fine. He wasn’t sure why but something was gnawing at him telling him so. Taking another sip from his glass, he nodded, forcing a small smile out for her. He didn’t have the emotional intelligence, nor the sobriety to call her out on it. He wouldn’t know what to say if he was going to anyway. It wasn’t really his business. She wasn’t really anything to him anymore; things hadn’t even ended well enough that he had held on to her as a friend. ”Makes sense I guess. Everything get’s shit if you do it too much I guess.” He knew she was likely tired of this. It had been a surprise seeing her here tonight anyway. Last he knew she was working at Jimbo’s Pizza Place. Maybe that was another sore spot he wouldn’t ask about either. Once upon a time when they were closer he might have pressed it, but instead he just chuckled and gave a small smile.

”I’m….” drunkenly he drew out the M for a moment as he mulled over his word. ”Grand I guess yeah. I’m just sort of here. Still working in Spellbucks, gonna start final year of my course in the Autumn, and yeah just sort of doing that I guess.” shrugging it off, he gave another small smile. It wasn’t a lie. He was just sort of floating around life, not really up to much and just letting it pass him by. She hoped he was happy, but was he? Honestly, he wasn’t entirely sure. He could be worse, but he supposed he could be a lot better. He was just sort of….there. But now was not a time to get into such existential crises. Especially with Lulu and his rapidly disappearing drink. ”Everyone else is fine, yeah. Georgie’s going to study abroad in France this year and my parents are the same really. Nothing much to report.….What about you?” he wasn’t even quite sure what he was asking about when he ended on a question, but in his hazy state it seemed the right thing to do at the moment.

”Sure you don’t want a drink? My treat?” perking up an eyebrow, he motioned to the bar again, a little mischief dancing in his eyes. Though, he thought for a moment, she wasn’t exactly dressed for a night out. She was likely tired and on her way home after a shift. Still, there was no harm aksing.

lulu anne blishwick

[lulu anne blishwick]

Lulu was hyper aware of Arlos eyes on her. She could practically feel them burning her skin. There was a longing deep down. The blonde watched him carefully, unsure what she was supposed to say next. There was a flood gate of emotions stirring up inside of her, a frenzy of sadness and confusion. She so badly wanted to jump into Arlos arms and hug him, explain that she was completely wrong. A selfish, bloody idiot. But it wasn’t that easy. The damage had already been done. What if he already had someone waiting back at home for him?

”Too much of anything ends up being 'too much' eventually.” she sighed, hating that she had grown bitter. Lulu wished to be wild and carefree once again. She listened carefully as Arlo shared about his life, hanging onto every word that spilled from his mouth. ”Ou LaLa, France. That sounds so..Georgie. She's going to have a blast.” she smiled, wishing his 'baby' sister the best. Thinking about the Bletchley family made her sadder than she expected to feel. Lulu had become close to Georgie at one point it was saddening to think they were practically strangers now. Seeing Arlo felt like scratching at a scab that never healed properly. 

Lulu noticed a mischievous glint in Arlo's eye as he asked her if she wanted a drink. There was no way in hell she could resist that look. Sucking her bottom lip into her teeth, it didn't take much consideration.  ”Okay, sure….Thank you.” she finally agreed with a shy smile. The girls behind the bar whipped them up some strong drinks on the house. Lulu took a sip and nearly gagged, she forced a nonchalant expression to keep her cool. Well, the whiskey would either help or destroy her at this point. Only time would tell.

They drifted away from the bar and settled on a vacant lounge area that smelled of cigarettes. Pulling the hoodie closer to her body, her icy blue eyes scanned his face as she took another sip of the whiskey drink. God, he looked gorgeous, even under purple strobe lights. Lulu's hand reached for his arm to give it a gentle squeeze but quickly retracted it back to her side knowing she didn't have the privilege to touch him anymore. "I-I don’t understand why you’re being so kind to me...” Lulu stated softly, forcing an even tone. Her eyes stung from holding back tears but she attempted to meet his gaze, "Arlo, I'm so sorry-" she started tearfully. The floodgates slowly opened. There was so much she wanted to say to him and her chin wouldn't stop quivering. 

