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legit just realised it took me nearly THREE YEARS to complete this series

CAUGHT IN A CROSSFIRE

ALL THINGS MUST END — ; PART 10 / 10

PAIRING: Theseus Scamander x Female!Reader WORD COUNT: 4.7k SUMMARY: You and Theseus awaken in a place that feels all too familiar, uncovering that the truth behind Miriam’s intentions lies within the act of revenge itself. This is a tale of betrayal, love, and hatred, but it's also the story of how you learn to love again. A/N: This is it! I’m so so nervous for yall to read this, but I hope you like it!! I want to take a moment to thank everyone who has been here either from day one or at any time you found this series– thanks for sticking around. WARNINGS: Swearing. Angst. Injuries. Mentions of hurt. Mentions of being burnt (it’s not detailed), Mentions of death. Theseus being a simp (HAHA). No beta as always we die like men. MASTERLIST ; MASTERPOST

Augustus Warden was a tyrant, characterised by his uncaring, manipulative, and violent nature towards anyone who dared to oppose him. He held a firm belief in eradicating magic, viewing it as inherently evil, and saw himself as a saviour destined to rid the world of it. 

Augustus Warden was also Miriam’s father. 

Well, he could hardly call himself a father. He was never one to her. And was never a husband to her mother. 

Augustus became obsessed with the perception of a saviour complex. It drove Miriam’s mother away, leaving her to deal with her father’s aggression and temper. Yet, Augustus's influence within the scourers' community grew, and The Gardenia Society landed itself in the thick of the chaos.

Again. Being hunted.

When your brother began showing signs of magic, your mother feared for his life. She had known about a distant ancestor with magical abilities for quite some time, though she hadn’t expected it to resurface in her only son.

Your brother was born at the wrong place and at the wrong time.

Your mother sought the help of Miriam, her closest friend. Almost a sister to her. She trusted her with her life. Nobody knew about your brother’s abilities besides your family and Miriam. It was a well-kept secret for the society's and your family's safety.

So, when word got out about your brother, your mother knew who had leaked the secret. Or so she thought.

The inhumane arrest of a boy. To be burned at the stake. Those were the words of the people. Just like their ancestors did. Hence, your mother decided to retaliate that betrayal of trust with Miriam for turning against her and her family. Miriam was then accused of being a witch and is the sole reason behind everything that happened to your brother.

She knew her father was insane but never knew he would ever go this far.

Her father. He showed no mercy.

“You dirty witch.”

Those were the words of the people, it rang against her ears.

Miriam remembers the fear etched in her throat. How her heart was beating out of her chest as she screamed, pleading to Augustus that this was all on pretence.

Yet, it seems that Augustus had been searching for a way to get rid of Miriam and finally found the opportunity.

A ball of flame in the darkness lit on a matchstick.

Augustus Warden stands tall and looming as he creeps from the shadows. He holds the little match with a grim twist to the edge of his lips. No sign of remorse. No sign of guilt.

“You did this to him … So long, witch.”

He tosses the matchstick.

Flames engulf Miriam.

Your family fled from the village with the help of The Gardenia Society and several Aurors, landing yourselves in the heart of London where the Warden would never find your brother. Since then, you had your memories erased.

But nothing ever stays permanent. And nothing ever truly dies.

–

Darkness.

Theseus struggles to grasp reality, feeling his presence as the memories from moments ago flood in.

He remembers … you. On the ground. Bleeding.

Immediately, he’s wide awake.

His surroundings are a blur, in the process of recollecting his thoughts when all that fills his head is you. Theseus then realises he’s seated; it’s cold, solid against his back and causes his slumped figure to lay straight on its surface.

A pungent smell suddenly fills his senses. Gasoline. He smells gasoline.

Merlin’s beard—

As he regains his sight, he recognises the room he is in. It’s circular, lined with seats to portray an amphitheatre. It’s a courtroom, though its structure tells a different story. Frescos held by its walls were heavily worn with time, abandoned, and unseen. This may be a ministry courtroom, but no longer operational.

The courtroom is filled with members of The Restoration Movement, all eyes on him. Among them, Morrigan and Mulberry stand sentinel, their scrutiny unyielding.

This is also when Theseus realises he is missing his wand.

Why on earth would Miriam bring him back to the ministry?

Before he could even begin to question it, Theseus spots you lying unconscious on the floor before him, in a pool of liquid. You’re drenched in gasoline too, he’s sure of it. It sends a sudden surge of shock to his heart, and there’s an immediate sense of urgency in how he moves to you, yet he stays unmoving in his seat.

Theseus glances at his arms and notices they have been bound with chains attached to the seat’s armrest. Eyes now wide, they return to your unmoving figure on the ground and all he thinks is to pull and pull and pull. Still, he can only watch you from a distance.

“Look at you. Helpless. Desperate. Seems like she changed you for the worse, Theseus.”

Miriam appears before him, you lay at her feet, tone laced with sarcasm as it booms through the courtroom. Strong and relinquished. Her expression wild, flashing with anger, hurt, and betrayal—hardened without an ounce of fragility and mercy in sight.

“Why are you doing this?”

There’s a tone of desperation tinged in his voice and it shakes him to his core. Theseus has been afraid plenty of times—during his training, the war. He has seen unspeakable things, but never has he been in the position of seeing someone he cares so tortured and bruised.

It clicks in his head. The ministry is the last place anyone would find them. Miriam is no fool.

Theseus heaves a silent prayer, hoping that despite the impossibilities of the day's events, both of you would make it out alive.

His gaze returns to you, catching a glimmer in your eye. You’re awake. Barely, but you are.  Your body remains frozen, yet your eyes convey a silent assurance, hidden from Miriam's sharp scrutiny. It's a subtle promise that you'll endure. That you’ll be fine.

Miriam’s smile widens as her expression morphs into a cynical, surprised look, mocking his question.

“I laid out all the clues, and you still haven't figured it out? Perhaps you weren't as intelligent as I thought.”

Despite the gravity of the moment, Theseus restrains the impulse to roll his eyes. Of course, he quickly discerned the laid-out clues: the open door, the photograph, and the brooch. Yet, certain questions remain unanswered—how did his brother become privy to Miriam's existence, and how did he predict Theseus's unravelling of the hidden messages in the letters?

Perhaps, Miriam doesn’t know why either.

“All I want is to destroy her. The Gardenia Society. Everything her mother ever loved.”

Miriam speaks in a manner of delusional confidence. A false sense of belief that her actions are deemed righteous. That whatever she intends to do is all for justice.

And it all ties back to your mother and the Gardenia Society.

Theseus watches the way her eye twitches, a flicker of sheer annoyance.

Something feels wrong. Or missing?

“Yet, you, dear Theseus. You always had a habit of sticking your nose where it doesn't belong, and now I have no choice but to take you with her,” Miriam declares, her tone laced with frustration.

Theseus merely scoffs. It sends Miriam boiling.

"You’re a hypocrite, Miriam. You revelled in meddling in everyone's lives, in my family's lives. Tell me, Miriam, did you truly believe we wanted you around?"

“Shut up –”

“We only did because we felt bad for you. After your husband passed –”

“I DON'T NEED YOUR FUCKING PITY.”

Her voice tears through the room, booming against its very walls. Miriam's eyes blaze with fury as she strides toward Theseus, and in an instant, her hand connects with his cheek in a resounding slap that leaves it stinging.

Unbeknownst to anyone but Theseus, you are wide awake, silently observing his calculated provocations aimed at pushing Miriam to her limits. With each jab, you understand his strategy, sensing the gears turning in his mind as he buys time. Knowing Theseus, he probably had a plan in motion before he came for you.

Through her distractions, you take it as an opportunity to survey your surroundings,  noting the dilapidated state of the room. Amidst the debris, a broken piece of wood catches your eye—it looks like a post that came apart from a railing. Its edges are sharpened after being torn apart. Something you could weaponise if you needed to.

Immediately you exchange a fleeting glance with Theseus. He’s looking right at you, though almost unnoticeable. You aren’t sure how you could tell, but there’s a silent understanding that develops between the of you.

Something is about to happen.

Just then, a sudden thud echoes from beyond the courtroom. It comes from the room’s entrance.

Miriam's attention snaps toward the sound, prompting you to feign unconsciousness once more. As she directs one of the men to investigate, the pieces fall into place.

Theseus just hopes the plan is set in motion.

He takes a deep breath before fixing Miriam with a steely gaze “You know, Miriam. Something doesn’t quite add up.”

Miriam's jaw clenches in response. “And what is that?” she retorts, her tone edged with defiance.

“The fact that I’m the one who’s in this chair, instead of her … This isn’t just about revenge on her mother isn’t it?”

He sees it. Only a flicker. Her facade slips ever so slightly. 

“I’m not stupid, Miriam.”

A beat. The air thickens.

Theseus watches intently as she takes his words in. Then, she steps back, creating distance from him once more. As if she’s almost afraid he’ll be able to detect any sort of falter or weakness in her.

Her once furious eyes are now almost solemn.

“Oleander was … ambitious, hard-headed, and strong-willed man.” Miriam begins, her gaze distant. “Despite all his faults, I loved him. He promised me an escape from my father's tyranny, a chance for us to be together at last.”

Her eyes flicker towards you, still prone on the ground, and a tumult of emotions washes over her face—a mixture of anger and hurt.

“Then, her mother accused me of betraying the very secret that shielded her brother," Miriam continues, her voice tinged with bitterness. "I became a pawn in their game, a scapegoat to be sacrificed. Oleander vanished, leaving me to face the consequences alone.”

So, it’s all for love. Or more for the betrayal she felt. 

"I discovered years later that it was he who leaked the secret. Turns out he was an Auror, undercover. He seduced the daughter of a Scourer to infiltrate my wretched father's inner circle. When everything went awry, he led the operation to save the members of The Gardenia Society," Miriam pauses, regaining composure as she continues, "But not me."

Then, Miriam turns to him once more.

"You remind me of him, Theseus. A little too much. All you seek is justice, yet you have no qualms about destroying lives in your path. You deem some unworthy and strike them down, all in the name of righteousness. Just like him. I will not stand by and let history repeat itself."

Fishing something from the pocket of her coat, Theseus discerns its shape in the dim light—a matchbox.

But, Theseus isn’t afraid. Not anymore.

It instead conjures a smile from him—all in rebellious smite.

“You won’t kill me.”

His tone is mocking. It elicits a frown from Miriam.

“What makes you think I won’t end you like the rest? I’ve killed muggles. I've killed her entire family without hesitation. I’m not afraid.”

“But you won’t kill me. Well, you can’t kill me,” Theseus counters with confidence as he clocks movement in the background.

“What?”

“All things must end, Miriam.”

Just then, a sudden flash of blue streaks across the courtroom and hits Morrigan in the shoulder. She collapses at impact.

Immediately, chaos erupts in the courtroom. Aurors flood the room, emerging from every corner of the amphitheatre as the surprise attack begins. Flashes of blinding blue, green and red bolt across the expanse as the attack began.

Theseus sees Travers in the crossfire, Mulberry collapsed on the ground at his feet. His expression is solemn, it’s a reflection after knowing the truth, but also a silent recognition and gratitude to Theseus that if he did not make it in time, this whole place would be in flames.  It was risky if anything were to happen to him, but thankfully, his Patronus found Travers and knew of his current location. It was the right call.

Through the impossibilities of today, a miracle did happen.

Miriam’s face splits into pure horror and she loses her concentration amidst the onslaught. Before she can react, you spring into action, wielding the broken piece of wood you had your eye on with fierce determination. Instantly, you strike Miriam on the head with a forceful blow that immediately sends her to the ground, rendering her unconscious.

Miraculously, the binds that held him to the chair disappear, finally able to get to you.

Well, that certainly works.

Breathless and weary, you stand on the edge of exhaustion, your body protesting with every step as you find yourself teetering on the brink of collapse. Despite your efforts to remain upright, your knees finally give out, sending you to the ground. With palms outstretched, you strain against the weight of fatigue, muscling all your strength to keep yourself from falling.

You then feel him. His grip finds the curve of your shoulder and your arm, supporting the weight of your own. It's warm, gentle, desperate yet assuring.

Theseus stares down at you with panic in his eyes. 

“Are you alright?” 

The words hang in the air as you grapple with the question. 

Are you really alright?

“... She killed my family.” you choke out, your voice strained with grief as you struggle to contain a sob. Immediately his hand finds your cheek, fingers against cold skin. They are soft. Grounding.

“I’m sorry,” he murmurs softly.

You feel the gentle drag of his thumb just below your eye. It’s only then your blurred vision from the welling of tears, cheeks stained with the desolation and hurt that begins to settle within you. It hits you, gradually, but the pain is turning unbearable. It’s the physical pain searing through your back and the emotional hurt from everything that’s happened.

All you wanted was for this to end.

And now, when it is, where does it leave you?

Theseus’ careful touch remains on your cheek, his other hand firm against your shoulder. He can see the way your mind begins to spiral. 

He says your name. You finally bring your eyes to meet his.

Furrowed brows, charming eyes, cheeks tinged with a little colour of red, vaguely tousled hair.

A small smile plays on his lips.

“We should get out of here, don’t you think?”

–

2 MONTHS LATER

My dearest,

I hope this letter finds you in consolation and comfort, though I must admit that my own heart is heavy with the weight of the news I bear of the fate of your brother.

Contrary to our belief, your brother did not meet his end on the battlefield, as we were led to believe. Instead, he orchestrated his demise when he sought information on your mother and The Gardenia Society. Through our research and Miriam’s testimony, we gathered that your brother was intentionally recruited into the Restoration Movement and allied with Morrigan. He had every intention to seek Miriam and avenge your mother’s death. He was part of the operation until Miriam sensed his true plan and decided to eliminate him. No matter the situation, Miriam would’ve killed him in the end, but she intended to use him to get to you first. This was when her plan started to fall apart.

This is all we know thus far. I shall keep looking for more. Your brother was a brave soul. He saved your life.

With that said, I hope this brings you some peace. 

You must know you have been a constant in my mind these past few months. Though I understand your need to be alone at this time, nothing can ever describe the unthinkable things you have been through.

But perhaps, if you wish so, we could meet at St Mary’s Gardens in Woolwich. I hear it’s near your current home. I’ll be there on Sunday at 10 in the morning, should you choose to join me. It’ll be good to see your face once more.

Yours,Theseus

You’ve read this letter a hundred times since a certain familiar owl dropped it on your windowsill, just like the other times it had done so. Letters from Theseus were merely part of your days for the past two months, your desk in your bedroom filled with parchments of handwritten letters, signed by the very man that saved your life and sought to protect you.

Despite this, you never once gave a reply to any of his letters. Truth be told, you had been avoiding Theseus, a subconscious decision to try and distance yourself from everything related to magic. You never wanted to push him away, but you didn’t know how to separate yourself from the events with The Restoration Movement and Miriam without being in his presence. Theseus reminded you of all you’ve lost, though you seem to have forgotten the one thing you’ve gained.

You never saw him when Miriam was put on trial. When the ministry convinced you to step in as a witness, to give your testimony. In return, a deal was made—you get to keep your memories but sworn to secrecy. You somehow suspected that Theseus is the very reason the Ministry is so willing to work with you.

But it was overwhelming. Especially at the start. To talk about everything.

You pushed him away but It didn’t stop Theseus from writing to you. Update after update. He understands your grief better than you would expect. 

Theseus never gave up on you. And for a moment, you wonder why you ever gave up on him.

