Peyton felt like he had been flying as he practically skipped through Diagon Alley. For more than a month now the small wizarding street had been his home. He was currently living with two of his cousins (though life with Briar had been unexpected) However the Cavanaugh sisters were rarely home and aside from a few meals together here and there he didn't really see them much. Not to mention he had spent the last week in a grueling training camp with Quidditch players  (Professional and Prospective) from around the world.

Although it was all worth it as he had just been offered his dream job. Apparently one of the coaches from the Tutshill Tornadoes had come to a few Hogwarts Quidditch games and took special interest in him during the camp. By the end of it all he was given a position on the team. He couldn't believe it was finally happening!

He had gone back to the flat and quickly showered before grabbing a bottle of Briar' s firewhiskey and walking down to the Apartments where Nicholas was now living. He sauntered up to the door of his 'boyfriend's flat and knocked, "Oi, Nick! C'mon out, we need to celebrate!"

Tomorrow was opening night for his run of Peter Pan at Stardust Theatre and Virgil was waiting impatiently for his NEWTs results to arrive by owl mail before he left for one final rehearsal with the cast. Instinct told him not to worry about his grades but of course, one worried anyway. He was sat with a book of poems at the kitchen table, legs crossed and fair head bent over the words of Pierre Reverdy, when the knock came at the door.

          "Oi, Nick! C'mon out, we need to celebrate!"

A pause. Apparently Bevans hadn't heard - or else he'd be up and running to meet his paramour. Virgil scowled and slipped off his seat, eyes rolling to the ceiling. His cat Dante echoed Peyton's call with a querying meow, from where she sat in their makeshift living room of mismatched furniture and beanbags.

He made for Nick's bedroom door first, thumping on it thrice, and then headed for the entrance with the lazy stride of a put-off wizard. It had been a long day on level nine.

"Peyton." Virgil pulled open the front door, glaring at the former Ravenclaw as if he hadn't been worth the effort of getting up for. "Celebrating? Have you got your NEWTs already?"

Nicholas was laying in bed, with everything going on it had been an exhausting couple of weeks and he was debating putting on a shirt and making dinner.  He had finally passed all the stuff he'd already learned when he was an intern and they'd really started upping his work load.  Or at least the paperwork load.  Apparently, he wouldn't actually be allowed out to do any wandwork until after his N.E.W.T.s came back.  Something he hadn't been worried about until the damn results hadn't already been waiting for him when he got to the flat.

He hadn't even bothered turning on the record player or the wireless.  He had just stripped to his boxers and fallen into bed.  Until the three knocks on the door startled him up and out of the bed.  The damned dampening charms worked too well and worked both ways and didn't seem to wear off.  So unless his door was open there was never any warning.

Hopefully it was Virgil and he'd baked something.  Not that he smelled anything and Virgil had rehearsal again he was pretty sure.  He had no idea how Virgil, of all people, had the energy for performing on top of working. He opened the door, immediately let down by no one standing there and no smell of baked goods slamming into his nose.

He stepped out of his room, looking around and seeing Virgil at the front door, "Virgil?"  Was someone trying to sell them something?  Did wizards have door-to-door salesmen?  He took another step toward the door to see who it was.  A huge smile split his face, "Peyton!"

He quickly closed the short distance from his room to the front door.  His exhaustion, mostly, forgotten.  "How was camp?  I thought you had another day?  Are we celebrating or commiserating?"  He grabbed Peyton's hand and tugged him in, planting a quick kiss on his boyfriend's lips. "Come on, we can break in the beanbags!"

Peyton's expression fell slightly as Virgil opened the door. He wondered if he'd ever get used to the fact that the two lived together. The sulking Slytherin seemed far too different from Nick and Ariadne to be able to co-exist in the same living space. He quickly picked up his smile again though, determined not to let Virgil (or anyone for that matter) spoil his good mood. Today was far too good for that, his news too exciting.

He chuckled when the former Slytherin inquired about NEWT scores, "Merlin no. I've likely failed every one." While not entirely true, Peyton certainly wasn't known for his academic prowess. He was likely to have passed the easier courses for himself, like Potions or Care of Magical Creatures but some of the more wand intensive classes were worth worrying about.

