cinnamon girl [mal]

[YASMIN ZARA EL FAYED]

Mid September 2027

When Harry Potter had asked Yas to help oversee the staffing and scheduling of the Hounds Lounge, his new business venture in London, there was no way Yas could say no. Harry paid better than her floundering art career, no matter how much passion she put into her work. She had bills to pay, and with their parents standing firm on their decision to only help support Yara, Yas had no choice but to accept Harry's offer. She'd spent a fair amount of time tucked away with Harry, designing new cocktail menus and defining the vibe (a word which Harry distinctly disliked, but she promised was the sort of thing they were going for here) of the bar.

With more flexible working hours and higher pay, Yas found a new sort of freedom at the Hounds Lounge. It was nice to be in London as well, and even though Yara didn't drink, it was easier for her sister to get into the city rather than venture all the way out to the West Country. Yara didn't fear running into Emrys anymore - in fact, she hardly thought about him at all. It was refreshing to have a life without him hanging over her like a storm cloud. She had her friends, she had Diana who she couldn't really decide what category she fell into, and she had a job that paid the bills. It was enough.

This particular Thursday night in mid September found a whole variety of patronage at the Hounds Lounge, and Yas watched from behind with slightly narrowed dark eyes. It still baffled her that without fail, the British would drink away a day of work, and turn up the next day with raging hangovers. And even stranger, that business and customer meetings were so often held over a bottle or six of wine. With a sigh, Yas informed one of the bartenders that she was going to head outside to round up some of the rowdier city boys. She slipped from around the bar and stopped in front of a six foot five solid brick of muscle. Yas froze, her eyes raking up to the charming and familiar face of one of the best looking men she'd ever seen in her life.

"Mal Clark? You've gotten taller?"

malcolm calan clark

[malcolm calan clark]

The work day had passed like a blink of an eye. Mal felt like since returning from Greece he had a lot to catch up on, research, reports, and everything in between. Which was a bit ironic, considering he was in Greece for a work trip. He only extended with the opportunity, inviting Jack, and getting into their fair share of shenanigans.

Finally, his sunburn faded, speckling his newly sun kissed skin with new freckles. Malcom found himself in London after meeting with a colleague in the area to discuss work. Not feeling like heading home quite yet, he decided to walk the streets of London to see what they had to offer. Maybe sneak a brew or two before deciding what to do with the rest of his night.

Malcolm stopped on his heels as a familiar voice said his name, yanking him out of his deep thoughts. His expression changed from reflective to pleasant surprise, “In the flesh” he commented with a charming smile, a little twinkle in his eye as he looked down at Yas. Mal shrugged as she asked if he grew, ”Or maybe you shrank...” he jested playfully.

His strong arms opened for an embrace as he bent over slightly from a height difference, “Yasmin El Fayed” he greeted with a slow spreading smile. Hell, that name hadn’t rolled off of his tongue in years. After a nice squeeze he pulled away, offering her a gentlemanly kiss on the cheek. “Well, look at you..” he drawled, ”You haven’t changed one bit. Still gorgeous as ever” he admired openly. His hazel eyes took her in slowly as he admired her dark eyes, tan skin, and lovely figure. What a blast from the past.

YASMIN ZARA EL FAYED

[YASMIN ZARA EL FAYED]

As Mal's features rearranged themselves into that of surprise, Yas found her heart pounding heavily in her chest. She and Mal had been somewhat close in school. He'd never hurt her the way Emrys had, despite having a similar attitude in the end. Mal had never promised her anything more - he'd never given her the idea that he was in love with her, and Yas was perfectly fine with that. She knew her mother would faint and order her to pray to Allah, but Yas was happy with the way her life had played out. Each hiccup made her unique, gave her a spark that brought her joy.

Cracking a grin, Yas rolled her eyes. "Doubt it, you boys seem to have something in your blood that makes you shoot up. I saw your brother not long ago too," said Yas, recalling the 2022 graduates party at the pub a few months ago. To her surprise, Mal caught her in a warm embrace, squeezing her within an inch of her life. She sputtered, but she supposed he didn't quite know him own strength. Last she'd seen Mal, he'd been an overgrown, not quite filled out teen with legs and arms too long for his body. But now... Yas gave him an appreciative once over, and Diana Bainbridge fled from her mind for the first time in weeks.

