#and even though this is introductory and not difficult to get your head around

[immortalsins]

sat here wondering why i’m finding it hard to start work on advanced electronic systems when it has the title advanced electronic systems. if they wanted me to be happy to do it they should have called it fun & challenging yet manageable and mentally fulfilling electronic systems

[bbydoll18xx]

Guilty As Sin?

'We've already done it in my head'

Paige Bueckers x reader

I've never written anything, so this could very well be terrible, but I have a teeny tiny crush and it's killing me lol here we go!

word count: 3.1k

warnings: some naughty thoughts, ANGST, friends to lovers aka my fave

....................................................................................................

If there was one thing you had learned throughout your time at uconn, it was that it was pretty fucking difficult being Paige Buecker’s best friend. 

You had met her early in your freshman year when the boisterous blonde was partnered with you in an introductory biology course. You attempted to hold back a groan and an eyeroll as you heard your professor assign the two of you together for an upcoming lab project. You hated group projects, and even more, you could not stand the prospect of not getting a good grade in a class so important for your major. 

Paige, even as a freshman, was extremely popular. Her incessant smirk caused girls to blush under her gaze, and the boys basically broke their necks trying to impress her. She was the type of girl who knew she was hot shit.

Unfortunately, that was your type.

As Paige strolled over to where you were waiting for her, you tried desperately to ignore the uptick of your pulse. ‘Get it together,’ you thought to yourself. Girls like that should have no control over you.

“Hey, I’m Paige. I don’t think we’ve met. I would’ve remembered someone like you,” she murmurs flirtatiously, looking you up and down. Trying to keep the pink out of your cheeks and taking a deep breath, you hold out your hand and introduce yourself. 

That was the beginning of the wildly complex and intimate friendship you would build with Paige.

As a senior in college, you had learned many things: don't drink copious amounts of alcohol without eating some carbs first, avoid getting into ubers alone, do not, under any circumstances, hook up with your TA, and falling in love with your best friend is never good.

It started off innocently enough.

Paige was clingy and affectionate to those she was close with. You, being bisexual and surrounded by mostly straight people before coming to uconn, were hesitant with showing any sort of affection. You had always worried about accidentally giving your girl friends the wrong impression. Paige never cared, though, as she conditioned you into accepting hugs and tentative hand-holding. You grew to crave her warm, longer fingers wrapped around yours or her hand resting on your leg when she’s next to you at dinner or in the car. 

You had realized you were head over heels for her in your sophomore year, and the rest was history.

History you’d very much like to forget.

You were laying on the couch in your apartment. Music filled the room and you basked in the warmth of the sunshine. You rarely have moments of peace anymore, now that school had started back up.

Suddenly, the front door flung open dramatically, allowing several members of uconn’s women’s basketball team to enter as if they owned the place. 

“Hey girlie pop!” screamed KK. “We are going out tonight, and before you say no, you are coming with us.” 

“What happened to bodily autonomy?” You questioned with an eye roll. This happened all the time. Paige and her teammates had made it their personal mission to turn you into an alcoholic.

“Fuck that,” chirped Paige. “You had all week to chill, and I will not stand for that shit for another minute. Party P is comin' out in full force tonight, and I expect the same from yo' ass."

You let your eyes lock with hers. God that shade of blue made you want to drown in it, gasping for sanity as if it was air. 

“C’mon, you always do this. We’re going crazy tonight,” demanded Nika.

Pretending to think about it, you hesitantly agree. You didn’t have any control when it came to Paige. Whatever she wanted from you, she got. You chalked it up to being best friends, but your stupid brain always reminded you of the true source of power.

Paige, Nika, KK, and Azzi all celebrated as you acquiesced, already planning drink orders, outfits, and song requests at the bar they always frequented.

You sighed as Paige sat down next to you. You could handle this. You always did. Focused on anything other than her, you pick at a piece of lint on the soft green couch. Everything seemed to be a distraction from her. The heat of her body sends your pulse racing, just as it did the very first time you met. She really was an enigma.

“I’m glad you’re coming,” she murmurs softly. “Wouldn't be the same if you weren’t there.”

Taking a page out of the Paige playbook, you look her up and down and respond with an “I know.” She momentarily wears a look of shock, before her lips slide into that smirk again, and she laughs. The sound makes you want to run through a field of flowers and then jump from a building.

The pregame was, like always, chaotic, loud, and gave you anxiety. A drunk Paige was a clingy Paige, and you were not sure you could handle the extra touching tonight. One of the bottles of vodka that sat on the counter in the kitchen was beckoning to you, and you decided quickly that the only way you were getting through the night was with copious amounts of alcohol.

As you swallowed with a grimace, feeling the burn slide down your throat and settle into a warm pool in your belly, the door opened. Paige appeared, rubbing her hands together, looking like she was ready to fuck shit up. Your shit already felt ruined as you gulped at the sight of her. The black crop top she had on made you quickly spin around, shooting another shot in a desperate attempt to distract yourself from the hunger that was brewing.

“Whoa, whoa, whoa, slow down there. We don’t need you wasted before we even leave,” Paige taunts teasingly, as she saunters over to you.

With your cheeks pink and inhibitions already lowered, you licked your lips in a manner you could only hope looked seductive and put the bottle into her outstretched hand. For the second time today, a flicker of surprise graced her features. ‘Good,’ you thought. ‘Two can play that game.’ 

As Ted’s was close to the apartments you all were living in, it was decided that a walk would be more efficient than attempting to wrangle the numerous already drunk girls into ubers.

You cherished the warm breeze flowing through your hair, allowing it to briefly sober you up.  Walking alongside Azzi and Caroline, you let out another small sigh, catching their attention. Your feelings were evident to pretty much everyone except Paige, and her teammates often tried to coax you into admitting your feelings to her. 

“Try to have fun tonight. Find someone hot to grind on, and you’ll feel better,” Azzi said unhelpfully. You laughed, but it wasn't a bad idea. “You’re right. I need a distraction. And preferably someone who is not blonde,” You muttered, causing Azzi and Caroline to giggle. 

Paige’s head whipped around at the sound of laughter. She pouted for a second before bounding over to you. She secretly hated the attention you gave her teammates; she wanted you all to herself.

Paige was possessive, as well as mouthy when drunk, which could be a messy combination. But Paige did not care about being messy tonight. She wanted your attention and your attention only. She knew she could very well embarrass herself, but the desperation of needing your attentiveness was far more important. She could handle her anxieties in the morning. 

“There’s my pretty princess,” Paige announces loudly, taking your hand into hers, almost possessively. The pet name wasn’t unfamiliar. Paige called you every name under the sun except the one on your birth certificate, yet the sudden affection caused your heart to lurch dangerously.

You needed a drink.

The bar was already buzzing when you walked in alongside the girls, still being pulled along by the tall blonde. You were fortunate it was dark inside, allowing a sense of privacy to indulge in the intimacy Paige was supplying to you.

She places a hand on your waist, looking down at you. “Imma get you a drink, babe. Stay here with the girls, and do not let any creeps touch you.” You could tell the few drinks she had at the pregame were already getting to her. She was getting more proprietorial.

You nodded, but you wanted to see how far you could push her. You’d do anything for her attention, even if that meant flirting with a boring guy to test her. She was sexy when she was pissed.

You fantasized about the way her jaw clenches when she's angry, as you scoped out for someone to be the target of your favorite unhealthy game. A six-foot blonde with light blue eyes catches your gaze, and you smirk. ‘Game time,’ you think.

With a smoldering look in your eyes, and the alcohol in your veins to keep you feeling confident, you walk up to the guy and introduce yourself. You find out his name was Josh and quickly shift in closer to him, feigning intimacy you would only ever want with Paige. 

It’s not long before you feel Paige slide between you and Josh, creating the distance you wanted since you walked up to him. 

“Paigey!” you exclaim. “This is Josh. He wants to dance with me.”

You see Paige jaw clench in annoyance and she pushes the drink she brought you into your hand before wrapping her now free arm around your waist with her hand splayed against your belly. You shiver at the contact.

“Go away before I make you, bro. She’s mine,” Paige practically barks at Josh. He shrinks away with a weird expression on his face.

You weren’t sad to see him go.

“Thanks for rescuing me, Paigey,” you beam up at her and take a drink. Paige’s eyes never leave your lips as you bite them, looking around the crowded bar. Your lips are pink from the gloss you just applied, and she thinks about how they’d feel against hers. 

Paige would never admit it aloud, but she thinks about you. She thinks about your dimples when you smile at her. She thinks about your laugh. She thinks about how you taste. In her head, they are together. In her head, you are spread out underneath her, begging for her tongue, her fingers, for anything.

Paige is used to people throwing themselves at her, and the idea of rejection, especially from you, makes her shrink back in fear. 

Paige’s eyes are hazy as the dirty Shirley starts to float its way through her veins. She relishes in the feeling of lowered inhibitions and the perfect excuse to get closer to you. Paige pulls you into her to dance. With the alcohol fully in your system, as well, you giggle and seductively dance against her. You can feel the tight muscles of her abs up against you, and you swallow thickly. It's difficult to ignore the way it makes you feel hot and sticky. 

“God, P,” you mumbled against her pale throat. 

“You look so good dancin’ against me, you don’t even know, babe,” Paige replies with her signature smirk.

You could feel the boundaries of your friendship slowly stretching to accommodate the feelings of lust sparking between the two of you.

Between the dancing and the large amounts of alcohol flowing, the night flew by quickly. Soon, you were getting pulled through the door and back out into the chilly Connecticut air with Paige holding you steady. You were a notorious lightweight compared to the girls of the basketball team, and that hadn’t changed tonight. 

“P-paigeyyy,” you whined needily. “Need you,” you pouted up at the blonde. The other girls in your vicinity shared curious looks with each other. You had never acted like this before whilst drunk, and no one really knew how to respond, Paige included. 

“What do ya need from me, princess?” Paige asked with a chuckle.

You motion for her to lean down, and you whisper in her ear, “kisses.” 

“Oh? You wanna kiss me?” Paige questions, feeling all the blood rush to her head.

You nod with a dreamy look on your face. You were going to regret this in the morning, but right now all you could think about was how soft her lips looked and how much you wished you could be hers.

'We've already done it in my head,' you thought drunkenly.

Paige looks down at you with an unrecognizable look, but she presses a soft kiss on your forehead and says, ‘“let's get you home and to bed, doll.” 

As you stumble back into Paige’s apartment and onto her bed, you look up at her and raise your hands over your head, making grabby hands at her. Paige rolls her eyes fondly but helps you get undressed. Walking you into the bathroom, she lifts you up onto the counter effortlessly, helping you take your makeup off and brush your teeth.

It felt so domestic you could cry.

Climbing into bed, your drunk mind prepared itself to sleep next to Paige. It would never feel like enough to you. You wanted all of her. 

Paige lies down behind you, wrapping a long and muscular arm around your waist, caging you in just the way you like it. You are a second away from sleep enveloping you, when you think you hear Paige whisper, “I am so in love with you.”

Your heart stops.

You wake up the next morning with your head pounding. You squint your eyes and look around. Paige is still sleeping next to you. You gently smile as you gaze at her peaceful figure. You wish you could stop time to stay here in this bubble with her. Soon, you’ll go back to being just Paige’s best friend, and the relationship you’ve built up in your head will come crashing back down.

Soon enough, the blonde wakes up, ripping you from your daydreams. She smiles at you, and turns over to completely face your body. “Crazy night, huh,” she alludes slyly.

Your eyebrows crinkle in question. “Did something happen?"

“Uh yeah…you don’t remember what you said to me?” she asks.

You shake your head in confusion, but you start to attempt to recall the events of last night, and all of a sudden it comes back to you. You recall asking her to kiss you, hanging all over her, and the incessant pouting and neediness. 

“Oh my god,” you whisper, feeling your face heat up in embarrassment, and immediately you jump out of bed to leave.

“Wait, don’t go please,” Paige pleads in a way that is startling unlike her.

You ignore her pleas, gathering your stuff and running out of her apartment. Tears burn your eyes as they threaten to slide down your face. You try to stifle your sobs as you climb the stairs two at a time and get to your own door. You throw yourself into your shower as you attempt to drown out your own cries. 

As you sat on the floor of your shower you could not believe how stupid you were. Drunk flirting with your best friend would be the end of your friendship. You could see it already. Paige coming to you, trying to let you down easy. You felt so humiliated.

You sat there until the water got uncomfortably cold, leaving goosebumps against your skin. As you toweled off, you replayed the events of last night in your head for the millionth time. The dancing in the bar, the walk back to Paige’s apartment, her helping you undress. You sigh at the idea of losing her before it all comes crashing back.

“I am so in love with you,” she had whispered into your hair. You still at the memory. Paige loves you? Sure it's common knowledge that you loved and craved her with all of your being, but a love that was requited? It was almost too much to think about. 

You grab your phone that you had left abandoned on the couch and see the messages from the blonde. Messages of regret and longing fill your phone. One more pops up as you scroll, saying ‘I’m coming over. I won’t let you avoid me over this bullshit.’ 

A few moments passed before there was a loud banging on the door to your apartment. You had never felt so appreciative that your roommates had left for the weekend. Your breath grew ragged as the door slowly creaked open, revealing a panting Paige. Her blue eyes looked almost wild as they met yours.

“C’mere, just let me explain,” she says quietly. You weren't used to Paige being quiet and almost solemn. It scared you, just as the thought of confrontation did. This was not a conversation you wanted to have. 

Fighting your own instincts to immediately bolt, you gingerly sit on the couch where she had already made herself comfortable. Some things never change.

“Listen,” she starts out cautiously. “I never want things to be weird between us. I never imagined I would be feeling this way towards someone who was just a friend, but…I think we haven’t been ‘just friends’ in a while.”

You finally allow yourself to meet her gaze, trying to search for any semblance of where this conversation could possibly be going. Surprisingly, she looked hopeful, as if she knew something you did not.

“I-i want you. Like, more than a friend,” Paige stutters out, “And I think you feel the same way. We’ve both been too scared to admit it, but I’m tired of ignoring how you literally make me feel whole.”

You blink back more tears in realization that the last three years of hell of being only Paige Bueckers’ best friend was finally coming to an end. She could finally be all yours and yours only.

Without thinking, you place a hand on her jaw, bringing her to your lips. They meet yours with such hesitancy you almost think you’ve ruined the delicate balance of what you are to each other at the moment. Paige lets out a breathy sigh and pulls you onto her lap. 

You were heavenstruck. 

As the both of you finally pull away from the drug of a kiss, you look at each other and giggle.

“So much for the dramatics, I guess,” laughs Paige. 

You smile, rolling your eyes. “Not my fault,” you pout. “I have no control when it comes to you, P.”

“Same,” grins Paige. “The only thing left to do is figure out how to tell the girls. They’ve all been beggin’ me to tell you ‘bout my lil crush on you.”

“Those bitches knew?” you ask incredulously.

“Well yeah,” Paige says. “I’m not subtle.”

You giggle at how stupid you felt. The signs were there all along, but the fear of rejection and the cloud of lust had obscured any indications of reciprocity. 

“Let’s just start making out the next time we’re in front of them and see how they react,” Paige suggests with a waggle of her eyebrows. 

You could hear the whoops and cheers already.

“Deal,” you say blissfully. 

She was finally yours. 

[takeariskao3]

written for @ginnystrophyhusband june microfics. our coffee shop au now has a title: magic doesn’t last! (this one got away from me a lil bit, don’t punish me for the word count)

Harry shrugged out of his anorak and slumped into a chair near the cash register. Ginny wasn’t behind the counter; he figured she was in the back restocking, or doing some other barista duty required of her during the time between customers.

He’d arrived a bit earlier than usual this Sunday to find a completely empty café. He hadn’t set out an hour ahead of his self-determined schedule for any one reason. Except that he wanted to see her. But Harry wasn’t up to being honest with himself at the moment, so he just chalked it up to the bad weather. And not wanting it to get worse the longer he waited.

Despite his standard issue raincoat, he’d still gotten soaked on the walk from the bus stop—to the point that water dripped and dribbled down from his hair. It dampened his collar and overall contributed to the minor inconvenience that felt like a true nuisance.

After fidgeting in his seat for a moment or two, he stood quickly and approached the service station to grab some extra napkins. As he patted dry the nape of his neck, Ginny charged through the curtain that kept the back room hidden.

Harry took her in and froze in mild astonishment.

Ginny’s hair—that had been obscenely long and typically pulled back in a high ponytail for the entire time he’d known her—was now chopped in a straight line even with her chin. The effect was bewitching. The arch of her brow had an elegant curve to it that he’d never noticed before, her lips looked fuller and glistened a darker shade of mauve, and her eyes were brighter than he had ever seen them.

Upon further inspection however, he realized the flint in her irises was poorly disguised fury.

“Hi,” Harry said lamely.

Ginny huffed unintelligibly and began dumping coffee beans into the giant receptacle at the top of her espresso machine.

“You cut your hair,” he continued, unable to fully understand what exactly he was saying. Or why. She obviously knew she’d cut it. It wasn’t like he was breaking the news to her.

“It looks–“ Harry fumbled for a descriptor that did the full countenance of her justice. “Good.”

He inwardly cringed.

“See!” Ginny answered angrily. “Now that’s a normal reaction. ‘You cut your hair. Look’s good.’”

Harry felt his lack of creativity sounded worse the second time around, but she seemed pleased enough. Trying not to dwell on it, he instead attempted to follow the explanation of her indignation. It was difficult though, he kept getting distracted by the new angles he was discovering in her face.

“Not ‘Why didn’t you tell me?’ Or ‘You didn’t want to talk about it ahead of time?’ Who the fuck does he think he is? It’s my hair. Why in Christ’s sake should he have an opinion?”

“Sorry… Who?”

“Dea–“ Ginny stopped herself and turned the weight of her full glare on Harry. “My dickhead of a boyfriend.”

Harry’s teeth clenched together. “Oh.”

“I mean, sure, if i had really planned on something this drastic I might have mentioned it. But it was spur of the moment, you know? I was sitting in that stupid chair, staring at myself in the mirror, thinking about the interviews next week, and I… I panicked.”

Harry blinked. “What interviews?”

“Oh…er,” Ginny ducked her head and murmured, “Introductory interviews. At The Guardian.”

“You got the spot!?” He practically cackled, his face splitting into a wide grin.

“No,” she cut in quickly, but her underlying glee was poorly disguised. “It’s not official yet. So don’t you dare jinx it!”

“Wouldn’t dream of it,” he agreed.

As Ginny switched from replenishing the coffee beans to brewing them, Harry didn’t even try to even out his expression. A heated bloom of pride spread out from the center of his chest. He of course knew she was brilliant, so he supposed it was only a matter of time before the rest of the world figured it out too.

“I was just trying to look more polished. Less like a farm girl and more like an actual professional.” She shot him a pleading little wince. “And it wasn’t like I kept this big change from Dean intentionally. But now he keeps messaging and calling and acting like a kicked puppy because ‘I didn’t care enough to include him in my decisions.’”

Harry went back to drying his neck, keeping his eyes on his shoes and offering, “I’m sure you guys will work it out.”

Of course they would. Because the universe was conspiring against him in increasingly absurd ways.

Ginny didn’t agree or disagree with that assertion, but coward that he was, Harry didn’t look up for a good long while. The sound of espresso drips and steamed milk were the only thing that broke the heavy silence.

“Here you go,” she said finally, sliding a mug across the butcher block. “On the house.” At Harry’s bewildered expression she finished, “For being the first person to compliment my new hair.”

He squinted incredulously. “Is that all it takes to get free stuff around here? If I tell you it looks really good can I get a scone?”

Ginny rolled her eyes with a laugh, and began wiping down a perfectly clean counter. Harry didn’t think he imagined the flush of pink at the tops of her cheeks.

[slinkythecoffeekid]

Chapter Two || Who's the Goose if I'm the Duck?

Updates Hi again! I didn't expect the first to be super popular, as it's such an introductory chapter. I have a few things planned, and I'm excited to do them, even if no one reads them. With that being said, welcome to chapter two! I am nervous about this chapter ngl...

Chapter Two of "Standing Again" Pairing: Jamie Tartt x Reader Rating: T for teens word count: 7.8k Warnings: swearing, Talk of injury, Injury-related trauma, PTSD behaviors, Alcohol is mentioned. anxiety

Synopsis:

You've been here a week, and you've been pretty busy. Between keeping track of others and your needs, you reflect on how hectic your first week was. Having a party to wrap up your week isn't a horrible idea, is it? Cheers to new friends.

They say quit if you don't like your job in the first two weeks. But what about a job you're only a few days into? 

You'd been here a week and wanted to pull your hair out. How was it difficult to manage a singular aspect of twenty-three adult men's lives? The one aspect that, even then, they had the most input on? The answer was complicated, and honestly, if it wasn't for the lavish pay, you wouldn't still be here, in your office with the lights of your kitchen and office off as you sat in your chair slumped back as far as physically possible. Things couldn't be that bad, could they? Maybe you were overreacting slightly. You sigh, forcing yourself to sit upright, causing the LED auto lights of nightmares to turn on, blinding you. 

Groaning, you avert your eyes and dig through your desk for a notebook. It was a simple black leather-bound notebook with your initials etched, a gift from your mom when you started playing. She told you that even the best players have thoughts on improving. That's why they were and are the best at the game. It hasn't been used in three years, but you flipped through the book, looking at what you wanted to improve back then: Plays, strategies, teamwork bonding. Everything was in this little book of yours. 

You pull out a pen from your desk, uncapping it. You sit for a moment, thinking about what to improve on in this new role of life. Instead, though, you decide perhaps venting to yourself would be a better use of your time. So, putting pen to paper, you begin to write.

Tuesday: people could not respond to an email. Why am I hunting down grown adults? That's not my job. 

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Your morning started just like every morning before. You got up at 5:25 am, ate breakfast, had some tea, got dressed, brushed your teeth, brushed your hair, and left your flat at 6:30, ensuring you locked up. Putting your earbuds on for your morning run and commute to work.  Your run takes you through the city proper, past many shops and parks, passing school children playing football in their uniforms before class, and older couples just enjoying their time outside in the nice weather. No difference from the morning before besides the warmth that the morning before didn't have. Your morning commute gets you to the football club at 8:05, in theory, your usual time.

You make it into the building, giving small hellos and nods and heading straight to your office. Pulling out your keys, you unlock the large metal door and unlock it heading into the kitchen. You turn on all the lights before heading into your office, shutting the door behind you, and sitting in your chair. You look around before looking down at the picture to the right of your desk and smile, wishing your former team a good morning and turning on your computer. Most of your morning comprised of double checking the order from the week before would be accurate and seeing what you'd be receiving this week. You also spent a good chunk of the morning filing away any paperwork left behind in your filing system. By the time late morning rolled around, you'd finished most of your morning checklist.  You remembered that you needed to check your email to see who had responded to the one thing you told the team to do. The real question was if anyone was paying enough attention to do what you'd asked of them. Logging in, you check your email; to your shock, almost everyone has responded. The first few you saw were those you expected to respond promptly.

Danni Rojas

Jan Maas

Issac McAdoo

Colin Hughes

Roy Fucking Kent (he actually put that as his name on the email)

Looking through most of the responses, you had most of the team on the list Rebecca graciously provided. You decided to look into the responses you received from the team and get an idea of what they enjoyed eating. Between Sam asking for more traditional Nigerian food, Issac asking for a more protein-heavy diet, and Roy essentially sending you a grocery list, you were glad that people took your position seriously and respected the effort you wanted to put into the job. However, there is  always one stick in the mud when getting every cow in the barn.

Jamie Fucking Tartt

Of course, he hadn't filled out the only thing you'd asked of him. By nature, Jamie was a prick who only did things if they were convenient for him. Filling out a survey for the new person on something he didn't care about was not on his mind or even remotely in his brain. Of course, you knew you had a hunch this would happen but not right out the gate. Remembering you have an actual task, you pull yourself away from putting the information in the computer and get up to walk out of your office. Jamie could be in only a few places: the pitch, the locker room, or just not there at all. All options are logical places for footballers to be. You decided the first thing to do was check the locker room and then go from there. The locker room was close to your office, so it didn't take too long for you to get there. Knowing it was a locker room and having been raised with some semblance of manners, you knocked before entering. However, upon arrival, the locker room was empty. Not a single soul was in sight; you knew they had not left for any games. So that meant they had to be outside on the pitch… that Higgins never took you to.

A frown crossed your face; this meant they were outside on the pitch, and you didn’t know how to get there from inside the building. However, this presented you with a unique opportunity. Sure, you had been down here just yesterday, but you didn't get to look around, and maybe you'd catch the Kitman and he could walk you to the pitch. You walked in just to look around, observing people's lockers. Everyone's lockers have a touch of them. Jamie's iconic icon hat sat on the top shelf of his cubby. Sam had his photo of the Nigerian National Team. Jan has his little Netherlands flag on his own. Everyone had something to care about in their lockers. You turn to look at the coach's office and catch a glimpse of yellow above the door. The bright yellow sign says ‘BELIEVE’. You smile to yourself knowing this had to be Ted’s doing. He seemed like the kind of guy who, if he could put it everywhere he could, even a tattoo. That brought laughter to yourself, the silly idea of Ted with a ‘believe’ tattoo. Shaking your head you reach up to gently tap the sign above the door and walk back out of the locker room. Standing outside the door you look down the hallway. Trying to figure out how to get to the pitch. 

You had three options: ask someone, wander until you find the walkway to the field, or hop the fence. 

The first option would save you some time, even if you felt it was embarrassing, the second would take longer but you felt your pride would be saved. The third… well you didn't even entertain as it was foolish. Weighing your options… you decided that you'd wander because there was no way you would ask your boss how to get to the pitch. You walk down a few random corridors before realizing for a small building, they sure have a lot of random hallways here. You sigh in slight defeat, before deciding to head back toward the locker room and try the hall it's attached to.  You head back the way you came, heading towards the locker room and rounding the corner before running face-first into someone. 

That someone, as you looked up, happened to be none other than one and only Roy fucking Kent; you were able to get out a nervous " "sorry…"

Looking down at you, Roy frowns, as if he had just been run into. It had never occurred to you just how tall Roy was. He wasn't overly tall, but he was tall enough to be intimidating if he were standing over you, like now. He grunts in response. “It's alright; just watch where you’re going.” He brushes his clothing down. “What are you doing down here?” 

During this, you decided to check your email on your phone just in the rare chance you had received a reply. Nothing. Hearing the question, you looked up. “Looking for the pitch. Higgins didn't show me the way, and I'm pretty sure that was on purpose.” 

Roy nods in understanding before letting out a slightly annoyed grunt. “Right, Gimme a second.” He turns around and briefly walks into the locker room before returning without the bag he brought.  Looking down the hall that you had not gone down yet, as the hall was like a t-shaped intersection, he points down, “That hall takes us to the pitch.” with that he turns around and begins walking down that hall, before calling over his shoulder,  “Come on then, let's go.”

You nod and follow him down the corridor, keeping up with his faster walking speed. You notice that sometimes if he steps funny, he limps. This reminds you of your leg and how you sometimes had to coddle yourself. It brings you a sense of relief and a small smile.

“Oi, next time fucking ask instead of wandering around like a lost kid.” he slowed his pace down so that you two could be in step together. Mostly so you didn't wander off again.  Roy must have had a sixth sense of existent joy, or maybe he was a natural buzzkill you had no idea. 

“Yes sir” you grumble stuffing your hands into your pockets, cheeks puffed out, sulking like a little kid.

You two walk in awkward silence down the rest of the hallway. As the two of you reach the end of the hall he opens the door for you letting you walk out first. You thank him politely as you walk out the door. Earning a standard grunt of what you had come to realize translated to you’re welcome

Emerging from the tunnel you had to shield your eyes from the glaring sun that was right in your eyes. Adjusting to the sun's angry beams of light and vitamin C, you look around the pitch. Aside from the players running drills, the pitch was in clean condition. The stadium was of good size and in Richmond colors blue and red and you looked up and behind you, you could see Ms. Welton's office from where you stood. You turn back around to walk over to where the four coaches were huddled up talking about different drills the team would be working on, trying to feign your disinterest you clear your throat to catch the group of men's attention. 

“Well, howdy there doc! How are you this morning?” Ted turned around and smiled widely at you hands on his hips, “Mighty fine weather this morning aint that right fellas?” he nudges, Nate to his left and Beard to his right who both nod and give a mixture of ‘yeah, it's nice’ and ‘sure uh huh’ from both. 

Roy stands next to them, arms crossed, and looks over to the pitch, where the team is currently scrimmaging. He loses all interest in the conversation behind him. 

You snicker at Ted, looking out to the field, “Yes coach, it's good weather for practice. And even better weather for hunting down people who don't follow explicit directions from someone doing their job.” Honestly, you were not even all that mad, frustrated to hunt down someone, sure, but not angry. You look to the pitch, “Where's Tartt?” 

Nate looks to Beard who shrugs watching the field, and Nate shakes his head in uncertainty. “Not sure, is there something you need (y/n)? I'm sure we can get it for you  later.” 

You shake your head. “You're going to get him to respond to an email?” You turn to Nate with a raised eyebrow. Based on how Nate looked at you, he must have realized that this wasn't an issue he could comment on. He seemed to try forming a sentence and moved on, paying attention to the field.

“Right those emails, I did remind everyone to respond to them before we left yesterday. Maybe it just slipped his mind (y/n).” Ted gently pats your shoulder, “But we can have Roy tell him to do it for you if that would help?” 

Beard and Roy both scoff from the side.

