repetition (addy)

[JOHN ELLIOT CLARK]

Early September 2029

The summer festival season had finally come to an end, and Jack was exhausted. Exhausted, but exhilarated. Touring the UK with his brother had been a dream come true, though more often than not, their nights were spent on the road and with only their bandmates for company. Jack’s music had been well received, and a few people even sang along to his singles. There were no words to explain the mixture of nervousness and excitement the first time he stepped on the Introducing stage, playing to hundreds of people.

”You did well, Jack. Really well. Your charisma with your bandmates and haunting voice resonated with the audience,” said his rep at HR Records. He’d subsequently been booked onto a few more hometown shows in the wake of his success, and he was riding high.

It hadn’t always been about the music though, not during the summer. Jack and Mal had fallen into familiar habits, competing over the same girl then coming to an agreement who would bed her at the end of the night. More often than not, Mal won, but Jack didn’t really mind. He was more focused on the muse spurred on by his rising popularity. It had taken so many years to get to this point, years of playing to near silent crowds, residencies that didn’t suit his vibe, being a nobody… and he was finally almost there. Jack was desperate not to lose momentum, and he didn’t want to lose his focus either.

Besides, and Jack wouldn’t admit it to anyone, none of these groupies or one night stands compared to Addy. Jack wasn’t a sentimental lad by any stretch of the imagination, but he’d grown used to Addy’s company, her argumentative and stubborn nature, always challenging him to look for more. They’d exchanged messages while he was touring, but nothing of real depth. Jack did slightly worry that Addy wouldn’t be interested in maintaining their arrangement upon his return, but had agreed to meet up with him now that he was a bit more grounded.

Jack slipped silently into the pub, looking around for the woman who he’d grown increasingly fond of. She hadn’t arrived yet, which let Jack order a Guinness at the bar and sit at a table in the corner, waiting patiently for Addy to appear.

addilyn elara slater

[addilyn elara slater]

while I'm alone and blue as can be

dream a little dream of me

September 7, 2029
JOHN ELLIOT CLARK

The life Addy had pictured for herself appeared far different than reality. Nothing was like it was supposed to be. She was not relentlessly climbing the Ministry ladder, constantly looking over her shoulder to see if her parents were looking or how far she had risen above the ground. She wasn’t even in a relationship and had not been for quite some time. No, nothing had gone to plan. And yet, Addy felt a self-assurance all her own when she stood. Walking into the pub, Addy stopped and scoped out the room. It was growing busier as the minutes passed in the evening, but she spotted that mop of blonde hair quickly. Plus, Jack was so damn tall, he was hard to miss.

Unknowingly, the corner of her mouth upturned. Did Jack not find her at a bar far away two years ago and grounded her in a way she didn’t know she needed? If she was being honest, Addy had missed his company but needed the space to figure out other complexities in her life. Switching Quidditch Teams had taken up much of her time, and the rest…well, suffice it to say that Rafael McLaggen was never far from her mind, or her bed for that matter. Addy took her time walking toward Jack’s table, swinging by the bar and catching the bartender’s attention quickly. The boys on The Bats stopped at this pub during their pub crawls at times, so the bartender quickly began her regular drink.

”And here I thought you’d forgotten all about me.” Addy spoke as she slipped into the available seat in their little corner. Jack looked the same but also different. But Addy supposed she was looking at a full-fledged rock star now. Only another moment passed before a whiskey floated in front of her. Her usual, still, these days.

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[JOHN ELLIOT CLARK]

The chaos of touring had suited Jack, who was so singularly focused on his creative output that he wasn't drained from days of playing and singing to crowds. His record label had commended him, his brother had supported him, and now the festival circuit was over. It felt surreal - he was itching to get back into the recording studio and put together some new tracks. Everyone had especially loved the way the band worked together, and Jack wondered if they made it big, would Mal give up curse breaking for the band? It was more glamorous, but it wasn't quite as selfish. Either way, Jack didn't really get the feeling that Mal really enjoyed curse breaking.