"Oh, you know me. Don't mess with perfection," said Yas, flicking her hair over her shoulder. "I've got to dash outside quickly, just check on the situ there. Then do you fancy catching up? I know a place..." said Yas, her lips curling into a smile that she knew Mal would go mad for - he always had in the past.

malcolm calan clark

[malcolm calan clark]

Malcolm was pleasantly surprised to run into the bronze beauty in front of the random London pub. During their school days she was effortless to hang out with because she didn’t have expectations from him. Yas was fine with fooling around and teasing without expecting some sort of label, or expect him not to talk to other girls. He had always been attracted to Yas, and today, the feelings were re-confirmed instantaneously.

His head cocked back to look up at the sign hung above the door as a comical confirmation of where he was. The expression on his face going slightly dumb, “Oh, you work here?” He asked with a hint of a surprise. Every day the universe reminded how small the world truly was. Mal wondered how often he may have passed her without even knowing it.

His eyes dropped down on Yas, reacquainting himself with her lovely, lady-like features. A flood of memories flitted through his mind, he had to bite down on his bottom lip. Yas mentioned that she saw Jack not too long ago and he ruffled a hand through his hair. His brother didn't mention that but he didn't really expect him to. "Well, as long as I’m still your favorite Clark, I guess that’s okay…” he chuckled with an easy smile. Malcolm knew Jack had nothing on him when it came to Yasmin.

As Yas gave him that smile, his matched hers. There was something about that smile that transported him back to Hogwarts; where they'd steal affections in broom closets, the Slytherin common room, wherever. They had no shame. It was partially why they got along so well. His hazel eyes met her gaze, ”Would love a catch up.” he agreed, ”You do your thing, I’ll wait for you.” he told her, finding a spot to lean off to the side. Mal didn't grab any alcohol yet because he wasn't sure if she would drink while working.

YASMIN ZARA EL FAYED  

[YASMIN ZARA EL FAYED]

Yas gave Mal a sly look. "Yes, I work here. Harry asked me to look after the shifts and such, and since being an artist is kinda hard work that doesn't pay..." she trailed off, shrugging. Yas didn't much mind working at the bar, nor the pub in Godric's Hollow. Her fellow workers were nice, and she got to chat with loads of interesting people. She didn't need a career - she had her art. And when that could sustain her, it would. But for now, she would work here and make the most of her life doing what she did best.

Mal bit down on his bottom lip and Yas' mouth flooded. Merlin, did he look sexy doing that. She wanted to pop that lip from his teeth and capture it with her own. She swallowed thickly, forcing herself to meet his eyes. They narrowed slightly, and Yas knew that Mal had done that on purpose to tease her. "You're a libra like me. Of course I like you better," she added. Jack was fine, but Mal was fine. She couldn't bring herself to remember why she'd ended things with Mal. They'd always been easy.

Their faces matched in intensity and desire, and Yas felt like they were the only two in the room. The spell was quickly broken as someone bumped into her, apologising. "Right, two ticks." And she was off, slipping between the patrons and outside. She did a quick round of checks and locked up the tables and chairs that sat outside on the patio. Then, she returned to the bar to find Mal exactly where she'd left him. "Brilliant. Let's go," said Yas, offering her hand to Mal. She led him through the crowd, up a staircase to a private room. It was empty tonight, but was often booked out for private parties.

Yas crossed to the bar and unwrapped a bottle of vodka. She would refill it with a charm afterwards, or ask Harry to do it since charmwork wasn't her strong suit. Harry wouldn't mind - he never did. Yas was his star worker. She snatched up a few limes and a bottle of soda water along with two glasses. It took her less than a minute to fix up two vodka sodas, and she passed one to Mal. "What did you end up getting yourself into after Hogwarts?" asked Yas, holding up her drink for him to cheers her.

malcolm calan clark

[malcolm calan clark]

Malcolms expression slowly changed as she stated Harry asked her to work at the pub. He nodded, more curiously, impressed that “The Chosen One”had jumped on the pub band wagon. It was easy to miss when London was littered with pubs, naturally. When in the area Mal would likely return, especially if it meant he’d have a chance to run into Yas. As Yas disappeared into her work, Mal waited patiently, not having had any plans anyways. He scrolled through his phone, trying to appear unapproachable with his trademark smirk and fuck boy attitude. Malcolm wasn’t typically a patient individual, but he knew Yas would make the wait worth the time.

