Serendipity
[ˌserənˈdipitē]

(Noun), Finding something good without looking for it.

The bell above the door chimed softly as the young woman entered the small, softly lit store. Her steps echoed around the room, reflecting off the high walls, lined with dozens of violins, violas, cellos and an occasional double bass. The air smelled of wood and varnish, mixed with the faint scent of candles and black tea. Her eyes drifted across the room, taking in her well-organized surroundings.

"Welcome, Miss. Is there something I can help you with?" The soft, deep voice drew her attention to a plain wooden door, leading to what she assumed was the workshop.

There, wiping his calloused hands, stood a tall, young man, most likely in his mid-twenties. He wore a pair of plain black jeans as well as a nondescript wine red button-down shirt, with rolled-up sleeves. He didn't button it all up, she noticed, leaving her to catch a glimpse of pale skin. His deep blue eyes were fixed on her and his lips graced a small, friendly smile.

He was really handsome and she had to swallow once before she felt ready to answer his question. Smiling a little, she walked over to him, already phrasing her request in her mind. It wouldn't do to start stuttering now and making a fool out of herself.

"Yes, I hope so", she replied, smiling coyly at him, batting her long eyelashes, "You see, I'm currently learning how to play the violin and my teacher suggested buying my own violin. Could you recommend one for me?" She kept her voice low, almost shy, glancing hopefully up to him.

He nodded softly, laying aside the worn handkerchief he used just seconds ago to wipe the varnish off his hands. With a slight smile he motioned her to follow him as he led her to a row of delicately made violins close to the shop door. As he passed her, she caught a whiff of willow and varnish – as she had expected – but also the fragrance of bergamot, cinnamon and a faint trace of leather and tobacco. It fit so very perfectly that she couldn't help the soft sigh leaving her lips, letting her imagination run wild for a second.

He, however, remained blissfully oblivious to her drifting thoughts, all the while telling her some most likely important facts about the different instruments. She didn't really listen to his words, too mesmerized by his deep, husky voice and the way his muscles worked beneath his shirt whenever he picked up a violin for her to look at.

She felt almost sorry for him, having him spend his time explaining things to her, while she couldn't even concentrate enough to listen closely. The thought was rapidly abandoned, however, as she continued to enjoy the way his words were to her ears like fines silk was on her skin.

So it was almost inevitable that her eyes raked over his hands, holding the violin and softly stroking it with calloused fingers like others would touch a woman's body. And she couldn't help but wonder, how they would feel, caressing her soft skin. Oh, how she would like to find out.

"Therefore, this one should be a good choice for you. Would you like to try it?", he asked, snapping her out of her thoughts. She smiled coyly, before nodding a little and timidly taking the violin out of his wonderful hands. The smooth wood felt so light and the body caressed her shoulder in a way the borrowed violin of her teacher never did.

With a shuddering breath she also took the delicate bow, readying herself to try the instrument and praying to every god she knew that she wouldn't mess up and embarrass herself. It would just be too humiliating. She closed her eyes, took another calming breath and positioned the bow, willing her body to relax a little. And then she began.

The soft notes echoed around the shop, not unlike her steps had earlier, and she felt the body's vibrations against her shoulder and chin. And for a short moment she didn't care whether she played the tune correctly. Just having this beautiful instrument in her hands was enough to make her contend.

But then she remembered this gorgeous young man, standing just a few feet away, watching her in her attempt at music. And suddenly she noticed how wrong the tune sounded and how the bow scratched against the strings. She quickly stopped playing, her eyes fixed on the ground and her face heated and reddened with embarrassment.

She glanced at the vendor, not really sure if she even wanted to know what he thought about this abysmal attempt at playing the violin. He, however, was just smiling gently, his face not showing any sign of annoyance. And how beautiful this little smile was, causing her heart to skip a beat. In this moment so was so unbelievably thankful for her already reddened cheeks, so he wouldn't see he blush now.

"That was quite good; I've had a lot of customers who just began learning – they were not that good, however. The violin seems to suit you. Is there anything that feels wrong while playing it?" Those kind words paired with that smooth voice made her blush all over again, but she still managed to smile at him.

