#peter shut up challenge

[bartonomy]

RESTLESS SILENCE!

PAIRING Barty Crouch Jr. x quiet!fem!Ravenclaw!Reader

SYNOPSIS Barty Crouch Jr. hated silence. You thrived in it. Being paired together for a Potions project in the library should have been simple—but Barty refuses to let the quiet win.

CONTENT WARNING obsessive! barty, possessive! james, angst, fluff, the boys not asking yn abt her feelings LMFAO lmk if i missed something!

WORD COUNT 5k words

library.

Barty Crouch Jr. prided himself on many things—his sharp mind, his quick reflexes, his ability to get under people’s skin ( much to Regulus’ and Evans dismay) when he wanted to. But patience? That had never been one of them.

And yet, patience was exactly what was required when he found himself sitting across from you in the library, parchment spread between you, potions textbook propped open, the air between you thick with silence.

It wasn’t just any silence. It was a suffocating, calculated quiet, the kind that settled around the you like a second skin. You liked it. Humming in contentment as you flipped through the book to gather enough information for your assignment.

It drove him mental.

You had been partnered up in Slughorn’s class earlier that day, much to Barty’s irritation. You were everything he wasn’t—controlled, meticulous, the sort of person who took diligent notes and never spoke unless you had something of actual substance to say. The worst part? You were no outcast. Despite your quiet nature, you were as well-liked, hovering at the edges of the Marauders’ usual chaos, laughing softly at Pandora Lovegood’s dreamy theories, and using your smart mouth (Gideon insists) to get the Prewett brothers out of trouble from Mcgonnagall. You were… respected.

Barty was tolerated, at best.

Now, in the dim glow of the library’s enchanted lanterns, you sat across from him, quill in hand, completely ignoring him. Well, unintentionally, he had been fussing in his place since you both arrived an hour ago, trying to get you to do merlin knows with him.

Barty exhaled sharply through his nose, slumping back in his chair. “You could at least pretend to be interested in conversation,” he muttered.

You didn’t look up. “I don’t find unnecessary conversations stimulating.”

He scoffed. “How very Ravenclaw of you.”

You merely hummed in acknowledgment but said nothing more, flipping to another page in his (you lended yours to Peter after he accidentally got soaked by the bucket of water from the black lake intended for Snape) textbook.

Barty’s fingers drummed against the table. He could handle a lot of things—detentions, duels, even his father’s unrelenting scrutiny, but this? This was insufferable.

So, naturally, he decided to make it his mission to ruin the silence.

It started small.

A flick of his wand, and your inkwell slid ever-so-slightly across the table. You caught it before it could spill, shot him a glance, and continued writing.

Next, he nudged your parchment just out of reach. You didn’t even blink, simply shifted your chair forward and carried on.

Fine. If you were going to be stubborn, he’d up the stakes.

With another subtle movement of his wand, your beloved muggle book „The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie“ the one you had tucked beside your Potions text, began to quiver. Slowly at first, then more violently, the pages ruffling as though caught in a windstorm.

you sighed, set your quill down rather roughly, and calmly muttered, “Finite Incantatem.”

The book stilled.

Barty whistled. “Impressive.”

You finally looked up at him, expression unreadable. “It‘s a First Year spell. Are you always this restless?”

He grinned. “Are you always this boring?”

There was no offense in your gaze, only quiet scrutiny. “No. But I also don’t feel the need to fill the silence just because it makes you uncomfortable.”

Barty opened his mouth, then shut it again.

No one had ever called him out so plainly before. Most people either avoided him, tolerated him, or challenged him outright. But you… you understood him in a way that unsettled him.

And worse, he had no idea what to do with that.

The pranks escalated.

By the end of the week, Barty had:

• Transfigured your quill into a small snake (you turned it back with no regard of his presence, only Trelwaney who shrieked in horror).

• Enchanted your book to read aloud in a dramatic voice (you merely bookmarked your page and waited for him to get bored).

• Jinxed your notes to rearrange themselves whenever you tried to read them (you rewrote them without complaint).

Each time, you met his antics with infuriating patience. No anger. No exasperation. Just quiet indifference, as if you knew exactly why he was doing it.

It wasn’t until he charmed your beloved novel to hover just out of reach that you finally had enough.

With a soft Expelliarmus, the book yanked itself free from his spell and slammed down onto the table between you. you met his gaze, eyes burning with guarded anger.

“Why?” you asked, voice level but firm.

Barty leaned forward, resting his chin on his palm. “Why what?”

You exhaled, slow and measured. Merlin, was he testing your already low patience “Why go to such lengths just to get a reaction?”

Barty opened his mouth to fire back something witty, but the words caught. He couldn’t answer.

Because the truth was something he didn’t want to admit. Because silence had never been kind to him. Because silence meant expectation, the weight of his father’s disapproval, the loneliness of never being enough. Because he didn’t know how to exist in a world that didn’t constantly react to him.

You watched as something shifted in his expression—something raw, something unguarded. And for the first time since you had been paired together, you didn’t seem like you were trying to solve him.

You just saw him.

The silence stretched between you once more. But this time, it didn’t feel suffocating. This time, it felt like something else entirely. Something dangerous. Something inevitable.

The library had become a battlefield.

Barty didn’t lose. Not at duels, not at arguments, and certainly not at mind games. But after a week of relentless pestering, pranks, and jinxed books, but all he was met with was radio silence.

And Barty hated being ignored.

Tonight was no different.

You were back in your usual spot in the potions section near the back, candlelight flickering over parchment, and you were sure you could hear people snogging in the aisle next to you. Barty wasn’t writing. He was watching, and it pissed you off.

“Fascinating,” he drawled, chin resting on his palm.

You sighed, not even bothered to look up. “What is?”

“You,” he said simply.

At last, you glanced at him, one brow slightly raised. Not surprised, not flattered, only curious and slightly amused. As if he was some interesting tale from Trelawney‘s weekly horoscopes

Barty leaned forward, smirking. “You’re too patient for someone who spends time with the Marauders. They’re reckless. Loud. Gits.”

Your lips twitched in almost a smile. “And yet, I don’t find them insufferable.”

“Lucky them,” he muttered.

You tilted your head, studying him. “You don’t actually hate them, do you?”

Barty scoffed, leaning back. “Tell them that, and I’ll hex you.”

You hummed, unconvinced. “You could have joined them, you know. You’re clever enough. Quick-witted. You keep up with them in class.”

He narrowed his eyes. “What makes you think I wanted to associate myself with obnoxious Griffins? I have a reputation to uphold ”

You only raised your eyebrow at that. “Oh yes, because being a maniacal, havoc wrecking wizard is soooooo important”

He roared into laughter, clutching his stomach like you have given him the funniest joke in Salazars sake. Tears were dripping out the corner of his eyes with his ropes falling messily over his shoulder.

After his sudden burst of emotions, there was silence, well, as much as you could say from Barty‘s loud wheezing trying to calm himself down and a group of second year Hufflepuffs discussing the use of Mandrakes, the space between you two was peaceful

Then, you shrugged, rolling your shoulders back to ease the growing pain (or the growing tension that is about to engulf you two) “or maybe, its because you’re lonely.”

Barty went still instantly.

For a moment, the pleasant quietness became oppressive, thick with something neither of you wanted to name.

Then,he laughed again. Though, now, it was short, sharp, utterly devoid of humor. “You think you know me?”

“I think,” you started, carefully trying to puck out the right words, “that you spend too much time trying to get people to notice you, y‘know?.”

His smirk returned, but it didn’t quite reach his eyes. “And yet, you’re the one paying attention.”

This time, you didn’t look away.

Checkmate.

Barty wasn’t sure when it started.

When you became the first person he looked for in a room. When silence with you stopped feeling suffocating and started feeling… different.

It was a slow, creeping thing, like poison slipping into his bloodstream.

You weren’t like the Marauders. You didn’t fill space with noise or demand attention. You simply were, an observer, someone who noticed things most people didn’t.

And Barty hated being noticed.

The Slytherin common room was quiet this late at night, with most students crammed at the Hufflepuff quidditch After-party after they had won against Ravenclaw earlier that day. Except for Barty and Regulus.

The younger Black sat in one of the loveseats by the fireplace, posture perfect as always with his messenger bag on his side while across from him, Barty sprawled lazily on the couch, legs stretched out, looking more reckless (or crazy according to Evan) than usual.

Regulus had been watching him for the past ten minutes. The tension in his shoulders, the way he ran a hand through his Black-Green hair in agitation or the way his knee bounched when he thought no one was looking.

Finally, as if this thought gave him immense pain, he sighed. „You’re obsessed.“

Barty stilled. „What?“

„With her.“ Regulus arched an eyebrow knowingly

Junior scoffed, throwing his head back against the couch dramatically, flailing his arms „Oh, not you too!

Regulus ignored him. “It’s pathetic.” Barty turned his head, smirking. “Funny. Sirius said the same thing about you once.”

Regulus’ fingers twitched. “Sirius is an idiot.”

“And yet, here you are, acting just like him—concerned about my well-being, giving me the I know best speech.” Barty sighed, stretching his arms behind his head. “It’s sweet, really.”

Regulus rolled his eyes. “Don’t flatter yourself. I don’t care what you do.” Barty grinned. “Liar.”

Regulus exhaled sharply. “What is this, Barty?”

Barty hummed, considering. “I have no idea what you are talking about, Reggie”

Regulus frowned. “You’re distracting me by talking about my idiotic brother. So spill, what are you afraid of? ”

Barty’s smirk faltered. For a long moment, he didn’t answer. Just stared into the flickering fire, expression unreadable. Then, with a slow breath out “Everything.”

Regulus didn’t press. Didn’t have to. He understood better than anyone what Barty really meant. The weight of expectations. The suffocating presence of a father who saw only duty.

Regulus studied him for a moment. “You don’t get attached to people. Especially not to someone like L/N. " Barty’s smirk returned, but it was weaker this time. “Maybe she’s just different.”

Regulus leaned back, unimpressed. “Or maybe you just don’t like that you can’t control her.” Barty exhaled sharply through his nose, running a hand through his hair. “And yet, I keep coming back.”

Regulus tilted his head. “That’s called liking someone, Barty.”

Barty scoffed, rolling his eyes. “Please. I don’t like people.”

“Then why does James Potter look like he wants to murder you?”

His expression darkened. “Because he knows.” the curly haired boy hummed thoughtfully. “Knows what?”

Barty looked him dead in the eyes.

“That she’s mine.”

Regulus sighed, standing up. “Merlin, you’re insufferable.”

But as he walked away, Barty didn’t move. Didn’t speak. Just sat there, watching the fire, thinking about you.

It was , like Regulus said, James who noticed first.

Barty had expected it, really. The four eyed boy was too perceptive for his own good, especially when it came to people who operated in the gray spaces between morality.

One evening in the Gryffindor common room, James leaned against the couch where you were reading, arms crossed. “So,” he mused, “are you finally going to tell us why Crouch won’t leave you alone?”

You barely glanced up. “Because we’re Potions partners.”

Sirius, sprawled across an armchair, snorted. “Right. And I’m Minister for Magic.”

Remus, ever the voice of reason, tilted his head. “You do spend an awful lot of time with him.”

Peter nodded, mouth stuffed with fizzing whizzbees. “It’s weird.”

you sighed, closing your book without marking your spot first, which you internally curse. “He’s… frustrating.”

Sirius smirked. “But?”

You hesitated. Just for a moment. “But he’s not as easy to hate as people think.” That was all they needed to hear.

Sirius groaned dramatically. “Merlin help us, she’s sympathizing with the enemy.”

Remus grinned knowingly. “This is going to be fun.”

James Potter knew you better than anyone.

He had known you since you two were small—before Hogwarts, before the Marauders, before any of this. You had been his first real friend, little pigtails following him around, who always listened when he rambled about Quidditch, often times playing the referee and giving yellow cards to his imaginary opponents and someone who was there when he needed you.

And now? Now you were spending too much time with Barty bloody Crouch Junior.

James didn’t like it. Not one bit.

At first, he thought nothing of it. A Potions partnership was just that—a school assignment. But then he started noticing things.

The way you lingered in the library after hours.

The way Barty watched you fondly when he thought no one was looking.

The way you didn’t seem nearly as irritated with him as you should have been.

And that was unacceptable.

James wasn’t stupid. He knew who Barty Crouch Jr. was. The arrogant, sharp-tongued Slytherin who played by his own rules, who didn’t care about anyone but himself and his best friend‘s brother. And yet, somehow, he had wormed his way into your schedule, your attention—things James had always had without question.

He didn’t realize just how much it bothered him until he saw you two together.

It was a late evening in the library, and James had come to find you. Instead, he found your little pest stuck to your side.

Barty was leaning back in his chair, smirking, while you sat across from him, rolling your eyes but not actually telling him to leave you alone. There was something different in the air between them—an ease James didn’t like.

Not one bit.

“Oi.”

You looked up, blinking in surprise. “James?”

Barty groaned. “Oh, fantastic.”

James ignored him, focusing on her. “We were supposed to go over Transfiguration notes, remember? Minnie was bugging me to take lessons with you”

You frowned. “That’s not until—”

“Now,” James said firmly. Barty snorted. “Territorial, aren’t we, Potter?”

James’ jaw clenched. “Just making sure my best friend isn’t wasting her time.” He just grinned, all teeth. “Oh, trust me, she’s not.”

You sighed, rubbing your temples to ease the incoming headache. Is it from Barty‘s constant yapping, the oh so frustrating instructions of the Felix Felicis, or James bickering? Who knows. “James, we’re just working on Potions.”

“Right,” James muttered. “Because that explains why he won’t stop staring at you.”

Barty raised an eyebrow, clearly amused. “You jealous, Potter?” James hated how his stomach twisted at that. “Of you?” He scoffed. “Hardly.”

“Good,” Barty said smoothly, “because she’s free to spend time with whoever she wants.” The Gryffindor bristled. “And you’re free to bugger off.”

“James.” your voice was sharp now, cutting through the tension. you stood, gathering your books. “I’ll meet you in your common room later, okay?”

James hesitated, then exhaled sharply. “Fine.” But his glare at Barty said this isn’t over.

As he left, Barty chuckled under his breath. “Protective, isn’t he?”

“You love making things worse, don’t you?” you simply glared at him. Barty grinned. “Admit it. You’d be bored otherwise.”

You only shook your head at that, exasperated. But this time, you didn’t argue.

And Barty? He liked that just a little too much.

James Potter wasn’t the jealous type. At least, that’s what he told himself. But this—this infuriating, undeniable thing happening between his best friend and Barty bloody Crouch Jr.—was driving him mad.

It wasn’t just about Barty. It was about you.

You were his best friend. The one person who had always been there before Sirius, before Remus, before Peter. You had an unspoken understanding, a rhythm that no one else could touch.

And yet, somehow, you were slipping out of reach.

Because of that foul git.

Because wherever you were, Barty was not far behind.

Pandora Lovegood was an odd one. Everyone knew it.

She spoke in riddles, saw connections where others didn’t, and had a habit of appearing exactly where she was needed.

So James should have known better than to groan when she plopped down next to him on the bench in the transfiguration courtyard, humming thoughtfully.

“You’re sulking,” she observed. “I don’t sulk,” James muttered.

She smiled, entirely unconvinced. “It’s about her and him, isn’t it?” He scowled, borderline pouted. “There is no her and him.”

Pandora tilted her head. “Not yet.” at that, James sat up straighter. “Yet?”

Pandora just hummed again, her dreamy expression betraying nothing. “I think you’re afraid.”

“Of what? Crouch?” He snorted. “Please.”

“No,” Pandora mused. “Not him. You’re afraid because for the first time, she’s paying attention to someone else.” James didn’t respond. Because that would mean admitting she was right. The Rosier smiled knowingly. “You can’t stop it, you know.”

“Stop what?”

She simply shrugged, standing as if that answered everything. “The inevitable.”

James groaned. “Merlin, you’re worse than Moony.”

But as she walked away, her words lingered. And James hated that more than anything.

James found Barty alone that evening, leaning against the cobble stone wall just outside the Charms Classroom. He didn’t hesitate.

“Stay away from her.”

Barty turned, raising an eyebrow. “Potter,” he drawled, lips curling into a smirk. “This is getting predictable.” James stepped closer, jaw tight. “I’m serious.”

“Sirius is the loud one,” Barty quipped. “You’re the one with the tragic hero complex.” James hated that he had a point. “Whatever game you’re playing,” he said sharply, “she’s not a part of it.”

Barty’s smirk faltered. Just for a second. “Who says it’s a game?”

James scoffed. “Oh, please. You don’t care about her. You just like getting a rise out of people. And I won’t let you use her to do it.” Barty’s expression darkened.

“Use her?” he repeated, voice low, dangerous. “Funny, coming from you.”

James stiffened. “What the hell does that mean?”

Barty leaned in slightly, voice smooth as silk. “It means you don’t like that she’s spending time with me—not because you think I’ll hurt her, but because you can’t stand the idea of not being the most important person in her life.” James clenched his fists. Barty’s smirk was sharp, knowing. “Hits a nerve, doesn’t it?” James took a slow breath. He would not hex him.Not yet, at least.

“She’s my best friend,” James said coldly. “And I trust her. But I don’t trust you.” Barty’s gaze flickered—just for a moment. Then, with an infuriating grin, he stepped back.

“Well then, Potter.” His voice was almost mocking. “Let’s see who she trusts more.” And with that, he turned and walked away.

James stayed there for a long time, breathing heavily, hands clenched at his sides. Because for the first time, he wasn’t entirely sure who would win.

You were avoided him.

Not subtly. Not carefully. Just completely ignoring his existence

It started the week following the small… confrontation in library. Barty walked into Potions, expecting you to be at their usual table at the back, books already open,quill tapping absently against parchment, asking about his usual trouble with filch and a soft smile gracing your lips. Instead, your lips never opened and gaze never left your paper.

No glance in his direction. No acknowledgment at all.

Barty stared. His fingers curled into fists beneath the desk.

Fine.

But then it kept happening. In the corridors, you veered away when you saw him approaching. In the library, you sat with James, Sirius, even Remus—anyone but him. When he did catch youe eye across the Great Hall, you looked away so quickly it felt like a slap.

It wasn’t anger. It was erasure, like he wasn’t even there.

Barty Crouch Jr. had never been ignored in his life. People watched him. They feared him. They respected him, hated him, wanted to be him. But you—you were acting as though he was nothing.

And he couldn’t stand it.

At first, he played it off. Shrugged, smirked, pretended not to care. But then a week passed. Then another. And with every second of silence, something inside him frayed. He found himself watching you too closely. Waiting for you to look at him. Wanting your attention, even if it was anger, frustration, anything but this emptiness.

And when James Potter threw an arm around your shoulders at the Slytherin party, whispering something that made you laugh—

Something in Barty snapped.

You didn’t know how it had come to this.

One moment, you had been talking with Evan about absolute nonsense, nursing a cup of firewhiskey mixed with something you didn’t want to know, trying to focus on anything other than the tension between James and Barty, the way they seemed to be circling each other like wolves.

And now…

Now you were backed against the cold stone wall of an abandoned corridor, heart pounding as Barty loomed in front of you, eyes blazing with something wild, something dangerous.

“You’re avoiding me.” His voice was low, accusing.

You swallowed hard, forcing yourself to meet his gaze. “I’m not.”

“Liar.”

You flinched. Not because you were afraid of him, Merlin, no—Barty is lunatic at best—but because there was something desperate in his voice, something fraying at the edges.

“I just needed space,” you said carefully. Barty let out a sharp, humorless laugh. “Space? From me?”

His fingers twitched at his sides, and for a brief, terrifying moment, you thought he might actually grab you, hold you there like he could force you to listen. “You belong with me.”

The words sent a chill down you spine. Not because of their meaning—but because of how much he believed them. “Barty,” you whispered, voice betrying you slightly, much to your annoyance “you don’t own me.”

His jaw clenched. “I never said I did.”

“But you act like it,” you shot back. “Like I’m something for you to win. Like James and I can’t be close, like I don’t have a choice in who I spend time with.”

Barty exhaled sharply, stepping closer, invading her space. “You do have a choice.” His voice was low now, almost a plea. “So why do you keep running from this?”

This. Whatever this was.

You felt your breath hitch, your pulse racing as he stared at you, expression laced with something desperate.

“This isn’t normal,” you whispered. Barty tilted his head, studying you. “Since when have I ever been normal?”

Your heart ached at that. Because he wasn’t. He was sharp edges and chaos, wildfire wrapped in silk. And you were intrigued.

“Tell me to leave,” Barty murmured, voice softer now, more dangerous. “Tell me you don’t want me, and I will.”

You opened your mouth, words mingling in your head, yet none of them escaped your lips.

Barty’s smirk returned, but it wasn’t triumphant. It was something else—something satisfied yet frustrated, as if he hated how much he needed you to not push him away.

The next day, you felt off-balance. Everything was the same, yet nothing was.