Yas reappeared with a mischievous smile on her face, reaching for his hand and towing him through a small crowd and up some squeaky stairs. The view while walking up the stairs was terrific. Purebred brilliant. If there weren’t people around he’d probably give her bum a cheeky lil grab. But he resisted. For now.

The door opened to a private room, an event space, or multi purpose space if you will. Mal smiled smugly, waggling his eyebrows playfully at Yas, ”Ooh, so is this where you take all the laddies for a wee catch up..” he teased as the door closed behind them.

Malcolms hazel eyes watched as Yas moved around the room, preparing two drinks with grace. He graciously accepting,  "Cheers," he thanked her, clicking the glass and taking a deep mouthful of the vodka soda. She poured heavy, just as he suspected. Malcolm took a moment as he matched her gaze, ”After Hogwarts I worked a few odd jobs while training for curse breaking. Now I’m curse breaking full time, so I travel a lot for work. Pretty much live out of a suitcase five days out of the week, but I actually enjoy it. Just returned from Greece a couple of weeks ago.” he shared, feeling a bit reflective about work as of late. He enjoyed his job, he was just tired from traveling all the time. And he constantly wished he had a chance to enjoy more places with actual free time. Not only through work. It was all a huge tease for a soul who seemed adventure and constant stimulation.

Scoping a nice seating area, he sank into the leather lounger, ”How about you? Are you still painting? You’ve always had a knack for art, I hope you’ve stuck with it.” Malcolm said with a slow spreading smile, smoothly reaching for Yas to pull her toward him so that she’d sit with her legs across lap or however other intimate position she may choose.

YASMIN ZARA EL FAYED

[YASMIN ZARA EL FAYED]

Yas couldn't remember Mal ever having been very patient in the time they'd known each other. And they'd known each other quite intimately. During their school years, Mal or Yas would name a time or place, usually within the next half hour and the closest broom cupboard. She'd craved his proximity, his closeness, and the way he could light her skin on fire with just a look. Yas led Mal up the stairs and into the function space that was empty for the evening. She quickly made two vodka sodas for them, and placed one in front of Mal.

Taking a deep drink, Yas turned listen to Mal's tale. It made sense for him to go into curse breaking. Very macho - and Yas had always thought he would want to show off his masculinity. She inclined her head slightly, taking another drink. There was a hint of longing in Mal's tone as he regaled her with his life. "Probably gets a bit tiring, doesn't it? Not being able to spend much time at home, unwinding, blowing off steam," said Yas, running a finger along the rim of her glass, her eyes on Mal. "Makes sense to me though. Can't imagine Mal Clark being tied down to any one place," she teased, silently adding or any one woman. For him, it was an unnecessary addition.

Mal pulled Yas onto the lounger with him, and she lifted her legs so that they were on his lap, crossed at the knee and heels resting on the other side of the lounger. "I did, I did. But like I said, being a starving artist doesn't exactly pay the bills, and my parents are only willing to support Yara. Some bullshit about my having graduated and refusing to choose a career. I'd rather be poor and happy than rich and miserable," she decided, tilting her face that she could look at Mal. She slung an arm around his shoulders, resting her temple against his. "I thought by now though that I'd have sold more work. But where my interests are... well, they're not as popular in the market," she added with a sigh. "Maybe I should just do commissioned works. Like... painting headmaster portraits or something," said Yas, gesturing wildly. "But I haven't done many humans lately, not since..." she trailed off, leaving her sentence unfinished. Not since Emrys. All those years ago, and she still struggled. Yas sighed, and took another drink.

malcolm calan clark

[malcolm calan clark]

Malcolm never complained about his job. Growing up he always knew he’d have to work hard, just like his mums. The Clarks were a working class family and any money made was put right back into living. Some days it felt more like surviving.

