#rowan plays matchmaker

[aelinschild]

Al Dente

Main Masterlist | Other One-shots

Pasta making, how exciting!! Heavily inspired by my trip to Rome and the subsequent pasta making class.

SYNOPSIS: Scorned and ready to take advantage of the 'unlimited prosecco', Aelin attends a pasta making class alone, where she meets a very interesting man... WORDCOUNT: 2.5k WARNINGS: Alcohol consumption, slight cheating? (Its on Chaol so who gaf, no nsfw tho)

Fuming, Aelin walked into her pasta-making class alone. 

She was supposed to be here with her boyfriend, Chaol, but he decided a night at the pub with his boys would be more fun. Which was typical behaviour from him, but she didn't expect it from him tonight. Especially when the calendar had a big red circle around today with bold letters spelling ‘PASTA CLASS!!!’

Whatever, she thought, might as well drink his share of prosecco. 

She had seen this class in an ad online and thought it would be such a cute date night idea. She had organised it on a night that they both had off, and gushed to Chaol about it. Enthused and exhilarated for a date after not going for months. Aelin was so excited, she even had a cute outfit planned; a navy maxi skirt that made her ass look great, and a beautiful flowing blouse that went to her elbows. Gold hoops adorned her ears and her gold bangles clinked at her wrists. 

She was looking stunning, and her stupid boyfriend wasn't even here to see. 

Instead of mourning that, she entered the door with labeling over top, indicating that this was where her class would be. The older wooden door creaked open, and two heads snapped up from where they were talking in the idle of what looked like a living room. 

A shorter man with dark hair and a red apron caught sight of her first, and a great joyous smile broke out on his face. “Ah! You must be Aelin!” He said, gesticulating with his hands and walking over to her. 

He stops before her, grabs onto her shoulders, and gives her a kiss on both cheeks, stunning Aelin momentarily. He leans back to appraise her, and she can see the confusion briefly whisking over his face before he quietly asks, “Now, don't take this the wrong way, but I thought there were going to be two of you?”

Aelin nods before saying, “Yes, my uh, my partner was not able to make it.” 

The man stares her dead in the eye, before a mischievous glint takes over. 

“OH kay,” He fully enunciates the word, “Well, I am Giorgio, and the prosecco is free and I do not judge.” He gives her a sly wink before grabbing her arm and pulling her over to the other man in the room.

This one was all man. Tall and broad, and he looked like he was in a bad mood. Not exactly the type Aelin would think she’d find at a pasta-making class. His eyes flicked over Aelin and Giorgio, but still didn't smile. 

Guys got a stick up his ass, Aelin joked to herself. Probably was ditched by his date.

“Rowan! This is the beautiful Aelin, she also doesn't have a date, it is like the gods wanted this!” Giorgio jokes, and both Aelin and this Rowan guy's faces jerk towards him. Giorgio looks exceptionally pleased with himself like he’s playing matchmaker. 

Aelin's arm, still in the crook of Giorgio’s, is dropped as she turns to face her to-be teacher for the night. 

“Uh, Giorgio, I don't think-”

“No, it's alright.” The tall stranger, Rowan, says. 

And suddenly he’s also looking at Aelin. Kill me now. And Giorgio’s making his escape towards the doors of the kitchen, looking awful pleased with himself as he goes, and leaving Aelin and Rowan in tense silence. 

He looks nice. Tawny slacks, that look like they were ironed beforehand, and a cotton white button-up. An expensive-looking silver watch is on his lift wrist. And she notices that he doesn't have any rings on. 

He breaks the silence first. “I’m-uh, I’m Rowan.” He reaches his hand out to Aelin, and she quickly rips her eyes away from her ogling to shake his hand. 

He has a strong grip, frim. But gentle too. 

“Aelin, lovely to meet you, Rowan.” And she steps back a little, smoothing her hands over her skirt, a nervous tic. 

He nods, his deep green eyes are something out of a story. It's a shade Aelin had never seen before, and his almost silver blond hair adds to his attractiveness. She can't help but wonder what a man like him is doing here. 

“So,” She starts. “You came here alone?” What a stupid question Aelin, oh my gods. This poor man.

“Yes.” He replies, lips thinning and expression dropping. Whoops.

“Me too, my-well my boyfriend decided to ignore the date night, you know?” She quickly added, then a blush rose to her cheeks. What a first impression. 

He nods, eyes traveling to her cheeks, then lips, back up to her eyes before responding. “My girlfriend just broke up with me before this.” He takes a casual sip of his prosecco. 

A little stunned at such a candid response, it takes Aelin a second before she responds. “Oh, I'm so sorry.” How do you respond to that?

“No worries, I figured I’d make the best of the evening regardless.” He supplied. And before Aelin had a chance to respond, a loud clatter came from the kitchen and then Giorgio’s muffled voice came afterward. “Let us start chefs! Come!”

“Ladies first,” Rowan gestured, letting Aelin walk ahead of him. She sends him a smile, and walks ahead, heading into the kitchen that already smells like coffee. I need that prosecco asap. Aelin thinks as she gets settled by the island in the middle of the room. 

Rowan comes to stand next to her, maybe half a metre away, and Giorgio hands them both a glass full of prosecco. Aelin and Rowan thank him, and the class begins. 

“OH kay, so we start with tiramisu, so that it settles while we make the pasta.” 

Aelin takes a sip of her drink, letting the bubbly drink wash down her throat and erase the sour taste in her mouth left from Chaol’s actions. While Giorgio instructs them both on how to break the lady fingers up to dip in the espresso, and then place in their respective cups, she thinks about Rowan. 

He’s very attractive, and now single. It is a little strange that so soon after a breakup that he wants to go out, but maybe that's his way of coping. After they've all placed the ladyfingers in, Giorgio passes out the premade mascarpone mixture to layer. They follow a pattern, espresso-soaked ladyfingers, and mascarpone. Rowan’s hands move deftly over the task. He has attractive hands. Large, and strong by the way he shook my hand earlier. 

Aelin snaps back into reality when Giogio hands her the cocoa powder to dust overtop their now complete tiramisu cups. She takes a large swig of her prosecco once that's over. It’s unlimited, might as well. 

Giorgio takes the tiramisu away and cleans up the counter a bit. In the meantime, Rowan turns towards her. 

“Do you cook often?” His green eyes latch onto her, and she can't help but like the way they appraise her more than Chaol’s. 

“I do, yes. My boyfriend isn't overly skilled in the kitchen so that’s mostly on me.” His eyes get a little harder when she says ‘boyfriend’, but she decides to not read too deep into that. “I thought this class would be a genius signal for him to maybe learn, especially considering pasta is my favourite…” Aelin rolls her eyes, there really is no point airing out her relationship troubles to the handsome man, but her tongue is already a little looser from the bubbly drink. 

Rowan makes a ‘hmm’ noise, and turns even more towards Aelin, if that was even possible. 

“Do you?” 

“I'm here, am I not,” He smirks. 

Aelin laughs. “Alright then.” 

Giorgio decides that's the perfect time to interrupt again, and he comes carrying three stainless steel bowls. He explains that they're filled with a 50/50 mix of semolina flour and regular flour, and Aelin ‘oohs’ and ‘aahs’ at the right moments. Rowan just nods, looking entirely focused on the upcoming task. He shows them how to crack the eggs, then filter the egg whites through their fingers, since they only need the yolk. 

Both Rowan and Aelin perform the tasks efficiently, and light conversation fills the space. Giorgio, unbeknownst to them, is secretly proud of the way they are working together. 

The prosecco never runs out, and soon they are kneading the now-formed dough out. Giorgio explains that it now needs to rest, and in the meantime, they’ll work on the sauce. The group moves over to the stove where Giorgio sets up a pot for water, then a pan for their sauce. 

Rowan and Aelin observe him as he teaches, but Rowan sidles up a little closer to Aelin than before. She can feel the heat from his body next to hers. Peering around the curtain of her hair, she glances over at him, and he’s completely relaxed, smiling even. 

He’s pretty. 

Giorgio pours olive oil in, and lets that warm up before adding some garlic cloves in. Once those have settled, he pours the San Marzano tomatoes in and tells them that it'll simmer while they shape the pasta.

They all move back over to the island counter, and begin rolling out the respective dough balls. Giorgio leans over their shoulders to make sure they're doing it properly, before topping up both of their prosecco glasses. 

Aelin can't help but be happy at this moment. The conversation between her and Rowan flows freely. They are laughing and chatting about anything. The drinks aren't stopping and she feels bubbly. The dough gets thinner and thinner, and soon the pair put it through the pasta machine to make linguini. 

Once all the pasta has been cut properly, Giorgio offers them fresh glasses of prosecco, again, and ushers them to a separate dining room. Telling them he’ll bring the pasta when it is ready, and to ‘sit, get comfortable’. 

“I think he’s trying to get us drunk,” Aelin snorts out as she takes her place at the table. Rowan laughs in agreement. 

“Definitely. We have to have had at least two or three bottles now.” 

“Gods. Good thing it's free!” 

The conversation falls, and an awkward silence ensues. Aelin doesn't really have anything else to say. All the jokes from earlier were in the presence of Giorgio, who acted a little like a buffer between her and Rowan, the now single, very attractive man.

She takes a shot anyway, “So, do you think you'll try another cooking class?” 

 “Probably not, considering this one killed my relationship.” 

Good gods. 

“Oh, yeah-” Aelin scratches the back of her neck, not really sure where to go next with this one. When she looks up at Rowan, he’s smiling. 

“Sorry, that was a joke. Ill-timed, I guess.” He sighs.

“Yeah, maybe a little,” Aelin replies. 

He grimaces, now aware that maybe that wasn't the right place to go. But he tries again. “Do you think you’ll ever make pasta at home now? You were pretty talented with the dough in there.”

“I guess it depends on how this tastes.” She leans back in her chair, taking a sip of the bubbly drink. 

“Fair enough. I think I'm more excited for the tiramisu.” He mirrors her and leans back, crossing his large arms. His shirt strains a little, and Aelin reminds herself she’s in a relationship. 

“Yeah, yeah.” She affirms, drawing her eyes away from his biceps and running her finger on the rim of her glass. 

“Not to be too invasive, but why did your partner not want to come on a date night with you?” His eyes trace her face, it makes a blush rise to her cheeks. I don't think I've ever blushed like this. “You’re obviously lovely, and a good chef.”

A little shocked by the forwardness, Aelin clears her throat. 

“Pasta!” Giorgio saunters in, carrying two steaming plates of their pasta. Saved by the bell…

Aelin immediately diverts her attention away from Rowan and looks at the dish, the one they made. It looks incredible, and smells even better. The steam wafting up indicates its freshness and Aelin can't wait to dig in. 

“Wow, Giorgio, this looks incredible.” She at the chef, and he just claps and says that they made it, so the thanks are for themselves. 

“More prosecco? Or wine, I've got red… and white! Sauvignon Blanc?” 

“I'll do some white, please,” Aelin says. 

“Red, please.” Rowan nods. 

Giorgio goes to grab glasses and drinks. “Red? With pasta?” 

“No fish,” He shrugs. Fair point. 

When Giorgio returns, with very full glasses of wine, he leaves them alone to their dinner. Rowan starts first, letting out a noise of approval at the taste. Aelin takes that as her cue to dig in. 

It's heavenly. The fresh pasta adds a whole new dimension to the dish, and the simple sauce has such a bold taste. She can taste a hint of basil and assumes Giorgio added it later on. 

“This is incredible, gods wow.” Aelin moans out. 

Rowan's eyes dart to her, and he just nods. Again, she chooses to ignore that, and they eat in silence. 

The dinner goes by without a hitch, and the wine is drained and filled. Tiramisu is served, eaten, and cleared away. By the time the pair are thanking Giorgio, and being gifted a bottle of prosecco each, then standing on the street waiting for their respective taxis, it's quiet. 

The wind cools Aelin’s body, and she pulls her jacket closer around her body. A car pulls up, and Rowan walks forward to ask who it is for. Aelin watches as he nods to the driver, then slips his hand into the inside pocket of his jacket, pulling out a business card and some cash. He hands the cash to the driver before turning to Aelin. 

“It was lovely meeting you Aelin,” He says, and stretches his hand out. She peers down, noticing the business card he is holding. “The cab is yours, and please take this.” 

She looks back up at his handsome face again, before quickly snatching the card and tucking it into her purse. She just nods and gives him a small smile as she walks around him towards the back door of the taxi. 

Already she feels guilty. What would Chaol think? She just took another man’s business card. But he didn't even come on our date…

“Oh, and Aelin,” Rowan calls out, back on the sidewalk. She turns her body around, uncomfortably since she’s almost halfway in the car. “If you ever feel like dumping that prick, I’d love to meet you for a glass of prosecco sometime.” And he winks at her.

Taglist: @backtobl4ck 

Thank you again for reading!! As always, interaction is always appreciated!

[mariaofdoranelle]

Hiiiii for your drabelfest can i have a jealous ex chaol???

Lost the Breakup

Written for my Drabblefest

Nonnie, you absolutely can. I’m addicted to Maisie Peters’ new album, so I took some inspiration from it if you don’t mind heheheh

Also, I wasn’t clear in the post but the Drabblefest legislator (me) is adamant about writing for every single ask I receive!! with very few exceptions that involve creepy illegal stuff. but i’m okay with writing fun illegal stuff like drugs or murder. allegedly. don’t look at me, fbi agent.

Warnings: language, this fic isn’t Chaol-friendly

1k words

⨯ ⁺ ✦ ･ ｡ﾟ⨯ ﾟ♡ ✧* ･｡* ★,｡･:*:��ﾟ☆

If anyone asked Aelin why she was sitting at a bar tonight, she wouldn’t know how to explain it. At least not without telling that last month she got the news that she’s not exciting and her boyfriend—now ex—isn’t in love anymore.

What she did know is that she must look pathetic having a drink by herself—which was definitely not the plan when Fenrys said he’d find someone to make her ex jealous. She sighed and texted her friend.

Aelin: where the hell is your himbo

Fen: on his way

Fen: just so you know

Fen: i picked him for his height and hotness

Fen: not his personality

Aelin: you’ll owe me one if he’s boring

Fen: i’m literally saving your ass

“Hey,” a highly familiar voice said when Aelin was texting a snarky response. “it’s been forever.”

“Hi,” Aelin gave him a taut smile. “what a coincidence.”

And by that, she meant what a coincidence that after stalking every college bar you go to on Instagram, checking which posts with daily plans you and your friends liked, and narrowing it down to two options, we ended up in the same place at the same time.

“So…” Chaol cleared his throat. “you wanna get a drink? Like, together.”

When Aelin opened her mouth to say no, a guy she recognized from the football team—Ronan? Roman?—put his arm around her shoulder and looked down at Chaol.

“Babe.” He cocked his head, looking down at Chaol. “Is he bothering you?”

Still sitting on her stool, Aelin leaned her head against Ronan’s torso, sent Chaol a fake apologetic look and said, “I’m kinda busy, but thanks.”

“Sure.” Chaol gave them a stiff nod. His jaw was tight, his movements unnaturally smooth as he walked away with clenched hands on his sides.

Dear Mala, it looked a lot like Aelin was about to win the breakup.

Ronan’s eyes were squinted at Chaol as her ex walked out. “The way Fenrys begged me to come here to make him jealous made me think he’d at least be hot.”

Aelin opened her mouth with a retort ready, but closed it again when something clicked “What do you mean Fenrys begged you to come?”

“I only came when he made it clear he was asking for a favor, not playing matchmaker.”

Aelin sipped her Moscow Mule, trying to figure Ronan out. “You won’t have a date with a girl unless it’s to make her ex jealous?”

He snorted. “Not a date Fenrys finds me, no.”

After brief introductions and a round of drinks, Aelin found out his name was actually Rowan, not her other guesses. She was so close, but the roll her tongue did while pronouncing his actual name made it much sexier.

Also, she made a mental note to thank Fenrys later. She asked for a usual hot guy, and her friend sent her the gods’ favorite soldier, built like an ancient warrior.

“Tell me how this short man broke your heart.”

Aelin wrinkled her nose. What a way to burst her horny bubble.

“He told me a month ago that he was bored in our relationship, and—“

“And?” Rowan’s tone was surprised, his eyebrows raised. “He insulted your charity work, and there’s more?”

Aelin groaned with her head in her hands, then focused back on Rowan. “We decided to take a break, and two days later Chaol’s ex told me he’d been hitting on her for a week.”

“Guilty of attempted cheating. He’s a piece of shit.” Rowan leaned closer to her. “And if you want, I can, you know…” he sneaked a look at Chaol's way and cracked his knuckles.

“No need, but thanks.” Aelin squeezed his forearm, a laugh almost bursting out of her. “I’m flattered, though.”

Rowan’s eyes widened. “I wasn’t being serious.”

“I doubt that.” She gave him a mischievous smile. “But you can be serious about dancing with me.”

Rowan’s face was starting to twist into a grimace when he stopped and looked at where her hand touched his skin. When he looked back up, something in his eyes had shifted.

He turned his palm up, held her wrist, pulled her close and whispered to her ear, “His friends are watching us, wanna give them something to look at?”

“We should make out.” Aelin licked her lips, taking his ravenous eyes in. “In the name of torturing exes, that is.”

Before she knew it, Rowan took her mouth as if he owned it.