The Great Hall was as loud as ever, filled with students laughing, chattering, passing notes between bites of dinner. James sat beside you, talking animatedly with Sirius about the shenanigans they pulled at last night‘s party. Remus was reading. Pandora was off in her own world, stirring her tea with the wrong end of her spoon.

It was normal.

But you weren’t . Because he was there. Across the room, at the Slytherin table. And he wasn’t acting normal at all.

Barty Crouch Jr. was watching you. His elbow was propped on the table, chin resting against his knuckles, eyes fixed on you with that sharp, playful intensity. Like he was waiting for something. Like he could still feel last night as much as you could—the heat of his breath, the weight of his words, the way he had opened your eyes.

Your stomach twisted but not in the usual dread

You quickly looked down at her plate, poking at the food with the fork, suddenly very aware of every movement, every breath.

It was fine.

You could pretend it hadn’t happened. You could move on, act normal, be the person she had always been. You could-

“You okay?”

James’ voice cut through your thoughts.

You startled, nearly knocking over your pumpkin juice. James frowned, eyes narrowing slightly behind his glasses.

“You’re jumpy,” he observed. “Weird day?”

Yes. Extremely weird.

“No,” you said quickly. “Just tired.”

James didn’t look convinced.

Barty was still watching. You could feel it. Your pulse quickened. You needed to get out of here.

With a forced smile, you pushed back from the table. “I just remembered-I have to grab something from the library before class.” James raised an eyebrow. “Now?”

“Yeah,” you said quickly. “I’ll see you at breakfast.”

You turned before he could question you further, walking briskly out of the Great Hall, heart pounding.

You should have known he would find you.

It had been inevitable. Barty Crouch Jr. wasn’t the kind of person who let things go. He didn’t believe in backing down, in walking away—especially not from you.

And so, a day after the Slytherin party, after you had spent the night pretending you weren’t looking over your shoulder for him, he found you.

The Astronomy Tower was, to your luck, empty. The moment you stepped onto the stone balcony, the cold air biting at your skin, you felt him before you saw him in your peripheral vision.

He was leaning against the railing, staring out over the darkened grounds, sleeves rolled up, hands tense against the stone. He looked different in the moonlight. Less sharp, less manic, less like the Barty Crouch Jr. the world expected him to be.

For a moment, neither of you spoke.

“I hate my father.”

His voice was quiet. Hollow. You stiffened, startled by his sudden honesty, by the rawness in his tone.

Still, you didn’t leave. Didn’t move.

Barty exhaled sharply, running a hand through his hair. “You don’t know what it’s like,” he murmured. “To be expected to be perfect. To be a reflection of someone else, someone you loathe.”

Your chest ached at the exhaustion in his voice.

You stayed silent, waiting.

Barty let out a sharp laugh, but there was no humor in it. “He thinks he can mold me into whatever he wants. A loyal son. A future politician. A Crouch through and through.” He scoffed. “But I’m not. I never was.”

He turned to look at you then, and for the first time, there was no smirk, no amusement—just something raw and vulnerable, something you had never seen before.

“I think,” he said slowly, voice quieter now, “that’s why I wanted you so much.”

Your breath caught unexpectedly.

Barty’s eyes flickered over your face, unreadable. “You don’t try to make me be something.” His lips twisted. “Even when you hate me, at least it’s real.”

Something heavy settled between you, thick and undeniable.

“And”, he started, face twisting into something uncomfortable, trying to find the right words. For a moment, he said nothing. Just looked at you—like he was fighting a battle you couldn’t see.

Then-

“I hate him too.”

The words were sharp, bitter, cutting through the silence like a blade. Your breath hitched. “Barty—”

“No.” He turned to face you fully, eyes burning. “I hate the way he hovers around you like he owns you. I hate the way he looks at me like I’m something filthy. I hate that no matter what I do, he’s always there.”

Your chest ached at the frustration in his voice, the way his fists clenched like he was barely keeping himself together.

“He’s my best friend,” you said softly. Barty let out a sharp, humorless laugh. “No. He’s waiting.”

You frowned at that. “Waiting for what?”

“For you to wake up,” Barty muttered. “For you to realize that he’s the safer choice. The one who won’t make your life complicated. The one who fits neatly into your perfect little world.”

You stared at him, stunned. “You think this is about James?”

Barty scoffed. “It’s always about him.”

Frustration flared in your chest. “Barty, I chose to stay away.”

He stilled.

“I chose to keep my distance,” you continued, voice surprisingly steady despite the inner hurricane you felt. “Not because of James. Not because of anyone else. But because you—”a sharp exhale left your mouth. “You scare me.”

Something flickered in his expression. “I’d never hurt you.”

“I know,” you whispered. “That’s not what I meant.”

Because this, the fire between them, the way he looked at you like he was drowning and you were the only air left—

It was too much. Barty was too much. And you weren’t sure if you were strong enough to handle it.

For a long moment, neither of you moved.

Then, slowly, Barty stepped closer. Not enough to touch, but enough that you could feel his warmth, enough that your breath caught in your throat.

“You don’t have to be afraid of me,” he murmured.

Your pulse raced. “Then stop—” “Stop what?” His voice was rough now, almost desperate. “Wanting you? Needing you?”

“Barty—”

He exhaled sharply, running a hand through his hair. “I don’t know how to stop.”

And maybe that was the real problem. Because Barty Crouch Jr. had never been good at letting things go.

And neither had you.

So when he reached for you, fingers brushing against your wrist like he wasn’t sure you’d let him, you didn’t pull away.

And when he kissed you, desperate and reckless and full of something sharp and aching,

you kissed him back.

[luveline]

i just bought the actual cutest spider-man hoodie and now i’m thinking about peter seeing reader wearing spider-man merch !!! <333

The thwack is telling. You hear the splat and your heart jumps out of your chest, that weird wet sound against red-brick wall, and then you realise what it means and start to panic. 

“Hey, woah woah woah!” Peter says, jimmying open your bum window with a too-strong hand. “It's just me, don't panic.” 

You clamber off of the desk chair you're in and rush into the bathroom. 

“Hello?” 

“Two seconds!” you shout, closing the door hard behind you. You can hear the light pad of Peter's footsteps on the floor from the window, but after that he must disguise the weight of them, and you're doubly startled by his knock. “Two seconds, Peter.” 

“Uh… no?” 

You look around frantically. “What do you mean, no?” 

“You're freaking out? Let me in? Like, right now?” 

“None of those were questions.” 

Peter starts to rattle your door handle. “I'll break it!” he threatens, his voice in that funny place where he's joking but not, the same tone he uses to mess with bad guys who underestimate him. You're being teased. 

You pull your shirt over your head just as he opens the door. “Hey, turns out it wasn't locked.” He blinks at you. “Um. Hello to you, too? This isn't the welcome I was expecting.” 

“Cut the smarm. I got, uh. Soup on me.” 

“Soup.” 

You nod fiercely. “So much soup.” 

“You know I'd smell it, right?” he asks, his hair damp with sweat, the mask stuffed in the pocket of his suit and threatening to fall out as he grabs your shirt. His reflexes are too fast to stop him, as he anticipates your movements before they truly happen. 

You stand there in your teeny vest top, crossing your arms over your chest and staring at any spot that isn't his face as he throws out your shirt and takes in the graphic design on the front. 

He looks between you and the shirt smiling like a fool. He laughs, and he tilts his head one way then the other before laughing again. 

“What's so funny?” you challenge. 

“Put this back on,” he says back, matching your demanding tone. “Right now.” 

“No way.” 

“Put it on! You're indecent. Here, I'll help.” 

It's not funny how quickly you lose, shrieking and pushing backwards into the shower as Peter tries to force your arms through the shirt. You laugh as he grabs you and he knows he can keep going, pushing the shirt over your head and his knee between your thighs, and suddenly you've got Spider-Man's emblem on your chest again, the end of the shirt bunched above your stomach. You're both breathless from the scuffle. He stares at your merch. 

“My eyes are up here.” 

“Shut up,” Peter says just as quickly, kissing you hard. A rough and short thing, the glove of his suit on your naked hip. You breathe out in a rush and kiss back, not feverish but getting there, never not happy to feel the seam of his lips parting against yours. He yanks back, “Is this–” 

You kiss him again before he can ask if it's alright. You like a good fight, and it's hard for him to make fun of you for the shirt when you're kissing. He kisses you long enough to make you dizzy, thumb under the hem of your embarrassing apparel. 

He brings his hand to his mouth to bite off his glove and hits the shower with his elbow, a rain of droplets falling from the head like shards of ice down the back of his neck. He pulls away, blinking, and you laugh at his misfortune tauntingly.

“Cold night in Queens?” you ask. 

He wipes at his neck. “Warm for you. You are never taking it off. Never.” 

“What, you like it?” you ask. 

“Just enough to chase you into the bathroom, yeah.” 

“Friendly neighbourhood pervert,” you say happily. 

He wipes his wet hand down your bare stomach. “And his number one fan.” 

[webslingingslasher]

j!!!!! i was going through your masterlist andddddr:

“second, you still get nervous about making out with me. you're not ready for sex.”

does she ever feel rejected? like obvs he’s not rejecting her, but the constant no’s has got to get her at least once, on a day where she’s tired or down or whatever🥺

guess who’s back… back again…

‘i’m tired of you saying no, peter. i get you’re trying to be nice and ease me into it and i totally trust you and, like, isn’t that the whole point? it just feels like it’s never going to happen. why should i hang around with you when being by myself is the same thing?’

peter’s trying to find a way to let you down easily without hurting your feelings more but he doesn’t know how to. ‘cherry, all i’m doing is moving at your pace. it might seem like i’m not but i am. if you really want to take that final step, you need to initiate it. and im not talking about telling me to do it, you need to do it.’

it feels like you’ve had this conversation a million times and today, it’s getting to you. ‘but you always say that and i feel like when i try to start something, you shut it down. you claim i always get in my head but i think you’re the one who’s over thinking, not me.’

peter looks at you with raised eyebrows, like it’s a challenge. ‘what, you’re ready right now? like, this very second.’ you nod, it’s what you were trying to say. ‘to be clear, you want me to lay you down and fuck you right here, right now.’

‘yes, peter. that’s my whole point.’

peter’s chest caves with a deep inhale, you’re expecting hard boundaries and a talk therapy session. what you’re not prepared for, is peter getting out of his desk chair to stand in front of you at the edge of his bed.

‘alright. lay back.’

you blink at him wide eyed. ‘what?’ peter gestures for you to lay back, you stay frozen. ‘you said you were ready for it. so, let’s do it.’ he was supposed to say no, he was supposed to tell you why you should keep waiting and take your time, not say yes.

‘like, right now?’ peter rests his knee next to you on the bed, you scoot backwards, you don’t really recognize the look in his eyes and you’re not sure if you like it.

‘yeah, right now.’ peter takes his shirt off, you swallow tightly because your throat feels dry. ‘now yours.’ you take a second to think about it but you shed yours too. it’s not the first time you’ve been shirtless around him, not even the dozenth. but it feels different this time.

‘c’mon, scoot back. i need to be up here too, don’t i?’ you inch backwards until your head lands on his pillows, peter cages himself around you, loosely straddling your legs. without warning, he wraps his hands around the waistband of your skirt and pulls it down your thighs. the standing fan at the far end of his room coats your legs, your thighs form little pimples from the cold.

again, its not your first time in this situation, it just feels… different. peter’s not as gentle, it’s like he’s got a ‘get it done’ mindset. ‘woah, um,’ you’re cut off with a kiss. a harsh one. there was no easing into a make-out session, in one second peter had his tongue in your mouth.

you push at his shoulders for the surprise, he backs off and kisses your jaw. ‘are you excited?’ he talks against your skin between wet kisses, you suck in a breath but you’re not sure if excited is the right word. when you said you were tired of hearing no, you didn’t expect an immediate yes.

‘yeah, sure, really excited.’ you didn’t hear it in your voice but peter must’ve. all he did was hum and make his way back to your mouth. it’s not normal kisses or teasing touches, it’s not going to end at his fingers in you or his mouth where you crave him most. it’s going to end with him inside you. and that idea is… a little jarring.

your chest feels tight when he skims over you, you shift your weight underneath him, he grinds his hips into yours. your eyes pop open at the sudden appearance of his hand in your underwear, you even look down to make sure you weren’t making things up.

normally, he tells you what he’s about to do. he’ll talk slow and sweet, communicate how he’s about to touch you and where but this time it’s like you were expected to know what he was going to do.

you look unsure but peter brushes it off. ‘mhm, you must’ve really wanted this… you feel so ready.’ your breath hitches, it’s not anticipation, it’s a threat.

‘i- i do?’ even you could hear the panic this time. peter just nods against your neck. ‘yeah, i’m sorry i pushed it off for so long.’ peter rips himself away, his hands fumble with his jeans, they land somewhere behind him.

you wanted this. you need to remind yourself all you’re doing is ripping off the bandaid. you try to calm your heart rate but it’s almost impossible when peter’s boxers come off. it’s been awhile since you’ve got to play with him but your minimal experience is coming out… hesitant.

you’re unsure if you should grab him and attempt some foreplay. or maybe he’ll tell you if he wants something. but you should know what he wants, right? you shouldn’t be this anxious, you trust him. you like peter, you chose him out of everyone else, you should know if he wants you to touch him.

you try to focus on his expert fingers, his heavy weight, his skillful kisses on the crook of your neck but there’s a hard imprint against your thigh that’s never been felt before and you implode.

your eyes squeeze shut, you throw peter backwards by a hard push on his arms. ‘stop! stop, stop, stop, stop!’ you heave for air, the second peter’s halfway off the bed, you can finally breathe. you hold a hand over your racing heart, you keep a focus on his ceiling to ground yourself. it takes a couple minutes but your brain resets itself.

you’re okay, you’re still a virgin.

‘when i said i was going at your pace, i meant it, cherry. all those things i just ignored, the freezing up, the hesitant movements, your stress… those are the things i look for. i know it bothers you sometimes but i always want to stop it before we get to this point. it’s not fun for either of us, right?’

you stay quiet, you don’t like when he’s right. peter’s made the same joke serval times, how he knows you better than you know yourself and this just proved it.

‘and when those things stop, we’ll go further. scared and nervous are two different things and that wasn’t nerves, that was pure fear.’

your embarrassment comes out as anger. ‘so you forced me to stop you? you care about me so much you put me through that? what if i didn’t stop you?’ peter rests his hand on your leg, you’re brave enough to look at him. he put his boxers back on in the time it took you to settle your heart.

‘i wouldn’t have done anything you didn’t want to do. i would’ve stopped it, you know i would’ve, i’m not scared to. you should know that by now.’ he smiles at you, he feels like like an enemy now. ‘you wanted to know why i end it before it can get started, now you know.’

your eyes narrow at him. ‘don’t be a jerk.’ he shakes his head, ‘i’m not. i was trying to show you what i feel when you say you want more. sex is supposed to be fun and it’s supposed to feel good. would you have had fun or feel good if i kept going?’

you take a deep breath and mutter a no under your breath.

‘i wouldn’t have either.’ you soak in the quiet of the room, peter strains his neck to kiss your knee. ‘i’m sorry i did that to you. i just thought you’d understand it better if you went through it.’

‘well, i do now. so thanks.’ you don’t sound very thankful. ‘cherry, that’s not a bad thing. yeah, sex might sound really good in the moment but sometimes when it comes down to it, you want to back out. no harm, no foul. sometimes we just change our mind. it doesn’t make you immature or invalidate what you thought you wanted.’

‘or in other words…’ you look at him to continue. ‘horny brain isn’t your real brain. and sometimes we forget that until it gets too real.’

you remember this first time you ever tried to hook up with him, truer words have never been said. ‘that’s so real.’ peter grins wide, ‘it is, isn’t it? so, what do you say? keep doing things like we are?’

you think about it and find yourself agreeing. ‘yeah. i kind of like you stopping it, actually. then i don’t feel so bad about myself, i can just pretend it’s your problem.’

peter play gasps, ‘it’s my problem?’

you’re finally able to smile along, he never makes you feel bad. ever. ‘totally your problem. who wouldn’t want to bang me? i think you’re scared of sex.’

peter nods, ‘absolutely terrified. having sex with girls i like scares me, i always end up dating them.’ you fawn and give him shy eyes. ‘are you trying to make me your girlfriend, mr. parker?’

‘mm…’ he sounds like he’s thinking about it, you squeal when he pulls you closer to him by your legs. ‘that depends on how you answer, miss. cherry.’ you’re about to make a joke about how you could be mrs. parker instead but the words leave your mind at kisses up your right leg.

you’re scared to go through with anything real, peter’s scared to hear your answer. and until either are ready to leap into the unknown, kisses down below will distract you both.

[giotanner]

PLEASE take a few seconds to read this. I need to talk about it at least here, or I swear steam will start coming out of my ears.

For weeks now, Luca Marinelli has been surrounded, humiliated, and mocked by a large portion of Italians (spoiler: fascists, but without saying it) just because, in some interviews (interviews he HAD to do—it’s not like he volunteered—purely to promote his new high-profile project M, The Son of the Century on SKY TV), he stated that he is antifascist, that his grandmother and entire family were too, and that it was difficult for him to take on Mussolini’s appearance and portray him.

The series is outstanding, making it untouchable from a production standpoint (JOE WRIGHT is the director! The same director of Pride & Prejudice and Atonement with McAvoy).

So what did this disgusting Italian ignorance do? Of course, it could ONLY latch onto Marinelli’s words.

Words that should be completely normal in a democratic government, right? An Italian actor says it was challenging to portray a historical figure who was atrocious and horrible for Italian families themselves.

And yet… no. They attacked him, mocked him. From then until now (to the point that he was interviewed again, and he admitted that yes, of course, it hurt him because he was speaking genuinely about himself). And now that a second season is confirmed, they’re mocking him even more.

But what exactly are they saying? Well, the usual ignorance:

That he took the MONEY, so he should shut up. (He worked. Obviously, he got paid. He worked for a production team and even said he was thrilled to collaborate with them. But he still despises the historical figure he portrayed.)

That he's a nobody. (Sure, he’s not super famous outside of Italy. But in Italy, he’s REALLY well-known. He’s one of the few Italian actors who has worked with Charlize Theron, starred in an American series, won at the Venice Film Festival, worked with foreign directors, acted in LGBTQ+ projects, and performed in English, Italian, and German.)

That he should shut up (again) because other famous actors have played bad characters and stayed silent. (Completely false. Leonardo DiCaprio and even Evan Peters—who played Dahmer—have both said it wasn’t easy to portray a real-life serial killer. Plus, we’re talking about Marinelli, an Italian actor playing an Italian dictator from the 1900s, not Caesar. This is recent history, and it still carries deep wounds in our country. You can’t compare it to an "American actor" playing a fictional villain or even a real historical figure from another country—someone who didn’t harm their homeland or cause them personal pain or shame.)

That he only said it to get attention and his moment of fame. (FALSE. GUYS, GUYS, GUUUYS… we’re talking about Luca Marinelli, who DOESN’T have social media, whose private life is completely unknown, who is genuinely shy outside of acting, and who has never been involved in any gossip.)

All of this disgusts and saddens me… The only thing I’m "happy" about is that at least The Old Guard 2 is happening.

[lexithwrites]

some moonwater nsfw for fun:

“Have you heard from Remus today?” Peter asked, fiddling with his keys as James bent down to tie his laces tighter. The last thing he needed was to eat shit on the way to the pub. Sirius would never let him live that down.

“He said he wasn’t feeling social,” James told him, “you know how he is. Prefers staying in.” They both glanced down the hall to Remus’ room, hoping he was feeling better.

“Should we ask him if he wants paracetamol or something? What if he has a cold? What if it spreads!?” Peter’s eyes went wide but James just snorted.

“Pete, you have the best immune system out of any of us, chill.”

“But I could be a carrier!”

“You’ll be fine, I promise.” James sighed as he stood up right. “Don’t bother Remus, leave him be.” James patted his back and nodded to the door, leaving Peter little chance to turn back now.

“Fine, but I’m buying him some tissues if he starts sneezing.” And they shut the door.

Silence.

A moan.

“Remus, they could still hear—“ Regulus gasped when he felt Remus rub deeper inside him and he slapped a hand over his mouth again, muffling the groan. Remus, lying across his back and looming over him, panted into Regulus’ ear.

“They can’t hear you…promise…please let it out, I want to hear you.” He nuzzled Regulus’ neck and his boyfriend sighed, letting his eyes roll back as Remus’ rocked his hips down. “Doesn’t it feel good?”

“Mhm.”

“Love.”

“Yes!” Regulus pulled his hands away to grip the sheets, fisting them as Remus reached places inside him he’d never felt before. “Oh god, you’re so deep—“

“I know, I know.” Remus pushed his nose against Regulus’ cheek and groaned. “I’m close.”

