hyde park fest | rue & Mal

[malcolm calan clark]

June 2029

Festival season had officially begun. The only difference this year was Jack and Mal would be on stage rather than in the crowd spectating. Starting as a young teenager Mal would sneak into fests underage. He never imagined to be where he was now with his brother, getting paid to play drums. Being on stage was Jack’s dream come true. Maybe it was Mal’s dream all along, too, because he couldn’t remember a time ever being happier. Traveling, partying with his best mates, groupies, people screaming for them (mostly Jack) hysterically…he wasn’t sure how he would ever be able to top this once in a lifetime expierience. The fact that he hadn’t thought about curse breaking in weeks was liberating, he had never been so relaxed and exhausted at the same time, but it was all worth it. 

Tonight Mal invited Rue to a festival the band was playing at Hyde Park in London. He hoped that it would be a more comfortable setting than a dark and dingy pub they typically played at since she was recovering. Everyone loved fresh air, sunshine, and music, right? Especially with good company. Earlier that morning Malcolm sent Rue a couple of VIP tickets to her phone, apologizing that he wouldn’t be able to meet up before because he had an early sound check but promised to meet her right after. Mal always had a soft spot for Rue. There was something special about them. He was aware of their chemistry which often got him thinking more than he liked about relationships. Rue, too, was an affectionate person who had fears of commitment. Friends with benefits was the perfect situation for the pair since they had a lot of love to give. In many ways they were a great 'uncommitted' match.

Flashing lights. Screaming, unruly festival goers. The hustle backstage before call time. Time on stage was a blur, truly making time feel like it stood still. The crowd was electric, passionately singing along to Jacks songs word for word. It was a surreal feeling. Mal had never been more proud of his brother, it was a beautiful moment to marinate in. By the end of the set Mal was drenched in sweat and out of breath. The sun that was sweltering above them was finally starting to set but the energy rush was an all time high that kept him going. Mal was now relieved he didn’t partake in any funny powders that was offered before in fear of missing a beat, striving for a great performance.

After the boys got off stage they exchanged a hard hug and few other sentimental words laced with 'I fucking love you's, the next band took the stage. Mal was energized and riding an adrenaline rush. After a couple of moments of screaming in each others faces in pure excitement and unadultered joy, the bassist shoved a bottle of whiskey in Jacks face. Jack took a celebratory chug and howled before shoving it to Mal's chest. They passed the bottle around like a group of overzealous teenagers until it was empty. Mal knew that he was about to see Rue so he didn't want to do any performative drinking around her. Smoking would be fine but he'd refrain from anything else in respect for Rue. Mal asked Rue to meet him as close to the backstage door she could get so they were easier to find in the crowds of people.

Mal stepped out the backstage door, eyes scanning for Rue immediately and spotting her. As he was starting for Rue a smile kissed his teeth as they made eye contacts but a group of big busted blondes stopped him in his tracks with a cacophony of giggles, clutching his arm. "Oh My God! Mal!!!! You guys were great babe!! Can we get a quick pic please!" she screeched excitedly, bouncing up and down in her low-cut shirt. How could he say no to that. "Hi. Of course, lasses. Thank you for coming." He agreed easily, resting his chin on the taller girls head for the picture. The camera flashed and he released with a very fake frown, pulling away from their manicured death grip. "I must go now, bye!" he ended quickly with a wave before they could protest, reaching for a couple of drive by high fives before beelining over to Rue with a smile. Fuck, he never felt cooler in his life, he was buzzin.

”Hey, Rue!” he greeted with a bright smile, noticeably happy to see his friend. Mal pulled Rue into his arms to wrap her into a strong, loving hug, ”I'm happy you could make it!” he pressed his lips to her cheek, still very out of breath from excitement with a drunken sparkle in his eyes. Wiping off sweat from his forehead he apologized quickly, "Sorry I'm dripping sweat, its fucking hot! Here's a souvenir" he pulled a drumstick from his pocket and raised it like a wand as a joke before passing it since they were surrounded by Muggles.

prudence oria weiss

[prudence oria weiss]

━ the mirror's telling me to go home ━

IN THE LAST YEAR OR so, Rue Weiss' life turned almost upside down. A year had already passed when the potioneer almost overdosed on their own product and other muggle things, all for a reason that the Weiss was not ready to confront. But with an undying will and wish to not die, it was as if Merlin had granted all their wishes. Instead toxins were soaked within the Weiss and in a matter of weeks or months, the last eight years of their addiction had cleared.

