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hertzwritings · 2 years

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As night falls

A/N: I’m literally hanging onto my mental health with bleeding and flayed fingernails. Not that it matters, because I’ll just delve into my little, fictional world, where I can treat y’all with some goodie-good! We’re still going with the prompt-list, because I can and I have no actual creativity today, because my exams are frying my brain. Love that for me. Everything (including the play mentioned) is written by me, and it kind of took a turn, I didn’t expect BUT I LOVE IT. Prompt: “And that’s why it’s illegal to divide by four.” “That makes no sense.” “Math doesn’t make sense.” + COLLEGE!AU

You can buy me a coffee here, and I’ll write you a personalized something – the sky is the limit, and it would really help me out with my bills this month.

Remember, feedback feeds the soul (mine, in particular), and my requests and askbox are always open – there’s no limits because I am me and I have none.

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PROMPT-LIST

ASK ME ANYTHING/REQUESTS

Pairing: College!AU Henry Cavill x plus sized!Reader

Contains: language, FLUFF SO MUCH FLUFF, College!Henry, theater-talk, theater!Henry, smooches, exam-anxiety, not much else but absolute love and best friends to lovers-trope

W.C.: 4.000 (WHOOPS)

As night falls

You walked with fast feet towards the library, glancing down at your clock and groaning, when you saw that you were late. The quad was full of people – the weather had turned over the last week, and the sun was shining down, heating up the pavement as you passed:

Frat boys throwing a frisbee full of shaving-foam A girl screaming her head off at a boy, throwing fluffy, pink pillows after him Someone puking at the front steps of the main office Mathletes trying acapella-music to entice new members to join them (it was impressive that they had found songs pertaining to math, really) Drama-students (your people) reenacting TikToks – you had been particularly fond of the ”her sister was a witch, bro” they had acted out as if they were doing Hamlet. It was always eventful to pass the quad near summer break.

You caught your breath and wiped your brow, when you finally entered the library. Your body type didn’t exactly match the weather, and despite wearing a sun dress, you were sweating. The eternal problem of being a bigger girl. You searched the lower level of the library for Henry, but couldn’t see him, so you took the steps to the upper level and looked through the rooms to see if he was sat in one. It was funny, that you two ended up so close. You were polar opposites. When you had met him, it was a flurry of papers and books – you were lost in the hallway, and hadn’t seen him when you turned a corner, so you walked straight into him, losing your grip on your books, papers and pencils, while your face bounced off his very hard chest. And thus, a friendship was born. You were introverted and the theater-geek, while he was the star rugby-player, the object of literally everyone’s desires, and he chose to spend his time with you. He even brought you to parties, which wasn’t exactly your scene, but he made them fun. At least, as long as he was next to you. If he went off, you were very aware of how people saw you and talked to you, as if you didn’t deserve to be there. It wasn’t news to you, and you had become pretty good at letting it roll off your shoulders, mostly because you didn’t want a repeat of that one time, you had told Henry how Dustin had sneered at you and called you a cow, and he had broken his nose. That was not necessary.

You finally found him at the very back study-room, his name scribbled in his perfect penmanship on the small board next to the door, and opened it quickly, throwing your bag down next to the door and closed it.

“I’m so sorry I’m late! I had to save the mental health of Loes, because her crush had told her he was impressed by that Beckett-inspired cake she did a while back.” You said with a grin and began unpacking your things. “She apparently feels that it’s appropriate to just die now, because nothing will ever top it, and she’s having a slight crisis, because he wants to give her something as a thank you.” Henry lifted his eyebrow at you. “She is dealing, huh?” You laughed. “Wonderfully. She only made five trays of macaroons today, which is an improvement from yesterday, where there was a baking tray on every surface in her apartment.” “I told her, I think she should just tell him she likes him. He clearly likes her.” Henry said, moving some of his own things over so you could set up. You shrugged. “Easier said than done. Sometimes it’s easier to live in the fantasy of what ifs, instead of facing a maybe or full disappointment.” You said, sitting down with a huff. “Hm.” He glanced at you, and something flashed across his face, but it was gone as soon as you noticed it. “I suppose you’re right.” You nodded. “I always am.” He sighed and rolled his eyes at you, before shooting you a smile, that made your body feel warmer than it already did. “Shall we get through this shitshow?” he asked, gesturing to the papers on the table. “You betcha.”