"It is absolutely perfect. I have never held such a beautiful violin. The person who made it must be very talented." She was rambling, she knew, still, she couldn't help it. She just wasn't good in dealing with handsome men – and he was also so very kind.

Oh, and this smile he wore now after hearing her reply would have been enough to make her swoon, hadn't it been directed at the instrument held by her perfectly manicured hands.

"I'm glad to hear that, Miss." He gently took the violin back, adjusting the strings a little, testing each one until he seemed to be content with his fine-tuning. She just stood there, watching him totally mesmerized as his talented fingers practically flew across the strings.

But all too soon he was done, handing the delicate instrument back to her with a kind smile. And she took it, smiling back at him, fingers caressing the soft surface of the violin's body just like he did before.

She couldn't quite remember how much she ultimately paid for the beautiful masterpiece, or when exactly she left the small shop with her newly acquired piece, but she vowed to herself that she would visit again. And perhaps, she would find the courage to ask him out for tea.

'It's a shame that I never learned his name', she thought as she stepped into the underground.


"So she finally left."

He turned around to look at the person leaning in the doorframe to his workshop, arms crossed, raising an amused eyebrow. Their brown eyes were alit with hidden laughter, yet he could see a dark shadow looming behind. He sighed softly, turning his attention to the store's door locking it and turning the sign to 'Closed', before he went back to where the other was standing, a crooked grin on the soft lips.

"She fell for you, you know?", they stated more than asked, mirth dancing in chocolate brown eyes, "The very moment she first heard your voice. Not that I can't understand that… you are gorgeous, after all…" Their voice faded a little towards the end, eyes traveling across his frame before locking with his own.

He couldn't help but grin slightly himself, leaning against the counter where he had left his handkerchief earlier. His eyes didn't leave theirs, enjoying the way the light reflected in them, making them look all the deeper.

"Why, my dear, one could think you were jealous", he teased, laughing softly as a small pout made its way onto his beloved lips. He crossed the distance between them, planting a loving kiss on the soft pink lips, intent on removing the – albeit cute – pout from them.

"Don't be, love… I'm yours and yours alone." His words were merely a whisper against the other's lips, which curled into a warm smile due to his reassurance. He could understand – they both often doubted that either of them deserved the other; even though it was better now.

He took a little step back to look at his love, enjoying the soft smile which lit up the slightly freckled face. A stray strand of short hair fell in front of the beautiful brown eyes and he tucked it back to the other silky dark blond curls he simply adored. He really didn't think he would ever be interested in anyone else, as long as he had this astonishing, kind and witty man by his side.

He brushed his knuckles against the other's cheek, watching as he relaxed into the touch, craving it as much as he did himself. He leant forward again, his forehead resting against the soft curls, tickling his nose with their faint scent of thyme and oranges.

"Are you done for today?", the blond asked, wrapping his arms around his waist and cuddling a little closer, his head resting against his taller lover's shoulder. He threaded his fingers through the curly hair, enjoying the closeness for a moment before answering.

"Yes, I am. The shop is closed, and the repair works can wait 'till tomorrow." He smiled softly, kissing his forehead. "Let's go upstairs and enjoy our evening. What do you think about me cooking dinner and watching that movie you bought last weekend afterwards?"

The smile on Gregory's lips was all the answer he needed.

Dinner was a quiet affair, both simply enjoying each other's company while occasionally speaking about their day. While he had been in his shop, working on the delicate instruments and advising customers who – more often than not – didn't know even the simplest things about their stringed instruments, his love had spent his day writing.

Even though he wasn't that well-known as an author yet, he had already published a few non-fiction books and was currently working on an historic overview of magical Britain as well as a collection of poetry. The latter being his current favourite.

They both didn't earn much, but it was enough to make a living as well as renting the shop, with a small three-room apartment above, in the non-magical part of London. It had a living-dining area with an open kitchenette, a small table with enough room for three to four people, a comfortable cream settee with a matching armchair and a plain wooden coffee table next to an old fireplace. And in one corner, there was a slightly older TV, which they had bought from the previous tenants who didn't want to take everything with them when they moved out.

Then there was Gregory's study, which mainly consisted of a sturdy wooden desk, a mostly comfortable office chair and bookshelves. To be precise, most of the room was used for storing their many books in high bookcases.