Arlo Bletchley

[Arlo Bletchley]

With a half hearted laugh, he nodded in agreement. ”It is very Georgie. I think she wants a job in like, the ministry or something after. Maybe in languages or working with diplomats or something like that. Wouldn’t be for me, but she really wants to. At least I’ll get to go visit her and stuff I guess.” Shrugging, he forced himself to look away for a moment. The idea of his ‘baby’ sister moving away was getting to him a bit more than he cared to admit and rather than face those feelings, he simply packed them away too.

His gaze brushed over her again for a moment, not long but just enough to catch her eye and pointedly look away again. This whole thing was weird, but he was enjoying it more than he had bargained to. The lads had congregated in a corner and had trapped a mix of girls who worked here and actual patrons in with them and had been chatting them up. It didn’t look like something Arlo wanted a part in. Being here with Lulu put him more at ease. Time had passed, and things were different between them, sure, but there was something more familiar and comfortable about it. The lads had looked over and catcalled a few times, but he hadn’t acknowledged them. It was easier to ignore them. He could fob them off later if necessary. They were just happy he seemed to be ‘getting some’. Even if he wasn’t.

He took the drink from the bar staff with a nod of thanks. Immediately on taking a drink from the tall glass, his face scrunched up. It was strong, at least a double if not a triple. ”Cheeky, thanks though” rolling his eyes he began to follow her to what was likely the quieter part of the club. Away from the gaze of the lads. This would probably set them off again. But then, he thought, maybe that would be some fun. As well as getting them off his back for a bit.

There was comfier looking couches; Merlin knew what had gone on on those. The thought of it made his cheeks colour just slightly. The haze slipped for half a moment as he wondered maybe Lulu had brought him back here for a reason. The idea of it caused the colour to spread to the tips of his ears and he cursed himself as he felt the flush. Brushing the thought of it away, he noticed Lulu had stopped at one of the higher tables. There were stools around it, but for now it seemed enough to set the drinks down on it, and just sort of hover beside it. Her touch on his arm had been a surprise, and for another fleeting second the idea of getting comfier on the couches reared it’s ugly head. The thought of it gave him butterflies like a stupid teenage girl.

It would seem some things never changed between them.

But then Lulu seemed to feel the awkwardness as well. Her hand was withdrawing and there was words pouring out her mouth quicker than he could process them in the whiskey fuelled fog. His eyes had dropped away as he tried to take in her words. It was easier to not look at her. The tone in her voice was enough. Honestly he hadn’t really dealt with his feelings after what had gone on between them. Georgie had tried to make him talk about it, with her or like, a third party. But he hadn’t done either. Now hearing all this was a suckerpunch to the gut all over again. He still couldn’t bring himself to look at her but he knew her well enough by the change of timbre in her voice, her movements, just the feel of the air between them; she was definitely crying. He couldn’t really believe she was saying all this now. Bringing it all up again was making him feel….even more all over the place.

”Lulu…” he began, not really sure where he was going with it ”Don’t. Just….don’t..” Finally he dragged his eyes to meet hers, and held a hand up, signaling her to stop. ”I don’t…I don’t want….this” Whatever ‘this’ was. A part of him felt better for it, sure. It was like some sort of weird closure he had never really gotten. But he didn’t want it at her expense. Not if it was going to make her cry like this. As it was he was already at risk of crumbling. ”It’s…” He didn’t want to say okay. It wasn’t okay. What she was saying was true. He didn’t forgive her for what she had done, the way she had broken him. But at the same time, it was breaking his heart all over again to watch her like this. Chewing on his bottom lip, he stood awkwardly, wondering if it would make the situation worse in all ways to pull her into a hug. The more he watched her, the softer an idiot he became. Eventually, he sighed and reached a hand out to pull her into his chest; it was likely against his better judgment, but alcohol had never helped him make good choices. It was why he wasn’t generally a big drinker. He was a lightweight and it made him do dumb things. Including wrapping his arms around Lulu and pulling her into his chest. Though truthfully it probably was, on some deep level to comfort himself.