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“And that’s why it’s illegal to divide by four.” You said with an air of pride, throwing your pencil to the table and watched it bounce once. “That makes no sense.” Henry grinned. “Math doesn’t make sense.” You grumbled and let your head fall to the table in pure agony. “let’s face it, I’ll never pass. Go on without me, live your probably perfect life without me. I’ll just be here forever, the student who never passed, and I’ll die covered in cobwebs and regrets, while you go out and win Oscars left and right.” He laughed and his hand found your back, fingers rubbing soothing circles over it. You had quickly learned that Henry was a physical man – if he had a chance, he would touch you. A lot. Not in a romantic way, but just… It was nice. You liked it, too, mostly because it was a moment where you could live in a little fantasy that you could be more than friends. Of course, you were also pretty much attached at the hip, and it wasn’t strange for you two walk with his arm thrown over your shoulder, your arm lifted a little, so you could intertwine your fingers with his. He was Soft with a big S – it was a lot of gentle touches and small smiles. It was nice, really. “Darling, you’re not going to die in here. Nor are you going to fail, this math-exam is barely 15 % of your grade.” You groaned but didn’t look up from your arms. “It’s still 15, Henry. I have to ace everything else!” Your voice was muffled. “Okay, so? You’re literally the smartest woman I know, love. I’m serious, you’ll do great.” You whimpered. “I’m not. I don’t even know how to get through my final exam in drama. I’m telling you, the professor has it out for me.” He gently moved his hand to your neck, gripping it softly – you almost moaned at the touch – and guided your head up to make you look at him. “What do you mean?” You sighed and ignored your butterflies. “She gave me a dialogue-piece. Seriously. I… And it’s romance.” You scoffed at it. “What do you think I’m going to do? Talk to an invisible partner?” He hummed. “I mean, I could help you. I’m already done with that class, so… You have Professor Martinez, right?” You nodded. “Okay, well, I know what kind of things she might like. I’m more than happy to help.” “You’ve already done so much, helping me prep for the other exams, Henry, I can’t ask you to…” “You’re not asking, I’m offering. I’m serious. My break already started, I only have to hand in one assignment on the differences in Austen and Wolf. I’ll help, I promise.” You searched his face. You were very close to saying yes, but your itsy-bitsy crush held you back – you feared what on earth it would do to you, if you had to act out a love-scene with him. “Y/N.” “Henry.” He narrowed his eyes at you. “Let me help. Please. Think of it as practice for when we get out in the real world as actors, and we have to act in front of each other.” You laughed. “I’m sure that’s not going to happen.” “What, why?” He looked genuinely confused. “I mean… Look at you.” You said, gesturing to his body. “You’re an instant action-hero. I promise, I’ll mostly be cast as the funny, fat friend. Maybe I’ll get a lead in an indie-movie or something, but that’s a reach.” You sighed. “Remember, I’m mostly taking this class because I need the credits to go to screenwriting. I’ll do better behind the scenes.” He glared at you and stood up, pulling you with him. He cupped your face. “Don’t ever talk about my best friend like that again, got it? I love you, and I literally don’t care what you think about it, we’re doing this.” You didn’t have the chance to tell him no, because he pushed his hand over your mouth, when you began to protest. “Darling, one more word and we’re acting out a murder-scene. Come on, I know what we can use.”

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You were nervous as hell. It felt like your heart was about to drop out of your ass, and you were pacing back and forth, your long, white dress swishing against the floor backstage. It was just an exam, it wasn’t exactly something big, but you were the last on the line, and you had seen the other students who already passed, slowly seep in and settle in the chairs in the auditorium – it was terrifying. Honestly, you never really spoke up in class, so most of them had never seen you act, and now you had to do a full exam – a love confession, nonetheless – with spectators? It felt like your soul had been sucked out of your body and was hovering somewhere above you. Henry had found the regency-play, and it fit perfectly with the vibe, you normally loved, so it seemed fitting – it wasn’t a well-known play, either, so you felt pretty confident in it; at least until now. A hand gently laid on your shoulder, and you shrieked. “Henry, for heaven’s sake!” You clutched your hand to your chest. He grinned, and you couldn’t help but admire his attire; it was a period piece, and Henry definitely suited it. the period-appropriate suit and tight pants looked perfect on him – thanks to Loes, who had been more than happy to help you with the outfits, while Grim had managed to help with props and scenery (but not without smirking at you like the cat who ate the canary first, telling you “Oh, a romance, huih? Rooooomaaaaanceee? Like kissy-kissy romance?” first) and you knew the setup was good. You knew your lines; it was just a matter of actually speaking them. “Are you okay, you seem a little jumpy.” Henry asked carefully. You nodded. “Nervous, mostly. I never told you, but, uh, I never really… Uhm, did this. Like… Act-act. In front of a crowd.” He kissed the crown of your head and pulled you closely. “You’ll do amazing. You are amazing, love, I wish you knew…” He stopped talking, clearly holding back. “Knew what?” You asked, hugging him tightly. “No matter. Let’s get out there and ruin some hearts, shall we?” He pulled you out at arm’s length and looked at you with wide eyes. “You look gorgeous, by the way. Truly.” You felt heat rise on your cheeks. You were actually pretty happy with your look; Loes had been amazing with helping you find a regency-styled dress, that fit you great. It hugged your chest in the right way, and you had been admiring yourself for a while, after putting it on. It was your luck that Abby had passed you right after putting it on, and sighed gently before telling you, that you definitely needed to do something with your hair, and then had helped you braid it into a crown over your head. It was perfect. “Thank you. Let’s get this over with, please, or I’m going to throw up on you.”