His jaw clenched as he considered her question. Was he tired? Maybe a wee bit. But he also hated admitting to any sort of weakness. Alcohol was the typical antidote to numb any uncertain feelings. Yas stared at him through her glasses, Mal matched her gaze, ”It’s exhausting. There’s a part of me that likes to stay busy, but also burnout is an ol' mate o' mine.” he admitted, slowly nodding and taking a sip of his drink.  ”I’d much rather fuck off into the woods with my camera and pursue photography.” Malcolm stated, too bad pictures of mushrooms and tree stumps wouldn’t pay the bills.

Yas rested her temple on his as her legs draped over his lap. An open palm rest on her thigh, thumb running up and down her silky smooth skin with a feather like touch. She shared about her woes with her parents wanting her to have a career. As she spoke he actually listened..the alcohol loosened him up, and he was truly happy to see Yas. She had always been a true Friends with Benefits in school, it felt like he was suddenly transported back to being a teen again. Touching Yas felt familiar and natural, he couldn't wait to taste her all over again.  

”Och” his expression faltered with disappointment. ”You seem to be doing fine without their support or control. Careers will only drain the life and soul out of ya anyways.” he said full heartedly, finishing off his drink and setting it on the side table with a laugh. ”Bet folks would pay big bucks for pet portraits.” he smiled loosely. Yas ended with an unfinished statement about why she didn’t paint people anymore. Mal cocked his head to the side, ”Why not?” he dared to ask, sensing the emptiness in her tone. His hazel eyes studied her face closely, knowing that if he wanted to, he could kiss her right then and there. 

YASMIN ZARA EL FAYED

[YASMIN ZARA EL FAYED]

Yas wrinkled her nose. Burnout sounded wildly unpleasant. She was glad not quite to be faced with this sort of problem, though she suspected the opposite was true of her. She itched for fulfilment, for something to do with her art. She hadn't broken into the upper echelons of fine art trading, but she knew the more time spent practicing her craft would do wonders. She just had to be patient. Or so she told herself. "You should do it anyways. Fuck off into the woods with me and paint and take photographs," said Yas, her lips twisting into a grin. It sounded nice in theory. Though Yas didn't think they would get much work done.

"I thought only gingers didn't have souls, not the entirety of corporate Britain," she said with a chuckle. "But I agree. That's not what I want for myself." She tucked a dark strand of hair behind her ear as she revealed that she struggled with portraits. Emrys had been her muse, and she was still trying to get over that block. "You remember Emrys, right? In my year. Well, the prick cheated on me and sort of killed any sort of inspiration I had for painting people," said Yas forlornly. "Pets would be good subjects though," she added after a moment.

Mal looked at her. And Yas looked at him. There was a moment of charged silence between them, and Yas shifted closer. "You know, Clark. I think I might have missed you," she murmured, her eyes searching his for a hint of reluctance. When she found none, Yas closed the distance between them, kissing him lightly on the lips. After a heartbeat, she pulled away, and sipped again at her vodka soda. "Have you missed me?" asked Yas, arching a brow playfully. She didn't care if he lied in this moment, only that she enjoyed the way she made her feel desired.

malcolm calan clark

[malcolm calan clark]

Malcom couldn’t relate or sympathize for those who got into relationships only to get their heart broken. The look in her eyes conveyed all. Something inside of her was damaged. His hazel eyes scanned her face, ”That’s not much of a surprise, though, Emrys always was a prick. Not that I have much room to point fingers.” he shrugged, easily moving on from the subject of their housemate. Mal shot her a look, waggling his eyebrows, ”You can use me as inspiration instead..” Malcolm stretched cooly, pulling up his shirt slightly to reveal washboard abs in a more comical manner. Sometimes he was too proud, but boy did he work hard.

The proximity between them was electric. Yas closed the distance to kiss him lightly on the lips. It felt like she was testing the waters. She asked him if he missed her, the look in her eyes showing that she expected him to lie. Malcolm knew there was something deep down that had missed her because something curious awakened inside of him when he saw her. Yas always had a carefree way of living her life, he hoped she’d always remain a free spirit...