“Me too.” Regulus turned his head a little and pulled Remus down by his hair for a kiss, making him buck his hips hard. “Come on, puppy.”

“Oh—“ Remus’ snapped his hips forward again. “I’ll cum if you call me that.”

“Good.” Regulus smiled and Remus couldn’t resist him when he smiled. It felt too good, and being called puppy…it melted him. He moaned and gripped onto his boyfriends hips, fucking him into the mattress properly now that the others were gone. They’d silently been lying like this for almost ten minutes whilst James and Peter tottered about getting ready, and it had been almost impossible to not pound Regulus with how much he had been tightening around him. The fear of getting caught somehow turned him on, and Remus wasn’t complaining.

He liked the thrill of it too.

“Fuck, I’m gonna cum—“ Regulus choked out from beneath him and Remus bit his lip as he fucked him a little harder, wanting to feel him go over that edge.

“I’ve got you, I’ve got you.” He mumbled and groaned as he felt Regulus start to cum, which immediately triggered his own orgasm. They moved together, rocking and shaking as they slowly came down. Remus’ arms were struggling with his weight and Regulus smiled, gently tugging him back down so he was lying on him again.

“Feel better?” He teased, referring to his friends conversation. Remus chuckled, kissing across Regulus’ shoulders and neck.

“You’re evil.”

“I’m convincing.”

“Fucking when my friends are here is dangerous, you know.” Remus pointed out.

“Like they don’t get laid.”

“They do, but we’re louder.” Remus nipped Regulus’ ear to hear him sigh.

“You are, maybe. I can control myself.” Regulus leaned up for a kiss, knowing Remus would take that as a challenge.

What could he say? He was competitive by nature.

[fairlyang]

Chapter 7. Fun

⋆˙⟡♡✧˖° love island au x miguel o’hara ⋆˙⟡♡✧˖°

★‧°𖦹｡⋆ miguel o’hara x mexican!bombshell!reader ⋆｡𖦹°‧★

˚ʚ♡ɞ˚ W/C: 10.3K

˚ʚ♡ɞ˚ CONTENT: challenge day, kisses, drama, confusion, aftermath, some guys are upset, some girls open their eyes, advice, chit chats, little bit of grafting

˚ʚ♡ɞ˚ SUMMARY: what drama could unfold from the islanders first challenge? did those two really just kiss?!? did she really just say that?! did he seriously drop her?!!?? keep reading to find out!

taglist: @nicolej04 @aphinthestars @wettbaby a/n: sorry another long update... was suppose to be 6k- my badddd but at least it's fun ;)

previous part — series masterlist — next part

You were all given cute outfits to wear for the challenge, the boys were in brightly colored tight speedos while the girls had seashell bikini tops with a cheeky bottom. Also an air hostess dress to wear on top with a long zipper down the middle.

You were all put in multiple vans, but not allowed to speak. 

Unfortunately, you were put in a car with Peter B, Val, and Raúl, who were all struggling with that concept. 

You were next to Raúl all the way in the back and Peter B and Val in the middle, they were all just whispering, with the two in front of you looking back at you. You kept your mouth shut as they all tried to get you to break but you stayed strong. 

You wanted to take a nap but apparently that wasn't allowed either so you just tried your hardest on not paying attention to them. 

After a very long drive and being even closer to the ocean, you all made your way onto the platform for the challenge. First getting cute shots for the show then the instructions were explained.

It was challenge day, and that meant the girls got to be in sexy outfits while they shook what their mamas gave them! Sorry mums! 

Up first is MJ. 

The fake airplane's door opened and out came MJ, sticking her tongue out and turning around, lifting her dress up teasingly to give a peek of her ass. Then she turned back around and quickly unzipped the dress before swinging it over her head then throwing it to the guy's side. She picked up a bottle filled with water and splashed it over her cleavage. 

Everyone was hollering for her and screaming their hearts out as she went down the slide then quickly turned to shake her ass. You screamed even louder for her as she made a splash once she reached the bottom. 

She then ran her hands up and down her body, whipping her hair back, and looking to her left to give Peter B a wink. He pretended to faint while Danny and Jordan pretended to fan him.

She then crawled over to the sand, grabbing a fistful of it and rubbing it into her thighs before she finally looked around for the bottles. She felt around for a few seconds before finding it underneath a big pile of sand. She held it up with a wide grin, unrolling the paper, and read it out, "which girl do you think wouldn’t be with her boy on the outside." 

Everyone oooh'd and watched as she grabbed the small sand castle bucket of water and walked over to the girls. She looked at you all with an evil look in your eye, walking past you all in a line before standing in front of Dana, "give me that ass girl." 

Dana laughed and turned around sticking her ass out, MJ dumping it over her while Dana shook it the best she could, with her dress riding up. Meanwhile, you all cheered her on.

"HELL YEAHHH!"

"That's sooo hot."

"I know that's right baby!!"

"DAMNNN."

MJ went back into the sand, quickly spotting the second bottle and pulling it out, and reading it, "which boy do you think is the shadiest."

She gasped then ooh'd as she grabbed the next bucket. She stood up and walked over to their side, biting her lip as she looked them all over before standing in front of Danny and throwing it on his chest.

He shrugged and gave her a smile as she threw the bucket back to the sandbox and she went over to the wheel. She grabbed it then gave it a big spin before grabbing the spear then walking over to the circle on the floor that was in front of the wheel.

"I'm aiming for Peter B because he clearly loves kissing me!" she exclaims and everyone cheers.

The wheel stopped and Peter B's face was on the top left with Miguel on the right and the second Peter to the left of her Peter's face. What a tongue twister!

She aimed high, and towards Peter B's face then threw, not putting much force on it because she thought it would be fine. 

It wasn't.

It ended up landing just off Peter B's and onto Miguel's part. 

She gasped then burst out laughing while Miguel muttered, "oh my god-"

They both looked at each other, just absolutely stun locked until the guys gave them words of encouragement. 

"Go!!!"

"DO IT DO IT DO IT!!"

"Let's go!"

Miguel went over to her and motioned for her, "well, c'mon."

She looked over at Peter B and he nodded, urging her to do so, "do it!!!"

She nodded, Miguel looked more than ready to carry her so she jumped up, wrapping her legs around his waist and he easily carried her over to the waterfall. 

They went under it and he kissed her, while everyone laughed and yelled at them. She kept it as respectful as she could so she quickly pulled away and he pulled them away from the water then put her down gently.

Next in line was Jazmin. 

The door slid open and Jazmin popped up. She strutted out like a true model, posing and blowing kisses to the girls side then to the boys. The hollers were the same as she ran her hands up and down her body then in one swift motion unzipped her dress, taking her arms out of it and letting it fall. 

She picked up the bottle with water and threw it on her chest while sticking her tongue out. She threw the bottle off to the side and went down the slide, shaking her ass the whole way through. She reached the bottom and got on all fours, showing off to the girls but making seductive faces to the boys.

She sat down then crawled over to the sand where she grabbed some in her hands and sprinkled it over her tits. The girls went crazy, hyping her up as loudly as they could before she crawled around to find the first bottle. 

It took her a few seconds but she quickly got it and read it aloud, "which girl do you think is leading her boy on."

She stood up and shrugged, "not gonna lie this is a hard one…"

She walked over to your side before pulling a fast one and throwing it on Val's chest, "love youuuuu."

Val fake gasped and pretended to be offended while Jazmin went back into the sandbox. She found the second bottle and said, "which boy is not being transparent enough."

She walked over to the boys with the bucket immediately laying eyes on Raúl just because she knew the others wouldn't make sense. He gave her a grin and she threw it on top of his head. He shook his head, splashing her in the process making her scream, "you fucker!!"

She flicked him off then went on to spin the wheel. It did a solid two spins as she grabbed the spear then went to her designated spot. It stopped and she looked at all the faces, really wanting to stir shit further just for the heck of it.

"I'm aiming for…. Danny because I know he misses me." she exclaims and it grew quiet with just some awkward ohhs and laughs.

"Oh that's for shits and giggles." Gwen mumbles to you. 

You nod and gulp, "hope she knows what she's doing."

Danny's face was right at the bottom so she threw it and landed it right on his face. The guys didn't even know what to do, Peter B was trying to lighten the mood but with two confused guys, it was even harder. 

Nonetheless, Danny walked up to her and picked her up then walked over to the waterfall. He put her against the wall and kissed her, she kissed him back running her hands up and down his back. 

You looked over at the guys and they looked just as confused, especially Jordan who was trying to hide it. Your eyes darted back to them and they were still going at it, now more heated than ever. It lasted a good twenty seconds before Danny pulled away, telling her something then putting her down and he walked back to the guys.

Up next was Dana, who immediately wasted no time and took the dress off. She threw it behind her then grabbed the bottle with water, turning around then sticking her ass out. 

She poured the water down her back then shook her ass. The bottle was quickly thrown and she went down the slide, letting out giggles as she landed. 

She whipped her hair back, letting her hands caress her thighs then go up to her chest and teasingly squeezing her tits. 

She crawled over the sandbox, getting into doggy, and making eyes at the camera. The girls hollered like never before, absolutely shocked but ecstatic. 

You yelled for her as well while she got the first bottle. She opens it with a grin and reads it, “which girl is going to have her head turned next.”

She hums and walks over to you all with her little bucket, eyeing all the girls up. Jazmin gave her pleading eyes and she would’ve felt bad choosing Val. 

Plus she knew the other two wouldn’t make sense.

So she stood in front of you, grabbed your hand, twirling you around. You gasped but then leant over making the dress ride up and shook your ass while she poured it on you. 

The girls yelled and you felt a hand smack your right cheek making you laugh. She turned you back around, giving you a smile, “only because it’s a brand new couple.”

You nod and wave her off, “I’ll take that.”

The guys on the other hand were hooting and hollering, teasing Miguel but his eyes were set on the prize. 

Dana walked up and got on her knees finding the next bottle, “which boy do you think is the most two faced.”

“Oh I wonder who…” she says and stands up, grabbing the other bucket. 

Miguel takes a deep breath as she strolls over with a devious look on her face. “No hard feelings right?” He asks, letting out a nervous laugh and she nods. 

“None!" she says with a smile before quickly adding, "after this..” 

That had him quickly close his eyes as she splashes it on his face. The guys all laughed and jumped on him after she threw the bucket. She spun the wheel, grabbed the spear and got into position. 

It stopped and she hums, “can I just choose at random?” 

After getting a thumbs up from a producer, she closed her eyes but suddenly Peter B came up to her, spinning her then facing her towards the wheel, “go ahead.”

She threw it hard and fast, and it landed on Jordan’s section. She opened her eyes and squealed, “damn!” 

He quickly went over to her, picking her up and taking her to the waterfall. She was all giggles as she hasn’t exactly had this treatment so she figured she'd make the most of it. 

He had her against the wall and kissed her gently. She was the one that quickly had it heating up making Jazmin yell, “oh my god!!”

One of Dana’s hands went up to his neck and the other to one of his biceps. Jordan looked like he was enjoying himself too which was something. 

One of his hands was under her ass and the other on her back because her legs were clasped. Finally they pulled away, breathless and quickly going back to their spots. 

You were up next, awaiting the door to open so you could go for it. You were more excited than nervous but given it was a silly challenge, it made sense. 

So when the doors quickly opened, you were ready. 

You started off by unzipping the dress with a big smile before throwing it off to the side. You picked up the bottle, tilted your head back, and poured it on your chest – running your other hand down your stomach. 

The hollers nearly distracted you but you went on with it, giving some cute poses before dropping down onto the slide, quickly turning to shake your ass on the way down. You landed and made a splash, quickly sitting up and running your hands up and down your body teasingly. 

Switching it up, by whipping your hair back then pretending to be a cowgirl, one hand up in the air while you sway your hips back and forth. 

You then crawled over to the sandbox, the bottle being in plain sight so you grabbed it, took the paper out and read it out, "which girl do you think is the most two faced."

They all ooh'd and you stood up, grabbing the bucket of water and looking over at the girls. You walked in front of them all, Jazmin raising her eyebrows at you, and giving you a little nod. 

So you stood in front of her, grabbing her hand and giving her a little twirl. She stuck her ass out, looking back at you then stuck her tongue out, you used that as a sign to throw it on her ass and she shook it like a professional.

Your mouth was wide open and the other girls were also admiring it and cheering her on before you heard the guys yelling and you laughed, "oops!"

You went back into the sandbox and found a mountain of sand so you dug through it and there laid the bottle. You quickly grabbed it and took the paper out, unrolling it then read it out, "which boy would do whatever it takes to get the cash prize."  

"OHHH SHIT-"

"DAMNNN."

"Uh ohhhhh."

You laughed, grabbing the bucket and stood up, walking over to the boys looking them all in the eye. They egged you on and you stood in front of Miguel and Peter.

They both prepared for impact but you pulled a fast one, moving to the left and splashing Peter B in the face and chest. He saw it coming and had his tongue out, grinning at you afterward, "okay, okay I see how it is."

"Hey I'm just having a little fun.." you tease and he gives you a wink.

You walked over to the wheel, giving it a big spin then grabbed the spear. You went to your position and you heard the girls scream. 

"THROW IT HARD!!"

"Use some force!!"

"LET'S GOOO!!"

“YOU GOT THIS!!!!” 

You hummed, looking at all the faces and not sure what to do and just going for the logical choice, "I'm aiming for…. Miguel!"

You looked over at him, giving him a grin while they all yelled and you aimed it high, deciding not to take the girl's advice because it didn't seem that hard. 

You pulled your arm back then threw it high, it landed so close to Miguel's but instead it landed on Raúl’s side.

Everyone burst out laughing and you gasped. 

“I didn’t think it was that flimsy!!!” You yelled, making them all burst out laughing.

“You should’ve listened to us!!” MJ yells back earning herself an eye roll. 

Raúl quickly came up to you, giving you a grin then motioned for you to jump, which you quickly did. He caught you as you wrapped your legs around his waist. 

He walked over to the waterfall, choosing to go in one of the corners that had less water coming down on it. Your back was against the wall and you felt some water sprinkle the top of your head, you wrapped your arms around his neck and without saying a word, he smashed his lips against yours. 

You kissed him instantly, feeling the same little spark like you did yesterday. You pulled him in closer with your legs, your bodies pressed together — wanting it to be extra in case it were the last one you'd share with him. 

He smiled into the kiss, pressing his lips harder against yours while your hands went up to play with his hair. One of his hands went up to your jaw and he was only holding you up with the other. 

He slid his tongue into your mouth, your tongue clashing with his and so focused in on the kiss. You followed his lead as he deepened the kiss, filled with such an urgency that was leaving you not only breathless but with plenty of need for more. 

You tugged on his hair making him moan in your mouth, just sending shivers down your spine. Your body was growing warm and that little bit of water falling on top of your head was not helping in the slightest.

You slowed it down, not wanting to get too ahead of yourself and he notices, pulling away. You try fighting back a smile and to actually see it, Raúl leans close to your ear and whispers, “we should keep doing that more often…” 

You bit your lip as he pulled away, giving you a wide grin so you gave him one right back, “maybe we should.” 

He nods and takes a few steps back, directly under the waterfall. The coldness of the water makes you jump in his arms as he takes more steps back from it, laughing. 

“That was rude!!” You whine and he just shrugs, “I’m just having a little fun.”

You rolled your eyes and he put you down, giving you a wink before he walked over to the boys. You walked towards the girls with a sheepish grin on your face while a few of them teased you. 

Meanwhile Gwen was already on the platform and at that point you might’ve blacked out. It was already weird being outside the villa, let alone where you were right in the sun’s view. 

You looked over at the boys, who were hollering for Gwen and perfectly in the shade because of the waterfall’s shadow. 

Lucky as fuck.  

You looked towards Jordan, who was elbowing Raúl and clearly teasing him but his expression didn't look like he minded so much.

Interesting.

You looked back at Gwen and she was now in the sand, opening up the first paper. 

She loudly cleared her throat and read, “which girl is the most boring!!”

“Damn that’s fucked up-“

"I know it's not me!!" 

Gwen did an evil laugh as she skipped over and instantly threw it at MJ, making her squeal. Everyone burst out laughing while she wiped her face and gave Gwen the deadliest glare. 

She only giggled, "love you girlieeee." and then quickly went back to the sandbox.

In an instant, she found the next bottle and shouted, "which guy hasn’t shown any signs of bro code!!!"

The boys all quickly defended themselves but her mind was set and nothing was going to change that. She went directly to Raúl, splashing him in the face then running away, "He’s a little sneaky!!"

Raúl just laughed as she gave him a quick wink then went to spin the wheel. She spun it hard, grabbed the spear then ran to her spot. Unlike you, she took the advice of the other girls, using any excuse to kiss her guy. 

She threw it hard and it landed right on Peter’s face. She cheered, ran over to him, hopping onto him catching him by surprise but he still managed to hold onto her. 

He led her to the waterfall, kissing her right underneath it. He was going to push her against the wall but he instead slipped, nearly falling to the ground in an awfully painful manner but he saved them both and it looked slick instead. 

The guys hollered their hearts out, screaming and jumping up and down as if he had planned it but from the girls' angle it was just genuine pure luck. 

They were making out with him on top of her and hands on her hips while hers were on his back. The screams became louder by the second, distracting them both and having them both get all shy. 

They came back to their spots and lastly was Val. 

She instantly started, unzipping her dress and throwing it behind her before reaching for the bottle. She turned around, sticking her ass out and shaking it for everyone while throwing the water behind her back. 

She threw the bottle then went down the slide, immediately getting into doggy after making a big splash. She shook her ass in a way that had everyone not only impressed but just mesmerized. 

Now taking advantage of that, she crawled over to the sand, laying down then lifting her hips up, ass up in the air before sitting up. She found the first bottle and grinned as she read it, “which girl do you think is the fakest!”

She sprinted over to Gwen with the bucket, prompting the girl to quickly turn around and stick her ass out. She did her thing as Val threw the water at her with everyone else hyping her up. 

She then ran off to the sandbox, too excited to function, and finds the bottle with the snap of a finger — quickly reading it,  “which boy do you think is going to be dumped next!”

“Damn that’s fucking awful-“ she says and gets the bucket anyway.

“Y’all won’t take offense to it right?” She asks, walking up to them and they all respond at the same time. 

“Absolutely.”

“Yes.” 

“Course not.” 

“Nah.”

“I will.”

“I hate you all.” She mutters and groans, “ugh can I just hit you all with it?” 

She doesn’t wait for an answer and instead throws it straight across them all, hitting at least three different chests. 

She dropped the bucket and skipped over to the wheel while the guys complained about her decision. She spun it hard then grabbed the spear, going to the circle. She hummed and rubbed her chin as it slowed down. 

It stopped and she took one look at the faces and grinned, “I’m aiming for…. Peter B!! Because he didn’t get to kiss anyone.” 

He gasps and his eyes widened, not sure if he liked that choice. She aimed for it, pulled her arm back then threw it hard and landed right on his face. 

He screamed loudly, making her snicker before running up to him and he had no choice but to carry her. He groaned but carried her over to the waterfall anyway.

Suddenly, he came up with a fast idea, doing what Peter did accidentally but doing it on purpose. He kissed her, two seconds maximum then dropped to his knees, nearly dropping her just to scare her. 

She yelped and her head was on the floor, completely submerged by the water. It didn’t even reach her ears, but he still sat up, absolutely dying of laughter seeing her face. 

“That’s what I get for being nice!!!” She yells and gets off, giving him a playful middle finger while walking back to the girls side. 

He got up and ran to the boys huddle while they decided who the winner was. 

They all whispered, taking it very seriously because just the thought of being on the no fly list is terrifying enough! Well it comes a close second to how the girls played this game because wow! 

They all came to a consensus and had Peter speak up for all of them. He cleared his throat and grinned, “we think the sexiest vixen we’d go on vacation with is….”

“Drum roll please!” He yells and everyone does so. 

He waits a few seconds then yells, “Dana!!!” 

She screamed and did a celebration dance while the rest of you cheered her on. Then you all left the platform and all raced across the long path and towards the parked vans. 

After winning third place in the race, you were placed in the same van back with the same people, this time being sworn to not speak because everyone had to share their opinions whilst in the villa. After some hard convincing, they all agreed. 

Peter B and Val were playing rock paper scissors then switched to doing thumb wars while you and Raúl were playing footsies in the back. 

A long drive later and you were all back in the villa, given towels to wrap around yourselves because you couldn’t shower yet so it was to avoid getting anything dirty. 

The girls all gathered by the pool, laying down on the grass while the guys were on the swingset. 

"Alright, who wants to start?" MJ asks, subtly giving Jazmin a look. 

She sighs and grabs a beanbag, placing it behind her and lays her head against it, "how bad did it look?"

Everyone was quiet, unsure if she truly wanted the full truth so no one said a word.

"Come on, I'm a big girl. I can handle it-"

"Bad-"

"God awful."

"Really fucking bad…"

She groans and closes her eyes, "can I just say I was on drugs or something?"

