Chapter Text
Ezra Fell sat at the small desk in his cramped university accommodation, surrounded by books and papers. The term had just started, but the reality of his new life was already sinking in. He’d been so excited to receive his acceptance to St. Beryl University, and even more excited that his family had allowed him to move to London from their little village. Now that he had moved in and classes had begun, his excitement had quickly been replaced by a gnawing anxiety that he couldn’t quite shake.
He looked outside, watching students laugh and talk in the courtyard below. The early autumn evening was turning to night, the city sky deepening into a deep purple-blue. Ezra sighed, running a hand through his tousled hair. He’d been in his room nearly all day, tucked away from the bustling energy of the campus and the unfamiliar faces. He’d come to university for new experiences, but every time he thought about venturing out, a wave of apprehension held him back.
Decision made, Ezra pushed his chair back and stood up. He needed to get out, if only for a little while. Maybe he’d go for a walk and feel inspired. After all, he had promised himself that things would be different here- that he would be different. He had spent too long in the shadows, letting life pass him by, and it was time to act.
He grabbed his coat from the back of the door, hesitated for a moment, then shrugged it on. As he made his way downstairs and into the cool night air, his determination grew. Tonight, he would try something new.
The streets outside his residence hall were lively, filled with students making their way to pubs, cafes, and late-night hangout spots. Ezra wandered aimlessly, enjoying the crisp air that the new season brought. He let the energy of the city wash over him- the sounds of laughter, the clinking of glasses, the hum of traffic- it was so alive and so new to him.
He found himself standing outside a dimly lit pub, its neon sign flickering something about horses. The pub seemed quieter and less flashy than many other places he’d passed, and he could picture himself going in and ordering a drink. Ezra squared his shoulders and opened the door. The pub was cozy, with dark wooden furniture and soft lighting that cast a warm glow over the room. A few groups of people were scattered around, and some lone patrons were sitting at the bar, but he found the relaxed atmosphere inviting.
Ezra made his way to the bar and took a seat, feeling out of place but determined to see this through. He could do this. People did this all the time, didn’t they? They went out, had a drink, talked to people. The bartender, a woman with a friendly smile and a shock of bright red hair, approached him.
“What can I get you, love?” She asked, her voice cutting through the sounds of the pub.
Ezra glanced at the menu on the wall behind her, suddenly aware of how unprepared he was. “Erm… One beer, please,” he finally managed, his voice not nearly as confident as he’d hoped.
The bartender smiled kindly and grabbed a pint glass.
“Give ‘em a mild ale,” a voice from the end of the bar suggested. The bartender shot a look at the man who seemed to be trying to disappear into the shadows. “I wasn’t going to give him a stout, now, was I?”
The bartender poured him a pint, sliding it over with a grin. “First time here?” she asked, noticing his nerves.
Ezra returned her smile, albeit a bit sheepishly. “Yes, I’m new in town.”
“Ah, a fresh start!” she said, throwing a glance back at the man in the shadows. “Well, welcome. It gets easier, I promise.”
He nodded, grateful for her kindness, and took a sip of the beer as she moved to speak to the man at the end of the bar. The recommendation had been a good one—it was cold, malty, and just a little sweet. It was at least drinkable.
Ezra noticed the man at the end of the bar stand up, presumably to leave. It would be polite to say something, wouldn’t it?
“Thank you for the recommendation,” Ezra said, his voice quiet but sincere. The man looked a bit surprised to be spoken to as if he were not used to being acknowledged.
Seeing him up close, Ezra realized that he was a couple of decades older, but still handsome. His hair was a faded red, graying at the temples and swept back in a way that suggested he didn’t give it much thought. When they locked eyes, the other man’s were golden-brown, beautiful but sad, somehow.
“Erm, no problem,” the man replied awkwardly. He hesitated for a moment before adding, “Mind if I, uh…” Ezra realized he was asking to sit next to him. Oh.
“Oh, not at all. Go right ahead.”
“Right. Thanks.” The bartender brought the man another drink, seemingly unsurprised to find him next to Ezra.
“First time out?” the man asked a hint of amusement in his voice. Ezra felt his face flush—was he that obvious?
“Yes. I just moved here for uni,” Ezra replied, trying not to sound too self-conscious.
The other man nodded. “Yeah, I heard you tell Tracy. It’s not so bad, once you get used to it. This place… it grows on you.”
Ezra wasn’t entirely sure what they were talking about—the pub, the city, or something else entirely—but he nodded along anyway. “I’m just trying to figure things out. I’ve been stuck for ages, and now I’m ready for something new.”
The man’s eyes softened with understanding. “Yeah. I think we’re all figuring things out, one way or another,” he said, almost to himself. Then he turned, looking at Ezra as if really seeing him for the first time. “I’m Anthony.”
“Ezra,” he replied, shaking the man’s offered hand. Anthony turned back to his drink, and Ezra felt a sudden surge of desire—not just physical, but a deep, aching need to not let this man slip away. “So, erm… come here often?”
Anthony smiled slightly. “I don’t get out much, but I like it here. Nice place to think.”
Ezra suddenly realized he might be intruding on the man’s solitude. “Oh, sorry, I didn’t mean to disturb you.”
Anthony laughed a low, warm sound that made Ezra’s stomach flip. “I came over here! All you did was walk in and order ‘one beer,’” he said, mimicking Ezra’s accent with a teasing lilt. It sounded ridiculous coming out of someone else’s mouth, and they both ended up laughing. The laughter faded, leaving a comfortable silence in its wake.
“So,” Anthony began, breaking the silence. “Making lots of new friends at uni?”
Ezra scoffed. “Hardly. It’s hard to break out of old habits, and I get so… caught in my head sometimes.”
“Yeah. Same here. I just feel like I’m going through the motions, day in and day out.”
Ezra was surprised by how much this stranger seemed to understand him, how easy it was to talk to him. “I’m glad you came over here, Anthony,” Ezra said, his voice honest and a little vulnerable.
A hand fell to Ezra’s knee, the touch light but deliberate. “Are you?”
Ezra just nodded, but Anthony studied him. He had to find the words to tell him his advance was wanted. “I don’t want to be stuck anymore. I want to try something new,” he said quietly.
“Come with me,” Anthony said, his voice low and urgent.
“Okay,” Ezra whispered, the word barely audible, but it was all the invitation Anthony needed.