The last room was their bedroom. The furnishing was quite simple, as was the case in the rest of their apartment. In the centre of the longest wall, right across an old window, stood the queen-sized bed. Like most of their furniture, it was made of wood, with delicate carvings all over the bed posts. Those had been Greg's idea, as he found the bed too boring. So he had asked his lover whether he could personalize it a little; and he did.

On both sides of the bed, matching nightstands could be found, holding the books they were currently reading as well as always a small bouquet of fresh flowers they grew in the tiny patch of the garden they were allowed to use. On the far side of the room, they had positioned their wardrobe and the remaining wall was decorated with pictures – both magical and not – which showed both of them together, laughing, fooling around or simply cuddling on the soft carpet in front of the fireplace.

Other than this, the apartment only had a small bathroom, which was barely big enough for both of them. However, due to their different occupations, they rarely had to use it at the same time.


After dinner, they quickly cleared the table before retreating to the 'living room', making themselves comfortable on the settee. Gregory started the film – something called 'The Nightmare before Christmas' – then sat down next to his partner, cuddling close and stealing himself a soft kiss, sighing contently.

"I love you, Vince", he whispered, his head once again resting on his lover's broad shoulder, legs tucked beneath his body. The other smiled softly, wrapped on of his arms around him and hugged him tightly to his side, pressing a soft kiss on the unruly blond hair.

"I love you." Vincent's reply was met by an almost blinding smile and he couldn't help but kiss his beautiful partner. It was sweet, nothing more than rough lips brushing gently against their soft counterparts. His hand found its way onto Greg's cheek, caressing it before resting comfortably on the nape of his neck, bringing him slightly closer and deepening the formerly innocent kiss.

Greg sighed contently once again, facing him more and resting one of his hands on Vincent's slightly muscled chest while threading the other through his short hair. He moved closer to him, trying to get as much contact as possible without breaking their kiss. And when his lover's tongue softly prodded his lips, he obediently parted them a little, allowing the other to deepen the kiss even more.

Their tongues engaged in a lazy dance, slowly circling each other to a beat only known to them. Time seemed to stand still, even the film they had just started was already forgotten. For this little moment, only the two of them existed.

The way Vincent's thumb rubbed small circles onto Gregory's jaw, while his large, warm hand on his nape held him close, the other arm circling around the small waist, pulling him even closer. Greg's one hand playing with a few strands of hair, while enjoying feeling the firm chest beneath the other.

A soft moan left the smaller man's throat as his lover started nibbling on his lower lip, before placing a soothing kiss right above the abused spot, never really breaking contact. He opened his eyes, not even knowing when exactly he had closed them, and was met by deep blue eyes staring back at him.

They kept their eyes locked, even as they continued kissing, and even as Vincent started gently sucking on Gregory's lower lip, earning himself another shuddering sigh, bordering on a silent moan. It was mesmerizing, watching the emotions swirling behind the other's eyes, seeing them slowly darken with love and desire.

When they finally broke the kiss, both where panting softly, still staring at each other, not able to look away. Too deeply caught in their own world, still feeling the touch of each other's lips on their own, the warmth beneath their fingers, their skin tingling where the other had touched it.

The seconds ticked by, unnoticed by the two young man, lost in each other's eyes. Vincent's chapped hand travelled across the soft skin, brushing softly against his lover's cheek, resting there while tracing the rosy lips with his thumb. A soft sigh escaped those very lips and he once again couldn't resist the urge to kiss them, pulling the other closer until he was straddling him, the long, slender legs on each side of his lap.

He placed his other hand on Gregory's lower back, holding him close, even though it wouldn't have been necessary. The blond was leaning against him, one hand still resting on his chest, slightly above his heart, the other was on the nape of his neck, softly caressing the short hair, enjoying how it lightly tickled his fingers.

"I love you", he breathed out between the kisses, not willing to separate too much, instead cuddling even closer, trying to get as much contact as possible. They often spend their evenings together, simply enjoying each other's company, but they still rarely had much time for each other. Working alone in the shop meant long days and also working on the weekends for Vincent, leaving Gregory alone most of the time.