A gust of wind whips through the deck of the Woolwich Ferry, tugging at the letter from your fingers. For a moment, it seemed like it would slip from your grasp, lost to the currents of the River Thames. Your heart leaps as you tighten your grip, fingers curling around the paper as if it were the only thing anchoring you to reality.

You clung to every word like it was a lifeline. His words were the first thing you reached for in the morning, the reassuring touch that helped you muster the strength to face another day alone. 

Though certain words made your heart thrum a little faster than usual.

You must know you have been a constant in my mind these past few months.

You know how you feel about Theseus, but now, it’s clear as day.

Perhaps you don’t have to be alone anymore.

The ferry comes to a halt by Woolwich Pier, and your hands start getting clammy. From your position trailing behind a line of people as you step off the ferry, you can spot the gardens, a small gathering of trees amid the urban landscape.

However, you’re distracted, your mind lingering on the words that filled Theseus's letter.

It’ll be good to see your face once more.

The passing scenery catches you off guard and grounds you back to reality when you realise you’re already at the entrance of St Mary’s Gardens. Towering trees with arched branches and leaves rustling in the gentle breeze that shines golden against the morning sunlight. The trees cast shadows on the ground, dancing along the lush yet overgrown grass. 

And there, you see Theseus.

He seems anxious, movements betraying a nervous energy that mirrored your own. One moment, he’s seated; the next, he’s standing; and another, he’s pacing as if unable to settle into one spot for more than a moment.

You watch him for a moment, somehow unable to move. 

God, you miss him.

Then, as if he had sensed your presence, he’s turning around only to meet your gaze. In an instant, a wave of relief washes over his face, melting away the tension that had gripped him moments before. His expression softens at the mere sight of you. His expression splits into a smile that lights up his entire face.

Theseus says your name, and you feel the sudden warmth that floods your chest.

“Theseus.”

He carefully ambles to you, halting just about a foot away.

“You look …”

Tired, distraught, awful—

“Beautiful.”

Your heart picks up speed and pulls a bashful smile from you. You can’t even look at him without going red.

“Thank you. You look …”

Handsome, charming, the most beautiful man you’ve ever encountered.

“—well too. At least from the last time I saw you.”

The two of you were at St Mungo’s. Theseus had his arm around your waist, bearing the weight of your weakened frame as you stumbled, the sudden nausea overwhelming you after apparating to the hospital. In the reception area, you doubled over and vomited.

Just like old times.

Then, you were separated ever since.

Theseus mirrors your smile, similarly coy.

“I was beginning to think you were ignoring me for good.”

Your heart breaks a little at his words. “Look, Theseus. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to. I was just …” you trail off, unable to finish your words. You feel guilty.

“No, it’s—you don’t have to apologise. You needed space, I understand that.” Theseus says with an edge of anxiety. As if one wrong word, you’ll go running. He purses his lips and tucks his hands into his pockets.

“I was just worried about you, that’s all.”

Your heart stutters. Theseus has always been so caring that it’s almost overwhelming.

He senses a shift in the air. He knows to be careful and patient. You need time. And he’s willing to wait as long as you want him to.

“If you would like, we could meet again. Same place, same time?”

“I would like that a lot, Theseus.”

–

Your Sundays were then days that truly felt brighter. Theseus works through the week at odd hours, yet ensures to keep his weekends free. Every Sunday, he’s there at St Mary’s Gardens, to give you an update on the investigation.

You find out how your mother passed in America at the hands of Miriam and how your brother may have been a seer, though unproven. It was the only explanation as to how he predicted you would even meet Theseus.

You buried your family. Three empty caskets.

Those times were the hardest. The realisation that secrets had been kept from you left you feeling helpless. Yet, through it all, Theseus stood by your side.

Weeks drift by, the case closes and Miriam and her followers are put behind bars. Still, Theseus ends with the same words:

“Same place, same time?”

So, Sundays turned into Fridays. Then, Wednesdays and Mondays—Theseus always found a way to weave you into his life, despite the hectic life of being an Auror. With his career on the rise from his hard work with your case, it’s hard for him to make time, but he makes it a point to see you, to hear your voice, to check up on you ever so often.

Theseus carries a certain air of enthusiasm when he’s with you. It’s carefully placed, disguised behind his calm demeanour, but you hope he knows how much you share that same enthusiasm whenever you see him. Whether it’s traversing through Hyde Park or sharing meals, these little times tend to be the highlights of your week. It revolves all around him.

Your love for Theseus doesn’t come careening in like an arrow pieced to your heart or a shock to the discernment of your feelings for him.

It’s gradual. And it grows larger and larger with every passing day. With every passing second.

And here you are, leaning against the railing that overlooks the River Thames, brushing shoulders with Theseus as you finish your ice cream. The river glimmers under the setting sun, and a gentle warm breeze sweeps through as the two of you watch Tower Bridge light up in comfortable silence.

“I saw Mr. Shacklebolt the other day,” you chirp suddenly, gaze trailing the ducks by the shore. The skies begin to turn dark as the crowds diminish, but you feel safe. Especially with Theseus.

Theseus turns to you with a curious furrow of his brows. “Who?”

You hum. It’s soft and contemplative and it causes a small smile to creep on your lips. “My old employer. He fired me months back. Before, you know, everything that happened –”

You catch your slipping and immediately halt your sentence, back to munching on your almost-gone ice cream cone.

Before I met you.

He recognises the implication and the sudden shift of your expression. It’s so vague, but he sees it. He always does.

Theseus takes a pause and decides to not address it.

“Really? So, did you clock him in the jaw?” There’s a hint of mischief in his tone and it causes you to laugh. Theseus’ eyes crinkle at the sight.

“I would have. He was right across the street. But, I decided not to. Not because he was with his children and I didn’t want them to see their father get knocked out by a lady –”

It’s Theseus’ turn to laugh. Your face splits into a grin as you continue. “I realised I wouldn’t be where I am today if he hadn’t fired me that day.”

A beat. You’re mustering up some sort of courage to make your care for Theseus known. To put it under the spotlight for everyone to see. From the corner of your eye, you can see him staring at you, taking you in, clinging to every word you say.

“And I wouldn’t have met you.” 

You huff, feeling incredibly restless as you turn to face him.

“Theseus, I don’t think I ever thanked you for everything you’ve done for me. You saved my life, and you never gave up on me. I thank you for that.”

He goes quiet in an almost bashful manner now tucked into the pockets of his slacks as he replies, “I try my best … or are you just saying that because I bought you ice cream?”

“Oh piss off!” you snap back at his tease with ardent humour, jabbing him in his shoulder with your finger.

You watch him squirm away with a casual laugh, beaming at you like you’re the sun. At this moment you decide you’re not waiting anymore. God, you don’t even know why you waited this long.

Theseus falls silent, his gaze still fixed on you with a curious beam that ignites a sudden surge of courage within you—courage you never knew you had.

In an instant, you’re surging to him, closing the distance between you where your lips meet his. It’s clumsy, graceless and so quick that it’s almost dreamlike in its brevity. You’re looking at him with wide eyes as if you couldn’t believe what you had just done.

You kissed him.

And Theseus looks like he’s about to explode.

"It seems that you just beat me to it," he breathes, his own lips tingling with the burning imprint of yours.

His words elicit an airy laugh from you, and as you mirror his grin, Theseus feels his heart skip a beat at the sight. Of all the times he’d known you, he had never seen you this light, this warm, this … happy.

He can’t explain it, but an impulse drives to reach for your hand, fingers tangled in your own as he brings his other to the curve of your cheek, warm to the touch. Vacant from tears, but lined with crinkles of laughter and smiles.

He feels the same way when with you.

At that moment, Theseus leans in to press his lips to yours once more. It’s different from before—more gentle, honest, and grounding.

It’s beautiful.

You’ve lived your life full of discrepancies and contradictions, but Theseus is the one thing you were so certain about. It’s a final profound sense of clarity.

Entwined with his fingers, there’s a sense of contentment that settles within you. As if the happiness you always sought has finally found its way into your life.

TAGLIST: (i really hope i got this right ;-;)

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[nincompoopydoo]

CAUGHT IN A CROSSFIRE

ALL THINGS MUST END — ; PART 10 / 10

PAIRING: Theseus Scamander x Female!Reader WORD COUNT: 4.7k SUMMARY: You and Theseus awaken in a place that feels all too familiar, uncovering that the truth behind Miriam’s intentions lies within the act of revenge itself. This is a tale of betrayal, love, and hatred, but it's also the story of how you learn to love again. A/N: This is it! I’m so so nervous for yall to read this, but I hope you like it!! I want to take a moment to thank everyone who has been here either from day one or at any time you found this series– thanks for sticking around. WARNINGS: Swearing. Angst. Injuries. Mentions of hurt. Mentions of being burnt (it’s not detailed), Mentions of death. Theseus being a simp (HAHA). No beta as always we die like men. MASTERLIST ; MASTERPOST

Augustus Warden was a tyrant, characterised by his uncaring, manipulative, and violent nature towards anyone who dared to oppose him. He held a firm belief in eradicating magic, viewing it as inherently evil, and saw himself as a saviour destined to rid the world of it. 

Augustus Warden was also Miriam’s father. 

Well, he could hardly call himself a father. He was never one to her. And was never a husband to her mother. 

Augustus became obsessed with the perception of a saviour complex. It drove Miriam’s mother away, leaving her to deal with her father’s aggression and temper. Yet, Augustus's influence within the scourers' community grew, and The Gardenia Society landed itself in the thick of the chaos.

Again. Being hunted.

When your brother began showing signs of magic, your mother feared for his life. She had known about a distant ancestor with magical abilities for quite some time, though she hadn’t expected it to resurface in her only son.

Your brother was born at the wrong place and at the wrong time.

Your mother sought the help of Miriam, her closest friend. Almost a sister to her. She trusted her with her life. Nobody knew about your brother’s abilities besides your family and Miriam. It was a well-kept secret for the society's and your family's safety.

So, when word got out about your brother, your mother knew who had leaked the secret. Or so she thought.

The inhumane arrest of a boy. To be burned at the stake. Those were the words of the people. Just like their ancestors did. Hence, your mother decided to retaliate that betrayal of trust with Miriam for turning against her and her family. Miriam was then accused of being a witch and is the sole reason behind everything that happened to your brother.

She knew her father was insane but never knew he would ever go this far.

Her father. He showed no mercy.

“You dirty witch.”

Those were the words of the people, it rang against her ears.

Miriam remembers the fear etched in her throat. How her heart was beating out of her chest as she screamed, pleading to Augustus that this was all on pretence.

Yet, it seems that Augustus had been searching for a way to get rid of Miriam and finally found the opportunity.

A ball of flame in the darkness lit on a matchstick.

Augustus Warden stands tall and looming as he creeps from the shadows. He holds the little match with a grim twist to the edge of his lips. No sign of remorse. No sign of guilt.

“You did this to him … So long, witch.”

He tosses the matchstick.

Flames engulf Miriam.

Your family fled from the village with the help of The Gardenia Society and several Aurors, landing yourselves in the heart of London where the Warden would never find your brother. Since then, you had your memories erased.

But nothing ever stays permanent. And nothing ever truly dies.

–

Darkness.

Theseus struggles to grasp reality, feeling his presence as the memories from moments ago flood in.

He remembers … you. On the ground. Bleeding.

Immediately, he’s wide awake.

His surroundings are a blur, in the process of recollecting his thoughts when all that fills his head is you. Theseus then realises he’s seated; it’s cold, solid against his back and causes his slumped figure to lay straight on its surface.

A pungent smell suddenly fills his senses. Gasoline. He smells gasoline.

Merlin’s beard—

As he regains his sight, he recognises the room he is in. It’s circular, lined with seats to portray an amphitheatre. It’s a courtroom, though its structure tells a different story. Frescos held by its walls were heavily worn with time, abandoned, and unseen. This may be a ministry courtroom, but no longer operational.

The courtroom is filled with members of The Restoration Movement, all eyes on him. Among them, Morrigan and Mulberry stand sentinel, their scrutiny unyielding.

This is also when Theseus realises he is missing his wand.

Why on earth would Miriam bring him back to the ministry?

Before he could even begin to question it, Theseus spots you lying unconscious on the floor before him, in a pool of liquid. You’re drenched in gasoline too, he’s sure of it. It sends a sudden surge of shock to his heart, and there’s an immediate sense of urgency in how he moves to you, yet he stays unmoving in his seat.

Theseus glances at his arms and notices they have been bound with chains attached to the seat’s armrest. Eyes now wide, they return to your unmoving figure on the ground and all he thinks is to pull and pull and pull. Still, he can only watch you from a distance.

“Look at you. Helpless. Desperate. Seems like she changed you for the worse, Theseus.”

Miriam appears before him, you lay at her feet, tone laced with sarcasm as it booms through the courtroom. Strong and relinquished. Her expression wild, flashing with anger, hurt, and betrayal—hardened without an ounce of fragility and mercy in sight.

“Why are you doing this?”

There’s a tone of desperation tinged in his voice and it shakes him to his core. Theseus has been afraid plenty of times—during his training, the war. He has seen unspeakable things, but never has he been in the position of seeing someone he cares so tortured and bruised.

It clicks in his head. The ministry is the last place anyone would find them. Miriam is no fool.

Theseus heaves a silent prayer, hoping that despite the impossibilities of the day's events, both of you would make it out alive.

His gaze returns to you, catching a glimmer in your eye. You’re awake. Barely, but you are.  Your body remains frozen, yet your eyes convey a silent assurance, hidden from Miriam's sharp scrutiny. It's a subtle promise that you'll endure. That you’ll be fine.

Miriam’s smile widens as her expression morphs into a cynical, surprised look, mocking his question.

“I laid out all the clues, and you still haven't figured it out? Perhaps you weren't as intelligent as I thought.”

Despite the gravity of the moment, Theseus restrains the impulse to roll his eyes. Of course, he quickly discerned the laid-out clues: the open door, the photograph, and the brooch. Yet, certain questions remain unanswered—how did his brother become privy to Miriam's existence, and how did he predict Theseus's unravelling of the hidden messages in the letters?

Perhaps, Miriam doesn’t know why either.

“All I want is to destroy her. The Gardenia Society. Everything her mother ever loved.”

Miriam speaks in a manner of delusional confidence. A false sense of belief that her actions are deemed righteous. That whatever she intends to do is all for justice.

And it all ties back to your mother and the Gardenia Society.

Theseus watches the way her eye twitches, a flicker of sheer annoyance.

Something feels wrong. Or missing?

“Yet, you, dear Theseus. You always had a habit of sticking your nose where it doesn't belong, and now I have no choice but to take you with her,” Miriam declares, her tone laced with frustration.

Theseus merely scoffs. It sends Miriam boiling.

"You’re a hypocrite, Miriam. You revelled in meddling in everyone's lives, in my family's lives. Tell me, Miriam, did you truly believe we wanted you around?"

“Shut up –”

“We only did because we felt bad for you. After your husband passed –”

“I DON'T NEED YOUR FUCKING PITY.”

Her voice tears through the room, booming against its very walls. Miriam's eyes blaze with fury as she strides toward Theseus, and in an instant, her hand connects with his cheek in a resounding slap that leaves it stinging.

Unbeknownst to anyone but Theseus, you are wide awake, silently observing his calculated provocations aimed at pushing Miriam to her limits. With each jab, you understand his strategy, sensing the gears turning in his mind as he buys time. Knowing Theseus, he probably had a plan in motion before he came for you.