He held her face and neck with both hands, and their languorous kiss turned into something much more fervent when he got up and pressed her against the bar counter.

She burned from the inside out with every flick of his tongue, Rowan luring her into a passionate haze where there was nothing but restless hands, his pine-scented cologne and broad shoulders blocking her from the outside world.

Someone cleared their throat behind Aelin, making them break their kiss. On the other side of the counter, the bartender was watching them with a bored look.

“Do you mind moving over to another place? This area is for ordering drinks.”

They gave him a quick apology and Rowan led her to another part of the bar.

“I can’t see your ex anymore,” he said, looking around while they explored the place. “but his friends are still here.”

Aelin smiled. She hoped she’d pissed Chaol off enough to leave.

“You know what’ll make him go berserk?” Rowan asked, a playful glint in his eyes.

She wiggled her eyebrows. “I’ll do it.”

“If we get out of here together,” he whispered in her ear.

“Fuck, yeah.” Aelin said in a husky tone, her breath heavy as she wrapped her arms around him. “And we should go to my place. My front-door neighbor’s girlfriend’s best friend babysits his little brother.”

Rowan’s parted lips slowly morphed into a smirk. “We can’t lose that opportunity, right?”

“Absolutely not.” Aelin ran her fingers through his hair. “And I think we could do that some other time too. Just for reinforcement.”

Aelin would say she won the breakup, but she barely remembered it as Rowan pulled her face to his again.

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[usernoneexistent]

After practising her spells, Juniper is ready to enter again the ice vault and this time with more help yet it seems to get worse.

Warnings: violence

The Scottish highlands couldn't seem to get any colder, but throughout February, they did. While Juniper was antsy about getting the ice vault sooner, she also wanted to be prepared. She couldn't afford to go through it and have another friend hurt because of her and another trip to the hospital wing.  

A visible mist emitted out of Juniper's mouth as she grew breathless. She had been finalising and perfecting this spell for the past two hours. The practice had gone on for weeks.

"Incendio!"

A brief moment of warmth spread to her face as a large burst of fire emitted from her hornbeam wand. The flame hit the square on the red target. Scorch marks marred the training dummy, slowly covering the metal in black. Juniper found producing a flame easy but much more challenging to control and direct that spell.

Bill clapped proudly, "I think it's safe to say you've mastered the fire-making spell."

"And you've managed to increase the span by an estimated fourteen centimetres, making it a total of seven metres and two centimetres now." Rowan analysed the grass where the frost had melted away and any burn residue with a measuring tape. She has been meticulously noting her progress.

Juniper started bringing Rowan along to her and Bill's spell practice to 'help improve her fire-making casting'. While this wasn't a lie, it wasn't her main intention either. Was the young Ravenclaw playing matchmaker for her friend? Perhaps, however, Juniper couldn’t overlook her friend’s crush when here was a chance that she could help to get them close in proximity to one another. The introduction was awkward and stiff. Rowan could barely peep out a word to Bill, but he was kind about it, and slowly, Rowan has grown more comfortable around Bill. He often engaged with her, asking questions and even jokingly asking if she could monitor his progress, turning it into a friendly competition.

She wiped away the beads of sweat from her forehead.

"I think it's time to break into the cursed vault, then," Juniper determined. It had been long enough of a wait. Juniper had been impatient and has more or less neglected her studies to practice her spells and incantations. She was falling behind on assignments and receiving detention at times to catch up on work plus more. Professor Snape was the primary source ready to dish out punishment for any slip she presented.

"I agree. We'll probably have to sneak out at night-time." Bill suggested. "I know how to get past the patrol squad."

"Luckily, we are also night-time sneaker experts," Juniper smirked.

Bill grinned, "sounds like a plan then."

"You better dress warmly," Rowan warned, as she would know firsthand. She suffered from chills and has adapted to wearing multiple layers. Madam Pomfrey monitored her condition and said she was progressing better.

At quarter past ten, Juniper came running down the corridor with her blue and bronze scarf tailing behind her. The fourth year was waiting for her near the forbidden corridor, carefully watching his surroundings.

"Sorry! I had a lot to catch up on homework that I forgot and last minute practise, and then I lost track of time-"

"It's okay, Juniper. You can stop flapping about." Bill found it comical that Juniper was more worried about being late.

"Sorry, it's just...this matters to me. A lot."

"I get it."

Bill gave Juniper a reassuring pat on the head as they headed off into the corridor. She hid a small smile as she reminisced about Jacob. That chilly wave returned as she revealed the stairs again pulling her thoughts to the present. There must have been a reset timer for the wall to cover again. Afterall, whoever designed the cursed vaults must have thought about teachers and other students discovering it. Juniper was suited up in her two jumpers and scarf as they ascended the stairs. It was exposed, like from the last time she and Rowan had entered.

"I get now why you and Rowan warned me about the cold. I should have worn the wolly mitts my mum made." Bill rubbed his hands together.

Juniper somewhat used the sleeves of her jumper as a makeshift glove covering the palms of her hands.

"Too late now." She found her teeth chattering. Even with the additional layers, it was still just as freezing as last time. More ice ridges formed, and icicles threatened menacingly above their heads. Right in front of them was the latest addition to the room. A wall.

Literally an ice wall.

"Um, was this here the last time you went?"

"Nope, this is brand new."

Juniper breathed into her hands to keep them warm, but it didn't stop the fingertips from turning blue already.

"Guess it's time to put your training to practise then."

Bill wiggled his fingers to keep them warm before he prepared his wand. Juniper had to readjust with her stiff fingers to hold her wand correctly. They pointed to the giant glacial formation.

"Ready?" Bill looked over.

"Better do it now before we freeze to death."

"Incendio!"

The large red fires produced by the tip of their wands quickly melted the ice wall. As they tackled it individually, more ice walls greeted them; they appeared like hydras. One icicle was melted before two more appeared.

"There seems to be no end to them."

"I promise we will reach a door soon enough."

"I hope so for both of our sakes."

As the final ice wall melted to a giant puddle soaking through their winter boots, that menacing snowflake remained, protecting the door from the intruders.

"That snowflake is the most dangerous thing here. I hope your ducking skill is as good as your casting." Juniper grimly warned Bill. "Rowan was badly hurt by it because of it."

"Okay. What's our plan? Use a mix of incendio and flipendo?" Bill suggested.

"And that should overwhelm the snowflake and open the door," she continued. She took the first step forward to reach the snowflake's blasting zone. She wondered if the entity was alive and could sense them out. Whoever designed the vaults knew what they were doing and protecting.

Juniper made the first cast. Bill was attacked by a blast of fire spitting out. The door refused to melt. The spells had the opposite effect; they made the snowflake angrier as it spat out cursed ice.

"Why is it no working?"

"We have to work harder. Keep casting." Bill said.

Another ice attack narrowly scratched her, brushing against her cheek. Her finger brushed against the scratch, and she noticed the red on her fingertips.

"You okay?"

"Aye. Just focus on the snowflake."

That moment of distraction was fatal; Juniper could barely acknowledge the flying ice spit as it targeted Bill's foot. The little time Bill had to move rendered him stuck in an ice formation that magically shot up.

"Bill!"

"Blimey, i-i-it's c-c-cold." Bill managed to say through chattering teeth. "U-u-use incendio o-o-on m-m-me."

Juniper remembered Professor McGonagall's words about how it was dangerous to use it while a person was present. Her fire-making was powerful, so she would need to control it carefully.

"I'll get you out of here."

She looked around for another solution. Something that doesn't require fire. Bill shook his head.

"T-t-there is n-n-no time!" With his free hand, he tried to move, but with half of his body frozen stiff, there was little else he could do.

Juniper took in a shaky breath. She used her other hand to steady the trembling of her wand hand. Her wand aimed closer to the feet and as far away from Bill as possible so that it would have a slight graze if she did injure him.

She took a deep breath, keeping her nerves at bay before barely whispering incendio.

Her flame was controlled, much smaller than her previously loud and bombastic casting. The fire melted the ice, reducing it to a puddle. Bill was shivering and looked ready to collapse to the ground. Juniper managed to support him and bring him upright.

"Bill! Bill! Are you alright?" Juniper couldn't hide the shakiness in her voice.

"Yeah, I just feel like the ice sucked the energy out of me and I don't even have a scratch." His voice was hoarse and tired. "But I can keep going."

"Are you sure?"

"I think." Bill said uncertain. His eyes seemed to have haze over his bright blue. 

Loud and heavy metal started to echo around them, heavy footsteps drawing closer.

"Is there something else you haven't told me about here?" Bill dryly chuckled, though his wide blue eyes said otherwise.

"No, this is new to me, too." Juniper could feel her stomach drop. She didn't feel good about this. "We have to go like right now! I’m no risking it!!" Juniper slung his arms around her shoulder.

The major height difference made it slightly awkward. Still, at that moment, they only cared about escaping the situation with their skin. With Bill slung over her shoulder, she brought him to the hospital wing. Well, it was more like she handed Bill outside to the matron.

"I couldn't agree more." 

"You're not going in?"

"Me and hospitals don't like each other," Juniper said, shivering. Madam Pomfrey tutted at her latest case of the curse ice affliction.

Frost lined her jumper and trousers. She needed to change them and get back to her bed before Chester would be the wiser. The fireplace slowly warmed her, but those sudden chills caught her off guard.

Rowan was awake, and her wand rested behind her ear as a makeshift reading light. The girl was ready to jump out of bed.

"You're back!" Rowan said without realising that they were not alone.

"Shh!" Juniper hushed her. She could sense Rowan's embarrassment with barely illuminating light. "I need to get change."

"Right, I'm glad your alright. Tell me everything when you wake up, okay?"

"I will."

Juniper changed and hid the evidence of her late-night adventures. She and Rowan shared her bunk as she whispered about everything that happened, including the door opening and the strange and heavy sounds.

"Could it possibly be the ice knight?"

"The ice knight?"

"Yes, remember the message from the ice room last year? It said 'The ice knight stands guard past the vanished stairs.'"

"I do sorta remember it," Juniper said vaguely. She was so busy preparing for the snowflake that she barely remembered the Ice Knight's message.

Unfortunately, the following day, her adventures were shared like wildfire, and she was the talk of Hogwarts by lunchtime. Penny was the first to inform her. It won't be long until the professors likely hear about her late-night outing, though they weren't her main worry.

Later, she went to visit Bill. Her heart was racing as she grew closer to that dreaded hospital wing, but to her luck, Bill was at the entrance with Madam Pomfrey.

"I swear, Mr Weasley, I hope when your younger siblings come to Hogwarts they don't into such foolish troubles." The matron's voice was firm.

"Don't worry about that, Madam Pomfrey," Bill cheerfully assured her. "They're well-behaved angels—every one of them."

The matron didn't look convinced at his statement but left him nonetheless.

"Hey Bill," Juniper approached the older boy. "How are you doing?"

Bill bared a wide grin, "Thanks to Madam Pomfrey, I can feel my fingertips again."

His optimistic and happy attitude didn't put the young girl at ease. She still felt guilt for his injuries.

"Are you sure you're okay? I hope I haven't put you off from the vaults." Juniper sighed.

"Are you kidding? I've never felt more alive, Juniper!" Bill looked eager. We must go back, use incendio to break the cursed vault."

"Aye, but you saw what happened with just the two of us. And the other time I went with my friend, she got badly injured."

Do you need more people to help? Bill suggested. He was right, but the fact that others could be endangered still weighed her down.

"But I can't get anymore friends hurt because of me."

"Look, Juniper." Bill placed a firm grip on her shoulder. His warm blue eyes stared intently at her. "You saved me because you trained hard to ensure that wouldn't happen to me."

"But, I-"

"No, but look, you managed that. I don't even have a cool scar to show off." Bill grinned, putting the second year at somewhat ease. Bill was right; she could ensure her friends' safety with practice and training.

As if reading her thoughts, he added, "And if your friends get trained, then they are better prepared to deal with the cursed vaults."

"I guess so. Will you train them?"

"I think it's actually best if you train your friends. It's the next step from being trained." Bill explained proudly.

"I see, thanks, and I'm glad you're doing well."

"Oh, you wouldn't happen to know what that sound was?" Bill inquired.

"Rowan thinks possibly it's the ice knight from a message we found last year," Juniper mentioned. 

"I see we have more surprises aheaded our way," Bill said. 

"Aye, I guess we do."

Juniper left him with that. Now that she was the trainer, she needed to prepare a few things. She joined Rowan in the library and started researching spells and potions that could help. Penny was already good at potions, so the fire-making spell would be appropriate to help expand her repertoire. It's the opposite for Ben; he's good at spells but not so much potions.

In the advanced potion edition, she found a burn heal paste. That's perfect for Ben, who wants to avoid being more involved with the ice. She'll have to ask Penny to help her practise, but she'll manage.

***

Juniper walked hurriedly towards the quidditch field through the green grass as she managed to be late. Afternoon dew covered the grounds from the morning shower. Spring was slowly coming upon them.

A chill ran down her spine when she reached the quidditch changing room. A familiar cold raised goosebumps on her arms.

"What's happening, professors?" Juniper gulped as a lot settled at the bottom of her stomach.

Madam Hooch was outside with Professor McGonagall and Professor Flitwick. All turned to stare at the latecomer.

"Cursed ice has entrapped the Ravenclaw quidditch team, Miss Moss." Professor Flitwick's worry lines increased.

"You wouldn't happen to know about it?" Professor McGonagall gave a stern look.

"No, I don't," Juniper fiddled with her hands. "But if there's anything I can do to help-"

"You've done plenty enough. Go back and let us sort it out, Miss Moss." The professor guided her back.

Her whole team was swallowed by the cursed ice. Did her and Bill's attempt cause the ice to spread? Juniper doesn't have a month to train her friends; she must do it within weeks or even less.

Juniper rushed back to inform Rowan, Ben and Penny of the situation. The large figure of the half-giant waved her down as she tried to scurry past in the corridor.

"Ah, Juniper. Thank goodness yer alrigh'," Hagrid rushed up to the young Ravenclaw.

Juniper immediately recognised the wrought look on his face.

"Eveything alright, Hagrid?"

"Yeh haven't heard?" He looked at her with surprise. "The cursed ice has spread through all of Hogwarts. Professor Sinestra an' her students are frozen in astronomy class. The Ravenclaw quidditch team is trapped in the changing rooms."

"Aye, I ken that. I was just there earlier for practice," Juniper explained, but she was shocked that the ice had spread so far and at such a rapid pace.

"And that's just the start," Hagrid continued. The professors are doin' their best to help everyone, but there's only so much they can do, what with Dumbledore off searchin' fer that curse-breaker and all."

Hagrid realised he had said too much, but Juniper was curious about who this cursebreaker was.

"Is that where Dumbledore has been all this time?"

"Shouldn'ta said that, should not have said that..."

"Don't worry, Hagrid. I don't tell anyone you said that. Besides, I'll help." Juniper assured. She never specifically said how, but the groundkeepers didn't need to know the details.

"It's too dangerous, Juniper." Hagrid warned, but the girl was no stranger at this point. "Yeh should leave it to the professors."

"But I have to help, Hagrid."

The giant caught on to her meaning.

"Alrigh' but stay safe, yeh hear." He grumbled.

Juniper sent an owl to Penny and Ben while she grabbed Rowan and gathered them to meet in the artefact room. Juniper informed Rowan of what happened earlier as Penny and Ben rushed in together.

"Is this about the cursed ice?"

"I heard about the cursed ice spreading at Hogwarts."

The Hufflepuff and Gryffindor said simultaneously.

"Aye, I only found out when I was late for quidditch practice when the cursed ice trapped the team inside," Juniper confirmed.

Ben paled as he started fighting with his fingers. "The cursed ice has spread so far already."

"Aye, and I'm going to stop it with Bill, but you can help, too," Juniper confidently assured. She may not have the time, but as long as her friends were equipped, they could beat the dam door and the ice knight to stop the ice.

Rowan and Ben looked uncertain about it, but Penny was eager to help. "What will you have us do?"

"I'm teaching you and Rowan, incendio and Ben, the fire burn paste."

"Oh, I know, incendio," Penny said, laughing a little at Juniper's astounded face. "A fourth year taught me when I saw light up the fire place but I think she was showing off."

"Right," Juniper quickly searched her brain for an alternative spell. "What about Flipendo?"

"That's perfect, I remember seeing you use it in the duel with Merula."

"What if we split the work?" Rowan suggested.

"Aye, Ben and Penny teach each other. You know how to make the burn healing paste?" Juniper turned to Penny, who was nodding. "If we split the work between us, we can have more time to practise whatever that may be."

"Now you're thinking more like a true Hufflepuff." Penny quipped, eager to help.

"Then what are we waiting for?" Juniper allowed a grin to form on her face. The situation may be urgent, but that doesn't hide how exciting this adventure will be. As long as her friends were prepared, it would be fine.

After dinner was provided, the usual shepherd pie, Professor McGonagall had all students gathered for an announcement.

"As many of you are aware, Hogwarts has been afflicted with cursed ice."

As she had said that, many heads turned to Juniper. She swears that she could feel Professor McGonagall's staring at her.