“More like yell at him to do it,” Beard laughed before yelling out onto the field, “Don't forget the extra pass!!” 

Your brow furrowed, arms crossed looking to the pitch, surveying the players, and realizing you hadn't seen Jamie on the field. “Is he even here?” and everyone shakes their head in response. Unannounced to you, every coach takes a step back from you. You pinch the bridge of your nose and inhale an annoyed breath. “Right of course why would he be punctual?” you ask out loud. 

As you're asking this you feel something, no someone barrel past you, apologizing as they went, causing you to stumble and Ted and Beard try to help you keep your balance and not fall on your face. All of you look up to see one Jamie Tartt running towards the field, throwing a bag off to the side of the field. “Jesus fucking Christ” was all you could manage before standing up feeling somewhat winded from how hard he rushed past you. 

“You’re late Tartt!” Issac yells from the far side of the field. 

“I know I'm late!” he yells, grabbing one of the scrimmage vests from Will the Kitman and flashing a smile as he puts it on. " Cheers! " He then runs to the field to join his team. His hair is disheveled, and he is clearly out of breath. He probably ran the entire way from the car park, not paying attention that he just barreled through four coaches and a (y/n). 

You stand there amazed, astonished, appalled, and probably now fuming. Everyone could sense your frustration more because of the lack of manners, and they all seemed to just ignore your frustration at the young striker. Except for Roy.  

Roy doesn't look at you, “Watch the field, (y/n) Captains got it handled,” his response confusing you more before you turn to watch.

From where you stood all you could see was Issac and Jamie talking for a moment before Jamie bowed his head in defeat, took for the outside lines of the pitch and started running. Passing behind you and the other coaches, “Sorry for running into you!” he yelled as he ran by. Causing you to crack a small smile. It wasn't like it was a proper apology, but it was an apology. Looking at the four men, you nod, “It's an apology alright,” you take a deep breath of air seeing that everyone is still practicing as usual. “So someone wants to tell Tartt I need his email?” 

The four coaches shrug amongst each other before Beard piped up, “Hey Jamie!!”

Jamie, on the far side of the track still doing laps, stopped and looked over, shielding his eyes so he could locate who yelled his name, “Yeah?!” 

“Respond to (y/n) Fucking email!” 

They got a very distant thumbs-up, “Got it, Coach!” and he kept it on his lap. 

Beard turns around to you, “If he doesn’t, tell Roy, and he will hunt him down”

“The fuck I will,” Roy grumbles in slight annoyance. “I will, Don't let the prick push you around.” 

You smile at all four coaches, “Thanks, coaches. Cheers!” You give them all a wave before heading back inside the building towards your office to start your orders for next week. 

After you are out of earshot, Ted turns to Beard, “Think they got lost?”

“Yup”

“And Roy found them.”

“Yup” 

“Probably got a lecture out of it.”

“Most definitely.”

“Well at least they didn't hop a fence” Ted blew his whistle, “Bring it in guys!”

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Thinking back on your Tuesday, it wasn't horrible, even after that mishap of getting lost. You did get the email from Jamie; he was like most of the younger gents, higher protein, low sugar, and things of that nature. Your afternoon was spent with Keeley, who insisted she couldn't work from her desk and had to spend time with you. Of course, until she had to actually leave. You enjoyed that she wanted to spend time with you; you hadn't spent too much time with friends, had you? When was the last time you called them? All the guilt from unanswered texts and calls started to creep into your thoughts, but you shook it off. 

You look at the notebook again before putting pen to paper again. Writing about your Wednesday.

Wednesday: Everyone wants to know how I'm doing. I don't have an answer. But everyone also wants to know me and who I am. I don't know who I am anymore—or if I ever did.

Your morning started just like every morning before. You got up at 5:25 a.m., ate breakfast, had some tea, got dressed, brushed your teeth, brushed your hair, and left your flat at 6:30, ensuring you turned your lights and your flat was locked up. Putting your earbuds on for your morning run and commute to work.  Your run takes you through the city proper, past many shops and parks, and past school children playing football in their uniforms. Some of those kids wave and say hello to you. Older couples just enjoy their time outside in the nice weather. No difference from the morning before. Your morning commute gets you to the football club at 8:05.

You make it into the building, giving small hellos and nods and heading straight to your office. Pulling out your keys, you unlock the large metal door and unlock it heading into the kitchen. You turn on the lights before heading into your office, shutting the door behind you, and sitting in your chair. You look around before looking down at the picture to the right of your desk, smiling, wishing your former team a good morning, and turning on your computer. 

What had you in such a good mood? Order day. Why did that have you in such a good mood? A day just to yourself. As you had realized, you had to talk to the team about their diet goals and were constantly asked about different things. You didn't just hang out in this windowless box all day. 

You hadn't been in your chair more than five seconds before the main door to your office swung open with such force that it hit the door stoppers on the backside of the walls, causing you to jump and look towards the door to see who it was. 

You don't know what you expected, but it was not Keeley and Roy. Keely led the charge as she ran inside. “(y/n)! Good morning!” She ran to your office and put a takeaway coffee cup on your desk with the biggest smile. “I got it just the way you like it. I did show them the photo you sent me, so it's as right as it could be, right?” Keeley watched you with anticipation as Roy rolled his eyes. 

You stare at Keeley for a second. “I do appreciate that. Thank you, Keeley. You made no effort to grab the cup, but where did you meet Keeley's puppy-dog eyes?”

“She wants you to drink it,” Roy grumbles from the doorway; he looks around your office intently.

Your office was rather bland still; as far as office effects of your own, it wasn't quite up to your character yet. Give you a few weeks, some free time, and a day you drove to work. This room will be screaming that it is your space. You take the cup Keeley brought you with a genuine smile of gratitude and take a sip. It wasn't quite the temperature you were used to, but it was simply because of transportation. Also, it tasted even better because it was free.

Your happiness appeased Keeley, who plopped down in one of the chairs across you, smiled, and pulled out her phone. “So, babes, how are you liking it here? You love it, right? Is this the best job you've ever had? I mean, besides being a pro footballer, right?” 

You had just sipped your drink before smiling sheepishly at Keeley, “I've been here not even three days. You gotta give me at least two weeks before I can answer you honestly.” You set your drink down and looked over to Roy, who was now looking at his phone. 

Roy let out an annoyed sigh but kissed Keeley on the cheek, “Gotta go cheers, love,” and left promptly.

Keeley smiled and waved him off until she heard the metal doors shut, and she sat up as if possessed by some sort of muppet, “god, he's hot… Oh! So I was thinking, since it's your first full week here, maybe on Friday we should hit the pub with the team for a welcome dinner or something! Since all the boys seem to find you intimidating.”

You take a sip out of your cup with one eyebrow raised before you set the cup down again. " They find me intimidating? Why?” At this point, you were emailing Rebecca about something completely unrelated to work.

Keeley shrugs a bit, “Because you’re fit, built, and don't take anyone's bullshit, Roy told me you came out to the pitch to get Jamie to follow a simple instruction!” she leaned forward in her seat, arms propped up and supporting her chin on the flat backs of her hands. “Honestly, Jamie could use someone like you, I mean, he's got Roy, but like an actual friend, and maybe that could be you.” 

You let out a dry chuckle, “Give him enough time, and he will become as callused and jaded as Roy and me.” you hum to yourself. “As far as the pub goes, I dunno, Keleey, I have been here less than three full business days. Don't want to get anyone's hopes up.” 

Keeley starts to protest, but there's a knock on the door frame of your office; both of you look over to see Jamie standing in the doorway, wearing his Richmond tracksuit and holding two cups. “Mornin’ doc- morning Keeley. Ah, Doc, I brought you some coffee. I dunno if you drink it, but to apologize for not doing what you asked the other day.” Jamie entered the office, putting the cup next to the one Keeley had brought. “Ah, didn't know you'd already gotten some.” 

Are you taking it anyway? Absolutely. " It's the thought that counts. What even is it anyway?” you ask, studying him. The young striker stood with a posture exuding arrogance and well-earned confidence. He was well-kept. His trainers looked like they would cost at least three months' rent these days, but that's what happens when you're the famous Jamie Tartt. 

A grin of pride crosses his face when you take the drink, “Just a vanilla latte, and no need for extra stuff in it, you know?” you nod in agreement with him. 

“Oh! Jamie, what do you think about the team hitting the pub on Friday to do a welcome dinner for (y/n)?” Ah, yes, the glint in her eye, then I will get my way look many have failed to save themselves from. 

Jamie either didn't notice, or he was already sold before she batted her eyelashes at him on the matter; either way, he was sold on the idea the second he heard it. He gasps, and his eyes light up, "“"Oh! That would be wicked! We can go to Crown and Anchor, and they can meet Mae; you've met Mae, right? But hell yeah, I’m in! Think we could get the boss lady to come too and cover the tab?” he asks Keeley leaning into her side and gently elbowing her.

This was it; what you realized was your chaotic sibling dynamic; yeah, sure, they dated, but they seemed to be good friends still, and you could see that they got along wonderfully. So cheers to them, really. You let out a small chuckle. Catching the two's attention. “It's nothing.. If you want to set up a dinner, be my guest. I just don't think it should be about me.” you look up at the clock, “Tartt, you better run, or Roy is going to make you run 30 laps on your own for being late.” 

Jamie looked up at the time and sighed in defeat. " Yeah, he will… but yeah, keels, we should do it! Can you text me the info later?” he asked, running backward before turning to run out of the office and to the pitch. 

Keeley smiled and looked over at you. " Dinner on Friday, six p.m.; don't be late.” She gave you a mock salute before disappearing to ask Rebecca about paying for her impromptu Friday night team dinner. 

You stretch yourself out in your chair before looking at the time. You had nothing better to do for the rest of your morning since nothing important was until the afternoon. Getting up, you head outside, deciding to wander to the pitch so you can sit in the stands to watch the team practice.

“(y/n)!!” 

Hearing your name being called behind you, you turn around to see Rebbeca power walking towards you.

“I'm glad I caught you. Where are you headed?” Rebbecca looked out of breath as if she had been running in her heels for half a kilometer, but she put herself back together quite quickly. 

You turn and point towards the hall to the pitch. “Heading out to watch them practice since I've got time to kill until the afternoon.” 

Rebecca nods, “I see. Shall we go together? So we can see how the team is?” She was polite, but you knew she was telling you that you had no say in the matter. You nod, receiving a smile that could only be described as devious. Rebecca starts walking away, and you follow shortly after her to keep up with her Gazelle-like gait. The two of you sit in the top row of the stands, and the team's therapist is not too far ahead of you. But she seems to pay you, and Rebecca has no mind as you sit down. 

Adjusting in her seat, Rebecca clears her throat to mostly catch your attention. “So, how are you adjusting? I know it's been a while since you've been near football. Hopefully, you're settling in, well, yeah? " She doesn't look at you, but you can feel you have her full attention now. 

Glancing at her before looking back towards the pitch, your eyes on the 11v11 practice they are doing. Seeing how Isaac and Sam can keep the ball moving so Dani can score brings a smile. " I'm doing alright. I can’t complain about it, mostly because if I did complain, it wouldn't help anyone, would it? But no, I'm adjusting just fine.” 

Rebecca nods in understanding, the two of you in silence before she speaks up again. “When I started running the club, I considered making a women's team. Since all the other clubs have one, why couldn't we? Rupert said it was in poor taste, but I still hang onto that idea.”

You nod, leaning back in your seat. " That sounds stellar. It would work well if we could get back to premiere status.” 

“Yes, well, maybe one day. I mentioned it because you were one of my draft picks if we could have—” you cut her off. 

“The shot was clear from half the field away! Zoreaux should have seen that and probably could have seen it! At the very least, predict where the damn ball was headed! Why was he on the off side of the box?” you lean forward in your seat, annoyed; even if it was just practice, an unprotected goal is a point for the other team, whoever you ask. You frown, watching the goalkeeper before looking back at Rebecca, “I'm so sorry- you were saying?”

She smiles at you, shaking her head. " It's good to see that the love for the sport doesn't die when you leave the pitch.” 

You nod with a small smile. “Raised in it. I have a brother who plays for Arsenal and another who coaches for Sunderland.” You think about it for a second. “We play Sunderland. In what? Three weeks, right?” 

Rebecca thinks momentarily before pulling out her phone to look at her calendar. “Ah yes, three weeks from this Saturday. Why?” 

You shake your head, “Oh, no reason. Just curious.” 

“Right… Oh! Keeley mentioned a welcome dinner for you this Friday, and I think that would be a wonderful idea to get you to know the team better. I'd love to go, but I have plans with my god-daughter on Friday. But I will cover the tab. I do hope that you have a lot of fun, though.” She gives your shoulder a slight squeeze. Before her phone started buzzing, she let out a deep sigh.  “I do have to go now… If you need anything while you're here (y/n), please don't hesitate.” she gives you one last pat on the shoulder before leaving you in the stands with nothing but yourself, your thoughts, and the team's therapist. Who had turned around to look at you at some point? 

You give a wave and a slight smile; she only nods back at you before turning around. You sigh, get up, and head back to your office. On your way back in, the team was heading in so they could grab lunch; you stood off to the side so all the gents could get into the locker room. Most gave brief hellos; you got a fistbump from Collin, Danni high-fived you, Isaac dabbed you up, and Jamie greeted you by name. Honestly, you found all of it weird but endearing simultaneously. 

“Howdy, howdy, Doc (y/n). How are you doing?” He came and stood beside you, watching everyone head into the locker room. 

“Everyone wants to know that, don't they? Do you always have an answer to that question, coach? " You put your hands in your pockets. 

Ted also stood there with his hands in his pockets, shaking his head, “Not always. But I think we all mask our feelings by avoiding the question or giving such routine answers that we sometimes forget to talk about what's wrong.”

You nod, “I can see why we have a club therapist.” 

“Indeed. Oh, hey, Jamie mentioned a little team dinner for you since it's your first week. I know you're not too keen on it—Jamie told us that too—but I think it would be fun. Get the team out to dinner! Bond with us, share tales of your time on the pitch, and tell people how you got that wicked nickname.” He gently nudges you and smiles, “What do you say? Come to dinner with us on Friday.” 

You sigh. Honestly, you wanted to decline. You wanted to remain by yourself, be the person who randomly needed specific updates, and leave at 5 p.m. every day. However, this group wore you down. You nod in response. “Fine, but the lads get me for a pint, and that's it.” 

Ted nods with a broader smile, " Sounds good to me,” he heads into the locker room. Hey guys, (y/n) said yes!” You could hear the locker room erupt with yells, hoops, and hollerings as you shook your head and walked back to your office, pulling out your phone. 

Unlocking your phone, you scroll down through some of your messages until you land on a familiar name: your brother, Archie, or, in your phone, Brother Sunderland. You stared at his contact photo for a moment. It was of him and his two sons, Jason and Ian. Jason was ten, and Ian was seven the last time you saw either of them. With whatever courage you had, you decided to text Archie before you lost your nerve. 

Hey, just me. See you at the Richmond vs Sunderland game. 

Quickly pocketing your phone, you head back to your office. For the rest of your day

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The rest of your Wednesday went smoothly, with the order being put away and lunches made for the next day. You never made the team eat whatever you made, but it was always a viable option for them. Labeling everything for everyone. It was relaxing to be alone, and you listened to the Arsenal match vs. Chelsea. And left at 5pm. Just like every day before it. Thursday was also much like the day before, with the same morning routine and work routine. Spent it with others and by yourself and went home at the same time, as normal. 

The only thing is that you never received a text back from Archie. It hurt a bit, but you understood. People can't continue to reach out if you can't meet them halfway. You hurt him first. 

You sigh, looking down one last time, and write down one previous entry. 

Friday: team bonding dinner. Nervous as fuck; what if people don't like me? What if I don't like myself? I shouldn't go. 

You think for a second. Standing up, you grab your backpack and your car keys. It had rained most of last night into the morning, so you drove just to be safe. You hear a knock on your office door and turn to see Jamie standing in his puffer vest with a sling bag on and that silly cap that says ICON. You wave, zipping up your bag. “Afternoon, Jamie. Can I help you?” 

He shrugs, “Nah, I thought I'd come down and offer to drive you to the pub; I mean since you run every morning.” 

You raise an eyebrow at him with a slight smirk, “Paying attention to someone besides yourself, Tartt. Careful people might get the wrong idea.” you pat him on the shoulder, walking past him with your backpack on and the hoodie you wore in. your clothes were nothing special just jeans and a plain black shirt, and a plain hoodie to go with it all. You twirl your car keys in your free hand. “But don't worry, Jamie, I drove.” you head out, shutting your lights off, Jamie trailing behind you.

“Ah yeah, that's good and all… what do you drive?” 

You look over at him, “Tartt, is this you trying to be friendly, or are you trying to get something else out of me?” You mostly were teasing him, but you also know yourself well enough to know you could not let this go anywhere. 

He shrugs, “Friends, I guess, I mean, you're fucking fit, but I got a career to focus on right now.” stuffing his hands in his pockets, he refuses to look over at you. 

You shrug, “Don't worry about it. I get it. Dating as a footballer is not for the weak.”

“You had many boyfriends when you played?”  You had his full attention now if you hadn't already.

“Nah, I don't have—I didn't have time for that.” As you approach the car park, you smile at him and pat him on the shoulder. “Riveting as this conversation is, I'll see you at the pub. Cheers, " you say, heading towards your car. 

“Wait, you never answered my question!!” Jamie yelled after you, but you had already settled into your car, turning over the engine. You don't know what he thought you drove, but his eyes went a bit wide when he saw you in a 2016 Jaguar F-Type in white. You had to pull in front of him to turn out of the car park, and you rolled down your window and peeked your head out.

“Does this answer your question?” 

He nods and smirks at you as you pull out of the park and head towards the pub, leaving not only him but a few of the other players standing in awe. 

“Mate, was that (y/n)?” Isaac asks in awe.

“Sure was, mate.” Jamie nods. 

“Think they’d give us a ride sometime?” Sam pipes up from beside Isaac. 

“Beats me bruv. Come on, let's get out of here." Jamie and the others walked towards their own cars. 

The Crown and Anchor was busy by the time you arrived. Since a lot of people had gotten off to start their weekends. You'd never been in here before, so you quietly made your way to the bar, where an older woman was pouring pints for a group of three lads while watching the corner tele. The woman looks over at you with a smile, “What can I get you love?”

You shrug, “Just some water, please.” you push your hoodie sleeves up and watch the window, waiting for your coworkers to enter. Here, you were nervous about a group of twenty men wanting to hang out with you. You hadn't been so anxious since you first started primary school. You come to your senses when the woman sets some sparkling water before you. “Thanks… Mae, right?” 

She smiles and gives you a wink, “The one and only. Welcome to Richmond, love. I hope you enjoy it here.” And she leaves you with that. 

You smile, taking a sip of your water, but nearly choked by the firm arm wrapped around your shoulder; looking up, you see Isaac and Sam on either side of you. “Jesus Christ scared the shit out of me!”

“Coach said you'd stick around for one pint; water doesn't count even if it is a pint,” Isaac spoke so seriously that you could never tell if it was a joke or not. But he does crack a smile, “Mae! Three pints!” he lets go of your shoulder and nods as if inspecting if you are cool. “The f-type yours?”

You nod, “Yep, that's the first car I ever purchased on my own. I don't drive it much.” You smile at Sam, “Are the others coming, or did they cancel at the last second?”

“Oh, they are very much coming. We would not miss a chance to drink on the club's money. Besides, everyone wants to get to know you!” Sam's smile was infectious. During this, Mae had put down the three beers, and Sam and Isaac started drinking. 

You go to say something, and the pub door swings open, and an absolute marching line of A.F.C Richmond players come into the pub chatting with each other, and Isaac and Sam wave everyone down to where the three of you sat. Everyone exchanged greetings. Everyone was there, well, besides Rebecca. Keeley, Roy, all the other coaches, and every team member were there. You managed to sneak off to a quieter part of the pub during this. Just sipping on your water, watching everyone chat, and have a good go at it. Eventually, people started to ‘settle’ in with their food and drink. 

You watched them all from afar but turned to hear someone coming to sit next to you. Jamie. 

“Come to seek me out?” you ask, eating a chip from your fish and chips. 

“You disappeared, and the party is about you, bruv.” He takes a sip from his beer and attempts to steal an unguarded chip. But he receives a firm smack on the back of his palm, earning a pout from him. “Come on (y/n), one?”

You raise an eyebrow at him, “We are not friends enough to warrant chip stealing. However, I don't do parties. They make me nervous like my heart is in my mouth and my brain is in my stomach, and I'm never happy after them.” you state pretty bluntly. “I agreed to show up for a pint, not to socialize.” you take a bite out of a chip and lock eyes with Jamie, who nods at you before snatching your entire plate. 

“Hey now! Give that back!” you try to grab it, but he's holding it over your head. 

“Nah mate, you gotta eat with us.” he carries your plate to the group of your team and sets down the plate next to his own. Forcing you to join the team. “May I present unlucky 13!” This announcement has caused the team to start hooping and hollering at your arrival as you grumpily sit beside Jamie, arms crossed and slouched in your seat. 

“You're a prick,” you mutter at him, getting a wink in response. 

The rowdiness stopped as Ted stood up with his pint, “A toast to having (y/n) join our team, even if they are just making sure none of you boys starve.” This earned a laugh from the group. “I hope you find the same love for your career off the pitch as you probably did on the pitch. To (y/n)!!” 

“To (y/n)!!” Everyone cheered and went back to their prior conversations. You didn't attempt to run away this time, but you did look to Jamie. “Get me a pint?” 

He nods and gets up to the bar to get a drink. In his absence, Roy sits in the chair Jamie left. “I didn't think you'd get back in the game, did you?” 

You nod, eating another chip. “Im fucking terrified. I know I'm not in the box, but being this close… it's nerve-wracking. What if I want to play again?” you look over at Roy. You'd known Roy a long time. Roy was a Sunderland academy product, and Archie played with him there. 

He shrugs at your response, “then you fucking play the game. You can't be scared of your own fucking shadow (y/n). It's not like you're out on the fucking pitch anyways. You can't hurt your leg by making shit protein pasta with shit sauce.” he turns and looks you dead in the eye. “You're closer than you were before. Give it time.” 

You scoff, “ill have. You know it's not fucking shit, and you know that if you fucking ate it.” you look up at him with a small smile. “Yeah, you're right. Don't ever expect me to want to run drills with you guys. Zoreaux needs to keep a better line of sight of the ball from further back. He miscalculated Wednesday's trajectory from the near half pitch.” you look over, seeing Jamie returning with your pint and take it with open arms, “Thank you, Jamie.” You take a sip of your beer. Even if you didn't like beer, it was just a good old tradition to tolerate at least one.

Roy gives you a pat on the shoulder, rolling his eyes. “Good night (y/n),” and he walks away to spend time with Keeley. 

Jamie watches before sitting down. " Hanging out with grandad? You need better taste.” He takes a sip from his cup.

You shrug, “He's a friend.” you smile as the chat has turned into some stories of team members' youths and adventures they've been on. Even the coaches get involved. You learn more about Kansas than you'd ever thought you'd need to and the American school system. That was more terrifying than anything else. Everyone swapping stories. You listen but don't get too involved in sharing; your brothers are both footballers, but nothing too personal. The end of the night dawns closer, and you get up, grabbing your keys. You had only drunk one pint, and it had been a few hours. So you raise your hand, catching the team's attention. 

“Good night, boys; I'll see you all tomorrow.” most of them remembered that they had a home game tomorrow against Derby County. And with that, you head out the door to your car. Hearing your phone ding from your pocket, you check it to see you have three missed texts. One was from Rebbeca, and I hope you enjoyed dinner and free drinks with her. Another was from Keeley telling you that she and Roy had to leave early for personal reasons; this text was followed by several crying emojis and made you laugh. The last one was from Jamie. 

Jamie Fucking Tartt

Have a good night, hope ya had fun. Drive safe

You look up and back through the window, making eye contact with him. He smiles and waves at you as you wave back and climb into your car. Sitting in your seat, you slide down as far as you physically can, holding your face in your hands, “fuckkkkk,” you force yourself upright in the driver's seat and turn over your engine before buckling up.

Your drive was quiet and fast enough. You parked your car in the garage connected to your building. And head into your building. Heading to your flat on the first floor. Entering, you kicked off your shoes and dropped your bag in the kitchen. Heading to your bathroom to wash your face and brush your teeth. Your nighttime routine is uninterrupted. You plug in your phone, watch, and headphones. Everything that you would need for in the morning. Getting changed into your PJs, you collapse into your bed. Curling up in on yourself and looking at the ceiling. Thinking about how much you enjoyed the team here. This team was going to get even better. It didn't take too long before you drifted off with a smile on your face. Richmond was a good move for you.

You'd fallen asleep by this point, and your phone lit up with a notification. 

Brother Sunderland

We need to talk. See you in three weeks.

[mingi-s-dimples]

His love, a masterpiece in his eyes - Yeosang

KINKTOBER DAY 20, REQ. BY anon

~"Ateez Yeosang x Reader who self doubts. Please add squirting/ toys/ Yeosang using deepvoice/"

pairing: bf!yeosang x gf fem!reader

genre: 18+, soft smut

summary: You've been feeling insecure about... kinda everything, lately, and your sweet boyfriend decides to please you and show you just how much he loves you.

wc: 3.7k

warnings: mentions of body checking, mention of insecurities (remember to love yourself as you are ♡), use of toys, (vibrator), fingering, p in v, lots lots of praising, mirror sex duh, there's a slight slight the slightest hint of dom in yeosang *a speck*, i absolutely don't know what else I could add, unprotected (boo wrap up irl!), completely consensual, for sure forgot something, unedited might edit later.

Author's Note: Heyy guysss so this one is a little bit sad in the first part, the introductory part. Tho I absolutely love their dinamic ngl and he is def the person to praise tf out of you and for your pleasure. Enjoy ml! 💖 This fic is on the softer side btw.

Whoever feels down for whatever reason or insecurity that is bother you, please remember that you are your own person and everyone is left with oneself in the end. Cherish your body and mind to the fullest 🤍

Disclaimer: This is a work of fiction and does not represent the reality of the member.

It was a quiet afternoon. The soft hum of the wind blew through the slightly cracked window, carrying with it the crisp scent of fall. You sat cross-legged on the bed, your laptop open in front of you, textbooks scattered around, along with a haphazard assortment of notes, highlighters, and pens. You had been working on a particularly difficult assignment for hours now, the once-clear instructions now feeling like an incoherent jumble. The small ticking of the wall clock added to the already growing pressure in her chest.

The semester had been grueling so far—between lectures, exams, and papers, You barely had time to breathe. Today was supposed to be productive. Though, you could feel the beginnings of a familiar anxiety creeping up on you.

At first, it was just a small voice, a whisper of uncertainty.

"Maybe I’m not cut out for this."

You brushed it aside, trying to focus on the work. But the longer you stared at the assignments, the louder the voice grew, until it drowned out everything else. The once methodical clicking of your fingers on the keyboard slowed and eventually stopped. Shoulders slumped, and you let out a frustrated sigh, leaning back against the headboard.

“Why am I even trying?” you muttered to yourself. “I’ll never get it right.”

Your gaze shifted to the chaotic spread of materials around. There was a strange irony in the way the bed had started out as an organized workspace, but now it seemed to mirror your internal state: disarrayed, overwhelmed, and falling apart.

The spiral of thoughts that followed was inevitable. First, it was about your academic abilities. Maybe you weren’t smart enough for university, maybe you weren't disciplined enough, maybe you were just a fraud pretending to belong here. Then, like a wave crashing over, it expanded beyond school.

It wasn’t just your mind that wasn’t enough—it was your body too.

You stood from your bed, walking over to the mirror that hung on the back of the door. You hadn’t planned on looking at yourself. In fact, you avoided doing so on most days. But today, you couldn’t help it. You stared at the reflection, a lump forming in your throat as you scanned yourself from head to toe.

"Why can’t I just be… better?"

Your hands lightly grazed the stomach, then the thighs. The criticism in your mind was merciless. Every flaw seemed to be magnified in the mirror—every imperfection suddenly glaring and unforgiving. You weren’t just failing at school, you were failing at everything. Your body wasn’t the way you wanted it to be. You weren’t as put-together as everyone else seemed to be.

Tears stung at the corners of your eyes, but you blinked them back, shaking your head as if it could stop the flow of self-doubt. Though, it didn't last long until you started sobbing, thinking what could've been better. What could you do to make things better?

Hours passed, though you couldn’t tell how much time had gone by. The day outside had shifted into evening, and the room was now bathed in the dim, golden glow of the sunset.

Just then, the familiar sound of keys jingling in the door echoed through the apartment. Yeosang was home from his classes. He had his late university lectures today, and he often stayed behind for extra work. Normally, you loved hearing him come home. He brought with him a calming presence that made you feel at ease, but right now, you weren’t sure how you’d explain the tears or the chaos that built up.

The door creaked open, and Yeosang’s voice, soft and warm, filled the apartment. “Y/N, I’m home!”

There was no response from you. You tried to wipe away the tears quickly, though the red and puffy eyes betrayed you.

“Y/N?” Yeosang stepped into the room, his gaze immediately landing on you. Concern etched across his face as he took in the sight of your tear-stained cheeks and the disheveled mess surrounding. He walked over to you quickly, his eyes full of worry. “Hey, what’s wrong?”

You shook your head, avoiding his gaze. “Nothing. I’m fine.”

But Yeosang wasn’t one to be fooled by half-hearted reassurances. He knelt down in front of you, gently taking your hands into his. “You don’t have to hide from me,” he said softly. “I can see you’re not fine.”