Through her distractions, you take it as an opportunity to survey your surroundings,  noting the dilapidated state of the room. Amidst the debris, a broken piece of wood catches your eye—it looks like a post that came apart from a railing. Its edges are sharpened after being torn apart. Something you could weaponise if you needed to.

Immediately you exchange a fleeting glance with Theseus. He’s looking right at you, though almost unnoticeable. You aren’t sure how you could tell, but there’s a silent understanding that develops between the of you.

Something is about to happen.

Just then, a sudden thud echoes from beyond the courtroom. It comes from the room’s entrance.

Miriam's attention snaps toward the sound, prompting you to feign unconsciousness once more. As she directs one of the men to investigate, the pieces fall into place.

Theseus just hopes the plan is set in motion.

He takes a deep breath before fixing Miriam with a steely gaze “You know, Miriam. Something doesn’t quite add up.”

Miriam's jaw clenches in response. “And what is that?” she retorts, her tone edged with defiance.

“The fact that I’m the one who’s in this chair, instead of her … This isn’t just about revenge on her mother isn’t it?”

He sees it. Only a flicker. Her facade slips ever so slightly. 

“I’m not stupid, Miriam.”

A beat. The air thickens.

Theseus watches intently as she takes his words in. Then, she steps back, creating distance from him once more. As if she’s almost afraid he’ll be able to detect any sort of falter or weakness in her.

Her once furious eyes are now almost solemn.

“Oleander was … ambitious, hard-headed, and strong-willed man.” Miriam begins, her gaze distant. “Despite all his faults, I loved him. He promised me an escape from my father's tyranny, a chance for us to be together at last.”

Her eyes flicker towards you, still prone on the ground, and a tumult of emotions washes over her face—a mixture of anger and hurt.

“Then, her mother accused me of betraying the very secret that shielded her brother," Miriam continues, her voice tinged with bitterness. "I became a pawn in their game, a scapegoat to be sacrificed. Oleander vanished, leaving me to face the consequences alone.”

So, it’s all for love. Or more for the betrayal she felt. 

"I discovered years later that it was he who leaked the secret. Turns out he was an Auror, undercover. He seduced the daughter of a Scourer to infiltrate my wretched father's inner circle. When everything went awry, he led the operation to save the members of The Gardenia Society," Miriam pauses, regaining composure as she continues, "But not me."

Then, Miriam turns to him once more.

"You remind me of him, Theseus. A little too much. All you seek is justice, yet you have no qualms about destroying lives in your path. You deem some unworthy and strike them down, all in the name of righteousness. Just like him. I will not stand by and let history repeat itself."

Fishing something from the pocket of her coat, Theseus discerns its shape in the dim light—a matchbox.

But, Theseus isn’t afraid. Not anymore.

It instead conjures a smile from him—all in rebellious smite.

“You won’t kill me.”

His tone is mocking. It elicits a frown from Miriam.

“What makes you think I won’t end you like the rest? I’ve killed muggles. I've killed her entire family without hesitation. I’m not afraid.”

“But you won’t kill me. Well, you can’t kill me,” Theseus counters with confidence as he clocks movement in the background.

“What?”

“All things must end, Miriam.”

Just then, a sudden flash of blue streaks across the courtroom and hits Morrigan in the shoulder. She collapses at impact.

Immediately, chaos erupts in the courtroom. Aurors flood the room, emerging from every corner of the amphitheatre as the surprise attack begins. Flashes of blinding blue, green and red bolt across the expanse as the attack began.

Theseus sees Travers in the crossfire, Mulberry collapsed on the ground at his feet. His expression is solemn, it’s a reflection after knowing the truth, but also a silent recognition and gratitude to Theseus that if he did not make it in time, this whole place would be in flames.  It was risky if anything were to happen to him, but thankfully, his Patronus found Travers and knew of his current location. It was the right call.

Through the impossibilities of today, a miracle did happen.

Miriam’s face splits into pure horror and she loses her concentration amidst the onslaught. Before she can react, you spring into action, wielding the broken piece of wood you had your eye on with fierce determination. Instantly, you strike Miriam on the head with a forceful blow that immediately sends her to the ground, rendering her unconscious.

Miraculously, the binds that held him to the chair disappear, finally able to get to you.

Well, that certainly works.

Breathless and weary, you stand on the edge of exhaustion, your body protesting with every step as you find yourself teetering on the brink of collapse. Despite your efforts to remain upright, your knees finally give out, sending you to the ground. With palms outstretched, you strain against the weight of fatigue, muscling all your strength to keep yourself from falling.

You then feel him. His grip finds the curve of your shoulder and your arm, supporting the weight of your own. It's warm, gentle, desperate yet assuring.

Theseus stares down at you with panic in his eyes. 

“Are you alright?” 

The words hang in the air as you grapple with the question. 

Are you really alright?

“... She killed my family.” you choke out, your voice strained with grief as you struggle to contain a sob. Immediately his hand finds your cheek, fingers against cold skin. They are soft. Grounding.

“I’m sorry,” he murmurs softly.

You feel the gentle drag of his thumb just below your eye. It’s only then your blurred vision from the welling of tears, cheeks stained with the desolation and hurt that begins to settle within you. It hits you, gradually, but the pain is turning unbearable. It’s the physical pain searing through your back and the emotional hurt from everything that’s happened.

All you wanted was for this to end.

And now, when it is, where does it leave you?

Theseus’ careful touch remains on your cheek, his other hand firm against your shoulder. He can see the way your mind begins to spiral. 

He says your name. You finally bring your eyes to meet his.

Furrowed brows, charming eyes, cheeks tinged with a little colour of red, vaguely tousled hair.

A small smile plays on his lips.

“We should get out of here, don’t you think?”

–

2 MONTHS LATER

My dearest,

I hope this letter finds you in consolation and comfort, though I must admit that my own heart is heavy with the weight of the news I bear of the fate of your brother.

Contrary to our belief, your brother did not meet his end on the battlefield, as we were led to believe. Instead, he orchestrated his demise when he sought information on your mother and The Gardenia Society. Through our research and Miriam’s testimony, we gathered that your brother was intentionally recruited into the Restoration Movement and allied with Morrigan. He had every intention to seek Miriam and avenge your mother’s death. He was part of the operation until Miriam sensed his true plan and decided to eliminate him. No matter the situation, Miriam would’ve killed him in the end, but she intended to use him to get to you first. This was when her plan started to fall apart.

This is all we know thus far. I shall keep looking for more. Your brother was a brave soul. He saved your life.

With that said, I hope this brings you some peace. 

You must know you have been a constant in my mind these past few months. Though I understand your need to be alone at this time, nothing can ever describe the unthinkable things you have been through.

But perhaps, if you wish so, we could meet at St Mary’s Gardens in Woolwich. I hear it’s near your current home. I’ll be there on Sunday at 10 in the morning, should you choose to join me. It’ll be good to see your face once more.

Yours,Theseus

You’ve read this letter a hundred times since a certain familiar owl dropped it on your windowsill, just like the other times it had done so. Letters from Theseus were merely part of your days for the past two months, your desk in your bedroom filled with parchments of handwritten letters, signed by the very man that saved your life and sought to protect you.

Despite this, you never once gave a reply to any of his letters. Truth be told, you had been avoiding Theseus, a subconscious decision to try and distance yourself from everything related to magic. You never wanted to push him away, but you didn’t know how to separate yourself from the events with The Restoration Movement and Miriam without being in his presence. Theseus reminded you of all you’ve lost, though you seem to have forgotten the one thing you’ve gained.

You never saw him when Miriam was put on trial. When the ministry convinced you to step in as a witness, to give your testimony. In return, a deal was made—you get to keep your memories but sworn to secrecy. You somehow suspected that Theseus is the very reason the Ministry is so willing to work with you.

But it was overwhelming. Especially at the start. To talk about everything.

You pushed him away but It didn’t stop Theseus from writing to you. Update after update. He understands your grief better than you would expect. 

Theseus never gave up on you. And for a moment, you wonder why you ever gave up on him.

A gust of wind whips through the deck of the Woolwich Ferry, tugging at the letter from your fingers. For a moment, it seemed like it would slip from your grasp, lost to the currents of the River Thames. Your heart leaps as you tighten your grip, fingers curling around the paper as if it were the only thing anchoring you to reality.

You clung to every word like it was a lifeline. His words were the first thing you reached for in the morning, the reassuring touch that helped you muster the strength to face another day alone. 

Though certain words made your heart thrum a little faster than usual.

You must know you have been a constant in my mind these past few months.

You know how you feel about Theseus, but now, it’s clear as day.

Perhaps you don’t have to be alone anymore.

The ferry comes to a halt by Woolwich Pier, and your hands start getting clammy. From your position trailing behind a line of people as you step off the ferry, you can spot the gardens, a small gathering of trees amid the urban landscape.

However, you’re distracted, your mind lingering on the words that filled Theseus's letter.

It’ll be good to see your face once more.

The passing scenery catches you off guard and grounds you back to reality when you realise you’re already at the entrance of St Mary’s Gardens. Towering trees with arched branches and leaves rustling in the gentle breeze that shines golden against the morning sunlight. The trees cast shadows on the ground, dancing along the lush yet overgrown grass. 

And there, you see Theseus.

He seems anxious, movements betraying a nervous energy that mirrored your own. One moment, he’s seated; the next, he’s standing; and another, he’s pacing as if unable to settle into one spot for more than a moment.

You watch him for a moment, somehow unable to move. 

God, you miss him.

Then, as if he had sensed your presence, he’s turning around only to meet your gaze. In an instant, a wave of relief washes over his face, melting away the tension that had gripped him moments before. His expression softens at the mere sight of you. His expression splits into a smile that lights up his entire face.

Theseus says your name, and you feel the sudden warmth that floods your chest.

“Theseus.”

He carefully ambles to you, halting just about a foot away.

“You look …”

Tired, distraught, awful—

“Beautiful.”

Your heart picks up speed and pulls a bashful smile from you. You can’t even look at him without going red.

“Thank you. You look …”

Handsome, charming, the most beautiful man you’ve ever encountered.

“—well too. At least from the last time I saw you.”

The two of you were at St Mungo’s. Theseus had his arm around your waist, bearing the weight of your weakened frame as you stumbled, the sudden nausea overwhelming you after apparating to the hospital. In the reception area, you doubled over and vomited.

Just like old times.

Then, you were separated ever since.

Theseus mirrors your smile, similarly coy.

“I was beginning to think you were ignoring me for good.”

Your heart breaks a little at his words. “Look, Theseus. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to. I was just …” you trail off, unable to finish your words. You feel guilty.

“No, it’s—you don’t have to apologise. You needed space, I understand that.” Theseus says with an edge of anxiety. As if one wrong word, you’ll go running. He purses his lips and tucks his hands into his pockets.

“I was just worried about you, that’s all.”

Your heart stutters. Theseus has always been so caring that it’s almost overwhelming.

He senses a shift in the air. He knows to be careful and patient. You need time. And he’s willing to wait as long as you want him to.

“If you would like, we could meet again. Same place, same time?”

“I would like that a lot, Theseus.”

–

Your Sundays were then days that truly felt brighter. Theseus works through the week at odd hours, yet ensures to keep his weekends free. Every Sunday, he’s there at St Mary’s Gardens, to give you an update on the investigation.

You find out how your mother passed in America at the hands of Miriam and how your brother may have been a seer, though unproven. It was the only explanation as to how he predicted you would even meet Theseus.

You buried your family. Three empty caskets.

Those times were the hardest. The realisation that secrets had been kept from you left you feeling helpless. Yet, through it all, Theseus stood by your side.

Weeks drift by, the case closes and Miriam and her followers are put behind bars. Still, Theseus ends with the same words:

“Same place, same time?”

So, Sundays turned into Fridays. Then, Wednesdays and Mondays—Theseus always found a way to weave you into his life, despite the hectic life of being an Auror. With his career on the rise from his hard work with your case, it’s hard for him to make time, but he makes it a point to see you, to hear your voice, to check up on you ever so often.

Theseus carries a certain air of enthusiasm when he’s with you. It’s carefully placed, disguised behind his calm demeanour, but you hope he knows how much you share that same enthusiasm whenever you see him. Whether it’s traversing through Hyde Park or sharing meals, these little times tend to be the highlights of your week. It revolves all around him.

Your love for Theseus doesn’t come careening in like an arrow pieced to your heart or a shock to the discernment of your feelings for him.

It’s gradual. And it grows larger and larger with every passing day. With every passing second.

And here you are, leaning against the railing that overlooks the River Thames, brushing shoulders with Theseus as you finish your ice cream. The river glimmers under the setting sun, and a gentle warm breeze sweeps through as the two of you watch Tower Bridge light up in comfortable silence.

“I saw Mr. Shacklebolt the other day,” you chirp suddenly, gaze trailing the ducks by the shore. The skies begin to turn dark as the crowds diminish, but you feel safe. Especially with Theseus.

Theseus turns to you with a curious furrow of his brows. “Who?”

You hum. It’s soft and contemplative and it causes a small smile to creep on your lips. “My old employer. He fired me months back. Before, you know, everything that happened –”

You catch your slipping and immediately halt your sentence, back to munching on your almost-gone ice cream cone.

Before I met you.

He recognises the implication and the sudden shift of your expression. It’s so vague, but he sees it. He always does.

Theseus takes a pause and decides to not address it.

“Really? So, did you clock him in the jaw?” There’s a hint of mischief in his tone and it causes you to laugh. Theseus’ eyes crinkle at the sight.

“I would have. He was right across the street. But, I decided not to. Not because he was with his children and I didn’t want them to see their father get knocked out by a lady –”

It’s Theseus’ turn to laugh. Your face splits into a grin as you continue. “I realised I wouldn’t be where I am today if he hadn’t fired me that day.”

A beat. You’re mustering up some sort of courage to make your care for Theseus known. To put it under the spotlight for everyone to see. From the corner of your eye, you can see him staring at you, taking you in, clinging to every word you say.

“And I wouldn’t have met you.” 

You huff, feeling incredibly restless as you turn to face him.

“Theseus, I don’t think I ever thanked you for everything you’ve done for me. You saved my life, and you never gave up on me. I thank you for that.”

He goes quiet in an almost bashful manner now tucked into the pockets of his slacks as he replies, “I try my best … or are you just saying that because I bought you ice cream?”

“Oh piss off!” you snap back at his tease with ardent humour, jabbing him in his shoulder with your finger.

You watch him squirm away with a casual laugh, beaming at you like you’re the sun. At this moment you decide you’re not waiting anymore. God, you don’t even know why you waited this long.

Theseus falls silent, his gaze still fixed on you with a curious beam that ignites a sudden surge of courage within you—courage you never knew you had.

In an instant, you’re surging to him, closing the distance between you where your lips meet his. It’s clumsy, graceless and so quick that it’s almost dreamlike in its brevity. You’re looking at him with wide eyes as if you couldn’t believe what you had just done.

You kissed him.

And Theseus looks like he’s about to explode.

"It seems that you just beat me to it," he breathes, his own lips tingling with the burning imprint of yours.

His words elicit an airy laugh from you, and as you mirror his grin, Theseus feels his heart skip a beat at the sight. Of all the times he’d known you, he had never seen you this light, this warm, this … happy.