You stepped out on the scene to loud cheers and clapping from your peers, and you both bowed a little, before you stated your name and student ID to the censor and your professor, and let Henry introduce himself. “And the play?” Your professor only looked at Henry, and you contained the eyeroll. “We’re acting out scene 17, act two from the play As night falls.” You said clearly, and the censor nodded with a smile. “A wonderfully underrated play, miss Y/LN.” he said. “Please, take your time and you start when you’re ready.” You nodded and Henry grabbed your hand, holding it tightly – tighter than he normally would – and gave you a comforting squeeze, before he stopped on your marks, resting his forehead against yours for a brief moment, closing his eyes. “You got this.” He whispered before drawing back and placing himself at his mark. You drew a deep breath and prepared yourself. Silence fell in the room, when you straightened your back and crossed your arms over your chest, looking at Henry as intently as you could.

“How dare you show up here, after barely speaking a word to me all day?” You began, nerves falling off your shoulders when you heard how much you projected your voice. He raised an eyebrow. “My Lady, I believe it was you, who didn’t speak to me, but made your disdain for my very being obvious.” “My disdain for you?” You spat, stepping closer to him. “My Lord, you do think highly of yourself, if you think for one moment, I would have any feelings towards you, disdain or other.” He swallowed. “Am I that obnoxious to you?” You scoffed and stared him down. “You show up in front of my home at night, throwing pebbles at my window, the night before you are to be wed!” You spat. “What do you think, good sir? That this is the mark of the gentleman, you so willingly allow people to perceive you as?” He glowered at you. “I don’t wish for people to perceive me at all. All I wished was for you to see me.” You swallowed thickly because the way he looked at you… It was intense and far too intimate for anyone else to see. “You must have me confused, for someone who want anything from you, my Lord. Please, leave, go, and get married and leave me be in my own misery.” You said, trying to level your breathing. He stepped closer to you and his hand twitched. “Do you think I could ever just leave you be? That there is a moment in time, in this life or any other, that I would not want to spend every waking moment near you?” he said angrily. “Do you think that I have not hated myself enough for feeling these feelings towards you?” “My Lord, you are talking a dangerous game now.” You whispered. “If I could leave you, I would. Oh, I wish I could, I wish there was a corner on this earth that I could escape to, where you weren’t ever present in my mind.” His eyes flickered between yours and he stepped even closer now, his chest nearly touching yours. “But you have imprinted yourself on me, like ink on the pages of the books, you so love to bury yourself in, and I cannot get away from you. I…” He stopped and sighed. “I would do whatever I could to forget the moment I laid eyes on you. You have wrecked me wholly.” You felt tears well up in your eyes at the intense gaze – it was like his eyes were drilling holes in your soul. “So be it. Forget me. Forget you ever knew me, Lord, forget whatever moments we shared, because you are to be wed tomorrow and I…” You smiled tearfully at him. “I can do nothing but watch you do so, watch you live the life I wanted with you.” “I thought you disdained me.” “I disdained what you made of me. A fool.” “Tell me not to do it. Tell me that you would rather watch me run from her, my Lady. Tell me that you feel just an inkling of what I feel, and I’m yours to do whatever you so please with.” You scoffed. “I cannot and will not tell you what to do, my Lord. You have a mind of your own, as you have made abundantly clear to me, and I wish not to tell you what to do.” He cupped your cheek.

“I will forever choose you, my Lady. Despite your stubbornness and unwillingness to entertain the idea that you might be wrong, despite the way you glare at me whenever I step into a room. I would want you to look upon me with hate any day, if that meant you were looking at me. It is better than you not seeing me at all.” He said softly, and you heard a gentle, collective sigh from the rows of students watching. You grasped his wrist and held it tightly. He was shaking slightly. “I am a fool, am I not, my Lord?” “As I am one, my Lady.” And with those words, he rested his forehead against yours in a manner just as before you started the scene, but this felt different – one, it was a part of the play, put it was also tender, and his breath was wavering slightly, as if he was nervous. “Then we will be fools together, walking into the night as it falls around us, shall we not?” You asked gently. “Night would never fall, when I have a sun in you.” He responded equally as gently.

Silence fell around you, before someone started clapping and the room erupted in cheers and claps – you both smiled at each other, before turning to face the room and bowed. Your censor was standing, while your professor looked impressed and clapped politely. Thank God. “Thank you for that, miss Y/L/N and Mr. Cavill. If you could wait backstage while we discuss, we will call you back out for your grade. The rest of you…” You professor turned to your class. “Please leave quietly!” you grabbed Henry’s hand and pulled him backstage, where he picked you up in a tight hug and spun you around, laughing.