Mostly, he didn't mind, occupying himself with his writing, re-arranging the apartment or tending to the small patch of garden. On other days he went down to the store as well, tending to the customers while Vince was working in the back office, mending broken violins or building new instruments. Sometimes he just went to the working space to watch his lover fine-tuning his instruments, occasionally trying them himself by playing a short melody.

He loved watching him in those moments, playing a soft tune and almost caressing the strings as if it was a lover's body. The thought always made him blush a little, being all too familiar with how talented Vincent's fingers where not only while playing cello. Sometimes he himself felt like one of those beautiful instruments Vincent spent so many hours working on, responding to every single touch like a string being plucked.

The rough fingers lightly caressing the soft skin on his lower back brought him back from his musings, drawing a silent sigh from his lips which was immediately swallowed by their kiss. Goosebumps were following the path of Vincent's fingers, making him shudder and snuggling closer so that there was no room left between their bodies.

Gregory broke the kiss, resting his head against the other's shoulder instead, moaning softly as Vincent began trailing light kisses down the side of his neck, gently sucking on the sensitive patch of skin right beneath his ear, leaving a love bite.

He tilted his head a little, giving his lover more space, earning himself a soft chuckle against his neck. He huffed, intent on making a snide remark. The words died on his lips, however, transforming into a low cry when Vincent gently bit his neck, before kissing the spot soothingly.

He then continued kissing a slow trail down his neck, sometimes alternating between kissing, sucking or biting gently, making Gregory shudder and moan against his shoulder. His hands began tracing the smaller man's spine, softly applying a little pressure on the muscles and patiently rubbing the tension out of them until he felt his lover almost melt against him.

Vincent smiled, enjoying the way Gregory relaxed beneath his fingers, seeking even more contact and thus pressing himself closer while also arching slightly into the soft caresses. He placed another gentle kiss on his neck, before softly tracing the way back up with his tongue.

Gregory shuddered, a soft moan escaping his throat, his head tilting to the side, giving the other even better access. Chuckling lowly, Vincent repeated the motion, stopping right beneath the ear before lightly nibbling on the lobe. His hands began roaming over the slender body above him, making him shudder once again as he pushed up the chequered shirt and knitted sweater, exposing the soft skin and lovingly tracing every single patch with rough hands.

He loved the feeling of the silky, soft skin, hiding the lean muscles he could feel flexing under his touch. He loved the soft sounds Gregory made as he caressed his skin with his hands and lips. How he arched into the touch, trying to get more whilst also trying to stay as close as possible.

Sliding his hands back out from under the shirt, he turned his head, kissing the rosy lips once again, pushing him slightly more upright. He smiled into the kiss as he heard the unhappy whine to the lost contact, sharply biting into the plump lower lip, earning him a harsh breath and soft moan but not drawing blood, before flicking his tongue over the spot, softly caressing the abused flesh.

Vincent broke the kiss, once again looking at his lover, mesmerized by the way those chocolate eyes, darkened to the point they resembled strong coffee more than chocolate, had glazed over. The pale skin slightly flushed and the lips, slightly bruised from their kisses, still lightly parted and glistening.

He brushed his fingers through the silky locks of blond hair, smiling softly at Gregory, who leant into the touch, craning his neck like a cat asking to be petted, his dark, beautiful eyes firmly locked with Vincent's. He swallowed dryly, threating his fingers though the strands once again before leaning into another kiss, his hands slowly trailing down to the hem of the smaller man's shirt, lifting it questioningly.

When Gregory broke the kiss and leant back a little, lifting his arms, he pulled the hampering piece of clothing over his head, abandoning it somewhere on the sofa besides them without a further glance. He smiled a little, his hands once again finding the soft skin, lightly teasing his sides and back. He leant in, placing soft kissed on one shoulder, traveling across the collarbone to the other shoulder, occasionally lightly biting down or licking over the sensitive skin.

Gregory was lightly squirming in his hold, unsteady hands roaming across Vincent's clothed chest, trailing over the shoulders and up the neck, one hand finally resting on the back of his head, fingers slightly tangled into the short hair, holding him close. A soft moan fell from his lips as Vincent left another love bite just above his collarbone, the nimble fingers on his sides and back swiftly finding those spots that made him arch into the touch.