You sighed shakily, the lump in your throat returning as you tried to explain. “I just… I don’t know if I can do this. School. Life. Everything feels like it’s falling apart. I don’t feel good enough.” voice cracked as you spoke, and the tears you had tried to hold back threatened to spill over again. “I feel like I’m failing. And… and I don’t even feel good in my own skin.”

Yeosang’s heart broke at your words. He reached up, gently cupping your tear-streaked face. His thumb brushed away the lingering wetness under your eyes. “Y/N, you are more than enough. You’re smart, you’re capable, and you’re doing so much more than you give yourself credit for.”

You looked at him, eyes searching for any hint of insincerity, but all you found was his genuine concern and affection. “I just don’t feel it. I don’t feel… enough.”

Yeosang moved beside you on the bed, wrapping his arms around, pulling you close to your head resting against his chest. “You are everything to me,” he whispered. “Do you know how amazing you are? You work so hard. You always push yourself, even when you’re feeling like this. That takes so much strength.”

His words were soft, comforting. Slowly, the tension in your body began to ease as you listened to him. “And as for not feeling good in your own skin… I think you’re perfect. Every part of you is beautiful to me.”

You lifted your head slightly, teary eyes meeting his. “You really think that?”

Yeosang replied, pressing a gentle kiss to your forehead. “You are beautiful, inside and out. And I love every bit of you.”

Your heart warmed at his words, the self-doubt that had consumed you earlier now fading into the background. You sniffled softly, hand resting on his chest as you looked at him.

“Thank you,” you whispered, voice barely above a breath.

Yeosang smiled gently, leaning down to kiss you softly. It was a tender, lingering kiss, filled with affection and reassurance. There was no rush, no need for words. His lips on yours conveyed everything he felt for you, and you kissed him back, feeling the love and warmth in every gentle movement.

When the two of you finally pulled apart, foreheads pressed together, breaths mingling, Yeosang’s voice was barely a whisper as he spoke.

“You’re enough, Y/N. You always will be.”

Yeosang’s hand remained at the back of your neck, gently pulling you closer, his touch grounding and tender. His eyes, dark with care, held yours as he leaned in again, his lips meeting yours with a warmth that felt like home. Every kiss seemed to melt away the doubts and insecurities you had just confessed, his steady presence calming the storm within.

"Do you know how much I admire you?" he whispered, his voice soft yet filled with conviction. "The way you keep going, the way you face everything—even when it feels impossible. You're more than you know."

His words sank deep, wrapping around your heart. You felt him take your hand and press it to his chest, right over the steady beat of his heart. "I need you to feel how real this is," he said, his thumb tracing small circles over your hand. "How much I love every part of you—inside and out."

With every touch, he seemed to be silently telling you, showing you how precious you were in his eyes. He moved his hand to the small of your back, pulling you close, his eyes never leaving yours. You felt seen, cherished, and beautiful in his gaze.

“Trust me,” he whispered, a soft smile playing on his lips. "There's no one else I want, no one else I need... just you.”

Yeosang's hands moved to your shoulders, his touch gentle yet full of purpose. His fingers grazed your collarbone, tracing a slow, reverent path as though he were memorizing every inch of you. His eyes roamed over your face, filled with a quiet awe that made your heart race.

“You’re beautiful, you know that?” he murmured, his voice like a soft caress. His hands slid down your arms, his thumbs brushing over your skin in soothing strokes. “Every part of you… I want you to see yourself the way I see you.”

He leaned in, pressing a kiss to the corner of your jaw, his lips lingering as though he never wanted to let go. His fingers trailed down, resting on the curve of your waist, pulling you close. His kisses moved down to your shoulder, each one slow, deliberate, a whispered promise of his devotion.

As his fingers found the hem of your shirt, he paused, looking into your eyes for permission, his gaze soft and respectful. When you gave a slight nod, he gently lifted the fabric, his eyes never leaving yours as he revealed each inch of your skin. He took his time, as though he wanted to savor every moment, his hands gliding up your sides, his fingers brushing lightly against your skin.

“You’re perfect,” he whispered, his hands moving slowly, reverently. His lips followed the path of his hands, pressing tender kisses along your shoulder and down your arm, his every touch filled with a quiet reverence. "Every inch of you is beautiful to me."

Yeosang’s hands continued to trace your skin as he whispered to you, his voice a soft and reverent murmur.

“You’re gorgeous,” he said, stepping back slightly, his gaze never leaving yours. He watched you with quiet admiration, his own breaths coming a little faster as he took in every part of you, clearly moved by the beauty he saw in you. With a gentle smile, he began to undress, unbuttoning his shirt and letting it fall away before his hands moved to his jeans. You noticed the hint of his own desire, a warm flush on his face. His now hard cock straining against the zipper of his jeans, a little wet spot forming right where the tip was, dripping with pre cum.

Your eyes met his, and you couldn’t help but smile, your voice soft but filled with longing. “I want you, Yeosang. I want to feel all of you,” you murmured, letting your words linger between you both.

He nodded, his gaze tender yet full of a deep affection as he finished undressing. As he moved back toward you, he paused for a moment, as if taking in the moment itself, letting himself fully appreciate the trust and connection you were sharing. With a gentle, steady hand, he guided himself over you, his body fitting perfectly against yours as he leaned down, his forehead resting against yours.

Then, with one slow, purposeful motion, he closed the distance between you, grounding you both in a quiet, shared rhythm. His hands travelled on your thighs, his eyes full of admiration, and as he was feeling you up, he never stopped whispering those soft reassurances, each word a reminder of how much you meant to him. It was a quiet, powerful closeness—an unspoken promise that he would be there, lifting you up in every moment.

“May I-?” he asked, voice deeper than you expected, but you loved that side of him. His deep, sultry voice always sent a shiver through you. You nodded, and his hand traveled lower on your legs. You were completely bare in front of him, your own arousal dripping on the bed. He took a deep breath before his kiss trailed off from your knees to your thighs, then to your inner thighs and to your lower belly, as close as possible to your cunt. He stopped for a moment, and looked into your eyes. “You're so pretty.. just like this.

His fingers moved with a steady, knowing rhythm, pushing deeper with just the right pressure that made every nerve come alive beneath his touch. The way he watched you, eyes dark and intense, sent another thrill through your body. His thumb found that sensitive spot, circling it slowly, building an ache that made you cling to him, helplessly following the pace he set. Each breath felt heavier, a deep, pulsing heat coiling tight inside you, desperate for release.

As his fingers moved faster, pressing deeper, he murmured low praises, his lips grazing your skin, heightening every sensation with words that made you feel cherished and desired. His voice was rich, a soft command and encouragement that pushed you higher. “That’s it, just like that,” he whispered, his tone coaxing and gentle, each word grounding you as he brought you closer and closer to that peak.

Finally, the pressure shattered, sending wave after wave of euphoria rushing through you, your whole body trembling with each pulse. He didn’t stop, keeping his touch firm and steady, easing you down slowly, drawing out every last bit of sensation until you felt like you were floating, entirely weightless in his hold.

As the tremors faded, he eased his fingers back with a gentleness that made you melt into the bed. His hand caressed your thigh, grounding you, his thumb tracing slow, soothing circles on your skin. He leaned down, pressing a soft, lingering kiss just above your heart, his gaze filled with a quiet adoration. “You’re perfect,” he whispered, his words a gentle echo that brought you back down, cradling you in the warmth of his presence. With each slow breath, you felt yourself relax, sinking into a calm afterglow, his hand never leaving you, holding you close, safe, and utterly cherished.

He kept his gaze locked on you, his eyes soft and full of reverence as he took in every inch of you, almost as if memorizing each detail. "You're beautiful," he murmured, his fingers tracing gentle lines down your arm, over your waist, and lingering where his touch had left its mark. "Every single part of you… absolutely breathtaking." His words wrapped around you like a warm blanket, a reverent tone that left no doubt in your mind about how he saw you.

Leaning closer, he brushed a thumb over your cheek, his eyes searching yours before his lips met yours in a kiss, soft at first, like a silent promise. But as the kiss deepened, his hand slipped down to your back, pulling you flush against him. You felt the warmth and firmness of his body pressing close, and the tension between you both sparked alive again, a slow burn igniting into something more intense.

With a gentle shift, he eased himself forward, closing the distance completely. The moment he slid inside you, a low, deep moan escaped him, his voice raw and full of pleasure. The sound reverberated through his chest, pressing against you as he buried himself fully, his breath mingling with yours in the shared closeness. He stayed still, savoring the feeling, his forehead resting against yours as he breathed in deeply, grounding himself in the intimacy between you.

The warmth of his hands, the depth of his gaze—it all blended into one powerful connection, a quiet moment suspended in time. His fingers brushed tenderly along your spine as he murmured against your lips, "You’re… perfect." And as he began to move slowly, his body pressing closer with each motion, his words were a steady rhythm, a mix of praise and awe. Every movement, every whispered compliment became a shared heartbeat, drawing you into him, grounding you both in a moment that felt boundless and endlessly safe.

Yeosang’s rhythm was slow, deliberate, each thrust grounding you both in the moment, his hands firm and possessive on your hips, holding you close as his deep voice murmured soft praises against your skin. With each movement, he brought you to the edge, his quiet intensity a powerful force that left you clinging to him, savoring the way he filled every part of you.

Then he stilled, his breath warm against your shoulder as he pressed a kiss there. "I want you to see yourself… the way I see you," he whispered, his voice filled with reverence. Gently, he lifted you, his arms cradling you for a moment before he turned you over, guiding you onto your belly and positioning you so you were facing the mirror on the opposite side of the room.

With one hand on your lower back, he leaned over you, his chest grazing your spine as he slowly pressed into you again. His hand remained firm on your lower back, grounding you, while the other held your waist, pulling you closer so you could feel every inch of him. His movements were unhurried, each thrust deep and steady, designed to keep you connected, to let you feel the weight of his presence with every inch.

In the mirror, his gaze stayed locked on you, his expression one of awe as he took in the sight of you beneath him, every curve and line reflected back. His deep voice resonated through you, soft words spilling out as he praised the beauty he saw, the admiration clear in his tone. “You’re incredible,” he murmured, his words sending a shiver down your spine as he pressed even closer, the fullness of his presence grounding you in the here and now.

He shifted slightly, angling his hips so that each movement brought him as deep as possible, his grip on your waist keeping you close, pulling you back to meet each thrust. His hand trailed over your lower back, anchoring you, his praise a steady rhythm in time with his movements. Watching you in the mirror, he let out a low, appreciative sound, his gaze never leaving the sight of you, wrapped in his embrace, vulnerable and cherished in a way that only he could make you feel.

As he moved within you, his rhythm slow and deep, you felt the heat rise in your cheeks, a soft flush spreading across your face as you glanced away, shy under the intensity of his gaze. Sensing your hesitation, Yeosang’s hand moved from your waist to your chin, his fingers gentle but firm as he tilted your face toward the mirror, guiding your gaze to meet his reflection.

“Don’t look away,” he whispered, his voice low and soothing, his eyes holding yours in the mirror. His thumb brushed tenderly along your jawline, his hand steady as he kept your face tilted, making sure you could see yourself exactly the way he did. “I want you to see what I see.”

He leaned over you, his lips grazing your ear as he spoke. “You’re so beautiful like this,” he murmured, his words filled with quiet reverence. His gaze roamed over you, taking in every line and curve, admiration clear in the way he looked at you. “Your body… it’s perfect, exactly as it is,” he whispered, his hand returning to your waist, pulling you back against him so you could feel every inch of him, grounding you in his touch.

With each gentle thrust, he continued his praise, his deep voice resonating through you, filling you with warmth and reassurance. His hand on your chin slid down to rest on your shoulder, anchoring you as he held you close, his gaze never straying from yours in the mirror. “I wish you could see yourself the way I do,” he murmured, his tone a soft, steady reminder of how deeply he cherished every part of you.

With a few final, deep thrusts, Yeosang’s breathing grew heavier, his low, quiet moans filling the room as he buried himself completely within you. His hands tightened on your waist, his forehead pressing against your shoulder as he rode out his high, each sound he made a low, reverent murmur in your ear. As the last wave passed through him, his movements slowed, gentle and lingering, savoring the closeness as he gradually stilled.

He stayed like that for a moment, holding you close, his hands grounding you as he caught his breath. Then, carefully, he lifted you up, his arms wrapped around you with a tenderness that made you feel cherished, entirely wrapped up in his embrace. Gently, he settled you in his lap, angling you so you could see the aftermath of his passion, the warmth of him still lingering as his arousal dripped from you.

With a quiet intensity in his gaze, he slowly spread your legs, his fingers gliding over your skin with a reverence that made your pulse quicken. “Look at you,” he murmured, his voice low, almost a whisper as he held you close, guiding you to take in the view. “You’re a masterpiece,” he added, his words soft yet full of pride, his hands tender and steady as he let you see yourself through his eyes, appreciating every inch with a quiet awe that made the moment feel intimate and entirely yours.

With a gentle strength, Yeosang wrapped his arms around you, pulling you into a tight embrace, his warmth surrounding you completely. He held you close, pressing a tender kiss to the top of your head as his hands ran soothingly over your back. After a moment, he scooped you up, cradling you against his chest, and carried you toward the bathroom, his gaze soft and full of care.

In the shower, he was attentive, his touch gentle as he helped you wash away the remnants of the night. His fingers combed through your hair, his hands moving with a tenderness that made you feel cherished. He stayed close, his quiet presence a comforting warmth as the water cascaded over both of you, easing away any lingering tension.

As the steam filled the space around you, you looked up at him, your heart swelling with gratitude and affection. “Thank you,” you whispered, your voice soft but sincere. “I love you, Yeosang.” Your hand reached up, brushing lightly along his cheek as you held his gaze. “I can’t be myself without you… I’m not complete without you.”

His eyes softened, and he pulled you close, resting his forehead against yours as a gentle smile spread across his face. “You’re everything to me,” he murmured, his voice filled with a quiet intensity. He held you like he never wanted to let go, his embrace grounding you as you stood there together, feeling whole, connected, and perfectly safe in each other’s arms.

NETWORKS:

@blossomnet

@illusionnet

PERMANENT TAGLIST:

@mingleshine @musiclovingfairy @crazylittlebisexual @sanhwalvr @gong-fourz @arki-sha @artistic-rendition @hongjoongtime117 @cypher-03 @woolysium @memorabxlia @peachy-bell26

[koiifiishy]

Prompt Synopsis: you've unlocked a new interaction with isaac the journalist! CW: typical DoL warnings Misc: nongendered you/pc insert. mostly an introductory drabble!

You had met the American a couple times while you were out about the town, whether it be on your way to one of your jobs or returning from them. He seemed to get around just as much as you did, never idling for very long, and if you had faith in people anymore you may have even said he seemed fairly normal. But experience told you that there was hardly anyone in town, whether they were a tourist or a resident, that could be considered "normal".

Your suspicions seemed to be confirmed during one fateful run in with Isaac, where he had propositioned you. Not for sex, but for information.

"See, I'm a journalist," He had explained, "and i like t'have various sources available to me. Makes for a better net of info to work with." You had been skeptical, saying that there wasn't much a school kid like you could tell him. He'd smiled at you in a way you're sure most people would find charming, but you couldn't help but focus on the flash of canines and the crinkle of his eyes. Like a fox, you thought, he seemed ready for you to say something along those lines.

"Of course, I'll pay you for your time. School kid like you could probably use some pocket change, huh?" he'd turned your words back on you with a slight cock of his head. "I hear it's not cheap livin' in this town." and although he hadn't elaborated, you thought you could read well enough between the lines to realize he may have known more about your situation than you were comfortable with. If it wasn't sexual favors though, you had figured that agreeing may have been better in the long run.

"Pocket change doesn't cut it." You sniffed, playing difficult. "My pockets are pretty deep, you know, hard to fill."

Isaac had laughed at that and nodded along in good humor, "Yeah? Inflations a bitch, huh? Don't worry, I got you. How's this," and just like that he'd pulled out his wallet then and there, flashed a £50 and asked for your name in exchange for it. You'd given it, figuring this had to have been the easiest money you'd make all week — and in doing so had solidified your role as an informant to Isaac the Journalist.

Now he occasionally sought you out while you were working, whether it be at the cafe or the club, and spent an hour or so sipping at some drink as you told him whatever you thought would interest him. You only told him one or two things per visit, not wanting to run out of this easy cash, and Isaac would leave a tip at the end.

Like tonight, as you worked behind the bar of Darryl's strip club, Isaac sat at one end of the bar nursing a cocktail. You had noticed that he was an easy customer to tend to pretty early on - he ordered his drink, smiled and said his hellos, and then left you to your work until you had a moment to talk to him. It felt more natural like that, like you were just chatting with another patron rather than an employer, and a part of you thought that that was how Isaac preferred it. You'd never really asked what exactly it was that he was writing about...

You made your way to him, wiping at some glasses. He didn't bother turning towards you, eyes cooly following the dancers as they moved across stage. You figured he was listening, so you spoke. "Hey, you never did tell me what it was you were writing about."

Isaac lifted his glass to his lips but didn't take a sip before agreeing. "I sure didn't."

"If I knew what it was you were actually looking for, I'd probably have better things to tell you." You tried to reason with him. He took his time drinking.

"Maybe." He said, and after a couple of minutes of waiting for him to say more, you realized he wasn't going to. A little frustrated and disappointed at the lack of cooperation, you shook your head. "How do I even know you're actually a journalist then? Maybe you're just some weirdo who likes talking to me." This time, he snorted — a bemused sound with a smile that further drove the noise home.

He faced you then, and the full weight of his pale green eyes settled heavy over your shoulders. Cheek cupped in his hand, he leaned against the bar.

"You're so curious about me. I'm flattered~." You may or may not have rolled your eyes. "I do have the credentials, whether you believe me or not. But any more than that, and you're going to have to consider it payment. It's cash or info, kid." He tapped a ringed index finger against his temple. "You don't get both."

[ ! you can now ask isaac one thing per visit as payment, or accept the usual £tip! ]

[crystalelemental]

The unfortunate thing is that, in spite of Bravely Second being as poor story as its predecessor, I am...kind of enjoying this gameplay quite a bit.

Bravely Default's class system I remember being more annoying to me, and couldn't fully articulate why. I think this game handed me the answer. Apparently your damage scales DOWN if you aren't proficient in the class, making experimentation a nightmare. Go figure.

This game does not do that, resulting in a more streamlined experience, I suppose. Moreover though, I'll have a difficult time continuing to talk about Bravely Default 1 because I legitimately do not remember it. So I'll only talk on this game's merits.

Your introductory set of classes defy convention. It's not the expected Black Mage, White Mage, Knight, whatever fourth. Instead, you get...well, options kinda similar but different a bit.

First up is Wizard. This takes inspiration from Black Mage, but notably integrates the Brave/Default system in a way I like. See, Wizard spells are AoE by default, hitting everything for fairly low damage. However, this is combined with Spellcraft, which lets you customize how the spell operates. Initially, you get Needle and some other type. By using these, you take up a second action, but deal concentrated damage that's...actually pretty huge. At later spellcraft levels, you get access to my personal favorites, Hammer and Mist. Mist applies a persistent spell effect for three turns, while Hammer is just tremendous damage dealt as blunt damage. Hammer dealt 3600 on a crit once. For comparison, a special move from Edea dealt around 1200. It's great damage. The Mist is even more nutty. See, you can combine these effects with general spells as well. So I got the Red Mage class, and can combine Fira with Mist to apply an AoE fire burst every turn. But the real money is in supportive effects. See, I can also use Mist with Cura, to provide a mist that will restore a solid amount of HP every round. I have not tried with Raise, but I assume it works comparably. So this is a great effect, I adore Wizard skills. Admittedly, I currently took their Spellcraft skill and applied it to my Red Mage, in order to build up the BP accumulating skills. I think Wizard is the better base class; two skill slots for Spellcraft is a lot. Worth it, but a lot.

Next up is Charioteer. This is a sort-of offensive class, in that its function is to build weapon proficiency every action in battle, and has early access to a great +20% Phys Atk buff as a skill. In truth, I don't care for it. Charioteer isn't doing anything too interesting. There's a toss weapon skill I haven't used. That might do it. There's also the ability to equip three weapons, taking one on the head part, which is fine but never my style. I value defensive ability too much. So this one's shifted off.

Then you get Fencer, which is a bit more rounded. Fencer works with stances, having Wolf Stance to boost offenses 25%, and aurochs stance for defensive boosting of the same value. There's also Falcon Stance but that's later. By rank 4, Fencer gets the ability to use skills in either stance that shift them to the other. Which should be cool! Unfortunately, when you use Brave, all actions are counted under the current stance, so as far as I can tell you cannot just use both interchangeably to keep pressure going. Sad. Moreover the later phases will give options like immediately starting in Wolf Stance, or letting buffs persist as you stance change. Their big final skill is 4x0.8 damage to random targets, which...look. I just got Swordmaster. Our skills can swing for 3x damage without separating hits. I am not particularly worried. Fencer is interesting, but I feel like the most interesting aspect of it fell short of expectations so it will not be staying.

Lastly there's Bishop, the spin on White Mage. Bishop seems to just...do exactly what White Mage does. I literally cannot tell the difference. The spells are the same, down to the time you get them. I have no strong feelings about them.

The first distinction decision is Thief or Red Mage. I went Red Mage because come on. Thief does stealing stuff, but Red Mage does magic, so obvious decision even outside of the ethical conundrum. Red Mage has a few skills that can restore BP, and my main focus is on "Restore 1BP when you evade." I have a feeling there will be a combo with this.

Like Astrologian! Who I hate. I'm sorry, it's a single-target impermanent buff of like 30%, it's not that good. It can boost evasion by its second tier of spells, which can combo with Red Mage a bit, but there's going to be better I'm sure.

Then there's the decision between Summoner and Swordmaster. I got Swordmaster because come on, I'm not gonna side against Mephilia. This gives skills for follow-up attacks and counters at full damage, which is delightful. I needed a new physical class too, since I didn't care for the first two.

Right now the party is Bishop (Yew), Swordmaster (Edea), Red Mage (Magnolia), and Fencer (Tiz). I haven't encountered anything too difficult, and no game overs yet. We'll see. Chapter 2 is usually a serious increase in challenge with these games. Our next skill should be dealing with this Catmancer assassin, and let me tell you, Catmancer will definitely be on the team.

[tarydarrington]

"Alright, everyone," Veth says with authority, and everyone else quiets down. "Tomorrow is the big day."

Caleb sighs and ducks behind his drink. There is a speech coming. This is exactly the sort of ceremony he had hoped to avoid by having this get-together at his home rather than the bar Veth had suggested. It's only five of them, tonight; Beauregard and Yasha are always in town, and Veth had insisted on coming. And Essek, of course. He's not sure when the elf's presence at his side became an of course, but in a careful way, he likes it.

“As the person in this world who cares the most about Caleb--”

Essek silently quirks an eyebrow at that, and it doesn’t get past Veth.

“Alright, come on, just because you got him into bed and I didn’t doesn’t mean--”

Caleb clears his throat loudly, and Veth’s smile snaps back into place.

“As Caleb’s oldest, dearest, truest friend,” she says, and Essek manages to look dignified even while rolling his eyes, “it is my humble duty to tell you all how amazing he is on this momentous occasion.”

“You know, I am starting a new job, not getting married,” Caleb murmurs in her direction.

“And we’re all very proud of you!” Veth replies.

Caleb takes a long drink as the others chime in with agreement. Yasha shoots him a sympathetic look, and he returns a tight smile.

“Come on, man,” Beau says from where she leans against the table, “aren’t you excited, at all?”

He takes a long breath. Excited is a word for it. Ready to vomit at a moment’s notice is perhaps more accurate. The Soltryce Academy is tricky. He’s been back there a few times in recent weeks, for interviews and preparation, and each time, it’s felt like walking through a dream of a place the mind could not quite capture properly.

For whatever purpose, Trent has always wanted Caleb - Bren - to follow in his footsteps. Those footsteps feel a touch too literal in those hallways.

“Caleb?” Beau’s voice brings him out of his thoughts. “You still with us?”

He shakes his head. "Ja. Entschuldigung. There is a lot to think about."

Veth lowers her glass, frowning. "Nobody threatened you, did they? Because I'll have words with them."

"No, nothing like that." Not lately, anyway. He sets his own drink down on the table. "Just a bit worried, perhaps."

"Worried about what?" Beau asks flatly.

Caleb lets out a long breath, looking down at the floor. Where to begin? He’s worried that everything will go wrong. Worried that he’ll turn up with his clothes on backwards, or spill coffee down the front of his shirt, or trip over his words before the lesson even starts. Worried, most of all, about what comes after.

“I hope that I will not…” He searches for the right words. “I hope that I will be able to serve my students well enough,” he settles on. “The examples I have had were, ah….” Trent Ikithon is not one he wishes to emulate.

Essek frowns. “Carve your own path,” he says. “Someone as brilliant as you are needs no one to emulate.”

“Ja, well, that is fine for throwing together a spell or two, but I imagine the students will need a little more structure.” These are young minds. Any mistakes he makes will stick with them. He, of all people, knows just how much.

“Maybe you could ask them what they want from you,” Yasha pipes up. “You know, make sure you’re doing alright.”

Caleb lets out a long sigh. “Ja, maybe. That is a good idea.” Of course, it also requires that the students in question trust him enough to give him a straight answer.

They sit in relative silence for a moment, working away at their drinks. He hopes Veth doesn’t resent him for stepping on the atmosphere.

“Seriously, man, you’re gonna be great.” Beau knocks back the rest of her drink. “You’re already the best professor I’ve ever known.”

“I do not think the owl counts as a point of comparison,” Caleb deadpans. “Regardless, I will settle for not making a fool of myself for a first impression. That will be difficult enough.”

Beau shrugs, and reaches over to refill her glass. There’s a devious look in her eye that makes him nervous. "So why don't you practice?" she asks.

Caleb looks at her warily. "Practice?"

"Yeah, man." She gestures at the others. "Here's your class. Teach us something."

Before he can object, she’s already begun to pull an armchair toward the coffee table in the center of the room. Soon enough, three more seats have joined it, all on the same side. She throws her arms wide with a challenging grin.

“First day,” she says. “Don’t be late.” With that, she flops down onto the rightmost chair.

Transfixed in bemusement, Caleb watches as Yasha and Veth rush to occupy the next two seats in the makeshift classroom. The Expositor commands a room, it seems.

“Are you comfortable with this?” Essek murmurs as he brushes past as well. “I am willing to be the, ah... wet blanket, if need be.”

Caleb sighs, briefly twining their fingers together and squeezing once before letting him go. “Not comfortable, no, but it’s not a bad idea.”

Someone wolf whistles from the peanut gallery, and Caleb turns a fond glare on them all. All three of them are, of course, the picture of innocence. He shakes his head as Essek settles down primly in the last remaining chair. It’s not exactly the picture of an academic setting, with their glasses of half-finished booze still on the table in front of them and the lot of them draped over armchairs and ottomans.

“Alright,” says Beau, who has not even bothered to put her drink down. She makes a trilling sound that he thinks is probably meant to emulate a school bell. “Hit us.”

"We will be brutally honest," Veth promises. "Which means we will tell you honestly how perfect you are."

"Or if there's anything you could do better," Yasha adds.

Caleb stares back at them. It’s nothing he hasn’t gone over in his own head a hundred times. Even once or twice, to a captive audience of cats. It’s a short class. It will be over before he knows it.

The others look up at him expectantly. Watching him. Waiting. Caleb clears his throat.

"I, ah... feel a bit silly,” he admits.

Without a word, Essek waves a hand, and the familiar faces before him shift to those of strangers.

It’s almost embarrassing how much it helps. Caleb takes a deep breath and lets it out, running through the lesson plan in his head.

"Guten Morgen, class, I am, ah… Professor Widogast." It's the first time he's said that particular pair of words out loud.

"Whoo!" the student who is not Veth shouts.

"Yeah!" the student who is not Beau chimes in.

Caleb gives them a look and straightens his coat. "This is Introductory Transmutation, in room 142, so if you are all in the correct place--"

"Professor?" The student who is not Yasha raises her hand.

"Ah, ja, Miss…"

"Lionett."

Not-Beau slaps a hand over her own mouth and mutters, “Holy shit,” into it.

“Was that too much?” not-Yasha whispers.

“Babe, it was so hot,” not-Beau hisses back.

Caleb clears his throat. "Miss Lionett, do you have a question?"

Not-Yasha seems to suddenly remember her role, and she folds her hands in her lap. "No," she says, "I have to use the bathroom."

Caleb pinches the bridge of his nose as not-Beau bites back a giggle. “Ja, okay, go.”

“Don’t let her go!” not-Veth interjects. “She knew it was almost time for class; she should have gone earlier.”

“Dude, if she has to pee then she has to pee,” not-Beau protests.

Pointedly, not-Essek raises his hand.

Caleb lets himself sigh with relief. “Ja, Master…?”

“Gross, Professor, we don’t need to know about your weird sex dynamics,” not-Beau says.

Not-Essek’s face blooms red, and Caleb presses a hand to his face to hide the same. “You know very well, Beauregard, that it is an honorific.”

Not-Beau shrugs, looking very pleased with herself as she takes another sip of her drink. Not-Essek glares very polite daggers at her before clearing his throat.

“Thelyss,” he answers.

Beau cups both hands around her mouth and boos.

“No, it’s better that he’s honest,” Veth says. “We already know he’s a terrible actor.”