He can’t explain it, but an impulse drives to reach for your hand, fingers tangled in your own as he brings his other to the curve of your cheek, warm to the touch. Vacant from tears, but lined with crinkles of laughter and smiles.

He feels the same way when with you.

At that moment, Theseus leans in to press his lips to yours once more. It’s different from before—more gentle, honest, and grounding.

It’s beautiful.

You’ve lived your life full of discrepancies and contradictions, but Theseus is the one thing you were so certain about. It’s a final profound sense of clarity.

Entwined with his fingers, there’s a sense of contentment that settles within you. As if the happiness you always sought has finally found its way into your life.

TAGLIST: (i really hope i got this right ;-;)

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[nincompoopydoo]

ten frames.

monkey man (2024) — dir. dev patel

[nincompoopydoo]

Hey everyone! Just wanted to post a little something for what's to come for the final chapter of CAUGHT IN A CROSSFIRE (coming real soon!):

The passing scenery catches you off guard and grounds you back to reality when you realise you’re already at the entrance of St Mary’s Gardens. Towering trees with arched branches and leaves rustling in the gentle breeze that shines golden against the morning sunlight. The trees cast shadows on the ground, dancing along the lush yet overgrown grass. It’s peaceful amid the noise of the city.

And there, you see Theseus.

He seems anxious, movements betraying a nervous energy that mirror your own. One moment, he’s seated; the next, he’s standing; and another, he’s pacing as if unable to settle into one spot for more than a moment.

You watch him for a while, somehow unable to move. 

God, you miss him.

Then, as if he had sensed your presence, he’s turning around only to meet your gaze. In an instant, a wave of relief washes over his face, melting away the tension that had gripped him moments before. His expression softens at the mere sight of you. His expression splits into a smile that lights up his entire face.

Theseus says your name, and you feel the sudden warmth that floods your chest.

[nincompoopydoo]

DEV PATEL as THE KID

Monkey Man (2024) dir. Dev Patel

[nincompoopydoo]

long-haired bearded steve appreciation (✧◡✧)

[nincompoopydoo]

CAUGHT IN A CROSSFIRE UPDATE!

hi everyone! coming on here to let y'all know that the final chapter is going to be released later than i expected it to be as im a little busy atm! rest assured, im aiming to release it by mid april but i'll try my best to release it earlier.

thank you everyone for the love and support, especially for the latest chapter, i'm trulyyy grateful!

[nincompoopydoo]

CAUGHT IN A CROSSFIRE

THE GARDENIA SOCIETY — ; PART 9 / 10

PAIRING: Theseus Scamander x Female!Reader WORD COUNT: 3.6k SUMMARY: As Theseus enters Mrs Monet’s apartment, he learns the truth and The Gardenia Society. Meanwhile, you’re on the run from someone who seems to be Theseus, but you quickly learn that nothing in this world is ever what it seems. A/N: Second last chapter let’s goooo! Thank you to everyone for being so patient and I hope you enjoy this as we reach the finale of this series! gif credited to @maanemand from this gifset WARNINGS: Swearing. Angst. Injuries. Mentions of hurt. Being chased (if it scares you as much as it scares me). no beta we die like men. MASTERLIST ; MASTERPOST

All you hear are your heavy breaths – cold and dry with every inhale. It sends needles to your heaving throat as you gasp for as much air as possible. The damp air clung to your skin, and every footfall against the cobblestones amplified the growing unease that gnawed at your gut. You’re in a full-out sprint, weaving through the winding alleys, somewhere in the city you cannot recognise at the moment because your sight is almost blurry in the dimness of the night – relying on pure instinct.

In relentless pursuit is Theseus, who bores down your every step. He shouts your name, and it reverberates against the aged brick walls, and it's like thunder in your ears, articulated with such a deep sense of anger and frustration that you are sure it’s not the Theseus you knew. It makes your skin crawl.

You hear his footsteps growing louder, and through all the adrenaline, you feel the tears begin to seep from your eyes, etched in fear. As you sprint through this treacherous maze, your breaths become heavier and desperate as your lungs scream, and fatigue grips your feet. 

You don’t know who is chasing you anymore, wondering if he can fathom the fear you’re feeling at this moment.

The alley breaks into a junction, and as you stumble around the corner, you catch a glimpse of him, expression blinded with anger – it propels you forward, muttering a flurry of curses to yourself. Just then, you hear him cry an unknown word when a flash of blue passes you by an inch. You yelp, head ducking instinctively, palms pressed to the sides of your face as your feet stumble momentarily. 

Magic.

He’s using magic against you.

The panic grips your throat like a vice, constricting the air you desperately need, and it is so heavy it leaves you breathless.

You tell yourself you need a plan, but the problem is you have no idea where you are.

You need time … to assess. Everything has been moving too fast.

Taking another turn, nearly skidding as you run, your heart lurches when you see a set of steps, narrowly nestled between the back of two homes, almost camouflaged through the obscured overgrown plants that hung at its entrance. You muster the courage to glance behind to only see emptiness – he isn’t there, but you know he’s close.

Your steps stutter to a halt, weaving through vines that adorn the rustic gate that leads to someone’s unpolished and unkept back garden. You burst through the plants as quickly and cautiously as possible, diving behind a wall of nearly dead bushes. Instantly, you’re on the ground, knees tucked to your chest with your trembling palm pressed against your mouth as you willed yourself to stay quiet.

Footsteps – closer and closer. He can’t be more than a foot away now.

It feels as though your heart has been squeezed so tightly and is lodged at the back of your throat, ready to burst any moment. You feel your heart drumming, the rush of blood pounding in your ears.

You hear him huffing, catching his breath. His footsteps grow louder. You can only imagine his gaze darting around the area, scanning for any movement, any trace of you.

Then, you see him through the leaves that appear by the entrance. His eyes drift above your hiding spot, searching for anything that might indicate you’re here.

He calls for you. Quiet, merely a whisper. It sends a chill down your spine.

Silence.

You pray that you are hidden from his line of sight. The external sounds of the city dissipate, and the sounds of your body swell like a ringing in your ears. Everything feels too loud.

Don’t move.

A hand to your chest, you feel the rise and fall with each breath you take. You’re taken back to your childhood, when you used to run through the docks with your brother, hiding in dim corners of warehouses and alleyways like these, taking turns to seek each other out. If you focused hard enough, you could almost hear your brother’s laughter while calling out your name as you suppressed your laughter, hidden around the corner. You remember how it felt, the adrenaline coursing through your veins, your heart pounding and pounding in excitement.

You were children. Everything was a game for both of you.

But this isn’t a game, and your brother isn’t here.

Theseus heaves a heavy sigh, almost as if in an ultimate decision that you are too much trouble for tailing down the winding streets. He tucks his wand into his coat, and in utter perplexity, you strain a gasp as Theseus’ features contort and shift under the moonlight, morphing into the countenance of a stranger.

Your eyes widen, knowing that you had called his bluff moments ago. He shifts his hand to smoothen the frizz of his hair. This man, though unknown, still carries an air of familiarity that triggers an itch in your brain.

Then, it hits you.

Blinding flashes of green, red, and blue, and you think you’re about to die. A stranger, Theseus, grasped your shoulders with a profound assurance that you almost fooled yourself and that you’ll make it out alive.

There was Theseus … and two other men.

Prewett ...

Oh.

Mulberry.

You don’t remember much of him. He spoke to you once, introduced himself, and never saw him again.

This is when everything truly starts to click. He’s the mole in the Ministry.

With a shift of his feet, Mulberry swiftly turns and disappears. You hear his fading footsteps against the cobblestones, leaving you in an eventual deafening silence. A moment, seconds, or minutes pass. You don't know how long you’ve been here, too afraid to move.

With your hand still on your chest, you feel your heartbeat finally regulate to a natural rhythm.

Beating.

Beating

Beating

You huff, gasping for air. It’s as if you’ve been holding your breath all this time. The back of your head connects with the wall behind you, and you let the tension roll out from your shoulders. With both hands on your chest, you close your eyes, feeling the warmth of liquid seeping from your eyes – tears of relief.

For now.

Breathe, you tell yourself.

Begrudgingly, you find the courage to pick yourself up from the ground, leaves rustling, and emerge out into the narrow lane that courses through humble, nearly abandoned homes – wait, these aren’t homes. Duplicated structures that run for a mile with capsized windows and bricked Victorian chimneys. A heady blend of earthiness and warmth begins to fill your senses. It lingers in the air around you.

The tobacco warehouses. You must be on the docks.

You couldn’t help but huff in amusement that you drove yourself to the one place you spent much of your childhood in – the area now reeks of familiarity. Beyond the shadows of the warehouse, the Tower Bridge gleams in the distance as ships drift by.

For a moment, you feel like a kid again, wide-eyed, with gaps in your smile, like he’s beside you.

You wish he were here.

–

Mrs Monet was certainly a lady to behold, rake-thinned and frail with sharpened eyes – quick-witted with a passionate sense to pry into people’s lives. She was clever in ensuring she would somehow slither into your life, social circles, everything. One of those elderly women without anything better or much to do. 

To Theseus, Mrs Monet hovered like a great vulture on the Scamanders. The family friend that isn’t a friend, but you invite them every year for Christmas dinner. 

Mrs Monet was vile but was also kind and helpful – well, only when she wanted to.

To his mother, she was affectionately known as Miriam.

She was also Theseus’ landlady.

Despite the borderline criminal surveillance and obsession with the lives of everyone she could her clammy hands on, Mrs Monet was never harmless. She never had ill intentions.

Well, until now. If your brother’s findings are accurate.

Considering that the Ministry wants your brother for murder, Theseus remains partially sceptical of his words. Although, it’s profusely perplexing how a concealed letter, intended for you months before you even crossed paths with Theseus, holds information about an investigation shrouded in secrecy. It leaves him to wonder if details of the investigation were leaked before the mole and found its way into hidden correspondence. 

He has a theory, but he isn’t sure of the logic.

All he knows is that your brother sent you that letter, knowing you would somehow end up in this situation. 

It sends a chill up his spine.

His theory is also why he stands at the doorway of his landlady’s apartment. He knows launching himself into a solo investigation without waiting for backup is a terrible idea, but he also feels that time is running out. And your life frankly depends on it. 

The wooden door to Miriam Monet’s apartment is coated in a deep red and stands before him like a normal defenceless door. The door to an apartment of a defenceless woman. Theseus exhales as something unsettling stirs within him.

The door looks … too big. It’s too jarring. Perhaps in times like these, when certain people have betrayed his trust, things become scary. 

But he thinks of you and how this could be the final piece to finding you.

To seeing you again.

Theseus grips his wand a little tighter as he steps towards the door. The floor parquet of the stairwell landing creaks beneath his shifting weight, the echoes resounding in the space. He brings his knuckles to meet the door’s surface, mouth agape with her name at the tip of his tongue when the door responds with a creak. The door opens, and Theseus halts and faces the expanse of Mrs Monet’s quaint apartment.

It’s empty. Dark.

Theseus wonders if he had walked into a trap.

“Lumos,” is the spell that instinctively escapes his lips, brandishing his wand in defence mode. It’s the auror in him, prepared for any sort of threat.

The light emerges from his wand, casting a narrow beam that cuts through the entrance’s interior. As he advances through the narrow hallway, the living room comes into view – pastel, knittings, and rustic antiquities. 

The light dances over the furnished room, furniture casting shadows against the wall. Dust specks billow through the area as Theseus cautiously scans his surroundings. His eyes start to play tricks as the shadows tend to elongate into humanoid figures, tall and stretched. He spots a cage by the windowsill, seated on top of a settee – the parrot. It’s missing.

In that moment, Theseus can’t shake the feeling of being watched. As if the walls themselves harboured eyes, observing his every move, every step, across the room. 

Then, a noise. Rustling.

Theseus’ eyes quickly dart around the living room, and his wand’s glow swings with every sharp turn he makes in his stance, to the point that it almost makes him light-headed for a split moment. The noise continues, and as he whirls to his left:

– Squawk!

A sudden screech pierces the silence of the apartment. It sends a sudden jolt in his heart as a vague figure materialises from the shadows, lunging for him. Theseus yelps, immediately hunched over with arms over his head as he braces for impact. But in an immediate absence of an expected hit, he stands and whirls around to see a flurry of wings, feathers rustling.

It’s the parrot.

“Merlin’s fucking beard –” Theseus swears under his breath, his thrumming heartbeat settles as the initial shock subsides, beckoning a chuckle from the ridiculousness of the situation. The parrot, perched on an antique work desk, watches him with beady eyes; the vibrant hues of its feathers are a stark contrast to the muted tones of the room's dimness. 

Theseus stares at the bird for a moment. It blinks at him.

“Squawk! River Wapping! Squawk!”

He frowns. The parrot blinks at him again.

As Theseus shifts his wand within his grasp, the light momentarily sweeps across the desk, piles of papers and photographs scattered across its surface. Yet, something glints in the shadows. It’s subtle, but Theseus catches it.

Intrigued, Theseus edges closer, light now a focused beam on the desk. The glint resolves into a golden photograph frame, housing a photograph. It’s tiny, circular, and dusty, and its glass covering is cracked. He can’t help but allow his fingers to gingerly trace the edges of the frame, lifting it from the desk. He sees four faces, formal and taken at a studio, and recognises it as a slightly younger Miriam Monet, her late husband and a young man, assuming to be her son and daughter.

He didn’t know she had children.

They look ... so familiar.

Theseus brings the photograph closer, and his breath catches in his throat, heart dropping.

The daughter ... it’s Morrigan.

He knows it. Younger, but it’s the same face.

His eyes shift to the sun, and it finally sinks in.

And ... Mulberry.

Immediately, Theseus knows he’s the mole. It makes perfect sense. At best, Mulberry was a mediocre auror, but he recalls his time with him during the Auror recruitment programme. Mulberry stood out among the rest, having natural metamorphic abilities that allowed him to pass the Concealment and Disguise portion of the training.

Your brother was right.

Not good.

Theseus feels guilty for looking through Mrs Monet’s personal things, wanting nothing but to get out of her apartment, but something else catches his eye. It’s hidden behind the photograph, layers of dust seated over its surface with cobwebs entangled to it. 

It is a brooch. A wooden frame encasing an embroidered flower. It’s faded, thread yellowed over time, but Theseus swears he has seen the same pattern.

He shifts the brooch within his grasp, fingertips brushing the dust off its surface to get a better glimpse.

Yet, he spots words lined at the curve of the wood. It’s meticulously engraved, and under the dim moonlight that cuts through the table-side window, the words shimmer to clarity and reveal: THE GARDENIA SOCIETY.

He freezes at the sight of those words.

He had only ever heard of The Gardenia Society from his mother. They were women who sought protection as witches, including their families living in Scourer-founded communities that developed a deep hatred towards magic.

The society mainly established itself in America in secret. It expanded throughout Europe as Scourer descendants, but the society became scarce as threats against witches and wizards decreased.

Theseus never knew there was ever an establishment in England. Perhaps they were so small that nobody outside their community knew about them.

The symbolism of Gardenias finally makes sense to him.

Yet, you never mentioned anything about this and as far as everyone was concerned, you were a muggle.

Theseus guesses that your mother kept this a secret from you.

It’s always the secrets. Your family and their skeletons in the closet.

Maybe it was never about you, your brother or your father, but always has been about your mother.

“– Squawk! River Wapping! Squawk!” The parrot speaks again, and Theseus looks up to meet the bird’s watchful gaze.

Is he crazy, or is the parrot trying to tell him something?