"Unfortunately, no." MJ says, making Jazmin sigh. 

"Well- it's not my fault I was conflicted- I didn't even get to have a proper chat with either of them! Danny spilled the beans to Jordan last night and I had to tell him the whole truth!” She explains and sighs.

“Couldn’t even talk to them before the challenge either.” She adds, with a pout on her lips. 

“How do I get myself out of this predicament?” She mumbles and closes her eyes. 

“Well if you really wanna get out of it, you’d need to make a choice.” Gwen suggests, making her groan. 

“And you need to be honest to them both!” Dana says with MJ adding, “yourself too babe.” 

“God it’s fucking strict out here.” Jazmin jokes, making you fight back a laugh.

She grins and opens her eyes again, “I think I know what to do…”

You all waited for her expectantly but she just shook her head, “y’all can see afterwards!” 

“Lame!”

“Fair.”

“Good luck.” 

“Wait what did he tell you?” Val asks and your eyes widen. 

“After the kiss! That’s right!” Dana exclaims, and turns to look at Jazmin. 

She’s quiet for a second then clears her throat, mumbling, "I did miss you."

“You’re still in!!” Val shouts and she whines, “but Jordan-“

“Bitch no buts! You can’t have both!” Val says and the other girls agree. 

“Talk to them both and figure it out! I don’t think they’ll both be waiting for too long…” Gwen adds, making MJ point a finger. 

“We saw how some of them acted with our girl over here coming in, that could happen any second, again!” MJ comments, motioning to you making you chuckle, “she’s got a point!” 

“Should I pull them now-“ Jazmin starts but Dana interrupts, “one at a time girl.” 

“I know that! Okay, okay I know what to do…” she mumbled and stood up. 

“Wish me luck!” She exclaims with a nervous look on her face. 

“Good luck!” You all say in unison, making her sigh. 

She walked away and you luckily had the perfect view to see her make her way over to the swingset, "how's she look?" Gwen whispers.

"Nervous." you whisper back.

MJ sits up and moves over to sit on your bean bag with you. She wraps an arm around you and puts her sunglasses on, "oh she's bricking it."

"It hasn't even been that long…" Val grumbles and you nod, "it’s barely going to be a week…"

"True but the thing is, our girl has told both boys the same exact thing and that's a bit fucked.." MJ explains and you all murmur in agreement. 

She finally got in front of them and first pulled Jordan, "she pulled Jordan!" you whisper and they gasp.

"Is she cutting him off?" Dana whispers and you shrug, "could be either way."

Gwen looked behind her to catch a peek but MJ kicked her leg, “don’t look!! It’ll be obvious!”

She groans and looks back at you two, Val also fighting the urge to look. Dana was on the side so she could get away with a peek. 

“I hope it’s not too bad.” Dana murmurs and turns back to the group. 

“So Gwen’s the only one that actually kissed her couple…” Val teases, making you all laugh. 

“Dude I can’t believe you picked Pete.” Gwen laughs and MJ chimes in, “I can! His ass just had to fucking drop you though.”

“He did that shit on purpose too!! Like damnnn.” She says then chuckles, “but it was fun so I didn’t mind.”

“Yeah? Did you have fun splashing me too?” Gwen teases and she quickly nods, “that was the best part!”

Gwen playfully rolled her eyes and then smiled, “well, speaking of, I liked our kiss.” 

“Sure looked like it.” MJ teases and she waves her off, “yep, I swear they get better every time.” 

“MJ how was your kiss?” Val asks and she snorts, “it was a peck at best.” 

“Hey, that counts for something.” Val teases earning herself an eye roll, “whatever. It was amazing.” 

She then turned to you, “how was yours?” 

“It was good. He’s a great kisser.” You respond and she nods, “he really fucking is.” 

“Dana?” She asks and Dana bites her lip. 

You give her a look and she cleared her throat, “it was good.”

You all looked at each other, MJ took off her sunglasses then leaned in to really look at her. Her body language was normal but nothing about her tone was normal. 

Your eyes widened but before you could say anything she held her hand up, “I didn’t even say shit!!” You whined and she shook her head. 

“I just saw the four of you have the exact same reaction and it’s not all that- it was a really good kiss but I think it’s just because I haven’t had that.." she quickly explains and you hum.

"So… what?" you ask and she shrugs, "I don't know.. kinda had my head spinning."

You're all silent and you looked at Val, who was fighting hard to stay quiet. The other two just gave her a look while you just kept your mouth shut. 

"In a good way or…." Gwen asks and she slowly nods, "but it's not a big deal-"

"Are you serious-" Val shouts then quickly throws her hand over her mouth. 

She moves it then mumbles, "my bad…"

"Food for thought then…" she says and Dana just chuckles, "food for thought." 

You all stayed there, getting off the beanbags and fully laying down on the towels to get a tan in since the sun was still out. After ten minutes laying down on your back, you all flipped over onto your stomachs. 

Suddenly, you're all told you could go inside to shower and you sat up, took off your heels and sprinted as fast as you could. The other girls yelled behind you but you were already in the kitchen. 

After the same shower routine, you were already growing used to, you went into the dressing room to find the girls looking at dresses. You sat down and grabbed a blow dryer, starting to dry your hair when Val held out a dress for you.

It was a red and white plaid mini dress, with matching straps and a tiny red bow between the cups. It was very cute. 

You gave her a thumbs up and a grin which made her cheer, "YES!" 

You laughed and continued getting ready, while they continued their search. Time passed by quickly and with getting tea from the girls, it flew by. 

Jazmin had her chats but apparently didn't make her decision yet, only apologized to them both because she felt bad. 

She said she'd tell them her decision after the cheers which only made her a nervous wreck but she had her choice ready. Just didn't want to spill that.

You all walked out of the dressing room and went downstairs to hear the loud hollers of the guys. Everyone walks out together and into the bedroom when Val starts running. 

Peter B gasps and quickly follows behind her, wanting to beat her to the drinks again. 

The rest of you just calmly left the bedroom and walked out, complimenting each other's outfits as you went into the kitchen. You followed everyone down, holding onto Miguel's arm for support to not fall. You got to the table and Val handed you your drink while Peter B gave Miguel his. 

"Alright, who hasn't done the cheers yet?" Peter asked and you looked at them. 

"I'll do it!" MJ chirps with a smile. 

"Here is to long lasting friendships, fun games, and friends who kiss!!!" she yells, making a handful of you burst out laughing but cheering along too. 

After everyone clinked glasses, Jazmin immediately pulled Jordan and they went off to the spot by the pool. You looked over at Danny, who was next to you, "you doing alright?"

He nods and takes a sip of his drink, "I am, thanks. It's been a stressful few days, can't lie…"

"Can imagine! But it'll be easier soon." you respond and he nods, giving you a small smile. 

Gwen snatched Peter and took him to the swingset, Val and Dana took the chairs of the table, and MJ pulled you away from Miguel to take some pictures. 

She made Danny take them as you posed together then you did the same for the four guys that were left.

"Y'all look so good!" you compliment and take a good dozen pictures on Danny's phone.

"You're one to talk." Raúl says with a cheeky grin making you chuckle.

"That’s a nice dress." Peter B chimes in, giving you a smile. 

"Thanks! Val chose it." you say and hand Danny his phone back.

"It's givinggg… picnic table." Peter B says, making you fight back a laugh, "excuse me-"

Raúl cuts in, wrapping an arm around his shoulder and waves him off, "he meant because you're a snack."

"You did not-" you snicker, and MJ snorts, “actually the saying is she’s a whole meal.” 

“Mary Jane I swear to god-“ Raúl groans, making her giggle. 

Suddenly she grabs your arm and whisks you away to the daybeds. “Time for some girl time! God, I forget how corny these guys can be.” She jokes as you both sit down on the same bed, side by side. 

“So what’s up?” You ask and she chuckles, “just wanted to know how you were feeling.” 

“I’m feeling really good.” You say and she leans in, “how’d you sleep last night?” 

“Like a baby. Again.” You reply and chuckle.

“How were the cuddles?” She asks and you grin, “way better than hugging a pillow.” 

“That is amazing to hear! That man is like a teddy bear so it doesn’t surprise me.” She teases then gives you a wink. 

“Yeah you’re not wrong! How was your peck with him?” You ask and she chuckles, “it was nothing-“

“Oh god wait- if you didn’t want me to I am so sorry- shit I thought of Pete first-“ she started to ramble but you caught her off.

“Girl don’t worry about it! It was a challenge and we just got together, I wouldn’t have been crazy even if you did kiss him.” You reassure her and she sighs. 

“Well that’s good to know and eh maybe next challenge I’ll go for it! Not with Mig necessarily but with any of them.” She explains and you nod.

“You should! I mean it’s early days for everyone.” You say and she nods, “true.” 

“Can I know something?” She asks and you shrug, “maybe.”

She chuckles and scoots closer to you, “did you purposely aim for Raúl?” 

You look at her, her facial expression telling you she was dead serious so you shook your head, “I actually didn’t think it would be hard.” 

“Ahhh so he was just lucky today?” She asks and you chuckle, “I guess so.”

“When I tell you it looked like he was praying that you would miss Mig’s face-“ she starts then snorts. 

“That shit was so funny because then when it did land on his, he looked soooo fucking happy.” She finishes, making your eyes widen, “really?”

“Really.” 

You’re sitting there in silence, not sure what to make of this but not being entirely surprised by that. 

“Y’know he told me something last night- but don’t tell anyone!” You whisper-shout and she quickly nods, “your secret is safe with me.”

“When we were saying our good nights, he said that just because I’m with Miguel that that wouldn’t stop him from still talking to me.” You explained and she chuckled.

“That sounds about right!” She jokes, making you giggle.

“I like that he’s still persistent because I just know he’ll snatch you up for a chat soon if Mig doesn’t.” She responds with a hint of playfulness in her tone. 

“I’m still spoiled with choices, technically. Now I don’t know how I wanna go about this because I’ve enjoyed getting to know them both but I did choose Miguel.” You admit, making her turn to be face to face with you. 

“Buttttt it’s also too soon for me to put my eggs in one basket...” You quickly add and she nods, “that’s an understatement.”

“To be fair I feel Jazmin had to make a choice because she was technically giving both false hope.” She huns then shrugs. 

“So as long as there’s communication and honesty, what’s the worst that could happen?” She replies and shrugs.

Well the worst that could happen would be those men causing a fight in the villa. But who are we kidding, who wouldn’t want to see that front row and center? 

The sun was starting to set and so far there hasn’t been any weird vibes in the villa. You had a chat with MJ, Peter B, and Miguel, about ideal first dates, favorite foods, and.. body counts. 

“I mean we’re all getting to know each other-“ Peter B defended himself but MJ continued grilling. 

“I feel like it shouldn’t matter-“ she started to say and he cut her off, “it doesn’t.”

“But because we’re in here, I think it makes sense to be a topic of conversation.” He stated and turned to Miguel, “doesn’t that make sense?”

You turned to look at him but he instantly put his hands up, “you're on your own bud.” 

“You are an awful friend, O’Hara.” He scoffed and playfully rolled his eyes. 

“I mean we’ll probably find that out in a game soon right?” You asked and Miguel quickly nodded, “you’ll find out soon enough.”

He sighed and nodded, “I guess.”

You also had a conversation with Danny and Peter, talking all things music and tattoos. 

“Be honest, how bad did this one hurt?” Danny asked and pointed to the long tattoo he had on his bicep. 

It was one tree branch with many flowers branching out. It was very neat and detailed. 

“Honestly not too bad! Nearly passed out.” He said and you blinked. 

You and Danny looked at each other then back at him, “oh well I fully passed out when I got my first one. So it was an improvement.” 

You laughed and shrugged, “then that definitely is an improvement! Especially since it’s bigger!” 

He nodded and smiled, “it was worth it though, looks sick.” 

He lifted the shirt of his sleeve up and you took a step closer to take a look. You were going to lift a hand up to touch it but realized your mistake, “can I touch it?” 

He nods and you bring a hand up, running your fingers over the pretty design. The handiwork was stunning and it blended well into the rest of them on his forearm.

“Y’know when girls like color in their man's tattoos with eyeshadow?” You asked and he raised an eyebrow, “Gwen’s gotta do that.” 

“It’s like a coloring book.” You joked and Danny chuckled, “does look like it'd be fun.”

“Maybe, never thought of doing that.” Peter responded and nodded, “I’ll bring it up to her.”

“Okay and because I thought of it, I wanna help!” You grinned and he just chuckled then nodded. 

You also surprisingly had a girls chat with Val, who told you it was absolutely okay to graft on Raúl, as long as you were both honest with her. 

With that you realized you may as well also have a conversation with Raúl since you didn’t know where his head was at. You wanted to hear his thoughts out of curiosity of her bringing it up in the first place and to also decide how you’d move because it was very early.

So that was where you were heading. 

You went into the kitchen, watching Peter and Jordan play a game with some cheezits while Raúl was off to the side watching. 

He saw you walk up and gave you a smile, “hey!”

“Hi, can I pull you?” You ask and he quickly nods. 

“Dude it's your turn-“ Jordan tries to say but Raúl waves him off, “it’s fine, just play without me.” 

You snicker and walk off with Raúl on your tail, “wanna go firepit?” You ask and he nods. 

He catches up to you and checks you out for a solid three seconds, “You look gorgeous tonight.” He compliments, making you smile. 

He was grinning ear to ear, making you fight the urge to tease him about it. Instead you chuckled and led the way to the firepit. “Thank you! You look very handsome yourself.” You compliment back as you both sit down.

You both got comfortable, turned to face each other, and already had the eye contact down. His eyes looked pretty up close but you quickly snapped out of it because it wasn't the time for that.

You decided to start, “I just wanted to have a proper chat, figured why not since we didn’t have a full conversation after the recoupling.”

"Yeah the chat before bed didn't count." he says, making you chuckle, "it didn't?"

He shook his head and shrugged, "too short for my liking."

You bite your lip to stop yourself from laughing, instead nodding while he grinned, "so what'd you wanna talk about?"

"Where's your head at?" you ask before quickly adding, "because Val pulled me and i figured I'd get some answers… to see what's up."

He hums and scoots closer to you, nonchalantly shrugs, "I am more than happy to be with Val."

You nodded, unsure where this was going, absolutely thinking it’d go in another direction. He chuckled then joked, "I didn't plan there to be a 'but' following that."

You chuckled and he played with his cup, looking down at it for a few seconds before looking back at you, "but… I'd still like to talk to you."

"If you want to, of course." he quickly adds, making you nod. 

"It's hard because I feel like I should focus on Miguel.. as you've said, it's early days and I don't think I wanna be one to just lay all my eggs in one basket..." you explain and he nods. 

"I think I wanna try to talk to the both of you, just enjoying my time here with no pressure to just stick to one thing yet y'know?" you say and he nods again. 

"That is absolutely fair. I'd say the ball is in your court.." he responds and you ask, "is it really? Because it could technically be on both of us."

"Mmm more so in yours… kinda." he mumbles then shakes his head. "Actually I don't know- I think… well, sort of- ugh I think you're making me lose it."

"Me? What have I done to do that?" you tease and he just sighs, hiding back a smile but failing miserably. 

He was smiling and shaking his head in disbelief, "you're just… being you."

You laughed then matched his expression, a genuine smile on your face with the usual blush creeping up your face. 

His grin was cute, it made you ecstatic that you were the cause, and that this conversation went in the right direction. 

You would've felt like a fool if you didn't explore it, let alone if you didn't have this conversation in the first place. And just like last night, you were checking him out, not even trying to hide it. 

He was wearing a navy blue button up, the top three unbuttoned, with black pants and some nice shoes. He also had on two gold necklaces that were sparkling from the reflection of the fire.

All in all, he looked good. 

All of a sudden, he cleared his throat and with a straight face asked, "so did you purposely choose my face in the game today?"

You just scoffed and playfully rolled your eyes, "I didn't! I actually tried but it was harder than it looked."

"Mhm…" he hums, raising an eyebrow at you.

You rolled your eyes again making him laugh, "hey, you didn't deny it!"

"You're full of yourself." you tease and he shrugged, "hm I don't know.. I think you might like it."

"I think you're crazy.." you murmur and he came up with a quick rebuttal, "mmm right.. yet you still kissed me."

"Well it was a challenge." you tease, holding back your laughter.

"Oh it was but I didn't see you end it early like how Pete, MJ, or even your boy Mig did." he argues back making you shrug, "I didn't wanna be rude-"

"Rude-" he snickered, finally making you burst out laughing.

You let out a fit of giggles, which only had him showing off those pearly whites. Not wanting to give him what he wants, you shook it off quickly, putting on a straight face then muttering, "shut up." 

He only chuckled and sighed, "you're cute when you get mad."

"I'm not mad and you're actually so obnoxious." you mumble, your face growing hotter. 

"And yet, you're still here. That's really funny isn't it?' he teases and you teased right back, "yeah sooo fucking funny…."

He fought back a laugh then couldn't help himself and snickered, "you're really funny."

“It’s one of my best qualities.” You reply and he grins, “I can tell.” 

"God, are you obsessed with me or something?" you joke, making him instantly reply, "oh after tonight I just might be."

You burst out laughing and quickly cover your face with your hands, feeling something beyond the words flustered and shy. 

You then felt a hand on your arm, "no c'mon, keep that same energy going."

He moved your right hand away from your face making you fight back, trying to keep it in its place while you squealed. He laughed and then gave up, letting you go while you attempted to calm yourself down. 

Your stomach was hurting from all the laughing and your face from all the smiling you've been done. You took deep breaths then you moved your hands down and he gave you a wide grin, "welcome back."

"Thanks, appreciate it." you giggle and let out a sigh.

"Our third kiss was really good, by the way." he says and you shake your head, “stop.”

“Why?” He asks and tilts his head. 

“Stop.” You mumble, butterflies going wild in your stomach with just the thought of it. 

“No, tell me why.” He teases and you bite your lip, remaining stubborn. 

“It’s okay, I know you agree.” He murmurs, making you shrug, “who knows.”

He chuckles and sighs, “well I’ll be counting down the minutes for our next one, but you didn’t hear that from me.” 

“You’re crazy.” You tease and he nods, “maybe just a little.” 

"More like a lot.." you murmur, making him grin. 

"It's okay, we all need a little craziness in our lives." he responds and leans back. 

"Well you're not wrong-" you start with him quickly interrupting, "about the kiss right?"

You scoff and playfully roll your eyes, "if that helps you sleep better at night."

"I honestly think you'd help me sleep better at night." he murmurs and you take a long sip of your wine.

You put the cup down on the space between you two and shake your head at him, "you're trouble.. and you're not even a bombshell anymore." 

"Gotta always keep everyone on their toes." he replies and shrugs.

"Are you naturally this flirty?" you ask, making him chuckle, "only to those I'm interested in."

"Mmm interesting." you murmur and nod, "I think you're just a flirty guy."

"Two things can be true." he says with a wide grin and you laugh, "fair enough."

You both just sat there and stared at each other down, it started becoming a staring competition. You were staying firm and committed to the game while he straightened up and leaned closer to you, trying to distract you. 

His eyes were now wide making him look like a psychopath. He raised his eyebrows at you and you just shook your head, ignoring him making him pout. Now he looked even more crazy which just made it ten times funnier.

All of a sudden, you hear footsteps come up the firepit and as much as you wanted to turn to look at who it was, you didn't look. You could see a body out of your peripherals walking closer and that's when you heard a laugh.  

You remained the same, eyes locked on his and vice versa when you saw a face to your left, then out of nowhere they brought their hands up and they clapped in between your faces. 

You sadly blinked and you screamed out then whined, looking to your left to see Miguel.

Meanwhile, Raúl burst out laughing and stood up to attack Miguel in a bear hug while you pouted and watched. They celebrated as if you weren't there before finally turning to you and Raúl gave you the biggest grin. 

"You guys are mean." you pout and he sticks his tongue out at you.

"Now I'm leaving!" you joke and pretend to stand up. 

"NOOO!!" he yells then shakes his head. 

"Well I did come here to snatch her away…" Miguel mumbles, making you snicker.

"You snooze, you lose Raúl!" you tease and he playfully rolled his eyes at you.

"It's fine, I was getting a bit hungry anyway." he says and shrugs, "I'll catch you guys later." 

He offers you his hand so you grabbed his hand then stood up. He let you go then gave Miguel a pat on the back before making his way to the kitchen. 

You look up at him and ask, "where to?"

"Daybeds?" he offers and you nod, reaching down to grab your cup. 

He then grabbed your hand and walked straight to the daybeds, something about that action doing a little something to your brain. You followed him and heard Peter B’s hollers from somewhere but didn’t know where they came from.

Miguel completely ignored him and kept walking. Once you got there, he let go of your hand, sat down on the left daybed, then scooted over to give you some space. 

His back was against the pillows but the worst part was his shoes on the bed. You looked at him with a face of disgust and he just waved you off and pats on the spot next to him, “c’mon sit down.” 