"We, the staff want to assure that we are doing everything we can however due to the multiple interferences, classes and any extra curricular activities are all cancelled. Any senior students who are skilled with charms and potions will be asked to help with riding the cursed ice. Madam Pomfrey would also be happy for any volunteers helping in the hospital wing too. That's is all, please remain calm and stay safe. Do attempt to be a hero if you don't have the skills. Ask a member of staff or a senior student instead to help. Thank you."

With that warning, the students erupted into chatter. Juniper heard many whisper her name, but the fact that even an announcement had to be made meant the cursed ice was everywhere.

The most they managed was a week. A chill had encapsulated the castle grounds as the professors tried their hardest to destroy the ice. Juniper, Rowan, Ben and Penny helped where they could with the ice. Classes were cancelled, and naturally, the quidditch matches, too, based on Professor McGonagall's announcement. As students and staff fought off the cursed ice, everything else stood at a standstill.

Naturally, the ice fought back. Anytime someone was freed, another area was frozen with more vicious and venom. Corridors have become jaw-bearing fangs of sharp icicles. Supplies were brought to students, and teachers were trapped. Older students were paired with younger students to ensure their safety. Prefects performed head counts and crossed off names on a register to ensure everyone was accounted for. The hospital wing was slowly overflowing with more victims of the cursed ice every day.

Juniper knew she couldn't leave it any longer as much as she wished she had more time to prepare. It was up to her and her friends to defeat the cursed ice once and for all. So, she sent an owl to Bill to meet her at the clockyard tower at night.

"You're the only person I know who's always late to their own meeting."

Juniper recognised the smirk even in the dark.

"You'll get used to it eventually," Juniper smirked back before it shifted back to a more severe look. "I think it's time."

"I agree."

Previous chapter: chapter 17

Next chapter: chapter 19

[stitched-cosmos]

This was the first comic i ever made and i made it in like 10mins lol. Kid Rowan trying to play matchmaker between someone who cant take hints and someone who only drops hints because they're too nervous to confess is so funny to me, i love them

[Og post date on toyhouse: 24 Apr 2023]

[crossover-enthusiast]

Pfff yeah

Other idea: Robert & Ross have to deal with Roy and Rowan always simping over the other to them both anytime the other is away, and are very fucking relieved by the time they both finally confess and start dating. /j

HAH YES

The two play matchmaker just to get them to stop

[pepimeinrad]

Another thing I’ve been thinking about, that I need: A Love Actually type movie, with a similar structure, a similar tone, and with a bunch of cool British actors, but everybody’s gay. And happy and alive in the end!

[kats-fic-recs]

The Best Daredevil Fics I read in 2022

How to Make a Family by Matt Murdock

Step 1. Have a dad.

Step 2. Lose your dad. Be miserable. Great job, everyone. We’re doing amazing so far.

(Matt's arduous journey towards being a functional person, with many stops and starts along the way.)

Candy Land

Matt is having fun with this, at least in some way. Sucking on Life Savers and smirking, and no guilt at all. If Matt could feel guilt, none of this would be happening. Things might be okay again.

But he doesn’t, and this is what Foggy is left with: a candy-stained mouth and a creature that’s more devil than man.

And Foggy still loves him

Invisible Ink

“Hello, welcome to Josie’s, I’m Foggy, what are you looking for?”

“Uh, nothing,” the guy replies, and Foggy is nonplussed for the nanosecond it takes to put together glasses, cane, and the way Hottie McHotFace is gazing absently over his shoulder.

“Oh, oh, you’re blind, dude, sorry. But, uh, this is a tattoo parlour?”

“I know.” The guy sighs. “I lost a bet?”

Or: The One Where Foggy Is A Tattoo Artist And Matt Is The Worst

Just to Listen to Your Breath

After the events of Season 2, Matt and Foggy aren't speaking. But that doesn't mean Matt's not hanging around.

Knock Three Times (On the Ceiling If You Want Me)

Matt's downstairs neighbor sings showtunes (badly) at all hours, eats weird-smelling food, and never stops talking.

Matt falls in love long before they actually meet.

Rowan and Red Oak

Foggy meets a man with a red oak wand and a sweet smile. Over the next eight years, Foggy makes a lot of coffee, reads a lot of tea leaves, breaks a lot of rules and casts a lot of charms. He also spends a good amount of his time pining over his perfect partner and trying to keep his wild outbursts of emotional magic to a minimum.

Stupid Cupid

Foggy plays karma bingo and wins a cupid.

His cupid is possibly the worst matchmaker in the world.

Other People's Blood

Foggy finds himself reminiscing on the ten years he's known Matt Murdock - son of and assassin for the Kingpin. The things they've learned about each other and the violence they've wrought together. Something sharp, and twisted, and beautiful.

A love story written in other people's blood.

The Constellation of Touch

Months after Fisk is put away, nothing's right between the partners at Nelson and Murdock. But Christmas is here, and Matt is still expected at the Nelson house.

darling you're stars

Matt wanted only Foggy’s purple flannel and if he could not have that, then he would have nothing. He would go cold.

(Foggy tries to understand the underlying causes of Matt's bizarre relationship with clothes.)

just meant to smile

“So we agree that Matt is still an Elle, though?” Foggy said.

The current working theory among their cohort was that there were Elles, Emmetts, Vivians, and Warners and if you weren’t one of them you were an extra and you were doomed to fail.

“Yeah, no. He’s still an Elle.”

“Okay, so at the risk of sounding desperate, does this make me an Emmett yet?” Marci gave him a pitying look. She reached over and squeezed his shoulder.

“It’s gonna be okay, Vivian,” she promised. “The plot will go on once we get our internships.”

(The Legally Blonde AU that no one asked for.)

Take All The Courage

When what should have been a straight forward mission in Hell's Kitchen goes pear shaped due to lack of communication, teaching his teammates sign language seems like a logical step to Clint. Communication when their comms are down - great plan! And including the local vigilante, who's been working closely with them on this, is a real no-brainer.

Until it turns out said vigilante is an asshole that thinks sign language is beneath him, judging by the way he's stubbornly refusing to learn it.

(Conversely - Matt's trying, he really is but damn it, those two signs are exactly the same... what do you mean they mean completely different things?!)

None So Blind

They say when you assume you make an ass of you and me.

Matt wishes that the Avenger's assumptions about his seeming inability to read the written word did something as benign as making an ass of him and them. Being called illiterate shouldn't hurt, not when he knows he's not, and it's not like he can tell them the truth.

Not that the truth would make much difference. He's just going to have to grin and bear it.

If he can.

Speyeria Cybele

Matthew's not the first Murdock to tell Father Lantom he had the Devil in him. Only Jack's Devil was nothing like the one Matthew sees in himself.

Jack's Devil was magic. Literally.

(Or a history of Father Lantom's relationship with magic, the Devil and the Murdock boys)

anthropomorphism

Matthew Michael Murdock was a person who had been taken, killed or next to killed, and turned into a droid.

Foggy sobbed as quietly as he could into the toilet.

Like a Handprint on My Heart

The day Foggy’s supposed to start working at Hogarth, Chao, and Benowitz, he wakes up, walks into the bathroom, starts to take a leak, glances down to check his aim, and freezes when he sees black letters on the inside of his right elbow.

His bladder forgotten, he brings his arm up, closer to his face and horizontal, as if he couldn't tell what the word was immediately. As if he'd somehow misread it, even though it's only four letters.

Matt.

Look Around, It's You I Can't Replace

Matt handles his separation from Foggy after the breakup of Nelson and Murdock a bit less well than he anticipated. As in he doesn't really handle it at all.

What All This Time Was For

On the rare occasions he reminisces about high school Foggy kind of wonders if he isn't just filling in the worst parts of teen comedies.

Foggy goes to his high school reunion.

[live-the-fangirl-life]

Stuck on You

Aelin Galathynius x Rowan Whitethorn

Rowan helps Aelin out of a sticky situation. Elide and Lorcan offer moral support in the form of teasing and matchmaking

Masterlist | Read on Ao3 | Wintery Collection

Warnings: Language

1705 words

*******

“Whitethorn, your damn phone’s ringing again. Answer it or shut it off.” Lorcan shouted from the kitchen.

Rowan rolled his eyes but followed the incessant ringing to the kitchen where his phone was buzzing face down on the counter. Lorcan was in the middle of dumping a few bags of popcorn into a bowl in preparation for a movie night. Aelin and Elide had invited themselves over under the guise of a Christmas movie marathon, but Rowan suspected that Elide and Lorcan would conveniently disappear halfway through.

Ever since they started dating, they’d been disgustingly sweet. Rowan even swore he saw Lorcan getting his hair braided once before the bedroom door was slammed in his face—not that the tall, imposing man would ever admit it.

And also since Elide and Lorcan got together, they had been trying to set up Aelin and Rowan.

It was painfully obvious—to everyone but Aelin, it seemed—that Rowan had been in love with her for years. He’d thought he hid it well, but apparentally, he wasn’t as good an actor as he’d hoped.

Lorcan, Rowan knew, knew about Rowan’s crush that was way more than a crush on the blonde, only because of a morning after the two had gone out drinking, did Lorcan play back a recording of Rowan’s slurred love declarations. The black-haired man had been amused but not at all surprised.

So, if the two lovebirds suddenly dipped out on their group movie night then Rowan suspected it would be just as much for him as it would be for them.

He only hoped their behavior wouldn’t be too obvious to Aelin. She was one of his best friends, he wasn’t sure what he would do if she found out and never talked to him again.

Rowan’s phone rang again, startling him out of his train of thought. He flipped it over and saw Elide’s name flash across the screen.

“Why is my girlfriend calling you?” Lorcan asked, leaning against the counter, and uncapping a bottle of beer.

Rolling his eyes, Rowan took the bottle handed to him and huffed, “How should I know? Why don’t you let me answer and find out.”

Lorcan merely crossed his arms and nodded to Rowan to answer.

“Elide?” Rowan leaned against the opposite counter. “What’s up?”

“Rowan! Oh thank gods, I’ve been trying to call Lorcan but his phone keeps going to voicemail.” She explained, exasperated.

Rowan’s eyebrows shot up in amusement as he pulled the phone away from his ear and put it on speaker.

“I’ve got your boyfriend right here,” he met Lorcan’s confused gaze and shrugged.

“El?” Lorcan asked, already pulling his phone out and wincing at the notifications of missed calls.

“Lor, okay good, you’re both there, good.” Her voice faded and they tied to hear her muffled words, but it was like she’d covered the speaker.

“El, what’s going on?” Lorcan snatched the phone from Rowan’s hand.

“We have a bit of a situation.” She hedged and said something else they couldn’t hear.

“What kind of situation?” Rowan asked before Lorcan could crush his phone in his worrying grip

Elide sighed loudly, and they could hear a second voice with her but muffled. “Aelin, she—”

“Is she okay?” Rowan asked quickly. “I mean, are you both okay? Are the two of you equally okay?”

Lorcan smirked and Elide snorted before she said, “Yes, well no, but—”

“’Lide,” Lorcan asked again “what is it?”

More muffled words, and then, “Aelin got her tongue stuck to a pole.”

***

“Eed, ih urss” Aelin mumbled, pressed up against the stupid metal pole so her tongue wouldn’t be stretched too far.

“Yeah, I know it hurts.” Elide said, rubbing a hand down her face. “The guys should be here any minute.”

Aelin huffed, immediately regretting it as the air clouded up around her face. “Ah ohry”

The shorter girl leaned against the pole, “I know you’re sorry.” She rolled her eyes, finally giving in to her amusement now that help was on the way. “You just had to prove your point, didn’t you?”

Aelin gestured to herself and the pole, “An ah id!”

“Yeah, you did,” Elide chuckled and raised a brow, “and how’s that working out?”

Whatever Aelin grumbled Elide didn’t bother trying to understand.

Just then, a car pulled up next to them and Rowan and Lorcan got out. Rowan looked concerned, carrying a couple of water bottles, but Lorcan took one look at how Aelin was stuck to the metal pole and almost fell over laughing.

Elide knocked him on the shoulder, telling him to cut it out, but Aelin caught her smirk as she did so.

“Ih ah uhee,” She protested.

“It’s a little funny,” Elide argued, grinning.

Aelin rolled her eyes as Rowan walked up to her, looking back and forth between her and Elide. Choosing to get right to the problem, he took one of the water bottles and walked around the pole trying to find the best angle.

“Should I even ask?” He questioned warily, opening the bottle of warm water.

Aelin fidgeted. “Ah ay ahh hade a isayee.”

He blinked, his brain trying and failing to make out her words. “What?”

Elide sighed and came closer. “She said I may have made a mistake.”

“May have?” Rowan snorted, as Lorcan asked incredulously, “You can understand that?”

They all ignored the single finger Aelin flashed Lorcan as Elide explained, “I’ve been speaking Aelin for years. Apparentally her I’m stuck to a metal pole voice isn’t so different from her I’ve had three too many shots of tequila voice.”

Lorcan seemed far too amused as he wrapped an arm around Elide and moved her in front of him, resting his chin on her head as she leaned back into his chest.

“This might hurt,” Rowan told Aelin quietly as he started pouring the warm water over the pole and her tongue.

She winced but stayed still, knowing it would only be worse if she jerked away. “Ih ings.”

“She says it—”

“Stings.” Rowan nodded, “Yeah, I got that.” He ignored the whispering happening behind him as he focused on getting Aelin unstuck.

“Well,” Elide clapped her hands together and hooked her arm through Lorcan’s before grinning back at Aelin and Rowan. “it looks like you two have this under control,” she ignored the indignant sounds coming from her friend, “so I think Lorcan and I are gonna head back. It’s only a few blocks away, I’m sure you two can walk that, yeah?”

She didn't wait for a response before yanking the car door open and sliding in as Lorcan hurried to the driver’s seat, started the car, and drove away.

Rowan only blinked, slightly dazed from their hasty exit, until Aelin made a grunting sound and suddenly flew back from the pole. She stumbled as her momentum took her down, but Rowan reached out and wrapped an arm around her waist before she could fall.

“You okay?” he breathed, too aware of the short distance between them as he pulled her back to her feet.

Aelin’s hands gripped the front of his jacket as her breathing steadied. “I am now.” She smiled up at him and stepped back.

It must have been his imagination that her hands held on a second longer than necessary.

She cleared her throat and looked around, remembering what the situation was. “They really just took the car and left us, huh?”

Rowan chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck as he looked in the direction of the apartment. “I guess better to let them get their canoodling out of their system before we have to watch it.”

Aelin snorted, pulling her scarf tighter around her neck. She grabbed the spare water bottle and walked beside Rowan as the headed down the sidewalk. “Canoodling? Who says canoodling?”

He chuckled, raising a brow as he glanced at her, “What would you call it?”

She mummed thoughtfully, glancing at him and hastily averting her eyes as she shrugged, “Well I’d probably just say they’re getting in a quicky before we get back.”

Rowan couldn’t help the loud laugh that sprung out as they crossed the street, and Aelin’s laugh joined his.

“They’re nauseating, but they’re cute.” She admitted.

He smirked, “I bet Lorcan would be thrilled to be called cute.”

Aelin rolled her eyes and bumped her shoulder with his. “Elide makes him cute. Without her, he’s just a grumpy pain in the ass.”

“They have a weird balance,” he agreed.

When he looked at Aelin again, he was caught by how the winter light shone in her eyes. Rowan took a breath and stared straight ahead before adding in a much softer voice, “She’s so full of life that she brings out the happiness in him.”

Aelin’s breathing hitched softly. She was quiet a moment while Rowan’s heart was practically beating out of his chest. He was about to start rambling when she spoke. “And he sees exactly who she is and makes her feel like she doesn’t have to hide anything around him.”

When her gloved hand brushed his, Rowan pulled her to an abrupt halt. She seemed surprised at the stop, but as he searched her eyes, he saw the vulnerability there. Pulling her towards him, he took a chance.

“I wasn’t talking about Elide.” He breathed, lifting his hands to cup her face.

Her eyes widened and she gripped his wrists, holding him to her. “I wasn’t talking about Lorcan.”

Rowan didn't hesitate as he surged forward and captured her lips with his. They were still cold from the pole and he smiled into the kiss as Aelin melted into him, pressing herself as close as she could get. Her hands snaked up around his neck and she kissed him back fervently.

They both were breathing heavily as they broke apart, and Rowan looped his arms around her waist.

“Go out with me.” He swallowed, trying to wrap his around the fact that this was actually happening, that he’d actually just kissed Aelin. And that she’d kissed him back.

Her smile lit up her face as she nodded, “On one condition.”

“What?” his brows furrowed, “Anything.”

Aelin’s smile grew impossibly wider. “Kiss me again.”

*****

Taglist:

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[elentiyawhitethorn]

You’re a Mystery to Me

Chapter One | Part One

CW: language

AN: Don’t miss the prologue!

Masterlist//Moodboard//2192 words

Rowan didn’t know how he was going to last another hour of this. They’d only been driving for fifteen minutes, and already he was debating jumping out the van window.

Aelin had called shotgun as soon as the four of them met up, two days after school went out. When all three of them had protested—Rowan and Lorcan because they wanted to be in the front together and Elide because she wanted to be with Aelin—the blonde had only grinned and said, “I don’t want to sit in the back of a stuffy old van for over an hour. Have fun.”

With that, she had taken her seat, everyone’s luggage already in the back. Rowan had grumbled but started to make his way to his own side—when he had caught Elide blushing at Lorcan, then quickly turning away. So that was what she was up to. Devious, he had to admit.