“You were brilliant! I never… I mean, holy hell, Y/N, you were a vision!” He whispered against your ear. “Put me down, you oaf, you’ll break your back!” You laughed, but he ignored you and held you tighter than ever. “It was brilliant, truly. You were… Stunning. I almost forgot my lines several times.” “I couldn’t have done it without you, Henry.” You whispered back, gratitude flushing your body. He chuckled. “I think you would’ve. You are, after all, the most amazing woman I’ve ever met, darling.” He gently placed you back on your feet and cupped your face with his warm hands. “I do have to tell you something.” He said softly. “What?” you replied, your throat dry. “Uhm… Well, I, uh…” He chuckled a little shyly. “I wanted to ask you if you’d…” “Miss Y/L/N, please come back out, we are ready to give you your final grade.” You groaned and pulled out of his touch. “Hold that thought.” You rushed to the stage and smiled at the professor and the censor. “Miss Y/LN, you managed to use a lesser-known play and truly make it something spectacular. I was deeply impressed, and I will extend a thank you for your performance, because it was truly wonderful.” Your professor smiled at you for the first time, since you began her class. “We’ve decided to give you an A, and it is well-deserved.” You bounced up and down in glee. “Thank you so, so much!” You said happily and turned to walk back, but the censor stopped you. “Wait, just one moment, Miss.” He quickly made his way up to the stage and smiled at you. “I was truly impressed by your work today, both you and Mr. Cavill. You have a special bond, and it’s very clear from the way you work together.” You smiled. “Thank you, sir.” “I know this might be a lot to consider, but…” He pulled out a business card and handed it to you. “I am making a movie soon, and although it’s a low-budget movie, it might be good for your resume. I can’t pay you much, but I would love to see you and Mr. Cavill for an audition and perhaps discuss the possibilities of the roles?” You blinked several times and gaped at him. “You don’t have to answer right away, I know you probably have other matters to attend to.” He winked at you. “Like perhaps telling the poor boy that you’re in love with him, before he falls apart?” You coughed. “I’m… Sorry?” “A director always knows, my dear. Anyway, consider it and get back to me. I’d love to see you both in it.” He left and you walked backstage with your head full of thoughts. “So, how did it go? Tell me!” Henry looked worriedly at you, and you lit up in a smile. “I got an A. And…” You held up the business card. “We maybe have a movie to do over the summer.” He looked at you with wide eyes. “No fucking way.” “Yes, way. The censor is a director and he, and I quote, would love to see us both in it.” He laughed wildly and scooped you into his arms, before his lips landed on yours with passion, that made you feel dizzy. He kissed you deeply, pouring everything into it, and, just as quickly as it had begun, it ended. He gasped and took a step back, looking absolutely mortified. “I am so sorry, Y/N, I don’t kn…” He grunted when you practically leapt into his arms, kissing him again. Your lips danced against his, like they had never done anything else, and it felt like home. It was glowing embers in a fire, keeping you warm and sated, but flames began licking your veins and you craved more. His tongue slid against yours and you sighed into the kiss, your fingers playing with his hair. When you both needed air more than you needed the kiss, you pulled away just enough for the tips of your noses to touch. “I suppose I wasn’t the only one, who wanted to do that.” He said breathlessly. “No, you were not.” You smiled and enjoyed the moment with him, feeling his large hands rest on your lower back. “You wanted to tell me something before I left.” You stated slowly. He chuckled and kissed you sweetly. “I wanted to ask you out, but I suppose the kiss kind of spoke for itself, love.” You laughed as well. “Yeah, I… yeah. To be fair, my answer would have been yes.”

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“And that’s how we ended up here.” You said with a smile to the interviewer, while Henry’s arm was around your waist and cameras flashed in your face. The years had gone by faster than you’d care to admit, and the little, low-budget period-drama had kickstarted something, you never expected. Henry smiled as he kissed your cheek. “That’s really a wonderful love story, and such a great start to both of your careers!” Henry nodded. “I don’t think I would’ve ever got this far, if it wasn’t for this lovely woman. She’s been my rock through it all, and I’m more than excited to be acting alongside her again in this movie.” You smiled softly at him, and his hand found yours, twirling your wedding band on your finger. “Likewise. It feels almost cathartic to come back to this one, right? The play that started it all, and here we are, years down the line, about to watch us reprise the roles again.” You said and the interviewer sighed dreamily. “Well, to the power-couple… Thank you so much for answering my questions, and I cannot wait to see the movie, As Night Falls.” Henry kissed you before making your way down the carpet. “I love you.” He whispered, hugging your waist tightly. “As I love you.”

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