The magical life of the not so magical Theodore Ward (bxb)

Chapter Thirty

Gabriel must have missed 15.8 seconds of very interesting conversation leading up to: 'Gabriel can keep him safe'. 

Oliver (only just) refrained himself from giving a nudge and a wink, but the intense eye contact and the mischievous smile directed at Gabriel were far from subtle. 

After last week's events, Theodore was already painfully aware of his feelings for him and the rejection still stung. Oliver's remark, though no doubt made with the best of intentions, felt like adding salt to the wound. 

"Oh, I bet. Can he also spoon feed me infant formula? Tuck me in after reading me a bedtime story? Tell me not to go with strange men in white vans when they tell me how they have adorable puppies or kiss it better if I stub--" Theodore cut himself off abruptly.

Clearly he was remembering. And clearly, not fondly. 

Not that it had made Gabriel's top 10 of best memories. What came approximately 5.6 seconds after the kiss had tainted it. No, the moment ranked higher on the list of things he regretted. 

Top 5, definitely.

Oliver shrugged, "Well, he is daddy material."

He was sweet for trying to lighten the mood, but lord was he making things awkward.

His remark also reminded Gabriel of that one day in Theodore's room, when they'd talked and joked and he felt like he was finally allowed, welcome even, inside Theodore's little bubble (or small fortress).

But had even a piece of the wall crumbled, it had now all been build up again, if not fortified.

It rumbled and lightning struck not too far away from where they stood. The sky opened and rain started to pour, hard enough for them to be practicaly soaked by the time they entered the hallway.

Theodore's T-shirt stuck to his body and wet was definitely a good look on him. He was panting a little and Gabriel had to force himself to look away.

By the time he, Oliver and Silas had dried themselves using magic, Theodore was already halfway up the stairs. Wet and cold and-

"Wait." Gabriel called.

Theodore did, turned to him and cast him a questioning look.

5 steps later Gabriel gently placed his hand on his arm. Theodore stiffened ever so slightly, but didn't pull away.

They held eye contact the few moments it took for Theodore to dry up. Gabriel then imidiately let go, scratched his throat and moved past him awkwardly. He barely registered Theodore thanking him as he walked straight to his bedroom where he tried to steady his racing heart and to get a grip.

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Hope you enjoyed the update, would love to read your thoughts! Thanks for sticking around ❤