Jack was considering if he ought to split the G or just drink his pint when Addy found him. He rose abruptly, almost knocking his chair over in his haste to greet her. He dropped a kiss onto her cheek, then sat across from her, smirking. "Yeah, as if I could forget about Addy Slater, chaser for the Bats and all around Quidditch sweetheart," said Jack, rolling his eyes. "You're really the darling of the press. And all they write about me is that I'm an underfed, under-sunned singer with a voice more haunting than the shrieking shack," he added, chuckling. Both of them were well aware of their reputations in the papers, and despite his assurances, Jack was well praised despite looking sickly with his milky skin.

"How was your summer? You look great," said Jack truthfully. "Seems like being happy suits you. Imagine that," he added, arching a brow as he took a deep drink of his pint. He was surprised to see the glass of whisky float before her, neat. "Addy's all grown up, it seems. That better be from the highlands," he said, his lips twitching with a hint of a smile.

addilyn elara slater

[addilyn elara slater]

while I'm alone and blue as can be

dream a little dream of me

September 7, 2029
JOHN ELLIOT CLARK

Jack’s greeting brought a soft smile to Addy’s expression. She shook her head, almost slightly embarrassed at his praise and description. She had never sought to exist as the center of attention, but at the same time, she wanted the praise. It was quite an existence to manage. And now that Addy played on such a public stage, it was unavoidable. ”I suspect my brother might have something to do with that.” Addy doubted Grey had that much pull on what the journalists wrote about aside from providing fact-checking or important statistics, but she always wondered all the same. ”We could all do with a bit of sun.” Addy immediately thought of their time, Crete, when they’d first encountered one another.

The year had brought many changes. A new Quidditch team, new connections, and the rekindling of old ones. Certain things had remained the same, but such things couldn’t always be helped. Instead, she focused on her career. Even as a top Chaser in the league, it hardly meant anything if the Bats didn’t make it far as a team. Before she could answer his query, her drink appeared. She took a sip before placing the glass back down. ”Yes—I suppose I’m partial to all things Scottish these days.” Addy responded casually.

”The summer certainly went quickly.” It felt like a blur of her typical routine of Quidditch, mainly. Along with time with her friends, of course. ”Did you enjoy touring?” Had Addy remained at the Ministry, her schedule would have accommodated traveling to see Jack’s shows. But, for now, she had to rely on second-hand accounts. Drinking from her glass again, Addy found herself speaking before she could stop herself. ”Seems like both our lives have gotten rather busy.” It wasn’t like before, with unplanned meetups and long conversations into the night. Addy hadn’t realized she’d missed it.

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[JOHN ELLIOT CLARK]

Smirking, Jack offered an easy reply. ”Well, sounds like your brother is a good lad.” Jack didn’t know Grey well, only that he’d been in Mal’s year in school but in Gryffindor. They hadn’t exactly crossed paths, even with the excessive hours that Mal and Jack had spent together. ”Aye, though I suspect a tan wouldn’t really be on the cards for me. I go from fluorescent to tomato, I think you remember that awful burn I got back in Crete,” said Jack, tilting his head slightly in query. He took a sip from his pint, his eyes roving over her face ravenously. It had been too long, and somehow Addy had wiggled herself deep into Jack’s mind.

Jack was surprised by Addy’s drink order, but not unpleasantly so. It was sexy for a girl to order something so potent, and thankfully so Scottish. ”You should visit some of the highland distilleries then, see where the real action is,” he supplied. ”Though lowland distilleries are alright too. We’ve got a few in and around Falkirk but…” he trailed off, shrugging. ”It’s much nicer there than Northern Ireland. Experts say,” he added, raising his brows significantly as he sipped his drink.

