Most Ardently

by Gabe Cole Novoa

Darcy frowned, looking at him quizzically. Then his eyes widened. “Oh! Apologies, I wasn’t trying to imply—I only meant that I hadn’t seen you there before.” Oh. Oliver’s shoulders relaxed, feeling a bit foolish. Darcy pinched the bridge of his nose and closed his eyes and it almost looked like—was he blushing now? He dropped his hand and opened his eyes. “I’m not … like Bingley. I’m not good at this.” He gestured airily between them. Oliver had to admit, this whole display was oddly endearing. He found himself smiling softly without meaning to. “This?” “Socializing. Meeting new people. It’s an art I’ve accepted I’ll likely never master. Oftentimes I don’t have to, as Bingley is skilled enough for the both of us, but when I’m left to interact with someone I don’t know, alone … well. They either bore me and I lack the ability and desire to pretend otherwise, or I inevitably make a fool of myself. I apologize.” Oliver’s smile grew. Bored Darcy might be an arse, but flustered Darcy was adorable. “Well, I suppose I’m happy to know I don’t bore you.” “Absolutely not,” Darcy said, so quickly that the simple reassurance filled Oliver’s chest with warmth. It was then that Bingley emerged from the Temple of Muses once more. “Apologies!” he said. “Did I miss anything?” “I was just inviting Oliver to join us at Watier’s,” Darcy said. Oliver’s eyes widened. He was? “Oh!” Bingley exclaimed. “Yes, of course! You must join us, Oliver. It’ll be a grand old time. What do you say?” Oliver’s...

OH YEA IM EATING THIS SHIT UPPPPPP