He felt goose bumps spreading over his bare skin, leaning into the soft caresses, enjoying the contrast between Vincent's rough hands and his own smooth, almost silky skin. Taking another, slightly shuddering breath, he almost let out a scream, just barely managing to muffle it into a pathetic moan by biting his own lip, as he felt his lover's magic softly sweeping over his spine, leaving a warm tingle behind.

"V-vince…", his voice was shaky, the other's name leaving his throat more like a whimper than an actual word, as he arched his back, another soft moan falling from his bruised lips. He could feel the satisfied smirk on Vincent's lips as he continued kissing down his chest, sometimes teasingly swiping his tongue over an especially sensitive patch of skin.

His fingers continued traveling over Gregory's back, magic concentrated in his fingertips, making him squirm and moan, muscles contracting under the soft touch. He caressed the neck, softly stroking over the shoulder blades before continuing further down the spine, shortly dipping under the waistband of the tight fitting trousers, earning himself another, low moan.

He chuckled softly, leaning back a little to be able to properly look at his lover. His face was flushed, the eyes dark and glazed, the rosy lips slightly parted, soft huffs of breath or quiet sighs and moans escaping between them, the Adam's apple bopping while swallowing. His pale neck and chest were littered with tiny red marks and a slightly bigger one right above the sternum. A few strands of hair fell into his face, brushing against his cheekbones.

His dark eyes roamed over Vincent's body, his hands tracing the exact same lines, before fumbling with the buttons of his shirt, fingers shaking a little from the sensation of magic caressing his skin. His head was a little dizzy and he could already feel his underwear dampen, making him blush even more and biting his lip in an attempt to stifle another embarrassing moan whilst trying and failing to undress his lover as well.

A discontent whine left his throat as the hands on his back were pulled away, making the other chuckle once again, though it was deeper now, and a little raspy. He lowered his head, embarrassed by his own behaviour, when a rough digit made him look up again, only to be captured in another passionate kiss.

He was soon lost in the sensation, not even realizing how Vincent shed his own shirt until he was pulled forward, his naked chest meeting the other's and he contently sighed into the kiss, roaming his hands over the nicely muscled shoulders and arms, which were once again holding him close. And it didn't take long until the fingers spiked with magic were on his back again, making him squirm and arch into the touch.

It was maddening, still he just couldn't get enough. His skin was tingling, his heart hammering against his chest and his lungs screaming for air, making him break the kiss. His face was hot and flushed, but he didn't care anymore. As longs as Vincent didn't stop now, it was fine. The soft burn of his magic teasing the sensitive skin was so good, making his head spin and his damp trousers tighten uncomfortably.

"Vincent… please…", he moaned, his hands resting on the broad chest, hips slightly rocking back and forth and back arching into the soft touch, "… please…". He knew he was begging, like he always was. No matter how much he tried not to, Vincent always managed to make him. But he didn't care. Not anymore.

Gregory sighed in relieve has he felt the nimble fingers on the fly of his trousers, swiftly working them open. He lifted his hips a little, helping the other free him of the too tight slacks, clambering out of them a little awkwardly before pressing himself flush against Vincent once again. The trousers already forgotten on the floor besides the sofa.

Soon the hands were back on his skin, leaving a prickling sensation wherever they touched him, even without the addition of the addictive feeling of magic against his bare back. He arched into the touch, silently asking for more, sighing happily when Vincent started caressing his naked skin – at first on his back and arms, then continuing onto his sides and flat stomach.

His lips were busy once again as well, tracing a trail from his cheek down his neck, over shoulder and collar bone to the sternum and finally the firm chest, before going back up again. One hand began softly stroking down his sides, continuing over the hip and slightly down the outer side of his leg, while the other was busy rubbing small circles into the now soft and pliant muscle of his back, slowly trailing down to his butt but not quite reaching it.

It soon had Gregory squirming again, moaning softly and rocking back and forth, trying to coax his lover into continuing, giving him more of this wonderful sensation. His lips found Vincent's neck, placing open-mouthed kisses on the pale skin, occasionally nipping on it gently.