”C’mere Lu…”

lulu anne blishwick

[lulu anne blishwick]

Lulu shifted the weight on her feet as memories of Georgie flooded through her eyelids. Bollocks. She realized deep down she missed Georgie. Hell, there was no way Georgie missed her after what she did to her sweet brother. Lulu forced a smile as Arlo shared that he looked forward to visiting his sister in France, nodding her head slowly as her eyes remained glued on him. His hair had grown a bit, jaw stronger than ever. Lulu sipped her drink, quickly emptying her drink and cursing herself because she knew she was a one and done type of drinkers. She’d always been a lightweight which sucked because she wanted to hang.

Swallowing hard, she bit the inside of her cheek. The bass music was overwhelming as it pounded through her entire body. The blonde carefully met her ex lovers gaze, tears burning her eyes the longer she stared at him. She knew Arlo was hurting by this encounter. The confused look on his face made her stomach turn. In school that face would distract her in class simply by existing, now it was painful.

Arlo told her to stop. Explaining that he didn't want the apology. To be fair, he probably didn’t want her to ruin the moment by apologizing and bringing up the past, but it was the least he deserved. The selfish part of her needed to do it. There were countless sleepless nights spent staring at the ceiling of her studio flat wishing she could apologize to him. Oh, the things she would do just to have a chance to be his friend again. One could dream…

Icy saucers looked up to Arlo as he told her to C’mere. Two words that always made her ovaries explode in the past. Sucking in a deep breath, she slowly took a step toward him. ”I know it’s not okay so I don’t expect you to tell me it is, because it’s not. Its just…” Lulu crashed into his chest, breathing in his scent deeply. Arlos scent was comforting in that moment. Her face buried in his chest, wrapping her arms around his middle tightly as she clutched him.

”I fucked up, Arlo.” she cried into his chest, praying that no one noticed she was losing it. Fuck, today was the worst day ever. ”I miss you.” Lulu wept, feeling absolutely pathetic because she allowed the alcohol to consume her so quickly.


Arlo Bletchley

[Arlo Bletchley]

Just about finishing off his drink, he'd set it aside as Lulu stepped into him. Probably for the best as well. As Arlo wrapped his arms around her smaller frame, he couldn't see her face, but he could feel the tell tale shakes of her body, her back and chest moving up and down at a rapid pace. She was trying not to start crying, but it was pointless. Arlo didn't really know where to look as his arms enveloped her. With a quick glance back in the direction of the main bar, he let out his own sigh of relief as he realised he couldn't see the lads anymore. Which meant they couldn't see him. Suddenly this all became a bit easier. Even is his face still held worry and confusion, the tension in his chest lifted somewhat. He didn't have to worry about getting an earful from his mates later, well that was something anyway.

Biting his row of top teeth down onto his lower lip, he swallowed, trying to think what to do now. Lulu had settled in, wrapping herself around him and so he did the same. At first his hands were awkward, unsure of placement that toed the line between friendly and....well more. Eventually they settled somewhere on an in-between. Probably slightly more intimate than he should have let it be, but that was likely the drink swilling around his head.

"No..." Starting a sentence, he wasn't quite sure where he was going for it. His head dropped forward and spoke directly in her ear now. His tone was quiet, just enough "No, it's not really. It was really hard Lulu. It's been pretty shitty since then I guess.." He didn't want to make her feel worse, but he didn't want to lie either. The buzzing in his brain had definitely made him more honest anyway. Lulu's rattles and rolls became even worse and so, he squeezed her slightly tighter. Her last little admission had thrown her and he really didn't know what to say to that. His heart was roaring at him to return the sentiment. His brain, even though buzzed and filled with some fucked up form of veritaserum, knew to say nothing for the moment. Returning the sentiment and letting her in again after such a brief encounter would be dangerous. In the end he simply rested his chin on her head and nodded, making sure she knew he had heard her.

She had fucked up. Sometimes Arlo still lay awake thinking it over at night; trying to work out if there had been anything precipitating the situation where she had just come home one day and broken it off with him. But no matter how much he thought about it, there'd been nothing he could pinpoint. In someway that was worse. No warning signs, no real reason in his mind. It made it even harder to try and get over the whole thing.