“Shoes… on.. the.. bed..” you blink and he chuckles, “it’s fine, come here.” 

You shiver and carefully plop down, making sure your dress was fine and covering as much of your thighs as it could. You stretched your legs out but then moved to the side so they were hanging off the edge. 

He got closer to you, wrapping his right arm around your shoulder making you glance up at him. He had a smirk on his face and he shook his head as he spoke, “you’re amazing, that was a green flag.”

You chuckle then shrug, “I can’t believe you did that.”

“If my mom had one look at this she’d probably smack me to the next life.” He joked, making you snicker, “and it’d be sooo deserved.” 

He playfully rolled his eyes and brought you closer, you leaned against his shoulder and fixed your dress again. “It’s not that short is it?” He asks and you laugh.

You let it go and pull back to look at him, “it really feels like it. It is cute though.” 

“It’s very cute, you look beautiful.” He compliments, sending a shiver down your spine. 

“Thank youuu-“ you murmur and lean against his shoulder again just to hide. 

“It’s my favorite color too.” He says and you gasp, “really?”

You look at him again and he nods, “mhm so you wearing it makes this like ten times better.” 

You chuckle and he grins, “and if it wasn’t before, trust me it would be just because of you.” 

You took a deep breath then chuckled, “oh my lord-“

His grin grew even wider as you felt your entire face get warmer than it already was. “Hm not surprising that it’s also a good color on your pretty face.” He murmurs and your breath hitches.

You quickly looked away and lean on his shoulder, hiding your face with a hand. He squeezed your shoulder and you heard him chuckle, “cute.”

“This is crazy, Mig.” You mumble, earning yourself a laugh, “not at all, gorgeous.” 

You chuckle, moving your hand, and take a deep breath, remembering what you wanted to tell him. Unsure how to start, you asked a question first, “we’re still open right?” 

He laughs then nods, “absolutely. Don’t worry I’m not the type to get crazy jealous, as long as you fill me in, we’re fine.”

You smile then reply, “I just figured it’d be easier to talk to other people early on rather than when we’re attached to the hip.”

“I agree with that! I won’t ever blame you for wanting to explore, that’s what the whole point of this is.” He says and you nod, “and the same goes to you! Just good communication is ideal, which I’ll definitely be giving you.” 

He nods, giving you a smile and wanting to swiftly move on, you ask, "do you have any siblings?"

He snorts, nodding, then replies, "I have a brother, Gabriel, he's twenty three and might just be a mini-me."

"Really?" you ask, eyes a little widened, and he slowly nods, "hey don't get any ideas.."

"I'm not! I just think it's cute when siblings look alike." you defend yourself and he hums, "okay sure."

“He really does look a lot like me though. Main difference is our nose, I’ve got moms. And his hair is shorter.” He explains and you nod. 

“Are you guys close?” You ask and he quickly nods, a smile tugging on his lips, “he’s one of my best friends.”

You smile and shoot him with your next question, "mm what's your favorite food?"

"Siempre fue, y siempre será pozole." he responds, making you sit up, "Ahhh yo tambien!! Okay rojo o verde?" (It always was and always will be pozole) (Red or green?)

"Mmm cual te gusta mas a ti?" he asks and you grin, "el rojo." (Which do you like more?) (the red)

"Igual! Pero si mi mama hace de verde también me lo como, y hasta de dos platos a veces." he explains making you giggle, "nomas dos?" (Same! But if my mom makes the green, I'll also eat it and even eat up to two plates sometimes.) (only two?)

"Que esperas que me acabe toda la hoya o que?" he asked, raising an eyebrow at you. (What did you expect me to finish the whole pot or what?)

You burst out laughing and nod, making him snicker – that just added fuel to the fire and you held onto your stomach as you laughed harder. He just grinned and shook his head in disbelief, not believing what he was hearing. 

You stopped and coughed, then cleared your throat, looking back at him just to say, "well I mean you're a big guy, you p-probably could-" 

The look on his face was enough to send you over the edge again and you covered your mouth, really trying to fight it but it was just so silly. He sighs then smiles as he watches you in awe. 

You took a few more seconds then finally calmed down, looking at him again and grinning. He gave you one right back, damn near showing all thirty two teeth as you giggled, "Listen, I wouldn't judge you even if you did."

"I think you're deflecting…" he teases and you pout, "hey it was one time!"

He snickers and looks away from you for a second before turning back to you, "you're unbelievable." 

You give him a wide grin, "thank you, I'll take that as a compliment." 

"It definitely was." he murmurs and squeezes your shoulder again. 

You look away from him and look down at his left hand on his torso to distract yourself then reach over for it and grab it. You first admire the rings then within two seconds play around with them. 

He chuckled and said, "try 'em on."

You take the one on his index finger off first, looking at it closely. The design was very intricate, it reminded you of something you could see in a castle or a beautiful painting with a shiny green emerald in the middle. You put it on your index finger and it was way too big, just falling straight off. 

You chuckled then grabbed the one on his finger, another gold ring but with la virgencita in the middle. They were both very gorgeous and jaw dropping to the eye. "They're stunning." you mumble and attempt to also put it in. 

"Thank you, both presents from my wonderful mami." he responds with a cute smile.

You look at him again and give him one right back, "they're really gorgeous."

You took them off and carefully put them back on his fingers, then let your hand rest on your lap. He had a bright idea so he reached over for your right hand and then lifted it up, he then gave your hand a little clap before properly placing it on yours. 

His hand was way bigger but it was very cute. It also brought a different kind of thought but you pushed that away as soon as it entered your head. 

He then interlocks your fingers together and it instantly had you feeling shy, but it was such a nice feeling. He rubbed his thumb gently against your skin and you looked up at him, a very shy smile on your lips while he was all grins. 

Something in the air changed and you leaned up, with him following your lead and also leaning in. You were the one to make the move and sat up a little, closing your eyes then pressed your lips against his. It was nice and slow for starters, he kissed you back gently, letting the kiss stay that intimate. 

He let go of your hand and you then felt it on your jaw, also feeling him move, turning to his side a little. His body nearly covered yours and just the tiny idea of him on top of you sent shivers down your spine. You kissed him back a little harder and he reciprocated, having no trouble at all following your lead and actually liking it. 

You then pulled away, making him shake his head, and moving his hand to your chin, bringing you in for another kiss. You kissed back and smiled before he pulled away, leaning his forehead against yours. Your eyes flutter open and his did too, pretty brown eyes just admiring you.

And although we love these sweet moments, there's one party pooper in the villa who doesn't allow them to linger for too long. 

"Alright lovebirds, let's go, it's time for bed!" Peter B yelled from the kitchen making Miguel groan. 

You chuckle and pull away, getting off the bed then quickly fix your dress before offering him a hand. He scooted closer and accepted, getting up and this time letting you lead the way. 

You guys were the last to get inside, some of the guys already changing to their pjs as you quickly let go of his hand. You waved goodbye then walked out of there, the quiet hollers and smacks against him greeting Miguel once the bedroom door was shut. 

You were greeted nearly the same way but you quickly grabbed pajamas to escape it. After finishing your last beach hut session of the day, you went to do your nightly routine then changed. 

Jazmin ended up waiting for you in the dressing room, quickly keeping you in the loop. 

"I chose Danny… I'm pretty sure it's the right choice, it feels right y'know?" she says and you nod, "I know."

"I feel bad- Jordan was so fucking cool and nice about it, god I feel like I don't even deserve him as a friend." she mumbles and you shake your head. 

"Don't say that, you do. He's not the type to be a dick about it and I'm sure he'd still want to be your friend."  you reassure her and she nods, "thanks, I needed that."

You nod and pull her in for a hug, her instantly accepting it and hugging you back "I'm gonna sleep on the daybed."

"By yourself? Do you want me to go out there with you?" you offer and she pulls away, giving you a warm smile, "It's okay, Val already volunteered but thank you, seriously." 

You both then made your way downstairs, giving everyone a goodnight hug and she went outside with Val while you got into bed. Miguel had his arms wide open and you happily climbed into them, letting him hold you as sleep called your name.

[g1rld1ary]

new year's day - sirius black x reader

wc: 2608

cw: drinking, smoking, swearing, kissing, r is an anxious overthinker

me: inspired ofc by miss swift. happy happy 2025 lovelies!!!! this was supposed to be out for my new years (it is currently 12am on the 3rd lol) but the words were not wording. hopefully because of time zones it's still only just passed NYD for some of u?? either way wishing u love + light for the yr ahead <33

════ ⋆★⋆ ════

There was glitter on the floor after the party. A wonderful idea at the time, sparkles falling softly as couples kissed and champagne was popped to welcome the new year in, but now it was just something else to clean up.

A couple of people you knew, friends you weren’t that close with, were still making their way out from the night before, heels thrown over shoulders and bare feet braving the winter streets. You waved out a few more guests with a forced smile, trying not to think about how much you would rather be back in a warm bed, preferably cuddled up with someone.

“Happy New Year, darling.” Alice Fortescue kissed your cheek on the way out, pressing a stack of Polaroids in your hands. The top one was you and Sirius, hugging tightly with megawatt grins on display. You flipped it over so fast you might have made an earthquake. You couldn’t think about him.

You shut the door behind the final group of stragglers, wishing them all a happy New Year as they went, and sighed. The party was a success, there was no denying it, but somehow you didn’t feel any satisfaction. Not after making what might be the biggest mistake of your life. Not that it felt like that at the time, but… Not everything that feels good is good.

Tense silence settled over your house and you felt dangerously alone despite knowing that all your best friends were still asleep somewhere upstairs. You allowed yourself a moment, quiet before the inevitable storm of the day, and sat on the couch with your head in your hands.

You felt stupid. You’d probably just fucked up the most important relationship in your life for five minutes of pleasure. And what was worse was that you couldn’t even talk to him about it so you just wallowed in your own self-pity, feeling your best friend slip through your fingers.

Something dumb was pumping through the stereo, accompanying the raucous noise already occupying your house.

“Dance with me,” You whined, grabbing Sirius’ hands to make him move along to the music with you. He laughed at you, shaking his head softly but moving with you all the same. He twirled you around easily, handing his drink to a laughing Remus.

Sirius followed you further into the cleared-out living room, pulling out all his most embarrassing dance moves to make you laugh. You took it as a challenge, moving to the music with the wildest movements you could create, the two of you unintentionally creating a bubble between you and the rest of the party.

You eventually tired out, though, and made Sirius accompany you through the first story of your house, wine-drunk and giggling as you let all your thoughts travel from your brain and out your mouth.

Sirius helped you up until you were sitting on the railing of your back porch and staring at the stars, him standing next to you, your shoulders brushing every so often. You talked about everything and nothing, the things you wanted to leave in this year, what you were excited for in the next.

James, Remus and Peter came tumbling out the back door and into your garden with a small crowd following, setting up in anticipation of the new year and the fireworks they were going to let off.

“Sirius?” You asked, and your tone must have worried him because Sirius was up in an instant, standing in front of you.

“Yeah?”

“Kiss me,” You said as your friends began to count down.

“What?” His silver eyes widened, hands finding purchase on your knees.

“Kiss me. Please.”

And as the new year made itself known, you were finally kissing Sirius Black, your best friend in the world and longtime crush. His lips were soft, same as his hair, and all you wanted was for him to be closer, closer, closer until you weren’t even two people anymore. Just one combined being so you’d never have to stop kissing him.

His palm on your cheek was warm, cradling you gently like you’d slip away at any moment. Had he been wanting this as much as you had? You weren’t in any shape to consider it, lost in his smell and his closeness.

Champagne bottles popped behind you, fireworks releasing into the sky and you were kissing Sirius Black. You thought life could not possibly get any better, except for when he pulled away and simply rested his forehead on yours, your two breaths mixing in the winter air.

You didn’t say anything, too afraid to pop the blissful bubble you were in, so the two of you remained in silence, Sirius’ hands still holding you.

“Come on, we’re gonna play a game inside!” Mary called as she swung around the balcony pole. You and Sirius parted, intense eye contact sending chills down your spine. He nudged you gently. indicating for you to come along with him and participate in whatever terrible drinking game your friends had cooked up. Neither of you mentioned the kiss for the rest of the night.

You groaned, wiping your hands down your face to pull you back to earth, slapping your knees and standing up. Back to real life, where your best friend might never talk to you again.

You stepped over the bodies littered across the hallway leading into your bedroom, switching on your stereo as a wake-up call. The gaggle of teens moaned and groaned as you went about your business, clearing up some of the stray litter that had found its way in last night.

“Come on, clean up crew. None of you will be let out the gate until I no longer live in a shithole!” You said with forced cheer, burying your angst deep inside. Your friends whined a cacophony of complaints but roused nonetheless, ready to clean still in their sparkly attire from the party.

“Didn’t your parents know about the party?” Lily asked, rubbing tired eyes.

“Yes, but they still don’t want to come back to filth! So let’s get on it!”

Despite originally being the leader of the cleaning crusade and being the primary inhabitant of the house in which you were all cleaning, you’d somehow been bossed into the one role you’d been praying against: taking on the living room with Sirius.

Tense silence blanketed the room. You had no conversation to provide, and clearly neither did Sirius, so you were both loading empty bottles into garbage bags trying desperately to think of something to say.

You looked up to say something, anything, but divine timing made you catch the precise moment a ray of sunlight threaded through Sirius’ inky hair and onto his face, making him all but glow in the daylight. You bit your lip, unable to make conversation when he was literally golden.

“Here,” Sirius was the one to eventually break the silence, tossing a glass beer bottle into your waiting rubbish bag. You played along, making a game of catching it. You passed the time that way, making a dull chore into a competition to make it bearable.

It wasn’t until one of the bottles shattered that you sobered up, freezing in place as glass scattered across the hardwood floor.

“Shit. Stay right there,” Sirius ordered, rushing out of the room for a brush pan and broom. You stared at your sock-clad feet, both to ensure there wasn’t any glass on you and to reconsider the dynamic you had with Sirius. He’d been acting normal but hadn’t mentioned the kiss at all, maybe he was politely ignoring it so nothing would change. Or, you realised with a start, maybe he didn’t even remember it. You’d all been drinking and you were pretty sure you’d seen Sirius smoking something with Remus, there was a chance he really didn’t even know it happened. The thought was a little like a knife through the heart but it was better than losing him, so you chose to believe it.

Sirius returned, carefully cleaning away the glass shards littered by your feet as you stood dutifully still. It was strangely intimate, you could hear your friends chatter in a distant other room, a Beatles record floating through the air, but you felt a million miles away with Sirius.

“You’re all good,” He said, tipping the glass pieces into the rubbish, holding thick eye contact. You swallowed, mouth dry as you searched for a familiar quip to move the moment on. Nothing came and you were stuck staring at each other until someone called for you both in the other room.

“Hurry up, you two, we’re making vision boards!” You both snapped to attention, tossing the last remaining bits of rubbish into the bin and hurrying over to where the rest of your friends sat around a long dining table.

“What the bloody hell is a vision board,” Sirius muttered and you giggled at his side, quickly quietening down when he looked at you in a way you couldn’t decipher. Your brain chose to interpret it as discomfort.

“A vision board,” Remus explained with a stern emphasis, “Is where you collage the things you want to bring into the new year. So attitudes, things you want to happen, whatever you want.”

Sirius grumbled a bit more but sat down nonetheless, examining the collection of photos the girls had prepared a few days before new year’s eve.

You all quietened down as the craft progressed, scissor snips and paper rustling filling the room. You were mostly engaged with your own approaching new year visions, gluing down inspirational quotes and images you wanted to live out.

By chance you glanced down at Sirius’ board as you reached over to take a picture from Lily’s hands, eyes catching on one of the photos glued down already. Two figures kissing in the snow, the girl’s hand on the man’s jaw.

You dropped back into your chair aggressively, slumping back slightly.

“Woah, you alright?” James asked, trying to rub glue off his hands. You nodded before he could even finish the question, putting your head down to focus on your board.

What did the photo mean? Was Sirius finally ready to settle down and get a girlfriend? Was it you? Was it because of you? Holy shit, you were such a bad kisser that you made Sirius Black want to stop hooking up with people.

You knew you were being quiet but you couldn’t help it. It was hard to look forward to the year ahead when it was clear to you that something would be different between you and Sirius.

You excused yourself to get another glass of water, sighing as you watched the winter landscape out the window above the sink.

“Alright, dove?” You jumped at Remus’ voice but turned with a small smile. You nodded with a noncommittal noise, taking a sip of water to avoid speaking. He shot you a look you could almost picture McGonagall giving you when you lied about not being stressed during exams.

“Are we not talking about the kiss, then?” You paused. Obviously someone would have seen it, you weren’t exactly hiding anything, but it still sent fear through your veins. Not only would it now be weird with Sirius, people would start to pick sides as you drifted and soon enough your whole friendship group would be fractured down the middle. The tears burned in your eyes without any notice and you bit the inside of your cheek to stop them from falling.

“Everything’s going to fall apart,” You broke down, collapsing into Remus’ arms. He held you for a minute, letting you get the worst out.

“Nothing’s going to fall apart.” He pet your hair softly, “If you like him you just need to tell him. Don’t avoid him because of things you’re imagining might happen. Live in real life, dove.” You considered Remus’ words. They kinda hurt, but you thought you needed to hear them.

No one mentioned your red eyes as you returned from the kitchen with Remus, and Mary kindly told you the group had moved on from vision boards to new year’s resolutions.

You wrote your list in pensive silence, doodling with a sparkly pink gel pen. Staring across the table you were struck with inspiration, scribbling quickly like you were leaving a smoking trail.

The group dispersed after you’d all finished, teenagers filling every corner of your house. Each were tending to their own business, mostly setting up sleeping spaces so they could all stay while your parents were travelling.

“Hey,” You said awkwardly, approaching Sirius as he smoked on the back porch. He turned to face you, lips twitching up in response. “Is this your resolutions list? Can I read it?” You swiped the folded up piece of paper from his long fingers. He looked as if he was going to put up a fight but relented easily, turning to fully face you.

“Only if I get to read yours.”

You traded papers, the unfolding sheets rustling in the otherwise silent air. Your eyes scanned the list, smiling when you saw “buy a motorbike” in unnecessarily formal script.

And then, number five. In trembling hands, you re-read the words several times, not sure if you wanted it to be true or not.

“Tell her how I feel?” You asked, scared to even make eye contact.

“Tell him how I feel,” Sirius read off your list, a joyful spark making its way to his eyes.

“So…”

“I really like you. So much. And when you asked me to kiss you I was so scared that we’d fuck everything up but I can never say no to you. And I wanted to so, so much.”

Holy shit. You felt ridiculous, stressing about this all day when the whole time — the whole time — Sirius felt exactly the same. Your mouth dried up as you searched for words, anything acceptable for the current moment. You gave up, doing instead what you’d been thinking about all day.

And suddenly you were kissing Sirius Black. Again. His lips were just as soft as they were last night but tasted smokey and sweet from the leftover treats you’d all been snacking on throughout the day. You wrapped your arms around his neck, pulling him as close as you possibly could.

You thought it was far too easy to get lost in kissing Sirius Black. Despite the cold air around you, you wouldn’t have been able to say whether it had been minutes or hours and you wouldn’t have dreamt of pulling away.

Cheers and hoots came from your bedroom window, reluctantly pulling yourselves off each other. Your friends were all hanging out the window making right fools of themselves, and you could tell the warmth in your cheeks wasn’t just from the cold. You buried your head in his chest to avoid the stares, revelling in being close.

“So…” Sirius said once the cheerleaders had had their fun.

“We’re certainly productive,” You joked, “I mean, how many people are ticking off their resolutions on New Year’s Day?”

“Maybe I should make another one then.” Sirius grabbed his paper back and pretended to write, “How about ‘get a girlfriend?’” You pretended to think, tilting your head as you pondered.

“I guess I could help you with that.”

[starryeyedwolves]

Watch Me

It started, like many things between Sirius and Remus, with a bet.

They were in the Gryffindor common room, the hour late enough that only the Marauders and a few upper-year stragglers remained. James was lazily flipping a Snitch between his fingers, Peter was attempting to teach himself how to do card tricks and failing miserably, and Sirius—well, Sirius was bored. And when Sirius Black was bored, chaos usually followed.

“I’m so bored I could kiss someone,” Sirius declared dramatically, flopping backward over the arm of the couch, his legs dangling in the air like a cat who had never heard of dignity.

Remus didn’t look up from his book. “Then go find someone to kiss. I hear the Bloody Baron’s free.”

“That’s cold, Moony,” Sirius said, mock-offended. “You wound me.”

James snorted, catching the Snitch again. “You’re always going on about kissing, Sirius. Bet you couldn’t even make Moony blush.”

Remus’ eyes flicked upward for the briefest of seconds. “Please don’t make this a thing.”

But it was already too late.

Sirius sat up like a wolf catching the scent of prey. “Is that a challenge, Prongs?”