He turned to Nick as he heard his name being called and allowed the smaller man to pull him into their livingroom. He flopped down on one of the aforementioned bean bags and pulled Nick into his lap, producing the bottle of firewhiskey once more, "Celebrating!" He conjured up three rocks glasses on the nearest table and cracked the seal on the stolen bottle, "You are looking at the newest Chaser for the Tutshill Tornadoes!" He poured a few fingers worth into each glass, motioning for Virgil to join in his merriment.

"The camp was intense but I'm so happy I ended up going. Turns out one of the coaches for the Tornadoes was helping run the camp. He'd seen a few of my games, his daughter goes to Hogwarts, and by the end of it all he offered me a position on the team! Right then and there! I nearly fainted."

He effectively lost interest in their visitor, upon being informed that celebrations were not in fact to do with their NEWT results. Virgil shut the door while the other two wizards happily tottered towards the living area - they were unreasonably happy and energetic but it seemed that Wentworth had compensated for studiousness by making it into a proper quidditch team. That explained some things.

"Congratulations," Virgil drawled and snatched up a glass of Firewhiskey on his way to the kitchen, "May the bludgers miss you and the quaffles aim true." A mock toast in Peyton's direction. Wouldn't do to have that head cracked open on the Quidditch pitch; he wasn't sure if Nick would survive it.

The blonde sipped at a bit of the whiskey and set it down on the kitchen counter before reaching for a shiny red cookie jar. He had baked white chocolate and cranberry shortbread yesterday. Hardly fragrant, but wonderfully crumbly. Virgil stuffed one into his mouth in a go, then returned to the living room to set the jar down for his peers to help themselves.

Because sugar and liquor was a great combination. "Good thing you didn't faint," he remarked with a full mouth. "Wouldn't bode well for your career."

Nicholas laughed as Peyton pulled him down into his lap.  That was certainly a good start on breaking the bean bags in. He was dating a professional chaser.  "Seriously?!  That's amazing.  I told you you'd make it."  Though Nicholas honestly wasn't sure he had said those exact words, but he'd never doubted either.  Ignoring the glasses of whiskey and instead going in for a deep kiss.

Of course then Virgil was his usual self, with what sounded like an anything but sincere toast, "Oi, watch it.  I'll curse your opening night."  He glared in the direction of his flatmate.  Who grabbed the cookie jar.  And headed their way with it.  Okay maybe he wouldn't curse his flatmate.

He took several cookies before Virgil could change his mind.  He handed one to Peyton before picking up his glass of whiskey.  "Ignore him," he whispered in the other man's ear.  "How do you want to celebrate?  We could hit some wizard bars. Muggle bars."  He wiggled his hips and grinned, "stay in."

Peyton was ready to just shake his head at Virgil. Though for Nick's sake he'd need to keep things cordial. There wasn't really anything outright wrong with Virgil, he just had a talent for rubbing people the wrong way. Then again he also had a talent for baking so it was easily forgiven. Peyton accepted the kiss and the cookie, squeezing Nick against him as a thank you.

"I'm still reeling, I keep thinking I'm going to wake up tomorrow and it'll all have been a dream."

He took a small swig of the fire whiskey. He had been sure not to pour them all too big of glasses but it had never been a drink he liked to finish quickly. Turning to Virgil he added, "I imagine fainting would be an asset to yours." While he was aware that the former Slytherin worked in the Department of Mysteries alongside Nick, he was also enjoying the theatre on the side. For a moment he entertained the notion that Virgil may be working alongside his Cousins Eloise and Charisma Not that they would know him anyway. Despite the tabloids having a field day Peyton was still rather distanced from his fathers family with the exception of his current flatmates.

He swigged some more whiskey before wrapping his arms around Nick, "That all sounds fun." He certainly liked the idea of staying in the most but perhaps that could wait until Virgil had left for his rehearsal, "I'm starving, have you eaten yet? Maybe we can do dinner, then come back here?" Surely that would give them enough time to politely arrange for the flat to be empty for them.

Virgil rolled his eyes, amused but unimpressed by Nick's white knight tendencies to protect his boyfriend's feelings. As long as nobody mentioned the Scottish Play then this run of Peter Pan would probably go on un-cursed. He hoped. There was certainly potential for disaster where pixie dust and floating magic was involved onstage. He returned to the kitchen to collect his glass of Firewhiskey and was about to excuse himself to get ready for rehearsals when their new Quidditch celebrity spoke up.