“Playing matchmaker?” he’d asked with a smirk as he took his seat. His voice was low and the others hadn’t yet entered the van.

Aelin had flicked her eyes, her beautiful, gold-lined, turquoise eyes, at him and replied only with a small, wicked smile.

Then Elide and Lorcan had climbed in the back, taking a seat on the cushioned benches on either side. Aelin’s dog had jumped up beside Elide.

And then they had started driving. Conversation between the two parties was difficult because, even though they weren’t completely closed off, the space between the front and back was limited. It was difficult to communicate without a lot of head-turning.

Which left Rowan with only Aelin to talk to. Which meant he would spend the ride in silence. Or so he had thought.

Until Aelin started talking, and when the woman started, it was hard to shut her up. Rowan would know—he tried several times.

This was a good reminder as to why Rowan and Aelin weren’t friends. Also the small fact of her being a spoiled, rich, daddy’s girl.

Although, he had to admit, she could be charismatic sometimes. Sometimes.

Trying to tune her out, Rowan focused on the road ahead of him, wishing he could get the sound of her voice out of his head. Or the image of her in a tank top. Not that that was anything unusual; but it was a very revealing tank top.

Rowan sighed and gripped the steering wheel, staring straight ahead.

—

Elide knew exactly why Aelin had called the front seat. Her nosy bitch of a friend was trying to set her up with Lorcan, as if an awkward hour in the back of a van was going to make him like her.

She didn’t like him—a lot, anyway. Elide was simply attracted to the danger that was Lorcan Salvaterre, the pure thrill of him. Not to mention his muscles.

It was really a minor crush, nothing more. There was no need to set anybody up here. Elide buckled her seatbelt and petted Fleetfoot, trying to distract herself.

A muffled snort caught her attention, and Elide glanced up to find Lorcan smirking at her seatbelt. Oh. Right. He was amused that she had buckled in because being cool meant being at serious risk during a motor vehicle accident.

This was going to be a long day.

Elide debated unbuckling her seatbelt, but she knew she would look even more ridiculous if she did that. Not to mention, she didn’t know if Rowan was a good driver. Better safe than sorry.

She turned back to the dog, scratching her behind the ears in an attempt to have an excuse to look elsewhere.

“Why are you and Aelin friends?”

Elide looked up in surprise. “What?”

Lorcan stretched his hands out behind his head and leaned back. She tried not to glance at the way his muscles flexed with the movement. “You’re a lot quiter than she is.”

“Opposites attract,” Elide replied quietly.

Lorcan snorted. “We’re pretty much opposites, you know.” Elide’s heartbeat picked up. “But we don’t attract.” So much for that.

“Maybe not, but you and Rowan are pretty different.”

Lorcan shrugged. “You have a book or something? I’m bored.”

Elide raised an eyebrow, determined to be more like Aelin. She was entirely comfortable with herself, but she did envy Aelin when it came to her ability to calmly talk to boys. No, men. Lorcan was twenty.

“I didn’t know you could read,” she responded. Not very original, but it would do.

His lips twitched. That was a first. “Apparently it’s a necessary life skill. I can only handle picture books, though.”

Elide smiled. He was trying to be funny, and he didn’t seem to be doing too well. At least she wasn’t alone when it came to a lack of humor. “I don’t have any picture books, but I do have mysteries. Agatha Christie?”

She slipped And Then There Were None out of her bag and held it out questioningly. It was one of her all-time favorite reads, and she never passed up a chance to reread it. Lorcan leaned over and grabbed it with a grunt—and no thanks. Elide wondered if he even knew who Agatha Christie was.

Sighing, she pulled out another book, this one a Mary Higgins Clark. Giving Fleetfoot one last rub, Elide opened to her bookmarked page and started reading.

—

After what seemed like an endless drive of telling Rowan every meaningless thing that had ever happened in her life just to annoy him, they pulled up at Aelin’s uncle’s mansion. She hadn’t seen Uncle Orlon in a couple of years, and his house was more overgrown with vines that she had last remembered. It gave the building a mysterious feel.

Aelin hopped out of the van and jogged to the front door, not stopping to grab her bags or wait for the others. She knocked on the door eagerly.

After a moment, the door opened and Aelin threw her arms around her uncle. He chuckled and hugged her back.

“Nice to see you, Aelin. And Elide’s with you, as always. May I ask who that silver-haired boy is watching you? Or the black-haired one watching Elide?”

Aelin snorted into her uncle’s shoulder. “Is Rowan watching me? How?”

“With his eyes,” Orlon replied, confusion evident in his tone.

“No,” Aelin hissed in his ear, still hugging him so she didn’t have to face Rowan. “Is he still watching me like he wants to murder me or is he staring at my ass again? Or both?”

Uncle Orlon laughed. “Sweetheart, he’s looking at you like he wants to dump your body in a sewer.”

Aelin grinned and pulled back finally. “Good,” she said. Then she chanced a glance over her shoulder at Rowan, who was indeed blatantly staring, leaning against the van with his arms crossed. Maybe she’d taken the talk until he hates you a little too far. Aelin just couldn’t figure out why she loved bothering him so much. But she wasn’t going to deny herself.

Looking back at Uncle Orlon, she said, “He’ll come around eventually, I’m sure.” Aelin smirked.

Uncle Orlon appeared to be struggling to contain a smile. Her antics had always amused the old man. “I’m sure he will. Now run along and get your bags. I would help, but my knees aren’t what they used to be.”

Aelin smiled and planted a kiss on his cheek, then ran back to her friends. Elide was hefting a couple bags onto her shoulders, while the guys were grabbing their own luggage. Both men had only brought one bag each, while Aelin had brought three bags—after limiting the amount of hair products and clothing items she could bring. Elide had minimal clothes and only a few toiletries, but she also had another bag of books and her laptop and gods knew what else. Maybe she’d brought a textbook in preparation for college. Aelin wouldn’t put it past her.

Fleetfoot lazily stepped out of the van, then perked up when she realized where they were. She took off down the path Aelin had just returned from, jumping at Uncle Orlon.

Snorting at her dog, Aelin reached for her bags. Rowan and Lorcan sent the two of them amused glances at their heavy loads, but thankfully, neither commented on it. Neither offered to help, either.

Jackasses.

“Nice place,” Lorcan commented, taking in the mansion that could have passed for a medieval castle with its stone turrets and old architecture. Perhaps Aelin hadn’t adequately explained how much money her family had.

Rowan snorted, giving the building a once-over and likely imagining once again how spoiled she was. Not that he was wrong, but it was still rude to act like that when Aelin had gone to the trouble of inviting them. Then again, he hadn’t actually said anything, and Aelin was definitely hyper-analyzing his thoughts. In a normal way, of course.

“Thank you,” Aelin replied cheerily to Lorcan, ignoring Rowan. “Ellie and I lived here until we were six.”

“You two lived together?” Lorcan asked as they started walking toward the door.

“It’s certainly big enough,” Elide said, and Aelin didn’t miss the way she quirked an eyebrow at Lorcan. Or rather, tried to. Her face scrunched up and took on a concentrated expression as she attempted to move her eyebrow up. Aelin would have to have a chat with her about proper flirting skills later.

“Our mothers are good friends, so Elide’s parents moved in a little before we were born,” Aelin butted in, saving poor Elide from the smirks the guys tossed her way.

“In the servant’s quarters?” Rowan asked drily.

Aelin shot him a glare. “No, dumbass, we each had our own side of the house.”

“I think it’s blasphemy to call that thing a house,” Lorcan muttered.

Aelin sighed as they made it to the door.

—

Aelin’s family had a lot of money, that much was apparent to Lorcan. He had known she was rich—hell, he’d been to plenty of her parties before. But dang, this place was huge. Even Elide, who Lorcan had just found out had lived here as a kid, looked amazed as she gazed at the stone walls.

Elide ran the last few steps to Aelin’s uncle, dropped her bags on the steps, and hugged the man. So they were close, then. That was unsurprising.

Aelin breezed past Lorcan and Rowan. “Uncle Orlon, this is Rowan and Lorcan, a couple of school acquaintances. I hope you don’t mind that I invited them.”

Lorcan wondered what would happen if he did mind. Aelin didn’t seem too worried, though.

“Of course not. The more, the merrier.” The old man shifted and smiled at them.

Aelin flashed another grin. “Guys, this is my uncle.”

“Hey,” Rowan said gruffly. Lorcan just nodded.

But the old dude—Uncle Orlon—wasn’t having any of that. He stepped forward and extended his hand to both of them, surprisingly Lorcan both with the gesture and his firm grip.

Glancing back to the doorway of which they were still outside, Lorcan saw Aelin and Elide had started down the hallway. Aelin’s mutt was circling at her feet once more. Elide’s typical short skirt swayed as she took the corner, and Lorcan couldn’t keep his eyes off of her. He only looked up when Rowan elbowed him, smirking at his friend.

Lorcan just scowled and started through the door, passing Aelin’s uncle with another terse nod.

He didn’t want to fuck Elide. She was cute, but she was too nerdy for his tastes. And she was probably still a virgin. Not that Lorcan minded corrupting people—hell, that was one of his main talents—but she just wasn’t worth the effort.

And Lorcan definitely did not like Elide Lochan. Romance wasn’t really his thing. Let alone with someone who was… not his type.

“This way,” Aelin chirped ahead of them. She was empty-handed, and must have run up to her room already. Lorcan and Rowan followed her through the hall and to the stairs. He heard a scoff beside him, and when he turned his head of course it was Rowan, silently judging another aspect of Aelin’s life. Those two had the time of their lives getting on each other’s nerves, to Lorcan’s endless amusement. Then he caught sight of what Rowan was looking at and he wanted to scoff as well.

There was an actual suit of armor standing in its own divot in the hallway. The helmet was down, and the eerie slots gave the look of a face. It was complete with a sword. An actual sword. In the twenty-first century.

“What are you waiting for?” Aelin asked impatiently, walking back a ways. She noticed what they were looking at and said, “Oh, yeah, those are all over the house. Cool, right?”

Lorcan laughed incredulously. “That’s one word for it.”

“Another being ridiculous,” he heard Rowan mutter under his breath. Aelin shot him a glare.

Wordlessly, she started down the hallway once more. Lorcan shot Rowan a grin before starting after her.

Glancing back one last time, Lorcan could have sworn he saw the suit of armor blink.

———

Tag List:

@aelin-bitch-queen

@autumnbabylon

@backtobl4ck

@charlizeed

@evolving-dreamer

@feysand-loml

@flora-shadowshine

@gracie-rosee

@infernoqueen19

@julemmaes

@leiawritesstories

@lemonade-coolattas

@live-the-fangirl-life

@midsizewitch

@morganofthewildfire

@nehemikkele

@realbookloverproblems

@rhysandswingspan

@rowaelinismyotp

@rowanaelinn

@sexy-dumpster-fire

@sleeping-and-books

@story-scribbler

@swankii-art-teacher

@the-lonelybarricade

@thenerdandfandoms

@whoever-you-choose-to-love

@yesdreamblog

[magicapandora]

Rosie Mayfield Character-Bio

Template belongs to the amazing @scarlettroubles ! I’ll be updating the profile with proper art of Rosie, her wands, Jacob, her mother, and other stuff! But for now, here it is!

BASIC INFO

Quote by Character: “Fairy tales are just that, tales. They’re stories. And all stories have an ending, good, bad, or something bittersweet. Let’s finish this story, you and I, together?”

Full Name: Rosemary Forget-me-not Mayfield

Nicknames: Rosie (technically preferred name), Princess, My Rose, Cursebreaker, Shortie, Dressmaker, Mayfield, Rosie-Posie, Rose-Rose, Ro, Detective Conebush, The Sweetheart of Slytherin

Gender: Genderfluid, assigned female at birth

Age: 18 (as of Year 7)

Sexuality: Pansexual

Alignment: Chaotic Good

Species: Human-witch

Blood Status: Unknown (Mother is a half-blood while father’s status is unknown)

Date of Birth: March 21st, 1973

Race/Ethnicity: Afro-Latino mixed (Nicaraguan)

Nationality: French

Short Bio: Rosie grew up in a very affluent and rich family, with her mother, Belladonna Mayfield, being one of the greatest potioneers and business women in the wizarding world, creating and running Mayfield Potions. Growing up in the beautiful and scenic Paris gave Rosie their love of art and most importantly, Fashion. Seeing and reading her mother’s magazines, flipping through them and admiring the folding fabrics and stitch details of the outfits spread on each and every page, Rosie fell in love on sight. Jacob’s Ladder helped fuel Rosie’s love for this, getting her their first sketchbook right before 5th year for Jacob’s Ladder.

After Jacob’s Ladder’s disappearance, Belladonna locked herself into her work and made Rosie feel isolated and lonely. So when Rosie befriended Rowan so quickly in Diagon Alley, Rosie truly felt like she wasn’t alone anymore. And could take on anything, even the Cursed Vaults at Hogwarts.

Rosie wants nothing more than to be a Knight, protecting their friends from R and the Cursed Vaults, with their wand in hand and their heart on their shoulder, but what truly is the price of being a hero?

Personality:

+ Kind, Resourceful, Caring, Loyal, Intelligent, Empathetic, Brave, Elegant, Passionate, Optimistic

+/- Childish, Delicate, Opinionated, Mischievous, Emotional, Vain, Cunning, Secretive, Curious, Ambitious

- Stubborn, Untidy, Gossipy, Paranoid, Holds grudges, Deceitful, Snarky, Reckless, Air-headed, Impatient

Languages: French, English, Russian, Spanish, Japanese

Likes: Fashion, Fairy Tales, Sweet foods, Painting, Stuffed animals, Makeup, Astrology, Divination, Card games, Romance and Mystery novels, Gardening, Tea, Smell of old books, Any kind of Glasswork (Stained Glass, Glass bottles, Glassblowing, etc), Radio shows

Dislikes: Strict dress codes, The smell of rubbing alcohol, Sour foods, Sparkling water, Flying, Cold weather, Heavy metal music, Magical creatures (more of a fear than anything), Disloyalty, Total darkness, Certain types of bugs, Sticking to one thing, Dry weather, Horror movies, Fake Gore/Blood special effects

Hobbies: Ice skating, Fencing, Ballet, Chess, Art (Sketching, Illustrations, and Painting), Styling and Designing, Sewing, Reading, Reading fortunes, Gossiping, Potion making, Acting, Playing Card games, Playing Matchmaker/Cupid, Exploring, Rollerskating, Potionmaking, Yo-yoing

Greatest Flaw: Rosie’s workaholic nature. Rosie, especially with the vaults, has always been paranoid and worried about her friends and how they’re affected by the vaults, but when it comes to herself, all of that gets thrown out the window. Rosie sees themself as the only person to be able to break the curses, not caring if they overwork themselves to the bone or have to drink a steady supply of Wideye potions to keep them up

Greatest Strength: Rosie’s kindness. Rosie, though can be selective with it, shows kindness to basically anyone. They were taught even at an early age to offer a hand to anyone who needed it. Rosie is often seen helping younger students with their coursework or even with everyday things, like romance advice or how to defend oneself. Rosie will almost always has their signature warm smile when helping someone out

Place of Residency:

Aberdeen, Scotland, The Mayfield Manor

Paris, France, A small cottage near the country side

Future Career:

Assistant Manager and Potioneer at the Mayfield Potions location in Hogsmeade (Age 18-23)

Wizard and Muggle Fashion Designer and Stylist, Employee at TITANIA Fashion working in the Magical Textile department before becoming Head Textile Master of the department and then, CEO of the company

APPEARANCE

Hair Color: Dark Sienna (has been dyed multiple times over the years)

Eye Color: Cardinal Purple

Skin Tone: Chestnut brown

Height: 5’3 (at Year 7)

Weight: 130 LB

Physique: Rosie, though looking a bit skinny, is actually quite lean, especially their legs from Ballet, Ice skating, and Fencing. Rosie also has a bit of curves, having violin hip dips on the lower half of their body. Their arms are quite strong too, from carrying textbooks around to lifting heavy bags of fertilizer and dirt over their shoulders with ease, even transporting heavy fabrics and dress forms

Style Choice (what they like to wear): Rosie, as the resident ‘Fashion Monarch’, will wear and can wear every single style of fashion. From Mature and Romantic to Sweet and Cute, Rosie loves all styles. They do have their fav pieces though, particularly favoring mini skirts, crop tops, bell bottoms, high heeled shoes, blouses, and fashion jackets and blazers

Accessories: Their leather dueling gloves, charm bracelet, golden hoop earrings with bow and pearl charms, a pink eyepatch with a black rose embroidered onto it, wand holster, Tulip’s zonko’s necklace, and an array of hair accessories, rings, necklaces. earrings, and other pieces of jewelry Rosie switches out almost everyday

Inventory: Wand, Two sketchbooks, Their diary, Watercolor and Gouche paints, Paint brushes, Charcoal sticks, Pencils and erasers, Fashion Magazines, A mystery or romance novel, Some sort of sweet or candy from Honeydukes, First aid kit, Her lace handkerchief, Extra hair accessories (hair clips, headbands, and ponytail holders), Gardening gloves, Makeup bag, Sewing kit, Nail care kit, Tarot cards and Deck holder, Yo-Yo, Extra potions and Empty potion bottles, Random theatre script they’re currently reading

Scars: A big scar that goes from the bottom of Rosie’s right brown bone to the middle of her cheek, where now an empty eye socket is, thanks to Rakepick. Another scar on the same part of her face is a jagged but small scar, going straight through Rosie’s eyebrow, an injury due to a fight with the Ice Knight. Two scars on the left side of Rosie’s neck is when they had to fight off Chiara in her werewolf form. Multiple scars are littered on both of Rosie’s arms, from fighting Acromantula’s, Dragons, and Rakepick. The only injuries not caused by fighting are the scars on Rosie’s hands, due to accidents involving Potion making, Gardening, or Sewing

Other: Rosie has multiple beauty spots, moles, and birthmarks around her body and face, and has uneven dimples when smiling, their left side more higher up than their right side. Besides regular ear piercings, they have a belly button piercing they got the summer after 5th year

Face Claim/ Written description of character:

Unique_Sora on Twitter and Instagram

Kiera please on Twitter and Instagram

Voice Claim/description of what they sound like:

Karen Fukuhara (Glimmer from She-ra: Princess of Power)

Sarah Nicole-Robles (Luz Noceda from The Owl House)

Deanna Mustard (Princess Daisy from the Super Mario Franchise)

MAGIC

Wand Description/Picture:

1st wand:

Pear wood wand, Dragon Heartstring core (Swedish Short-Snout), 9 inches in length, pretty flexible flexibility

This golden-toned wood produces wands of splendid magical powers, which give of their best in the hands of the warm-hearted, the generous and the wise. Possessors of pear wands are, in my experience, usually popular and well-respected.