“Herr Thelyss,” Caleb says, raising his voice above the heckling. “Do you have a question?”

Essek leans forward, resting his elbows on the table in a gesture that’s much too endearing. “I wondered what you will be teaching us today, Professor Widogast.”

Caleb tries not to dwell on the way the title hits differently on Essek’s voice, instead straightening up and waving one hand behind him. An illusory chalkboard appears in the air behind him to polite applause from Veth and Yasha. Back on track.

“Well, this is your first day,” he says. “So I know that - Beauregard, please remove your feet from the table - I know that most of your other teachers will be spending time going over the material that you will be covering this semester, but, ah…” What is he meant to be doing with his hands? They feel limp if they’re at his sides, but too formal behind his back and too awkward in front of him. Perhaps he should have a lectern? Somewhere to rest them, or shuffle with papers?

His gaze drifts back to his “students,” who all blink back at him expectantly. Essek inclines his head as though to prompt him on. He clasps his hands in front of his chest, hoping it will do for now.

“Right,” he continues. “Ja, so I thought we would take a look at something more practical to start. We will leave the reading for tomorrow; you have enough of that today.”

He waves his hands again, and behind him, a set of runes and diagrams appears on the chalkboard. Above it is written the word Prestidigitation.

“So, ah, partner up,” he orders. “Introduce yourselves. If there is someone on their own, a group of three is perfectly acceptable.”

“I call Miss Lionett,” Beau shouts, grabbing Yasha’s hand.

“Can I go to the bathroom, first?” Yasha asks.

Caleb gives her an incredulous look.

“I really do need to go,” she says.

He gestures towards the hallway, and she shuffles off. In the meantime, Veth and Essek scoot their chairs closer together. Caleb’s gaze lingers questioningly on Beau, who shakes her head.

“She’s not learning anything tonight, man. Go ahead.”

“Ja, okay,” he says distantly.

It feels silly, explaining the spell to this motley crew. Beau has leaned back in her chair, arms crossed, eyes glassy, clearly not paying an ounce of attention. Essek has produced a piece of paper upon which Veth occasionally scribbles, though the way he periodically nods approval at Caleb’s points betrays his own prior knowledge of the subject. After a few minutes, Yasha returns and attempts to take down notes of her own.

“Is everyone following along?” he asks after a while, knowing it’s a futile question.

“Yep,” Beau lies.

“Hmm.” Yasha hums.

“Perfectly,” Essek says.

“You’re doing amazing, sweetie,” Veth confirms with a wink.

He continues, running them through the various applications one by one. Beau gives him an occasional “uh huh” that he believes not one bit. At one point, he catches Essek take a passing glance at Veth’s paper, widen his eyes, and lean forward to murmur something to her. He isn’t sure he wants to know what that’s about.

“Let’s keep focused, please, everyone,” he reminds them.

Essek waves a hand to signal him to continue. Nothing too scandalous, then. He goes through the final few points, then comes to stop in front of the chalkboard, hands awkwardly clasped again.

“Okay, that is it,” he says. “You have as much time as you require to finish the spell, and when you are finished, I would like one person from each group to demonstrate.”

He gives the others a questioning look. It’s one of the points he’s most worried about. A way to take pressure off some of the slower students could just as easily be a way to unintentionally foster competition and resentment. But none of them objects, so he gives them another nod.

“I suppose we should skip the demonstration portion,” he mumbles.

“I can do it,” Yasha chirps. Without warning, she swings the massive greatsword from her back and sinks the tip into the table, making the others jump. “I made a small mark.”

Caleb covers his eyes with one hand. “Ja, will it go away in one hour?”

Yasha silently places her drink down over the indentation. Caleb sighs. It isn’t as though he has very many guests, anyway.

“I can probably swing producing an odor, for you,” Beau offers. “But I figure you probably don’t want that.”

He ignores her, and instead gives Essek a tight smile.

“Well, would my second group care to demonstrate?”

Beau jerks a thumb in Essek’s direction and fake-coughs to Yasha, “Teacher’s pet.”

Essek ignores her and sits back, fingers working in those little patterns he draws when something has piqued his curiosity. “I believe so,” he says, and nods to Veth.

Caleb raises his eyebrows as all eyes turn to Veth. Though Essek had the courtesy to leave her a halfling, her features and coloring are entirely different - but that wide smile as she stands and rubs both hands together would give her away, no matter the face it was set in. And as Beau swears under her breath, Yasha and Caleb look on wide-eyed, and Essek watches with a smirk, she pulls her hands apart to let loose a shower of sparks.

“You… learned the spell,” Caleb says numbly. He hadn’t imagined any of them were actually paying attention.

“It was an excellent lesson!” Veth replies.

As she takes her seat again, Beau and Yasha give her a smattering of stunned applause. Essek clears his throat pointedly.

“And I guess, maybe, Essek gave me one pointer,” Veth amends with an eye-roll.

“Hey, so your partner system worked,” Yasha points out.

It had. The lesson had worked, the procedure had worked - his teaching had worked. There’s still a little voice in his head reminding him that Veth is brilliant, and an adult, and perfectly capable of learning things like this without even so much as his help - but he can’t deny that it’s his guidance that taught her this particular spell. ‘An excellent lesson,’ Veth had said. In this moment, he’s inclined to believe it might be half true. Caleb realizes very suddenly that he’s beaming.

With a snap of his fingers, Essek dispels the disguises. The soft smile on his face - his real face, and Caleb always misses it dearly when it’s hidden - says he hasn’t failed to notice Caleb’s relief.

“Danke, all of you,” he says sheepishly, waving a hand to vanish the chalkboard.

“Thank you!” Veth says. “For the shiny new spell and for the masterclass in professoring.”

“You were really good,” Yasha agrees. “I’m, uh... I’m sorry about the table.”

He dips his head to hide the way his face is flushing. They exaggerate, the lot of them. But there is something to be said for having friends who will say such things. “Ja, well,” he says, “I am not convinced it will translate to an actual class, but I will hope.”

Beau takes another swig of her drink, wiping her mouth afterwards. “Dude, we were the worst and you still managed to teach somebody something,” she says. “Those kids have nothing on us. You got this.”

He offers her a smile, retrieving his glass from the table as Yasha, Veth, and Essek do the same. He hopes it’s true. He hopes that, separate entirely from his ability to teach them the how of magic, he will be able to keep them safe. That he will be able to keep from passing on any damage he received in his own time in those halls.

He catches Essek’s eye, and the knowing look there puts some of the anxious buzzing to rest. He will be better. He will struggle, most likely. He will stumble, inevitably. But he will give better than he got. He’s been practicing that part for years.

“To Professor Widogast!” Veth shouts, breaking him out of his thoughts.

“Professor Widogast,” the others echo, and Caleb smiles.

“To my very good friends,” he replies.

“To the hottest professor the Soltryce Academy has ever seen,” Veth shouts in response, and Caleb nearly chokes on his drink when Essek casually clinks his glass against hers with a nod.

They drink together. Caleb thinks, just a little bit, he might be excited.

-

thanks @peregrintook for reading this over and telling me it wasn't the worst thing i had ever written (in much more generous words than that), and @saturdaysky for catching me red-handed last time i deleted it and being so kind about it 💜

[tracksidequeen]

The Fire You Start (Chapter 1)

This is the first chapter of the Fire You Start Series, so expect the intensity to build up! This is my first smut/fic so any comment is welcome and suggestions or requests on where you want the series to go. My inbox is always open! Hope you enjoy loves x

Summary: You are the new press officer in the team that manages Toto’s pr and after an event things between the two of you get pretty steamy.

Warnings: Smut, dirty talk, daddy hotness, ‘what more can I say?’

Words: 2.4K

Chapter 1 - Chapter 2 - Chapter 2.5

You are the newly hired press officer at the Mercedes HQ, highly ambitious, full of energy and a strong personality that shows you’re not to be messed with, which is exactly how you got the position at the very competitive Mercedes f1 team. You know you’re entering a ‘man’s world’ and you weren’t afraid to show your tough side, because your mom raised you better than to let any men walk all over you. There is still much you have to learn but you showed that you’re eager and ready for the challenge, which impressed Ben, the senior press officer, and the positive words he said to his colleagues about you already left an impression on the team before you even started.

It’s your first day at the office and while you are writing your introductory email for the department to get to know you, you feel a strong presence enter the room. You look up from your screen and see this giant of a man standing beside your desk, towering over you. “So, you’re the person who’ll be responsible for putting out the fires I start.” “Yes, that’ll be me.” You stand up confidently from your desk and reach out to shake Toto’s hand. The firm grip of his big hand takes you by surprise, as he holds it a little longer than is usual. He loosens the grip, and with a playful smile on his face he says, “I will try to not make it too difficult this season, but you must know me... I have my ways of making, let’s say, interesting statements.” You are well aware of the power this man holds and you took your chance to prove him you have no problem handling it. “Don’t you worry, you do your job and I’ll do mine, there’s nothing I can’t take care of.” He raises his eyebrows surprised by your strong demeanour and you suddenly realise you might have come off to harsh, so you quickly say, “Unless you were talking about real fires, because then I’d be totally useless.” He chuckled under his breath, while the firm hand that was holding yours moments ago, was now gently placed on your shoulder, and he looked you in the eyes. “I bet there’s nothing you can’t do.” You let out a smile, and he turned around towards the door and left with a quick, “I’ll see you around, superwomen.”

The remainder of the day this conversation was stuck in your head, as you replayed it over and over again. Was he really flirting with you, or was he just being welcoming? Or maybe you were just projecting your own fantasies of the man in the situation and it was all completely normal. But what you are feeling is far from normal. The way his hand felt on your shoulder made your knees weak and you were thinking how his firm grip would feel on different places of your body. But just like that you are snapped out of your spicy train of though as Ben walks in hastily. “Are you sleeping? The meeting started 5 minutes ago.” You jumped up feeling slightly embarrassed you were going to be late to the final meeting of the day, where you’d be introduced to the senior management. Late, all because you were having the dirtiest of thoughts about your boss.

When you enter the meeting room, late but in style, all eyes are fixated on you, as you catch Toto looking you up and down and a smile he couldn’t hide. You sure know how to make an entrance, with your bouncing hair and office dress that accentuates your curves just right. “Sorry I’m late” You say politely in an attempt to stay on everyones good side, as you sit down in an empty chair next to Toto. “We were just talking about you,” says Ben while he takes his seat. “This evening we have an event for the launch of a new Mercedes car model, and Toto will go to represent the formula 1 division and sponsors, and we expect you to go with him to make sure everything for pr is in order, because the person that was supposed to go called in sick.” You were sure to not turn down your first real assignment regardless of it all being so last minute, so you agreed to go. As the meeting came to an end and you were walking in the hallway the sudden panic kicked in, apparently a bit too visible. “What’s going on?” That strong Austrian accent did something inside you that only made you more anxious, but in a 100 different ways. “Nothing, it’s just that I have to prepare for event, but I also need to find a way to get home, find an outfit and get back before Ben leaves to drive me to the venue.” Toto nodded his head with a grin on his face and took a step back to look you up and down once more. “Your dress is perfectly fine if you ask me, and about the event prep, I already told you before, ‘there’s nothing you can’t do’.” He smiled approvingly, gave you a winked, and quickly walked off in the direction of his office, as you felt the heat rise under your skin.

When you arrive at the venue you realised what you got yourself into, camera’s flashing, people pulling up in the fanciest cars and wearing outfits triple the cost of your apartment rent. You waked in with Ben showing you the lay-out of the venue, giving you a list of tasks you need to do, and he gave you a list of names you needed Toto to be introduced to. He highly advised you to stay away from the expensive cars that were on displayed sporadically across the venue with red velvet ropes surrounding them. “You’re not insured for any damage here, so unless you’re willing to sell your kidney, I’d keep a distance from the cars. Just a gentle reminder.” He said laughingly. “I know nothing about cars, but look at the one, geez, that looks absolutely amazing.” You said, nodding towards a matte black cabrio Mercedes that stood in the spotlight. “Maybe one day you’ll be able to afford it. Well... I’m leaving, you got everything you need?”

At the event you’re constantly running around to accommodate the different sponsors, and making sure that Toto makes the necessary statements for the different media outlets and gets introduced to the right people. You were so busy and focussed on the job that by the end you were completely exhausted, and took a moment to recharge your social battery in the corner of the venue. Toto was mingling with a group of people, and from afar your eyes locked in and observed his every movement. How his stance exudes absolute power, contrasting the playfulness of how he talks with his hands and gestures around, making people laugh at the story he was telling. His strong fore arms with rolled up sleeves and his dress pants hugging tight around his hips made you ache between your tights. He caught you staring at him and walked in your direction, with blushing cheeks you turned around to avoid any possible awkward interaction, but he was too quick and grabbed you gently by your waist to turn you around. Your tired eyes looked up at his and for a moment you realised he just stood there, absolutely in awe with you, until he quickly shook his head and asked, “Do you already have a ride home?” You nodded ‘no’, grabbed your phone and stressfully started scrolling through your contacts looking for someone willing to pick you up, since it’d be ridiculous to ask Ben at this hour and you completely forgot about this in advance. “You know what… I’ll bring you home, nothing to worry about.” After politely declining twice but him persisting, you finally agreed for him to drive you back.

As the event reached its end and you struggled to keep standing on the high heels you were wearing, Toto walked over to you and told you to wait by the exit. As you were standing there in the cold with the mumbling background sound of people exiting the event, you hear two loud car honks from a car approaching you. Toto was sitting in the drivers seat with a self-fulfilled smile on his face, his white button-down and rolled up sleeves waving you to come. You couldn’t hide the excitement seeing he just drove up in the matte black cabrio that you absolutely love. “How did you know? You didn’t have to do this!” You say while stepping in the car. “I have my ways,” he said with a wink. “I just wanted to show you my appreciation for a job well done, you were amazing on your first day.” The sudden paise, from the usually so though man, made your heart race and suddenly the only thing you could do was thank him softly with blushed cheeks and a knot forming in your stomach.

As the two of you drove off there was an obvious tension that neither of you was willing to admit. But the way he would look at you and take in the sight of you in your dress that was creeping up a bit and your skin glowing red from the streetlights made it hard for him to focus. You noticed the obvious bulge in his pants growing and it made you wet thinking about all the things you want to do with it. You shifted your crossed thighs to create some friction, scared he would notice how much you need him in-between them. “The work day is over. You can relax now.” He said laughingly your way, as he noticed how tense you were, but how could you relax when all you could think of was how his growing bulge would feel inside you. At the red light you looked at each other, his eyes filled with desire. “You should know I value professionalism, but there is one thing I value most, which is the truth. And I must say that you are honestly one of the most beautiful women I have ever laid my eyes on.” 

Shocked by the sudden declaration of admiration, you tried to play it cool and play right in his hand. “You’re not so bad yourself.” You say teasingly with a wink and a playful slap on his knee. He shakes his head and kisses his teeth, turned on by the way you wouldn’t back down. “I knew there was something about you from the moment I stepped into your office.” “Oh yeah- and what's that?” You say teasingly while fidgeting with your hair looking at him with big mischievous Bambi eyes, turning him on even more. “You claim you can put out my fires, but you are creating one right here within me and you know exactly what you’re doing.” You lean closer to him, your hand resting on his bicep, as you innocently whisper in his ear. “I have no idea what you’re talking about, mister big boss.” “Oh no? The way you’ve been prancing around me in that tight dress, the way you’ve been staring at me all night with that look in your eyes.”

He places his right hand softly on your tight just below the seam of your dress, looking for your sign of approval. You stroke his arm and he squeezes the inner of your thighs, to which you can’t hold back the gasp that comes out of your mouth. With one hand on the steering wheel and the other on your thighs he starts teasing and stroking the sensitive skin, as you grab his hand and guide him up under your dress. With your panties already soaked, he starts caressing your folds with only a thin layer of fabric in-between. You felt the heat spread under your skin while he pushed you panties to one side and started massaging your clit. You were biting your lip trying not to let out a moan as he increased the pace and pressure, and he then suddenly let go to make a gear shift. 

Trying to catch your breath you reached out your hand eagerly and placed it on the contours of his shaft, while stroking up and down. You could feel his length throb within your hand through the fabric of his pants and you were mesmerised by the size of it. He noticed the look in your eyes. “That’s for another time superwomen, tonight you deserve to know just how much I appreciate you.” He took your hand off him, reached between your thighs where he was working his magic just moments ago, and with a few stroked up and down your folds to wet his finger, he entered you in one go. Middle finger thrusting in your warmth and thumb circling your clit, making your head tilt backward and sent shivers down your spine. The pressure on your nub made your legs shake uncontrollably and you were moaning incoherent words and sentences as he increased the pace. 

“Such a good girl, and good girls deserve to be rewarded. What do you want?” You looked at him, eyes filled with desperation while you rocked your hips to the merciless rhythm of his thrusts and you whimpered trying to give an answer. “Good girls use their words. Now, what do you want?” “Make me cum.” You begged, trying to catch your breath, repeating the words like a mantra. “Make me cum.” Your hips were trembling as he increased the thrusts to an unrelenting pace and he intensified the pressure he put on your throbbing nub. “I’m so close.” You cried, as you felt yourself tighten around him. “Not yet baby girl.” He went even deeper, hitting you g-spot with a relentless pace, making your whole body shake and you dug your nails into his bicep. “I can’t anymore.” You moaned in his neck while you felt your stomach tighten, reaching your climax. 

“Let go, beautiful.” With a few more deep thrusts you felt the knot in your stomach come undone, your eyes rolled back and with a loud moan your walls fluttered and flooded his fingers. “Good girl.” He praised you, while you were trying to catch your breath and he calmly massaged your clit so he could feel the aftershocks. You looked at him while he placed your panties back in position, and took the back of his hand to take a strand of hair out of your glistening face and stroked your cheek. “You look so beautiful when you cum for me babygirl, I had been waiting for this all day.” He placed his hand on your knee and with a smile on your face you held his hand trying to get back to reality, as you felt jitters and butterflies creeping up in your stomach. 

Having lost complete track of time and finally being aware again of your surroundings, you realise the navigation said your street was the next right turn. Getting ready to step out of the car while he pulls over in front of your apartment building, you look at him teasingly. “Thank you for taking me home, it was definitely a ride to remember. Next time it’s my turn to take all of you.” While you nod with a devilish smile towards his hard cock outlining in his pants, and he pulls you closer and whispers softly, “there is nothing you can’t do, superwomen”, and places a kiss on you cheek before he lets you out of the car.

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Masterlist + more Toto smut: 

The Fire You Start: Chapter 2 - Chapter 2.5

Champagne Soaked (one-shot)

A Ride to Remember (one-shot)

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If you want to be added to my taglist, let me know !

[misschifuyu]

hi! could I request mikey, ran and rindou head cannons where you’re their older sibling? thank you !!

- hello my love !! and of course ♡ this request is so fun too omg..the gangsters as baby brothers we love to see it

Mikey, Ran and Rindou being your younger brothers

genre: fluff

warnings: none

Mikey

please, this blond child already acts like a baby with just one older sibling, so this will only double in the scenario of having another

whether you are biologically related or not, mikey will see you as a role model, no matter what you did. he followed in shinichiro's steps when it came to bikes, so expect him to pick something up from you as well

he would be constantly reassuring you that toman's activities were never that dangerous whenever you asked about it, simply keeping an eye out for him

of course, you don't believe him in a single sense, but you trust him enough to not get himself involved in some extreme scheme. truth be told, he knew he'd get a mouthful from you if he ever did

despite your slight concern over the whole gang members thing he had going on, mikey would undoubtedly suggest you to meet the people he spent most of his time with

if you agreed to doing so, best believe he will have a whole introductory speech on who you were, for no reason whatsoever other than to show off his older sibling

he's very proud to be related to you, just as he is with emma and shinichiro. you're constantly looking out for him, and he could never find the words to express how grateful he is of that

probably because he never actually goes to school, in spite of your constant nagging and pushing him to just show up a few times a week

it was really all pretty futile at the end of the day though, so you'd try and teach him a few things here and there whenever he came home for the night

not that he'd pay much attention, practically dozing off when you would, but some things would stick with him and he'd proudly remind them to you the following day

being mikey's older sibling will also mean that you'd see draken quite often, seeing as the two would randomly show up in the house whenever they needed something

the two of you would discuss points that you shared concerning mikey's overall attitude. you'd thank him for putting up with him whenever you weren't with him, and he would simply brush it off with a chuckle

both of you knew all to well how much of a pain the little blond could be, though

as the busy, older family member, you also wouldn't always get to see your brother. because of this, mikey would sometimes bring back small souvenirs if he went anywhere interesting, as you weren't as lucky as emma to be able to spend your afternoons around tokyo

it would bring him much joy whenever he spotted them around the house, knowing you kept each and every little thing he brought home for you even the obscure ones

all in all, be well aware that mikey is anything but a simple sibling to have. but, after a while, it's quite easy to get used to his spontaneous ways, you just need to expect the unexpected from him sometimes

Ran & Rindou

grouping the two brother together because well...they're brothers after all

may god help you if you have these two as younger siblings

when you were all smaller, rindou was an absolute cry baby and you'd always have to calm him down whilst moving him out of the way of ran's frequent attacks

being the youngest, rindou would have always depended on you when it came to serious or complicated topics, even in the present. he knows well how responsible you are, having had to put up with the two scoundrels that were his brother and him

so expect frequent visits from him whenever he needed help with fixing his computer, for example. he's an absolute disaster with fixing things since you had always been there to help out when he was growing

ran, on the other hand, is an absolutely reckless brother. as said before, he had decided from a young age that he was going to beat the punks he'd cross when the three of you went strolling around the streets of tokyo

determination was his key; unfortunately, he'd use his younger brother as a test subject, which frequently led to you pulling him away by his hair before he actually injured the smaller rindou

when the news came to you that the two had managed to take down roppongi the year they had turned teenagers, you figured it had been something to expect

having followed in his brother's footsteps once he could defend himself, rindou had become a strong fighter, and the two were quite unstoppable when together

you were really just there to make sure they didn't get in to some serious trouble, like the time ran had been planning to rob a whole store out of boredom

yeah, no. not on your watch

you knew they did things behind your back that you preferred not to know about, but you also trusted them enough to not end up in a bad state

other than the whole topic of being gangsters, the two would actually greatly appreciate you. it was nice to have someone older in the family that would be there when they got home, or even just to be able to rely on when circumstances got difficult

you had been the one to teach ran how to take care and braid his hair, and you had accompanied little rindou to his vision checkups when he first got glasses

they love you very much. so much so, they would keep you away from anything related to tenjiku, in worry that someone would target you, being the eldest haitani sibling

don't worry though, they would always come home with a large frequency of stories to tell you about the gang, as much as you preferred to not hear the more violent ones

[uygmoeb]

a kitty-incidence? i think not pt.1

suddenly your cat is a better match-maker than any dating app you've ever used

pairing:: choi soobin x gn!reader

genre:: shy soobin, uhhh fluff(ig)

word count:: 1k

notes:: this is just the introductory part and a bit shorter than i wanted but much better things are to come!! ♡

It was late and growing cold when you made it to your apartment. You unlocked the door with frozen fingers, shame on you for forgetting gloves at the start of winter. The door swung open after a moment of struggle and a sigh escaped you as the warmth from inside hit. You shrugged off your coat once the door was closed and looked down as you felt something bump into your legs.

"Hi Blue, destroy anything while I was gone?" you bent down to pet your cat who began to purr loudly as she continued to rub into your legs. "I bet you're hungry, come on."

After feeding her, you went to get out of work clothes and think about food for yourself. You couldn't cook well, and even if you could you didn't have much to cook with. So delivery it was.

Once you'd pulled on a shirt, you opened your phone to decide what to order. Why was choosing what to eat always so difficult? You went to sit on the couch as you finished deciding and placed the order. Blue came to sit in your lap shortly once you'd settled and you mindlessly began petting her with the tv on in the background. There was a knock at the door which scared her and she jumped up out of your lap in an instant, you laughed and shook your head as you went to the door to get your food.

As the door opened just a crack, Blue darted out and onto the sidewalk.

Just my luck

You scrambled to put on shoes and set the food inside the door. You didn't have a chance to put on your coat as you rushed after your cat.

"When I catch that cat, she's in so much trouble." you muttered as you sprinted down the street after her. The one white paw was all you could really see in the dim lighting as you chased her block after block, ignoring all the people who turned to look at you.

As soon as you thought you couldn't keep running much longer, you turned a corner onto a well lit street and half way down the sidewalk a man had your cat in his arms.

Twerp.

You jogged towards him as he brought Blue close to his face and pet her happily. You could almost hear her purring from the street corner.

"Blue! How could you?" you said as you stopped in front of them. You were panting heavily and your heart was pounding. Well, there was your workout for the week.

"Oh, so she's yours? Seems like a troublemaker." the man laughed and looked at you then. Your breath hitched in your throat as you met his eyes. This had to be the most attractive man you'd ever seen. With his bright smile and dimples, on top of the dark eyes and styled hair, he definitely rivaled every other man you'd ever had a crush on.

"I- what? Oh, yeah! She is, though she's never run away like that before." you found it increasingly hard to speak as you stared at him. How handsome he was just slapped you in the face.

"Such a cutie though." he laughed as he subtly eyed you up and down while he pet her with one hand. You just nodded wordlessly and waited for him to be done petting her so you could go back home. As much as you tried to ignore it, it was freezing outside and the wind had picked up.

He noticed your shivering and gave Blue one last pet between the ears before holding her out to you. You held out your arms quickly and, as cliché as it was, when his hand touched yours, you both froze.

The tension grew in that single moment and even the cold couldn't quite reach you anymore. He broke eye contact and touch first as he shook his head before withdrawing his hands to put them in his pockets.

"Thank you for grabbing her." you said quietly as your gaze fell to the ground which was so much easier than looking that man in the face. You heard him laugh again.

"No problem, just get home safe. With her." he blurted the last part out quickly, as if it was an afterthought. You could do nothing but nod again as you looked at him one last time.

You turned to start home and when you were almost around the corner you heard the hurried footsteps behind you.

"Hey, wait." you turned again to find him walking quickly towards you. You tilted your head and gave him a puzzled look as he stopped in front of you. His face grew red and you caught him fidgeting with his hands.

"Can I- uh- get your number?"

What?

"Yeah, sure." you said slowly with shock in your tone. There was no way this was real. But somehow, it very much was. You watched as his face lit up and he was grinning again. He took his phone out of his pocket and you took it one handed to put your number in.

"Yah! Hurry up, Soobin!" your attention snapped to two guys further down the street who had turned to look at you both. You saved your contact and held his phone out to him which he took with that grin still on his face. He made no move to walk away and you smiled slightly.

"I think your friends are getting impatient." you pointed out and his eyes widened at the mention of his friends. As if he'd completely forgotten about them while looking at you. You couldn't help but laugh as he spun around and started jogging away from you.

You watched as he began to leave but before he disappeared, he turned and gave you a big smile and wave. You waved back to him with a smile of your own before looking down at Blue. You pet her head as you started the walk home with her in your arms purring.

"Who knew you were such a match-maker, huh?"

[chasingpj]

𝐔𝐧𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐑𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐳𝐯𝐨𝐮𝐬

"I might spread a rumor about you and Percy rendezvousing at midnight. The Aphrodite cabin will have a hoot with that one."

pairing: percy jackson x child of hecate!reader

words: 4,931

warnings: none

timeline: post sea of monsters

if you want to be tagged every time I update this story, click here

a/n: hi hi! this is part one of a self-insert series I'm working on. in this story, y/n is a child of hecate, and this storyline follows the books. the current timeline here is post sea of monsters and will continue through the Heroes of Olympus books. though it follows the original plot, y/n has her own storyline and quests. i tried to make y/n gender-neutral but as I continued to work on the timeline for this project, i had decided that this fic is for a fem reader. guys, this is really just me projecting my fantasy into fanfiction lol. i feel like this is a slow start?? and there is a lot of info dumped in this so bear with me. it'll get better and I'll be working to improve my writing as the series continues. I was on a writing hiatus for a really long time and I'm out of practice so this is my way to get back and hopefully, exceed the skills I had when I was a consistent writer. anyways, if you have any feedback, let me know! I'd love to hear what you think. as i get deeper into the series, i might ask for some suggestions on what to do with the fic. anyways, i'll stop rambling and i hope you like it!

Part One Part Two

You ignore the aching in your neck as your focus is fixed on the herbology book in front of you. You’ve been seated at your desk for Zeus knows how long reading and taking notes in your Book of Shadows, determined to finish reading it as fast as possible. Your half-brother, Alabaster, insisted that you need to memorize all the herbs and their properties before he can properly teach you how to use them in potions. Even though you understand its importance, you hated introductory work. You are itching to get to the real stuff, resulting in you glued to your chair, studying through the night as your cabin mates were fast asleep in their beds. But as determined as you are, Ambrose, your familiar, wasn’t much help. Ambrose whines as he rubs his head against your legs like a needy kitten, making it difficult to ignore him.

“What is it, Ambrose?” You whisper, sitting back in your chair in defeat. You take a second to massage the back of your sore neck before turning to face the translucent hound sitting attentively at your side. His tail sweeps the floor as it wags excitedly, and a short huff leaves his snout as if he was proud to have finally gotten your attention.

Your eyes meet his, racking your mind to figure out what Ambrose needs to tell you. At first, you thought he wanted to play, but you didn’t have time for that, so you decided to ignore him. Usually, after being ignored for a while, Ambrose will give up, finding something else to occupy him. But tonight, he was particularly persistent, and he’s only like this when he needs to tell you something.