Instead of answering the question if he had missed her, he figured he’d show her. Malcolms hand trailed behind her back to pull her closer, lips clashing with hers in a slow and steady passionate kiss. His fingers threaded through her hair to grab the back of her head, breathing her in with a confirming nod as his hands rest under her bum, ”Aye, I reckon it’s safe to say I’ve missed ye.” the corners of his lips slowly curled into a smile, a smile that was reserved only for a select few. His hand ran down the side of her face, ”We had a lot of fun, did we..” he told her as his lips slowly traveled down her neck to pepper kisses.

YASMIN ZARA EL FAYED

[YASMIN ZARA EL FAYED]

Yas fully expected Malcolm to lie to her face. To make up some flirty, silly reason why he had missed her to mask the fact that he hadn’t at all. But when she met his gaze, the truth shone back at her. The idea of using Mal as inspiration was a promising one, but there was still something holding her back. She didn’t care enough to speak about it, instead closing her eyes and losing herself in the taste of his mouth. It roused familiar feelings in her, reminding Yas that not everything had been lost when Emrys had broken her heart.

Yas’ breath caught as Mal’s lips moved down her throat, each kiss reminding her of a moment they’d spent together. Kiss. In the Slytherin Common room, the two of them wrapped around one another on a sofa. Kiss. When they’d walked around the lake talking of everything and nothing before succumbing to their desires. Kiss. When Mal had pinned her to his bed with magic, making her writhe with desire. ”Yes, we really did,” Yas breathed, tilting her head to grant him better access.

Against her better judgement, Yas pulled away from Mal, her gaze locking on his face. She’d never noticed the flecks of green in his eyes, though she did now in the low light of the function room. Her lips twisted in thought. ”I don’t think it’s very appropriate for me to let you have your way with me at my workplace,” said Yas. ”So, let’s talk instead. If only for a few minutes,” she added with a cheeky grin. ”After ten minutes, I will go downstairs, handover the night shift, and be all yours,” she added. ”But for now… tell me. Has Mal Clark left so many broken hearts in his wake?”

malcolm calan clark

[malcolm calan clark]

Malcoms lips trailed down her neck, starting for her collarbone until Yas started to pull away, stating that it wouldn’t be appropriate behavior while at work....but she’d be all his in ten minutes. His lips tore from the soft skin of her neck to bring his gaze to her eyes, dark and playful circles. The way Yas stared at him was as if she had the ability to see the depths of his soul. Past the macho stuff and bad attitude. Even years later after spontaneously bumping into each other... It was a strange feeling that unsettled him, but a part of him was exhilarated to feel something. Something different, but familiar and comforting. Malcolm smiled, not wanting to show disappointment from the sudden lack of intimacy. The thought of having Yas to himself was tempting, especially since Jack was supposed to be working so they could be as loud as they pleased…

”Aw, so no christening of Harry Potters new pub for good luck..” he sighed with playful disappointment, hands still glued to her skin. As impatient as Malcolm typically was, he didn’t expect her to get it on while on the clock Malcolm would have loved to succumb to their desires like old times, but he knew they were adults who relied on their jobs, so he didn’t push it, happy with the closeness of having her on his lap.

His eye brows furrowed to the center of his forehead. ”I don’t break hearts.” he gaped defensively with a guilty shrug. ”Well, not on purpose…” Malcom chuckled, smiling slowly as he shook his head. That was a bit of a lie. ”Broken hearts come from expectations..“ he said, his smile oozing with charm. Malcolm knew he was hot shit. Shrugging coolly, ”Can’t help it if people have false hopes. I work a lot and don’t have time to be all up in my feelings unless if it’s someone really worth the time.” he bit down on his bottom lip, “I recall you used to live by similar standards. How about you? …Have you gotten soft on me?” he asked, looking her up and down with a trademark Slytherin expression, before stopping to gaze at her lips. This would be a long ten minutes...

At least he could spend it admiring Yas.

YASMIN ZARA EL FAYED

[YASMIN ZARA EL FAYED]

Yas smirked. "You wish. And so do I," she added after a moment, shifting away from Mal to focus herself on the ten minutes they'd have together before she'd have to face reality again. She ran her fingers across his broad chest, feeling the strong planes from hours spent toning his body. She smiled inwardly, remembering how she'd met him all those years ago - he'd been just as muscular, but it suited him more now.