They finally looked alive, aware of the world, and even though they continued, searching for something to reverse what had happened to them, simply to feel numb for a moment longer...things were better for Rue. Their potions continued to sell across the nation, their name really being put out there, and things had improved across the Weiss' friendships and relationships. Since visiting Mal that last year, explaining everything and apologising for everything, the two continued their relationship. They both had their separate issues but who didn't want to be loved?

It started as a simple weekly thing, the kisses along with the hookups, but more times Rue would be texting away, planning to see Mal night after night. So when he mentioned he would be touring with his brother - the Weiss was somewhat upset, but rather happy for her friend. Though, Rue was more overjoyed when Mal offered VIP tickets for her to attend the festival and watch the band perform live. But she'd never admit that to Mal...

As the night trickled on and the band went on, the Weiss felt like they were one of the loudest, cheering alongside all kinds of peoples and watching the girls swoon over the guys. How jealous would they be if they knew the Weiss was shagging the drummer?...

Rue found the entire night and set amusing, screaming at the top of their lungs even as their voice went hoarse. As the band slowly came to an end, thanking the crowd, Rue trickled towards the backstage, knowing that she would be able to see Mal eventually. As they waited, the Weiss' eyes lit up as she noticed Mal, before he was bombarded with a few girls. She couldn't help but watch the whole ordeal with a wide smile, knowing deep down Mal loved it. Who didn't love attention like that?

With the camera flash going off and Mal moving closer to Rue, the potioneer grinned wide as they were pulled into a deep embrace. Feeling lips press against her cheek, Rue couldn't help but remember the high, that feeling of everything working out for someone. It was refreshing seeing it on Mal now. "Thanks for the invite!" She began, laughing as he apologised for sweating. "It's fine! You had all those lights on you for Merlin knows how long." Laughing again as Mal exchanged a souvenir from his back pocket, holding it up like a wand, Rue couldn't help but snicker.

"Careful..before some Muggles catch on.." She warned, a small smirk rising on her lips. The Weiss took the drumstick and began fanning herself like a crazy fan. "Gosh, the drumstick from the drummer of the band?! You shouldn't have." Rue moved their hand to squeeze at Mal's then, their smile just as wide. "Wanna get some air?..Or hang out at the back?.."

| malcolm calan clark |

sorry for the wait!

[malcolm calan clark]

Mal smiled at Rue’s exaggerated excitement over the drumstick. It was hard not to be happy around Rue. She always knew how to stroke his ego and help him escape from reality. Bobbing his head in excited agreement, ”Yeah! Lets go!” he reached for her hand so they wouldn’t get separated by the seas of people walking in all directions at the festival. Mal turned toward Rue with a giddy smile, stomach warming with a drunken buzz.

The pair made their way toward the back of the crowd where it was a bit easier to breathe. Large trees offered shade and serene escape. When they found a decent spot he turned to Rue with a guilty smile, ”I tried not to drink around you…” he confessed as he scratched the back of his neck. The alcohol gremlin inside him wanted more alcohol in celebration. From as far as Mal knew Rue was sober these days, but not by choice, she lost the ability to get drunk or high. He didn’t quite understand how nor did he want to because it sounded miserable.

prudence oria weiss

[prudence oria weiss]

━ the mirror's telling me to go home ━

SQUEEZING TIGHTLY ON MAL'S HAND as they weaved through the crowd, the Weiss couldn't help but don an excited grin - matching his own. As they headed to the back of the crowd, surrounded by trees and a little breeze, the potioneer took in a deep breath. She was thankful to be around energetic people, loving the vibes that festivals and raves brought but she was just as thankful to be separated, able to wind down just a little.

Smiling small up at Mal, Rue shook her head. She had noticed that tipsy smile ages ago and from miles away. "No..don't worry about me." She mentioned quietly, lifting her hand to gently push back his hair while her lips brushed near his. "Drink till your hearts' content..this is your night after all." Even though alcohol no longer had any effect on her, it didn't mean she wanted to diminish someone else's celebrations.

"I'll drink with you if you want. Just don't be surprised when I, you know, outdrink you." She challenged with a smirk, slightly leaning against the tree they stood near.

| malcolm calan clark |