James grinned. “Bet you a Galleon you can’t do it.”

Sirius smirked, a slow, dangerous thing. “Watch me.”

Remus sighed and snapped his book shut. “I hate all of you.”

Day One:

Remus was late to Charms the next morning. He slipped into the classroom quietly, hoping not to draw attention. He found a spot next to Sirius, who had—oddly—saved him a seat.

“Morning, sunshine,” Sirius said with a grin so wide it should have been illegal.

Remus narrowed his eyes. “You’re being weird.”

“I’m always weird.”

“No, you’re intentionally weird. That’s worse.”

“Just trying to brighten your day.”

Remus eyed him suspiciously, but the class began before he could question it further. Sirius behaved unusually well—taking notes (or at least pretending to), passing Remus his quill when he dropped his own, and even whispering helpful corrections during their paired practice.

It was unnerving.

By the time class ended, Remus was thoroughly suspicious. As they walked out, Sirius leaned in close and whispered in his ear, “Nice jumper. Brings out your eyes.”

Remus blinked. “Did you just—compliment me?”

Sirius shrugged and smiled. “Is it working?”

Remus stared. “Working for what?”

Sirius only winked.

Day Two:

Remus walked into the Great Hall for breakfast and found his plate already loaded with his favorite things. The others were seated, snickering quietly.

Sirius beamed. “Made sure you got the good bacon before James devoured it all.”

Remus squinted at him. “You never serve anyone but yourself.”

“Thought I’d try something new.”

James snorted into his pumpkin juice.

Remus sat, cautiously poking at the food. “Okay, seriously, what’s going on?”

Peter coughed loudly and muttered something about “owls” and “library fines.”

Sirius leaned his chin on his hand, smiling at Remus like he hung the bloody moon. “Can’t I just appreciate you, Moony?”

Remus stared at him. “No.”

But despite himself, a blush crept up his neck. He ducked his head, pretending to butter his toast.

James kicked Sirius under the table and mouthed, one point.

Day Three:

Remus was in the library, blissfully alone, until Sirius appeared and dropped a chocolate bar onto his open book.

“Peace offering,” Sirius said.

Remus looked up. “For what?”

“For whatever crime I’m inevitably going to commit to make you blush again.”

Remus raised an eyebrow. “So you admit it.”

Sirius winked. “You’re clever, Moony. But I’m determined. Also, I have chocolate.”

“You’re ridiculous.”

Sirius plopped into the chair across from him and unwrapped his own chocolate. “Ridiculously charming, maybe.”

Remus huffed. “That’s debatable.”

“You’re debating it, though. That’s a start.”

Remus tried to focus on his textbook, but he could feel Sirius’ eyes on him the entire time. It wasn’t even the challenge that bothered him now—it was how convincing Sirius was. Like maybe he meant it.

Like maybe he wasn’t just trying to win a Galleon.

Day Five:

Remus was halfway through brushing his teeth when Sirius burst into the dormitory wearing nothing but a towel and his usual overconfidence.

“Morning, Moony,” he said, stretching, towel threatening to slip.

Remus did not blush.

He did, however, choke on his toothpaste.

Sirius grinned. “You alright there, mate?”

Remus spat into the sink. “You’re going to kill me.”

“Death by attractive roommate? Not a bad way to go.”

“You’re not even trying to be subtle anymore.”

“I was being subtle?” Sirius asked, genuinely surprised.

Remus glared. Sirius just laughed and sauntered off, towel swinging.

James called from behind the curtains of his bed, “That was a two-pointer, easy.”

Day Seven:

They were out by the lake, lying on the grass. It was late afternoon, the sun dipping low and the sky tinged gold. James and Peter had gone back inside, but Sirius and Remus lingered.

“I’m calling off the bet,” Remus said suddenly, not looking at him.

Sirius propped himself up on one elbow. “You’re surrendering?”

“I’m just—tired. I don’t like being messed with.”Sirius frowned. “I’m not messing with you.”

Remus finally turned his head. “Then what are you doing?”

Sirius was quiet for a long moment. “Trying to figure out if I can tell you the truth without ruining everything.”

Remus sat up. “That’s not cryptic at all.”

Sirius laughed softly. “I like you, Moony. Not just in a mate way. In a ‘bloody hell, he looks good even when he’s correcting my grammar’ way.”

Remus froze.

Sirius looked up at him, eyes more vulnerable than Remus had ever seen them. “I made the bet to hide it. Because I didn’t think you’d ever feel the same. But then I kept doing things, and you kept almost blushing, and I realized—I didn’t care about the bet anymore. I just wanted to keep making you look at me like that.”

Remus blinked. “Like what?”

“Like I’m not a total lost cause.”

Remus didn’t say anything for a moment. Then, slowly, he reached out and touched Sirius’ wrist.

“I thought you were flirting to win a Galleon,” he said. “So I tried not to blush.”

Sirius’ mouth twitched. “Tried and failed a few times.”

Remus smiled, small and shy. “I like you too, you idiot.”

And that was it. That was the thing that finally made Remus blush, right down to the tips of his ears.

Sirius saw it and grinned. “Told you I could do it.”

Remus leaned in close. “You earned that one. No bet.”

Then he kissed him, soft and sure, and Sirius forgot all about the Galleon.

The Galleon sat in the center of the Marauders’ dormitory table for two full days, untouched.

James stared at it like it might sprout legs and walk off.

“You’re not going to take it?” he asked finally.

Sirius, lying upside down on his bed, a quill dangling from his mouth, gave a distracted, “Hmm?”

“The Galleon. You won, didn’t you? Moony blushed so hard he looked like a tomato.”

Remus, from his corner, muttered, “Still here, thanks.”

Sirius rolled over, letting the quill fall to the floor. “Keep it, Prongs. You need the money more than I do.”

James narrowed his eyes. “You’re being disgustingly noble, which makes me think this is less about the bet and more about the fact that you’re dating him now.”

Remus choked on his tea. “We’re not—”

Sirius sat up. “We’re not?”

Remus gave him a look, and Sirius smiled like he’d been told Christmas was coming early.

“Oh,” James said, smirking. “So we are.”

Peter finally looked up from his magazine. “Are what?”

“Together,” James said.

“Like, snogging?”

“Like, more than snogging,” Sirius said, wiggling his eyebrows.

Remus groaned and buried his face in his book. “This is going to be unbearable, isn’t it?”

James grinned. “Unbearably adorable.”

The first few days were awkward in the way only teenage feelings could be. Sirius kept catching himself reaching for Remus’ hand in hallways. Remus kept pretending he hadn’t noticed. They sat a little closer, talked a little softer, smiled a little more.

It was like learning to walk all over again—except this time, every step risked falling face-first into each other.

And maybe that was okay.

One evening in the common room, Sirius leaned against Remus on the couch, legs thrown over his lap like it was the most natural thing in the world.

“Tell me a secret,” he said.

Remus didn’t look up from his book. “That’s not how secrets work.”

“Come on. One little Moony secret.”

Remus glanced at him. “I’ve already kissed you. Isn’t that enough vulnerability for one lifetime?”

Sirius poked his side. “Please.”

Remus sighed. “Fine. I hated you, third year.”

Sirius blinked. “What?”

“Your hair was longer than mine and shinier. I found it offensive.”

Sirius grinned. “So you have noticed my hair.”

Remus rolled his eyes. “Regretting this already.”

But he didn’t move away.

The war crept closer with each headline.

But between the cracks of chaos, life still happened: Remus and Sirius walked to class side by side, fingers barely brushing. Sirius would lean in during breakfast, whispering ridiculous theories about McGonagall’s secret punk band. Remus would laugh with his whole face.

They kissed in quiet corners and behind curtains in the library, hearts racing like they were still afraid to want this, to name it. But wanting didn’t care what they were ready for. It took root anyway.

One night in the Astronomy Tower, Sirius brought a blanket and a bottle of something purloined from the kitchens.

Remus lay beside him, watching the stars. “We’re not the same boys we were in first year.”

Sirius turned to look at him. “No. We’re braver now.”

“Or dumber.”

“Or in love,” Sirius said, without fanfare.

Remus was silent for a long time.

Then: “I don’t want to lose you.”

“You won’t.”

“You don’t know that.”

“I do.” Sirius pulled the blankets up around both of them. “You’re the least dangerous person I know.”

Remus gave him a skeptical look. “You do realize you’re in love with a werewolf, right?”

Sirius smiled, brushing a kiss into his hair.

“Yeah,” he whispered. “And he’s in love with me too.”

Graduation came in a blur. War didn’t wait. They joined the Order. Got assignments. Saw friends fall.

But they also got each other.

James and Lily moved into Godric’s Hollow. Peter drifted.

Remus and Sirius found the flat by accident—a “To Let” sign crooked in a dusty bookshop window. Sirius insisted. Remus resisted. Then he caved, as he always did when Sirius looked at him like that.

They bought mismatched dishes. Painted one wall blue. Burnt a dozen meals. Grew a life, not despite the war, but defiantly in the middle of it.

The first time Remus says “our place”, Sirius almost drops his mug.

They're in a tiny flat two floors above a Muggle bookstore, the walls still bare, the furniture a chaotic mix of secondhand charm and whatever James and Lily could sneak past Mrs. Potter without her noticing. The place smells like dust and cloves and something that might be hope.

Sirius is sitting cross-legged on the floor, unpacking books into haphazard stacks while Remus stands by the window, shirtless, steaming tea in hand. The late-afternoon sun makes the scars on his back glow like cracks in glass.

“So,” Remus says casually, “we’ll need a charm for the front door if we’re going to keep Order files in our place.”

Sirius looks up.

“Our place.”

Remus freezes. “Did I say—?”

“Yes.”

They both go still for a moment.

Then Sirius grins.

“About damn time.”

They argued. A lot. Sirius left towels everywhere. Remus read too much and spoke too little when he was stressed. But they always found their way back to each other in the end.

Love didn’t erase the hard parts. But it anchored them.

One night, Sirius asked, "If I died tomorrow, what would you want me to know?"

Remus didn’t hesitate. "That you made everything make sense. That you are loved. Without condition."

Sirius kissed him until the words stuck.

They got missions. Dangerous ones. They came back to each other, every time.

"Bet you a Galleon we make it out," Sirius

They made it out.

The war ended the way most storms do—not all at once, but in slow, broken breaths.

Voldemort fell.

Not vanished, not destroyed, not forgotten. But gone enough that Death Eaters started hiding instead of hunting, and the Order stopped whispering at night.

Sirius and Remus returned to the flat with dirt under their nails and blood still dried at the collars of their robes. Neither said anything for a long time. They sat on the floor, backs against the kitchen cabinets, knees touching.

“Did we win?” Sirius asked eventually, voice low.

Remus let out a breath that was almost a laugh. “I think we just survived.”

The weeks that followed were strange. A blur of funerals and debriefs and the weird, guilty freedom of not having to look over your shoulder anymore.

They slept through most of it.

Remus took to waking up before Sirius just to watch him breathe. He'd sit in the window with a book, not really reading, sipping cold tea while sunlight tried to warm the hardwood floor. Sometimes Sirius would roll over and mumble something—always soft, always half-conscious—and Remus would smile into his mug.

One day, Sirius walked in from the post with a small box.

“I bought us mugs,” he said, holding them up.

One said Mr. Moony. The other said Mr. Padfoot.

Remus blinked. “Are you proposing?” Sirius grinned. “Not unless you want me to".

There was a beat. A pause. A choice.

Remus leaned against the table. "Ask me when you mean it. always mean it".

So Sirius did. That night, over burnt curry and half-drunk wine, sitting in pajama bottoms and old t-shirts.

“Marry me,” he said, holding out the same mug.

Remus took it.

They didn’t sign papers. They didn’t wear rings. They just started saying “our place” and “our bed” and “I love you” in the kinds of ways that made it clear they meant forever.

Sirius cooked breakfast. Remus made the tea. They learned to dance slowly in the kitchen, even when there was no music. Sometimes they talked about the war. Sometimes they didn’t. Healing didn’t ask for a straight line.

One night, Remus sat beside him on the fire escape, blanket around their shoulders.

"Do you think we deserve this?” he asked.

Sirius nudged their knees together. “We made it. That’s enough.”

Remus leaned his head on Sirius’ shoulder. “I used to think I wouldn’t survive this.”

That winter, snow fell thick and slow over the city. Their flat smelled like cinnamon and dust. The world was still bruised, but it was turning. They lit candles at the windows and stayed up late reading to each other. They kissed quietly, like they were still learning how.

“Bet you a Galleon,” Remus murmured one night as Sirius pulled him close in bed, “that we’ll still be here in fifty years.” Sirius laughed into his collarbone.

“Watch me.”

And he did.

[accio-sriracha]

The Water Is Fine

A Jegulus Oneshot

⋆˖⁺‧₊☽◯☾₊‧⁺˖⋆

"Come in, the water is fine!" James called to Regulus, his eyes holding a challenge.

Regulus watched him with amusement from the shade of a nearby tree. He didn't swim, this was a fact they all knew well. James, however, didn't seem to care, inviting him for the third time that evening to join them in the lake.

Regulus watched his brother's concerned expression as he swam over to James,

"Mate, you know he doesn't get in the water." He said, "What's the point in trying?"

James brushed him off, his eyes never leaving the boy resting beneath the tree,

"Sure he does." He said it loud enough for Regulus to hear, "He'll get in eventually."

"You're really going to do this right now?" Regulus called back.

He had to admit, he was a little impressed by James' persistence. James shrugged,

"It's as good a time as ever, isn't it?"

Regulus knew the words had double meaning for them, but pretended not to notice as he sighed and stood up, marking his place in his book.

The rest of their groups were there as well. Mary, Lily, Marlene, and Dorcas were having a chicken fight off to the left. Alice, Frank, and Pandora were diving to collect things on the lake's floor. Sirius, James, Peter, and Remus had previosuly been playing catch with a quaffle, before James turned his attention to Regulus instead.

Barty and Evan were... well, we probably should focus too much on them.

They all turned in suprise as Regulus stepped out of his shoes, resignation written on his face, and walked towards the water's edge.

"There he is!" James called grandly, holding his arms out, "The man of the hour! Come join us, the water's nice and warm!"

If they hadn't been shocked before, they definitley were now as Regulus actually stepped into lake.

"Will you shut up already?" Regulus hissed at him, "It's fucking cold, you liar!"

He continued to mutter under his breath as he made his way to James, "Always fucking pissing me off- Never have one good day with my books, can I-"

James waved him off, "Stop whining, you'll get used to it."

"Regulus what are you doing?" Sirius was openly staring at him in shock. Regulus didn't spare him a glance, too focused on where to place his feet,

"Coming over to kill your best friend, that's what I'm doing." He gasped when a place in the water was particularly freezing.

He didn't like the feeling of everyone's eyes on him, since they suddenly decided he was more exciting than whatever it was they were doing before.

He rolled his eyes. He was in the water, so what? Just because none of them had ever seen him step foot in the lake before doesn't mean it was that big of a deal.

"I thought you didn't swim-" Sirius started again, dumbstruck.

"He doesn't." James' smile was bright, the kind of all-consuming smile that made you forget the rest of the world existed.

As Regulus got to waist high waters the familiar trickles of fear started to kick in.

Sirius had a right to be surprised, nothing scared Regulus more than this feeling.

He was toeing the ridge he had been looking for, where safe standing water met the expansive depths underneath. A drop off so sudden he was surprised nobody had died in it yet.

But as he looked up, his heart slowed. He trusted James. James would make sure he was okay.

He watched as James nodded reassuringly, his breathtaking smile easing Regulus' nerves. Regulus nodded back, reminding himself again that James would keep him safe.

So, much to the panic of everyone else, he turned around, leaned back... and fell.

Right off of the ledge and into the drop off. Water splashed up around him. He sunk five- ten feet and falling fast.

Above the waves there were shouts, his friends pushing through the water to save him because, obviously, Regulus couldn't swim.

James, Sirius, Barty, and Mary were the stronger swimmers of the group, the latter three racing against the current to get to him.

But Regulus wasn't waiting for any of them.

In seconds there was a body pressed against his own. Warm hands against smooth skin, the zooming rush of water around them.

Yes, there he was.

James held him against his chest, using magic to propell them quickly through the water. Regulus could never get enough of this feeling, like he was flying.

As they burst up to the surface of the water again he could just barely make out the gasps from their friends.

They flew through the waves, Regulus' hands looked pale against James' tanned back from where he clutched James close.

And they were quite a sight to see, bright smiles and Regulus' shrieks of laughter, James weaved them this way and that, sometimes twirling them up into the air before dropping them back down.

It was a bit of water bending magic James had learned to keep Regulus safe when he was trying to teach him how to swim a few months ago, a deal they'd made in private to save Regulus the embarrassment.

Eventually, when Regulus' fears had proven too great, they'd given up on learning and starting using magic to push them across the waves instead. He and James had come here all the time since then, getting faster and faster at it, James continuing to try out new tricks.

James kept his hands wrapped tightly around Regulus' waist, his own laugh was wild and free.

Regulus leaned happily into James, he could feel James' heart thump rhythmically against his chest.

James rolled them over so Regulus was on his back when he stopped the spell. Regulus gripped James' shoulders tightly, as he always did when James swam them back to the safety of the shore.

This was where James had developed the habit of calling Regulus his starfish, because he held fast onto him when James was swimming; like a starfish to a rock.

Regulus remembered the first time he'd said it, when he'd lectured James for making fun of someone with such a large fear. It turned out to grow on Regulus, and now he could only find the name endearing.

"Show off." Regulus called over the sound of the water, leaning back so he could feel the breeze on his face.

James looked back at him, eyes shining, "Only for you." He smiled.

They made it back to a level Regulus could stand in and James carefully dropped him off, holding him steady until he was sure Regulus was okay.

Sirius stormed over to them, hitting James' arm repeatedly,

"Never. Scare. Me. Like. That. Again." He said, each word punctuated by a punch, "You could have hurt him! What if he'd drowned, Prongs? What then?"

James threw back his head in a laugh, moving to hide behind Regulus,

"I didn't do anything!" He protested. Dodging his next few attempts to attack.

Barty made it to them next, glaring at Regulus,

"I thought you were fucking dying you arsehole!" He shouted, "I had to leave Evan to save you! Do you know how hard that is?"

"Oh the horror. You had to stop making out for three whole seconds." Regulus teased.

"What the hell was that?" Evan demanded as well, looking between James and Regulus as he trudged through the water to the four of them, "I've never seen anything like that before."

James and Regulus shared a look. James cleared his throat,

"We've had some practice." He started slowly, "It's a thing we've been working on-"

"Wait, you've gotten in the water before?" Marlene asked, amazed, as the rest of the group appeared.

"Just a few times." Regulus told them.

"More like every weekend." James snorted, as always beginning to speak before he could think, "You practically begged me last time-"

Regulus cut him off with a threatening look.

Sirius was staring like he was seeing a ghost. Regulus could imagine why, he probably wasn't used to seeing Regulus like this, usually so cut throat and intense, suddenly laughing and beaming and clinging to Sirius' best friend of all people.

"I didn't even know you guys were close." Lily frowned, confused.

Regulus bit back a smile, glancing at James as also he tried and failed to control his expression. The light reflecting off the water made him look even more beautiful.

James wrapped an arm around Regulus' shoulders, "You could say that."

Regulus rolled his eyes again, "Prick." He hissed under his breath. James shot him a flashy grin.

Finally, it seemed to click.

"Holy shit." Barty took a step back, "Evan, they're-"

"I know, B."

"They're-"

"You don't have to say it, B."

"Evan, they're fucking each other!"

Evan sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose, "I thought I just told you not to say it?"

"You're together?" Peter called incredolously. James smiled, turning Regulus to face him fully. Regulus knew what was happening even before Jamesx eyes dropped to his lips,

"Jamie, no-" Regulus started, even though he was already melting against his touch.

"Jamie, yes." James replied, all smug smiles and firm hands as he pulled Regulus into a kiss, right there in front of everyone.

Regulus broke, leaning his forehead against his chest when they pulled away.

He'd never felt guilt and relief so simultaniously. It was like a weight lifted off his shoulders just to remind him of all he'd done wrong to get it there.

"You're together?" Sirius repeated quietly, still watching them with that same expression. Remus' hand was placed gently on his back, a motion Regulus often did to James to calm him down. He knew it well, Remus thought Sirius was about to explode.

"We were planning on telling you, it's only been two weeks since we actually got together-" James began nervously.

Regulus swallowed hard, Sirius was the person they'd been most anxious to tell, worried about how he'd react.

"This is fucking amazing." Sirius called, pulling them both into a crushing hug, "Merlin, my brothers! I'm so happy for you both!"

Regulus wasn't sure surprised was quite enough to cover what he was experiencing right now. He needed something more intense, somewhere around the intensity of a nuclear bomb might cover it.

"You're okay with it?" James asked skeptically, his hand intertwining with Regulus' seemingly without thought.