Another sob rolled through Lulu and pulled him away from that thought. He wasn't heartless. He wasn't happy with the situation, but he wasn't heartless. No matter how much Georgie called him an idiot for it. He was a sucker for a damsel in distress, or at least totally freaked out by the girl clutching his chest crying her heart out. "Don't cry Lulu, please?" murmuring in her ear again, he let one of his hands snake up and smooth over a piece of her blonde hair. That was still weird to him, but then he supposed, time passed. Things changed.

Biting his lip again, he was gripped by a moment of madness. Clutching her as tight as he could to her chest, he apparated the two of them out of the club and with a slightly dizzy landing in the hall outside his flat, he pulled away from her for just a moment to try and wriggle his key out of his pocket. Except to jiggle the ancient old door he had to fully pull away from her. The breathing space wasn't a bad thing. He had reached his limit with knowing what to do with crying girls. Chewing at the inside of his cheek, he moved into the flat they used to share, and called nonchalantly as he could "Tea?" Merlin he was out of his depth and he knew it. Bringing her back to his flat was utter stupidity, but he needed to get out of the club. With Lulu hanging off him, crying his throat was starting to close up with the anxiety of it all; even if he hadn't been the cause of it all.

lulu anne blishwick

[lulu anne blishwick]

The rowdy club was suddenly the most peaceful place while she was wrapped in Arlos arms. Her chest moved up and down as she clutched onto him. Lulu found comfort while enveloped in the familiar smell of Arlo, squeezing him tighter, as if she released him he’d float away into the dark abyss. A floodgate of memories hit her at an overwhelming pace, the alcoholic drink she finished making her feel disoriented as he felt her feet lifted off the ground. The world she knew became a blur as they were sucked into a spinning world of apparition.

After a couple of moments her feet landed on the solid ground. Slowly Lulu pulled away from the warmth and comfort of Arlo’s chest, eyes darting around as they arrived at the front door of their old shared apartment. Her heart sank to the pit of her stomach, unsure how she was supposed to feel being in a place that harbored so many happy memories. Memories she tried to forget over the past year..beautiful times of being happy and in love that scarred her memory.

Arlo asked if she wanted tea and panic welled in her eyes. She shifted the weight on both feet as her eyes scanned around the apartment. For the most part, it looked the same. Smelled the same. Lulu felt a rush of panic mixed with her inebriated state. ”What-Why did you bring me here?” she asked confusedly with a tear stained face, bottom lip quivering as more memories hit her like a freight train.

Arlo Bletchley

[Arlo Bletchley]

He had already stepped away to busy himself at the limited kitchen counters to make them some tea. When they had touched down, the feeling in the pit of his stomach that this was in fact a bad idea only calcified; now leaving sheer panic in it's wake. Why the fuck had he brought her here? This was his place. His safe space. The very spot she had walked out on him. Having her back here made something well up inside him that he had buried a long time ago. Something he never quite understood, but knew it just felt bad. Burying it and not dealing with it wasn't the smart thing of course, but it was the easier thing to do. Push it down and just get on with things. That was what he had been doing since Lulu had said she didn't love him anymore and crushed him. It had been easier to just keep going, trying to keep his head above water. Focus on school, a few meaningless hook ups from apps along the way, and work. He figured that things would work themselves out eventually. The circle would break, but it hadn't really.

Bringing her back here, to the scene of the crime, was probably one of the stupidest things he had ever done.

He kept is back to her, and was trying to focus on the kettle, willing it to boil faster when she spoke what they were both thinking.

A beat of silence hung between them for a moment as Arlo tried to work out what to answer with. Eventually he heaved a sigh, and turned to face where she stood looking fairly uncomfortable in the centre of the flat. "I.." her began, hoping the words would come, but even his start was quiet, and neither were likely surprised when it fizzled away. He swallowed deeply, his ears twitchy just slightly with the movement. He had been looking at her, but he made himself tear his gaze away from her and gave a half hearted shrug before planting his hands on the counter behind him. Leaning back against it, he found it gave him slightly more stability. Something to anchor on to, to stop himself crossing the room and pulling her into his chest again. "I don't know really. You were just crying so much and it was so loud and I've never been good with crying girls. And I didn't really know what else to do. I didn't really think I guess. I mean...yeah it's not a good idea probably...." he rather lamely finished with another smaller sigh. His eyes strayed to meet hers for a moment before he felt the flush creeping us his neck, colouring his ears and bleaching into his face.