As a rule, dragon heartstrings produce wands with the most power, and which are capable of the most flamboyant spells. Dragon wands tend to learn more quickly than other types. While they can change allegiance if won from their original master, they always bond strongly with the current owner. The dragon wand tends to be easiest to turn to the Dark Arts, though it will not incline that way of its own accord. It is also the most prone of the three cores to accidents, being somewhat temperamental.

The most flashy of the dragon heartstring wands, this wand specializes in areas to do with aesthetics or special effects. This heartstring selects those with great imagination and some sort of artistic or creative talents. There is a high preference for introverts– the highest among the dragon heartstrings. Many self-proclaimed hermits have had Swedish Short-Snout as their wand’s core. Independence and freedom are vital words for these people– as such, teamwork ill suits them. Though these people are pacifists at heart, and do whatever they can to avoid confrontation, this does not mean they cannot fight. A little pessimistic, they prepare for the worst and have the magic to back them up in a fight. Sometimes these witches and wizards need a reality check, as they can become self-absorbed or simply blind to how other people don’t perceive the world through the same lens that they do. Vanity and a superiority complex can be an issue as well if not curbed in their youth.

2nd Wand:

Ash wood wand, Dragon Heartstring core (Peruvian Vipertooth), 10 1/4 inches, and very flexible

The ash wand cleaves to its one true master and ought not to be passed on or gifted from the original owner, because it will lose power and skill. This tendency is extreme if the core is of unicorn. Tools, magical and ordinary, made from Ash are especially productive as Ash trees are known to attract energy. Ash people are kind and generous with a gift for seeing what is beautiful in the world and in others. Ash people should be careful that their romantic hearts do not lead them into danger.

The most vicious of the dragons heartstrings, and second only to the Hungarian Horntail in aggression, this wand demands an owner with great ambition and a pugnacious spirit. The presence of this witch or wizard could fill an entire ballroom. If the owner is small in stature, then there may be a little dog complex, and a tendency to overcompensate for this. Extroverted, they desire to be in the spotlight and relish in the attention. Unafraid to argue, they are more than capable of verbally sparring for their beliefs as well as actual duels (or fist fights). In any sort of fight, they are relentless and will give it their all to conquer their opponent or obstacle. Though they are highly energetic, there is a workaholic tendency which can result in mental and physical exhaustion. These witches and wizards must be reminded to take care of themselves.

Wand reaction when chosen:

1st wand: Rosie made beautiful swirls of light and small sparks come from the wand, levitating their hair and robes

2nd wand: A more intense light show, with silver, green, and pink lights and sparks come out from the wand, the force strong enough to make it feel like a wind storm came through the entirety of the shop.

Boggart: A black and shadowy figure that consumes Rosie in complete darkness. No light. No sound. Nothing.

Riddikulus Form: The shadow turning into a spray of colorful confetti and streamers, as if someone turned on the lights and shouted ‘Happy Birthday!’

Patronus: Black Swan

Black swans, like their white brethren, are associated with love, grace, and transformation. The black variety of these creatures are special, however, because in the olden days a “black swan” was an expression in Europe that, like “when pigs fly,” represented an anomaly or an impossibility. Naturally when the birds were discovered in Australia, the expression evolved, and In today’s world it can refer to an unexpected but influential event. Black swans also are generally associated with maturity, whereas white swans are associated more with purity. Black swans also have an unfortunate connotation of deception thanks in large part to the ballet Swan Lake, where a wicked sorcerer’s daughter (depicted in a costume similar to a black swan) masquerades as our heroine (cursed into the form of a white swan) to deceive our heroine’s lover the prince.

Having a Black Swan as your Patronus means you find comfort in love, but unlike the White Swan, which focuses on love from others, you find the love you seek from yourself. And as much as this can sound selfish, self-love is a very undervalued thing, one that Slytherins know very well is important. You need to love yourself if you are to truly love anyone else…because love is a give-and-take thing. If people love you, then you must take care of yourself, because your loved ones should want you to be happy. This is the wisdom the Black Swan imparts. When you look in the mirror and hate what you see, and all you know is darkness and misery, your guardian will appear to remind you of how amazing you are. It will remind you of all of the people you’ve touched – the things you’ve achieved – the good deeds you’ve done – your talents – your values – the dreams you have for the future. And then, all at once, you will be on your feet, holding your head up high, because you know you are beautiful and strong enough to take on the world, if you so choose.

Patronus Memory: Rosie and Rowan meeting for the very first time in Diagon Alley and shopping together, the first time Rosie felt like she had a true friend.

Animagus: American Fuzzy Lop

Amortentia (what they smell like): Roses, Peaches, Soil after it’s rained, Fresh Paint, Sweet Perfume, Nail Polish, Something Icy

Amortentia (What they smell): Leather, Rain, Black Pepper, Smoked Wood, Old Books, Lillies, and Fresh Coffee

Mirror of Erised: Rosie sees herself with Rowan as adults, smiling and arms around each others shoulders. Then slowly one by one her other friends join in, happy and seemingly content with life.

Misc. Magical Abilities: Though Rosie isn’t sure, and because of how sporadic they are, she’s convinced she has some sort of Seer abilities. The visions come very, very randomly and they don’t make total sense. Rosie usually has to palm read herself or even use her tarot cards and ask what these visions mean to even begin to decipher them.

Favorite/Created Spells: Bombarda, Incarcerous, Episkey, Depulso, Expelliarmus, Melofors Jinx

SCHOOL LIFE

Hogwarts House: Slytherin

Organizations Joined: Circle of Khanna, Order of the Phoenix, Dumbledore’s Army

Apprenticeships: Apprentice Cursebreaker under Madam Rakepick (Year 5 only, cut short for obvious reasons)

Professions:

(19-23) Assistant Manager and Potioneer at the Mayfield Potions location in Hogsmeade

(24-29) Works at and Head of the Magic textile and design department at TITANIA fashion

(29-34) Vice-President of TITANIA fashion

(35-57) CEO and President of TITANIA fashion

Best Subjects: Potions, Astronomy, Herbology, Divination

Worst Subjects: Flying, Charms, History of Magic, Care of Magical Creatures

Favorite Teachers: Professor Sprout, Professor Trelawney, Professor Flitwick, Professor Kettleburn

Least Favorite Teachers: Professor Snape, Professor Rakepick, Professor Binns

Extracurricular (Clubs and Sports): Potions club (Years 1-5), Fashion club (Years 3-7), Slytherin Prefect and then Slytherin Head girl for 7th year

Class Proficiencies:

Astronomy: 8/10

Charms: 5/10

DADA: 7/10

Flying: 2/10

Herbology: 8/10

History of Magic: 6/10

Potions: 9/10

Transfiguration: 5/10

Care of Magical Creatures: 3/10

STATS

Power (magic): 7/10

Power (physical strength): 5/10

Intelligence: 8/10

Skill: 7/10

Teamwork: 4/10

Speed: 8/10

Defense: 7/10

Strength: 12

Dexterity: 17

Constitution: 9

Intelligence: 15

Wisdom: 11

Charisma: 18

RELATIONSHIPS

FAMILY:

Father:

Rosie’s never known their dad, due to even their mother not even knowing who Rosie’s father is. It’s a real Mamma Mia situation.

Mother:

Belladonna Mayfield is one of the greatest minds in the field of potion-making the wizarding world has ever seen. She was once known as one of the most ambitious student at Beauxbatons, known for her expert potionmaking and inventing that she won several awards for the school. Belladonna’s motto is and always will be ‘Make the box, and then step out of it.’, never afraid to go and make her own path. She now runs one of the biggest and best potion making companies, Mayfield Potions. Though she tries to be there for her children, she’s always swamped with work and often had Jacob’s ladder babysit and look after Rosie. After Jacob’s ladder disappeared though, she basically mourned in her work, doing anything to keep her mind occupied and not dwell on the fact that her baby, her eldest son, was gone.

Siblings:

Jacob’s Ladder was always meant for the stage. Ever since he made his ‘debut’ at Hogwarts, the spotlight was on him immediately. He was brash and bold, never scared to stand up for others and himself. He was extremely intelligent, his problem solving skills only matched with his best friend and dorm mate, Duncan. If he entered a room, all eyes were all him and him only. His aura demanded attention in the most charismatic way, Jacob’s ladder could either offer a hand or break yours. The best word to describe him was Ambitious. He always got what he wanted and that includes the elusive and mysterious vaults. Ever since he found out about them, he was determined to find out their secrets, what lies in these cursed vaults, and why they’re there. Sadly, for Jacob’s ladder, the spotlight faded. But you know what they say, “The show must go on!”

Friends: Penny Haywood, Bill Weasley, Charlie Weasley, Barnaby Lee, Chiara Lobosca, Diego Caplan, Lizard Tuttle, Corey Hayden, Wilfred Levi Kidd

Closest In-Game Friends: Rowan Khanna, Ben Copper, Jae Kim, Tulip Karasu, Nymphadora Tonks, Ismelda Murk, Bea Haywood, Andre Egwu, Talbott Winger, Badeea Ali, Victor Ketsueki

Closest MC friends:

Jay Rosewood @rosewrappeddagger

Cereza Gomez @rosachaotic

Adel Young @adellovesrowan

Ara Black @stupendousbookworm

Ekaterina Solokov @struckbyelectriclove

Eugene Hope @witchy-push

Orion Houston @mysecret-hphm-blog

Hanako Mori and Daichi Han @oseathepebble

Cato Reese @catohphm

Night Rhea @night-rhea

Matthew Luther @hphmmatthewluther

Camille Jeanes and Stella Campbell @camillejeaneshphm

Maggie Park @strollinthepark

Avery and Daniel Clark @akaisenhatake

Love interest: Victor Ketsueki

Dorm mates: Lizard ‘Liz’ Tuttle, Ismelda Murk, Merula Snyde, Rowan Khanna

Rivals: Merula Snyde

Enemies: Patrica Rakepick, The Wizard in White, R, Verucca the Dark Witch, Snape

Pets: A black ragdoll cat named Viktor and an Albino Thesteral named Petunia, who she takes care for in the magical creatures reserve during 6th and 7th year

OTHER

Miscellaneous:

* Due to Rosie’s reputation for being so kind and positive, she’s been given the nickname ‘The Sweetheart of Slytherin’

* Rosie is ambidextrous, using their left hand to use their wand and write while sewing and drawing with her right hand

* Rosie is quite good at nail art and almost always does something with her nails, either changing the color or decorating them with patterns or little gems

* Though they are extremely fashionable, Rosie does have their lazy day clothes, which are nothing short of just regular t-shirts, sweatpants and hoodies. They keep these outfits for things like working in detention, painting, and gardening, knowing that something with end up on them regardless

* Rosie’s favorite plays are ‘Much Ado about Nothing’ and ‘12th Night’

* Rosie loves going to Arcades during the summer while visiting family friends in America and is pretty good at claw/UFO machines

* Her dream ballet role is to play Odile in Swan Lake

* You can usually tell Rosie is coming down the hall or corridor by the familiar clicking of her heeled shoes, Rosie very rarely wears flats or even sneakers

Character Inspiration:

Usagi Tsukino (Sailor Moon) from Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon

Makoto Kino (Sailor Jupiter) from Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon

Minako Aino (Sailor V/Sailor Venus) from Codename: Sailor V and Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon

Luz Noceda from The Owl House

Glimmer, Princess of Brightmoon from She-ra: Princess of Power

Perfuma, Princess of Plumeria from She-ra: Princess of Power

Natsuumi Manatsu (Cure Summer) from Tropical Rouge Precure

Suzumura Sango (Cure Coral) from Tropical Rouge Precure

Rosetta from Tinkerbell

Iridessa from Tinkerbell

Honey Kisaragi (Cutie Honey) from Cutie Honey

Mako Mankanshoku from Kill la Kill

Maria Posada from The Book of Life

Koan from Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon

Amamiya Elena (Cure Soleil) from Star Twinkle Precure

Haruno Haruka (Cure Flora) from Go! Princess Precure

Entrapa, Princess of Dryl from She-ra: Princess of Power

Nono Hana (Cure Yell) from HUGtto! Precure

Yotsuba Alice (Cure Rosetta) from Doki Doki! Precure

Rosie Mayfield from Style Savvy: Styling Star

Hoshizora Miyuki (Cure Happy) from Smile Precure

Kurumi Erika (Cure Marine) from Heartcatch Precure

Hanasaki Tsubomi (Cure Blossom) from Heartcatch Precure

Hiramitsu Hinata (Cure Sparkle) from Healin’ Good! Precure

Hanadera Nodoka (Cure Grace) from Healin’ Good! Precure

Nina from Artiswitch

Rarity from My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic

Elle Woods from Legally Blonde

Miwako Sakurada from Paradise Kiss

Nana Komatsu from NANA

Nana Osaki from NANA

Galko-chan from Please tell me! Galko-chan!

Ann Tamaki from Persona 5

Stella from Winx Club

Chocolate Bonbon Cookie from Cookie Run: Ovenbreak

Sour Belt Cookie from Cookie Run: Ovenbreak

Cheesecake Cookie from Cookie Run: Ovenbreak

Cherry Blossom Cookie from Cookie Run: Ovenbreak

Cotton Candy Cookie from Cookie Run: Ovenbreak

White Choco Cookie from Cookie Run: Ovenbreak

Rose Cookie from Cookie Run: Ovenbreak

Princess Cookie from Cookie Run: Ovenbreak

Pink Choco Cookie from Cookie Run: Ovenbreak

Starfruit Cookie from Cookie Run: Ovenbreak

Shining Glitter Cookie from Cookie Run: Ovenbreak

Raspberry Cookie from Cookie Run: Kingdom

Latte Cookie from Cookie Run: Kingdom

Parfait Cookie from Cookie Run: Kingdom

Ty Lee from Avatar; The Last Airbender

[tomtenadia]

This chapter was chefs kiss. Really. Maisie is just adorable and I love her road rage ❤️❤️❤️ Rowan’s mum playing matchmaker? ❤️❤️

I really want to know why Aelin kicked him out!!!

Go bird boy confess your love to her!!! Be a family

Look at Us Now - ch. 13

Fic masterlist

Thank you for your patience ❤️

This chapter is my baby. I know I say this every time, but some of the scenes took me longer to write than entire chapters. So *cracks knuckles* if you don’t like it… just kidding I won’t do anything 😂 but please don’t let me know if that’s the case lmaoo

Words: 4,9k

Warnings: language, postpartum depression

The yet to be named Galathynius-Whitethorn firstborn came into the world on October 19th, after 13 hours of labor.

Rowan almost lost his mind with worry. It was the best day of his life.

Aedion was holding the baby, his eyes darting between Rowan and the little bundle on his arms. “Holy rutting Mala, the baby is Rowan’s.”

Aelin gave him an unamused look from the hospital bed. “You just figured that one out?”

“You don’t get it.” He lifted the baby so her face would be side by side with Rowan’s from Aedion’s point of view. “It’s like he made a girl clone of himself. It’s day one, and she’s already frowning like Whitethorn.”

To be honest, Rowan was more focused on the way Aelin’s cousin was carrying the baby than on his words. Aedion Ashryver wasn’t exactly a graceful person, and watching him carry that very fragile baby made Rowan a little tense.

”Enough of that.” Orlon took the baby from Aedion’s arms, making Rowan’s shoulders drop an inch. “Do you have no clue about what to name her?”

Aelin and Rowan exchanged a look, then she said, “Our favorite so far is Maisie.”

“It’s beautiful!” Philippa beamed, studying Aelin with a fond look while Orlon agreed with her.

Darrow came closer to his husband and cooed at the little one. “It suits her.”

“I don’t know.” Aedion wrinkled his nose. “I like Aedinna better.”