            "I imagine fainting would be an asset to yours."

What? Virgil swivelled around on his heels, nearly spilling the liquor as he stared hard at Peyton. Was he making fun of the fainting incident in May[1]? The idea that Jordyn - a prude in all things except what mattered apparently - had told anyone about it made Virgil's jaw draw taut.

But the former Ravenclaw didn't seem to carry an edge in his voice, and a quick foray into his mind was enough to confirm that he'd meant the comment in an entirely different way. In fact... his thoughts were surprisingly uncomplicated[2]. It softened Virgil's attitude towards him somewhat. There was nothing malicious in him. It also helped that Peyton knew some other thespians.

"You two can order take-out if you want to stay in," he shrugged and tried another sip of Firewhiskey before leaving it unfinished on their battered coffee table (a secondhand affair). " I have to be off to Stardust. Do use a good scouring charm on those beanbags when you're finished."

Whether he meant with food or with extracurricular activities, went unspecified.

1.	Fainting Robin - 15th May
2.	With permission from Amberlee!

Nicholas chuckled at the fainting comment, he suspected that if Virgil fainted he'd make a show out of it.  And have everyone in sight  running to help.  Including himself, though Nicholas liked to think that he'd run to help anyone who just fainted.  However, he did miss Virgil's reaction to the comment, too busy juggling the remains of the cookie, the whiskey, and shifting an arm around Peyton.

"Dinner sounds great," he said before Virgil suggested take-out and scouring charms.  He rolled his eyes, "Really, what is it you think we are going to do on the beanbags?"  Nicholas put on his best innocent smile.  He doubted he'd get Peyton to do much right there in the main room.  Though some of their trysts at Hogwarts had been rather public.  But at the time that had seemed more about necessity than an exhibitionist streak in either one of them.  Not that Nicholas was particularly shy about...well...anything.

"Soooo," he drawled, "take-out or eat out.  Sandwich's from Alohomocha?  Or we could see who is playing at Calaveras?"

Peyton smirked and shook his head a bit at the mention of scouring charms. Sure, this was Nick's place now but he also lived here with other people. Had he lived alone, that would have been a different story but Peyton was keen on respecting his boyfriend's room mates. That included not having sex on their living room furniture. Whether or not that's what Virgil meant it was certainly where his mind had gone and he would have bet that's where Nick's had gone too.

He looked down at Nick, "Takeaway?" He figured since Virgil wasn't going to be home they might as well stay in to celebrate. At least then he wouldn't feel too guilty if they ended up finishing the bottle of Firewhiskey.

"Is Ari home or is she out too?" He was more than willing to share the celebration with Nick's other room mate as well but there would certainly be a shift in the mood if they were to have the flat all to themselves for the night. Certainly they could find other ways to celebrate as well, eventually. It wasn't something he planned on going to right away but it wasn't off the table either.

"What are you in the mood for?"

"Takeaway it is then," Nicholas smiled.  He could enjoy a night out, but given the week he'd had, Peyton's preference to stay in was also appealing.  Especially since they would have the flat to themselves.  And they'd be able to pick what to tune in to on the wireless.

"She's out.  Not sure when she'll be back, but should be late enough."  They'd have to at least keep their pants on to keep from shocking Ariadne too much.  Then again, if they finished off the firewhiskey, he might not care.

"What are you in the mood for?"

"Sandwiches, definitely sandwiches."

---

Kip Baugh, Hitwizard was playing from the wireless, as Nicholas dug into the large spread from Alohomocha laid out on the coffee table.  Yes it was sandwiches, but there were three different types of crisps, a pie, and a small 'cauldron' of tomato soup.  Not to mention a full compliment of condiments.  Nicholas might have been a bit indecisive when ordering, and ordered himself two different half sandwiches, roast beef and smoked salmon.

"You know, the firewhiskey goes great with the hot chocolate," he said, helpfully as he arranged his meal on a plate and got comfortable on his bean bag.