"Like if you have somewhere else to be you can go.." his tone had dropped an octave, the sadness laced with it. "I'm sorry I didn't think of what I was doing. I don't want to hold you here...again...". Within the same second, the kettle clicked off the boil and he used it as an escape from the situation. Turning his back to her again, he moved to busy himself and make himself some tea regardless. It was easier not to look at her. He didn't want to notice how sorrowful she was. His own heart was breaking all over again and he wasn't quite sure he had the energy to fix both tonight. "Maybe it would just be easier for you to go now.."

lulu anne blishwick

[lulu anne blishwick]

Lulu bit the inside of her lip, hard, slowly realizing that she was being a drunk and emotional freak. Taking a breath in through her nose, she slowly exhaled as she watched poor Arlo decide what to do. She felt horrible for asking him why he brought her there. Obviously he was trying to get her away from the loud club where she was having a mental breakdown in front of her coworkers. The old flat they used to share was just too intimate and cozy. The familiar scent opened a floodgate of memories that brought tears to her eyes that she quickly wiped with the sleeve of her hoodie.

After a couple of moments, Lulu finally opened her mouth. No words came out at first but she tried again. ”I-I don't want to leave, Arlo." she assured him softly, approaching him from behind to reach a hand to squeeze his shoulder lightly. The blonde wrapped her arms around his waist, "Don't be sorry. I'm just so confused and stupid. The alcohol isn't helping me feel any less confused or stupid.”  she spoke slowly, burying her face into his chest. Remembering a time not too long ago when she'd fall asleep to the sound of his heartbeat. She was quiet for a moment as she clutched onto him, "It would be easier if I left but I also don't want to." Lulu admitted as she carefully looked up at him, afraid to make eye contact because he was half expecting him to tell her to leave.

Arlo Bletchley

[Arlo Bletchley]

Nothing had changed in the flat since Lulu had left. Not really anyway. Everything seemed the same on a surface level. The décor was the same, even if the atmosphere wasn't. It had been a lot colder after Lulu left and that was nothing to do with the temperature. The titchy size of it felt much bigger when she wasn't there to fill the space in the same way she had been.

He tried to steady himself; focusing on the cup of tea he was making for himself. Momentarily he thought that through some insane miracle that Lulu would want to stay; but it seemed nothing had changed there either. Maybe things hadn't gotten worse between them, maybe she was mad now. Clamping his teeth down over his bottom lip, one of his signature moves, he felt colour creep up his neck, spreading as far as the tips of his ears. He had been an idiot to do what he had. He didn't even ask, just did. Georgie would scold him for that, if he ever admitted it to her that was. His little sister held no punches about that sort of thing. 'Consent matters' she would lecture him anyway, regardless of the back story where he was actually trying to save the situation.

Methodically he was stirring the tea bag in the cup of boiling water when she finally spoke. It was well stewed and would likely be way stronger than he usually liked, but it was something to focus on, and that made things much easier. His movements slowed down, focusing on what she way saying. As he felt her hand on his shoulder, they stopped altogether and the spoon was abandoned on the cup as he was forced to turn to her. He inhaled a long, slow breath again as she hid herself in his chest and for a moment he froze, hands paused awkwardly; unsure of he should return the embrace or not. When he had done that a little while ago he wasn't entirely sure that had ended in the best way; that was how they had ended up where they were. Eventually, he decided on a more neutral position and wrapped his arms around her shoulders rather loosely; like you would with a cousin you never particularly liked, but was forced to play nice with at family occasions. It was a safe position, one he didn't have to put too much thought into. Even if it wasn't what he actually wanted. Lulu was right, she was drunk and that was definitely effecting her logical thinking a bit. He had been drinking but not as much. His drinking had happened earlier in the day when 'the lads' had started off early on. He was mostly sober by now, his mind likely working much quicker than hers. He was able to process the implications of bringing her back here and what a stupid idea it had been. Even if some small part of him was happy about it. Trying to push that thought down, he swallowed a lump rising in his throat and his jaw clenched. He had to be the sensible one here for now, no matter how easy it would be to fall back into whatever was happening here. The guarded side of him had to keep that emotional wall up for now. His jaw muscle ticked again as he reminded himself she could walk out just as easily again come the morning.