… River. Wapping.

River. Thames. Wapping. Docks.

The London Docks.

He knows Mrs Monet’s late husband had worked at a pub by the docks. The pub turned out to be a front for secret and illegal operations of brewing dark potions.

Theseus recalls the raid. He had just become an auror at the time. Though, there was no evidence of Mr Monet’s involvement with the backroom operations.

He cannot believe he had just received a lead from a parrot.

“Bloody hell.”

“Squawk! Bloody hell!”

–

Wapping is a docks town – tiny and old.

Shipmen toil with tumultuous diligence, hurling hefty cargo onto ships that sway to the rhythmic laps on the lowering tides. You stagger through the shadows, low moonlight cracking through the lanterns that line the docks as your eyes linger, the workers chat in loud conversations, superiors barking orders from the warehouses. 

Of all the memories of you and your brother’s childhood maritime fascination, you don’t hold the same excitement as you did years ago. Not when you’re being hunted like an animal on the loose.

Your feet have gone past aching, now numb against the rough cobblestone lane. Your mind isn’t present; it’s far away and clouded by constant panic. It’s how your mere instincts carried your feet through the alleyways and onto the moss-clad stairs leading to the shore of the River Thames.

You see that the tides are low, revealing the rocky expanse that stretches along the river – you stumble down the stairs, finding that the area is secluded, though you hear laughter from the bar a mile from where you were. Other than that, it’s quiet out here.

The rocks crunch beneath your feet, and the wind bustles through. It makes you shudder.

Then, you hear your name. It echoes, sounding desperate, and for a moment, your heart drops.

Whirling around, you see a figure through the growing fog, running towards you. It begs you to stumble further away, your heart thrumming as you feel your stomach start to hurl.

It almost looks like –

It’s Theseus. From initially worried eyes transform into an expression of relief once his gaze meets yours. A smile creeps onto his lips, grinning so widely that you see it gleaming from where you stood under the darkness of night.

But your mind reeks at the very sight of him, unsure if he’s real or fake. You continue to stagger backwards, forcing a wider distance between you.

“Don’t come any closer!” you scream, tears threatening to spill at your words. Theseus immediately halts, hands raised in defence.

He says your name again. Surprised, yet sad.

You swallow. “How do I know if it’s really you?!”

He brings his hands down to his sides, frowning. He’s clearly confused. “What?”

You almost think you see the hurt in his gaze.

“How do I know if it’s really you?” you accentuate every word, making it clear that you truly mean your question. That this is serious.

No more tricks.

Theseus doesn’t say anything for a while but blinks, almost in contemplation. As if he’s trying to dechiper the situation and everything that has happened to you. 

“I–I know about Mulberry. I know he’s the mole.”

You stand your ground, though you want to believe his words. You cannot trust yourself.

Theseus takes a careful step back, recognising that you lost all trust in him sometime between the fire and now. 

It’s a silent understanding, the way his eyes glimmer in the moonlight. You almost think it’s tears, but you cannot tell.

Theseus exhales. It shudders in the cool air and recalls the first time he spoke to you.

We’ll protect you. I promise.

“… I promised to protect you. To keep you safe. And I failed you. I know that.”

A beat. You can feel your guard slipping off, giving in to Theseus’ sincere words.

You know a liar when you see one.

This man before you is not one.

“I’m sorry.”

Two words.

Enough to bring yourself to close the distance, and you’re pulling him into your arms. You feel the warmth of his grip, holding you so close as his head slips down to touch your cheek. 

Hand on the back of your shoulder. Hand on your waist.

It’s strong. Firm. As if with one move, you’ll disappear into thin air. 

Theseus smells like everything you’ve come to associate with the feeling of being safe: the soft embers of his fireplace, the sweetness of ink and the warmth of cinnamon.

You let yourself shut your eyes. Your hands grip the back of his neck a little tighter, his hair beneath your touch. He exhales, breath fanning your ear, and now, in his arms, you finally let yourself fall apart.

“Thank you for coming back for me.”

It’s quiet, a mere breath. Softer than a whisper.

Theseus holds you a little closer in response as if you aren’t any closer than before. He decides then that this ... this would be enough.

“Always.”

But the warmth of his touch and the feeling of safety quickly vanished. Now, replaced with an excruciating pain that transcends through your body. It’s searing against every muscle to your back that a cry leaves your lips. But your senses freeze at its impact, your voice merely an echo in the distance as your ears start to ring.

All you think about is how much it burns.

Before you know it, you’re slipping to your knees, but Theseus holds you so tight that you don’t feel yourself falling to the ground.

You see shadows in the fog. They grow with every passing second.

“Do you really think you could get away from me?”

A voice. Loud. Booming.

Your head is spinning, your heart gasping.

Theseus’ heart drops as he grasps you, staring down at you with pain carved across your face. Your eyes are wide, fighting gasps as if you had the air knocked out from your lungs. Panic surges through him like fire, and it burns his thumping heart.

He just got you back.

He should have seen this coming. 

Theseus brings his gaze forward, knowing all too well it was the voice of the very woman behind all the chaos that has been happening to you. 

From the shadows emerges Mrs Monet with Mulberry and Morrigan by her side. Rage flares and settles within his chest as he watches her grim smile appear, a sickening twist to her naive facade. The lines on her face now portray a hardened look rather than the fragile woman she was deemed to be. 

This is Miriam Monet. Not the woman whom his mother trusted. And at this very moment, Theseus will do everything in his power to not lose you. All over again.

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[nincompoopydoo]

CAUGHT IN A CROSSFIRE

THE GARDENIA SOCIETY — ; PART 9 / 10

PAIRING: Theseus Scamander x Female!Reader WORD COUNT: 3.6k SUMMARY: As Theseus enters Mrs Monet’s apartment, he learns the truth and The Gardenia Society. Meanwhile, you’re on the run from someone who seems to be Theseus, but you quickly learn that nothing in this world is ever what it seems. A/N: Second last chapter let’s goooo! Thank you to everyone for being so patient and I hope you enjoy this as we reach the finale of this series! gif credited to @maanemand from this gifset WARNINGS: Swearing. Angst. Injuries. Mentions of hurt. Being chased (if it scares you as much as it scares me). no beta we die like men. MASTERLIST ; MASTERPOST

All you hear are your heavy breaths – cold and dry with every inhale. It sends needles to your heaving throat as you gasp for as much air as possible. The damp air clung to your skin, and every footfall against the cobblestones amplified the growing unease that gnawed at your gut. You’re in a full-out sprint, weaving through the winding alleys, somewhere in the city you cannot recognise at the moment because your sight is almost blurry in the dimness of the night – relying on pure instinct.

In relentless pursuit is Theseus, who bores down your every step. He shouts your name, and it reverberates against the aged brick walls, and it's like thunder in your ears, articulated with such a deep sense of anger and frustration that you are sure it’s not the Theseus you knew. It makes your skin crawl.

You hear his footsteps growing louder, and through all the adrenaline, you feel the tears begin to seep from your eyes, etched in fear. As you sprint through this treacherous maze, your breaths become heavier and desperate as your lungs scream, and fatigue grips your feet. 

You don’t know who is chasing you anymore, wondering if he can fathom the fear you’re feeling at this moment.

The alley breaks into a junction, and as you stumble around the corner, you catch a glimpse of him, expression blinded with anger – it propels you forward, muttering a flurry of curses to yourself. Just then, you hear him cry an unknown word when a flash of blue passes you by an inch. You yelp, head ducking instinctively, palms pressed to the sides of your face as your feet stumble momentarily. 

Magic.

He’s using magic against you.

The panic grips your throat like a vice, constricting the air you desperately need, and it is so heavy it leaves you breathless.

You tell yourself you need a plan, but the problem is you have no idea where you are.

You need time … to assess. Everything has been moving too fast.

Taking another turn, nearly skidding as you run, your heart lurches when you see a set of steps, narrowly nestled between the back of two homes, almost camouflaged through the obscured overgrown plants that hung at its entrance. You muster the courage to glance behind to only see emptiness – he isn’t there, but you know he’s close.

Your steps stutter to a halt, weaving through vines that adorn the rustic gate that leads to someone’s unpolished and unkept back garden. You burst through the plants as quickly and cautiously as possible, diving behind a wall of nearly dead bushes. Instantly, you’re on the ground, knees tucked to your chest with your trembling palm pressed against your mouth as you willed yourself to stay quiet.

Footsteps – closer and closer. He can’t be more than a foot away now.

It feels as though your heart has been squeezed so tightly and is lodged at the back of your throat, ready to burst any moment. You feel your heart drumming, the rush of blood pounding in your ears.

You hear him huffing, catching his breath. His footsteps grow louder. You can only imagine his gaze darting around the area, scanning for any movement, any trace of you.

Then, you see him through the leaves that appear by the entrance. His eyes drift above your hiding spot, searching for anything that might indicate you’re here.

He calls for you. Quiet, merely a whisper. It sends a chill down your spine.

Silence.

You pray that you are hidden from his line of sight. The external sounds of the city dissipate, and the sounds of your body swell like a ringing in your ears. Everything feels too loud.

Don’t move.

A hand to your chest, you feel the rise and fall with each breath you take. You’re taken back to your childhood, when you used to run through the docks with your brother, hiding in dim corners of warehouses and alleyways like these, taking turns to seek each other out. If you focused hard enough, you could almost hear your brother’s laughter while calling out your name as you suppressed your laughter, hidden around the corner. You remember how it felt, the adrenaline coursing through your veins, your heart pounding and pounding in excitement.

You were children. Everything was a game for both of you.

But this isn’t a game, and your brother isn’t here.

Theseus heaves a heavy sigh, almost as if in an ultimate decision that you are too much trouble for tailing down the winding streets. He tucks his wand into his coat, and in utter perplexity, you strain a gasp as Theseus’ features contort and shift under the moonlight, morphing into the countenance of a stranger.

Your eyes widen, knowing that you had called his bluff moments ago. He shifts his hand to smoothen the frizz of his hair. This man, though unknown, still carries an air of familiarity that triggers an itch in your brain.

Then, it hits you.

Blinding flashes of green, red, and blue, and you think you’re about to die. A stranger, Theseus, grasped your shoulders with a profound assurance that you almost fooled yourself and that you’ll make it out alive.

There was Theseus … and two other men.

Prewett ...

Oh.

Mulberry.

You don’t remember much of him. He spoke to you once, introduced himself, and never saw him again.

This is when everything truly starts to click. He’s the mole in the Ministry.

With a shift of his feet, Mulberry swiftly turns and disappears. You hear his fading footsteps against the cobblestones, leaving you in an eventual deafening silence. A moment, seconds, or minutes pass. You don't know how long you’ve been here, too afraid to move.

With your hand still on your chest, you feel your heartbeat finally regulate to a natural rhythm.

Beating.

Beating

Beating

You huff, gasping for air. It’s as if you’ve been holding your breath all this time. The back of your head connects with the wall behind you, and you let the tension roll out from your shoulders. With both hands on your chest, you close your eyes, feeling the warmth of liquid seeping from your eyes – tears of relief.

For now.

Breathe, you tell yourself.

Begrudgingly, you find the courage to pick yourself up from the ground, leaves rustling, and emerge out into the narrow lane that courses through humble, nearly abandoned homes – wait, these aren’t homes. Duplicated structures that run for a mile with capsized windows and bricked Victorian chimneys. A heady blend of earthiness and warmth begins to fill your senses. It lingers in the air around you.

The tobacco warehouses. You must be on the docks.

You couldn’t help but huff in amusement that you drove yourself to the one place you spent much of your childhood in – the area now reeks of familiarity. Beyond the shadows of the warehouse, the Tower Bridge gleams in the distance as ships drift by.

For a moment, you feel like a kid again, wide-eyed, with gaps in your smile, like he’s beside you.

You wish he were here.

–

Mrs Monet was certainly a lady to behold, rake-thinned and frail with sharpened eyes – quick-witted with a passionate sense to pry into people’s lives. She was clever in ensuring she would somehow slither into your life, social circles, everything. One of those elderly women without anything better or much to do. 

To Theseus, Mrs Monet hovered like a great vulture on the Scamanders. The family friend that isn’t a friend, but you invite them every year for Christmas dinner. 

Mrs Monet was vile but was also kind and helpful – well, only when she wanted to.

To his mother, she was affectionately known as Miriam.

She was also Theseus’ landlady.

Despite the borderline criminal surveillance and obsession with the lives of everyone she could her clammy hands on, Mrs Monet was never harmless. She never had ill intentions.

Well, until now. If your brother’s findings are accurate.

Considering that the Ministry wants your brother for murder, Theseus remains partially sceptical of his words. Although, it’s profusely perplexing how a concealed letter, intended for you months before you even crossed paths with Theseus, holds information about an investigation shrouded in secrecy. It leaves him to wonder if details of the investigation were leaked before the mole and found its way into hidden correspondence. 

He has a theory, but he isn’t sure of the logic.

All he knows is that your brother sent you that letter, knowing you would somehow end up in this situation. 

It sends a chill up his spine.

His theory is also why he stands at the doorway of his landlady’s apartment. He knows launching himself into a solo investigation without waiting for backup is a terrible idea, but he also feels that time is running out. And your life frankly depends on it. 

The wooden door to Miriam Monet’s apartment is coated in a deep red and stands before him like a normal defenceless door. The door to an apartment of a defenceless woman. Theseus exhales as something unsettling stirs within him.

The door looks … too big. It’s too jarring. Perhaps in times like these, when certain people have betrayed his trust, things become scary. 

But he thinks of you and how this could be the final piece to finding you.

To seeing you again.

Theseus grips his wand a little tighter as he steps towards the door. The floor parquet of the stairwell landing creaks beneath his shifting weight, the echoes resounding in the space. He brings his knuckles to meet the door’s surface, mouth agape with her name at the tip of his tongue when the door responds with a creak. The door opens, and Theseus halts and faces the expanse of Mrs Monet’s quaint apartment.

It’s empty. Dark.

Theseus wonders if he had walked into a trap.

“Lumos,” is the spell that instinctively escapes his lips, brandishing his wand in defence mode. It’s the auror in him, prepared for any sort of threat.

The light emerges from his wand, casting a narrow beam that cuts through the entrance’s interior. As he advances through the narrow hallway, the living room comes into view – pastel, knittings, and rustic antiquities. 

The light dances over the furnished room, furniture casting shadows against the wall. Dust specks billow through the area as Theseus cautiously scans his surroundings. His eyes start to play tricks as the shadows tend to elongate into humanoid figures, tall and stretched. He spots a cage by the windowsill, seated on top of a settee – the parrot. It’s missing.

In that moment, Theseus can’t shake the feeling of being watched. As if the walls themselves harboured eyes, observing his every move, every step, across the room. 

Then, a noise. Rustling.

Theseus’ eyes quickly dart around the living room, and his wand’s glow swings with every sharp turn he makes in his stance, to the point that it almost makes him light-headed for a split moment. The noise continues, and as he whirls to his left:

– Squawk!

A sudden screech pierces the silence of the apartment. It sends a sudden jolt in his heart as a vague figure materialises from the shadows, lunging for him. Theseus yelps, immediately hunched over with arms over his head as he braces for impact. But in an immediate absence of an expected hit, he stands and whirls around to see a flurry of wings, feathers rustling.

It’s the parrot.