Leaning back, Jack crossed his arms over his chest. ”Aye, like a flash,” he agreed. ”Though it’s nice to have a break.” His grin widened as he reminisced about his tour. ”It was so cool. Feeling like a proper rock star now. Watch me get papped,” he added with a chuckle. ”Shame you couldn’t make it to any of them. I’ll have to have a word with your captain. Surely backstage access to a festival takes priority over training?” said Jack, somehow maintaining a straight face. ”I’m back in the studio now, so you’ll have to stick around and inspire more songs,” he added after a moment, his gaze softening as he appraised Addy across from him. She had a certain glow about her, a confidence she had been missing when they’d first crossed paths years ago.

addilyn elara slater

[addilyn elara slater]

while I'm alone and blue as can be

dream a little dream of me

September 7, 2029
JOHN ELLIOT CLARK

Addy chuckled. Crete felt like an eternity ago, and yet the memories remained fresh in her mind. ”It was quite remarkable considering how little time you spent outside.” Or rather how they had spent little time outside. Brígh had given Addy an earful by the end of the trip but in the supportive best friend hype sort of way. She supposed Brígh would have given her an earful in either case, considering Addy’s struggle to get over her ex at the time. But Addy’s fair skin was nothing compared to Jack’s, that was for certain.

She nodded at the suggestion. The whiskey had become her usual, although it had snuck up on her. Getting drinks with Grey and trying to match him and then later her teammates meant she ordered it out of habit at this point. Never in her wildest dreams as a student would she imagine ordering anything not in a wine glass in public. But nothing had gone to plan since Addy had purposefully run into a burning castle. ”I’m due for a short break soon. I’ll have to add that to my list.” Breaks still felt unfamiliar to Addy. She always kept busy regardless of what she was doing.

”Somehow, I think Mickey might not take kindly to that suggestion.” She chuckled while sipping from her glass. He was fair but pushed the team to work hard and earn every minute they flew. Addy was no stranger to hard work, fortunately, plus everything she felt she needed to prove to herself. ”Like I said, I’m due for a break soon.” She reminded him before pausing. Addy lightly chewed on the inside of her lip, looking down for a moment. ”And I miss watching you play.” She admitted, although stopped just short of admitting she had missed him. It wasn’t just about the physical nature of their connection, but something about his confidence and forthright manner that helped push Addy to push back and prove she knew how to be herself.

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[JOHN ELLIOT CLARK]

How long ago had Jack and Addy started their tryst? They’d both been searching for something easy and forgettable, but it had turned out to be anything but. Crete felt like it had been yesterday, but it had been years. And somehow, someway, Addy was the one who had stuck in his life. ”If I recall correctly, I was occupied,” Jack replied, flicking her bicep playfully. Merlin, she had more muscle on her than he did. Suppose it was only fair, considering he was a musician and she was a professional athlete.

Almost out of nowhere, Jack suggested that Addy visit the highlands. Well, it wasn’t really out of nowhere, considering she was drinking a fine glass of scotch. ”I know a guide, if you need one,” he added, taking a sip of his bite. ”Tall, exceptionally handsome, talented musician…” he trailed off, a cheshire grin spreading across his face. ”You might know him? My brother Mal?” Jack chuckled at his own humour, brushing his sandy fringe from his forehead.

Jack tapped his cheek thoughtfully. ”I dunno. Suppose you could position it in a way that makes it beneficial to all involved parties…” said Jack. ”But I guess waiting for your break will have to work.” Jack shrugged as if it was neither here nor there, but in his mind he was already thinking about the different places he’d want to take Addy. The shores of Loch Lomond, the peak of Ben Nevis, the heather moors of Cairngorms and the tiny village pubs off well worn roads… he blinked, bringing his focus back to Addy. ”Say that again?” he asked, half seriously. She missed watching him play? ”Do you mean you missed me?”

addilyn elara slater

[addilyn elara slater]

while I'm alone and blue as can be

dream a little dream of me

September 7, 2029
JOHN ELLIOT CLARK

Addy kept her face calm, knowing very well what Jack spoke of but refusing to acknowledge it as such. Plus, they were in public. It was always a battle to stop her fair skin from blushing, but Addy always liked a challenge. ”Really?” She asked flatly, sipping from her glass. It was clear Jack was speaking about himself—or so Addy thought. Quickly, her expression shifted from amusement to one of slight pain. Perhaps all those years on the house team with Mal had forever soured whatever potential friendship the pair might have had.