His own hands were traveling across the broad chest, enjoying the warmth for a few seconds before traveling further south, tracing the lines of the firm abdominal muscles he could feel beneath the warm skin. He was lost in sensation, the warm, hard body beneath him, the rough, calloused hands on his own, nothing else of any importance for the moment.

His motions faltered as he felt one of those wonderful maddening hands teasingly slide under his boxer briefs, softly caressing his buttock, before trailing up again. Gregory almost whined, thrusting his bottom out a little in a silent plea, his lips still on the other's neck. He was gently sucking at the spot connecting shoulder and neck in an attempt to leave a mark himself, finally coaxing a soft moan from Vincent's lips as well.

Their lips met again in a passionate kiss, tongues intertwining with each other in an intimate dance, swallowing the soft sighs and moans. Without breaking it, Vincent lifted his partner up, ridding him of his underwear with just a hint of impatience, before pulling him close again and littering the other's body with soft, breathless kisses. Legs trembling slightly, Gregory lifted his hips, allowing Vincent to fully undress as well, without having to give up the contact, hands and lips still roaming over each other's skin.

As they finally joined together they held each other close, whispering sweet nothings against their lips between soft kisses and breathy moans. Vincent's rough hands were softly caressing his lovers back, who in turn held onto his shoulders, bodies pressed tightly against each other.


Later, they were cuddling close to each other again, their hair still damp from the shower they took. Gregory was leaning against Vincent, his head resting on his shoulder, while the latter had one arm loosely wrapped around his lover, the fingers of his other hand softly intertwined with Greg's.

They were watching 'Nightmare before Christmas', having decided to start the film once again, as they didn't really watch much of it earlier. So far, they were enjoying it. Cuddling together on the couch, a pot of hot tea for each of them and a nice film on TV – for them, it was a wonderful evening.

Vincent breathed a small kiss onto Gregory's hair, smiling softly as the other snuggled closer, his tousled hair lightly tickling his nose, the curls even more prominent now. He chuckled lowly, petting the mop of hair a little, to make the curls lie at least a little flat, so he wouldn't be bothered by them, even though it was a rather half-hearted attempt.

He loved the tousled mess, finding it rather adorable, especially when Gregory was looking up at him, his bangs slightly covering his eyes. Gregory hated it – but in Vincent's opinion, it was just unbelievable cute. He kissed his tuft once again before focusing back on the film, simply enjoying the evening with his lover.


The bell above the door chimed softly as the young woman once again entered the small store. She was wearing a light summer dress, emphasizing her curves in just the right way, the long hair pulled together in a messy bun, some strands of soft curls falling down, framing her soft face.

She smiled at the young man entering the store from the back door, a beautiful viola in his hands. He put it down on the counter, smiling pleasantly at her.

"Good morning, Miss", he greeted her, his low voice as soft as she remembered it, "Is there anything I may help you with?" He went around the counter, coming up to her his eyes wandering to the violin case in her hand.

"Is there a problem with your violin? You've only bought it half a year ago…" He looked worried now, if just a little and she couldn't help but smile. It was just too adorable – he really loved his work, it seemed. But she shook her head, the smile still firmly on her lips.

"No, sir, no problem. I just wanted to ask you whether you could help me tuning it once again. I had to change a string and somehow I just can't seem to find the right tuning…", she admitted, blushing slightly. It was a blind excuse, she just wanted to see him again and needed a reason to come here, so she thought it was as good as any. Now, she wasn't so sure anymore, however. Did he see through it?

He blinked once, before smiling a little, his eyes betraying no emotion. He went back to the counter, motioning her to follow him, seemingly satisfied as he heard the soft click-clack of her shoes behind him. As he stood once again behind the counter, he smiled blandly at her, making her swallow once.

"May I see your violin then, please?" His voice was still soft, yet it seemed more business-like then before. But perhaps she was just imagining things; he didn't know her reasons for coming here, after all. Or did he? She banned those thoughts to the back of her mind as she laid the case on the counter, opening it to hand him the violin.

He gently took it from her, examining it a little, before testing each string. He cringed slightly at some tunes, almost immediately tuning the strings until he was satisfied. Sweeping the bow over them softly, listening to the melody, he nodded once, before handing it back to her, his eyes still roaming over the wooden body.