“Aedion,” Philippa cautioned.

Aelin was shooting daggers at him, jaw tight as she grabbed the tissue box from the bedside table.

Rowan went stiff. “That’s enough—“

Smirking, Aedion added, “Or Wiggly Jiggly—“

“Shut up!” Aelin aimed the tissue box at her cousin and sent it flying across the room. “You’re such a fucking loser!”

“Aw.” Aelin’s cousin beamed. “Is it the first time you curse in front of the baby?”

Instead of the usual glaring that was expected, Aelin’s face faltered. She clamped her lips together and blinked, but at the same time the baby started fussing on Orlon’s arms, then he immediately gave her back to Aelin, not knowing what to do.

Enough of visitors. Rowan’s blood was beginning to boil under his skin, so he looked at his watch. His online sources said the visits shouldn’t be longer than 30 minutes, and they’ve been here for 32 already. It was time to kick everyone out.

“Aedion. Out,” Rowan said through gritted teeth, low but stern. He didn’t give a fuck that Aelin’s cousin was raised as her brother or how they’d tease each other. She got upset, and Rowan only had one job. He gave Orlon, Darrow and Philippa something that could at least resemble a smile. “Please.”

The elder ones of the family were good sports about being kicked out, just taking a second to say their goodbyes before leaving.

Except that when Rowan was holding the door for them to leave, Darrow asked to talk outside and led him a few steps away from everyone, enough to give them some privacy.

“I won’t apologize for putting you in jail.”

Rowan gave him a stiff nod. “I don’t expect you to, sir.”

“Good.” Colonel Darrow gave him a guarded look. “But I was upset, and I put Military Law before my family’s trust. That’s not something I’m proud of. It put me in enough trouble at home.”

Rowan would never know what happened in his house besides Aelin moving out, and he might not want to. Whatever his intentions were, Rowan broke the law, and his sentence for improper sexual conduct was fair. The only person to blame was himself.

“Because you are family now, Rowan, and I want you to feel welcome with Orlon and I.”

Rowan’s breath hitched until his body restarted so he could swallow a lump in his throat. “Thank you, sir.”

“But don’t fuck up again. I’m still your superior at work.”

There was not a chance Rowan would have sex inside base again. Not after going to the guardhouse for it, not after Aelin.

“There’ll be nothing but teaching at the Training Center, Colonel.” Rowan did his best to bite back a smile. “I have everything I could ask for at home.”

Darrow gave one last tap on Rowan’s shoulder. “I’m happy for you, kid.”

He watched Aelin’s family leave—his family too now, not his words—but not for long. He quickly went back to the room, his eyes meeting Aelin’s as soon as he entered the room again.

She looked nothing short of heavenly today in the Air Force’s maternity ward.

Aelin moved to the side a little, silently telling him to join her in the bed. She didn’t need to ask twice. There was a lot of paperwork waiting for Rowan, but it wouldn’t be done until they decided the baby’s name.

They just stayed there for a moment, watching their baby’s rosy cheeks—she was all bundled up, so it was all they could see—the loudest thing in the room being the AC running.

Rowan chewed on his lip, thinking about her telling her uncle she liked ‘Maisie’ best. “You don’t mind naming her after a junkie’s song?”

“What? No.” Aelin gave him a confused look. “The name is so cute, and my dad was a fan. I thought you were the one who didn’t want it.”

”You know…” a gentle kiss on the crown of Aelin’s head. “I have really good memories attached to that song.”

“So?”

Rowan caressed his daughter’s chubby cheeks. “I think Maisie is ready for another nap.”

Aelin smiled against his chest. ”So is Maisie’s mother.”

He brushed her hair back with his fingers and said, “Me too. Maybe I should teach Maisie’s first lesson on adulthood and make her fill her own paperwork.”

Aelin mentioned to pinch his side, but Rowan grabbed her hand before the minor assault. He restrained his hug as much as he could, careful with her tired postpartum body, and cuddled Aelin to sleep.

Of all the pain Rowan had to endure in his life, his favorite so far was feeling his cheeks hurt from grinning so much. All because of his girls.

He was living with Aelin, the mother of his child. Rowan had the whole package already, he just needed to convince Aelin of one thing.

Rowan held her tightly, and there was something in his mind as he did, repeating itself like a broken record while he felt it take over his body and soul.

He loved her

He loved her

He loved her

˜˜

Turns out pursuing Aelin while having a newborn was harder than Rowan thought.

Between tending Maisie and giving Aelin space to recover from giving birth, the last thing on Rowan’s mind was his own dick. Actually, pursuing the woman he loved in hopes to become an official family with her went beyond ‘thinking with his dick’, but that’s how Rowan felt when he considered asking her that when she looked so… Aelin was far from fragile, but she still seemed to be overwhelmed by postpartum hormones, or whatever made new moms sad.

Rowan opened the fridge and ran a hand through his face, not missing the sharpness of his unshaved cheek. Did Maisie drink all those bottles already? They were prioritizing breastfeeding, but Rowan would do anything to let Aelin rest as much as she could.

He was so sure her insomnia would end with the pregnancy, but she seemed to sleep even less now that Maisie was here.

“Rowan!”

He blinked, jerking towards the stove, where his mom was. “What?”

At first, they dismissed his mother when she first offered to spend a few weeks with them until things were settled, but now Rowan thanked her every night for insisting to stay. He had just realized how demanding a two-week-old can be.

“Were you listening to me?”

Rowan grimaced. “Can’t say I was, sorry.”

Rory’s shoulders dropped, nothing but fondness in her gaze. “Did you talk to Aelin?”

Rowan settled close to his mother to wash a few dirty bottles. “She told me she’s fine.”

His mother had her I-know-it-all look, the same one she gave him when Rowan was a teenager grew like a tree, but wouldn’t admit he was taking workout supplements.

“Could you not?” Rowan gave her a look to rival her Mom Look. He failed miserably.

She was turning the beef around on the pan, frowning at the half-cooked meat. “I’ve seen a lot of new moms, Rowan. I know what a happy one looks like.”

He flexed his jaw, scrubbing the bottle harder than necessary. “If you’ve seen a lot of new moms, you know they get overwhelmed after birth.”

Rory turned back to work on dinner. “It’d be a lot easier on her if she had an actual partner, you know?”

His neck stiffened, his pulse faster in a heartbeat. Rory’s hints about him marrying Aelin had gotten less and less subtle as the months passed. As much as Rowan wanted to do that, those comments still irked him.

“You’re telling me she won’t be happy until we’re married and I put a white picket fence around the house?”

“I’m not telling you to marry her because of whatever people my age say a family should look like.” Rory gave him a dagger-sharp look. “I’m telling you to marry Aelin because you’re in love, but you two don’t seem to know what to do with that.”

His chest tightened, and Rowan wouldn’t look Rory in the eye. “It’s complicated.”

Her posture relaxed, and her eyes and tone were a lot softer when she said, “It’s not. You see what you want, and you seize it.”

Rowan felt his throat closing, and he just rushed with the rest of the dishes before leaving to check on Aelin and Maisie. For Mala’s sake, was his mother this desperate for a daughter-in-law?

He stood by the open door, watching them before announcing his arrival. Aelin’s hand was gentle but restless as she patted Maisie’s back, her eyes distant as she tried to burp the little girl.

Rowan would act on his feelings when the time was right, he was happy to just watch his family in the meanwhile.

And Aelin… she was recovering from giving birth. That’s the reason she wouldn’t get out of bed.

He sat beside her on the bed. “She’s done feeding?”

“Not quite.”

Rowan extended both hands. “Can I try?”

Since the usual technique wasn’t working, Rowan decided to try something he saw online. He held Maisie against his chest and shoulder as usual, but gently swiveled her bottom instead of patting her back.

Until the cutest little burp echoed through Aelin’s room. A completely different experience from the ones he’s used to hearing at the Air Force’s mess hall.

”There she is.” He kissed Maisie’s belly and held her in front of him, father and daughter staring at each other with the same pine green eyes. “Did you like Mommy’s dinner?”

“She better enjoy it while she can, that’s the only dinner I can make.”

Rowan squeezed her hand. “I’ll take care of that once she grows some teeth.”

She leaned against the bedpost, lips flat. “Of course you will.”

His breath caught inside his chest. Did he say something wrong?

“What do you mean?”

“Nothing.” Aelin bowed her head and grimaced. “I didn’t mean to snap, it’s just—“ she ran both hands through her hair. “I feel like I’m always messing up with Maisie.”

Rowan hummed, moving himself and the baby closer to Aelin. “I think Maisie disagrees, since you’re very clearly her favorite person.”

This line was supposed to make Aelin smile, but it completely backfired now that she was staring at the ceiling and blinking back tears.

“Wanting me is just her instinct. She’s biologically inclined to do that.”

He caressed her shoulder, trying to comfort her in any way he could. “Instinct or not, I still think you’re a great mom.”

“And you’re like a dream dad that came straight from a diaper ad.“ She gave him a weak smile. “It’s annoying sometimes. I love it.”

Aelin leaned her head against his shoulder and they stayed there, savoring the moment until Maisie decided it was enough.

It wouldn’t be long until the time to act on his fluttering stomach came. Rowan would pour his heart out, put a ring on her finger, and have as many children as she wanted.

He’d do it when the time was right.

˜˜

“Who’s ready for some beach-themed therapy?” Yrene greeted them into her office with a huge grin, holding a beach ball with emotions written on it.

Aelin threw her head back, laughing. “What’s that?”

That made Rowan’s chest fill with warmth, and it was a well-known fact that he could live his whole life gravitating around that laughter alone. He flexed his hands, then gave in to the ache in his fingers and fondly brushed them against the middle of her back. Aelin gave him a quick smile and turned back to their therapist.

Yrene gave them space to walk inside while explaining, “We use this activity mostly with teenagers, but I thought it’d be nice to get you in the mood for your trip.”

After they discussed last week’s homework, she explained that it consisted of passing the ball around, reading the first word that pops in and telling one time they felt that way. Easy.

“Furious.” Aelin gaped at the ball, and then at Yrene. “That’s a way to start.”

“Now you tell us a time when your family made you furious,” their therapist said.

Aelin squinted her eyes at him. “When you cut Maisie’s hair without telling me.”

Rowan grimaced. Fatherhood was hard, but nothing could prepare him for dealing with his daughter’s hair. There were so many different creams, he always got the hairstyles wrong, and she’d scream bloody murder while getting her hair rinsed.

So Rowan did the logical thing and cut his toddler’s hair around the chin.

Maisie liked it, but Aelin yelled so much at him she nearly ruptured his eardrums.

She had one arm holding the ball against her, the other on her hip. “You have nothing to say for yourself?”

“It grew back.”

Aelin threw the ball at him a little harsher than necessary. “Your turn.”

By the looks of it, there was a reason therapists chose a beach ball, and not something heavier and therefore deadlier to do this dynamic with.

“Thankful.” Rowan twirled the ball in his hands, smiling inwardly. “When Maisie trashed my house while I took a nap and you helped me clean it up.”

His memory broke her angry stance, making Aelin’s shoulders relax. “You could’ve pressed charges against Maisie for what she did to your house.”

“Technically, I could arrest her myself, but I don’t think the Brigadier would approve.”

Aelin rolled her eyes, like she always did when someone joked about her being the Air Force’s nepo baby, and he passed her the beach ball.

“Appreciated.” Aelin had a wistful smile on, and looked as if it was a crystal glass showing her past. “When I was pregnant, you’d leave the house in the middle of the night to buy something I was craving.”

Rowan’s heart constricted with the memory, but he knew he’d do it all over again. Getting to know her, living with her while they watched Maisie grow made those some of the best days of his life.

Flooded with memories, he almost missed the beach ball when Aelin passed it to him. It was like time stopped when Rowan grabbed it and read the first word his eyes settled in, his chest caving and the floor falling beneath his feet. Should he lie? There was only one time he felt—

“What’s the word, Rowan?” Yrene asked when silence stretched for too long.

He swallowed. “Betrayed.”

“What?” Aelin let out a low, shaky laugh. “I never betrayed—“

“When you asked me to leave.”

Aelin was rooted to her spot, gaping until she blurted, “How was that a betrayal?”

Yrene cleared her throat. “Let’s remember this should be a safe space to share our—“

“You want me to be petty now?” Rowan shook his head and started finger-counting everything he barely remembered now, but weighted on him six years ago. “You were my student. You had a boyfriend. I went against every rule I had for you.” Rowan’s mouth opened and closed, his breathing ragged as he voiced every feeling he ditched over the last six years, like weed growing from small cracks in an old road he buried with asphalt day after day. “I went to *jail* for you. I fixed your entire house for you—“

“I didn’t force you to do any of that—“

“But you forced me to leave!“ Rowan sat on the couch and scraped his palms against his face, trying to think of the right words. ”I know things were shitty, but you were clutching Maisie to your chest when you told me to pack my things and leave!” He held one finger up while holding his head down and took one deep breath. And another. And another. Until the boiling in his blood calmed down.

He continued after a moment, “I didn’t mean to snap. I know that wasn’t exactly a betrayal, but emotions don’t always align with facts, or whatever Yrene has been telling us.”

Aelin sat by his side, reading every line of his wretched expression with her own, and said, “I wish I’d done things differently, but I couldn’t make the right choices because my mind wasn’t in the right place.” She playfully elbowed his side with a small, tentative smile. “Or whatever Yrene has been telling us.”

Rowan slowly nodded, knowing he’d mull this words over and over after this session ended. “I wish I’d done things differently too. I can’t stop thinking about every time I messed up that year since…” Since Ansel suggested that he was the reason Aelin kicked him out, but he wouldn’t open this Pandora‘s box now. Rowan sighed, all the weight of these six years heavy on his shoulders. “I‘ve been trying to puzzle things together, and the only conclusion I get to is that I failed you and Maisie.”

Aelin squeezed his hand. “You never did.”

She meant well, but hearing that she regretted her decision and that it wasn’t his fault wasn’t reassuring at all. It only sent him back to square one, even more confused.

Aelin took a deep, pained breath and closed her eyes, then fiddled with his fingers. She must’ve read something on his face, because she added, “I wish I could give you a better answer and explain those last few days to you, but I don’t remember Maisie’s first months very well.”

Rowan caressed her wrist with his thumb, not knowing what to say. It was odd that she didn’t remember, but—

Yrene cleared her throat. “And remember that if you’re feeling overwhelmed by your own thoughts, I’ll be happy to help you with that.”

Beating himself up for every little thing he did six years ago was a natural response for losing the love of his life. Rowan had no idea why his therapist was so obsessed with him starting individual sessions.

He looked back at Aelin, noticing her unguarded expression and how the touch of her hand covering his wired and soothed him at the same time.

Right now, he just needed one thing.

˜˜

“Why is this taking so long?” Maisie whined from the backseat of the car they just rented.

Rowan had an ‘I told you so’ ready, but it wouldn’t help with anything now. With a plane trip to Southeastern Doranelle and a long drive to his parents’ house on the same day, he knew getting into the long drive-thru line would only make Maisie stressed. The problem is that his daughter was as stubborn as she was impatient.

“I don’t know, honey.” Aelin gasped from the passenger, eyes wide in a display of theatrics she only did to entertain Maisie. “Maybe they’re ordering the whole menu.”

“They’re taking forever.” The little girl crossed her arms, unamused. “Why did everyone’s daddy have to grab lunch today?” Maisie was doing distressed, dramatic gestures with her arms. “Where’s all the mommies?”

Rowan’s spine went rigid and he frowned at his daughter. “What do you mean?”

“Rowan…” Aelin grimaced and bit back her laughter at the same time. “You’re a slow driver. I thought you knew that already.”

His eyes widened. “I’m not!”

Aelin threw her head back, laughing. “You are! And Maisie has your road rage.”

He shook his head, but swallowed his retort when the car in front of them got their bag. He hit the brake pedal, hands clutching the steering wheel as he leaned forwards, breathlessly waiting… but the car wouldn’t move.

“Ugh!” Maisie looked up and sighed. “Daddy, do you want me to get out and push so they’ll move?”

Her “threat” worked like a charm, now that the car moved and they were one step closer to getting a meal. Rowan’s lips were pinched together, restrained, but when he saw Aelin’s shoulders shaking with her head between her hands, he silently rested his head on the steering wheel and did the same.

It should be illegal to feel this amused at his own daughter’s frustration, but Maisie was too cute with road rage.

After they got their food and went back to the road, Aelin put on the Little Mermaid soundtrack again. The girls were singing at the top of their lungs, and Rowan could finally agree that this was better than having the GPS on and not taking a wrong turn every fifteen minutes. He didn’t remember how many times he listened to Under the Sea today, but he remembered getting warm, funny feelings in his chest every time their voices got louder than the song.

Before the trip really began, Rowan already accepted that the vacation was theirs, and he was just the chauffeur.

He wasn’t supposed to love this idea this much.

However, his mind was half there, half on the last therapy session they had. It hadn’t left his mind ever since he stepped out of Yrene’s office.

Aelin told him very clearly she wished she’d done things differently.

Restless nights, charged pauses when they spoke, fingers hovering over his phone’s keyboard. Rowan felt like he was on the edge of a cliff, on the verge of jumping and asking a detailed explanation of what she meant, in whatever way that would answer all the questions in his head. Or at least the most important one.

