I owed you one -Avery-

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Graham was glad that Avery Harper had accepted his invitation. He wanted to show the man his gratitude for bringing him back on the right path. He couldn’t have done this alone, in fact he had been certain he’d never find a decent job again. But young Avery Harper had proved him wrong. This might seem like a casual thank you however for the elderly man, this meant a lot. He wanted to do this right and show Harper that he wasn’t wrong for having faith in him. Last time they met Graham was a drunk mess, hostile and depressed. Now he was a little more hopeful towards the future. Happiness still hadn’t fully returned but at least he had purpose again. Workaholics like him didn’t do well without a job. Tonight he would arrive sober to show himself from a better perspective. It was hard, Graham had never wanted to let his substance use get this far. But it seemed that he was more dependable on it than he would admit. He was sober now but he could already feel his body screaming for the dulling liquid. His head felt terrible and his hands were shaking. Not to mention that the everlasting pain in his left arm and right leg were more notable than ever.

He had to carry himself past this misery, he had to prove that he was making improvements. As the proper man used to the proper environment and friends, Graham dressed up fully in suit. He's shaved this morning but with his rapid hair growth light stubbles could be seen already. It was something that couldn't be helped. He’d prepared a speech last night. He was used to having to do these kinds of things. In his former circle of upperclass people there were a lot of expectations and standards to live up to. Leaving his office tidy and clean, he went to the village where he’d meet Avery Harper. The younger man was standing outside and Graham greeted him with a polite and kind smile. “Thank you for coming, you’re quite early,” he said as he checked his watch. His eyes went over the other male and noticed Harper was dressed in comfortable casual clothing. Still it looked rather good on him. Now Graham just felt silly for being overdressed. He cleared his throat and brushed his nerves away. “Shall we go inside?”

tag: @cableavery

note: look

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Avery hadn't really expected Graham to follow through with his offer of drinks. He could've sworn the other man had be facetious with the offer. But he was grateful never the less and, after finding himself forming a strange sort of attachment to the older man, one he couldn't quite put into words and that he was almost actually tempted to ask his brother about. But that could wait until the next time he saw the other, maybe it was just the anticipation talking. This was almost like a date after all. Perhaps that was what had caused him to arrive early.

He'd chosen to dress comfortably, casual but not too casual. He was wearing jeans, with a white t-shirt, with a plaid shirt over it to add and extra layer. Something simple but not sloppy. He didn't want to be judged or anything. He knew this wasn't a date, it was just two friends grabbing a drink together. Just hanging out. So he'd kept it casual. They were just friends. He was lost in his own thoughts, trying to make sense of them when Graham arrived. He looked up almost too quickly at the other's greeting, startled. "I like to make sure I'm on time..." he replied.

Avery straightened up and fixed his clothes, carefully looking over Graham before he looked to the door, swallowing down what felt like nerves as he nodded. He smiled, glancing to Graham once more before he moved to open the door, holding it open for the older man.

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Graham smiled at the younger male. For some reason he felt nervous around this one. The alcohol was blamed for his nerves. After years of needing it to function, he now tried to show he could be sober. He wanted to leave a good impression to fix what Avery knew of him. He'd seen him at one of his recent worst days (not counting the full moons). So he was surprised he even wanted to see him again.

He was about to hold the door and let the other in. However Avery seemed to have the same plans. So much for being a gentleman. His hand was already extended to the door and he just managed to pull back before their hands would’ve accidentally touched. “Thank you kindly,” he said with a nod as they went in. Graham went to the small table he’d reserved for the two of them. It was a little more isolated from the rest of the pub so they could talk. He held the seat so Avery could sit before he stood in front of his own.

The new potions teacher fumbled in his pocket and took out a piece of parchment and his reading glasses. Graham put on his glasses and read the speech he had prepared. “Mr. Harper… C-can I call you Avery?” He started before his speech. “Dear Avery, I want to thank you for coming here tonight. However this small night of free drinks and snacks is nothing compared to what you did for me. When I had given up hope, you offered me a second chance. I laughed and didn’t believe you and yet here I am thanks to you. I thank you for having faith,” he read the last bit but decided to keep that to himself. Last night he was drunk when he wrote this. He cleared his throat and sat down, there was a slight pink colour on his cheeks. “What would you like to have?”