“Merlin’s fucking beard –” Theseus swears under his breath, his thrumming heartbeat settles as the initial shock subsides, beckoning a chuckle from the ridiculousness of the situation. The parrot, perched on an antique work desk, watches him with beady eyes; the vibrant hues of its feathers are a stark contrast to the muted tones of the room's dimness. 

Theseus stares at the bird for a moment. It blinks at him.

“Squawk! River Wapping! Squawk!”

He frowns. The parrot blinks at him again.

As Theseus shifts his wand within his grasp, the light momentarily sweeps across the desk, piles of papers and photographs scattered across its surface. Yet, something glints in the shadows. It’s subtle, but Theseus catches it.

Intrigued, Theseus edges closer, light now a focused beam on the desk. The glint resolves into a golden photograph frame, housing a photograph. It’s tiny, circular, and dusty, and its glass covering is cracked. He can’t help but allow his fingers to gingerly trace the edges of the frame, lifting it from the desk. He sees four faces, formal and taken at a studio, and recognises it as a slightly younger Miriam Monet, her late husband and a young man, assuming to be her son and daughter.

He didn’t know she had children.

They look ... so familiar.

Theseus brings the photograph closer, and his breath catches in his throat, heart dropping.

The daughter ... it’s Morrigan.

He knows it. Younger, but it’s the same face.

His eyes shift to the sun, and it finally sinks in.

And ... Mulberry.

Immediately, Theseus knows he’s the mole. It makes perfect sense. At best, Mulberry was a mediocre auror, but he recalls his time with him during the Auror recruitment programme. Mulberry stood out among the rest, having natural metamorphic abilities that allowed him to pass the Concealment and Disguise portion of the training.

Your brother was right.

Not good.

Theseus feels guilty for looking through Mrs Monet’s personal things, wanting nothing but to get out of her apartment, but something else catches his eye. It’s hidden behind the photograph, layers of dust seated over its surface with cobwebs entangled to it. 

It is a brooch. A wooden frame encasing an embroidered flower. It’s faded, thread yellowed over time, but Theseus swears he has seen the same pattern.

He shifts the brooch within his grasp, fingertips brushing the dust off its surface to get a better glimpse.

Yet, he spots words lined at the curve of the wood. It’s meticulously engraved, and under the dim moonlight that cuts through the table-side window, the words shimmer to clarity and reveal: THE GARDENIA SOCIETY.

He freezes at the sight of those words.

He had only ever heard of The Gardenia Society from his mother. They were women who sought protection as witches, including their families living in Scourer-founded communities that developed a deep hatred towards magic.

The society mainly established itself in America in secret. It expanded throughout Europe as Scourer descendants, but the society became scarce as threats against witches and wizards decreased.

Theseus never knew there was ever an establishment in England. Perhaps they were so small that nobody outside their community knew about them.

The symbolism of Gardenias finally makes sense to him.

Yet, you never mentioned anything about this and as far as everyone was concerned, you were a muggle.

Theseus guesses that your mother kept this a secret from you.

It’s always the secrets. Your family and their skeletons in the closet.

Maybe it was never about you, your brother or your father, but always has been about your mother.

“– Squawk! River Wapping! Squawk!” The parrot speaks again, and Theseus looks up to meet the bird’s watchful gaze.

Is he crazy, or is the parrot trying to tell him something?

… River. Wapping.

River. Thames. Wapping. Docks.

The London Docks.

He knows Mrs Monet’s late husband had worked at a pub by the docks. The pub turned out to be a front for secret and illegal operations of brewing dark potions.

Theseus recalls the raid. He had just become an auror at the time. Though, there was no evidence of Mr Monet’s involvement with the backroom operations.

He cannot believe he had just received a lead from a parrot.

“Bloody hell.”

“Squawk! Bloody hell!”

–

Wapping is a docks town – tiny and old.

Shipmen toil with tumultuous diligence, hurling hefty cargo onto ships that sway to the rhythmic laps on the lowering tides. You stagger through the shadows, low moonlight cracking through the lanterns that line the docks as your eyes linger, the workers chat in loud conversations, superiors barking orders from the warehouses. 

Of all the memories of you and your brother’s childhood maritime fascination, you don’t hold the same excitement as you did years ago. Not when you’re being hunted like an animal on the loose.

Your feet have gone past aching, now numb against the rough cobblestone lane. Your mind isn’t present; it’s far away and clouded by constant panic. It’s how your mere instincts carried your feet through the alleyways and onto the moss-clad stairs leading to the shore of the River Thames.

You see that the tides are low, revealing the rocky expanse that stretches along the river – you stumble down the stairs, finding that the area is secluded, though you hear laughter from the bar a mile from where you were. Other than that, it’s quiet out here.

The rocks crunch beneath your feet, and the wind bustles through. It makes you shudder.

Then, you hear your name. It echoes, sounding desperate, and for a moment, your heart drops.

Whirling around, you see a figure through the growing fog, running towards you. It begs you to stumble further away, your heart thrumming as you feel your stomach start to hurl.

It almost looks like –

It’s Theseus. From initially worried eyes transform into an expression of relief once his gaze meets yours. A smile creeps onto his lips, grinning so widely that you see it gleaming from where you stood under the darkness of night.

But your mind reeks at the very sight of him, unsure if he’s real or fake. You continue to stagger backwards, forcing a wider distance between you.

“Don’t come any closer!” you scream, tears threatening to spill at your words. Theseus immediately halts, hands raised in defence.

He says your name again. Surprised, yet sad.

You swallow. “How do I know if it’s really you?!”

He brings his hands down to his sides, frowning. He’s clearly confused. “What?”

You almost think you see the hurt in his gaze.

“How do I know if it’s really you?” you accentuate every word, making it clear that you truly mean your question. That this is serious.

No more tricks.

Theseus doesn’t say anything for a while but blinks, almost in contemplation. As if he’s trying to dechiper the situation and everything that has happened to you. 

“I–I know about Mulberry. I know he’s the mole.”

You stand your ground, though you want to believe his words. You cannot trust yourself.

Theseus takes a careful step back, recognising that you lost all trust in him sometime between the fire and now. 

It’s a silent understanding, the way his eyes glimmer in the moonlight. You almost think it’s tears, but you cannot tell.

Theseus exhales. It shudders in the cool air and recalls the first time he spoke to you.

We’ll protect you. I promise.

“… I promised to protect you. To keep you safe. And I failed you. I know that.”

A beat. You can feel your guard slipping off, giving in to Theseus’ sincere words.

You know a liar when you see one.

This man before you is not one.

“I’m sorry.”

Two words.

Enough to bring yourself to close the distance, and you’re pulling him into your arms. You feel the warmth of his grip, holding you so close as his head slips down to touch your cheek. 

Hand on the back of your shoulder. Hand on your waist.

It’s strong. Firm. As if with one move, you’ll disappear into thin air. 

Theseus smells like everything you’ve come to associate with the feeling of being safe: the soft embers of his fireplace, the sweetness of ink and the warmth of cinnamon.

You let yourself shut your eyes. Your hands grip the back of his neck a little tighter, his hair beneath your touch. He exhales, breath fanning your ear, and now, in his arms, you finally let yourself fall apart.

“Thank you for coming back for me.”

It’s quiet, a mere breath. Softer than a whisper.

Theseus holds you a little closer in response as if you aren’t any closer than before. He decides then that this ... this would be enough.

“Always.”

But the warmth of his touch and the feeling of safety quickly vanished. Now, replaced with an excruciating pain that transcends through your body. It’s searing against every muscle to your back that a cry leaves your lips. But your senses freeze at its impact, your voice merely an echo in the distance as your ears start to ring.

All you think about is how much it burns.

Before you know it, you’re slipping to your knees, but Theseus holds you so tight that you don’t feel yourself falling to the ground.

You see shadows in the fog. They grow with every passing second.

“Do you really think you could get away from me?”

A voice. Loud. Booming.

Your head is spinning, your heart gasping.

Theseus’ heart drops as he grasps you, staring down at you with pain carved across your face. Your eyes are wide, fighting gasps as if you had the air knocked out from your lungs. Panic surges through him like fire, and it burns his thumping heart.

He just got you back.

He should have seen this coming. 

Theseus brings his gaze forward, knowing all too well it was the voice of the very woman behind all the chaos that has been happening to you. 

From the shadows emerges Mrs Monet with Mulberry and Morrigan by her side. Rage flares and settles within his chest as he watches her grim smile appear, a sickening twist to her naive facade. The lines on her face now portray a hardened look rather than the fragile woman she was deemed to be. 

This is Miriam Monet. Not the woman whom his mother trusted. And at this very moment, Theseus will do everything in his power to not lose you. All over again.

TAGLIST:

@crumpets-are-better-with-jam

@inlovewithfictionalcharacters27

@aterriblelangblr

@yournewmommy

@mariaelizabeth21-blog1

@eternallyvenus

@poolnoodlerescuer

@mads-weasley

@decrepit-bees-knees

@lanespeaks

@127djarin

@iceman-kazansky

@wilmasvensson

[nincompoopydoo]

CAUGHT IN A CROSSFIRE UPDATE!

Hi everyone! I have a lil' announcement for those patiently waiting for the next chapter of Caught in a Crossfire. I'll be splitting the last chapter into two parts (so it will be chapter 9 and chapter 10) because I realised there's a lot to unpack, and the word count is getting higher and higher haha. I also thought of including an epilogue but then thought it would make more sense to include the epilogue in the last chapter.

So, chapter 9 will be released within the next two days as I make final edits~ very exciting stuff!

I can also reveal chapter 9 will be called The Gardenia Society.

Have a great week ahead!

[nincompoopydoo]

literally writing the final chapter of caught in a crossfire past midnight and i'm somehow scaring myself shitless HAHAHA

[nincompoopydoo]

hi i have a req for your vday celebration for this line 'have you no compassion for my poor nerves? ’ for theseus scamander!! going on a trip with newt looking for some new mythical creature to draw and you somehow get injured and theseus gets worried so like angst + fluff pls

IN SEARCH OF A GRECIAN BEAST

PAIRING: Theseus Scamander x Reader WORD COUNT: 1.1k SUMMARY: As you, Theseus, and Newt find yourselves on a secluded Grecian beach along the Aegean Sea, an endeavor unfolds to seek out a Hippocampus. However, plans don't turn out as expected. A/N: An angsty yet light-hearted fic in a way. Hope you guys love this lil Theseus one-shot~ WARNINGS: near drowning. angst. Newt literally has no compassion when he’s excited about his beasts lol. PROMPT: “Have you no compassion for my poor nerves?” [from this prompt list] MASTERLIST

“Pray, Theseus, allow yourself a respite! Quit moaning and come with us,” you whine with an exaggerated, sarcastic tone as you trudge down the rocky slope that leads to a stretch of golden sand. Newt is way ahead, feet already on the sand as he scuttles across the rugged coastline that looks upon the Aegean Sea.

Theseus huffs at your words, watching the way your linen top billows in the sea breeze, gleaming under the scorching summer sun. He decides he has no other choice than to follow begrudgingly. He stumbles on his feet, shells crunching at contact, and sees you looking back at him, eyes bright. The curve of your smile goes unnoticeable.

“I thought we were meant to be on holiday,” he calls out to you and his brother.

You merely laugh, and Newt responds without turning back, “Nobody mentioned a holiday, Theseus.”

Theseus scoffs, “Well, I presumed it was, considering you invited me to Greece. Of all places!”

Without warning, you abruptly halt, swiftly turning to face him.

“We find ourselves on this beautiful, secluded Grecian beach, and you're complaining?” You gesture to your surroundings in big movements, arms moving in sweeping motions.

You’re right, he’s being dramatic. Perhaps he finds himself a little sceptical towards your shenanigans with Newt. How you were always closer to his brother than him, even though he never dared admit it to himself that he wished it was the other way around.

Theseus is silent when you fix him with a stern gaze, nearing him. “All I’m saying is, you should loosen up a little.”

There it is. That glint in your stare. It’s hopeful.

Theseus realised long ago that he would do anything for you and be anything you wanted him to be.

“I am loose. I can be loose.”

Your laugh comes off more like a scoff. You don’t believe him one bit. “Right.”

Then, your fist connects with his arm. It’s playful, just like old times. Theseus winces, his palm instinctively rubbing his bicep as he shoots you a maddened look. Despite the irritation etched on his face, the subtle curve on his lips betrays it.

You laugh again. It’s light and sends his heart thrumming faster than ever. 

“Come on –”

"Look!" newt exclaims, his voice ringing out excitedly. “Over there.” He points toward the shore with the widest grin Theseus has ever seen.

You immediately grip Theseus’ wrist, pulling him along as you dash towards Newt.

“Hippocamps,” you breathe out, merely a whisper, eyes trained on the clear waters beyond.

Theseus turns to you and clocks on your wide-eyed gaze. Your mouth hangs slightly agape in utter awe as you take in the scene unravelling before you. Glints of deep blue swirl under the crystal waters, their scales glistening like scattered glitter under the Grecian sun.

Then, you release your hold on his hand. 

“I’m going in.”

The brothers snap their heads to you, “What?”

You turn to Theseus, “I know these creatures better than anyone. You know that.” Then, your gaze shifts to Newt, “Even more than you, Newt.”

A beat. He sees that you’re now looking at him expectantly as if you need his assurance. That he trusts you. He really doesn’t know why you need it.

“Just… be careful.”

You purse your lips and nod. “I will.”

The waves lap rhythmically as you approach the waters cautiously, gentling wading through and towards the Hippocampi. The water rises to your waist. You catch a hint of a tail under the sunlight, iridescent and reflecting the ocean's blue and green hues.

You take a deep breath – the key is to be calm. Extremely calm. You extend your palm, luminous kelp in your grasp, hoping to lure the creature.

Then, its head emerges from the waters, a horse for a head. The creature curiously eyes the kelp in your hand as you watch in controlled excitement as the others drift closer. You cannot help but smile.

Yet, something beneath you rumbles. It’s so slight that you almost miss it. But it sends a rippling uneasiness to your surroundings that it alarms the creatures. The air shifts, and before you know it, the Hippocampi sense an unseen threat and quickly disappear into the ocean.

Your smile drops.

You see it, a sleek form of green drifting in the depths beneath you. It glides through the water with stealth.

Ashore, Theseus senses your concern. “Something’s wrong.”

Then, he sees you turn to them with panicked eyes.

Abruptly, the water erupts with a powerful surge, and a beast rises from the depths and leaps into the air. Its mane of waterweed cascades with its movement.

It’s a Kelpie.

Newt and Theseus watch in stunned silence.

As the Kelpie vanishes beneath the waves, you’re gone.

Theseus’ heart drops.

Instinctively, Theseus calls your name, charging towards the place you stood moments before. In his sprint, he throws a quick, urgent glance over his shoulder at Newt, who scrambles closely behind, his expression etched with mirrored exasperation.

“Why in Godric’s name is a Kelpie doing here?!”

“That’s a good question –”

Theseus isn’t listening anymore. He can’t think right now, his heart pounding fiercely. Each step intensifies the knot in his stomach.

He finds himself slicing through the waves and propelled beneath the surface. His vision goes blur momentarily; elusive silhouettes move around him like drifting shadows. But as his eyes begin to take focus, he sees Newt, a feet away, seemingly going after the Kelpie.

Theseus whirls around, eyes scanning his surroundings.

He sees you, conscious. You’re looking at him with wide eyes, struggling to stay afloat.

Theseus closes in, and he reaches out, arms enveloping you. With a forceful pull, you are brought to the surface, head heavy against his chest. Your sharp gasp pierces the air, it resonates loudly, but it settles a sense of relief in Theseus.