“Use your words, boy and ask her!” They sang in the background of Rowan’s anxiety. “If the time is right and the time is tonight, go on and kiss the girl!”

Rowan paused the song with a heartbeat faster than it should, but not without groans of protest. “What’s that?”

“Kiss the Girl!” Maisie whined. “Daddy, I want the song back.”

“Okay, okay.” He put the song back, feeling a tad guilty for disrupting an already stressed Maisie. “Sorry, kiddo.”

Rowan only relaxed when the song ended, though, and half of the weight of his shoulders left his body later, when they finally got to their destination.

Maisie burst into his parents’ beach house as soon as her door unlocked like the little cannonball she was.

“Go on.” Rowan nudged Aelin forward. “I got the bags.”

Stubborn as the day she was born, Aelin took her bag from his hand. “I’m not gonna barge into your parent’s house like I’m their five-year-old granddaughter.”

This was ridiculous, considering how much Rory and Owen loved her, but he understood why she was a little guarded now. Rowan came here with Maisie once or twice a year, but it was Aelin’s first time visiting.

“Knowing my parents, they might even like it.” Rowan snorted, shaking his head. “They already act like you’re the daughter they never had, anyway.”

He took two steps towards the house, but Aelin didn’t follow. She was staring, frozen with an indecipherable look aimed at him, and the realization of what he’d just said rooted him to the ground, his body so heavy it expanded to his core.

This week at therapy. If she was looking at him like this, it meant that being part of the family to his mother meant something to her. Every single interaction now led him back to therapy.

She dumped him, but she wished she’d done things differently.

Of all the reactions Rowan thought she’d have if he ever voiced the thoughts that made him pace in the middle of the night, holding his hand and apologizing wasn’t one of them.

Maybe he held back for being still used to the explosive reactions he got from her before family therapy, or maybe he knew he’d never say it out loud only to have his fears confirmed.

That he focused on the baby and didn’t pay her enough attention. That he was working too long hours. That his fussiness made him micromanage her mothering—which Rowan was actively trying to stop. That she got trapped with him, then decided she could have more.

But whatever happened that year, she wishes she’d done things differently.

“Aelin!” His mother shouted from the front door, stepping out their way. “I couldn’t believe my ears when Rowan told me you’d come!”

She hugged Rory, finally out of that trance. “Your house is so beautiful.”

His father showed up with Maisie while pleasantries were being exchanged. “About time,” the old man mock-complained.

“Sorry we’re late.” Rowan gave his dad a man hug and got the usual two pats on the back. “Maisie and Aelin turned off the GPS. The voice directions were disturbing their Disney sing-along.”

“Oh, that’s understandable.” Owen picked his granddaughter up, grinning. “I didn’t know you like singing with your mom that much, Maisy Daisy.”

She nodded with all the earnestness a five-year-old could muster. “The songs are fun, and Mommy is really brave.”

“Maisie!” Aelin chastised, her lips somewhere between a gape and a smile. “Why am I ‘brave’ for singing?”

The little girl just giggled and hid her face on her grandpa’s shoulder.

Rowan slowly shook his head, never failing to be amused at his daughter. He was ready to defend Aelin‘s skills, but that was her own sass biting her in the ass. Maisie might’ve gotten the Whitethorn looks, but that fiery personality was all Aelin’s.

On the second floor, Rowan got his usual guest room, but his mother was still showing everything because of Aelin.

“This one I prepared for you.” She was pointing everything around, assuming everyone was catching up. “There’s Sellene’s room, the other is Enda’s. Their kids have a room for themselves, they just asked me to put on a show about a boy and dogs.”

Maisie’s eyes brightened. “Pawtrols.”

“That one!” Rory crouched down enough to be eye to eye with Maisie. “Well, the kids’ room I prepared has a TV and lots of toys.” She pointed at a door down the hall. “You could sleep there with your cousins and leave the other room just to your mom and dad.”

Rowan didn’t know why he was surprised.

Maisie crossed her arms. “No.”

Rory’s face fell. “What.”

The little girl put her foot down, dramatically shaking her head. “I wanna stay with Mommy and Daddy.”

His mother didn’t agree or protest, knowing she was already bordering the line between scheming and being pushy.

“We don’t have to decide now.” Rowan crouched to talk to Maisie, ready to get rid of that weird tension. “You can stay with us for as long as you want, and play during the day or have sleepovers with your cousins when you feel like it.”

Aelin wiggled her eyebrows. “You could have both rooms, Mais.”

The little girl’s eyes lit up with the idea. “Can I have both rooms, Grandma?”

“Of course you can, honey.” Rory grinned at her granddaughter, all the distress from her failed plan vanished already. “You three get settled, everyone’s downstairs.”

When they set the bags on the room, Maisie threw herself on the bed while Aelin excused herself to the bedroom.

Rowan laid on the bed next to his little girl, where the three of them would sleep squashed together. It’d be nice to have some alone time with Aelin, but he was also incapable of saying no to Maisie.

Besides, his mother didn’t need to trap him into anything with Aelin, he’d do it this time. Forget about reading her cues and waiting for the perfect time, he was tired of feeling like his soul was being ripped into threads every time he watched her eyes light up while her lips arch into a smile.

Rowan wished he’d done things differently too, but that had to stop somewhere.

And if he didn’t have a shot with Aelin, he’d at least fight for what he wanted this time.

She walked back into the room, smiled, and laid on the other side of the bed, hugging Maisie as well.

He’d make a move and do everything on his mind in the near future. Right now, he had a family hug to attend.

“Mom? Dad?”

Aelin hummed.

“You’re a slice of bread.”

Rowan frowned. ”I don’t get it.”

Their daughter beamed. “I’m the cheese!”

That earned her a chuckle. Indeed, Maisie was sandwiched between them in a hug.

Aelin smacked a kiss on her cheek. “You’re our Mayomaisie.”

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[readerxlovestay]

Fenrys x Reader

Part 2

Part 1

Summary: You and Fenrys are goaded into going on a vacation/double date with Aelin and Rowan. After a game of beach ball, she reveals that it was her who had set up both of you. Just a fun imagine with all of our favourite characters.

Ref: y/n - your name

Tw: none

Genre: Fluff, slightly suggestive

A/n: This was such a fun one to write! And I have written it as the part 2 of the Nightmare imagine (right here - Part 1) which totally fit right in. I hope you guys like it too! Oh and in the last imagine, the reader regarded Aelin as the Queen and in this, I've made them like best friends just so it'll be even more enjoyable! I think this is one of my good ones (even if I say so myself;) Follow me if you like content like this! Bye! Xoxo❤️

Summertime and Sunshine ((A day with Aelin & Rowan))

You shielded your eyes from the glaring sun above. It was a particularly hot day in summer. Which was perfect, you decided as you stepped out of your clothes onto the soft sand. Goosebumps prickled along the length of your arms. Fenrys whistled under his breath.

The one-piece you wore clung to every inch of your damp skin, exposing each curve and shape of your body. Hi sexy, came his voice through the bond. Don't I already know that. You smirked at him. He raised his eyebrows in appreciation. Sassy today, aren't we?

Padding over to him, you tilted your head up. "Keep up with me then" He looked speechless for a moment before his lips caught yours in a heated kiss, the one that made yourself want to jump on top of him and taste him all over. He pulled you close, erasing any distance between you both, while his tongue did wonders in your mouth. You sighed against the warmth of him. He tasted divine like honeyed wine. His callused hands gripped you hard against his muscled body, roving all over your needy form.

Before any of you could get any more provocative, Aelin called you from under the hood of the canopy in the distance. "Hey lovebirds save some for later!" The sound of Rowan's laughter could be heard from beside Aelin, where she sat on a blanket on the sand before the sparkling waters. You broke apart, smiling sheepishly.

Your mate leaned his forehead on yours. "Gods, you're beautiful", he breathed. You slid your hands away from his sculpted body. "So are you", you grinned while pulling him away from the shade of the house both of you stood by. He threaded his fingers through your hand in a habit of practice. You absolutely loved the feeling of his hand holding yours, safe and warm.

Aelin smirked when she saw both of you approaching. "Looks like swimsuit is doing what you exactly wanted it to do" You flushed to the roots of your hair, but mumbled something about how it wasn't just you and Fenrys who wanted everyone nearby to either cover their eyes or ears all the time. She laughed. "I agree that Rowan and I can be vocal sometimes but it's not like we're the newly mated here" She eyed Rowan who was sprawled on the sand, head on her lap. You grimaced as you sat down beside her. "I know" "It's going to be like that for atleast a month Y/n, there's no need to be embarrassed about it" She tapped your cheek. "Honestly, you're both so cute together, who would've known" You glanced at your mate, who tilted his head.

"Are you sure it wasn't just you playing matchmaker?", Fen asked, drawing patterns on your hand. "Cause the situation seems a little too easy if we think about it" You nodded along with him. "What was the probability of us going to deliver a letter to Suria and the only inn we found was crowded to the fullest?"

Aelin feigned innocence. "I don't very well control the weather you know"

"Yes but it was you who sent both of us on that mission, and if I'm not mistaken, you were the most excited when we announced our bond", you exclaimed.

She even looked shocked. "Am I not even allowed to feel happy for my friends?!"

You looked at Rowan. "You don't have say in this?" He shrugged looking bored "I think it was just a coincidence which ended in something happy" You rolled your eyes but smiled. "Coincidence, sure" He grinned back at you. Shaking your head, you turned to Aelin. "And top of all that, it was your idea for this vacation/double date" She smiled devilishly. "Fun isn't it?"

It was indeed Aelin who suggested the idea. Your mind opened a memory from a month ago.

"I have a mate", was your first words to Aelin when you returned. "And it's Fenrys" She looked surprised at first, then happy. "Oh my God congrats!" She proceeded to embrace you. You hugged her back. "Tell me all about it", she commanded, grinning. You chuckled at her enthusiasm. "Well there was this place..." You told her about the one room tragic and how it turned into something good. However you left out the part where Fenrys was under the throes of his nightmare. It somehow felt very personal and like a secret between the two of you. Instead you told her it was YOU who had a nightmare and was comforted by Fenrys. She listened closely to each and every word you said and jumped at the part where you kissed him. "That's so sweet" You nodded. "Yeah and then after sending out the message, here we are"

Aelin's eyes twinkled. For someone who was the Queen of all Fae, she sure was a good girl friend when it came to the matters of males and lovers. You had always came to her when you had problems with feelings or anything with boys. She had always been the sister you longed to have. "So now what?" You asked her, already knowing she had a plan in her head. She looked at you with that villainous smile. "Now we go on a double date"

It was almost like she was waiting for it to happen. And now here you all were, at the summerhouse, having the most fun you'll ever have. It wasn't a bad idea, just a suspicious one coming from Aelin. She was the most dedicated Queen and though you know she totally would've went on a vacation after all these years, she didn't. And now that you had a mate, she was suddenly super interested in a double date for atleast a couple of days. It was like, as if she was waiting for this moment where you had a mate or atleast someone that she already knew.

"What are you thinking about babe?" You came to reality with a shake of your head. "Hm?" Fenrys combed his fingers through your hair, pulling your head back just a bit, to kiss your forehead. "You're having this look which usually means you're thinking of something intriguing" You laugh at his predicament. "Well I'm planning how Aelin and Rowan's defeat is going to be when we play beach ball later"

Aelin looked up from where she was lying down with Rowan in her shimmering gold bikini. "You think so?" You raised an eyebrow, grinning. "I know so" She got up on her elbows. "What are the stakes?" You tilt you head ever so slightly. "Winners get the house for the entire night" Fenrys paused in his running his hand through you hair. "And the losers?" "Gets the outside with the soft, soft sand" Aelin chuckled rising up. "Hear that Rowan? Losers get the sand, I think Y/n and Fenrys should look more into how to stay warm on the sand" Rowan winked. "We could give you a few pointers if you'd like" Your mate pulled you up with him. "Let's see who gets what tonight", you say to them both. "It's on" Fenrys grinned.

-time skip-

Even though Aelin and Rowan had the upper hand, you and Fenrys played equally hard. Finally when afternoon hit and everyone was sweaty and laughing, it was declared that you and your mate were the winners. Aelin tried to scowl but ended up chuckling. "Good game", she exclaimed, giving you and Fen a high five.

"Since you claimed you had more experience of staying out in the sand with Rowan, its only fitting you both are the losers", Fenrys said laughing. You laughed with him. "That's true"

Aelin, however, was more concerned. "Haha it was a joke wasn't it? You are not really going to let us sleep outside in the cold, 'cause I hate the cold, you know that!" You smile wickedly just like her.

"Uh oh that's not good"

You flip your hair to one side of your neck, exposing the other side to the warm breeze. "Well I just might let you stay outside, but I can revoke it ONLY-" She looked at you expectantly. "-If you admit the truth that you set us up" She groaned. "Really? Am I that obvious?" You raised an eyebrow. "It was you" She put her hands on her hips. "Ugh yes. It was a hunch and I wanted to test it out" You grinned. "That wasn't so bad after all" She rolled her eyes. "Obviously" Still grinning, you put your arm around her shoulder, pulling her towards the summerhouse. "Don't be cranky now, you can have the house all you want" She shook her head but let you pull her along.

Fenrys and Rowan entered the house talking about the game, laughing and slapping each other's backs. You stopped Aelin in the doorway. She looked at you quizzically.

"Thank you Aelin. For whatever it's worth, you did us both a favour by sending us there" She smiled warmly. "Of course Y/n. Just don't forget to love him, that's all I want"

"With all my heart"

[rpgchoices]

Boyfriend Dungeon (with spoilers)

I enjoyed Boyfriend Dungeon quite a bit, mainly because of the combat (it was fun and easy) and because it took itself not too seriously.

Still, I admit the only romance I liked were Valeria and Seven. Isaac was also great, but I did the mistake of doing his whole romance first (because he was my favorite at the beginning) instead of spacing it out. Honestly, the best arc was the cat, not a romance, but it was by far my favorite arc.

It is also interesting that you can play as an asexual and will be explicitly recognized as such by the game.

Regarding the other characters, Sawyer was the only one I did not romance because they felt... so young?? I liked Rowan, but I felt like their story seemed a bit out of place. Isaac, Seven and Valeria all have very tangible realistic (more or less) storylines about dealing with society, parents, depression etc.

Also the fact that it felt like we were all a bunch of friends and not dating is a bit strange. I liked it because I did not have to replay multiple routes, but it did not feel like a dating game at all. I kinda would have liked to play matchmaker, to be honest.

Also I hated the main plot. The villain. In general stalking terrifies me, but the fact that the main point of the game is redeeming the creepy stalker- nooo. Hated it.

And what about the Katana??? They did not ask to be created??

[ben-copper-appreciation-club]

Valentine's Day event day 1: Blind date

Day 1 of Kaze's Valentine's day challenge Pairing: Ben Copper x Quinn Campbell | Male MC Implied Demiromantic Ben

Quinn tilted his head as he looked over the colourful parchment that had been pushed into his hands. ‘Valentine’s Date Blind Dating’ the flyer has written out in red glittery calligraphy, the parchment itself was tinted a pale pink.

“You got one too?” Rowan’s voice sounded next to him as they leaned up to look over Quinn’s shoulder.

“Yeah.” Quinn sighed, as he folded and tucked the parchment away in his robe. “I don’t remember this from previous years.”

“It’s new. From what I’ve heard, third years are putting it together.” Rowan answered. “Apparently ‘blind dating’ is something’s muggles do.”

The two fell into step together as they walked through the halls to the quidditch field. While Rowan didn’t play, they always came to watch Quinn’s practices. Moral support as they put it, though he always caught them with their nose in a book for most of their time there.

“I wonder if Ben knows about it.” Quinn thought out loud. “He lives in the muggle world and takes muggle studies.”

“Maybe?” Rowan scratched their chin. “Though he doesn’t seem too interested in dating.”

“Doesn’t mean he doesn’t know about it.” Quinn counted and Rowan shrugged.

Quinn stepped away to change into his quidditch uniform and grab his broom. Rowan was already on the bleachers by the time he left the changing room, Nose unsurprisingly reading a thick book. He affectionately rolled his eyes before turning away to join his team for practice.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

It wasn’t until dinner that Quinn thought about the flyer again. He lazily read over the words as he slowly ate his food. The gist that he got was the event as like playing matchmaker, he’d sign up with one of the students running (whose names were written at the bottom) with some information about himself and then he’d be paired with someone for a date.

‘Is this really something people do?’ Quinn thought. ‘Eh, it might be fun to at least give it a try. At the very least it will be interesting.’

He was, literally, jostled out of his thoughts by someone bumping his shoulder as they plopped down next to him. Quinn turned his head to see Ben sitting next to him, back again the table and legs stretched out on the aisle and crossed at the ankle.

What’cha got there?” Ben snatched the flyer before the other could respond. “Oh this lame thing? Are you actually thinking about doing it?”

“Hey, don’t be mean.” Quinn lightly smacked his shoulder. “And yeah, sounds like it'll be interesting and I don’t have anything else to do.”

“It’s so weird though.” Ben spun around to sit properly at the table and rest on his elbows. He grabbed a sandwich piece from the platter and took a bite. “You have no idea who you're getting set up with and they could be a total weirdo.”

“Some say I'm a total weirdo.” Quinn raised a brow as he watched the other.