Before you can ask what he wanted again, Ambrose gets up from his seated position, running over to the small table that stands beside your bed. You furrow your eyebrows, the first thing you notice when you walk over are your crystals neatly placed in front of your spell books as usual. Seeing them made you suddenly remember what you had planned to do.

You had told Ambrose to remind you to charge your crystals and collect water from the lake since there is a full moon tonight and of course, Ambrose being your loyal companion, did exactly that. Before looking down at the hound, who now is breathing heavily, his tail somehow wagging faster than before, you smile to yourself.

“I told you to remind me earlier, didn’t I?” Ambrose snorts and runs around your feet enthusiastically. You couldn’t help but giggle at his excitement as you reached down to pat his head. “Good boy. What would I do without you?” You continue to praise him, grabbing a black pouch and carefully placing the crystals in it. You put your index finger to your lips, signaling Ambrose to be a little quieter despite his excitement. If he accidentally wakes anyone up, then you definitely weren’t going to be able to fulfill your plans.

You bite your bottom lip as you tiptoe out of the aisle between the bunks. You look around the notoriously cramped Hermes Cabin to make sure your assumption that everyone was asleep by now was correct. It wasn’t hard to make out the faces of your cabin mates since seeing clearly in the dark was one of your many gifts, so you carefully walked along the bunks, being as quiet as you could. You are especially cautious as you approach the front where your cabin leaders, the Stoll brothers, slept. You study them for a second, knowing for sure Travis was asleep since he was snoring and loudly at that. Before you can check if Connor is asleep, you hear him shifting in his bed. You stand frozen in your spot, hesitantly looking over and you were expecting to be met with the usual mischievous grin. Instead, his back was towards you now. You have a feeling in your gut that he wasn't asleep, the timing of his moving was much too convenient. You really didn't want to wait any longer though so you decide that you might as well leave before he could stop you.

You turn on your heels, walking over to the window before you push it open. You cringe softly as the hinges creak, and you look back at the cabin to double-check if anyone has woken up from the sound. You sigh in relief when you see no one has moved, and you turn back to the window, carefully crawling out of it. This wasn’t unusual for you. You’ve done this so many times that using windows as a mode of exiting and entering a room was as natural to you as walking in and out of a door, and soon you were hopping down onto the grass. Your back is pressed against the cabin as you walk the side of it. You look up at the trees and the sky, eyes scoping around for any harpies hanging around. After deeming that you were alone, you begin making your way to the lake, Ambrose walking by your side attentively and cautiously to make sure you are safe.

The night was clear; the stars and especially the moon shone brightly in the sky. You sigh softly, taking in the stillness of the night, admiring the glistening lake reflecting the full moon placed above it. You’ve always enjoyed how quiet and cool the nights were, preferring it more than the daytime.

Unfortunately, you couldn’t avoid it as much as you wish to. Most of your siblings can agree with you that they’d prefer to sleep in most days so that they can study and practice their magic at night. However, that wasn’t the schedule of the Hermes Cabin. It was pretty impossible to sleep in since the mornings were always hectic. In fact, the cabin was just hectic, period. There was always something going on, whether it was an elaborate prank or the guys arguing over who gets to shower first after coming back from training which usually resulted in an intense game of rock, paper, scissors. You can’t say that you didn’t like it; at least you were entertained.

You also always had someone to talk to, and because there were often new campers coming in and out of there, you have easily familiarized yourself with a lot of the kids at camp. However, like your mother, you did enjoy and yearn for the occasional periods of solitude. As fun as living with the Hermes kids was, you and your siblings did find yourselves getting a little irritable at their shenanigans. It was at those times, you did wish that your mother, Hecate, had a designated cabin.

You and your siblings had always said if they ever got a cabin of their own, they would make sure everyone had separate rooms and would have designated spaces to socialize and practice their magic so that it was quiet for the most part. Alabaster, especially, was really passionate about this topic. He complained how it didn’t make sense that your mother wasn't recognized since you and your siblings were a powerful little bunch. You all needed a space to practice your magic and practice preferably at night since you were the most powerful at that time of day; you were also less prone to making mistakes in your spell casting at night. You agreed with him and would get upset about it sometimes, but the Hermes Cabin was a place you considered to be a second home. The communal feel of the space was something you enjoyed, it was one of the few places where you felt fully accepted which was rare to find being a demi-god with abilities like yours. In return to the Hermes Cabin welcoming you with open arms, you accept the inconveniently loud environment as an admirable quirk and went on with your days.

Then to compensate for the lack of silence and solitude, you would often stay up late, taking advantage of the quiet to focus on your studies. Even if you had to sacrifice the amount of sleep you got, you felt like it was worth it.

It doesn’t take you long to arrive at the dock, sitting down close to the end with your legs folded under you. You first collect lake water in a jar before carefully taking out the pouch's crystals. Assuming you had only a few left in the pouch after laying most of them on the dock, you tilt it with your hand under it, only for the crystals to come out all at once. You fumble, hands trying to bring them to your chest, but with your luck, one of your crystals falls right into the water with a plop.

“Dammit!” You peer over the edge and groan, Ambrose whining at your misfortune as he stands beside you. You look down at the water, noticing Ambrose’s and your dim reflection in it. There was no way you could get that crystal now because you didn't know how to swim, and you consider that maybe tomorrow you can convince your twin brother, Atticus, to look for it or Alabaster if Atticus refused, which you were expecting him to.

Your breath hitches at the back of your throat, jumping back as a head of dark hair abruptly pops up from right where you were staring. Ambrose barks loudly next to you, equally as startled, and your eyes widen. You stand up hastily at the realization that Ambrose's loud barks in the dead of night will catch the attention of the harpies, and right now, that was more important to you than the mysterious person that just sprouted up in the water like a zombie coming out of a grave.

“Shush! Ambrose, quiet!” Your frantic command was enough to make him stop with a whine, and you sigh shakily, turning towards the camp to check if there were any harpies.

“I think you dropped something.” Ambrose moves in front of you protectively, a low growl coming from his chest as he cautiously studies the person. You look back where the voice came from and to your surprise and your relief, you find that the mysterious person in the lake was no other than Percy Jackson. You never had a conversation with him before, but you definitely knew about him. It was kind of hard not to know who he is since he’s been the talk of the camp since he’s arrived. Your thoughts about him weren’t any different from most of the camp. You’ve seen him fight and use his powers during capture the flag, and you were just as impressed as everyone else. You did have to admit that you found him to be pretty cute too. His eyes were gorgeous, clear, and bright like a shallow, cyanic sea. You also found it adorable how his hair always looked a little disheveled.

Your (e/c) eyes met Percy’s green ones before looking at your rose quartz in his hand. You smile sheepishly, noticing the amused look on his face.

“Ah, yeah, that’s mine.” You walk over to him, but as you get closer, so does Ambrose, and his growls get louder. "Ambrose, heel. It's okay," you say softly, and he stops in his place, but his stance is still at alert, his eyes watching Percy cautiously. You pat Ambrose's head before walking past him and over to Percy. "Thanks," you smile, taking your rose quartz from his hand.

"No problem… I don't think your ghost dog likes me," Percy jokes, moving to look past your legs at Ambrose, who’s standing tall on your left side.

"Yeah, well, you kinda scared the crap out of us," you point out, amused. You take in Percy's goofy smile as he pulls himself up from the water, and you notice that he’s completely dry as he settles on the edge before turning his body to look at you.

“It’s y/n, right?” He asks, and you nod, figuring he’s probably heard about you in passing from Connor and Travis since he was friends with them too. “What are you doing out here so late?"

"I could ask you the same thing," you retort playfully, making him smile. You move to sit down where you were standing. You spread the crystals neatly on the wood, making a mental note to get them before you go to bed.

"I couldn't sleep, so I came out here to hang out, but then a hippocampus swam up. One of its friends got stuck in a fisher's net not too far from here, so I went to help," he explains, and you nod. "I told you my excuse, so what's yours?"

You hum, "It's a full moon out tonight, so I thought I should take my crystals out. I also needed moon water for a potion, so I collected some for that," you point over at the big mason jar full of lake water. "It’s not as cool as your excuse,” you say playfully.

A short laugh comes from Percy, and when you look up from your crystals, you notice he was looking at Ambrose again, who was still in his tense stance. Ambrose was especially protective of you and Atticus, and it wasn’t unusual for him to be cautious of the new people you come across. You assumed that Ambrose was particularly tense with Percy since he had successfully caught you both by surprise.

"Ambrose, relax.” You pat the top of his head to soothe him. "Lay down." Ambrose whines, licking your hand affectionately for a little, and you can tell he was still uneasy about the other. He was hesitant, but he follows your command anyway, laying down with his head on your lap.

"You can touch him?" Percy asks, his eyes wide and curious as he watches you pet Ambrose.

"Yeah, I can touch ghosts in general. My mother is Hecate, goddess of necromancy, along with magic, the night and the moon," you tell him. "This is Ambrose. My mother gifted him to me to be my familiar, kinda like a guardian." You look down at the hound, smiling softly as you scratch behind his ear softly.

Ambrose is a burly Molossian Hound who lived in the time of Alexander The Great. From what your father told you, his breed was well valued in Ancient Greek and Roman times and was often used in war. It is easy to understand why the breed was used in war. Ambrose is huge and muscular, about 6 feet tall when he stands on his hind legs, and he weighs around 200 pounds. At first, Ambrose can come off as a little intimidating. You remember how your siblings had avoided him when you first arrived at camp before they realized that he was the clearest definition of a gentle giant. Even though he was trained to fight when he was alive, he was still as gentle as a well-trained house dog unless he was given a reason not to be.

"When did you get him?" Percy asks, his eyes focusing on Ambrose’s translucent body that looked like it is made up of this gray swirling vapor. He couldn’t exactly wrap his head around how Ambrose’s head was comfortably propped up on your thigh.

"We met on the night I was on my way to Camp so about 2 years ago. Without him, my brother and I probably would have never made it to the borders.” You look up at Percy, meeting his eyes again; you watch as his face softens as he shifts to lean back on his hand.

"Really?" You hum and nod, ready to drop the conversation there, thinking you shouldn’t bore him with the details. You didn’t really like talking about it much, but the way he was looking at you made you feel like he was inviting you to continue talking.

"We got separated from our father at the gas station a couple of miles away from here. He went inside the convenience store to get us snacks, and while he was in there, a cyclops had found us, tried to grab us out of his car. We jumped out and ran into the woods nearby," you explain as you look out at the dark horizon.

You remember the sound of your father yelling after you and Atticus and how it broke your heart hearing, for the first time, such despair in his voice. You knew your dad didn’t want to bring you guys to camp, but he knew it was in Atticus’s and your best interest to come here and be with other people like you guys.

When you and Atticus started developing your powers, your father had simply told you guys that you were special and to refrain from using your telekinesis anywhere else but home. He didn’t say anything more until one night, you and Atticus had gotten in a screaming match about a reason you don’t even remember. However, in your screaming match, the both of you were so angry that a green aura had formed around you both, and books, magazines, even cutlery were being flown across the room because of the sheer energy you were admitting as a unit. It was then your father had decided to take you and Atticus to the camp to control and learn about your powers before you guys destroyed the house over a dumb argument like who’s turn is it to have the TV remote.

"We were more concerned about the monster hurting our dad, so we decided on a whim to run in the forest. My brother and I have telekinesis powers, and I aimed well enough to send a rock right at the cyclops eye. We lost him a little after that, but we didn't know where we were. We made too many twists and turns; we had no idea what direction we came from. And then, this buddy appeared out of nowhere from a distance. I saw him glowing from far away and couldn’t make out what he was, but I felt that I had to follow him. So we did, and he got us to camp with no detours for any other monsters. He's been with me ever since," you say, and a low whine comes from Ambrose’s mouth as he nuzzles the side of his face on your thigh contentedly.

Percy nods, and he huffs softly, "You guys got lucky. How old were you and your brother when you got to camp?"

"12, we're twins. We actually got here a couple of weeks after you did,” you mention. You watch Percy’s mouth curve into a half-smirk.

“Wow," he says, amused, and shakes his head. “So you have a twin and a dead dog, no fair," he jokes. You giggle, rolling your eyes playfully,

"Oh please, and you have crazy water powers. You’re completely dry after swimming! I think that's pretty envy-worthy."

"Hey-,” he shrugs, taking a second as if to form a protest. “I guess you're right,” he admits and laughs. You laugh with him, opening your mouth to say something else but unfortunately, you were interrupted by a screech echoing in the distance.

Both you and Percy stand up quickly, trying to figure out which direction it came from. “The harpies,” you both mutter in unison. You bend down to grab your things, and you look at Ambrose.

"Go distract them, bud," you tell him, and Ambrose jumps up to his feet, and you watch as he runs away, barking to get their attention. Just then, you see the wings of the Harpies coming up from the trees of the forest. You turn to Percy, grabbing his hand quick,

“Incantare: Transpectus!" You exclaim confidently, closing your eyes to envision you and Percy becoming transparent on the dock. You've never tried doing this spell before, but you've gotten better at visualizing and setting intentions, so you had some hope in yourself. You open your eyes, not feeling any different, and you hoped that you just didn't make a fool of yourself in front of Percy. But when you look down at your hand hesitantly and notice it was hard to make out since you were see-through like glass, you sigh in relief. You smile to yourself, more than satisfied that you were able to pull that off.

"Woah, are we invisible?" You look over at Percy, able to see him just fine since he was under the spell with you. Percy looks down at himself, eyes widened as he processes he can’t see his body anymore. You observe him for a second, finding it cute how he looked surprised and obviously entertained at the fact that he was completely see-through. You feel yourself growing a little flustered, trying not to focus too much on the fact that you were holding hands with him.

"Something like that. C'mon, it won’t last too long," you whisper, and your grip around his hand tightens as you guys begin running to his cabin. You hear the harpies screeching in frustration as they swoop down to try and grab Ambrose, only for their claws to go right through him. While the harpies were growing more annoyed, Ambrose, on the other hand, was having way too much fun, running in circles and barking at them as if he’s teasing.

"Man, I wish I had a ghost dog," you hear Percy mutter behind you as you arrive at the steps of his cabin.

"Yeah, Ambrose is pretty great," you admit, watching him play with the harpies before shifting your gaze over to Percy. "Thanks for getting the crystal for me." As much as you wanted to stay talking to him, you knew you couldn't stay too long. You were still eager to finish studying, and Ambrose can only hold off the harpies for so long.

"It was no problem. It was on my way up anyways," he shrugs, and you smile, trying to ignore the fluttering feeling in your stomach. You look down, the two of you still holding hands even though the spell wore off already. You awkwardly let go of his hand, shifting on your feet.

"Well, I'll see you around," you say sheepishly, fiddling with your fingers.

"Yeah, I'll see you.” His hand comes up in an awkward wave. You nod, returning the wave. Your eyes meet Percy’s green ones one more time before turning on your heels and walking down the steps of his cabin. You notice that Ambrose is now long gone into the forest, taking the harpies with him to give you time to rush to the other side where your cabin is.

As you hurry back to your cabin, you couldn’t help but smile to yourself as you replayed the interaction you just had with Percy, and you couldn't help but wonder when would be the next time you could talk to him.

You carefully hoist yourself up, climb back into the cabin through the window, sighing softly once you get in. You slowly close the window, your face scrunching at the creaking sound, but you successfully get it closed before turning around, only to be faced with Connor Stoll standing a few feet away with his arms crossed over his chest. You gasp loudly, almost dropping the mason jar in your hand, being startled for the second time tonight.

“Oh, look who’s back,” he says, his lips pulled in his usual mischievous smirk, his right eyebrow raised as if he's suspicious of you. You shift, giggling nervously under his graze,

"Hey, Con.” Shit. You knew he wasn’t asleep, and a part of you wasn’t surprised that he had caught you sneaking out again. You weren’t too worried since Connor wasn’t one to be strict or easily angered, neither was Travis, but you can understand if he did get a little upset with you since the cabin could also get in trouble, and he worried about you getting hurt.

"You leave so often, I'm starting to think you're seeing someone," he teases, and you furrow your eyebrows, not really sure what he was trying to get at.

"I'm not seeing anyone. You know what I do when I sneak out," you tell him, putting your hand out to show him the jar full of water. After being caught the first couple of times, you had explained to Connor why you occasionally needed to head out at night. He was understanding of your reasons, telling you to try and not sneak out as often. When he did catch you, he always kept your outings secret. It came with a price, though. You were sometimes stuck doing extra chores, especially anything that had to do with cleaning, since he hated doing anything that had to do with mopping or sweeping.

"So that wasn't you and Percy on the dock?" Your eyes widen, and you feel your face get hot again. You shake your head, stumbling over your words for a second.

"Uh… n- that was a coincidence!" You hear him snort, laughing quietly as if he didn't believe you. Even though he couldn't see your facial expression very well in this lighting, he can still tell how flustered you were at his sudden question.

"Yeah, sure," he says sarcastically, and he hums, "Anyways, what are you going to do for me so that I don't tell on you?" He asks, and your mouth drops open. Usually, he wasn't so forward, and he never threatened to tell on you. "I might spread a rumor about you and Percy rendezvousing at midnight. The Aphrodite cabin will have a hoot with that one."

You gasp, "Connor, are you blackmailing me right now?" You narrow your eyes at him, and he shrugs,

"I guess you can say I am." You shake your head, walking over to your desk to put down your moon water before turning toward him and crossing your arms in front of your chest.

"... what do you want?" You ask, expecting him to make you take up one of his chores. But from the way he was smiling at you, you can tell that there was something more he wanted, and you were beginning to worry.

"Help me turn the Ares Cabin into bunnies," he says, and you shake your head frantically,

"No way! Clarisse will kill me," you whisper. Connor smiles,

"No, she won't. She can't kill you if she's a bunny," he points out, and your face falls flat,

"They're not gonna stay bunnies forever," you say, and you fiddle with your fingers nervously at the idea of the outrage you'd get from the Ares Cabin after shifting back from being bunnies. "I don't know, Con. I don't even know if I can turn all of them into bunnies at once."

Connor waves his hand at you, dismissing your concern. "I don't care for the logistics now. We can work on that later, but you have to agree to at least help me," he says. "Or I'm telling everyone I saw you smooching Percy on the dock."

"What!? We didn't even kiss. We talked for like 5 minutes!" You whisper-yell, your reactions much too entertaining for him, and he was having a hard time holding in his laugh.

"Your decision, y/n."

You sigh, throwing your head back. You look at the ceiling for a second as you consider your two choices. And you decide that getting your head potentially put on a stick by Clarisse was better than the burning embarrassment of Percy thinking you're spreading rumors about kissing him. "Fine, whatever. I'll help you do the bunny thing," you mumble, your shoulders slouched.

Connor nods with a proud smile on his face for trapping you into helping him. "Good choice. I will be going back to sleep now. Good night… again," he announces, turning on his heels and walking over to his bed. You frown a little as you walk back to your desk to study. Plopping down onto your chair, you decide that you’ll worry about Connor’s little plan later so you can focus on your studying. After a while, Ambrose comes trotting in, joining you by the desk as usual. You smile at him, praising the other for distracting the harpies for you before he lays down, his head laying on your foot.

As you study, you find that you couldn’t help your mind drifting back to Percy once and a while. You deem that there was no way that you could have a crush on him since you guys have only spoken once. In the midst of your internal debate to decide what you felt for him, you suddenly remember the crystal that was retrieved for you. You remember how Percy presented it to you, holding it out for you with his fingertips. It was your rose quartz. What a coincidence. You smile, rolling your eyes as you tell yourself that you’re thinking too much into it. You look over, noticing the dim illuminating light of the beginning sunrise shining through the curtains. You sigh, deciding that you should probably get to sleep and take advantage of the maybe, four hours of sleep you’ll get tonight. You close your herbology book before making your way to your bed, and with a soft sigh, you retreat under the covers, and finally, you surrender to your drowsiness.

masterlist

[fweasleyswhore]

Special To Me: Fred Weasley

requested by @fantastic-fans​

a/n is it obvious I have a special spot for goblet of fire fred/george aka long hair times, uh yes. would i want it any other way? uh, no. sorry to my cedric stannies out there - but i think the transition from the fourth to fifth movie where their hair had been chopped off hurt more than cedrics death. 

Pairing: Fred x fem!reader / Potter!reader

Summary: Reader struggles to feel significant compared to her twin brother (Harry Potter). These feelings make it hard for her to deal with her growing crush on Fred.

Word Count: 14.9K (i said i liked the idea and yes i did)

Warnings: a tad of angst and self deprecating thoughts (if you are struggling feel free to dm me and talk)

“But…” My eyes looked across the Great Hall table at Harry. His eyes were as wide as mine, shock was evident on his features much as my own. Had the situation been less serious we would have been teased about it, but this was anything but a laughable situation. 

I felt Hermione’s hand on mine and she squeezed gently. I could see her looking at me through the corner of my eye but my eyes did not leave my twins. Again? He was constantly being pushed around, things being thrown at him but this year but we figured, this year would be ok. 

“Blimey Harry, mind telling us how you didn’t grow a beard but put your name in?” George joked. I barely processed it and before I could punch him Dumbledore spoke again. 

“Harry Potter, would you please come up here?” Harry looked at me, then to Ron and Hermione. 

“I didn’t put my name in.” He rushed out. His voice was shaky and his eyes began to gloss over. “I didn’t. I swear I didn’t.” 

I couldn’t respond. I was still just shocked. 

“It’s ok Harry, we know. Go up there.” Hermione urged. She squeezed my hand again which grounded me. I hadn’t noticed that she hadn’t let go until she did that. My hand squeezed back. Not faltering but squeezing harder as I watched Harry walk up to Dumbledore, he tripped a few times but caught himself. My gaze didn’t leave him even after he went through the door at the edge of the Great Hall with the other champions. I sat there frozen. 

“Love? Did you know he put his name in the cup?” Fred’s voice took me out of my trance. I stopped peering over Hermione’s head and turned to my side. His hand came up and held my shoulder, rubbing gently. 

“No, I didn’t,” I spoke. My mind was racing a million minutes a second. I couldn’t stop thinking of our first night back at Hogwarts. Harry and I sat on the floor of the common room, a comfortable silence between us. We had both agreed that this year was going to be good. We both agreed that we were going to have a relaxed year, not push ourselves but enjoy the time at home before we went back to Uncle Vernon. He promised to stop worrying me, of course, I knew that it wasn’t his fault but it still made me feel some sort of peace. “He said he didn’t.” I could feel my eyes tear up. I’m not sure if it was the anger, the confusion, or the fear that set in that was causing it. “Oh don’t cry…” Fred pleaded. His hand that was rubbing my shoulder moved and he pulled me into his chest. I dropped Hermione’s hand and balled my hands around his sweater. He squeezed me tighter to his chest and rubbed my back as I came undone in his hands. I pulled back so my head was no longer pressed against him. 

“Why is it always him?!” I nearly shouted. Friends who weren’t watching me come undone before definitely were now. Ron scoffed at my remark and rolled his eyes. 

“My thoughts exactly.” He spoke snarkily before grabbing his things and leaving. My teary eyes watched him walk away. I looked at Hermione hoping maybe she understood but she held the same confusion as me. She sent me a sympathetic look before collecting her own things, squeezing my shoulder, and running after Ron. 

“Foul git…” George mumbled. He brought his hand around Fred to give my shoulder a squeeze and send me a sympathetic gaze. I returned it and rested my head back on Fred’s chest. His arms were still holding me and that I was thankful for, he brought me in closer and sighed. 

“Do you think they are going to make him play? People die in this competition...” I whispered to him. 

He rested his head on top of mine and whispered back. “I’m not sure. It’s always something with you Potters isn’t it.” I couldn’t stop myself from laughing, he was right, sadly it was always us. 

I brought my head up to look at him. If he wasn’t holding me I would’ve collapsed, his face was much closer than I thought and our noses almost touched. My face was flushing, I could feel it but I continued. 

“Talk a lot yourself, Weasley. I could argue that you have more going on than us.” His smile was intoxicating, I couldn’t refrain from smiling back. Just like that my mood lightened. This was one of the many reasons I loved being around Fred Weasley, he just brings so much happiness into the world. In the worst situations I couldn’t help but find myself smiling because of him. 

“Oh, you could? Because...” He leaned in after trailing off, my breath hitched. I was frozen as he leaned in so his lips ghosted over my ear.  “You, are all I got going on.” He whispered, my face flushed and I could feel him smirking at me, confident in his ability to make me flush at the smallest things. I pushed my face into his chest again. 

“I just want one quiet year,” I spoke into his chest. His arms tightened around me as he began to rub small circles into my back. 

“I know. I know.” He spoke into my head. I could feel the vibrations of him talking in his chest. And even though there was hell all around us, I felt safe. I felt safe with him holding me. I tried to push down the bubbling in my stomach. This was our thing, we flirt, we joke but we are friends. He’s comforting a friend, that’s all. I pushed the thoughts aside, getting overwhelmed again wasn’t going to help my already anxious mood. 

“We should, erm, go back to the common room.” George’s voice took me out of my trance. Untangling myself from Fred I looked around. Almost everyone had left the Great Hall. A few people stayed finishing up their meals or conversations. Looking around I saw Cedric’s friend group waiting for him.

“Come on, Harry can meet us in the common room,” Fred said standing. He and George outstretched their hands. I rubbed my eyes and rolled them at them before standing and wrapping my arms around theirs. “Attagirl.” Fred said after I linked our arms, earning a laugh from George and jab in the side from me. 

Sitting in front of the fire I let my mind wander. Hermione could be heard in the dorms arguing with Ron and I didn’t really want to get in the middle of it. Behind me, Fred and George were talking about a prank they were planning. All around the common room, there was chatter, everyone was doing something, talking to someone, but I couldn’t bring myself to join. 

Harry’s name was picked from the cup. 

I tried to think back on the day. I was with him practically the whole time, the times I wasn’t Hermione and Ron were. None of us saw him put his name in the cup yet his name got picked. People died in the game. “This challenge isn’t for the weary of the heart, mind you, be absolutely sure you want this before entering your name. The rules have been altered but in the past champions have died. I do not expect any of us will be saying goodbye to our friends but I would not take this lightly.” 

“Too bad they have the age limit, Harry you would win that thing so easily.” Ron piped in between bites. 

“I think I have enough things trying to kill me in challenges I didn’t sign up for. Don’t think I would enter even if I could.” Harry shot back. He smiled at me from across the table and I remembered our promise, I smiled back. 

“Penny for your thoughts?” Hermione asked softly, sitting down beside me. Her voice brought me back to the present as her knees hit my legs that I was hugging to my chest. I sighed and leaned back onto the couch where Fred and George were sitting, bumping Fred’s legs slightly. 

“We agreed to have a quiet year,” I spoke slowly, a stark contrast to the thoughts inside my head that seemed to be swimming at 100 mph. “Quiet and good. And I understand this isn’t his fault. He didn’t put his name in but he is so tired ‘Mione. I don’t know how much of this he can take.” My voice began to break and tears welled up in my eyes for the second time that night. I was so tired of watching him get broken down to nothing and then being expected to piece himself together again. After last year where we met Sirius, we had hoped that we would be able to run off with him, live with him maybe. But the ministry is still doing everything in their power to capture him, so Harry and I had to go back to Uncle Vernon. Sirius sends us letters and communicates when he can but it still hurts not having him around. It especially hurt Harry. He had this whole life in the countryside dreamt up where we lived with Sirius and after Peter got away he was shattered. That summer I made sure to take more blows from Dudley. Usually, I got away with it being a “lady”, Aunt Petunia made sure to teach her son not to hurt girls, Dudley never saw me as a girl though, I don’t think Aunt Petunia did either but I wasn’t going to argue with it. 

“Hey, don’t cry. Listen, tiring yourself isn’t going to help him. If you want a quiet year come hell or high water I will do everything in my power to make sure you get that.” She smiled and looked into my eyes, her eyes held a sense of security I longed for. 

“Oh ‘Mione,” I wrapped myself around her in a tight embrace. I knew she wasn’t expecting it but she hugged me back slowly. “Thank you.” I whispered. She nodded into my shoulder. 

A few hours passed and I calmed my swimming mind with the work I had been putting off over the summer that was going to be due at the end of the week. Small introductory papers going over what we learned last year. Not difficult but time consuming. 

“I think I am going to head to bed.” Hermione spoke. I looked up, it was just us two. George was gone and Fred was sprawled out on the couch behind me, snoring slightly. I giggled at the sight of him, his long legs trying to stay on the couch. 

“All right ‘Mione. I think I’m gonna stay and finish this. Wait for Harry to get in.” She nodded and rubbed my shoulder as she stood. 

“Wake me up if anything happens or you need to talk.” I nodded and she set off up the stairs. I stood too. Stretching after being curled inward onto myself my joints began to hurt. I walked around the common room blowing out stray candles and tidying up slightly. I went back to my position in front of the couch to finish my potions essay on the new ingredients we learned last year highlighting their properties and effects. 

“This is rubbish.” I laughed to myself reading the first few paragraphs. I honestly didn’t remember much from last year. I suppose that's what happens when you meet your criminal godfather and your friend's rat turns out to be one of Voldemort's henchmen. 

While making notes on the margins of my essay I heard the portrait hole open. I turned to see Harry walk in, Fred turned slightly but didn’t wake. He didn’t register my eyes on him and he walked wearily towards the boys dorm entrance. 

“Harry?” I whispered. He turned around, his pained face made a small smile when he recognized me. 