He didn't meet her gaze as they stood there like that, or at least not first. Instead her looked over her head, somewhere out into the middle distance, quite clearly thinking things over in his head. He didn't want her to go. Besides the fact that her presence here again was lighting some little fire in his chest again; she was physically too drunk to apparate or try get home herself in the state she was in, and Arlo was too much of a gent to let her try to do so. Mulling things over again, his teeth clamped over his lip again before he did look down to her again. "Stay then. You're in no fit state to go home anyway I guess." his eyes eventually did dip down to meet hers, but his face stayed neutral, as did the embrace "Take my room. I'll pull out the couch bed. I don't have classes in the morning so it doesn't really matter how I sleep. I only changed the sheets last night so they're clean.." His tone wasn't cold, but it wasn't exactly warm either. It was wary, restrained almost. He was right in a way. He was protecting his own heart, as well as Lulu's head. He didn't need her waking up regretting things in the morning. He stayed that way, holding her in his slack grip for another moment before her felt the colour creep up his face again and he forced himself to shake it off. To remember the whys of the need for distance between them, and not to listen to the way the little bit of drunkenness that did linger did want her. Instead he sighed, and he stepped away and began to shrug himself out of his jacket, avoiding her gaze. 

lulu anne blishwick

[lulu anne blishwick]

The pain and awkwardness on Arlo’s face was obvious. Lulu felt responsible for it as she felt him tense up as his arms wrapped around her shoulders. Being back at the flat they once shared was a very sobering experience. Everything looked and smelled the same. A tidal wave of memories flooded her suddenly, causing her stomach to sink as she remembered the amazing times they had in that very kitchen. Endless late night talks, dancing and kissing in the refrigerator light, playing video games until the sun came up.. she felt like she’d start bubbling over in sobs at any moment.

As a true gent, Arlo offered his bed for her to sleep in, explaining he’d take the couch. That was a generous offer but sleeping in his empty bed, and a room that smelled like him would only make her feel worse.. however she truly didn’t want to leave. Especially with how nice it felt with his arms around her. Lulu wasn’t sure the next opportunity she’d have to see Arlo again. Deep down, she didn’t want to ruin it. ”Thank you, but I don’t want to intrude...” she swallowed a lump in her throat, slowly releasing her grip from around his waist and instantly regretting the overwhelming void she felt. As he started to shrug off his jacket her eyes attempted to look away but she couldn’t. His arms and chest were well defined, she had a secret moment to truly admire him. At Hogwarts he was a handsome teen, now he was an even more enchanting man. It hurt.

Her heart beat in her throat as she pulled the hoodie closer to her body, wishing she could the world would swallow her whole and she could disappear. The calm and quiet flat was a contrast from the club, inviting too many memories and emotions to run through her head.

Swallowing a lump in her throat, “I’m sorry for being a fuckin loon. This has just been a bit..of a lot..to take in..” she shared awkwardly, sucking in a sharp breath as she looked down to wipe away a couple of stray tears. Lulu took a step toward Arlo, “I think about you a lot…” she nibbled on her bottom lip as she held her breath, ”And I’ll admit, I imagined seeing you again a little differently..” she sighed with light laugh, feeling a hint of shame due to her place of employment.

After a brief moment of silence, Lulus looked up to the young man who towered over her. “Do you still find me attractive, Arlo?” She asked him bravely, icy blue eyes daring to bore into his for the answer. Lulu wasn’t sure that she wanted to know the answer…but if he told her no it would surely make it a little easier to move on. One thing she always loved about Arlo was that his face could never tell a lie.

Arlo Bletchley