"You practiced a lot, didn't you?" He looked at her, their eyes meeting for the first time this day, a hardly noticeable smile on his lips. She nodded slightly, feeling her cheeks warming up as a small blush spread over her face.

"That's good", he continued, seemingly unaware of her embarrassment, "Keep that up; you might turn into quiet a good violinist. But ask your teacher to show you the right bow movements once again. It seems as if you are using too much pressure on it." He smiled again, all business-like, while she blushed even more, managing just a stuttered 'Thank you' as she put the instrument back into its case.

"Is there anything else I can help you with?" She looked at him, contemplating for a second whether she should just follow her initial plan and ask him out for a cup of tea. But then again, he didn't seem to be interested and she was already embarrassed enough. So she just shook her head, smiling softly at him.

"No, thank you, Sir. You have been a great help already. How much do I owe you for that?" He looked at the violin, then back at her, shaking his head softly.

"Nothing, Miss. I don't charge fees for tuning. So feel free to come back if you ever need help with it again." I gladly will, she thought to herself, while thanking him, apologizing for the trouble and finally leaving the store, banishing even the last thoughts of getting him to agree to a date with her.

Vincent watched her leave, slightly shaking his head with a barely audible sigh. As if he wouldn't see through such a cheap excuse. He didn't survive seven years in Slytherin by being dumb and unobservant, even though some of his housemates still seemed to think that.

Still, he had to applaud her, as it seemed as if she had been rather uncertain about the whole idea herself. To do it nevertheless, that took some courage; she would have made a fine Gryffindor then, he mused while storing the new viola he had just finished half an hour ago.

When he turned around again, Gregory was leaning against the counter, watching him with a soft smile, his hands resting on the counter behind him. The wide sweater bulging just slightly above his abdomen, mostly concealing the constantly growing belly. Vincent's smile widened as he walked up to the other, softly kissing his lips and resting a hand on his bulging belly.

"What are you doing here, love?", he asked him, forehead resting against the other's. Gregory just smiled, softly caressing his lover's cheek, the small silver band on his ring finger glistening in the warm light of the ceiling lamp.

"I just wanted to see if you need help down here", he admitted, laughing softly, "But it seems to be rather quiet today. So I'll go visit Blaise today. We wanted to go shopping, see if we can find something nice for the little ones." His smile turned even softer then, placing his hand above Vincent's.

"She and Theodore are already scared of the family reunion that's going to follow once their baby is born… that makes me quite happy that we don't have such a large family. Even though Aveline is already bouncing through the house, according to father." He chuckles softly, thinking about his stepmother and her hyper personality.

"We really need to invite her over, soon, or she'll just show up at our doorsteps, demanding entrance", Vincent laughed, kissing his husband's lips once again. "Why don't we invite her and your father over for dinner next week-end? I'll be cooking and we can just talk for a while."

Gregory smiled, nodding his acceptance. Meeting the family again would be nice, especially if it was just for dinner and without any obligations. He was sure they would enjoy the few hours, talking about nothing. He kissed Vincent softly, squeezing his hand lightly before stepping around him, heading for the door.

"I'll tell them before I come home. They'll be overjoyed; thank you, Love." He turned around, smiling at him once again. "I'll be back in a few hours. Call me if you need help." Vincent smiled back, nodding softly.

"Have fun, Greg. And send them my regards; I'm looking forward to seeing all of them again." Gregory grinned, waved at him and left the shop as well, feeling Vincent's eyes on his back until the door closed behind him, the little bell above it chiming once again.

Shaking his head, Vincent went back to his workshop, placing the unfinished Cello he had been working on at the table on the far wall. Instead, he took some carved pieces of wood out of the closet, placing them next to a rather large piece of wood. Whistling a merry little tune, he once again began working on the baby cot, smiling to himself.

Gregory was really the best thing that ever happened to him; he still couldn't believe he was his. Even now, three months after their marriage, it was still a miracle to him. And now, they would soon have a new member in their little family. Yes, life was nice and he was looking forward to their future.


Thank you very much for reading Serendipity.
It was a present for my best friend, displaying some of our headcanons and I wanted to share it with you as well.

Constructive critism is always welcome - I always try to improve myself.

Arleigh D. Warwick