"Right, not on purpose?" said Yas skeptically, raising her brows. "Seriously? Good looks, charming banter and an allergy to commitment? If that's not purposeful I don't know what is Malcolm Clark," said Yas, her hands stilling as they reached his forearms. She hummed, mulling over Mal's rebuttal. It was fair enough - and the main reason they'd grown close years ago. "All up in your feelings, is that what they're calling it these days?" she asked with a giggle, her gaze sweeping over Mal's face. Merlin, he really was even more handsome than the last time she'd seen him. "Maybe you should focus less on work and more on yourself. Maybe you could even get a few decent photos?" she drawled, arching a brow in challenge.

Yas' nose crinkled in distaste as Mal twisted the question back to her. "I don't break hearts," she replied. "The men I tend to love don't have hearts in the first place," she added, leaning forward to press a kiss onto Mal's cheek. "There were two who held my heart. Neither of them took very good care. So I've had to harden it, and had to keep it safe. From boys like you," said Yas, poking Mal in the shoulder. "Besides, like you, I've been... busy," she added airily.

malcolm calan clark

[malcolm calan clark]

Mal smiled cheekily as Yas raised her eyebrows skeptically at him. He knew that denying being a heartbreaker would be a waste of time, Yas seemed to be quite familiar with his genre of man. A part of him wished he could deny it, but he knew she’d smell the bullshit from a mile away, and a part of him knew Yas didn’t care. Instead, he shrugged, melting to her touch as her hands ran up his chest as she spoke, searching for his forearms. Her touch transported him back to a different time. The comfort he felt by her skin was unexplainable. Instead he fell silent, hazel eyes watching her closely, undressing her with his imagination instead.

Yas told him that he should focus less on work and more on himself. He wished it was that simple to shut off his mind after grueling assignments and traveling. There was always something going on, things he was thinking about… Curse breaking had proven to be a mentally and physically exhausting profession but he enjoyed every moment. A dull office job would slowly kill him from the inside out due to boredom. 

“Are you volunteering for me to take your photo?” He asked with a smile, pulling her chin toward him to press his lips to hers to steal a kiss. It was gentle and sweet, entirely proving her point of  ‘his type’ of man.. ”I reckon you could give me some inspiration.” he smiled to himself, an arm draped around her shoulders.

Yas shared her love woes with two heartless men she had dated previously. Explaining that she had to harden her heart to protect herself from boys like him. Malcom smirked as she poked his shoulder, ”From boys like me, huh..” he mused with a laugh, partially because he considered himself a man. For some reason it hurt a little more when Yas said it. ”Sounds like you’re afraid of me awakening something inside of you.” he stated sarcastically, eyes attempting to meet her gaze with a challenging grin. In that moment he realized how much he missed Yas and the effortless banter between them. Their chemistry was undeniable. 

YASMIN ZARA EL FAYED  

[YASMIN ZARA EL FAYED]

Yas urged Mal to seek out things that made him happy rather than what made him rich. She supposed he probably enjoyed the demanding nature of his work, and the challenge that it presented. The Mal she knew so well was not one to shy away from hard work. She smiled into his stolen kiss, relenting as easily as sand falling through fingers. "Maybe I am," she replied, an alluring tone colouring her voice. "I'll be your muse if you promise to return the favour," she added, her dark eyes catching his.

It was a beautiful partnership between two artists - something that would bloom and ebb and flow and create something not seen before. Though Yas didn't trust Mal for a second with her heart, she knew she could trust him with her body as she had in the past. She didn't shrug his arm off when he slung it around her, instead leaning into his embrace and allowing the scent of him to envelop her. "Troublemaker," she amended with a quiet laugh, not rising to his bait. She dropped her lips to the smooth flesh of his neck, her mouth feather light as she peppered kisses there. "Your ten minutes is up," she murmured, pulling back reluctantly.

Yas rose from her position, straightening her blouse as she did so. "My sister is staying with a friend of hers, if you'd like to come over later..." said Yas, arching a brow suggestively. "We can talk more. Or... not." She smirked before turning on her heel and returning to her job.

malcolm calan clark