If You Must

All That We Are Is Beginning

Penelope

The arrival of Monday brings Simon and Baz back, with huge grins on their faces and unusually sweet, "hi, Penny"s. I tell them to sod off (but I let them see the responding smile on my face). I don't ask them what they did-- honestly, knowing the two of them, I'm fairly certain they just sat about on their arses for two days.

It was weird having the flat to myself all weekend. Then again, once either Simon or I moves out, that will be what it's like all the time.

Crowley, I'm going to miss him. A small, sad part of me wants to keep Simon all to myself-- to tell Baz to keep away from my best friend. The larger, more rational part of me knows this isn't the end of our friendship (though that word doesn't seem to fit our relationship; Simon really is like my brother-- except he's better than all of my actual brothers), and that I'll still see him, even when he's living with Baz. Besides, Micah and I will hopefully move in together sooner rather than later.

With a barely audible sigh, I drag my sorry arse into the kitchen, snagging my laptop off the couch as I go.

The boys enter the kitchen right as I'm putting the kettle on, Simon ruffling my hair as he passes. Whatever whatever leftover sadness in my chest melts away with the gesture, the blank space it leaves behind turning warm and happy as I glance over my shoulder and see Baz loop his arm loosely about Simon's waist. It's not a protective motion... more like Baz is reminding himself that Simon's still there. Reminding me that Simon's in good hands; Baz will take care of him, no matter what. I can be certain of that.

I sit down at the table across from them, offering them both cups of tea and blowing on the warm steam of my own.

"All right, you two," I say, after I've had a sip, "Let's get down to business." Simon grins at me and starts to hum a song from Mulan. I roll my eyes, and Baz flicks his arm.

"Please ignore the lunatic," Baz says to me, his voice teasing and sarcastic. "Where do you think we should start, Bunce?" I frown, thinking.

"Suits? Location? Don't people usually do colour schemes?" I ask. "It's your wedding, you two should choose where to begin. I'll write it down." I raise my ring hand to cast a quick see what I mean, but Simon sits bolt upright, raising his own hands.

"Wait, wait, wait!" he calls out, startling me. Even Baz jumps a little, turning to face him.

"Simon, what the hell was that about?" My brow is furrowed, and I do nothing to smooth it. Simon looks sheepish.

"Sorry... I was just thinking-- maybe I could try?" Baz and I exchange a surprised look. Gently, Baz places a hand on his fiancé's freckled arm.

"Are you sure, Si?" He asks. Simon nods, squaring his shoulders. His typical 'I'm nervous but trying my best not to look it' stance.

"Yeah. I'm sure." I nod my head at him, trying my best to look reassuring, and not scared out of my mind.

"Alright. Just don't explode the kitchen, please, Simon, unless you want me to move in with Baz." Simon grins nervously at me. Then, clearing his throat, he raises one hand ever so slightly off the table.

"See what I mean," he murmurs. Bright, golden light flashes, making both Baz and I cry out in surprise. As I blink the spots from my vision, my jaw drops at what I see.

A full-sized whiteboard. Complete with pens and a fucking eraser. Sitting in the middle of the kitchen. A full-sized fucking whiteboard.

"Aleister Crowley," I breathe. At the same time, Baz mutters,

"Holy fucking hell..."

Simon only stares at the whiteboard, his mouth hanging wide open. I don't even tell him he'll catch flies-- I'm too shocked.

"Well I'll be damned... It seems," Baz turns to Simon, grey eyes shining and awestruck (Crowley, they're so in love), "that our lovely little Simon is in need of some Magic Lessons."

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Author's note:

Happy International Women's Day, everyone!!!!! Shoutout to Penelope, for being super fucking badass.

On a completely different note, I've nearly decided on the song Baz and Simon will play at their wedding-- I've narrowed it down to two, but I like both so much I think I might just have to use one as the slow dance and the other as their first dance. What do you guys think?

Continue to be fabulous and badass, ladies (80% of the readers of this fic are female, so I'm going to assume I'm not going to offend any guys by not giving them inspirational messages). You're all magnificent human beings, and it's always a joy interacting with you :)

-Lefty

P.S.

Sorry for all the 'fucks' in this chapter-- it's my one of my favorite words, and I use it a lot when I'm excited. And I'm currently excited about Women's day AND Snowbaz, so, everyone gets to endure my swearing. ;)