“Wait, isn’t that from a movie?”
“The bouquet of pens?”
“Yeah, I’m racking my brain but can’t figure it out.”
Linc waved the jar at his best friend. “You’ve Got Mail.”
“I knew you were a helpless romantic under all those fuck-off-vibes.”
***
Cleo: Why, Mr. Darcy, Someone left a delightful gift on my bedside table. I’m kinda disappointed you didn’t climb through my bedroom window though.
Lincoln had gone for a night run, scrubbed the bathroom, taken a long, hot shower and climbed into bed with his clandestine copy ofPride and Prejudice. He’d seen both the BBC and Keira Knightley versions of the movie, but Cleo had told him the book was better, so he was giving it a go.
Russ was right, hewasa hopeless romantic. And Linc wasn’t quite sure what to do with that information.
Lincoln: Alas, Miss Bennet, I tried. However, the neighborhood dogs got upset, people threatened to call law enforcement officers if I didn’t get down, and I was afraid I’d be left to die if I fell on my head…
Lincoln: Also, Molly was home and suggested going through the front door would be, and I’m quoting: less fucking stupid.
Cleo: LOL! Sounds like her alright. Thank you, Lincoln. It’s so thoughtful and the ink is the perfect color. I love it.
Cleo: I mostly love that you don’t think I’m insane for my stationery obsession.
Linc rolled onto his side, his cheeks aching from grinning so hard.
Lincoln: Oh, hey, no, wait. I didn’t say you weren’t insane. You’re definitely insane. I just think it’s cute. You’re my kinda crazy, Lizzy.
Lincoln: Wanna come over to watch a movie tomorrow after class?
Cleo: You haven’t asked me over before.
Lincoln: I know. I thought I should change that. It’s just Russ here though, sometimes Jude comes by. Occasionally some of the team. I can come to you if you’d rather.
Cleo: I’d love to.
***
“Marvel fan?” Cleo ran a finger along the spines of the pile of Blu-rays sitting on the shelf.
“That’s Russ. He’s obsessed. Jude’s obsessed with superheroes too. It’s kind of adorable. There are other movies in a box under the bed if you want to look through those.”
Her brows pinched in confusion and a blush flooded her cheeks.
“What?”
“A box of movies under your bed?”
A snort of laughter lodged in his chest and made him cough. Eyes watering, he leaned forward, braced his hands on his knees, and chuckled through his near-death choking experience. “They’re… not.” He waved a hand before coughing into it.
She handed him a bottle of water as he straightened. “Porn?” Her whisper, despite the fact they were alone in his dorm room, was endearing.
He nodded, twisting the cap off the bottle. He took a sip. “Regular movies, Lizzy. Not X-rated.” He took another sip and chuckled again. “I mean, if watching porn is your kink, we can totally watch something together. We don’t kink shame in this safe space. But you’ll be disappointed with what’s in that box.”
Cleo shoved his bicep, shaking her head. “Porn is not at all my kink, Mr. Darcy!”
The door opened at the moment she raised her voice. Russ was grinning as he entered, and Will cocked his head with a questioning frown as he walked into the room.