Still, she raised a curious eyebrow. ”So keen to get rid of me, are you?” Handing her off to his brother was clearly a joke for her to react. But Addy wondered what he might say now to the question. They were not a thing, so logically, if Mal made a pass, nothing was stopping him unless he bore some loyalty to his brother. Not that Addy would let Mal within an arm’s length. ”I was hoping you might show me around, but if you’re too busy…I guess I’ll make do.” Addy relaxed a bit in her chair as if to physically disengage just a tiny bit. Their careers had taken them in varying directions without plans of intentionally intersecting, but they made it happen. But Addy did the same with her close friends, as the post-school years had sent them on different trajectories.

Still, Jack seemed all right with waiting for Addy’s scheduled break from training. She looked forward to the break regardless. Quidditch was rewarding in every sense, but it didn’t mean a break wasn’t warranted or desired. Addy wouldn’t mind sleeping an extra couple of hours in the morning before tackling items on her to-do list. Returning the nearly empty glass to the table, she rolled her eyes. Merlin—men only heard what they wanted to hear. ”What, did you lose your hearing after just one tour?” She teased, avoiding the repetition request.

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[JOHN ELLIOT CLARK]

Jack tilted his head, his gaze fixed on Addy. Her stare was challenging, fiery, something he had always admired about her. She never backed down from a challenge, even if the challenge was his brother. ”Get rid of you? Nah. Thought you’d be used to my absence by now,” said Jack evenly, sipping his pint. ”But no. I… I’d like to show you around.” It was the first time either of them had mentioned some future prospect beyond setting a time and a date to meet up and shag. Or drink. It felt a bit more final than anything else, offering to show Addy parts of his home. Not that he’d grown up in the Highlands, but he had immense national pride for his country.

For a moment, the pair looked at one another in silence. Jack’s gaze dropped to Addy’s lips, where he noticed a bead of drink balancing precariously. He swept his thumb over her bottom lip, his hand lingering just under her chin. It was a complicated situation they found themselves in. On the one hand, Jack enjoyed Addy’s friendship immensely. He also enjoyed everything extra that came along with their situation. However, there were moments like these where he worried that the scales tipped more one way than another at the risk of both of their freedom.

Truthfully, Jack wasn’t certain a relationship suited either of them. He’d never sought one before, but at some point during the past few months, he’d stopped seeking out others to drown himself in pleasure. He wasn’t sure if Addy had done the same, but he doubted it. Jack recalled the photo of her two friends, one of them her ex. He suspected that she would fall back into something with him, and the idea stung slightly. Jack finished off his pint, disliking the ideas that lingered in his mind. ”Selective hearing,” he replied at last. ”Now, d’you fancy getting out of here?” Best to get to the part without the talking.

addilyn elara slater

[addilyn elara slater]

while I'm alone and blue as can be

dream a little dream of me

September 7, 2029
JOHN ELLIOT CLARK

Addy allowed herself to slowly smile a bit. Her busy schedule helped with the passing of time. Had she remained employed at the Ministry, she would have no doubt noted and felt his absence much more than she did. That wasn’t to say that Addy was pining for Jack or anything dramatic, but sitting here near him, Addy had to admit she’d missed his presence. It surprised her, if only because she’d only felt similarly about one other person. ”I figured you had your groupies to keep you warm.” Addy shrugged it off, not daring to share how such an idea annoyed her immensely.

Still, Jack showed the ever slightest bit of…not hesitation—vulnerability at the mention of showing Addy around the Highlands. Rare, but not the first time Addy had caught it. She typically didn’t have eyes for such things, but only those closest to her. ”I’d like that.” It was nice that those plans felt settled, plus something to look forward to. And then, that openness—from the both of them. As Jack leaned in, Addy let him touch her so gently. He had a way of making the world around them disappear without a word.

Addy nodded without hesitation and then brought her glass to her lips to pour the remaining contents into her mouth. It burned, but it seemed both craved a change of scenery. ”Let's go.” She spoke calmly, though her eyes betrayed her. If Addy was being honest, it was taking quite a bit of willpower not to simply grab his arm and drag him out of the pub herself. Fortunately, she didn’t need to resort to such displays of uncouth behavior. Addy still didn’t know what she felt for this particular man. That had remained unclear, which differed from how she felt about Rafe. But whatever it was, Addy knew for certain that she had missed Jack. Not only as a friend but all the rest as well.

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