Sirius laughed, "Well it sure as hell beats thinking Regulus was going to drown." He replied, "But, honestly, I'm happy for you guys!"

People took their turns congratulating them, eventually, when the excitement had passed and everyone went back to their own activities again, Regulus turned to James,

"Can we go again?" He asked, giving him the look that he knew made James fold every time.

"Yeah, we can do it again." James laughed, pressing a kiss to his forehead, "I love you."

"I love you too." Regulus smiled, taking a deep breath in as he walked over to the ledge. He nodded to James, who was already muttering the spell under his breath.

And off they went once more, flying through the water in their own peaceful little bubble.

Regulus had never been more happy than he was right then, with James holding him close and all of their friends having fun in the distance. No more secrets. No more lies.

He found Sirius' eyes when James swam them back to the safer water, his smile was filled with approval.

Regulus relaxed against his boyfriend, there was no place on earth he would rather be.

[love-quinn]

— BODY BETTER

summary — your boyfriend patrick is convinced that you have a thing for tennis players. you say the same about him. it doesn’t help that you’re both sleeping with one.

pairing — stanford!art donaldson x reader, stanford!patrick zweig x reader, hints of stanford!tashi duncan x reader, also tashi x art and tashi x patrick, and since this is challengers, also art x patrick. literally every single combination, but mostly art x reader

track four — “body better” by maisie peters

warnings — swearing, mentions of sex/sexual moments, CHEATING, both on and by the reader this is a clusterfuck that could be solved by polyamory, patrick is a student at stanford and find my iphone was out in 2007, also no tashi injury in this.

word count — 1.9k

note — don't ask me what this is i couldn't tell you. biblically accurate challengers where all 4 of them have fucked at one point. i kinda accidentally made patrick a bit too much of an asshole i think but whatever i stand by it. i love u tashi duncan if you have no haters it's cause i killed them all.

If you were honest, Patrick probably wouldn’t be your boyfriend if he didn’t play tennis. And you can say that’s because if he didn’t play tennis he wouldn’t have been friends with Art, who you’d met through Tashi, because sure, that would be factually correct. 

But the real reason is because you’d thought Patrick was an asshole until you’d seen him on the court. Then you’d still thought he was an asshole but your desire to stick your tongue down his throat outweighed that. 

There was something about the way he looked with a racket in his hand. The way his shirt would cling to his chest, the way his calves would shake as he hit the ground. It was something you hadn’t felt before with any of your boyfriends in high school, something innate, something shallow, something absolutely idiotic. But that didn’t stop you from waiting for him outside the locker room and taking him back to your dorm. He’d thought you were a good time, and then the next morning you’d planted yourself in the front row for his single’s match and he knew that he’d gotten himself into something more than he’d planned. 

You and Patrick moved fast. Nights spent in his bed evolved into you practically living in his dorm room. You kept moisturiser and a box of tampons in his bathroom. You knew the names of the guys who lived on his floor and they knew yours. You were happy - overjoyed even, and you spilled every single detail to Tashi, who seemed ecstatic you and Patrick had hit it off so well. You told her everything, how he was in bed, how he’d kiss you when he was drunk, how he’d get cranky when he lost a match. Tashi had laughed. 

And then she started showing up in other places. His matches — even when Art didn’t go, His phone, left on your nightstand to charge while he showered. You’d watch it ring out, the vibration coursing through your brain as you stared at her face. He’d come back into the room, kiss you roughly and then grab his phone, giving you an apologetic, “Hang on, babe. I gotta call Art.” As if you were that fucking stupid. 

You’d felt guilty about it, but that had gone away immediately when you saw it. Patrick’s phone in Tashi’s building. He’d told you he was going to the gym. Art lived in your dorm building, and Patrick’s was across campus. You’d stared at it for ages, like maybe you’d blink and it would refresh and tell you it was just an error, or maybe a text from Tashi would pop up; Hey I found your boyfriend’s phone. 

But nothing came, and nothing happened. 

So, you called Art. Your boyfriend’s lovely best friend, your best friend’s lovely boyfriend. Art who always looked at you a second too long, who once said you looked like a summer morning and then laughed like he knew he’d overstepped. Art, who you had thought was loyal to a fault. 

The first time was in his car, parked behind the library. Shaky hands and foggy windows. He’d asked you “Are you sure?” You’d told him “Shut up,” and he had. You didn’t even feel guilty about it, it felt so good to just be wanted. For as long as you’d known her people wanted Tashi. It hadn’t even taken her long to get a boyfriend once the two of you started college. You weren’t ugly, you knew that. You got slightly better grades than Tashi, and you were probably more popular in high school. But you weren’t deluded; people didn’t want you the way they wanted her. She was an athlete, she was hot, she was alluring in ways that your highschool self had been kind of terrified by. Art moved in ways that conveyed his emotions clear as day without even trying. He wanted you, and he had for so long that it almost felt like he might have been looking for a reason. 

You weren’t doing it to spite her, or even to get back at Patrick. Not exactly at least. It was about momentum, moving forward and trying to pretend things weren’t monumentally different now that you’d had both of them. They were the antithesis of each other, Patrick with his bright, empty ambitions. Art’s slow burning affection for you and the way he kissed you like he was trying to take back words he hadn’t said yet. 

And you couldn’t bring it within yourself to feel bad. Not when you knew his girlfriend was fucking your boyfriend. It didn’t feel like an intentional choice you were making, it was just oh so easy to let Art climb into your bed and kiss your collarbone, to let him call you baby and to pry your knees open with one of his own. As if he didn’t belong to someone else. 

You’d never tell Art this, but sometimes you’d look over at him and try to picture her the way he’d see her. Glowing skin and soft divots. You’d known her your entire life, knew her better than anyone. Better than either of your parents’ probably would have allowed. You couldn’t help it, least of all back then, when it was just the two of you and no one else mattered. Some girls were meant to be looked at. 

Art looked at you like you were one of them. Gazes filled with such a longing look he almost looked devastated. Like you were withholding something from him at any given moment. You weren’t just sleeping with him, he’d knock on your door in the middle of the afternoon and kiss you sweetly with a DvD in hand. Or he’d drop by after training with a warm drink so you didn’t have to leave your dorm when you were studying. 

Patrick looked at you like he owned you, and you’d thought it was really hot at first, but now it made you bitter. Like he’d done nearly enough for you to belong to him. He loved looking at you, loved when you wore tennis skirts even though you didn’t play. He told you you had the thighs for them, and you let him believe you’d been happy to hear that. 

And Tashi? Tashi hadn’t looked at you in weeks. You didn’t notice it at first, but you saw less and less of her. No more post lecture lunches or study sessions. You stopped coming to her matches if Art or Patrick weren’t also playing the same day. 

So when she showed up at your dorm one afternoon without warning, you knew something had happened. “We need to talk.”

You didn’t argue with that, holding your door open wider for her. “I know.” You were resigned. This would be it. 

She stood in your room, back straight like she was about to give a speech. Her hair was tied back sloppily, with long dark pieces falling in front of her face. She’d cut it recently. It looked good. “How long?” She asked. 

You didn’t even think about lying to her. “I don’t know,” you admitted. “A while. Not for as long as you and Patrick.” If she looked surprised she didn’t show it, just sat down on your bed and stared off into the distance.

“So, you fucked my boyfriend.”

“You fucked mine first.” It came out defensively. 

“Does he know?” She asked. “Art? Does he…” you nodded. “Patrick doesn’t. He still thinks you’re interested in Art’s serve.”

You snorted. The two of you sat there for a moment, closer than you’d been in months and further apart than you’d been in years. “You could have told me,” you said eventually. “I would’ve understood.”

Tashi eyed you. “Would you have?”

“I would,” you insisted. “I love you.”

She laughed, not bitter, just exhausted. “Truce?” She held her pinky finger out to you. 

You took it without hesitation. “Truce.”

She left and was replaced with Art’s presence, him taking you in his arms in your bed, his legs hanging over the edge, and pressing his face into his neck, whispers of how much he missed you despite the fact that you weren’t his to miss and that he’d seen you only hours earlier. He didn’t only touch you like he wanted to fuck you, sometimes it felt like he was trying to remember what you felt like. Or like you were a palette cleanser. 

“You okay?” He murmured into your skin, feeling how tense you were. “You can tell me, sweetheart.”

You shook your head. “It’s easier when we don’t talk about it.” You turned away from him, not able to look at him. A slow burning fire, blinding and warm. He kissed the fleshy part of your jaw in response. 

And you felt kind of fucked up, the way the world kept spinning even with everything going on in your head. The way Patrick would lean in to touch you and you’d hesitate before letting him. The way you’d hear Tashi’s laugh from across the quad and feel the sound carve out a hollow in your chest. Art never pushed, never pried. He agreed, it was easier for both of you when you didn’t talk about them. He never asked you to choose, it wouldn’t have been fair to when he didn’t know who he’d pick either. 

He knew it was wrong, the way he felt about you. Like he kept renewing a library book and accidentally had it memorised. Like you could belong to him if he got enough pieces of you to keep. You hadn’t done it out of spite, but he had. Sure, when he’d been introduced to you as his girlfriend’s friend, he’d done his best to be respectful. But fuck, he’d be lying if he’d said some nights he didn’t think about you when he had a second alone. It had morphed, from that first, messed up time, it was messier. His body ached for a version of you he felt he’d maybe made up in his head. 

Tashi couldn’t be mad, not when the only reason your boyfriend didn’t notice your absence was because she was keeping him occupied. She knew how affection could bleed into longing when you weren’t paying attention. And she couldn’t blame Art, either, for being desperate to be twisted in your sheets. She’d suffered the same fate for long enough. 

Patrick didn’t think of himself as a bad guy. He just didn’t like to dwell — not the nights he spent with Tashi, not the way you looked at him when he’d snap at you in the heat of the moment. He wasn’t stupid. He knew what Art looked like when he was invested in someone, and he knew Tashi was giving him too much of herself to let Art get like that. But he let you think he didn’t know so he would get to kiss you on the forehead and go off to her. 

You didn’t mind being lied to by Patrick. Because on the nights he did spend with you, he’d whimper into your ear about how you were it for him, and those nights held more weight than anything. When he was lying to you, it was easy to see when he was telling you the truth.

But the truth didn’t matter when you were knocking on a door past midnight, when there were hands on your skin that weren’t your own, or when you’d sit in the stands of a tennis court, watching the three of them play like breathing. Like lying. Like touching you. 

It was so nice to be wanted, none of them could argue with you. So nice, that it didn’t even matter who it was by. 

[darkficsyouneveraskedfor]

Tell me, tell me, tell me

Warnings: non/dubcon and other dark elements. My username actually says you never asked for any of this.

My warnings are not exhaustive but be aware this is a dark fic and may include potentially triggering topics. Please use your common sense when consuming content. I am not responsible for your decisions.

Character: Loki

Summary: your husband doesn't handle change well and falls into old habits.

This is one of my birthday drabbles. Of course, little lies had a lot of votes and has earned it's own little add on. Thanks again for your input :) Enjoy.

As usual, I would appreciate any and all feedback. I’m happy to once more go on this adventure with all of you! Thank you in advance for your comments and for reblogging ❤️

A birthday drabble for Little Lies 

You sit up and smile as the man exits Loki’s office. He looks content but your husband looks less than as he appears in the doorway. He crosses his arms and watches the candidate leave. You’ve gone through this routine at least two dozen times this week. 

“How was it?” You ask. 

He hums flatly and stares after the man’s departure. 

“His resume was great. What’s wrong?” 

Loki pouts and looks at you. He stands straight and crosses his arms. “He’s not you.” 

“Oh, I know. I’m so talented at keeping your agenda,” you retort dryly. “You can’t keep doing this. You have to hire someone.” 

“Don’t you understand?” He strides forward and stops just on the other side of your desk. His hands drop to his hips. “You’re asking me to replace you. That’s impossible.” 

“Ha, when did you get so sentimental?” You ignore him for the email on your screen. 

“Since the day you broke your leg, actually.” 

“Shut up,” you snip without looking up. 

“Truly. As worried as I might’ve been, I do miss those crutches. You were... manageable then.” 

You shake your head. “Well, you never are, but I’m hoping you can find an assistant that can do a somewhat decent job of it.”

He huffs and slithers around the desk. He sits on the corner, crowding you. “It won’t matter. I’ll be a mess without you, darling.” 

“I screened him. What was wrong with Peter?” You challenge, leaning back in your chair to face him. 

“Little upstart. I don’t need him flirting with my clients,” he harrumphs. 

“As if you don’t.” 

“On my honour,” he puts his hand to his chest, “I’ve changed my ways. You know it. I gave my vows.” 

“Uh huh.” You tut and check the time. “Well, who else? Jacqueline was good. She has a great CV and she’s very warm and welcoming.” 

“But I adore the way you snarl at me. It makes me...” Loki trails off and touches his belt. 

“You’re looking for an assistant,” you remind him. 

“Yes, but I will be losing my wife.” 

“That’s dramatic. It’s not like you can’t come see me. I can come back too between terms.” 

“School. You’re leaving me for school,” he mopes and shakes his head. 

“I’m trying to better myself, Lo. I don’t want to be your secretary my whole life.” 

“Personal Assistant,” he corrects. “Prized Asset.” 

“Ugh, you are so--” you put your hand up in exasperation. “This isn’t about the job. You’ll just call the temp agency, huh? So, you don’t have to pay benefits.” 

He shrugs guiltily as he examines the wall behind you. 

“What is this really about?” You insist. 

“Nothing.” 

“Tell me.” 

“I swear, I’ll miss you--” 

“Yeah, yeah, and I’ll miss you too. Blah blah blah,” you flutter your fingers at him and push yourself to your feet. You go to him and he looks at you with those sparkling green eyes. You put your hands on his shoulders and he instinctively frames your hips. “What is bothering you so much?” 

He stares at you then looks down. His lips thin and he tilts his head one way then the other. His gaze flicks back up to you. A grin creases his face and he laughs, “it’s foolish. Stupid! I shouldn’t worry.” 

“Loki,” you warn. 

He sighs. He peeks over at the door and his mouth slants. “You’re going to meet a lot of young men. Like that Peter.” 

You narrow your eyes and frown. Then you smile and scoff. You grab his chin and make him look at you, “you’re worried I’m going to meet some young gun and ditch my old man?” 

“Old? I wouldn’t use that word,” he winces. 

“You really think I would run off with some young hunk? With big burly shoulders and a nice chest...” Your let your tone drift into a dreamy drone. “Oh and thick hair and stamina like no one’s business...” 

“Hey!” He pokes your side and you cackle. 

“Loki, I’m not going to do anything like that. I’ll be far too busy studying and I’m too old for all that. Those twenty-year olds don’t want me. Now, hire a replacement so I can deal with all this nonsense.” You caress his cheek and give a smile. 

“You underestimate those twenty-year old cads. I once was one and I would've pounced on you at once.” 

“Oh really. Because you’re like forty and took years.” 

“Eh, let’s not toss around numbers here.” He sniffs. “I’m just saying that you are a beautiful woman, obviously. I married you. And those young ones, well, they like the allure of an older woman.” 

“Alright, alright,” you pat his shoulder. “Let it go.” You exhale and look him in the face. He stares back at you and squeezes your hips. “I’ll miss you.” 

His cheeks dust with pink and he smirks, “I'll miss you too, darling.” 

“You better.” 

His eyes fog and slowly crawl down. You squirm as he stands, crowding you, and his hands grazes along your sides. He walks his fingertips up and down and grips your waist again. He spins you suddenly, pinning you against the desk. 

“Let me be your young gun, eh? Show you this old man’s still got it.” He purrs. 

“Lo,” you rub his chest. 

“I can’t have you running off not thinking of me and how I’d put any of them to shame.” He winks and leans in, brushing the tip of his nose against yours. “Mm, Mrs. Laufeyson, is that what you want? A sweet young thing. I’ve not lost my touch, believe me.” 

“Lo,” you put your hand over one of his. 

“I feel you trembling, darling.” 

“Not here,” you tug on his hand. 

“Anywhere.” He urges you back until you hit the desk.  

He leans in until you’re forced to brace the desk. You strain backward and he reaches around to swipe the desk clear. Your monitor and laptop teeter dangerously near the edge as the rest of your things scatter. You gasp. 

“Loki!” 

“I’ll buy new ones,” he lifts you at once and puts you on the desk. 

“You can’t--” 

“I am.” 

He puts his hand under your chin and forces your head up. His thumb rubs along your cheekbones as he marvels down at you. He exhales and tickles your nose with his. You scrunch up your face and he presses a kiss to your lips. 

You push against his chest as his tongue glides along your lips. You murmur and try to resist. You never can. His hand brushes up and down your side then hooks up to your neck. He holds your head between his hands as he invades your mouth. He consumes you as he shifts and pushes between your knees. 

You clutch his lapel and part from his lips with a gulp. “Loki--” 

“Let me remind you who you married, darling. It was no old man,” he yanks his tie free as he clings to the front of your blouse, bunching it as he keeps you snagged. He tosses the silk and draws you back to him. 

You giggle, cheeks vibrant with heat, and shake your head. “Oh, I know who I married.” 

“And you will keep it in mind with those young lads.”  

He pinches a button, tediously undoing it with a single hand. He snarls and withdraws briefly to tear open his shirts. Buttons scatter as he snarls and steps up once more. He cradles your head in his hands and enshrines you in another fervent kiss, this one has you breathless. 

You put your hands on your chest, feeling the way his muscle tenses with need. He shudders as you drag your touch down to his stomach and the firm muscle clenches. He growls into you and bends you until your back is against the desk. He pins you there as he runs his hand down the length of your figure. 

He hooks his thumb beneath the hem of your dress and pushes the skirt up. You wriggle and feel blindly along his belt. He twitches as you latch onto his buckle. He hums and parts from your mouth, gasping against your cheek. 

His belt clinks open at your blind tugging and you pick open his fly. He growls and nips your ear lobe, laying a trail of kisses across your jaw and down your neck. He pants slacken and you push them down with his briefs. He springs free and wiggles his hips so his belt slides lower. 

He pulls your rear over the edge and flutters his fingers along your thigh. You curl your other leg around him as he tickles the front of your panties. He presses your clit through the thin fabric. You draw his mouth back to yours hungrily.  

Your tongues meet in a flurry of need and dread. You need each other right then and dread the separation to come. You’ve been outrunning that fact. That distance will not be easy, even so much as you’ve longed for it. 

He rubs you through your panties until he can feel you seeping through. He traces the trim of the lingerie and peels them away from your cunt. The satin bunches against your thigh as he flips your skirt up and moves closer. 

You know each other by touch. He finds you without hesitation. He slides into you in a single lunge and you drone in delight. Your turn your head as his wet lips smear over your cheek. He groans as your walls squeeze him. 

“Darling,” he drawls. 

You puff and arch your back, hooking your legs so that your heels press into the back of his thighs. You tilt your hips, goading him on as he takes his long, patient strokes. That pace he keeps when he means to torture. 

You snarl and grab his chin. You force his head up, “I thought you said you weren’t going to fuck me like an old man.” 

His eyes flicker and his lips curve into a devious smirk. He slams his hips against you and you cry out. Your nails dig into his jaw and you laugh through your teeth. He does it again, jolting the desk with you, and you quiver around him. 

“Oh, yes,” you grit. “You can do it, old man.” 

“Old. Man.” He chuffs out and rams into your again. 

You chuckle only to be met with another blunt rut. Your voice fizzles to a squeal.  

He traces along the top of your dress and drags the sleeve down your shoulder. He follows the cut of the bodice and uncovers your bra beneath. He quickly pulls the strap down and flips the cup inside out. He fondles you at once.  

His hips pump into you, harder and harder. His thumb flicks over your nipple, swirling around to tease. He hunches and dips down to take the bud between his teeth. He snarls and bucks faster. You hug him between your thighs and wrap an around his head. 

His other hand snakes down between your bodies. He pushes against your clit, the motion of his pelvis moving his fingers against you. The friction melds into the pressure inside. Your eyes roll back as you cling to his shoulder, your other hand on his lower back, beckoning him deeper. 

His harried grunts punctuate your soft moans, the slap of flesh and constant clink of his buckle adding to the twisted melody of your fucking. You roll your hips up into his. Just a little more. 

Your thighs shake and the swell in your core threatens to boil over. Your voice begins to crest and suddenly, he stops. You groan and clamp onto his side. You try to pull him down as he lifts himself. He keeps only his tip inside of you.  

Your eyes snap open as he flings his tussled hair back and looks you in the face. Your brows furrow. 

“Old man?” He challenges. 

“Lo...” you breathe, “please.” 

“No, no, that is what you said. So, allow me to prove you wrong.” He snickers and nips at your lower lip. “I can keep up, can you?” 

He dips into you slowly and you whine. Your head lolls and your lashes flutter. You bare your teeth at him and hiss. “I hate you.” 