The blond smirked at him; “You are. But in a way that’s charming and fun. Y’know- when you’re not dragging me to life threatening situations.”

“You love it.” Quinn smirked back.

Ben studied him for a moment, his expression unreadable. Though it was clear he was thinking about something. His fingers absentmindedly played with a red plaster on his finger. Quinn had given it to him earlier after he had fallen in a thorn bush during flying lessons.

“Maybe. I mean someone has to help Rowan keep you out of trouble.” Ben finally answered. He took another large bite of his sandwich. “Anyways- the whole dating event sounds like it’s gonna be a disaster. And that’s if the professors don’t shut it down first.”

Quinn rolled his eyes. “Just because you’re not interested in romance doesn’t mean others aren’t.”

“And you are?” The Gryffindor had a mischievous glint in his eyes. He swung his arm around the Hufflepuff’s shoulders and leaned into him. “Gonna go in and meet the love of your life? Gonna meet prince- or princess- charming and live happily ever after?”

“Oh bugger off, Copper.” Quinn shoved the other as he turned bright red.

“Mr. Campbell, Mr. Copper there will be no rough housing in The Great Hall.” Snape’s scathing voice came from behind, making the boys jump. “Twenty points from Hufflepuff and Gryffendor. And Mr. Copper return to your house’s table.”

“Sorry, Professor.” Ben stammered and jumped up, scurrying off to his own table. Despite how confident and down right reckless he had become, it was impossible to not fear Professor Snape.

Quinn sighed as he turned away to quietly eat his dinner.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

To say Quinn was surprised to see Penny at the event sign up table was an understatement. She smiled at her fellow Hufflepuff as she spotted him stepping up.

“Quinn! You’re interested in the Valentine’s day event?” She asked excitedly.

“Yeah, I thought it’d be fun.” Quinn smiled as he leaned against the table. “I didn’t know you were running it.”

“I’m just helping out with organizing.” She said, a faint blush rising on her cheeks. “Here let me show you how to sign up.”

Penny grabbed a parchment card for Quinn to write his name on. The reason being so he couldn’t see the other students and it would be kept a surprise who his date would be. He then put his card into a chalice positioned on the table. It had a faint pinky colour mist flowing from it, obscuring the inside.

“Hopefully no one gets too bummed getting the cursed kid as their date.” He joked, hiding his true worry of that happening. He knew a lot of people at Hogwarts didn’t like him, he even had a class partner asked to be resigned so as to not work with him and ‘cursed their project’.

“Anyone would be lucky to have you!” Penny boldly reassured him. “Besides, I already have someone in mind who I think would be perfect.”

“Oh yeah?” Quinn raised a brow.

“You’ll find out on your date.” She giggled, grinning secretly. “I’ll send an owl when everything’s ready.”

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The owl arrived a half hour before dinner, telling him to come to the clocktower courtyard. While he had plenty of time to get ready, Quinn still couldn’t help but fuss. First, about his outfit and then about his hair. It felt like his hair always had a mind of his own, especially since he started growing it, and usually he didn’t care but now he had to look good for his date.

“What’s, uh, what’s going on in here?” Rowan poked their head into the dorm. They looked around at the mess as they entered the room. “Did you cast Ventus here?”

“No,” Quinn crossed his arms indignantly. “I’m trying to get ready for my date. Only issue is I have nothing to wear!”

“You literally have a mountain of clothes on your bed.” Rowan scooted the pile over to sit down on the bed.

“Yes but nothing works!” The other groaned loudly in frustration.

Rowan hummed and stood, turning to look over the pile. They picked up a couple pieces. They laid out a mustard yellow sweater, a white button up to go underneath and dark jeans.

“Here, try this.” Rowan pushed the outfit into Quinn’s hands.

Quinn tried to argue but was quickly shushed, so he sighed and took the clothes offered to him. Having roommates made it pretty normal changing in front of others, so Quinn had no problem turning and changing his clothes with Rowan still in the room. When he turned back around, Rowan came forward to fix the other’s lopsided button up collar.

“You look great!” Rowan grinned proudly. “Which is good because you need to get going.”

Quinn checked his watch; “Oh no, I’m going to be late!”

In a flash, Quinn transformed into a brown dog and scurried out of the room. A pro of being an animagus was he was much quicker in his animal form and he was soon skidding into the courtyard.

He changed back into his human form and fixed his hair as he looked around the area. The fountain was lined with candles and vines of flowers, along with some petals scattered across the ground. A picnic was spread out next to the fountain with a few sandwiches and tea.

He wasn’t focused much on the picnic as he was on the person sitting nervously on the fountain ledge. It was Ben, dressed in a maroon turtleneck and dark jeans.

“Uh, hey.” Ben leaned back as he poorly tried to act relaxed.

“Ben? What are you doing here?” Quinn stepped forward to stand in front of the other.

“Pretty sure I’m here for a date.” He snarked. He coughed awkward into his fist. “I mean- I signed up for the date event…”

“I thought you weren’t interested in dating.” Quinn raised a brow. “You already had too much to worry about.”

“Yes, well-” Ben combed his fingers through hair and averted his gaze; “This was a mistake.”

He quickly stood to leave but Quinn grabbed his wrist before he could. Ben stiffened but didn’t pull away. He slowly turned back around to face the other, his expression tense.

“Wait, I’m sorry. Please stay.” Quinn pleaded.

Ben watched Quinn for a long moment before sighing. The two sat down on the picnic blanket while actively avoiding eye contact with each other. To say it was painfully awkward between them would be an understatement.

Quinn’s heart was practically pounding out of his rib cage. Glancing up, Ben seemed just as anxious as he kept glancing over. The two made eye contact and quickly looked away, Quinn shoving a piece of sandwich in his mouth to distract himself.

He bided his time to think by taking a long moment to chew and swallow; “So…What changed your mind about this? I thought blind dating was ‘lame’.”

“It is.” Ben poured himself some tea. “But… when you said you were doing it. I thought maybe there was a chance of getting set up together…”

“Hold on, you did this…because of me?” Quinn’s face grew warm as he tried to wrap his head around the information given to him.

“I wasn’t lying when I said I wasn’t interested in dating and calling it a bother, but I- You’re the only person I’d be willing to give it a try with.” Ben drained his cup to give himself a moment’s pause. Quinn opened his mouth but Ben raised his hand to stop him. “Let me just get this out. I never thought about romance before, never really saw the appeal. But you’ve always made me feel comfortable and safe and just- I think I understand what others mean when they talk about love.”

Quinn blinked once, twice, and then again in shock. Ben refused to look at him, making his expression unreadable.

“You…you like me?” Quinn asked when he found his voice.

“Merlin’s beard.” Ben flopped back on the stone ground with a huff. “You’re lucky you're cute because blimey you’re daft. Yes I like you. A lot.”

“No need to insult me.” Quinn pouted.

“There you go again.” Ben laughed for the first time that evening; “I mean daft in the most loveable, charming way.”

Ben sat up and crawled over to the other. He slung his arm around his shoulders and pulled him close. Quinn pouted harder, crossing his arms with a huff as he turned red.

“I liked you better when you were being awkward.” Quinn grumbled. He leaned into Ben, relaxing into his warmth.

“Okay, I’m sorry.” Ben rubbed his thumb over Quinn’s shoulder.

“Good.” Quinn moved around to take Ben’s free hand in his. They rested back against the fountain edge comfortably. “And…I like you too. A lot.”

“Are we dating then?” Ben tilted his head down to the other.

Quinn hummed in thought, glancing up at the other; “Let’s finish this date and then we’ll see.”

He pulled away from the Gryffendor and moved to grab a sandwich. The atmosphere was much lighter after that and conversation came easily. They sprawled out on the blanket together, fingers interlaced, and relaxed.

At the end, Ben walked Quinn down to the Hufflepuff dormitory. They stopped outside of the entrance and Quinn took hold of Ben’s hand.

“This was nice.” Quinn smiled up at him. “I’m glad you decided to sign up. And I’ll need to thank Penny for setting us up.”

Ben laughed; “She’s a good match maker to say the least.”

“We can thank her in the morning. For now-” Quinn leaned up and kissed Ben on the cheek.

Ben blushed; “Does this mean we’re…?”

Quinn rolled his eyes affectionately; “Yes, we’re dating.”

Ben grinned and leaned down to kiss Quinn’s cheek. They exchanged good nights and Ben slipped away to head up to Gryffendor tower. Quinn watched him before heading into the Hufflepuff common room where he was immediately ambushed by Rowan and Penny who wanted all the details of his date night.

[kuroopaisen]

🌙 + and my aesthetic is grunge and dark academia? Like idk depends of my mood lol (but my friends say I’m more like grunge)

and how are you feeling bae? Hope you are all good! Have a great day/night🤍

hello! i’m feeling Okay; i start uni soon so i’m very !!!!!!!!

“and how much did those shoes cost?” iwaizumi asks, raising an eyebrow at oikawa’s fresh loafers. 

“none of your business,” oikawa huffs, crossing his arms with a pout. suffice to say it didn’t quite match the air of respectability his outfit is trying to achieve. 

iwaizumi rolls his eyes, turning back to his textbook. “i can’t believe you’d spend so much money just to impress a girl.” 

oikawa whips his head towards him, aghast. “i did no such thing!” 

is iwaizumi wrong? well, no. oikawa wouldn’t even be in this public library if he hadn’t seen you there. and of course, once seeing you, he’d dragged iwaizumi along to ‘study’ at the library. but good as a student he is (debatably), oikawa simply can’t focus. 

you’re sitting a few tables away, seemingly exhausted yet still delightfully cute, unaware of the rampant bullying happening just a few feet away. 

“why don’t you just ask her out?” iwaizumi asks. it had taken the boy a total of five minutes to work out what was really going on here. 

oikawa placing his feet at an unnatural angle in the hopes of them maybe catching your eye was a bit of a give away. 

“she could reject me.”

“your ego could handle it.” 

“iwa!” it’s just attack after attack today. 

“did you just google how to dress to impress a girl or something?” iwaizumi grumbles, looking oikawa up and down. 

“i’ll have you know, i’m dressed like an academic.”

“don’t you actually have to study if you want to claim that title?”

oikawa rolls his eyes, swinging his head to the side dramatically and--

eye contact. oh god, eye contact. 

he freezes, unable to look away after what most would consider the appropriate time spent making eye contact. but how is he supposed to look away? this is the first real interaction you’ve ever had. have you noticed him before? do you think he’s weird? do you think he’s dashingly handsome in his button-up and sweater vest? 

you just smile at him and give him a little wave. oikawa’s too caught off guard to respond. 

“you,” iwaizumi grumbles, slapping oikawa up the back of the head, “are such a piece of shit.”

“i didn’t even do anything!” 

“exactly.” 

[the-bed-gremlins-reading-list]

Obligatory RO-question: how would they react if there was only one bed?👀

Ooo, I love one-bed tropes!

Tucking this under the cut since it got a little lengthy.

Diana

Does not look at the bed. If she doesn’t acknowledge the situation it’s not there. (At least not until she figures out the logistics of how to deal with this. Lots of internal monologue going on there. There has to be another bed somewhere, right? Maybe another room. Or she could go share with Jem like they used to when they were kids. Or – she’s your Captain, this is definitely not a line that she should cross! Are you okay with this - she needs to say something, to make it not-wierd, but what even can she?) When she finally admits there’s no solution she is the one who builds a pillow wall.

If you’re past the point where feelings have been admitted, though, she goes “You better not snore” and is happiest as the big spoon.

Jem

Offers to sleep on the floor or in a chair. It honestly doesn’t occur to him that the simplest solution is to share the bed because he’d never want to impose. He can definitely be convinced to share, though. And he swears he’ll stick to his side of the bed. But he’s a sleep-octopus. You definitely are waking up tangled up together. The moment he’s conscious he manages to trip himself trying to jump out of the bed while he apologizes, profusely. And can’t quite look you in the eye without blushing the rest of the morning.

If you’ve already admitted feelings for each other he double checks that you’re okay with this, and asks that you tell him if you’re uncomfortable. He still turns into a cuddle-octopus when he’s asleep. Just instead of falling out of bed he just refuses to wake up enough from being comfy to let you go. If you have any weakness to puppy-dog eyes you may need a rescue to escape in the morning. Jem can and will deploy them to get "just five more minutes".

Eydis

Inappropriate and uncomfortable jokes galore. Also a casual reminder that she has a massive battle axe and grew up in the Order that produces the best legal defenses around. Oh and lots of deflection if you try to ask if she’s okay with it but also an adamant refusal to let you sleep somewhere less comfortable. Once you’ve settled in she whispers that she’s sorry if she wakes you up screaming or thrashing.

If she knows you have real feelings for her she goes quiet. She’s afraid of what you’ll think if one of the nightmares comes, after all, being a Death Seer is bad luck – she’s already a bit surprised you let her near. And while you of all people know that dying is traumatizing, they weren’t her deaths, but she felt them, and most the time the ones she’s had to feel aren’t gentle ones. Once convinced to get in the bed, she can’t quite get her worries to quiet but she likes being able to curl into you if you’re the big spoon and use them to block the rest of the world out, or just hold you to anchor herself to what it feels like to be alive. But, all in all, she actually finds that she really enjoys cuddling. Its 10/10, will repeat.

If she can, she’s definitely cooking you breakfast.

Rowan

It takes them a moment to remember that humans don’t just jump straight to having a cuddle puddle when there’s limited space. They’ve been around humans a long time but it still confounds them how much space they usually keep with each other. They’re very tactile when permitted to be so even as just friends they assume that sharing the bed is just going to happen. They’re probably already getting comfy when they recall that. Then it depends on the MC. If they can tell you’re uncomfortable they’re already getting up and reminding you of the fact that they don’t needto sleep the way a mortal does and that you doneed to sleep. If you’re okay with it they’re thrilled and asking how you want to do this – to make sure they don’t cross any line you don’t want to.

If feelings have been admitted and acknowledged? It goes similarly. Just with a lot more teasing and flirting. (And reassurances for the uncomfortable MCs, trying to figure out what can be done to help because they never want you to feel that way around them, not if it’s something they can fix.)

Felix

Ah, my favorite cactus. (In 98% of scenarios this can have happened he’s placing the blame on Rowan or Bors – his half-brother, who you’ll be able to meet in Ch2 - for playing matchmakers and is definitely plotting revenge for it.)

He’s grouchy and muttering curses about the whole situation while he sets up some basic protection runes around the room. But he also goes “I’ll take the floor” or “All-nighter, yaaaaay” and just refuses to budge on the option without a lot of convincing by the MC. Unless the refusal to share makes you feel sad or hurt and it shows in which case he groans and informs you that the scarf will be staying on and he will stab you – lightly - if you accidentally strangle him while you both are sleeping. Unfortunately for you he’s a blanket thief, and totally unapologetic about it.

When you wake up the next morning he’s already gone but there’s coffee/tea/hot chocolate/etc waiting for you.

Where feelings have been admitted he manages to be extra awkward for the first couple minutes – still grumbling under his breath about the whole situation while he places the runes. If he trusts you not to place expectations on him he’ll probably relax and just ask which side you prefer. Otherwise you might have to reassure him that you’re going to respect his boundaries. Felix can take or leave cuddling itself, but he likes being able to steal your body heat so cuddling inclined MC’s are in luck.

Felix wakes up first – unless your MC is the type to wake hideously early – so you don’t wake up cuddling. But there’s coffee/tea/hot chocolate, whatever your preference waiting for you when you do wake up while he fusses with one of his contraptions nearby.

Rowan & Felix

Sticking both of them in the room with an MC they both are starting to have feelings for (and is willing to go along with Rowan’s nonsense) results in something like this:

Felix: We won’t all fit.

Rowan: You give up too easily, gentle knight. MC and I can clearly see that you’re wrong.

Felix: I’m not.

Rowan: Hmm…we’ll have to try it. To be sure. Otherwise how will we know for sure?

-Ten Minutes Later-

Felix: *impersonating a grumpy blanket caterpillar* Fine. I was wrong. This is nice.

Honestly though, Rowan is probably going to be teasing and joking with both the MC and Felix until you both have relaxed about it. (Felix, the anxiety cactus that he is, has a soft spot for people that make him laugh. Clever MCs may have a slightly unfair advantage with winning him over.) And comfy cuddle pile. Rowan insists the MC takes the middle so that you have at least a chance at keeping some of the blanket.

If y’all have admitted feelings. Lots of laughter and joking is going to happen. Felix trying, and failing, to pretend to be annoyed with Rowan – and nothing will ever convince Felix that Rowan didn’t somehow arrange the whole scenario on purpose somehow. MC or Felix has to get stuck in the middle to deal with the blanket thief.

Felix is the first one actually awake, so he makes the run for coffee/tea/hot chocolate/etc and breakfast while Rowan gets to enjoy some extra cuddles.

BONUS SIBLING ROUND - Riley

Riley used to crawl into your bed all the time when they had nightmares or felt lonely before you left to go train and join the army. They could have definitely found a way to scam another room out of someone else, but they like the idea of getting to hang out with you again. So here you are.

(Besides, if their big sibling is there then they don't have to be so careful about watching their own back. They might be able to sleep with both eyes closed for once, and that'd be sort of nice.)

One thing that definitely hasn't changed with them growing up? Riley still kicks and flops around in their sleep.