Peyton realized while they were ordering just how hungry he had been and found himself happy with the decision to stay in. Had they gone out he was pretty sure he would have kept eating until he no longer had any galleons left in his wallet. Eating in meant they could pig out while being completely comfortable while doing so. Well perhaps not completely comfortable - they did currently have the flat to themselves but they also weren't sure when Ariadne would be back. He knew the former Gryffindor well enough by now but still not quite well enough to be sitting in his boxers in her livingroom.

While Nicholas had ordered two half sandwiches Peyton had gone all out and ordered himself two full sandwiches. Between constantly working out and training, his metabolism was working over time and he was constantly hungry. He was currently digging into a turkey and ranch sandwich while a cold cut assortment awaited him. He also had a small cup of tomato soup that he was occasionally dipping his sandwich into.

"Oooo good idea." He took the bottle and poured at least two shots worth of the Firewhiskey into his hot cocoa. This may not have been everyone's idea of celebrating but it worked perfect for him.

He chuckled as Ms Peacock said something ridiculous on the wireless, "Sometimes they just have no idea what to do with that character." He enjoyed the show all the same though. There was a short point in time where he had wanted to be a Hitwizard, based solely on his admiration of the main character of the show. Though it wasn't long before Quidditch took the forefront once more.

He took another large bite, "Oh man these sandwiches are good. Good call."

Nicholas took the bottle after Peyton sat it down and added a double shot's worth into his drink, and then with a grin took an equally large shot straight from the bottle.  "I think she's just there so we won't think he's an idiot."  Not that he hadn't learned long before that they were both kinda inept.  He still wasn't sure if that was by design, or if they were just trying to be accurate.

Not that he should think that way about hit-wizards or anyone else at the Ministry now, since he was one of them too.

"I love their sandwiches, sooo much easier than cooking."  Truth be told, he was eating a lot of sandwiches now.   Mostly made by other hands.  "I miss having an army of house elves." The only reason his own room wasn't a huge mess was because he'd managed to get a couple cleaning charms to at least partially work.  Otherwise, he was pretty sure he'd never have time to clean.  Work was exhausting, and if he wasn't exhausted he was trying to enjoy his new-found freedom.

"So do boyfriends–"  Wait, had they actually talked about that?  It was easy enough to think it, but he was pretty sure he'd never said it.  "–do we get free tickets?"  He smiled, "And free swag?  Cause I've got to get a whole bunch of blue stuff now that I have a new favorite team."

Peyton made a satisfied noise into his sandwich, "Tell me about it. Ì mean I knew I was pretty much on my own moving in with Berkeley, she's never home to cook but then Briar moved in and she's just a disaster." He took a sip of his cocoa before dunking his sandwich in his soup again, "Do yourself a favour, if we're ever at my place and Briar offers you food - Do not accept it." He added a smirk. It was strange to think that Nicholas likely knew his cousin better than he did, having spent the last seven years in the same house (and year) as her in Hogwarts.

A light blush came to cheeks when Nicholas called them boyfriends. They had been together for months now but he couldn't remember the word having been said before. He liked the sound of it and a fluttering in his stomach began at the thought of them finally being official.

"Oh yeah. Season passes at that. I get a few for friends and family." He tried to think of his mother and father coming out to watch him play, "and of course, significant others."

Peyton gave him a wicked grin, "if I do well in the preliminaries I might even be able to get you a jersey with my number on it." He couldn't help the excitement that crept into his voice. It was still settling in that he was finally on a team.

"Do yourself a favour, if we're ever at my place and Briar offers you food - Do not accept it."

Nicholas nearly choked on his sandwich.  "You ate her food?"  He asked, incredulous.  He hadn't actually eaten any of Briar's food, but he'd heard stories from others who had over the years.  "I'm just glad you didn't have to get a healer."  She probably wasn't that bad, but between the stories and sharing a tower with her for seven years, he really wouldn't be surprised.

"Significant others?"  Nicholas smirked, "Am I sharing you with someone? Or just the tickets?" He hoped he'd be able to go to all the games, it would certainly be a change of pace from just listening to them on the wireless, but if everything went well he'd be out of training by then.  And once training was over, he could get sent out whenever and with no seniority whatsoever his regular hours were likely to suck too.

"And really, when you do well in the preliminaries, I might just steal one of your jerseys."  Unfortunately, there wasn't  anything similar for an obliviator.  Not that work robes were exactly sexy in the first place.