As you’re pulled to shore, you’re induced into a coughing fit, water forcefully expelling from your lips. Theseus hovers above you, his hand on the back of your head, lifting it from the ground in an attempt to ease your choking. His other palm rests against your cheek firmly.

He says your name, his voice laced with reassurance, yet his gaze lingers with a perpetual panic as he hovers above you, the sunlight casting a halo through his tousled hair. Theseus looks truly distressed.

“Have you no compassion for my poor nerves?!” he exclaims, exasperated in all his dramatic and uptight glory.

“Just… trying to keep you on your… toes, that’s all,” you manage to croak out.

Theseus's laugh passes off as an exhale and grins, shaking his head. Quickly, he presses a kiss to your forehead.

You instantly feel your cheeks start to burn.

“Don’t ever do that again.”

You just smile. “No promises.”

Then, laughter echoes in the distance. Both of you turn to find Newt emerging from the shore, eyes bright.

"That was incredible!"

[nincompoopydoo]

hi i have a req for your vday celebration for this line 'have you no compassion for my poor nerves? ’ for theseus scamander!! going on a trip with newt looking for some new mythical creature to draw and you somehow get injured and theseus gets worried so like angst + fluff pls

IN SEARCH OF A GRECIAN BEAST

PAIRING: Theseus Scamander x Reader WORD COUNT: 1.1k SUMMARY: As you, Theseus, and Newt find yourselves on a secluded Grecian beach along the Aegean Sea, an endeavor unfolds to seek out a Hippocampus. However, plans don't turn out as expected. A/N: An angsty yet light-hearted fic in a way. Hope you guys love this lil Theseus one-shot~ WARNINGS: near drowning. angst. Newt literally has no compassion when he’s excited about his beasts lol. PROMPT: “Have you no compassion for my poor nerves?” [from this prompt list] MASTERLIST

“Pray, Theseus, allow yourself a respite! Quit moaning and come with us,” you whine with an exaggerated, sarcastic tone as you trudge down the rocky slope that leads to a stretch of golden sand. Newt is way ahead, feet already on the sand as he scuttles across the rugged coastline that looks upon the Aegean Sea.

Theseus huffs at your words, watching the way your linen top billows in the sea breeze, gleaming under the scorching summer sun. He decides he has no other choice than to follow begrudgingly. He stumbles on his feet, shells crunching at contact, and sees you looking back at him, eyes bright. The curve of your smile goes unnoticeable.

“I thought we were meant to be on holiday,” he calls out to you and his brother.

You merely laugh, and Newt responds without turning back, “Nobody mentioned a holiday, Theseus.”

Theseus scoffs, “Well, I presumed it was, considering you invited me to Greece. Of all places!”

Without warning, you abruptly halt, swiftly turning to face him.

“We find ourselves on this beautiful, secluded Grecian beach, and you're complaining?” You gesture to your surroundings in big movements, arms moving in sweeping motions.

You’re right, he’s being dramatic. Perhaps he finds himself a little sceptical towards your shenanigans with Newt. How you were always closer to his brother than him, even though he never dared admit it to himself that he wished it was the other way around.

Theseus is silent when you fix him with a stern gaze, nearing him. “All I’m saying is, you should loosen up a little.”

There it is. That glint in your stare. It’s hopeful.

Theseus realised long ago that he would do anything for you and be anything you wanted him to be.

“I am loose. I can be loose.”

Your laugh comes off more like a scoff. You don’t believe him one bit. “Right.”

Then, your fist connects with his arm. It’s playful, just like old times. Theseus winces, his palm instinctively rubbing his bicep as he shoots you a maddened look. Despite the irritation etched on his face, the subtle curve on his lips betrays it.

You laugh again. It’s light and sends his heart thrumming faster than ever. 

“Come on –”

"Look!" newt exclaims, his voice ringing out excitedly. “Over there.” He points toward the shore with the widest grin Theseus has ever seen.

You immediately grip Theseus’ wrist, pulling him along as you dash towards Newt.

“Hippocamps,” you breathe out, merely a whisper, eyes trained on the clear waters beyond.

Theseus turns to you and clocks on your wide-eyed gaze. Your mouth hangs slightly agape in utter awe as you take in the scene unravelling before you. Glints of deep blue swirl under the crystal waters, their scales glistening like scattered glitter under the Grecian sun.

Then, you release your hold on his hand. 

“I’m going in.”

The brothers snap their heads to you, “What?”

You turn to Theseus, “I know these creatures better than anyone. You know that.” Then, your gaze shifts to Newt, “Even more than you, Newt.”

A beat. He sees that you’re now looking at him expectantly as if you need his assurance. That he trusts you. He really doesn’t know why you need it.

“Just… be careful.”

You purse your lips and nod. “I will.”

The waves lap rhythmically as you approach the waters cautiously, gentling wading through and towards the Hippocampi. The water rises to your waist. You catch a hint of a tail under the sunlight, iridescent and reflecting the ocean's blue and green hues.

You take a deep breath – the key is to be calm. Extremely calm. You extend your palm, luminous kelp in your grasp, hoping to lure the creature.

Then, its head emerges from the waters, a horse for a head. The creature curiously eyes the kelp in your hand as you watch in controlled excitement as the others drift closer. You cannot help but smile.

Yet, something beneath you rumbles. It’s so slight that you almost miss it. But it sends a rippling uneasiness to your surroundings that it alarms the creatures. The air shifts, and before you know it, the Hippocampi sense an unseen threat and quickly disappear into the ocean.

Your smile drops.

You see it, a sleek form of green drifting in the depths beneath you. It glides through the water with stealth.

Ashore, Theseus senses your concern. “Something’s wrong.”

Then, he sees you turn to them with panicked eyes.

Abruptly, the water erupts with a powerful surge, and a beast rises from the depths and leaps into the air. Its mane of waterweed cascades with its movement.

It’s a Kelpie.

Newt and Theseus watch in stunned silence.

As the Kelpie vanishes beneath the waves, you’re gone.

Theseus’ heart drops.

Instinctively, Theseus calls your name, charging towards the place you stood moments before. In his sprint, he throws a quick, urgent glance over his shoulder at Newt, who scrambles closely behind, his expression etched with mirrored exasperation.

“Why in Godric’s name is a Kelpie doing here?!”

“That’s a good question –”

Theseus isn’t listening anymore. He can’t think right now, his heart pounding fiercely. Each step intensifies the knot in his stomach.

He finds himself slicing through the waves and propelled beneath the surface. His vision goes blur momentarily; elusive silhouettes move around him like drifting shadows. But as his eyes begin to take focus, he sees Newt, a feet away, seemingly going after the Kelpie.

Theseus whirls around, eyes scanning his surroundings.

He sees you, conscious. You’re looking at him with wide eyes, struggling to stay afloat.

Theseus closes in, and he reaches out, arms enveloping you. With a forceful pull, you are brought to the surface, head heavy against his chest. Your sharp gasp pierces the air, it resonates loudly, but it settles a sense of relief in Theseus.

As you’re pulled to shore, you’re induced into a coughing fit, water forcefully expelling from your lips. Theseus hovers above you, his hand on the back of your head, lifting it from the ground in an attempt to ease your choking. His other palm rests against your cheek firmly.

He says your name, his voice laced with reassurance, yet his gaze lingers with a perpetual panic as he hovers above you, the sunlight casting a halo through his tousled hair. Theseus looks truly distressed.

“Have you no compassion for my poor nerves?!” he exclaims, exasperated in all his dramatic and uptight glory.

“Just… trying to keep you on your… toes, that’s all,” you manage to croak out.

Theseus's laugh passes off as an exhale and grins, shaking his head. Quickly, he presses a kiss to your forehead.

You instantly feel your cheeks start to burn.

“Don’t ever do that again.”

You just smile. “No promises.”

Then, laughter echoes in the distance. Both of you turn to find Newt emerging from the shore, eyes bright.

"That was incredible!"

[nincompoopydoo]

Hey love! How are you? Happy valentine's day!! Can I please send in a request for your valentine's celebration? Can it be with loki laufeyson and the prompt "only the deepest love will persuade me into matrimony"

Thank you so much!❤️

TO CATCH ONE’S EYE

PAIRING: Loki Laufeyson x Reader WORD COUNT: 1.5k [again! I got carried away!] SUMMARY: During the celebration of Frigga as the Queen of Asgard, Loki finds himself slipping away from the events to the palace courtyard. To where you unfortunately found yourself stumbling towards an escape from your parents. A/N: i’m sorry i took so long with this one! Things came up and had to delay things a little but here we are with a regency-esque fic. It’s a little cringe to be frank but gentle!princeloki makes me want to eat my heart out [in a good way]. thanks for the request and more to come! WARNINGS: tooth-rotting fluff. reader is being forced to find suitors, much to her dismay. PROMPT:  "Only the deepest love will persuade me into matrimony" [from this prompt list] MASTERLIST

A cavernous, opulent hall, the Royal Palace of Valaskjalf’s interior gleams golden under ornate chandeliers set ablaze, and intricate gilded carvings adorn the structure of the extensive hall. The marble floors glisten under the sparkle of Frigga’s aureate train – it sweeps behind an intricately embellished gown. The goddess of marriage stands bejewelled beside Odin, clad in armour, delicate hands in his own, and the crowd swirls around her elegance in awe.

Today marks a celebration of Frigga as Queen of Asgard, bringing the nation to the palace grounds. 

In all gilded elegance and dazzling opulence, pleasantries through the evening were beginning to conjure up a sense of restlessness, constantly trailing behind his mother, Odin, and Thor as the royal family presented themselves to the crowd.

Every passing minute makes his jaw tick, and when the crowd disperses into dancing in full swing, he takes the opportunity to slip away, in need of some air.

Outside the hall extends a courtyard flanked by Corinthian mahogany columns stretching across a mosaic pathway. In between, hedges grow at extensive heights to reflect the majestic nature of the palace. The path leads to a fountain, a golden statue at its centre that shines in all its regal glory.

Loki ambles along the path with the intent to seek some silence by the benches, a place he often sought throughout his childhood. The streaming gentle waters calm the nerves – a place for contemplation. 

He sits there in his quietness as the stillness of the night revolves around him, though the sounds of distant music carry through the area. Here, he is reprieved from the many eyes that follow him throughout the night. Here, he is himself, alone in his thoughts.

That is until he hears footsteps approaching.

Loki whirls around to see the appearance of a stranger – you, up until now, oblivious to his presence. You abruptly halt in your step, eyes now wide.

“Prince Loki!” your voice bursts out in a panicked tone, dropping into a hurried curtsy.

Loki frowns. “What are you doing here?”

His words carry a tone of irritation, evident in his expression, and he immediately regrets it the moment it leaves his lips. He doesn’t mean to, and you appear to be on the verge of tears.

Forgive me. I did not mean to be here. I was merely seeking a place away from the hall. I…I’ll leave right away –”

You’re already whirling around, desperate to go, when he hears himself say, ‘Wait!“

You stutter in your step, turning to him once more.

A swallow constricts his throat. “It’s…alright. Please, join me.”

In truth, he doesn’t want to be alone. He just doesn’t want to be around under his family’s watchful eyes.

He sees the uncertainty in your expression and how your fingers writhe with your own, a motion to your subtle and controlled restlessness and anxiety about the situation. Unsure as to why there’s a tug in his heart at the sight of your reaction, his expression softens as he vaguely gestures towards the space beside him on the bench.

Well, this is a first.

You stand there for a moment, eyeing him. You’re trying to get a read on him, unsure why a prince of Asgard just casually invited you to sit by him. Yet, you glance back to the hall, the crowd manoeuvres in an elegant twirly of dancing and drinking, and you feel your heart sink at the thought of returning under your parents’ watchful eye.

So, you take a step and shyly sit next to him, hands clasped on your lap.

A guarded silence settles between you, and Loki decides his curiosity will get the better of him.

“Have you come here to contemplate as well?” he asks, eyes shifting to you. Your eyes immediately fly to him, seemingly surprised by his question.

“More to avoid… certain people.”

“People?”

“My parents, to be specific.”

Loki hums and nods, amused.

“Understandable.” 

A beat. Loki carries on. “And why is that?”

He knows he’s prying – he doesn’t mean to. Although he hates to admit it at this very moment, he’s finding any way for you to stay a little longer, to prolong your presence beside him.

Your lips part to form a response, but you pause, eyes flicking away from him, fingertips thrumming on your lap as you bow your head bashfully. Almost as if you had to remind yourself who you were speaking to.

“Well, I must admit I do not enjoy occasions like these, but my parents insisted I attend. And the first hour had been filled with introductions to… suitors.”

Your voice is quiet as you articulate each word carefully. He watches you press your lips together, and there’s a twist in your expression. It shows in the slight downturn of your mouth, and your brows furrow.

Your eyes cautiously flick to him, gauging any reaction. Whether your words mean anything to him. Whether there’s any ounce of aggravation on his face.

But he watches you patiently, with an unwavering gaze. It sends an anxious thud of your heart.

“There is an expectation that I would catch someone’s eye tonight in hopes of matrimony within a year.”

“A year?”

“That is the deadline.”

A deadline until marriage. A deadline to your freedom.

Before he can stop himself, the words slip from his lips, laden with a curiosity he hadn't anticipated.

“And have you caught…someone’s eye?”

Though you already seem a little upset, his words stir a profound sense of conflict in you. He sees it in how you hunch a little more and your eyes seemingly caught in a distance. A world elsewhere from here.

Though, you don’t catch the true intentions behind his words.

He clings to every word.

“None, thus far, though I confess I do not wish to fulfil my parents' wishes for a marriage of convenience.”

A beat. A small smile graces your lips like a thought has just struck you. It lifts your posture, and you finally turn to him. 

“I am determined that only the deepest love will persuade into matrimony, which is why I will end up an old maid.”

He cannot help but feel the corners of his lips twitch at your words. It’s the sincerity of your voice that reflects his surprise at your casual vulnerability as to how you have sworn to be the very defiance of your parents and society’s expectations. 

It’s how you trust to show the authenticity of your sentiment in his presence that alights a warmth in his chest.

“I must say, as wise as you are, you underestimate your beauty and intelligence. Surely, someone must have taken an interest in you.”

Little did you know…

It almost makes you laugh loudly, but you settle for a snort in derision. It’s unflaterring, especially in the presence of a prince. It reminds me of where you are and how you had never seen him up close. His blue eyes and the creases it leaves with his charming grin. 

“You are too kind, but I believe my mother says that my intelligence contributes to my brashness.”

You laugh again, but it isn’t the same, hinting at a wryness. Loki catches it.

Then, the air shifts. Silence settles again. But then, you speak.

“What about you?”

He’s met with your gaze again and feels himself turn unnaturally nervous.

“Me?” he stutters out.

“Why have you come here to contemplate?”

Oh.

It’s his turn to offer a wry laugh. You catch it as well.

“It’s…complicated.”

You hum, and the conversation ends. You don’t pry anymore as you return to face the cascading waters of the fountain. Its gentle flow hums against the distant music from the hall, gleaming under the soft moonlight.

Then, he hears the music transform to a familiar tune, and it’s traditional – a ballad, slow and inherently romantic. One where everybody knows the steps.

It’s not entirely clear what’s come over him tonight when, without any apparent cue, he rises from the bench. His gaze locks onto you as he extends his hand to you.

“Dance with me?”