“Oh Y/N!” He rushed over to me and collapsed in my arms. His body wrinkled my papers but I didn’t mind. I was just as fast to grab him back and hold him tightly. Soon I felt my neck grow wet as he heaved in my arms. I rubbed circles into his back and held him tighter. 

He pulled back. “Erm, sorry.” He sniffled and rubbed at his face. 

“You never have to apologize to me.” I sent him a comforting smile. “They’re making you play?” Although it was a question it sounded more like a statement. Deep down I already knew but I didn’t want to admit it. 

“Yeah, so much for a quiet year I guess.” He let out a forced laugh, it sent a wave of pain to see him so broken. He stared at his hands in his lap and sniffled a few times. I looked back at the fire. 

“I wish we were the chosen one’s.” I said quietly. “Just to take some of the burden off of-” “Do not ever say that.” He cut me off. I turned to him, his red eyes were wide and his face was full of grief. “Never.” “But Harry-” I tried but to no avail he cut me off again. 

“No. I mean it. Half of the time the one thing that keeps me going is knowing that you are ok. Y/N if you had to fight this battle too I think I would break. I want to keep you safe.” He spoke slowly. His voice was lower and I could tell he genuinely felt this way. He grabbed my hands and I nodded.

“It’s not fair, it's always you.” I countered. I knew he was right but I didn’t want to stand idly by while he risked his life for me. “I understand you want to protect me, so you have to understand that I want to do the same. Harry this isn’t just your fight. We will fight with you, you just got roped in as our leader. I will do everything in my power to take even a miniscule amount of that burden off of you.” He was quiet. I looked into his eyes but his eyes were staring at our hands. His eyes were swirling much like how I imagined his head to be right then. 

“When I lost you at the World Cup there was a split second I thought you died.” He hung his head even more if that was possible. “I couldn’t bear it Y/N and I knew if it happened it would've been my fault and-” This time I cut him off. I hugged him again and I felt him shake in my arms. I was mentally cursing the world for putting its weight on his shoulders. It wasn’t fair to him. 

I pulled back enough so he could see my face. “Never in a million years blame yourself. It’s not and never will be your fault ok. Besides that only proves my point, this isn’t your fight alone.” I gestured to the sleeping form on the couch behind us. 

That night rang through my head as I did so. I had linked arms with Hermione and Harry. The twins and Ginny were behind us. We were all trying desperately to find cover and we got pulled in different directions. Hermione’s arm became unlinked with mine and she trailed off with Ron and I got pushed down with Harry. 

Scrambling to get up I looked around and Harry was gone. I began to scream his name but too many people were running and my yells were drowned out in the screams. Immediately I felt my body tense up and shake as panic set in. I figured my best shot was to go in the direction we were headed before I got split up from everyone. Trying to push through the crowd was hard, I was shoved around and soon I was sure my shoulders were bruised from the sheer amount of times I got shoved backwards by someone. 

A loud scream echoed in the space. I looked around trying to find its origin when a couple tall men ran right into me. They didn’t even register it as they ran right on top of me. Digging their heels into my skin and kicking me. I tried to move when one of them kicked me directly in the head. I crawled into myself, cradling my head and waiting for the group to pass. The burning sensation in my shoulders now spread to my neck and I could feel the blood on my hands as I held my head. 

I stood up shakily, nearly falling again as a wave of dizziness swarmed me. My vision was spinning but I tried my best to trudge forward in the direction I thought was the right way. 

“Y/N.” I blinked, I know I just heard my name but I can’t see anyone around. “Y/N!”

My head injury must be getting to me. I looked at my feet which were having a hard time moving forward when I heard it again. I tried to turn around but something caught me. 

Right then my feet were hoisted off the ground and my abdomen was squeezed. I yelled out and elbowed towards my back trying to fight off my attacker. I was set down and before I could run away strong hands were spinning me around. Immediately recognizing him I jumped into Fred’s arms and he lifted me up. I instinctively wrapped my legs around his waist. The pain I was feeling faded to the back of my mind as he held me. 

“I thought we lost you.” He whispered in my ear. “Never do that again.” “I didn’t try to.” I whispered back. He laughed shallowly. 

“I know, just, I don’t want to lose you.” He whispered. His grip on me tightened. The familiar feeling of butterflies erupted in my stomach, something I always felt when he was near. Even though he had been running around he still smelled like cinnamon and fireworks. 

“You didn’t lose me Freddie. Never have, never will.” I whispered back. My grip equally tightened trying to communicate the feelings I have felt for a while. 

He squeezed me again then set me down. I stood on my shaky legs trying to remain balanced. “Let’s go.” he whispered. Keeping up with him on a normal day was hard; this was damn near impossible. 

Fred was tugging at my wrist, he had linked our hands together so I wouldn’t get lost again. I followed him, tripping every now and then but he always caught me. After what felt like hours we managed to the woods where we met with Hermione, Ron, Ginny and George. Immediately Hermione hugged me. 

“I can’t breath.” I barely muttered to get out between pants. 

“I thought that you had been trampled or…” She trailed off and looked behind me. I turned around but only saw the forest. “Where’s Harry?” 

“I thought he was with you?” I looked around. Each Weasley held a similar look on their face of confusion as they looked between themselves then back to us. 

Ron walked up to us. “I’ll go find him.” He squeezed my shoulder and looked between me and Hermione. “I’m coming.” Hermione piped up. 

“Me too.” I said brushing myself off. They both looked at me like I was insane. “What?!”

“Y/N, you’re bleeding.” Fred said. I had forgotten he was still next to me. He gently grasped at my cheek to turn my head towards him as he inspected the cut on my forehead. 

“I bet you all are bleeding. So what? I’m fine, I'm coming.” I pulled out of his gentle touch, immediately feeling cold. 

“Your neck is bruised…” Hermione spoke. Again I could feel Fred’s hands on me. He trailed his fingers down the side of my neck, slightly pulling on the collar of my shirt as he inspected my injuries. I could hear him hiss while looking at them but I kept my eyes on Hermione. 

“Y/N you could barely keep up with me on our way here. Just stay, please?” Fred’s hand had continued its tour of my body and it brushed my arm as he reached down to grab my hand. I finally peeled my gaze toward his. He was beautiful, his eyes were pleading, his grip tightened slightly so I hung my head in defeat. 

“Please be safe.” I looked between Ron and Hermione. He nodded and she smiled before they ran out toward the direction of screams and fire. 

I watched them until they disappeared behind some trees. 

“Come sit love.” Fred said and he pulled me over to a tree trunk with a base to barely fit the two of us. Once I sat he began inspecting my face again, then my neck and shoulders. Occasionally I would flinch or gasp as he uncovered a new injury or an especially tender bruise, immediately mumbling a ‘sorry’ he would halt his actions before continuing. 

He slouched against the tree beside me. I could feel his gaze on me but I kept my eyes trained on the forest where Hermione and Ron had walked out of a few minutes ago. 

“You look horrible.” He said. I turned to him with a look of disbelief. 

“Gee thanks, only nearly got killed a little while ago.” I shot back. His eyes widened as he realized what he said. 

“No! No! Not like that. You’re beautiful I just mean-” I didn’t hear what else he said as I burst out laughing. He looked so panicked it was both heartwarming and hilarious. 

“I’m messing Freddie. I know what you mean.” I brought my hand up to ruffle his hair. He huffed and rolled his eyes but he was smiling. I finally looked around us. Across from us a few trees to my right Ginny and George were snoring and leaning on each other. I giggled at the sight and realized how tired I was at that moment. 

I yawned and tried to shift around to a comfortable position, something this tree was not allowing me to do. Fred watched me and snickered to himself. I looked up, catching him trying to stifle a laugh as I tried my third position, but gave up and turned so my back was against the tree again.

“Maybe I could get comfortable if your big butt wasn’t in the way.” I shot at him playfully. Looking towards him.

“I’ll have you know I have a tiny butt.” He said leaning down so we were eye level. 

“Your butt looks big from where I’m sitting.” I shoot back. He rolls his eyes and smirks at me. 

“If my enormous arse is taking up so much of your room why don’t you just sit on me then.” He patted his legs. “According to you I have enough butt to share so I figured I might as well.” He raised his brows at me and it hit me he wasn’t joking. My face warmed up and I prayed he couldn’t see it under the layer of dirt on my face. “Well?” He asked, smoothing out his trousers. 

I mustered up my courage and crawled on top of him. I sat on him sideways and rested my head in the crook of his neck. His arms wrapped around me immediately. I sighed into him. My pain and uncomfort drifted away as my eyes drifted shut. 

“Fred?” He moved his face so he could see me. I didn’t move my head, just brought my hand up to rest on his chest, he understood and rested his head back against the tree.. I could feel his heartbeat in his chest and it made me smile. He hummed in response. “Thank you. Not only for getting me tonight but all the times you just…” I trailed off. I didn’t think before I spoke but I knew what I was trying to say so I continued. “You always make me smile. Thank you.” 

His arms tightened around me, and he placed a kiss onto the top of my head. I could feel myself blush so I pushed my head farther into his neck. 

“Of course Y/N. Anything for you, love.” I smiled at the nickname. I felt safe as I drifted off. Even the distant screams didn’t disturb me, I focused on Fred’s heart beating under my hand and his hands rubbing small circles in my sides.

“Still haven’t properly thanked him for that.” Harry’s voice brought me back to the present and I smiled at him. That night was terrifying yes, but it's also something I think fondly about in retrospect. It showed how we all cared for each other, jumping up to protect one another, a lot of times I don’t feel like I fit in, that I’m the annoying sister who's included because she doesn’t have any friends. But after that night I realized I do have friends and they are all around me. 

“You really should. Poor bloke carried me while I slept and took care of my cuts.” I looked over my shoulder and smiled at Fred’s sleeping figure. 

Harry laughed and nodded. A comfortable silence fell between us as we stared at the fire. 

“It’s gonna be ok Harry.” I spoke, my voice sounded confident, more confident than I felt inside. 

“I know, just gotta get through it first I reckon.” He smiled at me. I nodded and smiled back. “I’m gonna head to bed, love you Y/N.” 

“Love you too.” As he walked away I gathered my papers and tried to get them to lay flat but to no avail they were crumpled. I groaned and threw them in my bag and began to walk upstairs. 

I ran down the stairs remembering Fred. He was still curled up on the couch snoring softly. I laughed to myself and gently woke him up. 

“Fred, love, you should go upstairs.” He groaned and turned to face me. His long hair was a mess and his face was peaceful, he looked amazing, even then. 

“Did Harry come in?” I nodded and he groaned again this time while standing, when he stretched his shirt rode up ever so slightly exposing his midriff. My cheeks burned as I looked at his toned torso and the small trail of ginger hair that stopped at his trousers. “Are you alright?” 

I looked up to him and swallowed. His eyes showed genuine concern and I mentally slapped myself for drooling over him right in front of him. Luckily though, he didn’t notice. 

I nodded. “Harry and I talked, we’re gonna push through.” 

“With my help of course.” He smiled down at me. 

I rolled my eyes but I couldn’t help but smile back. “I figured that was implied.” I said smugly, poking his chest. 

“It better be.” He whispered. His voice was deep and drowsy and it sent a wave through me that made me shiver. I swallowed and looked back up to him. 

“Goodnight Fred.” I leaned up on my toes to kiss his cheek. He looked at me stunned. I couldn’t tell if he was blushing from shock or embarrassment so I turned around and walked up the girls dormitory stairs. Why did I do that?

Barely audible I heard him yell after me. “G-Goodnight Y/N!” I smiled, falling asleep thinking of Fred. The weight of my conversation with Harry was gone, I felt dizzy like I was floating. All because of a certain redhead downstairs. 

-

“Dragons! You have got to be joking.” I yelled.

We were steadily approaching the first task. When Hermione wasn’t studying she was helping Harry and I figure out what the tasks were going to be. Hermione was trying to split her time between us and Ron, I was trying to split my time between them and the twins, to say I felt overwhelmed was an understatement. Classes began to pick up in workload and I could barely imagine the stress that Harry was feeling. 

“You could be a howler with a voice like that.” George quipped from his usual spot on the couch. I looked up at him and sent him a glare, he put his hands up defensively. “I’m right, it’s a compliment, look you would be much more effective than those damned things, that scared me!” 

I rolled my eyes. “Your poor mum has sent you so many howlers, your saying not once did they scare you?” George shrugged and I looked back to Harry in front of me. 

“He’s lying you know.” Fred whispered to me. I was sitting on the floor in between his legs where I usually sat. I turned my head to see him better. He glanced at George before leaning down to me again. “I once saw him cry after we got sent one. He was real torn up about it-” 

Suddenly George hopped on Fred. I moved away from the couch partially to get a better view of them fighting and partially to not get hit by the flying limbs.

“Ugh would you two stop it! We have a real issue here!” Hermione stood up and hit them both with the book in her hands. George rubbed the back of his head where she had hit him as he sat back down and Fred hissed as he cradled his leg. They both sat back down, George glaring daggers into Fred, occasionally muttering something about him being a ‘Lying git’. 

Hermione sat back down next to Harry.

“Is this what the brown dragon looked like?” She asked, pointing to a picture in the book. Harry examined it for a minute before speaking. 

“Sure looks a lot more like it than the other ones.” Scratching the back of his neck he looked at her but she was busy reading about the dragon. They started to argue on if Harry had seen scales or skin and I tuned out, looking back over to the twins. 

Fred caught my eye and he motioned for me to come back, sitting in my normal position again I smiled as he began to run his fingers through my hair. 

“Does it matter much if its scales or skin? I mean, it's a dragon, they have a list of traits they all share, why don’t we tackle that before anything specific.” I interrupted their argument. They both looked at me. Hermione looked like she had swallowed something sower and I laughed to myself at the expression she had. She was about to speak before Harry intervened. 

“Brilliant. What’s a common theme?” Hermione rolled her eyes and shut her book aggressively. She picked up spare parchment and a quill and started making a list. 

“Well the fiery breath is something to be concerned about.” Fred said. I nodded along with him. 

“And the massive talons that will rip you to shreds.” George added. Hermione glared at him and threw a pillow at him. “I’m not wrong!” He said removing the pillow from his face, everyone except Hermione laughed. 

“Distraction and Execution. That’s what you need to plan on. I’ve watched these idiots do the same things over and over again and it’s always worked.” I said lifting a hand to point at Fred and George. “Well mostly worked but that’s not the point.” I laughed, George leaned over and flicked my shoulder and Fred ruffled my hair. 

“Just use a strength of yours mate, what are you good at?” Fred asked. 

Harry looked down at the ground in front of him, muttering things to himself and moving his hands. “I think I’m a fair flyer.” 

My jaw dropped “Fair!?” He looked at me worriedly. 

“Harry you’re an amazing flyer. Fair barely sums it up.” Hermione said. He looked at us smiling but then his smile dropped. “I’m not allowed a broom.” He said running his hands through his long hair. I frowned. 

“You’re allowed a wand, use it.” Fred said. His hands now rested on my shoulders as he leaned in to talk to Harry. Not even thinking I brought my hand up to rest on his. I noticed when he squeezed my hand. I looked up and he smiled at me, I smiled back, relaxing my hand as his wrapped around mine. 

“Oh and I’m supposed to hop around with my wand between my legs and hope that makes me fly?” He said rather exacerbated. I knew it was getting to him but now I noticed it. The dark circles under his red eyes. His nails were unkempt, he was picking at them because he was stressed. 

“No mate, use a summoning spell.” Fred spoke again. He looked at Fred like he was insane. 

“There is a spell for that?” I laughed along with the twins, Harry didn’t believe him. 

“There is a spell for everything, uh here.” George lifted his wand while talking. “Accio quill.” Just then Hermione’s quill jumped from her hand and into George’s. Harry watched bewildered. “Here you go, sorry about that.” George said bending over to hand Hermione her quill back who was currently glaring at him. I laughed to myself, poor girl needs to loosen up. 

“So if I said ‘Accio Firebolt’ my broom would come to me?” Harry asked. George and Fred nodded and I laughed at his excitement. 

Our good banter went quiet as the portrait hole opened. We all turned toward the sound seeing Ron walk in. He looked at all of us avoiding Harry, I sent him a small smile and gestured to the empty space next to me. He stopped for a moment, looking torn, then he looked at Harry and scoffed and rushed up to his room. 

Harry focused back on the floor suddenly finding it really interesting. It must suck to have to room with someone so mean I thought. “Don’t worry, he’ll come around.” George spoke obviously trying to diffuse the tension.

“He better!” Hermione nearly yelled. We all looked to see her face turning red. “He’s acting like- like-” She looked around suddenly at a loss for words. “A huge baby!” She finally exclaimed. We all nodded, not trying to further poke the bear. 

“I’m going to go talk to him.” She huffed and ran up the dormitory stairs. Harry yelled after her, trying to tell her it wasn’t worth it but I don’t think she listened. Soon enough he had disappeared up the stairs too, leaving me with the twins. 

We sat in a comfortable silence for a minute before I felt Fred’s hand slip from mine. I tried to not act disappointed as I let my hand fall back into my lap. Suddenly I felt two hands firmly grasp my waist and I was being hoisted up onto the couch. I squirmed out of Fred’s grasp who was laughing at my red face. George was laughing too but I was focussed on Fred. 

“And what was that for?!” I yelled. 

“There’s space on the couch, figured you got tired of the floor.” He said in between chuckles. 

“Well you could have asked!” I smacked his arm playfully at his antics. I couldn’t even stay mad at him, his smile was too intoxicating.

“Besides we wanted to let you in on-” Fred started. 

‘A very special and-” George continued.

“Secret plan.” Fred finished. 

I looked between the two. The both held a very serious look on their face which I couldn’t help but giggle at, it was so out of character for them to be serious. 

“You two will be the death of me won’t you?” I asked. 

“Maybe.” They said in unison which made me laugh harder than before. 

- 

It was the day of the first task, I was seated in between Fred and Hermione in my usual seat at breakfast shoving food in my mouth as fast as possible. 

“Y/N, please slow down, you are starting to look like Ron.” Hermione said, obviously a little disgusted. Ron’s head whipped up from across the table where he was chewing down on his sausage. 

“What?!” He asked. Hermione rolled her eyes and I laughed in between bites. 

Once I was satisfied I looked at her. “Sorry, I’m trying to get down to the field as fast as possible to see Harry and also help these two.” I pointed behind me. Their very special secret plan was a portable gambling station to bet on the players. I told them that it was kinda messed up they were betting on our friends being put in life threatening situations, something they rolled their eyes at. After a few promises of chocolate frogs and butterbeer for ‘the next month’, I agreed happily. 

Hermione looked at the twins with a disapproving look that they didn’t catch. Her seriousness made me laugh. “See you out there?” I asked. She nodded and I stood up wrapping a scarf around my neck and dragging George away from his bacon and out to the field. 

I walked around the pitch, directing people to where Fred and George were collecting bets and finally found where the champions were. I poked my head into the tent and tried to find my twin. 

“Y/N?!” I heard a whisper. I whipped my head around and Harry was sulking in the corner of the tent. I motioned for him to come over, he glanced at the other champions who were too busy stretching or meditating to notice my presence before he walked over. As soon as he was in reach I engulfed him in a hug causing us both to stumble a bit. 

“You ok?” I searched his features while holding him at arm's length. He nodded and swallowed. 

“A bit nervous.” He scratched the back of his neck and looked at the floor. 

“You got this, out of all the people in this tent you definitely got this.” I whispered. Right then I saw Dumbledore walk in the tent. “I should go.” He nodded and I gave him one more swift hug before running back to the stands to find the twins. 

I stayed with them helping them count money and sharing candies I had stuffed in my pocket. More and more people began to fill the stands and I looked around for Hermione or Ron but saw neither. I brushed it off, they would come, they are probably just fighting. 

“Hey Y/N! Mind if I sit here?” I looked up to see Neville bundled up tightly. His overgrown hair was swaying slightly against his forehead but was mostly held down with his ear muffs. I smiled and nodded, shifting to make more room on the crowded bench. In doing so I sat flush against Fred with less than an inch of room between me and Neville. We both smiled at each other again before focusing on the arena, waiting for it to start any minute now. 

“Hey Neville?” I asked, turning toward him. He looked back at me quickly like I had caught him taking cookies out of the candy jar. “Did you happen to see Hermione on your way down here?” He instantly relaxed, probably thinking I was going to ask him to move. His eyes trailed away from mine as he recounted his steps. 

“Yeah I did, she wasn’t walking towards the stands though she was heading toward the field.” I nodded, glad that she was around but slightly upset she didn’t come sit with me like we agreed.

“And Ron?” I asked after a brief moment of silence. His face contorted the same way it had moments earlier as he thought back. “I saw him standing outside the entrance to the stands, he wasn’t moving though.” I rolled my eyes. 

“Thanks Neville.” I smiled again even though anger was burning up inside of me. Ron had continued to play this game long enough, he needed to get over himself and help out his friend. His constant bickering and absence was obviously getting to all of us, especially Harry. 

I turned to Fred. “Why does your brother have to be such a git?” I asked. George whipped his head around stunned and Fred laughed. 

“I don’t know, I guess I took all the good genes and George got stuck with the bad ones.” He said not even looking up from the tally sheet in his hand. 

I took his hat off his head and flicked his forehead. “I meant Ron you daft dingus.” This time he looked at me, more because of my actions instead of my words. From behind him I could see George relax and laugh out of relief. He held his signature smirk as he grabbed his hat from my hands and began straightening it out.

“Don’t know, but I don’t think you should worry about that right now.” He said coolly. 

“And what should I be worrying about Freddie?” I shot back. My anger began to reside as we fell back into our natural banter. 

“This!” He said while pulling his hat over my head. I tried to fight him off but his grip was much stronger than mine. Finally I dropped my hands and slumped in defeat. I could hear his muffled laughter as he began to pull his hands away. I began to pull the hat off when he stopped me halfway. 

“No, it looks better on you.” He held a genuine smile as he fixed the hat and smoothed down my hair. I could feel my cheeks warm up and I smiled back before turning my attention back to the field instead of him. My stomach began to stop doing flips as I looked around. Dumbledore was walking up to his box in the stand with the Minister. 

“Must be about to start.” I heard Neville say in my direction. I nodded not even sure if he was looking at me as I stared at the champion tent. Just as Dumbledore began to speak, a very angry Hermione pushed her way into the stands sitting on the seat in front of us. 

I maneuvered my way down to the stand below me and grabbed her shoulder. Her face was red and her breathing was rapid, I couldn’t tell if it was from the speed she was walking or whatever just happened. I looked at her silently asking about what happened. 

“That wench that works for the daily prophet made an accusation saying I was having a love affair with Harry. She saw us hugging and took a photo. Now it's going to be plastered in a Newspaper for the whole school, much less the  wizard parts of London to see.” I sent a frown her way. I knew immediately who she was talking about. Rita Skeeter was one of the Daily Prophets biggest reporters. Upon reading any of her articles it is clear that she doesn’t report she gossips and almost half of the things she publishes aren’t true. 

I squeezed her shoulder slightly. “You know the only people who read her column and believe it are old ladies who have nothing better to do.” Her eyes met mine again and I could see just how upset she really was. “What if Ron reads it, he’s going to think me and Harry have this secret relationship and he’s never going to forgive us.” Her eyes began to well up. I pulled her into a hug and she hugged me back. We both stayed like that until cheering brought our attention back to the field. Cedric had just walked out of the tent, all our heads turned as a giant Green dragon roared opposite him. Hermione grabbed my hand, squeezing it every time there was a loud noise or big gust of fire. 

“How is Harry going to do this?” She looked at me after Cedric had jumped down behind a rock, nearly missing the giant fireball the dragon sent his way. I sent her a reassuring smile and squeezed her hand. 

“He’s got this.” She turned back to the field. “He’s got this.” I repeated it again, and a few more times after that trying to convince myself that he would be ok. 

Sure enough he was. We were all in the common room, I was smiling up at Harry who had been hoisted up by Fred and George. They were going off about something but I wasn’t paying attention, too happy seeing Harry happy for the first time in the past month. He was smiling, really smiling. 

I didn’t notice the egg being passed around until it was back in Harry’s hands. 

“Do you want me to open it?” The common room roared. I myself cheered too, heavily anticipating whatever the next task could be. He twisted the top and a scream louder than the one the whole common room produced was let out. Harry fell off the twins shoulders as they backed up and plugged their ears. Harry scrambled on the floor and quickly shut it. The room filled with gasps of relief as we all unplugged our ears. I felt a hand on my shoulder and looked up to see Fred. He looked at me worriedly and I just nodded, silently communicating that I’m ok. I mirrored his expression and he nodded too. I looked around and saw George standing on my other side and did the same. He nodded and rubbed at his neck. 

The room filled with chatter as everyone gave their guess as to what that noise was. A few votes rang for banshee and someone yelled out the cruciatus curse, the room erupted into argument at that. I stood there silently, slightly amused as Dean and Seamus started arguing. I leaned into Fred’s touch slightly which resulted in him slinging his arm around my shoulder. I smiled and looked up at him. His face was slightly pink, and he looked down at me too and flashed me his famous smile, stomach flipped when I looked at him. My cheeks burned up and I cast my gaze back down to the floor and leaned into him more. 

Suddenly the room went quiet. I looked around puzzled, following everyone's eyes I saw what caused the interruption. Ron stood in the doorway, he looked scared, kind of like he was about to puke but I came to know that as his nervous face. 

“All of you, uh, go back to your knitting. This is going to be awkward enough without you nosy sods listening in.” Fred shouted above the crowd. The only noise through the common room was footsteps as people began to make their way out. Fred began to walk pulling me with him. I turned my head around and sent Harry a thumbs up before falling back in step with Fred as we went up the steps, George and a few other people were behind us. I didn’t pay attention to our accent to our destination as we walked up the stairs. I tried to strain my ears to hear if the boys downstairs were fighting again or making up. 

I finally looked up when I was pushed down. I looked around, I was sitting on Fred’s bed, he was laying on his back next to me, George was shuffling some papers around on his desk and Lee Jordan, who I recognized from the Quidditch games, was sitting on his bed reading a book. The realization hit me and I turned to Fred. 

“You brought me to your dorm?” I asked. He lifted his arm from covering his eyes as he looked at me. He propped up on his elbows, smirking. 

“Do you not want to be here?” He asked, raising his brows. He cocked his head to the side causing his long hair to shake a little bit. I felt myself blush and get nervous again. I tried to push the feeling away so I could reply. 

“N-No I don’t mind.” Mentally cursing myself for stuttering in front of him I decide to try and cover it up. “Just surprised you managed to get me past the charm on the door is all.” He scoffed which caused me to smile smugly. “I’m going to assume a seventh year did that huh?” 

He rolled his eyes and smiled at me. I found myself smiling back before I even processed it was happening. “Actually,” He drew out the word as he brought himself into a sitting position. “You can thank Georgie over there for that.” My eyes nearly popped out of my head, as I whipped my face between Fred holding in his laughter and an unbothered unaware George, still moving papers around on his desk. 

“George Fabian Weasley!” I nearly shouted. His head snapped around as his wide eyes met my own. 

“How do you know my middle name?” He asked, narrowing his eyes. 

I ignored him and pressed on. “Who is she?” He looked between me and a snickering Fred, confusedly. “Who did you break the charm on the dorm door for.” I pressed. He rolled his eyes and went back to his papers. I looked at Fred who was laughing even harder now. 

“George! Tell me!” I tried with my best authoritative voice but he didn’t budge, he didn’t even show any sign he heard me at all. 

I looked at Fred pleadingly but he just continued to laugh. “‘She’,” Lee spoke, not looking up from his book. “Changes by the week.” My jaw, once again, dropped. Fred was now on the floor having fallen off the bed from laughter. “Hm, actually it changes more by the day.” Lee added. My head whipped around at him. His eyes met mine from over his book, he shrugged and looked back at the pages. My head was spinning. 

“My quiet little George…” I started. 

“Yeah he’s not very quiet.” Lee spoke again. This revelation earned him a swift kick from George. By now Fred had mostly calmed down, still laughing in between pants and pulling himself back onto the bed next to me. 

“You little minx!” I yelled at George. He looked up from his papers and swiveled in his chair so his body was facing me. 

“Oh I can assure you darling, I’m not little.” He winked and turned back in his chair. I swear I felt a small part of me die as Lee and Fred erupted into laughter. Fred returned to his position on the floor, laying on his side, howling with laughter as he grasped at his stomach. 

- 

The next few days passed by and things were going back to normal, mostly that is. I was now more aware of half of the student body ogling George, if that wasn’t revolting enough a few times I had caught him flirting with different girls. I always took him for a soft and caring type, but I could argue he had more confidence and outgoing personality than Fred and that was a tough thing to beat. I guess I never picked up on it due to our different class schedules, only seeing him at lunch and in between periods, but after seeing him in the act a few times it made sense, he was caring and flirty. More so than Fred, but he was good at hiding these interactions, probably an attribute that contributed to half the Gryffindor girls falling for him. The privacy he provided, partially, I assumed, to avoid teasing from us, made girls feel special. I understood, if he wasn’t one of my best friends and I wasn’t falling for his brother I probably would be after him too. 

All classes had been postponed today. It was a month until the next challenge so none of us really knew what was going on. I assumed that we were all going to be scolded for something as each house was instructed to meet in their tower at 12 for a ‘Special Presentation’ at breakfast. 

Walking up to the specified room in the tower with Hermione I asked her what she thought it was. She shrugged and huffed something about it being ridiculous they cancelled all of our classes. I laughed and shoved her slightly. 

“Loosen up woman.” I giggled as she glared at me. Before she could start her rant Ron and Harry walked up to us. Harry walked in step with me and Ron wiggled his way between me and Hermione.