“How can you hate this, darling?” He rears back and thrusts again. “Mm, I feel the way you’re clinging to me.” 

“Just--” You flare your nose and turn your head straight. “Do it. Old man.” 

His irises spark and he snaps his hips. You yipe and he twirls his fingertips against your clit. You shudder at the sensation. 

“Oh ho, darling, do you want to cum?” 

“Loki--” 

“Tell me you want to cum.” 

“Lo--” 

“Beg me.” He commands and pulls his fingers away. The coolness left in the shadow of his touch makes you squirm. “I did vow to serve you, darling, but I cannot if you do not say what you want.” 

Frustration, desperation, call it what you will. You whimper and reach for his hand. You guide it back to your clit and growl, “make me cum.” 

It’s his turn to shiver. He twists his hand away from yours to grab your fingers and pushes them to your bud. You gasp as he uses them to rub you instead. As he does, his hips fall into tempo. 

He fucks you so the desk scrapes the floor and his thighs hits the sharp edge. He raises himself as he spreads a hand across your stomach and watches himself delves into you, over and over. He guides your fingers in a frantic rhythm and the tension clusters beneath your own touch. 

You spasm and cry out, legs locked around his as you trap him inside you. 

“Oh, yes, make me cum, Loki, make me--” you descend into a stream of gibberish as you contort on the desk. You bite your knuckles to silence yourself, heaving wildly as your lungs burn and your skin tingles. 

“Um...” a knock sounds at the door and Loki halts mid-thrust. You share a startled look then slowly glance over at the open door. Shit. The last interviewee, Peter, stands dumbfounded as he peers in from the hall. “I, uh, forgot my phone in your office.” 

“Well,” Loki clears his throat and looks down at you with a sinister gleam. “Go and get it. Can’t you see I’m busy?” 

[louferrighojr]

based on the stills for 8x11. rated: M.

Lou is in his trailer going over his lines for episode fourteen when the stills drop, his eyes going wide as he scrolls through them.

He can feel himself getting hard just looking at them, eyes roving the sheer god damn length of Oliver and his legs as he messes around with Peter on set.

He swallows thickly and checks his watch before throwing down his script and heading for Oliver's trailer.

Less than a minute later and he's knocking on the door, definitely a little harder than necessary but hey, he's on a schedule; he knows Oliver has to be in hair and make up in twenty minutes but there's no way Lou is letting him go without fucking him about those pictures first.

"What the-" Oliver says as the door opens but Lou doesn't let him finish, instead shoving him back inside and shutting the door behind him as he immediately sticks his tongue down his throat.

Oliver huffs in surprise but lets him manhandle him against the wall, sliding a hand into Lou's hair as if it belongs there.

"You know I only have twenty minutes, right?" Oliver says when they break for air, both of them flushed and panting, erections straining against each other through their clothes.

"I know," Lou says, rutting against him, "but I need to fold those freakishly long legs of yours in half right fucking now."

Oliver laughs, breathless and a little teasing.

"The stills?"

"Hell yeah, the stills," Lou replies as he slips his hands under Oliver's thighs, lifting the long ass legs in question until they're wrapped around his waist. "Fuck, I need you, right now."

Oliver smirks as he rolls his hips and Lou can't help but gasp at the friction.

"You got fifteen minutes, babe. Give it your best shot."

Lou grins.

"Challenge accepted."

[justauthoring]

a certain fondness.

to admit your feelings is scary, but to never have known is scarier. requested! -> hey! i seen your post asking for marauders requests so I was wondering if you’d write a remus x reader? where they’ve been pining after eachother for so long and it’s so obvious to everyone but them. maybe it ends in a nervous love confession? thank youuu!!! requested by! -> @pinkdaiisies

a/n -> yall im on chapter 108 of atyd and im in the trenches currently lol also, i will always use the og fancast

pairing -> remus lupin x f!reader

he was so pretty that it almost wasn't fair.

pretty eyes. pretty smile. pretty hair. pretty scars. you knew he thought they made him a monster, but you thought they made him look beautiful.

though, you could never tell him that.

you've wanted to, multiple times. been talked up by the girls and psyched yourself up, everything, but the second he'd smile at you with that soft, shy smile, all that courage would disappear within seconds and you'd be left a fumbling fool.

and so, like a cruel torture, you were left a pining fool – always thinking about the what if's and the maybes without ever taking the steps to make them reality. you'd dream of a day you'd be brave enough, or worse, dream of a day that maybe he'd confess himself.

that all along, he'd liked you too.

it never happened.

-

"seriously, moony, you should just tell her."

remus rolls his eyes from behind the book he'd been reading – peacefully a few seconds ago – before lowering it to send james a rather nonplussed expression. "not all of us can just pour our hearts out whenever we want, prongs."

james just rolls his eyes. "and why not?" he counters, quirking a challenging brow. "i have no problem."

"and how well is that working out for you?"

james lips part in disbelief as remus smirks, it growing when he hears sirius let out a loud chuckle and peter try to quietly mask his own chuckle. it wasn't often the boys teased james for his crush on lily anymore, especially since it'd been made clear no amount of it would change his rather embarrassing attempts but, when someone did crack a joke, it never failed to gain the intended laugh.

"well," james huffs, crossing his arms over his chest as he leans back against the couch. "at least i'm not too afraid to admit my feelings, like a certain moony over here."

remus shakes his head; "i'm not afraid."

"you definitely are," sirius pops up then, sending remus a smirk. "even wormtail has more bravery then you, remus."

peter flushes at that, batting away sirius' hand from it's mocking pat on his back. "so funny."

sirius just sticks his tongue out at peter, being the childish prat he normally is, as james speaks up again. "seriously though, moony. i'm confident y/n feels the same."

flushing, remus slams his book shut – he clearly wasn't going to be able to read it in peace anymore. "you do not know that," remus corrects, "what if she doesn't and i embarrass myself?"

"like prongs?" sirius grins.

james just sends him the finger. "it honestly isn't that bad."

remus sighs; "for you maybe. besides, why would she want to go out with someone like me?"

remus' meaning is clear.

"remus," james sighs, pitingly. "y/n knows right?" remus nods. "and she doesn't care. none of us do. it isn't as bad as you think it is."

remus moves to respond, but before he can, a voice cuts in;

"what's not that bad?"

all four eyes fall on the four girls as they make their way into the common room. it's lily who asks the question, not so subtly moving towards james, sitting on the arm of his chair, who meets her eyes and tries not to flush immediately – to be fair, lily isn't that much better.

mary and marlene send smiles of their own and easily flank themselves on the couch next sirius, peter now on the ground in front of them.

you walk in behind them, eyes falling on remus' first as you smile.

it's then, remus realizes, that all the open spots on the little nook the marauders had settled themselves in are now taken. he notices, just out of the corner of his eye, you move to take a seat on the ground and his body reacts before he can stop himself.

"here," he rushes, "take my seat."

you turn to him in surprise, a soft flush covering your cheeks as your eyes flicker from the now open seat to remus. "oh, remus you don't–"

"i insist," he pushes, gently, nodding at you with a small, nervous smile.

the rest of the marauders and the girls all send each other knowing glances, shaking their heads at their friends obliviousness.

smiling brightly, you move towards the couch; "thank you, remus."

"o-of course."

with nowhere left, remus settles himself on the ground, in front of you. he tries to ignore the flutter of his heart at having you so close or the way he can't get the soft smile you'd sent him out of your head.

"so," you prompt after a moment when no one else will speak. "what's not so bad?"

remus realizes they'd never answered lily's question. instantly, he sends a look to james, pleading with him not to say anything – especially with you right there.

"sorry, y/n/n," sirius calls out instead of james when the quidditch captain simply stares on in panic. "it's a marauder secret." he offers, grinning over at you and sending remus a wink who quickly bows his head.

you roll your eyes at that, but smile nonetheless. "nothing new then," you laugh, "just let me know beforehand if you're planning on blowing something up or making a mess of something. last time you guys did a prank, i got hit in the crossfire."

all the boys wince at that.

"sorry, y/n," james cringes.

"we promise we'll let you know," peter assures, sending you a smile.

you return it with a smile of your own and a laugh.

"so," sirius speaks up, "what are you ladies doing here? normally you lot of are gossiping or something."

mary rolls her eyes; "we do not gossip."

sirius just quirks a brow at her.

marlene is quick to jump to her defence; "at least we don't land ourselves in detention weekly."

"touche," sirius laughs.

"actually," lily jumps in, leaning forward on the armrest of james' chair. "y/n needed remus for something, didn't you?"

remus watches as you still as all eyes fall on you. "o-oh," you mumble, meeting remus' eyes nervously. "yeah."

remus turns to you; "is everything okay?"

"oh, yes," you reassure with a shake of your head at the concern in his eyes. "i had a question about something for charms. if you don't mind?"

remus is once again interrupted before he can answer;

"moony was actually just headed to the library," james cuts in with a grin. "you two can head there and he can help you."

remus sends james a glare, shaking his head.

you're a little confused by james' suggestion, but you're not all that bothered as you shrug, and turn to remus. there's a warmth to your cheeks that is subtly there, but otherwise, you smile as normal. "if remus doesn't mind?"

"o-of course not!" remus rushes, perhaps a bit quckly if the surprise in your eyes is anything to go by. he rushes to correct himself. "i mean... i don't mind at all."

-

thirty minutes later and the two of you are alone in the library.

there was only a few other students there so luckily the both of you were able to find a table to yourselves easily. you'd asked him your question about charms and remus had been helpful, like you'd expected.

but now, as the two of you sat there, it was clear neither of you knew what to say.

"s-sorry about them," remus speaks up, voice soft, a moment after lasting silence. "the guys i mean. they-well..."

you frown as remus trails off, turning to him in concern; "remus?"

"i didn't actually have to go to the library." is all he answers with.

your eyes widen. "oh!" you squeak, embarrassed. "i... i'm so sorry! i didn't mean to pull you away from your friends! we totally could've done this–"

"no, no," remus rushes out, shaking his head. "no, that's not what i meant."

you frown, puzzled. remus was being awfully criptic and you didn't really understand why. not to mention, his cheeks were bright red and he was desperately avoiding your gaze which was making you increasingly nervous.

had you done something to upset him?

as far as you knew, there was no full moon approaching. so it couldn't be that. since you'd found out last year, you'd been keeping track of when full moons were happening so you could be there for remus in anyway you can. which, admittedly, wasn't much unfortunately, but you at least liked to know.

reaching forward, you set your hand on his arm, not noticing the way he tenses at your touch.

"remus?" you push gently.

his eyes clench shut and then; "i like you!"

he says it so fast and so suddenly, you don't even recognize what he's said. not at first, anyways. you pause, blinking, as his own eyes slowly flicker open to meet yours nervously.

then, softly, you ask; "you like me?"

he cringes. "yes," he nods, beet red. "i h-have for a while. the boys have been trying to get me to confess for a while, which is why they'd offered us to go the library. so... so we could be alone."

you blink; "oh."

remus takes that the wrong way. "i understand if you don't feel the same!" he rushes, shaking his head at you. "nothing has to change. and i mean... i'd understand if you had... concerns about being with me, so–"

you promptly cut him off by pressing your lips against his own.

the kiss is messy and clumsy, neither of you having any experience. you also pull away quicker than you'd like, but despite remus' confession, you're still nervous so it's instinct as your body pulls away.

meeting remus' eyes, your breathless; "i like you too," you whisper. "and i have no concerns about being with you. at all."

remus' eyes widen. "even... with my monthly problem?"

"even with," you say with no hesitation or doubt. "you know i don't care or see you differently. i... i just, well, like you."

remus smiles at that, finally eased as he laughs lightly. "i like you too."

biting your lip, you grin; "can i kiss you again?"

"please."

-

"you think they're snogging each other?"

"hopefully." lily huffs, "all y/n does is pine after remus."

"same with remus," sirius laughs. "he's madly in love."

marlene laughs; "if they aren't we're going to have to try different methods."

"more forward," mary nods.

james snorts; "nah, they're definitely snogging."

"what makes you so sure?" peter asks, confused.

"look," james nods to his right.

all eyes follow his gesture, five pairs of eyes widening at the sight of you and remus walking into the common room, hand in hand.

"finally!"

[wifetomanyfictionalmen]

can i request Egon Spengler x reader where reader is a scientist and has a ghost in their lab? Reader talks very technical (similar to Egon) and maybe the other ghostbusters struggle to understand what they are talking about, but reader ends up correcting Egon on something and he’s just smitten? (i have a head-cannon that Egon loves it when he’s challenged scientifically)

Hehehehehe YES

“What. Just. Happened-“

Egon x scientist!reader

Warnings: eh it gets a bit…suggestive.

A silent groan escaped your lips as you looked up. The phantasm was still persisting with its tricks. You picked up the phone and dialed the Ghostbusters number, answering the receptionists questions. When assured you they were on their way, you put the phone down and took a few samples of the sticky residue that dripped from your book shelf. Maybe this could be useful.

You set the sample in a safe place and straightened your jacket out. Being a Doctor of Parapsychology and Science you knew this was atleast a class 4. You picked up your copy of Tobins Spirit Guide and began looking through, though it seemed the phantasm wasn’t in said Guide. You hummed as a knock on the door grabbed your attention. You opened the door and there they were, The Ghostbusters. You stepped aside to let them in and rolled your eyes at Peter Venkmans poor poor attempt at flirting. You brushed him off and turned to Ray Stantz. You’d seen his work before “The phantasm isn’t in Tobins, I checked. It seems to be a class 4. It has all the traits of a class 4, slightly more aggressive bordering on a class 5”

Ray and Peter looked at eachother with raised eyebrows then back at you. You’d turned your back to them, looking for something in a drawer. You pulled out a Geiger counter and ran if I’ve the slime as Egon Spengler was going over your office with a PKE meter. You hummed and took a mental note of the readings on the Geiger counter. Ray cleared his throat “have you seen the phantasm miss? Could you describe it?” You hummed and looked at him “I have seen it, a large, red mass of ectoplasm and anger. It has no facial features as far i saw, it had no legs but shoe stubby arms and it squealed like a pig” you out the counter down and looked at Egon who was currently scanning you.

“She’s right Ray, if the readings on the PKE are anything to go by, it’s definitely a boarding on being a level 5 phantasm, a nasty one at that” Egon looked at Ray then the others. Peter looked at them confused “Egon…for one moment pretend that I don’t know anything about parapsychology and dumb it down for me?” You rose a brow and snapped Tobins spirit guide shut making all four of them jump. “Well Dr Venkman, as you are so clueless, let me enlightened you. The big red blob is causing havoc in my office. It is disrupting my work and research, now I am a fellow doctor of Parapsychology and Science. So I’m sure you can share the sentiment of hating being disturbed!”

Peter flinched and looked at Winston and Ray before shrugging “we can’t guarantee that your office will still be in one piece when we have caught said phantasm” Ray told you and you rolled your eyes “okay” you grabbed your research and Tobins, leaving the room. A few hours later the boys walked out holding a smoking trap .

“You were right. A level 4 bordering on 5” Egon nodded at you and you didn’t even look up “I know. Is that it? How much did you destroy?” Egon looked at Ray and rolled his eyes “luckily your office is unscathed your coworkers offices however…not so much” you stood up and snapped your book shut. “How much do you want? And make it quick I have research to be doing” Egon looked at Peter and he gave his signature poor flirty smile. “How does 4,000 sound hm?” You pulled out your cheque book and wrote it for 4000 before ripping it out and giving it to Egon. “I was wondering if you would like to work together, you said you’re a Dr of Parapsychology. The ectoplasm is seemingly negatively charged so I would like to run some tests”

You rose a brow and looked at him “Well it’s actually neutral until exposed to outside elements such as my anger toward Dr Venkman and I’m going to suppose Dr Venkmans annoyance at his poor flirting tactics” the room went silent and Egon pushed his glasses up gently. He looked down hiding his bright red face, god you were perfect.

Winston looked between you, Egon and the other two and rose a brow “What. Just. Happened-“

[startanewdream]

Rational, for today's @jilymicrofics

"Together," Remus repeats slowly. "You and Lily are going to Hogsmeade... together."

Remus purses his lips but he doesn't add any comment, his voice barely betraying a hint of amusement. James could always count of him for discretion — a quality that Sirius does not possess.

"So is it a date?"

James chokes, pumpkin juice spilling from his open mouth, face tinting of a deep red. Next to him and looking imensely undisturbed, Lily pats his back calmly.

"Be serious," is all she says.

"Oh, I was. Am. Cannot not be." Sirius is smirking and, unfortunately, far enough that James cannot kick his shin. "Some things just are—like two people going out on a trip, alone, just the two of them... that's usually called a date."

"It's not," Lily replies dignifiedly, even as, under the table, her hand traces James', drawing soft circles on his open palm. "You know we are Heads."

Sirius glances at the badge on James' robes, a familiar frown on his forehead. "As if I could forget."

James breathes again; he can do this silly banter and he knows his well-rehearsed line. "We need to escort the Third Years in their first trip today."

"And you are going together because—"

"It's rational." Lily hesitates for a heartbeat before glancing at James. Her voice softens. "We work better together."

And now her expression cracks for a moment; her sentence was innocent enough that it could mean all the time they spent together as Head Boy and Head Girl, all the plans and shifts, patrolling the halls, watching detentions, or all those infinite meetings that could have been owl mail. But when their eyes meet, James knows she is thinking about later: the innocent then not-so-innocent touches and lingering looks, and, later, the kisses they never pretend were innocent at all.

There is a smile at the corner of her lips now — one that challenges very much their resolution of keeping things low between them until, at least, after this first date — but luckily, no one else seems to notice it. James is quite safe that they've fooled everyone.

That's an illusion that's broken on the narrow street behind the Hog's Head, when loud claps interrupt a kiss that could never be considered innocent.

"You forgot a detail, Padfoot" Peter is saying, smirking. "Two people going out on a trip and making out—that's definitely a date."

"I don't know... Remus, you are the prefect. Snogging other prefects is a requirement?"

"Not that I've been informed."

"Right, or else I might have been more interested in the job."

"No, you wouldn't," James says, recovering his voice.

"Yeah..." Sirius considers it for a moment before winking at them. "So, Evans, remind me of how serious should I be."

"Oh, shut it," she says, sticking her tongue at him and refusing to let go of James' hand, something he is quite content with.

"We are Heads," he says, echoing her words. "After so many hours alone, it was only rational we'd end up snogging."

[gigglesandfreckles-hp]

amenable parameters

It’s a childish game. “Truth or dare, Lil?” “Dare,” she replies without hesitation, leaning back into the worn leather booth. “Obviously.” Hestia’s eyes gleam. “Go snog Potter.” It’s a stupid, stupid childish bloody game. “No,” Lily says firmly. “Pick something else. We’re Heads together. And friends.” She turns to Mary for support, but her best friend only tilts her head and shrugs. “I think I want to see this, Lily.” Lily stares at her, feeling utterly betrayed. “You’re joking.” “What’s the big deal?” Mary asks. “Like you said, you’re friends now. It’s just a dare.” “No way.” “Come on, Lil,” Hestia groans, “don’t be a spoilsport!” “You dared me to kiss Benjy!” Mary adds. “I can’t,” Lily begs, “and you would have given Benjy a bloody lap dance, even if no one had dared you.” “He’s still in love with you and you know it,” Hestia says pointedly. “Potter?” Lily yelps, her voice rising. “At least you lot don’t have to sit through the prefect meetings and watch him moon over her for the entire hour,” Marlene chimes in. “He does not—” “He does. Even Lupin agrees,” Marlene counters. “And you know how those boys are. They tell each other everything.” Lily certainly hopes not. “I’m not going to just walk over there and…snog him.” “Of course you’re not. Consent is important, Lily.” Hestia leans forward, her elbows resting on the table between them. “You’re going to ask him if he feels amenable to having your tongue down his throat. And then you’re going to snog him.” “Jesus, Hestia,” Lily hisses, shutting her eyes tight.  “What? You think he’d say no?” “Of course he wouldn’t,” says Mary, betraying Lily once again. Lily chances a glance over to the table where the Marauders sit, a collection of empty and half-drunk Butterbeer glasses strewn between them. Peter seems to be regaling them with some story, his hands flying around in animation. “I really can’t.” “Give us a reason,” Hestia challenges. “And not that rubbish about you being Heads. You think Emmeline and Eddy weren’t snogging all last year?” “I just…” Lily’s voice trails off as she glances at the boys’ table again, this time allowing herself to linger on James. He wears a dark blue jumper, sleeves pushed up to his elbows in that casually maddening way. As if on cue, he throws his head back and laughs. Even though Lily is too far away to hear over the din of the Three Broomsticks, she can still pick out his laugh. She can find it in the middle of a hurricane, in the chaos of a war. She hears it in the halls, in her dreams. She wants to hear it forever. Hestia clears her throat, snapping Lily back to the present. She looks back to find three pairs of amused eyes fixed on her. “Please don’t make me,” she mutters miserably.

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