“…Here?”

Loki doesn’t say anything. You know he means it.

You hesitate but take his hand, your fingertips in his delicate touch as you’re pulled to your feet.

You feel yourself begin to move with each careful step, eyes trained solely on his. Fingertips brushing, hands clasped on your own, gentle twirls around the expanse of the courtyard. Your feet aren’t trained for dancing, and it carry you with an occasional stumble. But Loki doesn’t scowl like the other men; instead, he smiles – it’s genuine. 

Now, a hand on your waist. His touch burns and the dance draws you close to him to when you can make out the green flecks in his eyes. You see how his gaze drops to your lips with a flicker that you almost don’t see.

He wants to kiss you.

But the music comes to an end, and as the final notes linger, your steps come to a halt, though Loki’s touch is still heavy on the curve of your waist.

Then, laughter, in a distance. People are nearing. Your reality awakens, and you move away from his hold. The air shifts, the moment forever sealed and lost to you as the two of you just… stand there.

Regardless, you bring your lips to a smile. It’s timid. He cannot help but mirror it.

Perhaps you might have caught someone’s eye tonight.

[nincompoopydoo]

Hi!I

When do you think the next chapter for your Theseus story will come out?

Do take your time, I don’t want to rush you!

Love 🤍

Hi there! I am aiming to release it latest mid march as I am half way through the first draft (turns out there's quite a lot to unpack whoops) as I'm working on my valentines prompts at the same time! and don't worry I'm not disappearing again haha, I have every intention of finishing caught in a crossfire (I'm assuming you're referring to this series?).

Thanks for checking in, though🤍! I'm still in awe at how the series picked up in the last few weeks. absolutely grateful to know that there's a whole bunch of people who share my love for theseus~

[nincompoopydoo]

Hey love! How are you? Happy valentine's day!! Can I please send in a request for your valentine's celebration? Can it be with loki laufeyson and the prompt "only the deepest love will persuade me into matrimony"

Thank you so much!❤️

TO CATCH ONE’S EYE

PAIRING: Loki Laufeyson x Reader WORD COUNT: 1.5k [again! I got carried away!] SUMMARY: During the celebration of Frigga as the Queen of Asgard, Loki finds himself slipping away from the events to the palace courtyard. To where you unfortunately found yourself stumbling towards an escape from your parents. A/N: i’m sorry i took so long with this one! Things came up and had to delay things a little but here we are with a regency-esque fic. It’s a little cringe to be frank but gentle!princeloki makes me want to eat my heart out [in a good way]. thanks for the request and more to come! WARNINGS: tooth-rotting fluff. reader is being forced to find suitors, much to her dismay. PROMPT:  "Only the deepest love will persuade me into matrimony" [from this prompt list] MASTERLIST

A cavernous, opulent hall, the Royal Palace of Valaskjalf’s interior gleams golden under ornate chandeliers set ablaze, and intricate gilded carvings adorn the structure of the extensive hall. The marble floors glisten under the sparkle of Frigga’s aureate train – it sweeps behind an intricately embellished gown. The goddess of marriage stands bejewelled beside Odin, clad in armour, delicate hands in his own, and the crowd swirls around her elegance in awe.

Today marks a celebration of Frigga as Queen of Asgard, bringing the nation to the palace grounds. 

In all gilded elegance and dazzling opulence, pleasantries through the evening were beginning to conjure up a sense of restlessness, constantly trailing behind his mother, Odin, and Thor as the royal family presented themselves to the crowd.

Every passing minute makes his jaw tick, and when the crowd disperses into dancing in full swing, he takes the opportunity to slip away, in need of some air.

Outside the hall extends a courtyard flanked by Corinthian mahogany columns stretching across a mosaic pathway. In between, hedges grow at extensive heights to reflect the majestic nature of the palace. The path leads to a fountain, a golden statue at its centre that shines in all its regal glory.

Loki ambles along the path with the intent to seek some silence by the benches, a place he often sought throughout his childhood. The streaming gentle waters calm the nerves – a place for contemplation. 

He sits there in his quietness as the stillness of the night revolves around him, though the sounds of distant music carry through the area. Here, he is reprieved from the many eyes that follow him throughout the night. Here, he is himself, alone in his thoughts.

That is until he hears footsteps approaching.

Loki whirls around to see the appearance of a stranger – you, up until now, oblivious to his presence. You abruptly halt in your step, eyes now wide.

“Prince Loki!” your voice bursts out in a panicked tone, dropping into a hurried curtsy.

Loki frowns. “What are you doing here?”

His words carry a tone of irritation, evident in his expression, and he immediately regrets it the moment it leaves his lips. He doesn’t mean to, and you appear to be on the verge of tears.

Forgive me. I did not mean to be here. I was merely seeking a place away from the hall. I…I’ll leave right away –”

You’re already whirling around, desperate to go, when he hears himself say, ‘Wait!“

You stutter in your step, turning to him once more.

A swallow constricts his throat. “It’s…alright. Please, join me.”

In truth, he doesn’t want to be alone. He just doesn’t want to be around under his family’s watchful eyes.

He sees the uncertainty in your expression and how your fingers writhe with your own, a motion to your subtle and controlled restlessness and anxiety about the situation. Unsure as to why there’s a tug in his heart at the sight of your reaction, his expression softens as he vaguely gestures towards the space beside him on the bench.

Well, this is a first.

You stand there for a moment, eyeing him. You’re trying to get a read on him, unsure why a prince of Asgard just casually invited you to sit by him. Yet, you glance back to the hall, the crowd manoeuvres in an elegant twirly of dancing and drinking, and you feel your heart sink at the thought of returning under your parents’ watchful eye.

So, you take a step and shyly sit next to him, hands clasped on your lap.

A guarded silence settles between you, and Loki decides his curiosity will get the better of him.

“Have you come here to contemplate as well?” he asks, eyes shifting to you. Your eyes immediately fly to him, seemingly surprised by his question.

“More to avoid… certain people.”

“People?”

“My parents, to be specific.”

Loki hums and nods, amused.

“Understandable.” 

A beat. Loki carries on. “And why is that?”

He knows he’s prying – he doesn’t mean to. Although he hates to admit it at this very moment, he’s finding any way for you to stay a little longer, to prolong your presence beside him.

Your lips part to form a response, but you pause, eyes flicking away from him, fingertips thrumming on your lap as you bow your head bashfully. Almost as if you had to remind yourself who you were speaking to.

“Well, I must admit I do not enjoy occasions like these, but my parents insisted I attend. And the first hour had been filled with introductions to… suitors.”

Your voice is quiet as you articulate each word carefully. He watches you press your lips together, and there’s a twist in your expression. It shows in the slight downturn of your mouth, and your brows furrow.

Your eyes cautiously flick to him, gauging any reaction. Whether your words mean anything to him. Whether there’s any ounce of aggravation on his face.

But he watches you patiently, with an unwavering gaze. It sends an anxious thud of your heart.

“There is an expectation that I would catch someone’s eye tonight in hopes of matrimony within a year.”

“A year?”

“That is the deadline.”

A deadline until marriage. A deadline to your freedom.

Before he can stop himself, the words slip from his lips, laden with a curiosity he hadn't anticipated.

“And have you caught…someone’s eye?”

Though you already seem a little upset, his words stir a profound sense of conflict in you. He sees it in how you hunch a little more and your eyes seemingly caught in a distance. A world elsewhere from here.

Though, you don’t catch the true intentions behind his words.

He clings to every word.

“None, thus far, though I confess I do not wish to fulfil my parents' wishes for a marriage of convenience.”

A beat. A small smile graces your lips like a thought has just struck you. It lifts your posture, and you finally turn to him. 

“I am determined that only the deepest love will persuade into matrimony, which is why I will end up an old maid.”

He cannot help but feel the corners of his lips twitch at your words. It’s the sincerity of your voice that reflects his surprise at your casual vulnerability as to how you have sworn to be the very defiance of your parents and society’s expectations. 

It’s how you trust to show the authenticity of your sentiment in his presence that alights a warmth in his chest.

“I must say, as wise as you are, you underestimate your beauty and intelligence. Surely, someone must have taken an interest in you.”

Little did you know…

It almost makes you laugh loudly, but you settle for a snort in derision. It’s unflaterring, especially in the presence of a prince. It reminds me of where you are and how you had never seen him up close. His blue eyes and the creases it leaves with his charming grin. 

“You are too kind, but I believe my mother says that my intelligence contributes to my brashness.”

You laugh again, but it isn’t the same, hinting at a wryness. Loki catches it.

Then, the air shifts. Silence settles again. But then, you speak.

“What about you?”

He’s met with your gaze again and feels himself turn unnaturally nervous.

“Me?” he stutters out.

“Why have you come here to contemplate?”

Oh.

It’s his turn to offer a wry laugh. You catch it as well.

“It’s…complicated.”

You hum, and the conversation ends. You don’t pry anymore as you return to face the cascading waters of the fountain. Its gentle flow hums against the distant music from the hall, gleaming under the soft moonlight.

Then, he hears the music transform to a familiar tune, and it’s traditional – a ballad, slow and inherently romantic. One where everybody knows the steps.

It’s not entirely clear what’s come over him tonight when, without any apparent cue, he rises from the bench. His gaze locks onto you as he extends his hand to you.

“Dance with me?”

“…Here?”

Loki doesn’t say anything. You know he means it.

You hesitate but take his hand, your fingertips in his delicate touch as you’re pulled to your feet.

You feel yourself begin to move with each careful step, eyes trained solely on his. Fingertips brushing, hands clasped on your own, gentle twirls around the expanse of the courtyard. Your feet aren’t trained for dancing, and it carry you with an occasional stumble. But Loki doesn’t scowl like the other men; instead, he smiles – it’s genuine. 

Now, a hand on your waist. His touch burns and the dance draws you close to him to when you can make out the green flecks in his eyes. You see how his gaze drops to your lips with a flicker that you almost don’t see.

He wants to kiss you.

But the music comes to an end, and as the final notes linger, your steps come to a halt, though Loki’s touch is still heavy on the curve of your waist.

Then, laughter, in a distance. People are nearing. Your reality awakens, and you move away from his hold. The air shifts, the moment forever sealed and lost to you as the two of you just… stand there.

Regardless, you bring your lips to a smile. It’s timid. He cannot help but mirror it.

Perhaps you might have caught someone’s eye tonight.

[nincompoopydoo]

Hey! Can you please write something for Aaron Hotchner with the prompt ‘I never saw such a woman, she would certainly be a fearsome thing to behold.’ ?

YOU ARE IN LOVE

PAIRING: Aaron Hotchner x Fem!Reader WORD COUNT: 800+ SUMMARY: Hotch is in love and you’re trying to figure out who. Little did you know… A/N: can u tell i love writing confessions ;-; and peek the ts reference! anyway hotch has my whole heart. thanks for the request! note: paragraphs in italics is a flashback. WARNINGS: swearing. reader being kinda clueless. mentions of a gun. no beta we die like men. PROMPT: “I never saw such a woman. She would certainly be a fearsome thing to behold.” [from this prompt list] MASTERLIST

“I know that look, Hotch,” you hint with a natural inquisitive tone, “You are in love.”

This was normal for the two of you – an unlikely friendship with a shared need for coffee to survive late-night paperwork, rudimentary for a budding friendship of otherwise Quantico strangers. You crossed paths from your work with the CNU on the floor below and first backed the BAU a year ago with a hostage negotiation. You were new to the job but rose quickly up the ranks. Ever since, you kept seeing each other everywhere.

11 pm. Coffee. You’d always meet.

He isn’t sure how the topic of being in love came about, but he suspects you had a hunch for quite some time. For a moment, Hotch’s heart drops at your words but quickly catches the curiosity in your tone, and the general ignorance to the fact that your prying means a lot more to him than you realised.

You really haven’t got a clue.

Hotch feels a beckoning of warmth flaring in his cheeks, spurring a sheepish smile and a passing light chuckle. His gaze trails the rising steam billowing from his black coffee and disappearing into the expanse of his office.

He shifts his eyes to you, casually hunched in your seat, legs stretched out, and your coat hung at the back of the chair. You’re watching him with a curious look.

“In love is a bit of a stretch.”  

That’s a lie. He’s very much in love with you.

Your smile curves into a sly smirk. You know he’s lying.

“So, you don’t deny it?”

“Are you interrogating me?”

You scoff, shifting in your seat to cross your arms. “Look, be thankful I’m not using hostage negotiation tactics on you right now. Answer the question, Hotch.”

Hotch laughs, and it leaves him with a small smile. He shakes his head, gaze falling to his mug once more. “I don’t deny it.”

You simply hum. “I won’t pry, but I believe it’s customary to tell me how you met and what she’s like.”

Hotch raises a brow, and you reflect his expression – it’s a challenge. He’ll never make it out of Quantico if he doesn’t tell you.

With a heavy sigh, he ultimately gives in. 

“We first met on the field. She assisted us on a case…”

“Agent Hotchner!”

He spins around to see you trudging across the road while strapping on your tactical vest. You introduced yourself with a polite smile through squinted eyes under the glaring sun and shook his hand. Firmly.

You’re CNU – hostage negotiator. A fresh face.

“We appreciate you coming on short notice,” Hotch says curtly, though the smile that tugs his mouth betrays his usually serious demeanour.

“Well, anything for our upstairs neighbours.” You beam up at him, and Hotch prays that his suddenly flushed cheeks are hidden under the shade of the nearby trees.

You make a final adjustment to your vest with a light huff and unclasp the holster that secured your gun, withdraw it and extend your firearm to Hotch in a heartbeat. It’s a silent request and an act of trust.

Hotch hesitantly took the gun from your grasp. “You sure about this?”

You pressed your lips in a thin line. You were terrified. “Yeah... Unsub isn’t gonna talk with a gun in his face.”

Another smile his way. “Just cover me while I’m in there.”

Your words resonate with a heaviness that strikes directly at his heart. There’s a clear passion for your job despite your horrified disposition. It isn’t noticeable, but he sees it. He respects that about you.

Hotch just nods assuringly, “Always.”

“– Alright, pause. She’s highly intelligent, an excellent communicator, fears nothing, and I’m assuming incredibly hot...” You stop yourself and laugh to yourself, expression gleaming with amusement. “I never saw such a woman. She would certainly be a fearsome thing to behold.”

You don’t mean to, but he can see you trying to ‘crack the case’: the identity mysterious woman. He knows you’ll uncover the truth eventually. Despite harbouring a confession for months, Hotch understands there may never be a right time. It needs to be now.

So, he allows you to piece it together.

“She certainly is.”

You’re not listening anymore, brows shooting up like you just had a revelation. “Wait, you mentioned she’s a negotiator?”

“Yeah, she’s from the floor below.”

Your brows furrow with confusion.

“The floor below?! But there’s only Annie, who’s very much happily married, and–”

A beat. Realisation settles upon your face, and Hotch’s heart leaps.

Oh.

OH.

You blink at him, dumbfounded.

It’s you.

“...You’re in love with me?”

Your words are barely audible and careful, bearing their fragile weight and gravity. There’s a crease between your brows, eyes gleaming with expectancy. 

He has never been so sure.

“Yeah, I think I am.”

A beat. He says it so plainly that it assures any doubts you had before. Your breath hitches.

Hotch is in love with you.

Instantly, your face splits into a bashful smile as you reach for his hand, a gentle touch to your palm, fingers intertwined with your own.

“I think I’m in love with you too.”