“I don’t know what you and Y/N were talking about but she’s right, you do need to loosen up.” Harry and I laughed immediately knowing what was happening next. Hermione slapped Ron on the shoulder, scolding him and calling him Ronald. “Bloody Hermione, you’re only proving my point.” He said grabbing me and switching our places, I stumbled a bit but fell back in step with them. Hermione huffed and walked ahead of us, Ron followed shouting apologies that only made her walk faster. I laughed again, happy things were all back to normal. 

“So?” I turned to Harry. He mirrored my expression happily laughing to himself as he turned to face me. He raised his eyebrows at me, urging me to continue. “When do you think they will finally get together?” He began to laugh again so I jabbed in the ribs with my elbow. “I’m serious.” I whined. 

He stifled his laughter. “So am I, honestly Y/N, Ron is such a ditz he’s not gonna realize he likes her until after we graduate.” I hummed and turned my head so I was facing forward again. 

“I have more faith in him than that.” He just laughed at me again. Once we reached the rather large room I noticed McGonigal separating the boys and girls into different sides of the room. I left Harry and sat next to Hermione. Filch was busy trying to set up a record player, the occasional scratch was heard as his shaky hand tried to place the needle just right.  

I looked around and saw Fred and George whispering to themselves against a wall. George said something and Fred pushed him away and gave him a weird look. He turned back to face McGonigal when he made eye contact with me. He smiled at me, I sent him a smile back. I mouthed ‘do you know what's going on’ to which he shrugged. He opened his mouth to say something back when George pushed him, George had a look of disbelief on his face and I watched them bicker. It felt like watching a sitcom on mute and I laughed as the both waved their arms around while explaining their points. My attention snapped back to McGonigal as she cleared her throat, her shaky voice filled the expansive room as she explained that Hogwarts would host a ball on Christmas eve. 

Hermione looked at me, eyes wide with disbelief and my palms began to sweat. A ball? I had no clue how this was going to play out, or what it even really consisted of. All I knew in that moment was there was only one person I was interested in going with. I looked across the room to him, his brown eyes were already locked on me. My stomach backflipped. He was looking at me? His eyes looked immediately to the floor after catching mine. I could see George snicker from beside Fred but my eyes didn’t avert his. He was probably just scanning the room. My heart sank as I realized. I looked away but not before his head looked up and we caught eyes again. I felt like his eyes held the key to the universe. My face heated up and as my head screamed at me that this couldn’t possibly mean anything I tore my eyes away from him and focused on the speech McGonigal was giving. 

I barely heard anything she said, making out ‘well mannered frivolity’ I gave up and gave into my thoughts. Focusing on the words swimming through the sea of my brain instead of the ones coming out of her mouth. I was still staring at the floor when I felt a hand on my shoulder. 

“You ok Y/N?” Hermione asked. I looked up to see most of the students already gone and the last few shuffling out. I nodded. 

“Just thinking about what I could wear.” I lied coolly. She gave me an odd look before pulling me up and locking our arms together. She spoke excitedly about the ball all the way back to the dorm. I nodded and hummed, not registering a word she said. 

- 

“So…” I looked up to see Fred sit next to me at breakfast. He usually skipped breakfast or showed up at the last minute before class. Hermione and I had agreed to meet at breakfast an hour early and study for our potions exam. There were a few other people from all houses sitting about eating breakfast, the atmosphere was really quiet and calm, or it was until my favorite ginger showed up. 

“So?” I asked him, placing my quill down and shutting my book. He put his elbows on the table and rested his face in his hands, smiling. “It’s quite early for you isn’t it.” 

He held his lazy smile as he nodded. “I heard you were going to be down here, couldn’t pass up the chance to tease you.” He winked at me. I rolled my eyes at him trying desperately to kill each and every last butterfly flapping their wings in my stomach at that moment. 

“Tease me about what exactly?” I asked mirroring his position. 

“Who are you taking to the ball?” The question stopped me in my tracks. I froze. The ball was two weeks away and I didn’t have a date, much less a dress. Fred’s ‘teasing’ was scaring me, what were his motives, why was he interested in who I was taking, was he going to ask me? The questions filled my head and I forgot to answer. 

“Y/N?” His voice had brought me back to reality. Fred was staring at me with a concerned look. 

“At the moment, nobody. Why are you asking?” Fred’s concern dissipated as I answered. He smiled momentarily before shrugging. 

“Just wanted to take the piss out of him is all.” He looked away from me at the food and began stacking up his plate. 

“Why would you do that?” I asked, sitting a little straighter. He cleared his throat and continued to stack his plate. Without looking at me he spoke. 

“You deserve someone special is all, I know the guys in this school and not many of them can be coined special.” I was taken aback. Where were these words coming from. I couldn’t tell if this had a romantic protectiveness or a platonic one. I pushed farther. 

“Who are you taking to the ball?” I asked. This was it, this was the moment I was either going to be ecstatic or heart broken.  

He smiled at his plate and looked over to me. “I have someone in mind. Haven’t asked her yet though.” He returned to his food, shoving some toast in his mouth. 

“May I ask why?” He stopped chewing for a minute then hastily swallowed. 

“I really like her, and well, erm, I don’t want to muck it up.” He didn’t look at me, he was looking at his hands. I was shocked. We trusted each other but it was rare he was truly vulnerable, especially of his own accord. I slipped my hand into his and squeezed slightly. His eyes traveled up to mine. 

“I’m sure that whatever way you ask she will love it. You’re a special guy Freddie, you will think of something.” He smiled at me. I hope my hint didn’t fall on deaf ears and he understood what I was trying to communicate. “And a tip, you can never go wrong with a chocolate frog and some flowers.” He laughed and squeezed my hand before letting go. 

He ate while I continued to study and it was comfortable. I enjoyed his presence but mentally I was screaming. After the rereading the third paragraph for the fifth time I felt a shift beside me. Fred was standing up and collecting his things. He grabbed his bag and looked at me, I smiled and gave a little wave. 

He grabbed my shoulder, leaned down and pressed a kiss to my forehead. Leaning in, he whispered a thank you and took off down the Great Hall. I watched him disappear out the doors, completely stunned. Suddenly I was whipped around and faced with a shocked Hermione. 

“You better tell me what that was about.” She said sternly. 

As a smile crept onto my face I looked at her and let out an airy laugh. “Honestly ‘Mione, I don’t know.” 

That day had passed and some more, it was now the weekend before the ball. I was still dateless but I still held out hope as Fred was as well. Hermione had nagged me all week to tell her what was going on, once I finally confessed she screamed an ‘I knew it’. As much as her teasing got annoying it was quite nice being able to talk to someone about it and share the little moments I had with someone, we often spent our nights trying to decode what Fred had said to me and Ron to her. She told me about Krum and his incessant pestering, he had asked her three times before she said yes, giving up hope that Ron would ask. 

I tried to keep her spirits up, Krum was much more of a gentleman and he was kind. It was better than nothing. 

“Morning!” Ginny yelled bursting through the room. I shrieked and pulled my pants on faster, trying to cover up. “Sorry!” She yelled and covered her eyes. I laughed as she slowly moved her hand to make sure I was covered before fully looking at me. 

“It’s dress day!” She squealed. I smiled back, Ginny was attending the ball with Neville. Hermione and I knew she fancied Harry but just like Ron he never mustered up the courage to ask her so she went with a friend. 

Hermione knocked on the door before coming in. I walked over and nudged Ginny. “Did you see that? That’s what normal people do, knock.” She rolled her eyes and nudged me back making me laugh. Ginny was a dear friend of mine, her and I shared a similar sense of humor and she often told me secrets about the twins so I could torture them. She noticed my liking for Fred long before Hermione, Since her first year she’s been teasing me about it. I didn’t mind though, it was nice coming from her. She always ended a brutal joke by calling me her favorite sister. 

“Are you two ready? The train is going to leave soon.” Hermione pulled us out of our moment and we nodded, happily skipping down stairs. 

“And where are you three lovely ladies headed.” George spoke from behind us at the portrait hole. Fred ran up behind him pulling on his F sweater and trying to fix his hair as fast as possible. He looked up and I waved, he returned my gesture with a smile. 

“Probably the same as you.” Ginny said turning back around, she pulled me with her. Her speed and strength nearly made me fall down the stairs. 

“Mind if we join you?” I heard Fred ask. Immediately I got excited and nervous at the same time. 

I started to say yes when Ginny cut me off. 

“To buy dresses?” She snorted. I sent her a glare she didn’t see. Still being pulled down the stairs I couldn’t turn around and non-verbally answer without falling flat on my face. 

“Just to Hogsmeade in general.” George replied. 

I looked to Ginny pleadingly. We already had a similar conversation with Harry, then Ron, who we both turned down saying it was a ‘girls trip only’. She caught onto my stare and rolled her eyes. 

“On the train then you leave us, we won’t have your boyness ruining our girls day.” Finally we reached the bottom of the steps. I turned to see George rolling his eyes and Fred pouting. I managed to shoot them a thumbs up before Ginny grabbed my arm and pulled me forward again. 

The train ride was fun. The boys talked about their plan to stalk up on Zonko products and Honeydukes candies. I reminded them of their debt to me to which they reminded me of my ‘girls day’ so we agreed it would be paid on the next trip. Fred was uncharacteristically quiet. He spent most of the ride looking out the window and messing with his hands. I placed my hand on his bouncing knee looking up at him. His head whipped around to face me, eyes wide.

“You alright love?” I asked quietly, in case he wasn’t I wouldn’t be announcing it to the whole compartment. He nodded his face curling up in a sweet smile that my stomach tie itself in knots and my breathing faltered. 

“Never better love.” He replied. His hand came and softly wrapped itself around mine. I smiled looking at our intertwined hands. He continued to look out the window for the rest of the ride but he was no longer fidgeting or shaking his leg. 

Arriving at Hogsmeade we said our goodbyes and separated. I dramatically reached my arm out for the twins as Ginny and Hermione pulled me towards the dress shop. They laughed at my performance before turning around walking towards the many shops George said they would be visiting. Turning myself around I noticed both Ginny and Hermione staring at me. 

“What?!” I shared a glance between the two. 

“What were you and Fred whispering about on the train?” Hermione asked. 

“We all saw you holding hands by the way.” Ginny pretended to gag after she said this, making me laugh. 

I groaned. “Nothing really, he didn’t ask me if that’s what you are wondering.” I threw my face in my hands. Hermione gently peeled my hands away. 

“He will, don’t worry.” I tried to smile at her but I could barely muster one up. 

Ginny unlinked her arm with mine to open the door to the dress shop. Walking in I saw at least three levels, all lined with beautifully made gowns and skirts. I heard both Ginny and Hermione squeal as they lunged toward some rack up front. I laughed but squealed myself as I looked around. Everything looked so magical, as a witch this shouldn’t surprise me but I had never seen such beautifully made gowns before. 

I looked through the racks, not thinking much or really liking anything enough to try it on. Moving up the levels I continued my search until I found it. 

There was a mannequin in front of a display, every few seconds she would twirl or strike a pose, displaying her clothes. She was wearing a black corset. It stopped under the collarbone, the sleeves were made of a sheer fabric and had an intricate design sewn in them with lace, they covered the whole shoulder and puffed out a bit. The skirt was white. It had many layers, all the same length but with ribbon sewn across the semi sheer fabric so it looked tiered. I immediately knew this was the dress for me. I quickly scanned the racks trying to find my size in the skirt and corset. 

I tried it on and paid as soon as it was off. Hermione caught me coming out of her dressing room. She ran up to me.

“You got yours already?” I nodded and gestured towards the woman who was delicately wrapping it up to place it in a bag. Her eyes widened and fear set into my stomach, what if she hated it. 

“Oh Y/N! You are going to look so beautiful!” She wrapped me into a hug that I eagerly returned before slipping off into another isle. I walked back to the cashier and took my bag from her thanking her. 

“Would you mind telling those two I went to the Three Broomsticks.” The woman nodded and I smiled at her. 

I made my way back to the front of the shop. I was excited about my dress and the dance I had forgotten I didn’t have a date. Lost in thought I bumped into someone while leaving the shop. 

“My bad!” I said backing up to let them through. I recognized them as three Hufflepuffs’ a year above me. 

“No worries.” One of them said walking past. I let them pass before going back to the door to leave. As I did I caught part of their conversation.

“Did you see Fred ask Angelina out in Honeydukes?! It was the cutest!” 

“Oh I know! And how he spelt her name out with jellybeans, it was adorable.” 

I froze. My body felt cold and heavy all at the same time. Using the little strength I had left I turned around. 

“I’m sorry, did you say Fred? As in Fred Weasley?” The girls whipped around and nodded frantically. One of them went to say something but I cut her off already having heard too much. “Hm, cute.” 

The cold air hit my face as I walked away from the shop. It didn’t help the stinging in my eyes or pain in my lungs and I trudged forward. I made it to the Three Broomsticks and tucked myself in a booth in the corner. The room was empty except for a few Ravenclaws reading so I turned back around and stared at the wall as I felt myself push over the brink. Tears streamed down my cheeks with their own ferocity. I shook as silent sobs wracked through my body. I stayed there, crying and heaving for I don’t know how long. Eventually  I put my head down as my eyes dried, unable to form any more tears I stared at my shoes. 

How could I be so stupid to think that he liked me? My eyes welled up again, something I wasn’t even sure was possible and another sob wracked through my body. This one made noise so I quickly bit my tongue to stop myself for notifying anyone around me. The pain was overwhelming but I didn’t stop until I tasted iron on my tongue and my mouth felt more wet than usual. 

I sat there swallowing my blood and trying to breath normally. Eventually I felt a presence. I looked up to see Hermione and Ginny standing over me confused. 

“He asked Angelina. He never liked me.” They both looked at each other and then me. I relayed what happened to them and they comforted me. I sat with my head on Hermione’s shoulder sniffling and kicking my dress under the table. 

Not any good now. 

We sat there until the next scheduled train time. Only being there for a few hours we were one of the only ones to return that early. I trudged back to the common room where Ron and Harry sat on the couch. They watched us walk in, Harry immediately stood up after seeing me. I tried to walk past him but he caught me in his arms. I didn’t bother to hug him back. I just stood there, feeling uncomfortable and cold. He pulled off of me when he felt me not hug back, still holding onto me he looked between Ginny and Hermione. 

“What happened?” I stood there, cringing slightly as they went over what happened. Harry looked back at me and sent me a sympathetic smile. 

“Oi, since when did Y/N like Fred?!” Ron asked from the couch. I felt like I could fall over right then. Wanting nothing more than to disappear I moved my head and sent him a glare. 

“Are you really that thick Ronald? She’s liked him since they met and your idiotic brother just broke her heart. Honestly if you paid any attention to the people around you instead of the food on your plate you would notice these things. Maybe even notice when someone is interested in you!” Hermione huffed out. She turned red realizing what she had said and looked away from him. 

“Who fancies me?” Ron asked sitting up. Hermione huffed again and hugged her bag to her chest storming upstairs. 

“I’ll kill him.” Ginny said from behind me. 

“Not without me you aren’t.” Harry said. The two smiled at each other. 

“I’ll help, he can be bloody awful sometimes, still need to get him back from turning my hair green.” Ron said leaning back. 

I looked at him. “No offense Ron but are you completely unaware of anything that just happened or are you choosing to be a git?” His eyes widened and he raised his arms defensively. 

“Don’t take your anger out on me! I didn’t break your bloody heart.” As the words left his lips he muttered a small ‘oh’, realizing his actions weren’t helping the situation at all. He jumped off the couch and gave me a small awkward hug before stepping back and patting me on the head. Any  other day I would have been amused at his cluelessness but today I didn’t have the strength. 

Harry looked at him like he just strangled a puppy. He swiftly smacked him on the head. 

“I’m gonna, erm, go now.” I said. I gripped my bag tighter, the dress seemed to gain more weight the more I resented it. I walked over to the stairs when Harry called my name again. Turning around so I could see him he looked at me with the same intensity he did when we talked after his name was chosen. 

“I meant what I said. I’ll kill him.” I smiled before muttering a ‘whatever’ and waving them off. Too emotionally drained to say or do anything about his protectiveness. I felt like an idiot, I felt like I had climbed one of the biggest mountains only for it to cave in and swallow me whole and throwing me into the deepest and darkest part of the earth. I was now below ground at this point. 

I spent the next few days in my dorm. Hermione would bring me food and ask me to come hang out and enjoy the break but I always waved her off, I either had a book to read or an essay to do. She would give up and walk out of the room eventually. She knew why, I was too afraid of seeing Fred, knowing well Harry, Ron, and Ginny have told him everything by now. I couldn’t take the extra embarrassment, I hadn’t fully recovered from my last blow. The dress had been discarded under my bed. Still in its wrapping and the bag I just threw it out of sight. 

Taking a bite out of my toast I flipped through pride and prejudice. I envied Lizzy for having her affections returned. Getting lost in the book was one way I managed to escape. I snuck out late at night, surely when everyone was asleep to go sit in the common room for a change of scenery, a few times I walked up to the astronomy tower and looked at the stars. Besides being deathly cold it was peaceful. Learning from past mistakes I made sure to bring blankets or an extra jacket when I ventured out. I had a few goodies and pillows stuffed in an empty cabinet so I didn’t need to lug all my things out at once. The astronomy tower had become my space. I really enjoyed it there, it was quiet and peaceful and not once was I disturbed, that could have equally been due to the time I would go but no matter to me, it was my space. 

A knock at the door pulled me away from the world that had engulfed me in my book. I groaned, signaling to whoever was out there that they could come in. The door didn’t open, they just knocked again. I groaned, louder this time, nothing happened so I threw down my book and toast and walked to the door. I opened it expecting to see Hermione but Harry was there instead. 

“Harry?” He didn’t respond, he just engulfed me into a hug. Finally he pulled away and looked at me. I knew he was judging my appearance but I didn’t care much, I wasn’t leaving my room so there was no need to look good or try. I wore old clothes that barely fit, my eyes were red from my lack of sleep and there were definite bags under them. My hair was thrown up into a messy bun, the lack of effort evident as it barely held up. 

“Y/N…” He took me in. Not letting him eye me up and down I turned and returned to my scrunched position on my bed and picked up my book. Harry stood in the doorway awkwardly. Any other time I would have laughed at him for his lame social skills but I didn’t have the energy today. 

“So, what brings you here?” I asked, not looking up from my book. I wasn’t reading it. I just didn’t want to see the way he looked at me. His eyes were full of pity and I didn’t want that. I just wanted to sulk alone and he was throwing a wrench in my plans. 

“I haven’t seen you in days.” I hummed a response and picked up my toast. “Y/N you gotta get out of here.” I put my book down and looked at him. 

“Have you gone mad?” I was suddenly angry. How could he tell me to do that. Throw myself back out there and get destroyed again. “I am not leaving this room until classes pick back up.” I huffed. He walked over and sat at the end of the bed. 

“You and I are going to hang out with Ron and Hermione today. Ginny agreed to join. We are going to visit Hagrid and walk up to the Shrieking shack, we all miss you. I think Hermione is going mad not having you around and Ginny keeps complaining that her favorite sister is missing.” I smiled before the pain set back in. She only called me her sister because she knew I liked Fred. 

“Harry I’m sorry. I can’t. What if he’s there, I feel like a total idiot and…” He cut me off. “Y/N, I will drag you out of this bed if you do not get up and come with us. We miss you ok, if anything happens we will be there.” I groaned and threw my head in my hands. I knew this was going to happen. I was going to lose one of my friends because my feelings got in the way. Ginny kept asking me to stay with her at the burrow, I could never agree now. Fred hates me. Tears welled up in my eyes, it was a feeling I was very familiar with lately. 

I nodded giving in. I stood up and pushed through some drawers trying to find some appropriate clothes while holding in my tears. Watching me get up he walked toward the door. 

“Today will be brilliant, I promise.” 

My attempt to dodge the plans didn’t work. After Harry shut the door I showered, got dressed and tried my best to cover up the signs I was crying. I looked tired but if you didn’t look too closely I looked nice. I walked over to the door but ended up standing there. I was afraid to move, afraid to see him, afraid of him seeing me. I didn’t have the courage to ask if Harry spoke with him. He probably did, I didn’t want to hear my second hand rejection. After about ten minutes Harry opened the door. I looked at him furiously shaking my head no. 

“I thought this might happen.” Hope swelled up as I thought he would give in and leave me alone. “Ron! I need you!” 

“What?!” I yelled. He sent me a sympathetic look before turning back to the door. I looked at the doorway where Ron had just made his way up the steps. 

“Nice to see you Y/N.” He greeted as both Harry and him starting walking towards me. Realization struck at what they were planning on doing and I scrambled to get away. Ron and Harry picked up their pace and cornered me. I gave them both a pleading look, silently asking for them to leave me alone. “Sorry.” They both repeated the phrase as they locked their arms under mine and pulled me toward the door. I squirmed a bit and tried to fight but as we passed the door I figured it was no use. They were both much stronger than me. 

I made it to the bottom of the steps where Hermione and Ginny were whispering. Ron and Harry let go of me and stood in front of the entrance to the dorms like deranged bouncers. 

Hermione looked up and ran towards me, engulfing me in a tight hug. “I miss you.” I nodded and patted her back, just trying to get this day over with. 

Meeting with Hagrid was nice, his warm house always felt comforting and I stayed curled up in an armchair with Fang the majority of the time. I didn’t talk much unless someone had talked to me. When we left Hagrid patted my back gently and gave me a small smile. “I hope yer feel better Potter.” I smiled back and nodded. His gruff voice gave a hum and I jogged up to the group who were a little ways ahead of me. 

The way to the Shrieking Shack was filled with talk over the next task. Hermione and Harry talked about the egg. Ginny hung onto my arm as we navigated across the uneven ground stabling each other. Eventually after watching Ron fall for the third time I grabbed him and locked our arms. He smiled at me and I smiled back. It didn’t feel as forced this time. The heavy feeling on my shoulders lifted as we walked. Their company mending small parts of my soul in a comfortable silence. 

Standing outside the fence of the Shrieking Shack we all hesitated before we continued. We knew what it looked like but it was still slightly creepy. Hermione brought up a few times how it would be cool to explore the house. Ron disagreed immediately, Harry was indifferent but I was, or used to be, bloody excited. The closer we got the harder Ron’s grip became on my arm and the slower his movement became. 

“Merlin Ron, speed it up would you?” He looked at me swallowing, nodding he did as I asked. Looking forward Harry and Hermione had turned and were staring at me, I realized I hadn’t spoken since we were at Hagrid's. I just shrugged and urged them forward. 

“So, who is going in first.” Ginny asked as we all stopped outside the front door. 

“I’m bloody not.” Ron replied grumpily. We all shared a laugh at him and got quiet again. I felt like everyone was staring at me so I shrugged. 

“Move aside then.” Harry smiled as I pushed the door open. The house grumbled as I walked in. The familiar moving feeling set in as I took a few steps forward. Looking around I saw soft light filtering in through one of the rooms, I walked toward it. I walked into the living room, it was the only room that looked nice. The rest of the house was destroyed but this one had been fixed up. Small candles were floating in the air and the fireplace was roaring. The couch was stocked with a ton of blankets, the table in front of it had a shelf filled with a few books, games and a basket. On the top of the table were chocolate frogs and green daisies. I felt out of place. 

“I think we are interrupting someone’s date.” I called back, still admiring the room. When I turned around no one was there. 

“Y/N.” Turning back around I saw Fred walking towards me. I felt my breathing halt and my eyes tear up. I looked around the room, anywhere but him, expecting to see Angelina pop out of wherever he was. 

“I’m sorry! I didn’t mean to disrupt your d-date. I will be going now.” I turned around and tried to run to the door. Before I could even step away he grabbed my wrist and pulled me back to him. The sudden action caused me to become flush against him. He wrapped his arms around me like I was going to break, holding me gently but tightly against his chest. I was frozen in place, I didn’t breathe, I just waited for him to speak. 

“Y/N, I didn’t ask Angelina, George did.” The breath I was holding in suddenly released. I felt relief wash over me, then like a thousand bricks, guilt hit me. I pulled my head away to look at him and pulled my hands up to rest on his chest. 

“You didn’t?” My eyes were still teary and he was slightly blurry. One of his hands came up and cupped my cheek, his thumb brushed away a stray tear. 

“No, I-I wanted to ask you. Then you left and I thought you found out about it and left to avoid me, that was, until I got back and got tackled by Ginny and Harry.” I laughed at the thought of them tackling him. 

“You want to go with me?” I blurted out, realizing what he said. He smiled at me, the arm around my waist tightened. 

“If you will have me, yes. I understand if you don’t want to, after I made you cry.” He looked sadly at the floor, his smile gone. I wrapped my arms around his neck and pulled him down into a tight hug. He reacted immediately, wrapping his arms around me tightly. 

“Of course I want to go with you Freddie.” I spoke into his neck. He squeezed me and lifted me up spinning. I squealed and held onto him tighter instinctively wrapping my legs around his waist. One of his hands trailed down under my thigh to help support me in the new position. He stopped spinning and I pulled away to see him. 

Some of his long hair had fallen into his face. I lifted a hand and brushed it away and tucked some behind his ear. His smile grew brighter and his face got a little warmer. I let my hand fall slightly, cradling his jaw. His eyes looked into mine and in that moment I felt complete. As we stared at each other I watched as his eyes would dart from my eyes to my lips. 

“May I?” He asked and leaned his head closer to mine. I didn’t answer verbally, I just closed the gap between us. Our lips moved against each other trying to find a rhythm and balance. Once we did it was perfect, our lips moved against each other in sync. He squeezed my thigh causing me to gasp, he used that to his advantage as he slid his tongue into my mouth and I let him, grabbing tighter onto his neck. I ran my fingers through his hair and tugged slightly at the hair at the bottom of his neck. The moment was perfect. 

For two seconds. 

Immediately we heard whooping and cheering along with a loud banging noise. Fred tightened his grip on me as we looked around. Turning we saw Ginny, Ron, and Hermione cheering. Harry was there banging on the window. Fred put me down and I laughed at them. Fred ushered them off which they did. Harry didn’t leave before glaring at Fred and mouthing a threatening ‘I’m watching you’. 

He turned back to me. “Should I be worried?” He asked. 

I shrugged. “No, I don’t think so, unless you break my heart.”

“Good thing I wasn’t planning on it.” I smiled up to him. Standing on my toes I pecked his cheek before pulling him to the couch. Fred had prepared a small station with books and games for us to pass the time as well as a whole meal tucked away in the basket. 

“This is beyond perfect Freddie, I don’t know how to thank you.” I said looking around. It was all just so amazing I was afraid I was dreaming. I looked back to the boy in front of me. He was looking at me, smiling. 

“You can... thank me by agreeing to my girlfriend.” He said scooting closer to me on the couch. He wrapped an arm around my shoulders and I brought my hand up to his chest. 

“Did I not already?” I asked. He laughed but looked back at me expectantly. He wanted a real answer. “Yes!” I rolled my eyes at him but didn’t stop the smile spreading to my face. He smiled back and we kissed. This one lasted much longer not being interrupted and already having a rhythm down. When we pulled apart for air we were both panting slightly. 

“I wouldn’t mind doing that more often.” He said, smirking. I smacked him playfully and reached over to grab a chocolate frog. The rest of the day was spent eating and talking and enjoying each other's company. We didn’t pick up a book or game Fred had prepared, too infatuated with each other.

[willyoulovemeinthemorning]

The Prodigal Daughter Chapter 1

Summary: As the secret daughter of Jason Gideon, you’ve always had a certain proclivity towards profiling. After finishing the Academy, you finally have your chance in the BAU- only months after your dad’s passing. Will it all be too much? Will you find yourself sharing another proclivity with your father for a certain genius with big puppy dog eyes?  A/N: Hello! This is my first fic in a very long time, but this story idea has been living in my head for upwards of 6 or 7 years! Please go easy on me, and I hope you enjoy! a big thanks to @candlesandsoftrain for being a great beta! Couple: Spencer Reid/Fem!Reader
 Category: Fluff/getting to know you games with the team Content Warning: nothing in this chapter except lots of flirting, tension, sexually charged drinking games, etc. Later chapters will include NSFW Word Count: 4000+

Chapter 1

The years moved by much too fast for your liking. You were older than you were willing to admit, and the years had been hard. Time moved so oddly- it was so difficult and slow when it was happening, but when you looked back, it was as if it sped by like a freight train.

Today was your first day at your new job-  you were 27 and you’d been waiting your whole life for this day to finally come. After hearing stories about your father all through your life; catching the monsters in the dark as well as those that hide in plain sight… you wanted to be a superhero too. And lucky for you, you had a certain proclivity towards reading people. So, you became a profiler. And after years of grueling school, training and fighting to earn your place with no one knowing the legacy in your blood line, you did it.

No, those weren’t tears in your eyes… it was just dusty in the bullpen, that was all. You could feel him everywhere. You knew this was where he lived and breathed and worked for so much of his life. Your mom never understood how you ended up being so understanding about never seeing him, while your brother spent so much of your lives incredibly bitter and angry at him for “abandoning” you both. You always told Stephen that dad spent every minute of every day trying to make the world a safer place for the two of you to grow up in. And now you could finally continue his life’s work.

You caught a few pairs of eyes looking at you when you entered the bullpen for the first time, walking through like you’d been there a million times before- because in your imagination, your dreams, you had. Dad was always so descriptive with his words, and it was never hard to get lost in his stories.

You walked right to the Unit Chief’s office, knowing that Agent Hotchner was already in there waiting for you. You were supposed to have your first meeting on Monday, but when the team didn’t get back in time from their last case- a strangler in Minnesota, he had called you and you rescheduled to accommodate those dang annoying serial killers. Now it was Wednesday, and you could feel the tired energy in the room. It was filled with the sounds of scribbling pens and pencils on paper, the groans and squeaks of chairs as everyone tried to stay comfortable while doing their paperwork. You spotted a few very attractive people around you, but tried to keep your eyes forward as you headed for your destination.

After knocking on the door, you heard a shuffling of papers as a low, gritty voice welcomed you, “Come on in.”

“Hello, Agent Hotchner. Nice to see you again.” You offered your hand, which he took with his baseball mitt sized one. It was rough and strong, and reminded you of your fathers when you were young. You could tell these hands had seen a lot of conflict.

“Y/N , you’ve grown up a lot since last I saw you.” He had a kind smile on his face, which surprised you, even after all this time. Aaron Hotchner was always such a serious man, even when you were younger. “And please, call me Aaron. You know that.”

You chuckled in response. “I know, but it feels weird to call you that now that you’re my boss.”

“Hotch will do then. Morgan will give you quite a hard time if he hears you calling me ‘Agent Hotchner’, I can promise you that. Sit, sit. Let’s get through all the necessary annoyances so I can properly introduce you to your new team.”

After all of the finalized paperwork and introductory nuisances, Hotch finally stood up, indicating it was time to enter the bullpen again, but with a promise of introductions to your new team. You felt a small pang in your heart. You wished your dad could have been here to do this instead of Aaron. He took notice of your second of discomfort- something you were sure to get used to quickly working with profilers.

“Y/N, he’s here… in you. I know how proud he would be of you.” He said to you with a hand falling to your shoulder.

With a smile, you accepted the comfort, turning to look at him again. “Would you mind… could we see Uncle Dave first? I think it would make me feel a little better to have him next to me for this.” That damn dust was at it again. You were fine, really. You’d been preparing for this emotion for months now- there was nothing to surprise you.

With a gentle smile, Aaron- no, Hotch, you remembered- nodded. “Of course. Follow me to his office.” It didn’t escape your notice that, as you followed him, you were on your way to your dad’s old office. Each step brought you to a place you’d heard about, thought about, dreamt about, but had never seen. But when you walked in behind Hotch, you knew this was nothing like your father would have kept it. It just screamed Rossi.

“Y/n! If it isn’t the smartest and brightest star from the Academy, falling right here into our laps at the BAU!” Dave cheered as he saw you, shooting up from his chair and almost running to you, pulling you into his arms while Hotch closed the door to offer you all some privacy.

“Uncle Dave, you can’t believe how amazing it is to have you here on my first day.” You said into his shoulder, holding him close. He was always such a big supporter of your career- there every step of the way whenever your dad couldn’t be. You always said that you were lucky- god blessed you with a loving, mildly helicopter mother, and two superhero dads so fight all the monsters for you.

“You’re gonna be great, kid. Unless your academy grades and reputation were all a lie to get you out of their hair!” He laughed, low and warm.

You giggled, pulling back from him and punching him lightly in the arm. “Rude.” You took a deep breath, and both men noticed that you were preparing yourself to say something important. “Aaron, Uncle Dave... I made it here on my own, with my mother’s maiden name and no one knowing who my father is. I am so proud to be the daughter of Jason Gideon, and I miss him every day… but I think I want to keep my birth last name a secret for now, if you’re both okay with that. They legally changed my name when I was a baby, and while I would be so proud to have his last name again, I’m- just not ready to hold up his legacy just yet.” You explained to them, hoping they understood. Your parents had decided very early on that they didn’t want you to have the last name Gideon. It was just- too dangerous. Your father had put away too many bad people, especially people that preyed upon little girls, to risk your life that way. So while you thought of yourself as Y/N Gideon in your mind, you’d never said it out loud before. Not once.

“Of course, kiddo. Whatever you want, we’ll follow your lead. Hopefully Garcia can’t find anything with your last name, but we’ll have Kevin keep an eye on her search history in case she finds anything. But if you’re worried about anyone finding out, I would tell her and promise her to secrecy though. Because if super tech genius finds out before you tell her… everyone will know.” He explained, and you laughed. You’d heard about Garcia. Your dad used to drive her crazy. You considered Rossi’s advice and nodded, understanding and deciding to think on it.

“Ready?” Hotch said after a moment, gesturing to the bullpen, where you could see several people grouped up at a desk, staring into Rossi’s office with curiosity and perhaps a little bit of uncertainty.

“As I’ll ever be.” Rossi squeezed your hand and you smiled at him, a big toothy smile shining back at you. With two men you knew you’d already trust your life with by your side, you walked out of the room knowing that these people who you already knew so much about would soon also hold your life in their hands. “Team, I’d like to introduce you to the new member of our team, Y/N L/N. She’s transferred in with top marks from the Academy, and she’s been highly recommended by all of her professors.”

You blushed at his compliments, rolling your eyes at him. “I didn’t have the highest marks in ALL of my classes. Shooting targets took me a while.” You smile, waving at the team awkwardly. “Hi everyone, it’s an honor to be here with you. I’ve heard so much about all of you. You’re all pretty famous around the bureau. I can’t wait to meet you all and get to know you as my team instead of people I’ve been idolizing for 10 years!”

Everyone laughed, and a tall, dark and handsome man walked forward with a giant grin on his face. “Hey, Y/N, I’m Derek Morgan. You are welcome to continue to idolize me as much as you’d like.” You could have snorted, he was so much like your dad described.

“Nice to meet you, Agent Morgan.” You said with a mildly flirty smile, holding your hand out to him happily. No worries for you, you were definitely going to like your job if you had him to look at all the time.

“That’s enough touching for now, little newbie,” a big beautiful blonde said from behind him. “That is my man-candy you’re ogling and groping, thank you very much.” There was no venom to her words, just something that you could only describe as adorable teasing. She was so colorful, it was almost as if there was a light shining around her. She was just a glowing ball of sunshine… You knew you’d be fast friends with her. “I’m Penelope Garcia, resident tech Goddess and most loyal beck and call gal.”

You took her hand and shook it, before doing a slight curtsy, earning you a giggle. “An honor to meet you, Tech Goddess Garcia.”

“Ignore her, they’re perfect for each other because of their over inflated egos.” You heard a blazé voice coming from the other side of Derek Morgan. “He’s eye candy for us all, much to her dismay. She’s never been one for sharing. I’m Emily, one of the few normal ones here.”

“Normal, pfft. She’s far from normal. You should hear her talk about her cat. Jenniffer Jareau, but my friends call me JJ.”

You took both of their hands in firm handshakes, grinning at them both. “Nice to meet you, and thank you for the permission to ogle, Agents. As far as normal, I sure hope not. Normal is vastly overrated.” You grinned at them. Damn they were cute. Was this whole team models who decided to become do-gooders and join the FBI?

“Halloweentown, 1998, said by Debbie Reynolds.” A small voice in the back of the group piped in, confident in words and speed, but somehow… demure and shrouded in uncertainty, too. The team parted so you two could see each other, and you swear your heart stopped beating for a few seconds. In front of you was the prettiest, most adorable, hottest guy you’d ever seen. He had a sexy professor thing going on, but simultaneously looked like he was an anxious teenager, terrified of being bullied by this newcomer.

You longed to hold him and protect this stranger from the rest of the world and heal any wounds he had succumbed to in the time before you. He was staring at you too, eyes wide like a deer caught in headlights, pupils a little bigger than you can only assume they would normally be. After a snicker broke you both from the weird moment, pretty boy smiled a little and gave an awkward wave. “Hi. Doctor Spencer Reid.”

Oh. God. Your heart stopped a second time, and you swore, this is what a stroke felt like. You’d heard about Spencer for the last ten years. Your father loved him almost as much as he loved you and your brother. Maybe even more sometimes. The BAU resident genius, IQ of 187, eidetic memory, born in Las Vegas and wasn’t allowed in most casinos due to his card counting ability. Ability to empathize and love in a beautiful and incredible way- your father adored him, and because of how he spoke of him, you… you’d always had a crush on this faceless idea in your head with his wild mop of hair and tall, lanky frame. You had a general picture from all these years, but nothing had prepared you for this.

“H-Hi. I’m Y/N. N-Nice to meet you.” You said, trying your hardest not to sound like a little school girl with a crush on her teacher. You’d just met the man, for god sakes. You heard another snicker, and this time you knew it was from Morgan just from the proximity of the sound and the testosterone you could feel from the gesture. You tried to ignore your flaming red cheeks, and held out a hand a second before remembering that he hated being touched by strangers. A big germaphobe, always calculating the risk of what contact could mean for him. But before you had a chance to pull away, he reached out and took your hand, giving it a squeeze. You must have looked as shocked as you felt, but no one else noticed because everyone was staring at Reid with the same expression you were wearing. And to be honest, he looked just as surprised, if not more so.

Garcia made a breathy squeak sound, and somehow, that broke the tension of the moment, and you and Reid pulled away at the same time, both looking like you’d just been shocked by electricity. You stretched your hand out, staring at it, feeling on edge all over again, thinking about how good his hand felt in yours, and how good it would probably feel other pla-

“Well, I hope you all will be on your best behaviors, and treat Y/N like you would want to be treated as a newcomer in a team like ours, seeing what we see.” Hotch finally broke the silence. “Y/N, if you have any problems, come find myself or Rossi and we’ll help sort them all out.” Nodding, you looked at him and smiled, suddenly very embarrassed that your boss and your uncle just witnessed all of that. As profilers, they were going to come to so many conclusions, and each was more embarrassing than the last.

“Pretty boy and pretty girl, sitting in a tree, K-I-S-” You heard Derek sing-songing and he walked away, looking like the cat who got the cream. He was interrupted only when Emily punched him quite hard in the arm, looking at you with a wink and a smirk as she headed back to her desk as well. You tried to avoid looking at the genius again, but it was… difficult to say the least. You wanted to memorize everything about him. You wanted to pick his brain and listen to every fact he’d ever memorized. You wanted to experience him in all the ways your father had gotten to and more.

You watched as the team dissipated and then your eyebrows furrowed. “Rossi?” You asked, stopping him in his tracks as he was headed back to his office. “Where’s my desk?” He looked over his shoulder at you and you could tell he was holding back a shit eating grin as he pointed with his thumb to the desk directly across from Reid.

Fuck. You both looked at each other… or well, you looked at him, and he looked away like he’d been caught doing something and sat down, looking at his paperwork blankly. As you headed to your new desk, you’d give anything to know what was happening inside that massive brain of his.

Staring at your empty desk, you imagined what you could put there. Pictures of your family, pictures of your friends and your cats… One day you would put up a picture of your father… one day. For now, you grabbed your briefcase from your side and opened it up. You started unpacking some of your first day necessities; pens and notebooks, little toys and bright objects to remind yourself that there is good in the world. Your pile of books out; you always kept at least ten books on you at all times. One for every kind of mood you could be in- and at least three that you hadn’t read yet and were planning on.

As you prepped your desk, you could feel those eyes on you, analyzing your every move. You wanted to look up and see if you could find what he was figuring out within those eyes, but you tried to keep busy so you wouldn’t embarrass yourself again.

“Another book nerd, I see.” You heard that deep, caramelly sweet voice behind you. Derek sat on your desk right next to you and smiled a toothy smile at you. “Pretty girl likes to read, huh?”

Smiling at him, you raised a brow. “Reading is an exercise in empathy; an exercise in walking in someone else’s shoes for a while.” You were about to quote the originator, but someone else beat you to it.

“Malorie Blackman. British children’s literature writer and science fiction author.” Your head snapped to the person in front of you, who wasn’t looking at either of you.

Smiling at him, you nodded, and then turned to Morgan. “Yup, Malorie Blackman. Empathy is a huge part of the job, right? Reading allows us to experience a million different perspectives- which, as proflers, is necessary to catch the bad guys. I read so I can try to understand as many perspectives in this world as possible.”

Derek looked a little impressed, at least, and you couldn’t get a read on the gorgeous mop of brown hair on the desk across from you. Derek picked up one of the books still on your desk, not organized in your little library yet. “I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings?” He comments, and you catch Spencer’s eyes flick up at the title, curious.

“It’s my favorite. Not only do I love birds, but I’m a very big Maya Angelou fan. I’ve… always kind of felt like a bird stuck in a cage. Flitting about, trying to figure out what to do with my life and who I am... No book has ever made me feel more seen or understood as a human being.” You caught those big, interested eyes and you almost felt like you might have shared too much. You’ve always been an open book, but somehow, the way he was looking at you made you feel more vulnerable than you had… ever.

Derek nodded and smiled, putting the book down on your desk. “Well, lady genius, I’m going to try and get everyone to get together tonight for drinks, would you be interested in getting to know us in a more fun environment, or would you rather just go to the library with Pretty Boy over here and nerd out together?” He teased, making both of you blush.

“I-I don’t know. I’ve spent all of the years of my adulthood studying and sleeping and working to get here, so I haven’t really… spent a lot of time at bars?” Admitting that wasn’t the best feeling, but better to be honest than try to make up a lame excuse.

“Do I hear we have a light weight to peer pressure?” Derek said, loudly enough to catch the attention of everyone else. JJ and Emily looked enthused, and Rossi poked his head out of his office to chime in.

“Someone’s convincing Miss nose in a book Y/N to go out for drinks tonight? I’m in and I’m buying!” That was met with an uproarious approval from everyone on the team, with the exception of Reid, who was just looking at you, seemingly waiting on you to decide.

You bit your lip, noticing how Reid’s eyes fell to your lips in reaction. Well… if you could spend more time with the prettiest boy you’ve ever seen looking at you like that more… “Well… I guess. Sure. Sure, okay, I’m in.” You finally agreed, everyone whooping and hollering in celebration at you giving in. “Doctor Reid? What about you?” You looked at him through your eyelashes, and you could swear you saw his eyes dilate more.

“Oh, pretty boy barely ever comes out drinking with us anymore. He’s always holing himself up in his apartment- books from floor to ceiling, books in the fridge, freezer, on the bed, in his drawers and closets…” Derek teased, reaching over to Spencer and ruffling his hair.

Reid looked at Morgan and shoved his hand away and tried to fix his hair, rolling his eyes. “I do not have books in my freezer. That would be a terrible spot to put them, it would completely ruin the delicate spines.” You smiled at him in support, and he sat up a little straighter. “I… I’m in. For tonight.” He looked right at you when he said it, and you couldn't help but feel a little flutter in your stomach at the idea that he was going just to get to know you.

Morgan seemed to be thinking the same thing, and the face he gave Reid as he stood up and sauntered away said more than he needed to outloud. Once Reid looked away from Morgan, your eyes met and you both smiled again. “You’re a fan of Maya Angelou?” He asked, nodding towards your book.

“I am. I was always drawn to books that had birds on the covers, but then I actually read it and realized how beautiful it is on the inside.” You held the book in your hands gently. It was a mutual love, one your shared with your dad.

“The number of bird species in a person’s surroundings correlates directly to happiness levels.” He said, smiling at you like you were the most interesting thing in the world. The attention should have made you uncomfortable, but it just made you feel warm… important.

“Really?” You searched his eyes, wondering how much information was in that brain, stacked away for use when necessary. “That’s so interesting. I thought most people found birds annoying because of all the noise.”

He shook his head. “On the surface, they think it’s annoying, but once one becomes used to the sounds all around them, they find the background noise comforting. Most people find absolute silence much more disconcerting.”

“Absolute silence, for sure. But comfortable silence between two people who find solace in each other… I think that’s my favorite background noise.” He looked at you as you spoke, a small bit of hope flickering in both of your faces. You’d felt… alone, since your fathers spirit left this world months ago. It had been so hard to be at school and unable to go to his services, terrified of people finding out who your father was and that information altering your career. You hadn’t even applied to the bureau until you had your recommendation letters in order- you didn’t want Aaron giving you any false starts just because he knew. You liked to visit his grave once a month and tell him all the things you wrote in your letters to him. You carried around his private notebook as a reminder of the people in the world he saved, the people you wanted to save. You clutched your briefcase close, knowing you couldn’t put it in your desk with Reid watching you so closely. You’d find time to slip it in later, when no one was looking. With that eidetic memory, you knew he’d recognize it immediately, and you didn’t want his curious gaze to ruin your secret just yet. You wanted the team to form their own opinions of you before they knew... because the moment they knew, everything would change.

Next chapter

[teawaffles]

Louis and the Aquaria: Chapter 1

T/N: Takes place after Chapter 11 of the manga (“The Hunting of the Baskervilles, Act 2”).

Aquaria.

Simply put, they refer to water tanks in which aquatic plants and creatures are kept as an indoor pastime.

Although aquarium technology had advanced rapidly in 19th century Britain, aquarists at the time were not as well-equipped as their modern counterparts. Hence, the management of the tanks was not necessarily an easy task.

And here, was someone struggling with that very problem.

At present, more than twenty small water tanks were arranged in the hall of the mansion. And before one of those tanks, that man was standing motionless as he stared fixedly within.

He was a handsome young man. On his right cheek, a painful-looking burn scar peeked out from beneath his blonde hair; but from his simple eyeglasses, and the atmosphere that surrounded him, one got the impression that he was a rather intellectual person.

However, his expression also exuded a deep exhaustion, so great it seemed to ruin his innately clever aura.

The fish swimming before his eyes appeared weak, and its fins were also drooping. From the way it simply drifted in the water, it wouldn’t have been surprising if it flopped onto the bottom of the tank any moment now.

At this point, he had done everything he could.

Now, all that was left, was to pray for a miracle——.

“Please, help him……”

Imbued with sincerity, those words fell from his lips — those of Louis James Moriarty, William’s younger brother by blood.

✦ ✦ ✦ ✦

The story began ten days ago.

“Thank you for tending to the garden, Fred. That will be all for today.”

“Alright.”

Now that he had completed his gardening duties at the mansion, Fred left for the streets; tonight, he would once again serve as the “Crime Consultant’s” point of contact. After seeing him off, Louis admired the flowers Fred had tended.

“With that, my brothers should be pleased.”

Without thinking, he murmured to himself.

For Louis, who obeyed William’s every word, it seemed what his brother valued fundamentally took precedence over his own opinions.

He looked over each of the flower beds Fred had carefully tended to, then exited the greenhouse — and saw the brother he so revered.

“Is something the matter?”

“Louis, I have a favour to ask…”

“Understood; if it’s a request from you, nii-san.”

Louis replied without hesitation, and William nodded happily.

“Thank you as always, Louis. The wind’ll be cold out here, so let’s talk inside.”

The two of them moved to the sitting room, and sat on opposite sofas with the coffee table between them. William sipped the Darjeeling tea Louis had brewed, and took out a photograph.

The man in the picture looked around thirty years of age, with flaxen hair, a sharp chin, and well-rounded cheeks. But from the distrustful look in his eyes, it was clear even from the photo how difficult it was to approach this man.

“——Who is this?”

“His name is Jack Stapleton. [1] He hails from a distinguished noble family, and hence owns a vast amount of wealth and land. Moreover, he’s also renowned in the field of natural history — it seems he discovered a new species of moth in the past, and presented at scholarly societies about it.” [2]

William went on to describe the man’s illustrious background, but Louis could sense the true intention that lay beneath.

“He’s our next target, isn’t he?”

Although William did not deny that, his expression turned a little troubled.

“Perhaps it would be more accurate to say that he’s a candidate target.”

“A candidate?”

“Yeah. There are suspicions that he may be secretly engaged in human trafficking at his research locations, though we are yet unable to verify them.”

In order to avoid passing judgement upon innocents, whenever they received a request, William and their group would first thoroughly investigate their intended target. At present, it seemed William was in the midst of gathering information on Stapleton via MI6’s intelligence network, in order to decide if he deserved to be condemned.

“So we can’t get ahold of his tail even with MI6’s investigative powers — if he’s indeed guilty, that shows just how adept he is at protecting himself, doesn’t it?”

“Indeed. But I also wish to avoid dragging out the investigation any further; hence, I intend to make direct contact with him and find out the truth. It’s going to incur some trouble and expenses, but I think I have a reliable method of achieving that.”

“And what would that be?”

At Louis’s question, William took the photo in hand, and stared at the man pictured within.

“He’s known to be quite a misanthrope, and scarcely ever meets others in person, so it’ll be difficult to secure even one meeting with him. But as a natural historian, he possesses an unusual interest in flora and fauna. So, we’ll take advantage of his curiosity.”

William placed the photo back on the table, and met Louis’s gaze.

“——Well then, the introductory remarks have gotten quite long. But regarding this ‘method’, I have a favour to ask.”

“Please, tell me everything you need.”

That answer came without hesitation, even though the details had yet to be revealed. William continued in a hopeful voice.

“As for that: in order to attract Stapleton’s interest, I’ve arranged for some fish to be brought in from overseas. In the meantime, I was hoping you could care for them, Louis.”

Hearing that, Louis cocked his head slightly.

“Fish? I thought Stapleton specialised in insects, since you mentioned earlier that he’d discovered a moth.”

“Apparently, he’s a rather fickle character: just as one thinks he’s gotten absorbed in one field, he quickly tires of it and jumps into another one — it seems he has a tendency to do that.”

“So he’s interested in fish now, I see.”

“Particularly freshwater fish from the tropics. Hence, they will be brought into the mansion; until Stapleton takes an interest in the fish, and requests a meeting to either view or get his hands on them, I was hoping you could tend to them.”

After hearing that explanation, Louis finally understood why he’d been approached to do this.

William had his job as a mathematics professor, and Albert was also working at the universal trading company. Because of the nature of their duties, Fred and Moran often had to be out; and in order to maintain the secrecy of their work, outsiders could not be employed at their mansion. As such, Louis — who always remained at the residence — was the only person available to care for the fish throughout the day.

To some extent, it had been a process of elimination. But for Louis, who rarely had the opportunity to join in William’s plans, the fact that this was something only he could do merely served to boost his motivation.

Even as he was secretly pleased to be of use to his brother, a point of concern also came to mind.

“Since these fish are from abroad, I suppose the methods of rearing them have yet to be established.”

“In the event that some fish die, we’ll be able to replace them to an extent. I’ve already asked Herder to develop equipment for the water tanks. And if there is anything else you need, you only have to ask……. That’s all I had to say: do you have any other questions?”

Although this was an important step to determine if Stapleton was complicit in human trafficking, it was also a rather elaborate plan.

Even so, Louis’s response was direct, his tone betraying not a single hint of doubt.

“Not at all. I’ll definitely live up to your expectations.”

Hearing that, William smiled in satisfaction. And seeing that, Louis broke into an elegant smile once again.

That, was how Louis came to try his hand at maintaining aquaria.

Footnotes:

[1] Jack Stapleton is a character from the Sherlock Holmes novel The Hound of the Baskervilles (Wikipedia), by Arthur Conan Doyle. He was in fact the culprit behind the case, and the owner of the titular hound.

[2] Scholarly societies are organisations that exist to promote some academic discipline or profession (Wikipedia). One example is the Royal Society (of London), of which Isaac Newton was a member.

Translator’s notes

The story title

The plural of aquarium can be both ‘aquariums’ and ‘aquaria’ (Wikipedia). I chose the latter because I think it just sounds more right, like how medium → media, and bacterium → bacteria.

[spacedikut]

hi different anon here! but what if spencer had to take a mandatory arts class of some kind for his degree (i don’t know how caltech or phd courses work but we’re going to ignore that) and he’s getting super frustrated because he’s so good at all of his other academic classes but he just! can’t! figure! out! the arts!!! but then reader is in the same class as him and notices that he’s struggling so they offer to help him out?

it’s kind of a role reversal of the usual spencer-tutors-reader in college (because he’s a genius so it’s an obvious [and very good!] dynamic)

and bonus points if it’s a pottery class and they have a “ghost” moment 🙈🙈 (reader is obv patrick swayze 🤤) but make it any medium you want! or even a music class!! up to you my dear <3

ok for some reason i immedaitely thought of finger painting but. have decided against that

idk how art classes work either but if it’s anything like art was in school then you’re kind of left to you own devices? so let’s go with that. it’s fiction babey!

this was meant to be headcanons/random concepts but turned in a messy blurb so it’s under read more

he loves art and isn’t so bummed out that he has to take the class because - again - he likes it But the issue is he likes Looking at it, Not creating it. he’s got jiggly hands that squirm and twitch without his consent constantly and that doesn’t bode well for drawing fine details and intricate patterns, so he’s hoping because it’s an introductory course it’ll be. maybe more theory than anything else? or at least just basic tools and mediums so he can struggle through with a grimace from the professor

he ends up with /oil/ paints though and he’s looking from the bowl of fruit to his easel to thr OIL PAINTS and derek is there, in spirit, going hahahaha good luck pretty boy! and spencer Could ask to change the type of paint he’s using but he’s awkward and so. grits his teeth and goes. alrighty this is it this is life im using oil paints, something notoriously difficult for a beginner, which is what i am, a beginner, and i am now putting these expensive paints to this expensive easel with my inexperienced hands-

and you’ve been watching him since he stepped in, because he’s pretty, and now you’re grimacing cause Oh Boy he does not know what he’s doing and he’s. he’s breaking the paintbrushes. you can hear the bristles cracking from across the room.

spencer would’ve noticed you if he wasn’t so Humiliated (he, too, easily notices pretty people) so when you creep up behind him and say, “oil paints are difficult, aren’t they?” in this understanding voice that he follows with his head, his first thought is- oh, so to top it all off a piece of art has come to life? this is where we are now?

he does that thing where he forces out a little breath along with a small smile and goes, “ah, yeah. i didn’t want to ask for something else, so,” and weakly lifts the palette in his hand as if to say, it is what it is.

“i could help, if you’d like?”

and he agrees cause he’s eager to learn! and you, a masterful artistic genius, blow him away with not only your knowledge (you’re into the theory kind of stuff too and at one point he jolts himself, realises he was staring at you with his mouth open, and deeeeep down wishes someone would think of him the way he thinks of you when you ramble) but your actual skills too! and you’re a great teacher! patient, understanding, and did he say patient? because he has painted a damn sky at least 15 times and every time he Somehow makes clouds look phallic and you just go hehe :) and he’s like I love u (internally)

several weeks in, when you and spencer have become arty friends, the subject turns to drawing people rather than objects - you tell him getting people /right/ is something you struggle with yet you love doodling your friends and family in your sketchbook. the first body spencer draws (that isn’t a stick man) is done in crayons, which he’s found is the medium that works best for him (only when the crayon is properly wrapped. because the waxy feel of them Freaks him out)

you help him learn about drawing anatomy while he tells you /about/ anatomy, he attempts to sketch a hand and it’s so odd looking he laughs so hard he CRIES and you finally convince him to try charcoal, your personal favourite

it’s messy and gets everywhere (spencer opens his mouth to complain about his expensive grey cardigan but then- the little mark is a physical representation of this memory between you and him, huddled close together as you both draw aimlessly in your sketchbook, and the mark feels more like a blessing) but spencer ends up agreeing that charcoal sketches look the best.

then he sees something he shouldn’t have.

you’re talking about how you sketch your family all the time - there’s several of your roommates and your pets and a sheep u saw this one time - then there’s...someone oddly familiar? that he catches a glimpse of? and before he can think he goes “wait-“ opens that page and it’s him. him, standing too close to an easel with his tongue slightly poking out in concentration and it’s a charcoal sketch of him from last week.

you’re embarrassed. “that’s weird, im sorry-“

“you make me look good” he tells you, smiling sweetly, and you’re convinced it’s just to comfort you but you’re too glad he isn’t filing a restraining order you let it slide

i mean. have you seen his face? how can anyone look at that and not want to start chiselling marble?

then he gets secretive, weird, a little odd and definitely is avoiding you. he paints and draws with his back to you, still talks to you but over his shoulder and can never really look you in the eyes. you think this is it and that the sweetheart you’ve come to see as more than a friend is Done with you, because you’re a CREEP, and then after a weekend of silence on his end this happens:

while you’re getting your stuff ready, he walks up silently and slides a small sketchbook in front of you. you stare at it, wondering what it’s for, and he nods at it and tells you to open it. when you go to, he stops you-

“a-actually, let me give you a page to start on-“

when he manhandles the book his hands brush yours, his already bright red cheeks get redder, and you bite your tongue so you don’t sigh dreamily.

he’s drawn you.

it’s not perfect and kind of not pretty - a lot of harsh edges and weird shading - but you can tell its you. it’s you, drawn by him, probably from memory, and he’s drawn little hearts around your head because he’s the cutest? evidently?

“it’s really bad, but i thought-“ you look directly at him, making him freeze. he’s got a little charcoal just under his eye. unabashedly, you reach up and wipe it away, hand remaining at the side of his face when you’re done. “i thought you deserve to feel how i felt when you drew me.”

“and how did you feel?”

he gulps. “loved.”

all you can do in the Classroom you’re in is beam sickeningly sweet at one another, lost in your own world while there’s a wordless exchange. the rest of the sketchbook is full of half attempts at sketching you - in different positions, with different expressions, some with a full head while others are half a face. some of them are hilarious, but they’re all made with the purest intentions. “i love it.”

and when you share a look then, you don’t need to verbally say what comes next just yet.

(and. yes. the second you see a pottery class is available you drag him and Make him sit between your legs and he’s never blushed so much in his life the teacher asks if he needs air. at one point you think it’d be funny to peck his neck and the shiver it sends through him is so shocking your mould on the wheel is squished between his hands)